Abstract: A tracheostomy tube has an inserting portion and a connecting portion. The inserting portion has an air way tube, an inflatable cuff and an inflating tube. The connecting portion is connected to the air way tube and has a resilient connector and a connecting sleeve. The resilient connector has a connecting ring connected to the air way tube. The connecting sleeve is mounted around the resilient connector and has a tubular body, a pressing flange formed on the tubular body and at least one slit defined longitudinally in the tubular body and extends through the pressing flange. Movement and vibrations of a patient circuit connected to the tracheostomy tube are not translated into a patient trachea thereby greatly improving patient comfort, safety and quality of life.

Abstract: An adjustable flange for a tracheostomy tube has a locking assembly (25) with two C shape clamp arms (26) and (27) hinged together at one end (28). A lever (50) with a threaded stem (51) extends through the opposite end of one arm (27) and into a threaded aperture (32) in the other arm (26). When the handle (55) of the lever (50) is inclined out of the plane of the locking assembly (25) it can be slid freely along the tracheostomy tube (1) for positioning. The locking assembly (25) is locked in position by rotating the handle (55) down to lie in the plane of the locking assembly. The flange (20) has two wings (22) and (23) connected with a central plate (20) by webs (42) and (43) of reduced width so that the webs flex to allow the wings to be lifted readily.

Abstract: A tube holder assembly is provided for securing a medical tube such as an endotracheal tube to a patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the holder assembly comprises a support strap for placement around the patient's head or neck region, a bracket for holding the endotracheal tube in position relative to the patient's mouth, and a face anchoring portion for securing the support strap to the patient's face region. The support strap includes a front surface and an opposed, back surface. The bracket may be attached to the front surface of the support strap. The bracket may include an upper bar and an arm extending from the upper bar. The face anchoring device may comprise a first surface configured to adhere to the patient's face region, and a second, opposed surface having a strap-engaging portion configured to mechanically engage the back surface of the support strap. The support strap may be configured to be repeatedly releasable and adjustable to the face anchoring device.

Abstract: A face mask support for continuous positive airway pressure comprises a circumferential band with biasing means support at the crown of the head on the medial line of the head. The circumferential edge of the cap extends from just below the forehead of a patient to below the inion protrusion at the nape of the neck. A biasing means which is preferably of length of spring steel is formed so as to extend from the biasing means support hold a nasal or face mask apposed to the face of a patient. The circumferential band is stabilized by a band extending from the circumferential band at the region of the ear to the biasing means support.

Abstract: A tube holder is provided for securing a medical tube to a patient. In one illustrative embodiment, the tube holder includes a band to secure a medical tube to a patient, and first and second tabs attached at first and second ends of the band to secure the medical tube. Each of the first and second tabs include a hook surface and a loop surface, the hook surface and loop surface to mate with one another to secure the medical tube. The first and second tabs include moisture resistant material located on a surface contacting the patient's skin.

Abstract: A system for securing an endo-tracheal tube or other medical article in position upon a patient includes a head contact member, retainer, and attachment members which can be adjustably attached between the head contact member and the retainer. The retainer may include a bite block. Certain embodiments of the head contact member have a concave shape which follows a portion of the patient's skull and may have a rigid or flexible structure. The attachment member attaches to the retainer which grips the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.

Abstract: An airway stabilization system is provided for maintaining an airway device in a patient's trachea and for preventing clinically significant movement thereof with respect to the patient's vocal cords in response to the application of multidirectional forces to the airway device. The system includes a retention collar secured to the airway device to define a retention structure, a restraining device adapted to releaseably engage the retention structure and to cooperate therewith to prevent clinically significant movement of the airway device, and means for securing the restraining device to a patient's head.

