Abstract: The present disclosure describes an endotracheal tube for a child, the tube having a balloon mounted near the distal end of the tube. The tube has a ventilation lumen and an inflation line used to inflate the balloon. The balloon is mounted to the tube at a lower mounting point and an upper mounting point. The upper mounting point is above the level of the vocal cords. The balloon has a lower and upper diameter when inflated, and the upper diameter is from 1.1 to 1.5 times larger than the outer diameter of the tube.

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: Systems and methods for predicting potential difficult intubation of a subject acquire, using a facial structure analysis system, facial structure data of the subject. The systems and methods also extract, using facial structure analysis software of the facial structure analysis system, at least one facial structure variable value from the facial structure data and obtain a predicted potential difficult intubation value using an airway classification model and the at least one facial structure variable value. The systems and methods generate a report based on the predicted potential difficult intubation value.

Abstract: A mouth-to-mouth resuscitation device comprising a straight blow-in tube having a proximal side and a distal side, a filter and one way valve on the proximal side for receiving exhaled breath from a mouth of a rescuer, an opening at the distal side for delivering the exhaled breath into the throat of a victim, an inflatable bladder surrounding the straight blow-in tube which, when inflated, assumes a donut shape which has a diameter of about 1.5? to 2.5?, the bladder located on the straight blow-in tube between about 0.75? and 2.0? from the distal opening, an inflation tube in fluid communication with the inside of the inflatable bladder.

Abstract: An automatic video instillator that can accurately and easily administer inhalation into an airway of an animal by providing images of a throat is provided. An automatic video instillator includes a case defining a space, a guide unit that protrudes frontward from the case to secure an airway of an animal by being inserted through a throat of the animal, an image pickup unit that is installed on a front end of the guide unit to capture images of portions in front of the guide unit, an administration unit that is installed through the case and the guide unit to administer an inhalation, an administration switch for adjusting administration of a predetermined amount of the inhalation directed to the administration unit into the airway of the animal, and an image display unit that is connected to the image pickup unit to allow a user to see the images captured by the image pickup unit.

Abstract: A method of making a device by integrally molding. The device includes an inflatable mask comprising a relatively stiff component and a relatively soft compliant flexible component. The mask is insertable, at least when deflated, through a mouth of the patient to an inserted location within a patient. The inserted location is near a laryngeal inlet of the patient. The device also includes an airway tube and an evacuation tube coupled to the mask. The relatively soft compliant flexible component of the mask is integrally formed in a single moulding operation.

Abstract: A device for maintaining an airway in a patient, the device including a mask having a peripheral portion that forms a seal with the larynx when the mask is positioned in the laryngo pharynx to thereby prevent ingress of extraneous fluids into the larynx; an airway tube connected to or formed with the mask for passing gas to the larynx when the mask is properly inserted into the laryngo pharynx; and one or more elongated members located on the mask, wherein the application of force to the elongated members causes elastic deformation of the device, thereby facilitating insertion of the device into the patient.

Abstract: A hybrid tubing supraglottic airway device secures patient airway and ensures unobstructed passageways for the delivery of air and medications such as anesthetic gases to unconscious patients. It is designed to retain all the advantages of such devices in the prior art yet be superior by providing both improved ease of placement in patient throats and allowing surgeons unrestricted access to operating fields, especially in cases of facial or other head surgeries. Two major components of this supraglottic airway device are a supraglottic mask and a hybrid breathing tube that consists of a rigid distal section that is connected to the mask and a flexible proximal section that extends out of the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An apparatus for maintaining a surgical airway and method for the same includes an elongated body insertable orally into a patient. The elongated body defines leading and trailing ends. An opening is defined through the leading and trailing ends, such that surgical equipment may be insertable through the opening of the elongated body. A securing member is connected to the trailing end. The securing member holds the elongated body in a position such that an airway remains open to treat the patient, while supporting oxygen flow to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, an endotracheal tube with subglottic secretion suction and a detachable suction line. The endotracheal tube is an elongate tube having an outer wall defining an elongate central lumen and an elongate suction lumen. The outer wall also defines an opening to the suction lumen near a distal end of the endotracheal tube An inflatable cuff is attached near a distal end of the elongate tube. The shoulder of the inflatable cuff is inverted in order to increase the diameter of the cuff from its distal end to its proximal end. A diffuser cap is positioned over the opening to the suction lumen and defines a fluid flow path for secretions into the suction lumen through the opening to the suction lumen.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube capable of suctioning accumulated mucus secretions from the airway of intubated patients are provided. Disclosed embodiments include a variety of endrotracheal tubes with integral suction lumens terminating in ports optimally located at the distal end of the endrotracheal tubes between a Murphy's Eye and a cuff. During intubation, the foregoing features, among others, of the tracheal tube may have the effect of preventing bacterial colonization of the respiratory airway and the subsequent development of ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) in the lungs.

