Abstract: This invention relates generally to a diagnostic and therapeutic device. According to some aspects of the invention, the device may be composed of a flexible sheet that is wrapped around the endoscope shaft to form a flexible overtube. The overtube may include an inflatable positioning ring that may be inflated after placement of the overtube just proximal to the tip of the endoscope or colonoscope to secure the position of the overtube and create a seal within the body cavity. The overtube also may include an inflatable sealing band within the internal surface of the overtube that when inflated secure the position of the endoscope within the overtube and create a seal around the endoscope shaft.

Abstract: In order to make automatic suctioning of sputum in tracheotomy patients possible, the suctioning device includes a tracheal cannula having an external cannula and an internal cannula guided therein. The internal cannula is formed with suction openings for internal suctioning and is spaced apart from the external cannula to form a suction chamber. The suction chamber is connected to a suction connection, by way of which a suction apparatus can be connected. As an alternative, or in addition, the external cannula has additional suction openings for external suction in the region of a cuff. In this way, automated suctioning of sputum in patients, in particular in a gentle manner, is made possible.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tracheal tube system has a first tube, which is flexible. The tube has an opening that is located on the sidewalls. A balloon is attached to the flexible tube. When inflated, the balloon forms a second tube surrounding the first tube with an air space between the first wall of the balloon and the sidewalls of the first tube. The balloon extends covering the opening on the sidewall. Air flowing into the first tube exits, via the third opening into the airspace between the first tube and the balloon, out of the airspace. In another embodiment, the balloon has a tube with multiplicity of holes in the walls is wrapped around the outer wall of the balloon. Negative pressure in the third tube creates suction holding the outer wall of the balloon to walls of the trachea.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, methods and systems for determining pressure in an inflatable cuff of a tracheal tube may employ pressure transducers associated with a cuff inflation line. The pressure transducers may be implemented to provide continuous or intermittent cuff pressure. Also provided are inflation assemblies or other devices that incorporate pressure transducers. The inflation assemblies may be coupled to the tracheal tubes via the inflation line.

Abstract: An inner type tracheostomy tube has an outer tube and an inner cannula. The outer tube has an airway tube, an inflatable cuff and an inflating tube. The inner cannula is connected to the outer tube and has an inner tube, a disk segment, a connecting mount and a connector. The connecting mount is soft and bendable, is securely mounted around the disk segment and has a bottom end, a top end and a flange coat. The bottom end is securely mounted around the disk segment and has an inner surface and an air gap formed between the inner surface of the bottom end of the connecting mount and the disk segment. The connector is securely mounted around the top end of the connecting mount and has a bottom end and a flange formed around the bottom end of the connector and enclosed by the flange coat.

Abstract: A laryngeal tube comprising a tubular component and a nozzle having a central cavity, an anterior opening and a tongue at least partially covering the central cavity. In one example, the laryngeal tube has a first lumen to deliver gases to a patient and a fluid barrier supported by the nozzle. In other examples, the laryngeal tube may include additional lumens including a service lumen to perform a function associated with the thorax and an inflation lumen to inflate the fluid barrier.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ultrasound image processing method. The ultrasound image processing method includes generating an ultrasound image indicating a region of interest (ROI) by using echo signals which corresponds to ultrasound waves irradiated onto the ROI, sequentially setting respective indexes in a plurality of blood flows included in the ROI detected based on the ultrasound image, determining blood flow corresponding to a selected index, based on an external signal for selecting one of the set indexes, and displaying information corresponding to the determined blood flow.

Abstract: In one aspect of this invention, control systems (100) are provided for controlling the inflation of a tissue tensioner or balloon for a fluid delivery system, such as for a needleless fluid injection device. In another aspect of the invention, a system for reducing the response time for jet injection of fluid is provided (200). In yet another aspect of the invention, systems and devices are provided for controlling the volume of fluid that is ejected from a fluid injection system, which systems include at least one stop (410) that is selectively rotated to limit the movement of a shaft (402) in a linear direction, thereby controlling the amount of fluid that is ejected from the system.

