Abstract: A headgear for use with a mask includes a first strap being configured to engage a back of a patient's head and extend on either side of the patient's parietal bone behind the patient's ears and assume, in use, a substantially circular or oval shape. At least a portion of the first strap is substantially inextensible. The headgear also includes at least one second strap configured to removably connect the first strap to the mask. The second strap may be more extensible than the first strap. At least a portion of the first strap is self-supporting such that the headgear maintains a three dimensional shape when not in use. The substantially inextensible portion of the first strap is constructed to resiliently return to a predetermined shape when not in use. The arcuate region includes a first portion that may be arranged to align substantially parallel with a top of the patient's head and a second portion being arranged to align substantially to a rear surface of the patient's head.

Abstract: A mask for preventing water from entering a tracheal stoma comprises a neck hanging part and a mask body connected with the neck hanging part. The mask body is worn on a tracheostomy patient through the neck hanging part. A concave space is formed on an inner side of the mask body, a plurality of air vents communicating with the concave space are formed in a lower half of an outer side of the mask body, and a plurality of inclined retaining walls are respectively located in the concave space and respectively connected to a top edge of each of the air vents, and the inclined retaining wall is capable of preventing the concave space from being seen when viewed directly through the air vents of the mask body. The mask of the invention is capable of greatly reducing a risk of water entering the tracheal stoma.

Abstract: A vascular access system which may be configured for blood draw may include a housing, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The slot may include a notch. The vascular access system may include a cannula hub, which may be disposed within the housing and movable with respect to the slot. The cannula hub may include a tab extending through the slot. The vascular access system may include a cannula extending distally from the cannula hub. In response to the tab being disposed within the notch, a distal tip of the cannula may be disposed within the housing. In response to advancing the tab along the slot to a distal end of the slot, the distal tip of the cannula is disposed distal to the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: A coupler includes: a first connecting portion, an accommodating portion, and a second connecting portion; the first connecting portion is operatively connected to a gas-providing circuit; the second connecting portion is operatively connected to a gas-delivering circuit, where the gas-providing circuit, the coupler and the gas-delivering circuit form a pathway for providing gas to a user at a patient side of the coupler; the accommodating portion is provided with at least one sensing apparatus or a heating apparatus, where the at least one sensing apparatus is configured to measure a first parameter of the gas, and the heating apparatus is configured to heat the gas passing through the coupler.

Abstract: A flexible mask substrate (MS) with a rigid front plate (FP) which may be a viewing window (VW) causing the mask substrate to extend forward from a patient's face, forming a chamber in front of the patient's mouth. Instrument ports (IP) allow instruments to be introduced through the mask into the patient's oral or nasal cavity to perform dental or medical procedures. An elastic band (CE) on the mask substrate to conform the mask to contours of the patient's face. A malleable metal strip (MM) for conforming the mask to the patient's nose. Methods of fabricating the mask. The mask, and variations thereof, may be used to perform various treatments, including non-oral procedures. Using a nebulizer in conjunction with the mask, wherein the nebulizer is supported independently of the mask.

Abstract: A first part of a fluid connector system for delivery of pressurized breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device. The first part has a connector portion with a first opening for a fluid flow, a sealing surface around a periphery of the first opening, and a retaining portion axially aligned with the sealing surface. The sealing surface is configured to axially receive a seal portion extending around a periphery of a second opening to form a face seal with a second part of the fluid connector system. The retaining portion is configured to be releasably engaged with a retaining portion of the second part of the fluid connector system.

Abstract: A patient interface to deliver of a flow of air at a positive pressure with respect to ambient air pressure to an entrance to the patient's airways including at least the entrance of a patient's nares while the patient is sleeping, to ameliorate sleep disordered breathing, includes a seal-forming structure, a positioning and stabilising structure, and a connector assembly adapted to connect to an air circuit. The connector assembly includes a ring member configured to be removably and releasably secured in the patient interface and an elbow assembly configured to connect to the air circuit. The elbow assembly is repeatedly connectable to and disconnectable from the ring member. The elbow assembly includes an elbow member and a clip member that includes a separate and distinct structure from the elbow member, and the clip member is configured and arranged to connect to the elbow member.