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 oral airway, an esophageal blocker, and a pharyngeal airway assembly are disclosed. The artificial oral airway includes a main body and an airway, wherein the airway penetrates the main body and the main body has a body front end. The esophageal blocker is slidably connected to the artificial oral airway and penetrates the main body to contact the esophagus of a patient. The esophageal blocker has an opening portion, an esophageal blocking portion, and a slice body, wherein the opening portion touches the body front end, and the esophageal blocking portion is used for blocking the esophagus of the patient. The slice body is used for connecting the opening portion and the esophageal blocking portion.

Abstract: System and method for prevention of surgical fires inside a patient's airway. The system includes a specially adapted endotracheal tube which carries sublines (in addition to the main line carrying anesthetic gases) for carrying an air sample back from the distal end of the tube to a remote oxygen sensor. Upon the sensor sensing an undesirably or dangerously high level of oxygen within the patient's airway, the system operates alarms to alert the surgical personnel, and also operates a controllable valve to admit an inert gas into other sublines associated with the endotracheal tube and which deliver the inert fire suppressing gas to the distal end of the tube, proximal to the cuff, inside the patient's airway.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask for covering an opening of the larynx and touching an opening of the esophagus of a patient is disclosed. The laryngeal mask has a tube and a mask portion, wherein the tube has a first end. The mask portion has an upper surface, a front end, and an esophageal blocking portion, wherein the upper surface connects to the first end; the esophageal blocking portion is situated at the front end. When the laryngeal mask is being placed into the patient's pharynx, the esophageal blocking portion moves along bilateral sides of the esophagus and blocks the opening of the esophagus such that the opening of the larynx is properly covered by the laryngeal mask.

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: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a double-lumen endotracheal tube having an access sheath or optical system positioned between the two lumens. Embodiments of the the present disclosure are directed toward systems, devices, and methods that provide continuous visual input to a clinician during initial lung separation with the use of a double-lumen endotracheal tube device and throughout a treatment procedure to facilitate the ongoing maintenance of a proper position of the double-lumen endotracheal tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a tracheal tube with pressure distribution features. For certain patients, the vocal cords may form a seal with an inserted tracheal tube. A pressure distribution lumen may allow fluid communication between tracheal space above and below the vocal cords. This in turn may reduce the formation of a vacuum seal forming around a suction lumen evacuation port. Accordingly, the disclosed embodiments provide improved suctioning by distributing the pressure around the evacuation port and the space above the vocal cords.

Abstract: An airway [(10, 310, 410, 510, 610, 710, 810, 1110, 1210, 1310, 1410, 1510, 1610, 710, 1810, 2010, 2110, 2210, 2310, 2410, 2510, 2610, 2710, 2810, 2910, 3010, 3110, 3210, 3310, 3810) device for human or animal use, the device includes an airway tube (12) having a first end (14) and a second end (16), wherein the device further includes a shoulder (26), the shoulder extends laterally from and substantially perpendicular to the airway tube, the shoulder is adapted to contact the faucial pillars of the human or animal patient to prevent over-insertion of the device in use.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube ventilating device includes a sealing portion near a distal end of the tube. The sealing portion has an electroactive polymer configured to undergo a clinically effective change in volume, thickness, or both upon application of an electrical potential. Such a change in volume, thickness, or both enables sealing of the device against an inner surface of a trachea while permitting the free passage of ventilating gas through the tube. In addition, at least one electrical conductor is coupled to the electroactive polymer and is configured to apply the electrical potential.

