Abstract: A cleaning device for cleaning a catheter lumen of a tissue removal catheter has a flushing chamber with distal and proximal seals and an inlet port. The proximal seal is a duckbill seal that includes a pair of opposing duckbill members that slidingly accept the distal end portion of a catheter body to form a seal about the catheter body proximal to a proximal opening in of the catheter lumen. Fluid is directed in the inlet port, into the flushing chamber, into proximal opening in the catheter body, and through the catheter lumen to discharge tissue contained in the catheter lumen. In some embodiments, the cleaning device is preloaded on the catheter body. The cleaning device can have an internal stop that engages with an external stop on the catheter body when the cleaning device is positioned in an operative position.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region. An exemplary flow control device is configured to block fluid flow in the inspiratory direction and the expiratory direction at normal breathing pressures and allow fluid flow in the expiratory direction at higher than normal breathing pressures.

Abstract: A positive exhalation pressure device increases the pressure gradient in the airways, thereby increasing oxygen saturation levels and decreasing the severity of hypoxia. Various embodiments of the device may be inserted into the nasal and/or oral cavities, or configured as mask devices covering the nasal and/or oral cavities. In some embodiments, the resistance of the device may be varied.

Abstract: A speaking valve adapter is disclosed for assisting with speech or language expression during the respiratory recovery of a human. The speaking valve adapter including a speaking valve port, the port being orthogonal to a first interface port, the first interface port adapted to support tracheostomy or endotracheal tubing, a second interface port adapted to support at least one of a suction tubing and a bronchoscopy tubing, and a third interface port adapted to support a connection to a ventilator. The speaking valve adapter may be used by the patient for introduction of at least one of sounds and words while connected to the ventilator. A corresponding respiratory management system which implements the speaking valve adapter and configurable ventilator settings adapted for assisting with more effective speech or language expression during patient recovery or use, is also disclosed.

Abstract: In at least some aspects, an instrument port for introducing an instrument into a surgical site comprises: a port body having: an instrument channel extending through the port body; and a plurality of fluid flush channels each separate from one another and the instrument channel, each extending along a major portion of the port body and in fluid communication with the instrument channel; and a bulb comprising a bulb channel extending through the bulb, the bulb channel aligned with the instrument channel, wherein the bulb channel and instrument channel are configured to receive the instrument.

Abstract: The sealing cuff (10) on a tracheal tube has a collar (31) at its patient end inverted within the inflatable part (32) of the cuff and attached with the shaft 1 immediately adjacent its patient end (6). The cuff (10) has a patient end region (33) of frusto-conical shape inclined to the axis of the shaft at about 30° and extending by about half the length of the inflatable portion.

Abstract: A handset for operation and locking of an occlusion clearing device includes a body and movable cover. Valve(s) in fluid communication with tubing for aspiration or irrigation are located within the body. A locking mechanism having first and second components affixed at different points in the handset which are selectively movable relative to one another to transition between locked and unlocked positions. The first component is connected to and selectively movable relative to the cover. The second component engages a portion of the first component, causing the cover to move in an engagement direction as the first component is moved to a locked position. Movement of the cover in an engagement direction causes the valve(s) to change from a first to second position which controls the flow of fluid therethrough. An engagement surface of the second component engages and retains the first component in a locked position.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device includes a gas regulating valve (1300). The gas regulating valve is operated by a linear actuator (1330). The linear actuator may include a movable member that moves an obstruction member between an open position and a closed position. The linear actuator is isolated from a gas flow path through the valve.

Abstract: The application relates to a valve device, in particular for a cooling water system of a motor vehicle, comprising a housing, which has an inflow connection and a first outflow connection and a second outflow connection, and comprising a valve, which is mounted in the housing so as to shift in the axial direction, said valve having a cylindrical main part, at each end of which a valve element is arranged in order to close one of the connections in a first sliding end position of the valve and another one of the connections in a second sliding end position of the valve, and having a first spring element, which biases the valve in the direction of the first sliding end position, and having a thermally activatable actuator element, which is designed to push the valve against the force of the spring element, in the direction of the second sliding end position, upon being activated.