Abstract: A system for supporting a breathing passage of a patient may include a cannula and an insertion apparatus. The cannula may be configured to be at least partially inserted into a breathing passage of a patient for supporting the breathing passage during sleep. The cannula may include an insertion end configured to be inserted through a nasal passageway portion of the breathing passage. The insertion apparatus may include a nasal applicator operable to guide the cannula through the nasal applicator and into the nasal passageway, and a support frame coupled to the nasal applicator and configured to be releasably coupled to the patient to position the nasal applicator proximate to the nasal passageway.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a headgear assembly removably attachable to the frame. The headgear assembly includes a pair of side portions and a rear portion that interconnects the pair of side portions. The pair of side portions includes at least one strap. The rear portion has at least one strap constructed of at least two layers of material. One of the layers of material has a more rigid construction than the other of the layers of material to resist compression of the at least one strap of the rear portion in a first direction which resists movement of the at least one strap of the pair of side straps in the first direction.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: A securement system secures an endotracheal tube or other medical article in position upon a patient and arrests movement of the endotracheal tube. The securement system includes a support member and a retainer. The retainer defines a channel configured to receive the endotracheal tube. A head securement member attaches the support member to the head of the patient. The securement system can include a soft gel for placement against the patient's skin and well as a track for securing the endotracheal tube at a plurality of locations relative to the support member. Advantageously, the securement system can maintain an endotracheal tube in position upon a patient and allow access to the patient's oral cavity.

Abstract: A system for securing an endo-tracheal or other tube in position upon a patient includes a head pad and securing members which can be adjustably attached to the head pad. The head pad is configured to support the head of a patient in a supine position. The head pad includes a number of slits formed in each lateral side of the head pad, such that a securing member can be threaded through any one of the slits. The securing member is configured to be releasably and adjustably attachable to the lateral sides of the head pad by being secured to itself via hook and loop fastener portions disposed upon the member. The opposite end of the securement member can include an adhesive layer or other mechanism for attachment of the end of the member to the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and methods for the administration of positive airway pressure therapies. The apparatus can include a housing, a blower and a mask. The housing is configured to be stably secured on the head of a patient. The blower is secured relative to the housing. A mask in fluid communication with the blower is configured to communicate pressurized air produced at least in part by the blower to the airways of a user.

Abstract: A medical tube holder that includes a variable in size head band and a medical tube receiving loop depending therefrom. The loop is formed by a strap that has opposite end portions thereof overlying one another and the terminal ends thereof secured to the headband. The loop is spaced a selected distance from the headband by a necked down provided by the overlapping end portions. A member is slidably mounted on the necked down portion and provides means to selectively vary the size of the loop. The slide member has a locking mechanism movable from one to the other of a slider locked and unlocked state. The holder can be used in association with a bite block and perform the dual function of retaining the medical tube in position on a patient and retain the bite block in position on the medical tube. Also disclosed is a bite block that has an adjustably variable in size hole for receiving and clampingly engaging the medical tube.

Abstract: An endotracheal airway is established using an endotracheal tube having an exterior retention structure defined by a series of longitudinally spaced recesses separated by projections. A variably-sized orifice in a faceplate constricts within a recess and contacts the projections to create a barrier against movement of the endotracheal tube. The faceplate is retained on the mouth by connection to a stabilization collar which surrounds the neck of the patient to restrain against flexion and extension which could reposition the endotracheal tube from its desired position.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a frame including a breathable gas port, wherein the frame defines an inner chamber to receive at least one of a wearer's nasal region and mouth. The mask includes a cushion including a flange connected to the frame, an inner rim defining an opening to the inner chamber of the frame, and a sealing portion disposed between the flange and the inner rim to contact the wearer's face. The sealing portion includes a nasal seal section to span a wearer's face above the wearer's nares, side seal sections extending from each side of the nasal seal section on both sides of the wearer's mouth, and a chin seal section that extends between the side seal sections. The chin seal section is upwardly curved in an arch to follow the chin's bony contour.

