Abstract: There is provided a medical tube lumen plug, comprising: a plug, comprising: a body configured to be mechanically coupled to a lumen of a medical tube; and a protrusion configured to extend external to the medical tube, wherein the protrusion is configured to prevent occlusion of an aperture, wherein the aperture is configured to provide a pathway between the lumen and a region external to the medical tube.

Abstract: An esophageal intubation system includes a main tube with a tapered body, proximal and distal ends and a bore extending between and open at the ends. The main tube is inserted into the oropharynx and its distal end extends into the upper esophagus in order to provide a conduit for esophagoscopes, gastroscopes and related diagnostic and treatment equipment. A first auxiliary tube assembly delivers O2 close to the larynx. A second ancillary tube assembly samples CO2 from the larynx region. An esophageal intubation method includes the steps of moderately sedating a patient, placing a main esophageal tube in the oropharynx and partway into the upper esophagus, passing an esophagoscope or a gastroscope through the main tube and into the esophagus or stomach while minimizing the gag reflex, delivering O2 and sampling CO2 from the pharynx region.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a dual-airway tube and a laryngeal mask. The dual-airway tube has a primary tube and a secondary tube. The secondary tube is formed parallel with the primary tube. The laryngeal mask is attached detachable to or formed with the dual-airway tube and has a top, a pointed front end, a rounded rear end, an opening and a resilient seal. The resilient seal is formed on the top of the laryngeal mask and has a resilient web and a seal. The resilient web is formed on the top of the laryngeal mask around the opening and has a top edge. The seal is formed on the top edge of the resilient web and connects to the laryngeal mask near the pointed front end.

Abstract: An arrangement for automatic suctioning above the cuff of a tracheal tube has a suction lumen extending along the tube and opening at one end at an opening on the outside of the tube just above the cuff. A suction line connects with the other end of the lumen and extends to a source of suction. A timer is connected in the line, between the tube and the suction source. The timer may be clockwork and is arranged to prevent suctioning flow along the suction line except for short periods, so that secretions that collect above the cuff are suctioned periodically without the need for intervention by a nurse or clinician.

Abstract: An HME for a tracheostomy tube has a flexible outer housing of a gas-permeable material containing an HME element of discrete particles, granules or the like of a hygroscopic material. The particles are contained between the outer housing and an inner wall of a foam. The inner wall has a ciliated surface facing the end of the tube, which acts to distribute gas over the surface of the HME element. The HME is attached to a flange on an inner cannula by means of a removable adhesive. The HME may include a suction port through a self-closing aperture, which makes a wiping seal with a suction catheter inserted in the tube.

Abstract: A device for fixing an endotracheal tube. The device includes a body having an insertion hole, an upper wing provided on a periphery of the body and a lower wing provided on the periphery of the body that is spaced from the upper wing such that a patient's teeth are accommodated between the lower wing and the upper wing. The device also includes a cap for accommodating a portion of the body. The device fixes the endotracheal tube firmly so that it secures the endotracheal tube when surgery is being performed on a patient in a prone position. The device is movable along the teeth so that it allows surgery on the interior of the mouth or the tonsils to be performed more efficiently.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask has an inflatable annular sealing cuff extending around a mount at the patient end of a tube. The mask also has an annular collar on the cuff extending around its opening. The collar is triangular in section with an inflated height of about 10 mm and is soft and floppy when not inflated. The cuff and collar are separately inflatable via separate inflation lines.

Abstract: A method of making a laryngeal airway of the type that includes a respiratory tube and an inflatable positioning shield having a base and an inflatable, hollow peripheral portion is described herein. The method includes introducing at least one molding material into a mold, wherein the mold has a cavity defined by internal walls, wherein the internal walls conform to external walls of the laryngeal mask, and wherein the mold has a core within its cavity that is adapted to form the hollow portions of the laryngeal airway.

Abstract: There is disclosed an endotracheal tube which has a minimal cross-sectional profile for easy viewing of anatomical features during intubation. After the tube is placed into the trachea, the tube is adapted to increase the diameter. In this manner the tube diameter may be expanded to allow for decreased Work of Breathing (WOB) for patient, while not having so large a diameter as to cause tracheal discomfort.