Abstract: A hypothermia-prevention device is provided. The hypothermia-prevention device provides a three-port valve system having an inhalation port, a respiration port and an exhalation port, respectively wherein an in-take valve fluidly connects the inhale port to the respiration port and wherein an out-take valve fluidly connects the exhale port to the respiration port. The out-take and in-take valves are adapted to respond to the negative and positive pressure urged by way respiration of a user through the respiration port so that the exhale air is directed through the exhale port while colder inhale air is excluded through the exhalation port. The exhale port provides an out-tube for selectively directing the warmer exhale air to necessary body parts of the user.

Abstract: An adjustable tracheostoma valve is disclosed. The adjustable tracheostoma valve includes a passageway for connecting the trachea with the surroundings. A valve disk is provided in the passageway. The disk is moveable to allow for inhalation and exhalation through the passageway and is configured to close in response to pressure to direct air to the patient's pharynx, esophagus, sinuses, and mouth for speech following surgical removal of the larynx.

Abstract: A speaking valve adapter is disclosed for assisting with speech or language expression during the respiratory recovery of a human. The speaking valve adapter including a speaking valve port, the port being orthogonal to a first interface port, the first interface port adapted to support tracheostomy or endotracheal tubing, a second interface port adapted to support at least one of a suction tubing and a bronchoscopy tubing, and a third interface port adapted to support a connection to a ventilator. The speaking valve adapter may be used by the patient for introduction of at least one of sounds and words while connected to the ventilator. A corresponding respiratory management system which implements the speaking valve adapter and configurable ventilator settings adapted for assisting with more effective speech or language expression during patient recovery or use is also disclosed.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve to be applied to a tracheostomized person's neck comprises an air passage to be connected with the tracheostoma for connecting the trachea with the surroundings. A valve member is provided in the air passage, wherein the valve member is normally open and allows for inhalation and exhalation through the air passage. The valve further comprises a manually activated member for establishing an uninterrupted seal to block patient exhalation, thereby to direct it to the patient's pharynx, esophagus, sinuses, and mouth for speech following surgical removal of the larynx.

Abstract: A cleaning catheter includes an inflatable element expandable into contact with an inner surface of a ventilation tube. An input module includes a flow regulator, which is shaped so as to define a suction port coupleable in fluid communication with a suction source, and a fluid port coupled in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source. A mechanical user control element is configured to mechanically and non-electrically set at least base and inflation/suction activation states of the flow regulator. When in the inflation/suction activation state, the flow regulator effects fluid communication between the suction port and a distal suction orifice, and effects inflation of the inflatable element by fluid communication between the fluid port and the inflatable element via a fluid-delivery lumen. The mechanical user control element includes one or more user-interface elements, a single one of which is arranged to set the flow regulator in the inflation/suction activation state.

Abstract: A speaking valve for fitment on to a tracheostomy cannula includes a valve unit and an attachment unit. The attachment unit has a tubular housing having a first and a second end and a longitudinal axis extending from the first to the second end. The first end of the attachment unit can be connected to a connector on the tracheostomy cannula and the valve unit is arranged at the second end of the attachment unit. The valve unit and the attachment unit are connected together movably. The valve unit is designed that in a first position it closes the housing of the attachment unit air-tightly with respect to a flow direction, and in at least one second position it permits a flow of air into the housing and out of the housing.

Abstract: There is provided a neck patch to be adhered on a tracheostoma, which is very light and has a good respiratory activity and an excellent sealing behavior when adhered on top of a tracheostoma in the neck of a patient. The neck patch is made of a thin, planar, flexible foil having a thickness of between 5 and 30 ?m, which is adhesive on its proximal side only and has a centrically arranged hole on its distal side, and around which a hard, round plastic connector disk having a central recess is arranged, the neck patch further comprising a supporting frame that surrounds the outer edge of the film and is approximately five to ten times thicker than the film so that the neck patch can be positioned without being rolled together.