Abstract: A catheter and methods for luminal therapy are provided wherein a catheter has an outer balloon with a multiplicity of apertures for infusing one or more therapeutic agents into a vessel wall, an intermediate balloon having a multiplicity of apertures offset from the apertures of outer balloon to serve as a baffle that reduces jetting and promotes uniform distribution of therapeutic agent exiting through the outer balloon, and an impermeable inner balloon disposed within the intermediate balloon that enables the intermediate and outer balloons to be forced into engagement with the vessel wall to dilate the vessel and disrupt plaque lining the vessel wall and to also facilitate the uniform delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: An airway device is provided for opening a patient's airway. The airway device provides dual tubes which allow the patient to breathe on his/her own, to be ventilated, or to be intubated. The airway device includes a camera which provides constant visualization of the patient's tissues during insertion of the airway device and during the entire medical procedure. A transmission lumen monitors heart and breath sounds. Information from the camera and the transmission lumen is relayed to a microprocessor to allow for monitoring which may be remote. An airway assist device may be used with the airway device for properly positioning the patient's tongue is also disclosed. The airway assist device is inserted into the patient's vallecula to manipulate the patient's tongue.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a tracheal tube with a shaped evacuation port. An evacuation port coupled to a suction lumen may be shaped to reduce air channel formation within the suction lumen, which in turn may improve the suctioning force and efficiency. The shaped evacuation ports may be generally oval or may be shaped to minimize a height dimension while maintaining a suitable cross-sectional area. In particular embodiments, the shaped evacuation ports may have cross-sectional areas that correspond to a cross-sectional area of the suction lumen.

Abstract: An implant for treating obstructive sleep apnea includes a flexible chamber, a fluid reservoir in fluid communication with the flexible chamber, and a fluid transfer assembly in communication with the fluid reservoir and the flexible chamber for transferring fluid therebetween for selectively modifying the rigidity of the flexible chamber. The flexible chamber is implantable within the soft tissue of an oropharyngeal airway of a patient, such as within the tongue, the soft palate, or the pharyngeal wall. The fluid reservoir and the fluid transfer assembly are implantable within the inframandibular region of the patient. The fluid transfer assembly is selectively engageable by the patient for transferring fluid between the two chambers for modifying the rigidity, flexibility, and/or shape of the flexible chamber with minimal or no change to the volume of the implant.

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 designed to have an internal increase in pressure during assisted inhalation such as positive-pressure ventilation.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask insertable into a patient, an airway tube of the laryngeal mask having a bore extending from a proximal to a distal end of the airway tube, a connector provided at the proximal end of the airway tube, the connector comprising a connector body with a longitudinal bore, at least two wall portions extending longitudinally from a first continuous wall to a second continuous wall, and two parallel and opposite longitudinal wall cut-away portions intermediate the at least two wall portions, the length of the longitudinal wall cut-away portions being greater than the length of the first continuous wall.

Abstract: Techniques for single lung ventilation (SLV) include a hollow main tube with outer diameter sized to fit inside a bronchus of a patient. The length of the main tube is sufficient for a distal end of the main tube to reach a first side bronchus from a proximal end configured to be located in a vicinity of a mouth of the patient. The hollow main tube has a ventilating orifice separated from the distal end at a location that corresponds to a different second side bronchus. A hollow tubular sleeve is moveably disposed inside and longitudinally aligned with the main tube. The sleeve is configured to be positioned in at least two positions: a first position that does not block the ventilating orifice; and, a second position that does block the ventilating orifice.

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 artificial airway including: an airway tube including at least one airway conduit; an inflatable cuff mounted on a distal end of the tube; a support member extending into the cuff, the cuff having inner side walls, anterior walls and a posterior wall, the inner side walls being joined to the support member to define a recess which communicates with the airway conduit, the anterior walls and posterior wall, sealingly engaging, in use, about the glottic opening and posterior pharyngeal wall respectively of a patient.