Abstract: Many embodiments of an airway assembly and methods of using an airway assembly are disclosed. In one embodiment, an airway assembly includes an outer tube, an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube, and a seal disposed on the inner tube. The seal is movable between a collapsed position and an expanded position where the seal engages an airway. Another embodiment is an airway assembly that includes an outer tube having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and an inner tube disposed coaxially with the outer tube. The inner tube has a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion of the outer tube has an outer diameter that is larger than an outer diameter of the distal portion of the outer tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an assembly for loading a bronchial flow control device into a container, such as into a delivery catheter. The assembly includes a funnel housing and a puller housing that mate with one another. The funnel housing defines a funnel-shaped loading cavity that receives a flow control device and that gradually reduces in size moving in a first direction. The puller housing is removably attached to the funnel housing and is also removably attachable to a bronchial flow control device that can be positioned in the loading cavity. The puller housing pulls the bronchial flow control device in the first direction through the funnel housing to gradually contract the bronchial flow control device into a compressed state of reduced size relative to the expanded size.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube is provided, which has a corrugated cuff and is used for purpose of establishing patent airway and artificial ventilation of a patient in fields such as anesthesiology or emergency medicine. Since the cuff of the endotracheal tube is structured to have a corrugated pattern on an outer surface when expanded, the cuff is able to not only provide original functions of preventing entry of pharyngeal content into trachea by sealing off space between the endotracheal tube and the inner wall of the trachea, and preventing gas leakage during positive pressure ventilation, but also greatly reduce incurrence of complications after use of the endotracheal tube such as ischemic damage or sore throat by minimizing contact surface between the cuff and the tracheal mucous membrane.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheostomy tube assemblies including a flange member having a variable volume are provided. The tracheostomy tube assemblies may include a cannula having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end may be adapted to be inserted into a patient's trachea, and the flange member may be disposed about the proximal end of the cannula. The flange member is adapted to expand to a first volume and to contract to a second volume, the first volume being greater than the second volume.

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: The self-cleaning and sterilizing endotracheal and tracheostomy tube may include a combination of an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube and a suction catheter that decreases the tendency of mucus and bacteria to adhere to the inner surfaces of the thereof. The endotracheal tube and the catheter may have a hydrophobic surface exhibiting the lotus effect, which may be formed either by femtosecond laser etching or by a coating of ploy (ethylene oxide). Alternatively, the endotracheal tube and the catheter may have a lumen coated with a photocatalyst. The endotracheal tube may also have a light source and a fiberoptic bundle mounted thereon, the optical fibers extending into the lumen to illuminate the photocatalyst.

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 system for unilateral lung ventilation includes an endotracheal tube and a blocking device for blocking the bronchus of a non-ventilated lung to prevent a ventilation medium from entering the lung. The blocking device includes an inflatable member supported by a catheter having an inflation lumen for inflating the inflatable member. The catheter includes at least one lung treatment lumen for delivering a therapeutic agent to the non-ventilated lung. An inner channel within the main channel and a side branch provide a guideway for the blocking device within the tube. A valve may be included to close the side branch when the blocking device is removed from the inner channel for parallel flow of ventilating gas in the main and inner channels. A method of using the system provides for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching by respectively delivering cooled air and nitric oxide to the non-ventilated and ventilated lungs.