Abstract: A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a perimeter and a central aperture extending therethrough, and being adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face. An outer layer overlays the face mask and includes a pair of straps for affixing the face mask about a user's face. An insert plate is disposed within the central aperture of the face mask and has an inlet aperture extending therethrough. A central insert overlays the insert plate, has an air inlet aperture extending therethrough, and is movable between a first position in which a first portion of the air inlet aperture overlaps the air inlet aperture of the insert plate and a second position in which a larger second portion of the air inlet aperture overlaps the air inlet aperture of the insert plate.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a hollow tubular member, and a pressurization unit that has an outer valve portion, a pressurization device having a movable part configured to generate pressurized fluid when the movable part is moved, and an inner valve portion. The inner valve portion includes a first flow passage that is configured to fluidically connect a first port and a second port of the outer valve portion to each other when the inner valve portion is in a first position, and a second flow passage that is configured between the inner valve portion and the outer valve portion to fluidically connect the first port and a third port when the inner valve portion is in a second position. A sealing system fluidically isolates the second port and the third port from each other at any position of the inner valve portion.

Abstract: A resistance breathing device includes a face mask having a perimeter and a central aperture extending therethrough, and being adapted to overlay a user's mouth and nose such that the perimeter forms an air-tight seal with the user's face. An outer layer overlays the face mask and includes a pair of straps for affixing the face mask about a user's face. An insert plate is disposed within the central aperture of the face mask and has an inlet aperture extending therethrough. A central insert overlays the insert plate, has an air inlet aperture extending therethrough, and is movable between a first position in which a first portion of the air inlet aperture overlaps the air inlet aperture of the insert plate and a second position in which a larger second portion of the air inlet aperture overlaps the air inlet aperture of the insert plate.

Abstract: Intubation devices and method of intubation are provided for a medical provider to firmly hold an intubation stylet with the middle, the ring, and the little finger of one hand, point the tips of the intubation stylet and an endotracheal tube towards the opening of the trachea, and then advance the endotracheal tube over the stylet into the trachea with the index finger and the thumb of the same hand without an assistant to hold the stylet, while the user can use another hand to hold a laryngoscope to perform laryngoscopy to visualize the vocal cords during endotracheal intubation. The intubation device comprises a handle, a stylet holder, and an arm which is connected to both the stylet holder and the handle. The intubation device further includes a tube support, and a tube holder to further support the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present tracheostomy valves include a flexible diaphragm abutting a rib shaped substantially as a flat plate. Opposite the rib, the diaphragm abuts a boss and forms an uninterrupted seal therewith. As the tracheostomized patient inhales, the diaphragm bends about the rib, interrupting the seal and allowing air to flow smoothly into the valve. The features of the various embodiments contribute to a positive seal at all times except during inhalation, and low resistance to airflow through the valve during inhalation.

Abstract: A speaking valve for management of a patient's airway comprising a body rotatably and removably attachable to a tracheotomy tube, the body having a first end communicable with the tracheotomy tube and a second end distal from the first end, an offset opening formed in the second end, a ramp disposed within the body, a ball having a diameter disposed within the chamber, the ball being adapted to be guided up and down the ramp and able to partially close the opening in the second end of the body, and the body and hence the chamber therein, at the option and control of the patient, wherein the ball is adapted to move up and down the ramp opening and partially closing the opening in the second end of the body and, as selected, exhalation by the patient proceeds through the patient's upper respiratory system and facilitates speaking by the patient.

Abstract: A breath intake valve is connected to a tracheostomy tube inserted into a patient's trachea. The inner end of the valve attaches to the tracheostomy tube. An apertured disk endpiece with an O-ring around its circumference is releasably set into the outer end of the tubular valve body. A floppy diaphragm overlying the inner face of the disk endpiece functions as an intake valve to allow patient inhalation and air intake, and as a check valve to block patient exhalation, thereby to redirect it to the patient's larynx, sinuses, and mouth for normal speech. The O-ring gives way to forceful patient exhalation to release the disk endpiece from the tubular valve body. The disk endpiece is tethered to the breath intake valve body to prevent misplacement of the endpiece after such a release. The breath intake valve is itself likewise tethered to the tracheostomy tube to prevent its misplacement after any disconnection.