Abstract: There is disclosed an endotracheal tube which has a minimal cross-sectional profile for easy viewing of anatomical features during intubation. After the tube is placed into the trachea, the tube is adapted to increase the diameter. In this manner the tube diameter may be expanded to allow for decreased Work of Breathing (WOB) for patient, while not having so large a diameter as to cause tracheal discomfort.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway device comprising a tube and a face plate assembly slidably installed on the tube, whereby upon insertion of the tube within the airway of a patient the face plate assembly is slid distally along the tube so as to substantially seal about the mouth of the patient. The supraglottic airway device further comprises an introduction tip assembly mounted on the tube substantially opposite the face plate assembly so as to guide the device into the patient airway and an expandable foam cuff located along the tube between the face plate assembly and the tip assembly so as to seat the device within the airway. The face plate assembly may further comprise tabs for substantially sealing within the nose of the patient.

Abstract: A multi-layer inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. The outer layer and the inner layer of the balloon cuff may have different material properties that may enhance a cuff's mechanical pressure seal by reducing wrinkles or folds that may form against a patient's tracheal walls.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff may be adapted to seal a vessel of a patient, such as a trachea when associated with a medical device, such as an endotracheal tube. In one embodiment, an inflatable cuff made from multiple layers is provided where one or more layers are chosen to improve sealing of the tube in the vessel. In exemplary embodiments, the individual layers may improve sealing by swelling in the presence of moisture, being wettable by the tissues of the trachea, or both. In one implementation, the inflatable cuff may be made of any combination of layers that perform either or both of these functions.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to include a gas barrier material in order to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. The gas barrier material may preserve a cuff's mechanical pressure seal during lengthy intubation times or during surgical procedures. The gas barrier on the inflatable cuff may be a general gas barrier, or may be specific to certain gases.

Abstract: There is disclosed an endotracheal tube to which an adhesion-resistant material, adhesion-resistant material is applied. Several techniques are disclosed for applying the adhesion-resistant material, adhesion-resistant material, including surface treatments, co-extrusion, and compounding. The adhesion-resistant material, adhesion-resistant material helps prevent the adhesion of microbes to the surface of the endotracheal tube. In this manner the cross-sectional area through which the patient may breathe is increased, effectively decreasing the work of breathing for the patient.

Abstract: An airway device is provided that may track the flow of respiratory gases through the device with sensing elements at a plurality of locations along the gas flow path of the device. Such a device may be useful for assessing a variety of clinical states, for adjusting patient ventilator settings, or for determining whether or not an airway device has been properly inserted into a patient airway.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening where the shield is constructed of a generally single-use blow-molded structure.

Abstract: A medical device may include a tubular body configured to communicate gas, and an inflatable cuff coupled to the tubular body at least by a collar. The collar may include a fold such that a first portion of the collar overlies a second portion of the collar in a concentric manner.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening including a guide structure for use in deploying an esophageal blocker into the patient's esophagus and additionally or alternatively including a bite block for inhibiting a patient from biting an internal passageway in the respiratory tube of the airway closed.

Abstract: An endo-tracheal tube retainer used to facilitate the removal of a laryngeal mask of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments though a patient's laryngeal opening is provided. The endo-tracheal tube retainer includes a semi-rigid stylet having proximate and distal ends and a soft curved stylet cap secured to the proximal end. The endo-tracheal tube retainer also includes a connection adapter that is tapered from front to rear for secure insertion within a range of endo-tracheal tubes, removably secured to the distal end.

Abstract: The disclosed method of monitoring the cuff pressure of an LMA provides an estimation of a patient's anesthetic state. Cuff pressure tends to rise and fall during IPPV and spontaneous breathing. One of the disclosed methods activates an alarm if an instantaneous value of the cuff pressure exceeds selected levels. This method may also automatically adjust the selected levels. One of the disclosed methods activates an alarm if activity of the cuff pressure as observed over a period of time exceeds a selected level.

Abstract: An inflatable grooved balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. Configurations of these cuffs that include grooved regions may provide improved sealing of the trachea by complementing naturally grooved tracheal tissue.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. Configurations of these cuffs that include tapered regions with certain characteristics, such as cuff wall diameter and thickness, may provide improved sealing of the trachea.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. Configurations of these cuffs that include tapered regions with certain characteristics, such as cuff wall diameter and thickness, may provide improved sealing of the trachea.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea via a mucoadhesive coating when associated with an endotracheal tube. The mucoadhesive seal may enhance a cuffs mechanical pressure seal, or may be used to seal the trachea at very low cuff inflation pressures. Also provided are inflatable balloon cuffs that include agents that may promote tracheal tissue growth and/or regeneration.