Abstract: A vascular access system which may be configured for blood draw may include a housing, which may include a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot disposed between the distal end and the proximal end. The slot may include a notch. The vascular access system may include a cannula hub, which may be disposed within the housing and movable with respect to the slot. The cannula hub may include a tab extending through the slot. The vascular access system may include a cannula extending distally from the cannula hub. In response to the tab being disposed within the notch, a distal tip of the cannula may be disposed within the housing. In response to advancing the tab along the slot to a distal end of the slot, the distal tip of the cannula is disposed distal to the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: An adapter set that is attached to artery-side and vein-side shunt connectors-that are provided on a blood circuit. The adapter set includes: an artery-side adapter that has one end thereof connected to the artery-side shunt connector, has the other end thereof connected to a drainage port that is provided on the outside of the blood circuit, and thereby connects the artery-side shunt connector and the drainage port fluid tight; and a vein-side adapter that has one end thereof connected to the vein-side shunt connector, has the other end thereof connected to a supply port that is provided on the outside of the blood circuit, and thereby connects the vein-side shunt connector and the supply port fluid tight. The structure of the other end of the artery-side adapter and the structure of the other end of the vein-side adapter are different.

Abstract: A sanitary device for securing a breathing tube to a patient during anesthesia administration, which also prevents leaking anesthetic gases from entering the operating room environment. The novel design allows rapid application by the user and prevents potential transmission of infectious agents to the patient while securing the breathing tube. A unique, integrated suction system efficiently evacuates leaking anesthetic gases. The device may be manufactured inexpensively and is provided in sanitary packaging. It is intended for single use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a surgical cannula with a removable seal at one end. The surgical cannula is a wide gauge surgical cannula, that allows materials and tools to be introduced into a body during a surgical procedure. The cannula includes a seal structure at one end, which may be attached to and detached from the cannula body as desired. The seal structure includes one or more valves that retain pressure within the cannula. The one or more valves are configured to allow a tool through the valve(s), while retaining pressure inside the cannula, so that surgical tools may be inserted through the cannula even when the seal structure is attached to an end of the cannula.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter shaft having shaft proximal and distal portions. A hub is coupled with the catheter shaft proximate the shaft proximal portion. A graduated strain relief fitting is coupled between the catheter shaft and the hub. The graduated strain relief fitting includes at least a first flexural modulus proximate the hub and a fitting proximal portion. The graduated strain relief fitting includes a second flexural modulus proximate the catheter shaft and a fitting distal portion. The second flexural modulus is less than the first flexural modulus and less than or equal to a catheter shaft flexural modulus. The first and second flexural moduli are modulated with one or more of a taper, flexure joints, fitting frame of the fitting or material of the fitting body.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a frame member and a cushion having a main body, a sealing portion, and first and second posts extending from the main body. The frame member defines a first orifice and a second orifice. The first post of the cushion is rotatably received within the first orifice and the second post is rotatably received within the second orifice in a manner that permits the cushion to rotate relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A frangible connector has a first side that forms a female luer when a second side is fractured at a predefined break line. The second side may be connected to a fluid circuit, for example, a source of medical treatment fluid such as dialysate.

Abstract: A connection assembly for a respiratory therapy system, comprising: an outlet assembly, said outlet assembly including an outlet housing and a swivelling disc located on said outlet housing, said outlet housing and said swivelling disc defining, at least in part, a recess; an outlet connector located at an end of a tube portion, said outlet connector including an electrical connector; and a cable having a first end to connect to the electrical connector and a second end to connect to at least one electrical component of the respiratory therapy system, said cable having a slack portion, wherein said outlet connector and said swivelling disc are rotatable in unison between a first position and a second position, and wherein the slack portion of the cable extends from the recess and wraps around the swivelling disc as the swivelling disc is rotated from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A sealing cap for a container for holding a medical liquid comprising a cap body, which bounds an interior and has at least one opening, and at least one connection device, which is arranged on the cap body and to which a conveying device for feeding a medical liquid into the container or for removing a medical liquid from the container can be connected. The connection device has a sealing element, arranged on the cap body. The connection device has a break-off piece, which, in an initial state, is firmly connected to the cap body and covers the outer face of the sealing element in the outward direction. The break-off piece is connected to the cap body by means of a pre-determined breaking point. In addition, the sealing element is convex on the outer face.