Abstract: A self-centering tube for providing an air passageway through an opening in a tracheal wall of a patient includes a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end, and a curve along a length of the shaft. At least the distal end and the curve are sized for passage through the opening into an interior space of the trachea of the patient. The proximal end of the shaft has a greater rigidity than the distal end. The tube includes an inflatable cuff at the distal end. Upon inflation, the cuff forms a seal between the shaft and an interior wall of the trachea, thereby permitting at least the low rigidity distal end of the shaft to self-center within the trachea.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a secretion collection and/or sample analysis device are provided for point-of-care collection and/or analysis of secretions collected from the airways of intubated patients. The disclosed embodiments include a variety of placements of the device with respect to a tracheal tube that include in a secretion reservoir, between an evacuation conduit and the secretion reservoir, and connected in series after the evacuation conduit and the secretion reservoir. Certain embodiments may include a lab-on-a-chip device that analyzes secretions via polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based DNA sequencing.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus (10) for transtracheal administration of supplemental oxygen to a patient in need of continuous long term oxygen therapy.

Abstract: An endoscopic bite block, with teeth position defining regions which guide the subject's teeth to grip the bite block in their natural position, with the teeth of the upper jaw positioned further out than the lower jaw teeth. These teeth position defining regions are also preferably curved to match the curved shape of the jaw. The upper and lower parts of the front plate of the bite block may also be positioned at different distances out, so that upper and lower lip regions both contact the front plate snuggly. The bite block may be used with separate oral/nasal cannulae, or may incorporate breath sampling or gas supply cannulae. A flexible flapped curtain at the outer end of the bite block may be provided to largely enclose the inner volume of the bite block to enable more accurate capnographic sampling under conditions of wide-open mouth breathing.

Abstract: A dilator (100) for performing a percutaneous medical procedure, said dilator (100) comprising a proximal shaft portion (112) near a proximal end (114) thereof and a distal portion having a general tapering shape towards a distal end (120) of said dilator (100), said distal portion being adapted for dilation of body tissue. To provide a dilator which can shorten time of procedure a region of an outer surface of said distal portion is provided with a pattern of depressions having a depth in the interval of 0.1 to 3 mm.

Abstract: A catheter system (10) with a valve assembly (12) that expels excess inflation fluid when a cuff or balloon (16) of the catheter system is overinflated. The valve assembly includes a luer-activated spool (34) biased toward a sealed condition, a precision relief/check valve (56) biased toward a scaled condition, a primary valve body outlet (22), a valve body feedback inlet (24), and a secondary valve body outlet (26). An inflation lumen (48) is in fluid communication with the primary valve body outlet and an interior of the cuff or balloon. A feedback lumen (54) is in fluid communication with the interior of the cuff or balloon and the valve body feedback inlet. When feedback fluid builds up pressure in excess of the restoring force of the relief spring, the relief/check valve opens, unsealing an expulsion pathway and relieving excess fluid from the cuff or balloon.

Abstract: A multi-layer inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endrotracheal 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: The present invention provides an apparatus and a corresponding method for intubating a human or non-human animal patient. In some embodiments, the present invention is used in the field of anesthesia and emergency medicine. In some embodiments, the present invention provides an intubation tube that includes an integrated Blaine Bafflex System having a plurality of blaines for sealing the trachea, wherein the intubation tube is formed from a single material. In some embodiments, the shape and outer circumference of each blaine of the system is selected according to the desired use of the intubation tube (e.g., for intubating a pediatric patient or an adult patient or for intubating a small animal or a large animal). In some embodiments, the distance between successive blaines is selected such that, when the intubation tube is inserted into the patient and the blaines bend, none of the blaines overlap with their nearest neighbor.