Abstract: A device for treating esophageal target tissue comprises a catheter, a balloon and a refrigerant delivery device. The catheter has a distal portion and a refrigerant delivery lumen. The balloon is mounted to and the refrigerant delivery device is coupled to the distal portion. The refrigerant delivery device comprises a chamber with the refrigerant delivery lumen opening into the chamber, a refrigerant delivery opening fluidly coupled to the balloon interior, and a distribution passageway fluidly coupling the chamber and the refrigerant delivery opening. A refrigerant is deliverable through the refrigerant delivery lumen, into the chamber, through the distribution passageway, through the refrigerant delivery opening and into the balloon interior so to place the balloon into an expanded, cooled state so that the balloon can press against and cool esophageal target tissue. The medical device may include means for sensing a leak in the balloon.

Abstract: Various embodiments of mouthpieces for use during endoscopic procedures are disclosed herein. According to various embodiments, a mouthpiece may include a shield, a primary instrument channel, a bite block, an oxygen administration channel and a tongue depressor. The shield, bite block, oxygen administration channel and tongue depressor may be integrally formed.

Abstract: The inhalation therapy device according to the invention comprises a nebulizer chamber which accommodates an aerosol generator that emits aerosol into the nebulizer chamber. A valve that has a valve seat, a resilient valve member and a valve member positioning means is arranged at an opening of the nebulizer chamber. The valve member positioning means can be moved out of a first position and into a second position so as to position the valve member on the valve seat in such a manner that in the first position, the valve member, in a flow-free state, is positioned on the valve seat in a pre-tensioned manner and in a second position, is spaced apart from the valve seat.

Abstract: An attachment device for a tracheostoma valve has a flexible layer structure having a stoma opening therein, and a circumferential flange attached to the flexible layer structure. The flexible layer structure has at least a layer portion that substantially has a funnel shape discharging into the stoma opening. A circumferential attachment area, where the flexible layer structure is attached to the circumferential flange, is situated at a distance from a circumferential edge of the stoma opening. Part of the funnel shape extends between the circumferential attachment area and the circumferential edge of the stoma opening.

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: An adapter assembly including a manifold and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a seat and a valve body having a circular base and a wall. The wall extends from a trailing side of the base to form a dome-like shape terminating at an end at which a slit is formed, with the wall defining opposing sealing edges at the slit. The seat has an upper circumferential surface and a lower circumferential surface. The upper surface engages a leading side of the base, whereas the lower surface engages a trailing side. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces forms a segment of increased height. Upon final assembly, the valve body is disposed across a passageway of the manifold, with the slit providing a selectively openable path. A force imparted by the segment of increased height flexes the base and biases the sealing edges into engagement.

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 control valve (8) for a medical suction device (1) is provided, with the control valve (8) having an actuating element for freeing and closing a flow path (15) through a valve chamber (11) through the use of a valve plunger (12). Additional air intake openings (16) are formed on the actuating element (10) and define an additional flow path (21) through the valve chamber (11).

Abstract: A breathing protector may include a filter housing having a central axis, a distal end, a proximal end, a first opening and a second opening. The second opening may be located in a proximal end of the filter housing and the first opening may be located distally of the second opening, such that the first opening is located upstream of the second opening. An exchanging filter may be disposed in the filter housing and a valve seat may extend around the first opening. A rail, located circumferentially of the valve seat, may extend axially and distally away from the first opening. The rail may include a distal end and at least one rib. A valve member may be arranged in a transversal plane to the central axis and engage the valve seat in a closed position. A return spring may press the valve member into the open position.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve for attachment to a tracheostoma valve plaster may include a tubular base portion with a proximal opening through which inhaled and exhaled air enters and exits, respectively. A distal lid portion may be arranged distally of the tubular base portion. The distal lid portion may have a distal opening through which inhaled and exhaled air enters and exits, respectively. The tracheostoma valve may have a valve flap member for closing the distal opening via interaction between a front side of the valve flap member and an edge of the distal opening. A valve retaining arm may be included for interaction with the valve flap member to prevent the valve flap member from interacting with the distal opening.