Abstract: An adapter for use on a suction lumen of a catheter is disclosed. The adapter is capable of extending the suction capabilities of the catheter to a point distal to a suction port in the catheter. The adapter is at least partially inserted into the catheter. The adapter contains a plug and a duct. The duct has an inlet and an outlet. The duct effectively extends the reach of a suction source and the plug is adapted to seal the catheter between the adapter and the distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of laryngeal mask airway devices. The invention provides for dual passageways in a laryngeal mask which permits a physician to effectively isolate the trachea from the esophagus. In one embodiment, the physician separately inserts an instrumentality (e.g., an endotracheal tube) into a patient's esophagus in order to isolate the stomach from the lungs, respectively. In another embodiment, the physician inserts an instrumentality (e.g., an endotracheal tube) into the trachea and inserts another instrumentality (e.g., a drainage tube) in the second passageway within the laryngeal mask in order to remove particles or fluids contained in the laryngeal mask that may cause problems if allowed to flow through the patient's trachea to the lungs.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems, devices, and methods for using surface energy to assist in fluid transport or separation. One example includes removing mucus from a subject's lungs during mechanical ventilation of the subject using a tracheal tube. At least one wicking fluid pickup port is located more distal than a sealing device between the tracheal tube and the trachea. Surface energy assists in introducing mucus into the port. A peristalsis or other pump is used to remove from the subject a substantially contiguous column of the wicked-in liquid. Ventilation of the subject is not impaired by the mucus removal. Safety venting reduces or avoids damage to tissue occluding the port. Other structures may assist in directing the mucus toward the port. Various illustrative examples include single lumen tracheal tubes, double lumen tracheal tubes, two-piece tracheal tubes (having outer and inner cannulas) and bronchial blockers.

Abstract: A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to bend the lung airway. The invention also discloses a method of bending a lung airway of a patient comprising inserting a device into the airway in a delivery configuration and bending the device into a deployed configuration, thereby bending the airway.

Abstract: A reversibly operable motor is mechanically connected to automatically position the piston of an air syringe that is pneumatically connected to the inflatable/deflatable seal ring or cuff of a laryngeal mask airway device (LMA) that is installed in a patient, who is being ventilated and/or anaesthetized via the airway of the LMA device. Air pressure in the cuff corrected as necessary to conform to a predetermined pressure level. The system continuously monitors for abnormal patterns of response, with audibly and visually reported warnings to the anaesthetist; these warnings include system detection of a patient's incipient sign of premature awareness while still under surgery, system detection and warning of a system or LMA malfunction, and continual microprocessor survey and integration of historical data to determine decremental recovery from administered anaesthesia.

Abstract: An artificial airway device (10) of a resilient material for use as a combined obturator and airway device without penetration into a larynx comprising a pre-formed flexible saccular chamber (14) and having a semi-rigid hollow stem (14) projecting from a position at or near one end of the chamber at an obtuse angle and capable of being flexed into a curve that deviates up to 90 degrees from the longitudinal axis of the said chamber, the chamber being provided with one or more openings, and dimensioned and arranged so that in use the chamber is adapted to sealingly engage in a patient's pharynx with at least one opening in communication with the patient's laryngeal inlet and the stem extends into or through the patient's mouth for connection to a breathing circuit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel tube-in-tube endotracheal tube apparatus that allows for replacement or cleaning of an inner (first) tube without having to re-intubate the patient. The novel endotracheal tube apparatus enables the application of continuous suction or intermittent suction. The endotracheal device also serves to decrease the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tracheal intubation device and method for placing an endotracheal tube within a patient's trachea. More particularly, the endotracheal tube includes primary and secondary cuffs, in the form of inflatable balloons. A stillette is positioned within the endotracheal tube. The tracheal intubation device includes a guiding mechanism for guiding the stillette and the endotracheal tube within a patent's body. The guiding mechanism is positioned external to a patient and sized and shaped so as to transmit a signal and to receive a signal indicating the location of the stillette in a patient's body. After the endotracheal tube is positioned in the oropharynx, inflating the secondary cuff urges the endotracheal tube toward the trachea of a patient.