Abstract: A medical device is provided, having an elongate body defining a distal portion and a proximal portion; a first expandable member disposed on the distal portion of the elongate body and defining a cooling chamber therein, the first expandable member having a first rigidity; a second expandable member disposed around the first expandable member to define an interstitial region therebetween, where the second expandable member has a second rigidity less than the first rigidity; a gel disposed within the interstitial region; a coolant flow path in fluid communication with the cooling chamber; and a cryogenic coolant source in fluid communication with the coolant flow path.

Abstract: A tracheal tube assembly includes an outer cannula configured to be positioned in a patient airway and an inner cannula configured to be disposed inside the outer cannula. The tracheal tube assembly further includes a flange member secured about the outer cannula, and a connector coupled to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The connector is configured to provide a view of the inner cannula, and the inner cannula and the connector form a contiguous passageway for exchanging fluid with the patient airway in operation.

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: A laryngeal mask airway device inserted in the pharynx of an unconscious patient to ventilate the lungs includes an airway tube and mask portion with cuff formation shaped to fit the actual and potential space surrounding the circumference of the inlet to the larynx. A piriform-fossa conduit is included in a cuff formation of such mask to facilitate insertion of orogastric tubes. Anatomically the piriform-fossa conduit travels around the laryngeal inlet through the piriform fossa to reach the upper esophagus. Structurally the piriform-fossa conduit travels through the lateral cuff formation with the inflatable cuff element. The distal orifice of the piriform-fossa conduit is on the outer perimeter of the cuff formation near the tip of the mask, does not intersect the medial line at the tip, and does not increase bulk in the distal cuff formation along the medial line.

Abstract: The disclosed laryngeal mask airway device includes an inflatable cuff and an airway tube. The inflatable cuff defines a central opening at least when inflated. The cuff 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 the cuff is inflated and at the inserted location. The airway tube extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The airway tube defines an internal passage, an anterior portion, a posterior portion, a left portion, and a right portion. An airway passage extends from the proximal end of the tube through the internal passage to the glottic opening when the cuff is inflated and at the inserted location. The anterior portion is characterized by a thinner wall thickness than the left and right portions. The posterior portion is characterized by a thinner wall thickness than the left and right portions.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for manipulating the airway, such as to treat obstructive sleep apnea. An implant is positioned within the body with respect to the airway. The spatial orientation of the airway is manipulated, directly or indirectly, to affect the configuration of the airway. In general, the implant is manipulated to displace the trachea in an inferior direction, resist superior displacement of the trachea and/or to alter the tracheal wall tension. The implant restrains the trachea in the manipulated configuration.

Abstract: Especially during emergencies, there is a need for laryngeal mask heads with a ventral respiration chamber (3) that has a cuff (4) which surrounds the respiration chamber and which can be adjusted in size without having to be inflated. To meet said need, the laryngeal mask head comprises non-pneumatic means (6, 7) to adjust the size in the medial-lateral direction and ventral-dorsal direction (12), which is preferably implemented by open, resilient grooves (10, 20) extending in the same direction as the cuff (4).

Abstract: A cuffed silicone tracheostomy tube has two tapered recesses on its outer surface in which opposite ends of a resilient cuff are bonded using an adhesive or solvent. Two shallow ribs extend around the tube on the inner edge of each recess, projecting outwardly to prevent the adhesive or solvent spreading onto the inflatable portion of the cuff. The cuff has several shallow ribs extending around the cuff and spaced along its inflatable portion to promote even inflation.