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 tracheostoma valve (1) comprises a main air passage structure provided with a main valve arrangement. The tracheostoma valve is switchable in response to a spurt of inhalation air from a breathing condition into a speaking condition, while the tracheostoma valve is switchable in response to a spurt of exhalation air from said speaking condition into said breathing condition. The main valve arrangement comprises an at least partly flexible bistable wall portion which has a circumferential bordering edge. At least part of the bordering edge forms a hinging means around which the bistable wall portion is hingeable between a first stable position in which an orifice of the main air passage structure is being blocked, and a second stable position in which said orifice is released.

Abstract: An adapter assembly including a manifold and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a seat and a valve body having a circular base and a wall. The wall extends from a trailing side of the base to form a dome-like shape terminating at an end at which a slit is formed, with the wall defining opposing sealing edges at the slit. The seat has an upper circumferential surface and a lower circumferential surface. The upper surface engages a leading side of the base, whereas the lower surface engages a trailing side. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces forms a segment of increased height. Upon final assembly, the valve body is disposed across a passageway of the manifold, with the slit providing a selectively openable path. A force imparted by the segment of increased height flexes the base and biases the sealing edges into engagement.

Abstract: A breathing circuit for a tracheostomized patient provides respiratory care and pulmonary function testing. The breathing circuit includes a flow control adapter that directs an inspiratory flow of air and an expiratory flow of air. The flow control adapter includes a subject port for coupling to a tracheostomy tube, an inspiratory port for coupling to an incentive spirometer, and an expiratory port. The flow control adapter further includes an adapter body and a one-way valve. The adapter body is configured to define an inspiratory fluid flow path between the inspiratory port and the subject port and to define an expiratory fluid flow path between the subject port and the expiratory port. The one-way valve substantially prevents air that flows generally along the inspiratory fluid flow path from flowing through the expiratory port during inspiration and allows air flowing generally along the expiratory fluid flow path to flow through the expiratory port during expiration.

Abstract: A speaking valve for management of a patient's airway comprising a body rotatably and removably attachable to a tracheotomy tube, the body having a first end communicable with the tracheotomy tube and a second end distal from the first end, an offset opening formed in the second end, a ramp disposed within the body, a ball having a diameter disposed within the chamber, the ball being adapted to be guided up and down the ramp and able to partially close the opening in the second end of the body, and the body and hence the chamber therein, at the option and control of the patient, wherein the ball is adapted to move up and down the ramp opening and partially closing the opening in the second end of the body and, as selected, exhalation by the patient proceeds through the patient's upper respiratory system and facilitates speaking by the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods having a dual-lumen tube with an assembly end. The assembly end may be molded and coupled to an extruded portion of the tube to form a complete dual-lumen tube. The assembly end may form the distal portion of the dual-lumen tube, which may simplify the manufacturing process by eliminating cutting and shaping steps involved in forming the distal ends of the ventilation lumens. The assembly end may be molded or otherwise formed so that the distal portion is not cut to length. In addition, the assembly end may include addition functionality, such as a camera apparatus or one or more sensors.

Abstract: A heat moisture exchange device received on a speaking tube mounted on an end of a tracheotomy tube. The heat moisture exchange device has a housing in which the air moves in a turbulent manner and passes through a heat moisture exchange filter.

Abstract: Automatic tracheostoma speech valve (ATSV) fixation brace, comprising a fixation part (2) for keeping an ATSV base element (8) in position during use, and a holding part (3) for holding the ATSV fixation brace (1) to a patient, wherein at least the holding part (3) comprises a thermoplastic material, the thermoplastic material being moldable to the local anatomic shape of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel device and method for providing a disposable endotracheal intubation device for use with an auxiliary passageway serving as a guide for the placement of an orogastric or other enterally directed device in a patient. The present invention pertains to a medical catheter device, removably attachable to an endotracheal tube, for guiding the path of an enteral tube into the esophagus of a patient. The catheter device preferably employs an adjustable clamp to fix the position of the catheter relative to the endotracheal tube. The present invention also pertains to a combination medical intubation device comprising an endotracheal tube and a catheter proximate the endotracheal tube to guide the path of an enteral tube. The present invention also pertains to a method of intubating a patient using this combination medical intubation device.