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

Abstract: A muzzle for use with an animal, the muzzle having a muzzle body, at least one strap circumferentially affixed to the muzzle body and adapted to widen or narrow the muzzle body using a tensioning mechanism and a clip coupled to the muzzle body configured to receive an emergency airway device or an endotracheal tube.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connection device for connecting a headgear having straps, a mask and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient. The connection device incorporates a locking member or locking portion which is configured to lock the straps in a particular location.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for supporting and retaining a tracheal cannula or a similar appliance on a person's neck. The device comprises wings on the cannula projecting in opposite directions from the cannula. Fastening means connected with the wings comprises an element having an adhesive surface for attachment to the skin of the neck.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tracheal intubation tube fixing device for securing an airway in the patient's respiratory tract and inducing the artificial respiration of a patient in the intensive care unit or under a general anesthesia operation. The device includes a body to surround the patient's face and mouth and including an airway securing block, a suction tube insertion opening, an intubation tube insertion hole and band fixing holes, a pivotal fixing member to fix an inserted intubation tube, a coupling structure to assure free entrance and exit of the pivotal fixing member into and out of the intubation insertion hole, a padding member attached to Velcro tapes of the body, and a holding member configured to closely surround the patient's rear neck and coupled to the body via the band fixing holes to prevent the body from being moved from a wearing position thereof.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: An adjustable mask apparatus for use in a breathing assistance system may include a housing, an adjustment arm, and a locking member. The housing may support a cushion configured to provide a seal against a patient's face. The adjustment arm may include a first end configured for attachment to a head gear, and a second end rotatably coupled to the housing to allow rotation of the adjustment arm to adjust a distance between the first end of the adjustment arm and the patient's head. The locking member may be coupled to the housing and may be configured to secure the adjustment arm in one of a plurality of predetermined rotational positions, each predetermined rotational position comprising a rotational position of the adjustment arm with respect to the housing.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a frame sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes when the patient interface device is donned by the patient. A support member is coupled to the frame such that the support member is moveable relative to the frame. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member. A pair of patient contacting members are operatively coupled to the frame and supporting the frame on a patient's face.

Abstract: A feeding apparatus includes a feeding tube that has a first end and a second end. A tether is removably attached to the feeding tube and is configured to secure the feeding tube to a neck or torso of a person receiving the feeding tube.

Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device includes a respiratory mask that interfaces with a face of a patient. The respiratory mask comprises a body portion that forms an enclosure around a nose of a patient and at least one set of headgear strap flanges. The body portion is substantially entirely manufactured from an elastomeric material. A bellows-like structure is integrally molded in the body portion to create a sealing interface between an inner bottom portion of the mask and the patient's nose.

Abstract: A respiratory component mounting assembly includes a first respiratory component, a second respiratory component and a mounting clip for mounting the second respiratory component to the first respiratory component. Each of the first and second respiratory components includes at least two spaced apart clip openings. The mounting clip has an intermediate portion and two spaced apart free ends connected to the intermediate portion. The intermediate portion of the mounting clip is received within both of the clip openings of the first respiratory component and the free ends of the mounting clip are received in the clip openings of the second respiratory component for releasably securing the first and second respiratory components together.

Abstract: A tracheostomy support apparatus incorporates a folded sheet of fabric into a pocket formed at one end of the folded sheet. The support apparatus includes a cradle on an outer surface for holding tubes, hoses, and medical equipment connected between a tracheostomy and adjacent equipment, such as a ventilator. The support apparatus cushions and supports the hoses and tubes associated with a tracheostomy but also absorbs fluids emanating from the tracheostomy.

Abstract: Headgear for a respiratory mask includes a strap arrangement including front strap portions adapted to be disposed over a patient's cheeks and having front ends adapted for attachment to an airway interfacing portion, top strap portions connected to respective front strap portions and adapted to be disposed over the top of a patient's head and to connect to each other, and a back strap extending rearwardly from and connecting respective junctions of the front strap portions and top strap portions or regions adjacent these junctions and adapted to locate underneath a patient's occiput. In use with a patient having long hair, the back strap is adapted to extend under the patient's hair and urge upwardly on the patient's hair and against the patient's head beneath the occiput. In use with a patient having short hair, the back strap is adapted to urge against the patient's head beneath the occiput. In an embodiment, front strap portions of the headgear may be provided with a sleeve or cover (e.g.

Abstract: An endotracheal securing device includes a main tube and a tie extending through the main tube. The tie projects out through a central orifice in the main tube and is tightened around the endotracheal tube. The ends of the tie are then tied behind the user's head to secure the tie and endotracheal tube in place between the user's nose and mouth.

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

Abstract: A universal headgear is easy to use and creates an effective seal between a patient interface device, such as gas delivery mask, and a patient. The headgear of the present invention includes a halo-like headband formed from an elastomeric material. The headband includes contoured panels that allow the device to fit most people without circumference length adjustment. The halo headband is designed to maintain a substantially frusto-conical shape when worn. The present invention preferably includes an adjustable crossover strap on the top connecting the contoured panels that is adapted to hold the halo headband in position. The headpiece further includes connecting straps to adjustably connect the headgear to a patient interface device. The present headgear fits a wide range of head sizes and shapes, is easy to use, and provides increased stability.