Abstract: A tracheal tube assembly includes an outer cannula configured to be positioned in a patient airway and an inner cannula configured to be disposed inside the outer cannula. The tracheal tube assembly further includes a flange member secured about the outer cannula, and an outer cannula connector coupled to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The inner cannula includes a compressible proximal end region that is compressed while secured inside the outer cannula connector.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tracheal tube system has a first tube, which is flexible. The tube has an opening that is located on the sidewalls. A balloon is attached to the flexible tube. When inflated, the balloon forms a second tube surrounding the first tube with an air space between the first wall of the balloon and the sidewalls of the first tube. The balloon extends covering the opening on the sidewall. Air flowing into the first tube exits, via the third opening into the airspace between the first tube and the balloon, out of the airspace. In another embodiment, the balloon has a tube with multiplicity of holes in the walls is wrapped around the outer wall of the balloon. Negative pressure in the third tube creates suction holding the outer wall of the balloon to walls of the trachea.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a tracheal tube system has a first tube, which is flexible. The tube has an opening that is located on the sidewalls. A balloon is attached to the flexible tube. When inflated, the balloon forms a second tube surrounding the first tube with an air space between the first wall of the balloon and the sidewalls of the first tube. The balloon extends covering the opening on the sidewall. Air flowing into the first tube exits, via the third opening into the airspace between the first tube and the balloon, out of the airspace. In another embodiment, the balloon has a tube with multiplicity of holes in the walls is wrapped around the outer wall of the balloon. Negative pressure in the third tube creates suction holding the outer wall of the balloon to walls of the trachea.

Abstract: A method of intubating a subject is disclosed. The method comprises inserting an endotracheal tube into the tracheal airway of the subject; inflating a cuff associated with the endotracheal tube within the airway below the vocal cords; measuring a level of at least one measure being indicative of leakage of secretion past the cuff to the lungs; comparing the level of the measure with an optimal level of the measure; and adjusting inflation of the cuff based on the comparison so as to generally minimize leakage of secretion from above the cuff to the lungs, while minimizing pressure associated damages to the airway. The measure(s) can be carbon dioxide concentration, a proxy measure from which such concentration can be inferred, or the level of one or more additives delivered to a subject during intubation.

Abstract: A tracheotomy tube set is provided with a tracheotomy tube including: a cannula including a connecting member at a proximal end and a bellows member joining to the connecting member, a balloon cuff formed proximal to a distal end of the cannula, a first wing extending from one side of one end of the balloon cuff, a second wing extending from the other side of one end of the balloon cuff, a first wedge balloon formed between the first wing and an insertion section between the balloon cuff and the distal end of the cannula, an opposite second wedge balloon formed between the second wing and the insertion section, and a line having one end communicating with both the first and second wedge balloons; and a fixation device including a split flange, a hole through the split flange, and two slots formed at both sides of the fixation device respectively.

Abstract: Devices and methods for airway management are described herein where a barrier may be delivered and deployed along an endotracheal tube to prevent aspiration or passage of fluids and debris into the trachea in patients who are intubated. Generally, the barrier apparatus may comprise an expandable barrier assembly configured to be positioned over or around an endotracheal tube, a pushing assembly having a handle and a first shaft extending therefrom, and a holding member securable to the endotracheal tube and slidingly engagable with the pushing assembly.

Abstract: A medical device tube having extended retention tabs with notches therein for improved coupling of an inner cannula connector to an outer cannula connector. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula connector having retention tabs on an outer cannula connector flange attached to the proximal end of an outer cannula. The retention tabs maintain the snap ears of the inner cannula connector when the inner cannula connector is rotated whereby the notches substantially hold the snap ears. The snap ears may further be positioned in notches in the outer cannula flange when the snap ears lock onto the outer cannula connector flange.

Abstract: A cleaning catheter (200) includes fluid-delivery and suction lumens (520, 530). A flow regulator (700) defines suction and fluid ports (830, 827). A mechanical user control element (320) is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set activation states of the flow regulator (700), and transition between first and third configurations via a second configuration. When the control element (320) is in the first configuration, the flow regulator (700) blocks fluid communication (a) between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530) and (b) between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520). When the control element (320) is in the second configuration, the flow regulator effects fluid communication between the suction port (830) and the suction lumen (530), and blocks fluid communication between the fluid port (827) and the fluid-delivery lumen (520).