Abstract: An at least partly implantable system for injecting a substance into the body of a patient is disclosed. The system comprises at least one infusion needle disposed at least partly within at least one housing with a tip end of the infusion needle arranged for penetrating an outer wall of the housing. The system further comprises at least one drive unit adapted to be implanted inside the body and a for advancing and retracting the tip end of the infusion needle so that the infusion needle penetrates, upon advancement, the outer wall to allow for injection of the substance.

Abstract: The subject invention is directed to a new and useful coupling system for connecting a tube set to a trocar. More particularly, the system includes a trocar connector having no more than two coaxial flow passages formed therein including an inner flow passage and an outer flow passage. The inner flow passage is defined by an inner annular wall and the outer flow passage is defined between the inner annular wall and an outer annular wall. A dual lumen tube set is included with a first tube having a first diameter and a second tube having a second diameter that is greater than the diameter of the first tube. The system further includes a coupling including a generally cylindrical body having a first end portion configured to mate with the two coaxial flow passages of the trocar connector and a second end portion configured for attachment to the two tubes of the dual lumen tube set.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to devices, systems, kits and methods for achieving maxillo-mandibular fixation (MMF). In an embodiment, a system comprises a plurality of dental occlusion ties and/or tension band ties (referred to herein as “DO ties” and “TB ties,” respectively). In another embodiment, a system or kit can comprise a plurality of one or both of DO ties and/or TB ties as well as a trimming tool, comfort caps or material, a lip/cheek retractor, and/or an instruction sheet. DO ties and TB ties can simplify the management of mandible fractures and maxilla fractures by helping re-establish precise dental occlusion for MMF.

Abstract: A heart failure recovery device includes a fluid pump having an inlet and an outlet in fluid communication with a pump reservoir, and a pumping element disposed within the pump reservoir, the pumping element including a protrusion that in an active state is configured to rotate and move fluid away from the inlet and towards the outlet. A receiver coil can be electrically coupled to the fluid pump and is configured to subcutaneously absorb electromagnetic energy for powering the fluid pump. In certain embodiments, an implantable port provides fluid access to the pump reservoir for cleaning and maintaining the fluid pump. In other embodiments, a valve closes fluid access to at least one of the inlet and the outlet during periods when the device is not being used for treatment.

Abstract: A soft grip medical connector comprises a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end and a lumen extending through a central portion thereof. A flexible member comprises a valve portion integrally formed with a sleeve portion. The valve portion is positioned within a section of the housing and is configured to control a flow of fluid through the housing lumen. The sleeve is inverted to envelope at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments the gripping portion is integrally formed with the valve portion. In some embodiments, the connector is also generally configured to create a positive pressure in a catheter lumen upon removal of a syringe or other medical device from the upstream end of the connector. Methods of making a medical fluid connector generally comprise forming a valve member with a sleeve extending there from, and assembling the valve, sleeve and housing.

Abstract: Provided is a salt that comprises a silicon-containing phosphate anion represented by formula (1) (in the formula, R1-R4 each independently represent an alkyl group having 1-4 carbon atoms, and n represents an integer of 2-8).

Abstract: An endograft introducer assembly having a transfer sheath is disclosed. The assembly includes a pusher assembly comprising a guide wire catheter, a tip mounted to a proximal end of the guide wire catheter, a stent graft receiving portion distal of the tip and a pusher distal of the receiving portion. The assembly further includes a transfer sheath extending distally over the stent graft receiving portion from a proximal position adjacent to the tip, the transfer sheath having a first length over the stent graft receiving portion; and a stopper disposed co-axially around the transfer sheath. The stopper has a proximal end terminating in a stopper surface and a distal portion, the distal portion removably engaged with the transfer sheath so as to prevent relative axial movement between the stopper and the transfer sheath in at least one direction.

Abstract: An adapter (100) has a through hole (103). A first end portion (101) of the adapter includes a tubular portion (110) on which a first projection (111) and a second projection (112) are provided. The adapter can be connected to a male connector at a first position where a claw (32) of the male connector is engaged with the first projection (111) and at a second position where the claw (32) is engaged with the second projection (112). When the adapter is connected at the first position, a flow channel (11) of a male member (10) is sealed with a cover (4). When the adapter is connected at the second position, the adapter compressively deforms an outer circumferential wall (45) of the cover so that the flow channel of the male member is in communication with the through hole (103) of the adapter.