Abstract: An endoscopic bite block system for increasing the speed and efficiency of an endoscopic procedure. The endoscopic bite block system includes a base member including a central opening and at least one tube attachment, a channel member latitudinally extending from an outer edge of the central opening and a strap member removably attached to the base member, wherein the strap member removably attaches the base member to the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: A patient interface gas delivery mask having a forehead and chin support system including a forehead support, a chin support, and a system for supplying a flow of gas to a patient that incorporates such a mask, forehead support, and chin support. The forehead support includes a supporting arm which is adjustably mounted to the mask shell, thereby allowing the adjustment of the distance between the forehead support bracket and the mask shell in order to adjust for patient's of different sizes. A forehead support bracket is pivotally connected to the support arm. Likewise the chin support is also adjustably mounted to the mask shell.

Abstract: A headgear for attaching an object to a head of a user that is defined by a support beam and first and second ear loops coupled to opposite ends of the beam. The support beam generally wraps around a back of a user's neck or head and remains below the external occipital protuberance at all times during use of the headgear. This configuration minimizes the contact between the portions of the headgear and the user's hair. The first and second ear loops each include an upper arm adapted to be positioned above the ear, a lower arm adapted to be positioned below the ear, or both. An interface device is coupled to the headgear and held on the user's head by a tensioning force pulling the interface device toward the user.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube has an inserting portion and a connecting portion. The inserting portion has an air way tube, an inflatable cuff and an inflating tube. The connecting portion is connected to the air way tube and has a resilient connector and a connecting sleeve. The resilient connector has a connecting ring connected to the air way tube. The connecting sleeve is mounted around the resilient connector and has a tubular body, a pressing flange formed on the tubular body and at least one slit defined longitudinally in the tubular body and extends through the pressing flange. Movement and vibrations of a patient circuit connected to the tracheostomy tube are not translated into a patient trachea thereby greatly improving patient comfort, safety and quality of life.

Abstract: Some embodiments include adjustable oral airway devices. The devices may contain a bite block, a tongue deflector extending through the bite block, and at least one locking mechanism configured for releasably retaining the tongue deflector in one of two or more predetermined positions within the bite block. Some embodiments include adjustable oral airway kits. Such kits may contain a bite block, a tongue deflector configured to extend within an opening in the bite block, and at least one locking mechanism configured for releasably retaining the tongue deflector in one of two or more predetermined positions within the bite block.

Abstract: A tracheotomy cannula apparatus with a shield plate is provided for fixedly gripping the cannula with a housing assembly portion of the apparatus. A pair of wing structures form a portion of the apparatus and are attached to the housing assembly, which wing structures assist in holding the cannual apparatus to a patient. The housing assembly includes a housing member through which the cannual is passed. A shield plate is affixed to one side of the housing member, which side is intended to face a patient, and whereby the cannula passing through the housing member also passes through the shield plate. A prestressed spring structure is positioned within a housing member to normally apply pressure against the cannula, thereby holding it in fixed relationship to the housing member. This spring structure has a release actuation member which when operated permits a slide movement of the cannula through the housing member.

Abstract: A variable size endotracheal tube (VSET) is described for use in intubation of a body lumen. The VSET includes a flexible, tubular member with a distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end includes a tube adapter configured to be coupled to a gas source. In one embodiment, a stent-like infrastructure runs substantially longitudinally along the length of the tubular member. The stent-like infrastructure is configured to variably expand a cross-section of the inner surface of the tubular member along substantially the full length of the tubular member. Furthermore, the stent-like infrastructure is arranged to maintain the variable expansion of the cross-section to substantially prevent stenosis of the body lumen, while the body is intubated.

Abstract: A medical tube securing device for a patient is disclosed, comprising at least one bite block and a support frame integral with said bite block, said support frame comprising a protruding extension with at least one inwardly recessed portion so as to avoid contact with the patient's mouth, said protruding extension operable to receive an adjustable medical tube retaining device without contacting the face of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an endotracheal tube fixation apparatus, comprising an attracted element and a magnetic ring. The attracted element fixed on the endotracheal tube is made of magnetized substance and covered by a soft protection layer. The magnetic ring is provided with a plurality of thin-sliced magnetic elements which are spaced at intervals and enclosed by the soft protection layer. The magnetic ring is placed around the neck of a patient when in use, while the attracted element is intubated into the trachea of the patient together with the endotracheal tube and stays at the place matching correspondingly to the magnetic ring. The magnetic ring and the attracted element then attract each other, which enables a fixation of the endotracheal tube staying within a selected region.