Abstract: A medical device tube having opposing support ears for improved coupling of an inner cannula to an outer cannula. The medical device tube comprises an outer cannula having opposing support ears on an outer cannula connector flange attached to a proximal end of the outer cannula. The opposing support ears maintain locking ears of the inner cannula in substantially one position. The opposing support ears substantially prevent the locking ears in contact with the outer cannula connector flange from slipping therefrom by, e.g., rotation, axial displacement, torsional shear, etc.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for preventing or treating ventilator associated pneumonia in a mammalian subject. The device includes an endotracheal tube having an interior surface and an exterior surface; an actively-controllable anchoring cuff comprising two or more inflatable balloons configured to contact the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube and configured to contact the trachea of a mammalian subject; a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure of one or more of the inflatable balloons; and a controller in communication with the pressure sensor, the controller configured to actively vary pressure of the two or more of the inflatable balloons of the anchoring cuff.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed herein for preventing or treating ventilator associated pneumonia in a mammalian subject. The device includes an endotracheal tube having an interior surface and an exterior surface; and one or more closed cell layers in contact with the exterior surface and circumferentially surrounding one or more longitudinal portion of the endotracheal tube, wherein the closed cell layer is flexibly shaped to reversibly form a seal in a trachea of a mammalian subject.

Abstract: A laryngeal-mask airway device including provision for drainage of the oesophagus including an inflatable main-cuff and a backplate having a laryngeal-side and a pharyngeal-side. The backplate also has an external tube joint adjacent to the proximal region of the main-cuff. The backplate is hermetically bonded to the periphery of the main-cuff establishing separation between a laryngeal-chamber region and a pharyngeal region. A distally open evacuation tube includes a distal portion which longitudinally traverses the interior of the distal region of the main-cuff in sealed relation therewith for operative engagement and communication with the inlet of the oesophagus. The evacuation tube traverses the laryngeal-chamber region generally adjacent to the laryngeal-side of the backplate and passages through a proximally located tube-joint to the pharyngeal region.

Abstract: A method for regulating gas flows into and out of a patient includes repetitively forcing respiratory gases out of the lungs. Respiratory gases are prevented from entering back into the lungs during a time between when respiratory gases are forced out of the lungs. Periodically, an oxygen-containing gas is supplied to the lungs.

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 designed to have an internal increase in pressure during assisted inhalation such as positive-pressure ventilation.

Abstract: An airway management device is provided that may adjust the inflation level of a cuff associated with an endotracheal tube. The cuff inflation may be adjusted in response to an increase in carbon dioxide levels above the cuff, which may indicate a poor seal of the cuff against the tracheal walls, as well in response to a measured intracuff pressure. By using information about the seal quality of the cuff together with information about the cuff pressure, the inflation of the cuff can be adjusted to minimize cuff inflation pressure while maintaining a high quality tracheal seal.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. These cuffs may include indicia that facilitate attachment of the cuff relative to the tube to reduce manufacturing variability for such characteristics as rotational and length alignment. Such indicia may include protrusions that are formed in the wall of the cuff collars or may include visual indicators, e.g., colorimetric or shape-wise indicators. Cuffs with improved attachment relative to the tube may have increased sealing performance.

Abstract: Disclosed is a respiration-assisting tube whereby tissue damages in vivo can be prevented and, as a result, inflammatory reactions and infections can be avoided. The respiration-assisting tube is developed based on the finding that adhesion of cells to a respiration-assisting tube can be inhibited by coating the respiration-assisting tube with a polymer containing 2-methacryloyloxyethyl phosphorylcholine (MPC). Also, the respiration-assisting tube is developed based on the finding that, by coating a respiration-assisting tube with a polymer containing MPC, mucosa peeling and tissue damages, which occur after using the respiration-assisting tube, can be prevented and, as a result, inflammatory reactions can be avoided.