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: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheal tube assemblies disclosed herein may include a tubular body having an open distal end for ventilating a patient and a cuff disposed around the tubular body above the open distal end. The cuff may be adapted to be inflated to seal the cuff against a wall of a trachea of the patient. The cuff may include a first portion that spaces the tubular body a first distance from the tracheal wall when inflated and a second portion that spaces the tubular body a second distance from the tracheal wall when inflated. The second distance may be greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An inflatable oral airway (IOA) device for maintaining the patency of an airway of a patient without substantial extension into the pharynx or larynx of the patient. The IOA is inserted into the patient's oro-pharynx after the patient is sedated or under general anesthesia. The IOA comprises a core that is substantially shaped the same as a conventional or normal human airway. The IOA has an inverted orientation, i.e. the bottom or ventral surface of the core rests on the upper surface of the patient's tongue. The IOA also comprises a cuff and a hinge balloon which may be inflated in tandem or in sequence to open and support the soft tissues of the mouth and pharynx in four different directions as well as articulate and increase the internal volume of the IOA itself.

Abstract: Airway devices and tube securing devices are disclosed. Methods of making and using airway devices and tube securing devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: An endotracheal device that comprises an endotracheal tube sized and shaped for being disposed within the trachea so that at least a distal segment thereof being placed in the windpipe lumen of a patient and at least one self expending element disposed around a peripheral surface of the endotracheal tube and having a first thickness in a compressed state and a second thickness in an expanded state, the at least one self expending element switching from the compressed state to the expanded state when absorbing moisture. The first thickness is thinner than the second thickness.

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 angle of taper, cuff diameter, and cuff wall thickness, may provide improved sealing of the trachea.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a tracheal tube with a reduced profile. An inflatable balloon cuff may be positioned within a recessed portion of an outer wall of the tracheal tube to reduce the overall profile of the tracheal tube. In this manner, protrusion of the inflatable balloon cuff from the tube is minimized, which protects the cuff from damage (e.g., snagging) and eases intubation. In addition, in certain embodiments, the recessed portion may change the outer wall diameter of the tube wall without affecting the inner wall diameter so that the work of breathing for the patient is not increased.

Abstract: Lung conditions are diagnosed and optionally treated using a functional assessment catheter or a functional lung assessment and treatment catheter. A flow restrictive component is initially placed in a bronchus or lung passageway upstream from a diseased lung region. The isolated lung region is then functionally assessed through the catheter, while the flow restrictive component remains in place. If the patient is a good candidate for treatment by occlusive or restrictive treatment techniques, the flow resistive component may be left in place. If the patient is not suitable for such treatment, the flow resistive component may be removed.

Abstract: An endotracheal intubation device 10 is disclosed. The endotracheal intubation device 10 includes a stylet 100, an elongate rod 300 mounted within the stylet 100 and adapted to deform/curve the stylet 100 as well as an endotracheal tube 400 mounted thereto by contacting an inner wall of the endotracheal tube 400 via a slot 130 through which the rod 300 bows outwardly, and a handle 200 mounted to the stylet 100 and adapted to actuate the elongate rod 300 to deform/curve the stylet 100. The endotracheal intubation device 10 can be used on a patient by a medical professional to access the patient's trachea by inserting the endotracheal tube 400 into the patient. Upon insertion, the handle 200 is actuated to deform the stylet 100.

Abstract: A syringe having an internal pressure gauge comprises a syringe barrel; a piston within the barrel; a spring coupled to the piston at a first position of the spring, the spring having a second portion that is movable in response to fluid pressure within a syringe cavity; and a pressure gauge having an indicator correlated to a plurality of positions of the second portion of the spring to indicate a pressure of a fluid. The spring can be a bellows. The first portion of the spring can be coupled to the piston to form a sliding seal with an inner wall of the syringe, and the second portion of the spring can move longitudinally within the syringe without sealing contact.

Abstract: There is provided a method of making a balloon having a differential thickness. The method uses a raw tube composed of a thermoplastic polymer which is placed in an asymmetrical mold. The tube is preheated in the mold to a temperature sufficient to soften the material of the tube and inflated with a gas to generally uniformly stretch the material of the tube while allowing the tube to retract lengthwise, thus forming a balloon. The resulting completed balloon has a differential wall thickness wherein the upper region has a thickness of from about 15 to about 30 micrometers and the lower region has a thickness of from about 5 to about 15 micrometers.