Abstract: According to the invention, methods and devices for increasing cardiopulmonary circulation induced by chest compression and decompression when performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation are provided. According to one method, a pressure responsive inflow valve is coupled to a patient's airway. Chest compressions and chest decompressions are performed. During chest decompression the inflow valve prevents respiratory gases from entering the lungs until a certain negative intrathoracic pressure level is exceeded at which time the one inflow valve opens. In this way, the inflow valve assists in increasing the magnitude and duration of negative intrathoracic pressure during decompression to enhance the amount of blood flow into the heart and lungs. Further, the patient is supplied with a pressurized respiratory gas through the inflow valve when the inflow valve opens to ventilate the patient.

Abstract: A system, device or method uses surface energy to assist in fluid transport or separation. One example includes removing mucus from a subject's lungs during mechanical ventilation of the subject using a tracheal tube. At least one wicking fluid pickup port is located more distal or more proximal than a sealing device between the tracheal tube and the trachea. Surface energy assists in introducing mucus into the port. A peristalsis or other pump is used to remove from the subject the wicked-in liquid. Ventilation is not impaired by the mucus removal.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube includes a proximal tube shaft and a distal tube shaft coupled to the proximal tube shaft. The proximal tube shape defines a proximal lumen and the distal tube shaft defines a distal lumen extending from the proximal lumen. The distal tube shaft includes two or more curved portions configured to be inserted into the trachea when the tube is inserted into a patient. The proximal tube shaft includes a substantially straight or a slightly curved portion. A method of intubating a patient includes advancing a tube having a distal portion with at least two curved portions into the trachea of the patient, and delivering gas through the tube to the patient's lungs.

Abstract: A tube for insertion into a trachea having a germicidal light source that is positioned above a cuff that holds the tube in place in the trachea. Activation of the germicidal light source causes an radiation emission that kills undesired bacteria that is fostered by the tube and the cuff, reducing the patient's risk of associated disease, and reducing the need for antibiotics.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a mask portion and an airway tube. The mask portion includes an inflatable cuff, which defines a central opening when the cuff is inflated. The airway tube defines an internal passage extending from a proximal end of the tube to a distal end of the tube. The airway tube further defines two or more tabs disposed near the distal end of the tube. The mask portion is coupled to the airway tube near the distal end of the airway tube, and the tabs extend from the airway tube into the central opening defined by the cuff when the cuff is inflated.

Abstract: A modified laryngeal mask airway device (LMA-device) is provided with means to improve ease of insertion, reliability of function and higher seal pressure (i.e., cuff pressure ratio). The LMA-device includes an indented section of the airway tube to offer locating means and purchase for the inserting finger, and extended mask aperture bars to increase the effective ventilating area of the mask and reduce the possibility of epiglottis displacement occasioned by mask insertion. The LMA-device further includes a modification of the airway tube angle of attachment to the mask, and provision of a posterior or back-cushion covering the entire posterior surface of the mask.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube that enables speech. The tube is provided with an inside tube portion to be set in a trachea, an outside tube portion connected to a ventilator, and a balloon provided on the outer circumference of the inside tube portion. The balloon is connected to the inside tube portion so that the inside and outside of the balloon cannot communicate with each other and the inside tube portion has a hole for communicating the inside of the interior of the inside tube portion with the inside of the balloon.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an improved flap valve or other internal component for use with respiratory suction catheter and manifold assemblies. This flap valve or other internal component provides the assembly with an improved mechanism for cleaning the tip of the catheter without drawing an excessive amount of air from the respiration circuit to which the endotracheal catheter is attached. More specifically, the present invention relates principally to a closed suction endotracheal catheter system which provides improved cleaning of the catheter while minimizing air drawn from the patient's ventilation circuit by providing at least one protrusion on at least one surface of the flap valve or other internal component. By using a flap valve or other internal component with at least one protrusion, the flap valve or other internal component is strengthened and designed to prevent the flap from scraping mucus or other secretions from the catheter onto the distal surface of the flap during retraction.