Abstract: Various irrigation fluid containment systems and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a medical kit and/or an irrigation kit. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a medical basin and/or an irrigation basin. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises an irrigation shield. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a suction hose.

Abstract: An adapter assembly includes a tapered connector including a central passage and a tapered outer surface for sealing with a tube or bottle. A male connector for connection to a female connector to fluidly communicate the female connector with the tube or bottle is coupled with the tapered connector. A method of forming such an adapter assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An access port comprising a port body and a catheter, the port body defining a cavity into which a fluid can be delivered or extracted through one side of the port body, the catheter being in communication with the cavity and being disposed on an opposed side of the port body, thus protecting the catheter from needle stick damage. An access port comprising a port body and a catheter, the port body defining a cavity into which a fluid can be delivered or extracted from through one side of the port body, the port body being configured to extend partly through a hole in the body of a patient in which the access port is implanted and thus plug the said hole. The port body comprising integral means for anchoring the port body to the body of the patient. Also is provided a method for anchoring the access port to the hole and extracting the access port from the hole as well as the applicator, extractor and delivery sheath for anchoring and extracting the access port.

Abstract: A microcatheter comprising an elongate flexible tubular body, a tip body and a coupling is disclosed. The elongate flexible tubular body has a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending axially therethrough. The tip body has a proximal end and a distal end and a lumen extending axially therethrough. The coupling covers a portion of both the tubular body and tip body and is made from a first material and a second material, where the first material is different from the second material. The first material is compatible with an outermost layer of the tubular body and an outermost layer of the tip body, and the second material is configured to form a detachable bond with at least one of the tubular body and the tip body.

Abstract: A skull implant medication injection port comprises: a mounted portion placed on an upper section of a port insertion hole in a patient's cranium and a medication inlet on a top surface; a medication injection diaphragm that seals the medication inlet of the mounted portion where a needle for injecting a medication is inserted; a medication storage portion coupled with a bottom of the mounted portion stores the medication injected through the medication injection diaphragm; a medication discharge pipe connected to the medication storage portion discharges the medication stored in the medication storage portion; and a rib formed on a perimeter between the mounted portion and the medication storage portion that has a diameter larger than an inner diameter of the port insertion hole. A height of the mounted portion is generally about 4 to 7 mm, and a height of the medication storage portion is generally about 2 to 4.2 mm.

Abstract: A method of providing airway clearance therapy to a patient includes receiving an expiratory airstream from the patient in a chamber, causing a back pressure to be created in the chamber (10) in response to receiving the expiratory airstream, causing a one-way valve, such as a magnetic duckbill valve (26), located downstream of the chamber to open only in response to the back pressure being at least equal to a certain predetermined level, causing a vibratory effect to be generated downstream of the one-way valve, for example using a vibratory ball check valve (32), when the one-way valve is open and in response to the expiratory air-stream passing therethrough, and delivering a percussive sensation to the patient through the chamber responsive to the vibratory effect.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the concentration of one or more analytes from a sample such as blood or plasma are described. The systems described herein can be configured to withdraw a sample from a source of fluid, direct a first portion of the withdrawn sample to an analyte monitoring system and return a second portion of the sample. The analyte monitoring system can be connected to the fluid source via a connector that is configured to improve fluid flow and reduce blood clotting risk. These goals can be accomplished, for example, by employing coatings in or on a connector, positioning a resilient substance at or near the junction, by reducing dead space volume, by using resiliency to improve fit, by extending a portion of one connector to better mate with a portion of another connector, etc.