Abstract: And the esophageal airway management device guide insertable in a patient's trachea with minimum throat, esophageal or tracheal injury having a distal section softer than an intermediate section which also may have a proximal section softer than the intermediate section.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tie includes a padded collar with a surface engagement side, a strap coupled to the padded collar on a side opposite from the surface engagement side and extending from opposite ends of the padded collar. The strap includes a loop material outer surface and tapered distal ends. Connectors tapered at both distal ends are connected to respective tapered distal ends of the strap, each of the tapered connectors having a hook material outer surface. The tapered connectors are operable to pass through respective tracheostomy tube connectors and loop back to engage the loop material so the padded collar may securely fastens and positions a tracheostomy tube.

Abstract: A medical headgear fabric that includes, at least: (i) a skin-facing fabric layer; (ii) an outermost fabric layer; and (iii) a plastic or metal layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably these layers, as well as any additional layers that may be present in the fabric are thermoformed to form a substantially unitary fabric with at least a substantially laminate structure. Preferably, the fabric also includes a foam layer located between the fabric layers. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of plastic, the plastic layer is in the form of a nylon, plastic strip. Preferably, in embodiments with a layer (iii) of metal, the metal layer is in the form of an aluminum strip.

Abstract: An improved tracheal tube anti-disconnect device for securing a ventilator tube to an adapter that is connected to a tracheal tube. The device is comprised of a neck band that includes a pair of anchoring strips that releasably connect the neck band to a neck plate, an anti-disconnect fastening assembly that releasably secures to the neck band and which positively retains a ventilator circuit in communication with the tracheal tube. A retention system is provided on the neck band to prevent the anti-disconnect fastening assembly and the anchoring strips from disconnection with the neck band, thereby ensuring the communication between the ventilator circuit and the tracheal tube.

Abstract: An adjustable flange for a tracheostomy tube has a locking assembly (25) with two C shape clamp arms (26) and (27) hinged together at one end (28). A lever (50) with a threaded stem (51) extends through the opposite end of one arm (27) and into a threaded aperture (32) in the other arm (26). When the handle (55) of the lever (50) is inclined out of the plane of the locking assembly (25) it can be slid freely along the tracheostomy tube (1) for positioning. The locking assembly (25) is locked in position by rotating the handle (55) down to lie in the plane of the locking assembly. The flange (20) has two wings (22) and (23) connected with a central plate (20) by webs (42) and (43) of reduced width so that the webs flex to allow the wings to be lifted readily.

Abstract: A system for securing an endo-tracheal tube or other medical article in position upon a patient includes a head contact member, retainer, and attachment members which can be adjustably attached between the head contact member and the retainer. The retainer may include a bite block. Certain embodiments of the head contact member have a concave shape which follows a portion of the patient's skull and may have a rigid or flexible structure. The attachment member attaches to the retainer which grips the endo-tracheal tube or other medical article.

Abstract: A patient interface that includes a support body having a cushion and cheek interfaces. Collectively, the cushion and cheek interfaces operate to distribute compressive forces exerted on the user's face. The support body of the patient interface is constructed from a flexible material to impart additional adjustability to the cheek interfaces. The support body also has arcuate eyelets designed to provide a hinge between the headgear assembly and the support body.

Abstract: An endoscopic mouthguard comprising a bite block comprising a generally annular body adapted to be inserted into the mouth of a patient so as to maintain the upper and lower teeth of the patient in a spaced apart relationship and define an endoscopic passage for introduction of an endoscope into the oral cavity of the patient. The bite block includes a gas delivery passage for delivery of a gas to the oral cavity of the patient, and a gas distribution manifold detachably engaged with the bite block. The gas distribution manifold comprises at least one inlet port for receiving gas from a gas supply, at least one nasal outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port and adapted so as to direct gas to or toward the nasal passages of the patient; and an oral outlet port in fluid communication with the inlet port.