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: The present invention provides a tracheal tube comprising: a hollow tube inserted into the trachea; a first volume expansion portion for encompassing one side of the hollow tube; a second volume expansion portion positioned below the first volume expansion portion; a first conduit for expanding the first volume expansion portion and the second volume expansion portion; and a second conduit for supplying media for sealing to a trachea sealing portion positioned between the first volume expansion portion and the second volume expansion portion. The tracheal tube of the present invention can reduce the pressure of two cuffs which are the volume expansion portions, and can effectively improve sealing by supplying media to the trachea sealing portion positioned between the two cuffs. The tracheal tube of the present invention can reduce pulmonary aspiration and can thus considerably prevent ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

Abstract: A device for positioning a tracheostomy tube includes a tracheostomy tube and a tracheostomy tube protecting membrane. The tracheostomy tube protecting membrane includes a tearing line portion formed at two sides of the tracheostomy tube protecting membrane. The tracheostomy tube protecting membrane is used for mounting in a trachea of a patient to form a positioning path for the tracheostomy tube. The tearing line portion is used for being torn open and removed. The tracheostomy tube protecting membrane is mounted in a trachea of a patient first. The tracheostomy tube protecting membrane can effectively protect the trachea of the patient.

Abstract: A snorkel is provided on an upper end section of a conduit with an opening for breathing and a valve adapted to open and to close the opening. The valve is pivotally mounted on an upper end section of the conduit via arms integral with the valve. Below the valve, there are provided two or more floats. The respective floats are housed inside an annular housing defined outside the upper end section of the conduit in a manner that these floats may move up- and downward. When any one of these two or more floats is given buoyancy and moves upward, the arms are reliably actuated upward and thereby the valve reliably closes the opening.

Abstract: Provided is a side-by-side dual lumen ventilation tube and viewing tube combination. The ventilation tube can be sized similar to conventional endotracheal tubes and the viewing tube can be sized to receive a bronchoscope of a desired size. Also provided are methods of using the dual lumen medical device such as in tracheotomy procedures.

Abstract: An assembly structured to inflate a retaining or pressure cuff of a medical device of the type associated with artificial airway tube and concurrently monitor pressure therein. A pump assembly is movably connected to a casing and structured to force fluid flow, for inflation of a pressure chamber of the casing. An indicator member is visually accessible through a casing window and is variably positionable dependent on and indicative of existing pressure within the retaining cuff. The existing pressure within the pressure chamber is substantially equivalent to that within the retaining cuff thereby facilitating the variable position of the indicator member being indicative of pressure within the retaining cuff. A junction between the casing and an inflation lumen is structured to allow disconnection and prevent reconnection between the casing and the lumen.

Abstract: A catheter system can include a first catheter having an elongated body that defines a lumen, and a second catheter slidably disposed within the lumen of the first catheter. The lumen of the first catheter can also include a key joint component that corresponds to a key joint component on the second catheter. The distal end portion of the second catheter can include a pre-formed bend that extends at a non-zero angle relative to a longitudinal axis of the first catheter. In some embodiments, the second catheter can be used to aspirate a substance from a body lumen.

Abstract: An apparatus for connecting a respiratory device with a patient is provided, including a breathing tube for insertion into a patient's trachea, an inflatable cuff positioned around the breathing tube, a connection tube connected to the cuff for providing inflating air flow thereto, a pressurized air reservoir, and a valve connected to the pressurized air reservoir and to the proximal end of the connection line. The valve includes an entry port associated with an entry differential force chamber, a first exit port associated with a first differential force chamber and coupled with the connection line, a second exit port associated with a second differential force chamber and coupled with the pressurized air reservoir, and a flexible membrane selectively sealingly separating the differential force chambers. The flexible membrane is configured to selectively connect the first and second differential force chambers to maintain a substantially constant air pressure in the cuff.