Abstract: A breath intake valve is connected to a tracheostomy tube inserted into a patient's trachea. The inner end of the valve attaches to the tracheostomy tube. An apertured disk endpiece with an O-ring around its circumference is releasably set into the outer end of the tubular valve body. A floppy diaphragm overlying the inner face of the disk endpiece functions as an intake valve to allow patient inhalation and air intake, and as a check valve to block patient exhalation, thereby to redirect it to the patient's larynx, sinuses, and mouth for normal speech. The O-ring gives way to forceful patient exhalation to release the disk endpiece from the tubular valve body. The disk endpiece is tethered to the breath intake valve body to prevent misplacement of the endpiece after such a release. The breath intake valve is itself likewise tethered to the tracheostomy tube to prevent its misplacement after any disconnection.

Abstract: An orotracheal intubation device (1) for intermittent low-pressure ventilation of a patient provided with an inflatable cuff (3) including two lines of holes (2,5) communicating with the inflatable cuff and a one-way round valve (4) preventing air flow during inspiration and allowing air flow during expiration.

Abstract: A pulmonary secretion clearing ventilation catheter and related airway management system is disclosed. The ventilation catheter has a double lumen portion which each lumen of the double lumen portion operably secured to an airway management system so that inspiratory fluid (air/oxygen mixtures, with or without added water vapor) is delivered to the distal end of the ventilation catheter through one of the two lumens and expired inspiratory fluid, pulmonary secretions, and pulmonary fluids are removed from the patent through the other lumen. The expiratory fluid pathway preferably includes a secretion collection system for removing the pulmonary secretions and the like from the pathway, thereby improving operation and safety of the system. An improved inflatable cuff is also disclosed that permits a slight air leakage in the pneumatic seal between the patient's lungs and the environment, thereby facilitating removal of pulmonary secretions from the patient's lungs.

Abstract: Small tracheostomy appliances for use in treating Sleep Apnea Syndrome. The appliances are inserted in a tracheotomy incision, low on a patient's neck to equalize intra-tracheal pressure with ambient pressure under certain conditions to prevent undesirable increases in blood CO2 that could otherwise cause arousals from sleep.

Abstract: A breath intake valve is connected to a tracheostomy tube inserted into a patient's trachea. The inner end of the valve attaches to the tracheostomy tube. An apertured disk endpiece with an O-ring around its circumference is releasably set into the outer end of the tubular valve body. A floppy diaphragm overlying the inner face of the disk endpiece functions as an intake valve to allow patient inhalation and air intake, and as a check valve to block patient exhalation, thereby to redirect it to the patient's larynx, sinuses, and mouth for normal speech. The O-ring gives way to forceful patient exhalation to release the disk endpiece from the tubular valve body. The disk endpiece is tethered to the breath intake valve body to prevent misplacement of the endpiece after such a release. The breath intake valve is itself likewise tethered to the tracheostomy tube to prevent its misplacement after any disconnection.

Abstract: A covering sheet for covering a skin adhesive surface of a device for holding a tracheostoma device over a tracheostoma of a patient may include a central/medial element for covering the central/medial part of the skin adhesive surface of the device. The covering sheet may include first and second elements arranged laterally of the central/medial element. Lateral peripheral borders of the central/medial element may be positioned adjacent medial peripheral borders of the first and second elements. The peripheral borders may be defined by division lines.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly (50) including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: A heat moisture exchange device received on a speaking tube mounted on an end of a tracheotomy tube. The heat moisture exchange device has a housing in which the air moves in a turbulent manner and passes through a heat moisture exchange filter.