Abstract: A soft grip medical connector comprises a housing with an upstream end, a downstream end and a lumen extending through a central portion thereof. A flexible member comprises a valve portion integrally formed with a sleeve portion. The valve portion is positioned within a section of the housing and is configured to control a flow of fluid through the housing lumen. The sleeve is inverted to envelope at least a portion of the outer surface of the housing. In some embodiments the gripping portion is integrally formed with the valve portion. In some embodiments, the connector is also generally configured to create a positive pressure in a catheter lumen upon removal of a syringe or other medical device from the upstream end of the connector. Methods of making a medical fluid connector generally comprise forming a valve member with a sleeve extending there from, and assembling the valve, sleeve and housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood line (108) comprising an infusion site (145) intended to inject into the line a solution, comprising: a first main channel (200) having a first passage section, a second main channel (220) having a second passage section, means for the formation (210) of a turbulence area located downstream from the first main channel, located upstream from the second main channel, these formation means comprising a first fluid passage means (224) defining a reduction (225) in the passage section and whose smallest passage section is smaller than the first passage section and smaller than the second fluid passage section, a secondary channel (230) comprising an inlet (231) for letting in the solution and an outlet (232) in fluid communication with the first main channel or the means for the formation of a turbulence area or the second main channel.

Abstract: An attachment for a syringe, carpule, or the like, includes a distal end and a terminal extension with an outer surface, a free end, and a depression introduced at a spacing into the outer surface. The attachment includes an annular base body and is placeable onto the extension. The base body encloses a free space into which the extension is introducible. The base body contains two materials a first material which is dimensionally stable and a second material which is softer than the first material and deformable. The base body has an engagement region, which engages into the depression. The extension is thus characterized in that the base body has, along an imaginary circumferential line, a first region with the first material and a second region containing the second material. The second material deforms into the depression in a placed-onto-the-extension state. The second material is embedded into the first material.

Abstract: A device for securing a tracheostomy or endotracheal tube to a patient.

Abstract: Lay flat tubing is used as a fluid conductor for transferring fluid to and from the body of a patient. The lay flat tubing lies flat or collapsed when not in use, utilizing minimal space during transportation and storage, but which expands to form a passage when used to conduct fluid. A plurality of lumens may be formed in the lay flat tubing. At least one lumen transports infused fluid end-to-end from a source to an entry site on a patient, or in the alternative from an entry site on or in a patient. All lumens are isolated with respect to each other in order to prevent crossover of fluid from one lumen to the other.

Abstract: Lay flat tubing is used as a fluid conductor for transferring fluid to and from the body of a patient. The lay flat tubing lies flat or collapsed when not in use, utilizing minimal space during transportation and storage, but which expands to form a passage when used to conduct fluid. A plurality of lumens may be formed in the lay flat tubing. At least one lumen transports infused fluid end-to-end from a source to an entry site on a patient, or in the alternative from an entry site on or in a patient. All lumens are isolated with respect to each other in order to prevent crossover of fluid from one lumen to the other.

Abstract: A gas mask with a connection piece (11) at a mask body has an adapter (12), which is rotatably received in the connection piece (11). The gas mask has an angle piece (13) outside the mask that connects to a drinking tube (7) for the consumption of food or beverage and has a mouthpiece within the mask to form a drinking device (2). A swivel joint connection is provided between the adapter (12) and angle piece (13) to accomplish the object.

Abstract: Apparatus (200) for the application of topical negative pressure therapy to a user of the apparatus (200) is described together with a method for protecting said apparatus (200) when subjected to abnormal stresses, the apparatus (200) comprising a device (202) and a waste canister (204) releasably connected thereto wherein the device (202) and waste canister (204) are connected together by clip means (222), said clip means (222) being subject to failure upon application of abnormal stresses thereby permitting separation of the device (202) and waste canister (204).

Abstract: There is provided a looped tether to prevent the over-withdrawal of a suction catheter from a connecting fitting in a closed suction catheter respiratory device. The looped tether is made from a single thread or strand that is looped or doubled in length with the two loose ends connected together to produce the loop. The looped tether provides better distribution of the forces at the ends of the device and is relatively simple to assemble. Also provided is a system for preventing the over-withdrawal of a suction catheter from a connecting fitting in a closed suction catheter respiratory device.

Abstract: A cleaning apparatus including an elongate tubular member utilized by extending into an endotracheal tube. A cleaning assembly provided at a distal end of the elongate tubular member radially expands to engage the interior wall of the endotracheal tube, for cleaning thereof by an outer periphery, achieving an effective cleaning engagement. A fluid impervious bladder portion provides an effective seal preventing fluid seepage during cleaning withdrawal. Further, a ventilator coupling connects to the endotracheal tube, a first inlet port couples to a ventilator assembly to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port receives the elongate tubular member there through into the endotracheal tube. Also, a bypass coupling assembly connects between the channel of the elongate tubular member and the ventilator assembly directing air into the channel of the elongate tubular member and out the distal end upon occlusion of airflow.