Abstract: A flexible tracheotomy endotracheal tube comprises a short distal section of tubing, an intermediate section of tubing, a pre-formed obtuse-angle bend in the tube between the distal and intermediate sections, an elongated proximal section of tubing, a pre-formed abrupt bend in the tube between the intermediate and proximal sections, and an inflatable cuff integrated into the distal section of tubing.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway has a main tubular shaft (1) with a mask portion (5) attached at its patient end (3). The mask portion (5) comprises a mount (50) and a sealing cuff (60) attached to the mount. The interior of the mount (50) defines a large volume atrium (54) communicating with the bore of the shaft (1) at one end and with an opening (61) through the cuff (60) at its other end. The join between the shaft (1) and the mount (50) is located above the rear part (63) of the cuff (60). The height of the atrium (54) is between 2.5 and 3.5 the internal diameter of the shaft. The volume of the atrium (54) is such that the ratio of the internal diameter of the shaft cubed to the internal volume of the atrium is between 50 and 68.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes a rigid airway tube, a mask portion, and one or more optical fibers. The airway tube extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The airway tube defines an internal passage and a first notch. The first notch extends along a length of the tube from a location on the tube towards the distal end of the tube. The mask portion is coupled to the distal end of the airway tube. The mask portion includes an inflatable cuff. The cuff defines a central opening at least when inflated. The mask portion is insertable through a mouth of a patient to an inserted location within the patient. The cuff surrounds a glottic opening of the patient when inflated and when the mask portion is at the inserted location. A sealed airway passage extends from the proximal end of the tube through the internal passage to the glottic opening when the cuff is inflated and when the mask portion is at the inserted location.

Abstract: A laryngeal airway device, having an airway tube which has an internal passage in the airway tube wall for receiving a cuff inflation line, and a dome having an inlet and an outlet, where the dome is connected at its inlet with the distal end of the airway tube. The device also includes an annular spoon-shaped inflatable cuff connected with the periphery of the outlet of the dome; a cuff inflation line configured to be in fluid communication with the internal space of the cuff; and a multi-lobed aperture formed in the dome. The aperture is configured to be in fluid communication with the proximal end of the airway tube. The dome has protrusions forming the multi-lobed aperture, such that a flap is configured to prevent the obstruction of the aperture by a patient's epiglottis when the device is inserted into the patient.

Abstract: A novel sanitary and odor free workstation having two spaced apart, transparent plate members that are operatively interconnected to a vacuum source and in combination define a vacuumed air evacuation area that functions as a workstation between the plate members. Thus, a user can easily position an object of choice within the workstation, or even adjacent thereto, and have hands free controlled access that allows manipulation of the object yet protects the user, and others, from physical or airborne transference of bacterial matter and from any undesirable odors emitting there from and also protects the user's eyes from any potential damage, respectively. Furthermore, the workstation is portable, self-contained, safe, sanitary and is substantially usable with any object of choice.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask includes an inflatable ring which has an outer periphery, an inner periphery with a welded edge projecting inwardly therefrom, and two opposite first and second wall parts extending respectively from the welded edge to the outer periphery. A gas supply tube has an open end which is connected to the inflatable ring along the welded edge, and a peripheral connection part hermetically sealed to the welded edge. A forward guide tab projects forwardly from the peripheral connection part and extends over a portion of the first wall part. Preferably, the forward guide tab is formed integrally with the peripheral connection part and is welded to the portion of the first wall part.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube and suction catheter system having an inflatable cuff with a collection pocket formed in the cuff for collecting pooled secretions and a railing system for controllably guiding a suction catheter along the tube and into the pocket for aspirating pooled secretions. The cuff has an elongated parallelogram-like shape to counter the rocking phenomenon caused by a patient coughing or turning to keep the cuff in contact with the trachea wall so secretions do not leak past the cuff balloon. The railing system allows the suction catheter to be replaced without having to remove the endotracheal tube from the patient.

Abstract: A device for adapting a transtracheal catheter to a tracheostomy tube includes a plurality of projections for engaging a security flange of the transtracheal catheter. The device provides for proper orientation of a beveled end of the catheter tube when the security flange is oriented as directed with it longest flat side up. A method of adapting a transtracheal catheter to a patient's tracheostomy tube is also provided for providing the delivery of heated and/or humidified gas to tracheotomized patients and/or for weaning a ventilator-dependent patient from the ventilator.

Abstract: A gastro-laryngeal mask features softly compliant construction of the distal half of the mask, wherein the mask is of generally elliptical configuration, with an inflatable peripheral cuff to seal and support the mask around the laryngeal inlet. A back cushion is inflatable to engage the back wall of the pharynx and thus to forwardly load the peripheral-cuff seal to the laryngeal inlet. An evacuation tube for external removal of a possible gastric discharge completes an evacuation or discharge passage contained within the mask and opening through the distal end of the peripheral cuff. Special provision is made for assuring integrity of the discharge passage within the flexible distal half of the mask, i.e., assuring against collapse of the distal-end half of the softly compliant evacuation tube in the distal region of the mask, such that inflation of the mask does not compromise viability of the evacuation tube by compressing softly compliant material of the evacuation tube during periods of mask inflation.