Abstract: A CPAP device includes a flow generator including an outlet, a humidifier including an inlet, and an adaptor connector between the outlet of the flow generator and the inlet of the humidifier. The connector includes a flexible and conformable sealing portion that is movable to accommodate misalignment.

Abstract: An excrement treating apparatus 100 includes an excretion receiver 1 and an apparatus body 2. The excretion receiver 1 includes a receiver body 10 which receives excretions and an excretion sensor 20 which detects the excretions. The apparatus body 2 includes a urine tank 51 which stores urine, a vacuum pump 52 which sucks urine received by the receiver body 10 into the urine tank 51, and a control unit 53. The excretion sensor 20 includes a pair of urine sensor electrodes 21 and 22 which detect urine received by the receiver body 10. The control unit 52 controls so as to reverse the polarity of the urine sensor electrodes 21 and 22 at prescribed time intervals. In the excrement treating apparatus, the excretion sensor's sensitivity is stabilized and urination is accurately detected and treated.

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. 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. The endotracheal tube also includes a connector to couple the suction lumen to a source of suction to remove subglottic secretions from the area above the cuff.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a ventilator tube to a tracheotomy tube has a latching mechanism which prevents the coupling from axially displacing a tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube after they have been mated in a pneumatically discrete path. For use with known adult tracheotomy tubes which have inner and outer cannulas, the latching mechanism engages the coupling with the leading end of the outer cannula collar with the inner cannula collar sandwiched therebetween. For use with known one piece children's tracheotomy tubes, the latching mechanism is a clamshell contoured to concentrically grip the tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube. Interlocking the coupling and the tracheotomy tube prevents them from inadvertently axially displacing from each other. Non-axial force disengages the coupling from the tracheotomy tube so that the coupling can be axially displaced without exertion of excessive axial force on the system and the patient.

Abstract: A diversion device is provided for diverting breathing gas, which is laden with CO2, from a pressurized region of an arrangement that includes a breathing mask and serves for delivering a breathing gas at a pressure level that is above the ambient pressure. The device has a tubular stub structure which defines a breathing gas conduit that extends between an inlet cross section on the hose side and an outlet cross section on the mask side, and which is provided, in a region located between the inlet cross section and the outlet cross section, with an outflow orifice portion by way of which the breathing gas to be carried reaches the environment. In a region located between the outflow orifice portion and the outlet cross section on the mask side of the breathing gas conduit, a double-walled structure that surrounds the breathing gas conduit is embodied for sampling the breathing gas to be carried away from a mask interior, while largely circumventing the breathing gas conduit.

Abstract: A female enteral feeding connector includes a body having a hollow interior and an opening extending into the hollow interior for receiving a tip of a preselected male enteral feeding connector. A deformable retainer is mounted in the hollow interior adjacent the opening. A guard is mounted in the hollow interior and spaced from the retainer. A stop is positioned in the hollow interior for obstructing the opening in the body. The stop is moveable through the deformable retainer by application of a manual force on the preselected male enteral feeding connector from an obstructing position in which the stop obstructs the opening in the body from receiving the tip of the preselected male enteral feeding connector, to a non-obstructing position in which the stop permits the opening in the body to receive the tip of the preselected male enteral feeding connector.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a ventilator tube to an improved single cannula tracheotomy tube has a latching mechanism which prevents the coupling from inadvertently axially displacing from a tapered tubular extension of the tracheotomy tube after they have been mated in a pneumatically discrete path. Non-axial and non-rotational forces are used to engage and disengage the coupling from the tracheotomy tube. The coupling has a trailing end adapter which permits rotation of the coupling relative to the ventilator tube rather than to the tracheotomy tube.

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: A vascular access device may include a gas chamber housed between a body and a septum, and a receptacle in communication with the gas chamber. A method of displacing gas in a medical device may include transferring gas between a gas chamber of a vascular access device and a receptacle housed within the vascular access device.