Abstract: An excrement detection sensor in which two pairs of conductors 1, 2 and 3, 4 are formed between a carrier body 6 and a coating body 7 both having water-proof property and insulating property, wherein the cover body is formed with an urine introduction port 8 correlating the paired conductors and with a faeces introduction port 9 correlating the other paired conductors, and when urine enters into the urine introduction ports, the one pair of the conductors are short-circuited and when faeces enters into the faeces introduction ports, the other one pair of the conductors are short-circuited, whereby the urination and the evacuation can be distinctively detected.

Abstract: Device for ventilation with a double lumen endotracheal tube featuring a connecting piece at the end distal to the patient into which the two lumina of the endotracheal tube are extended, separated within the connecting piece by an axial partition wall, a connector with two nozzles leading to a joint connecting section and separated from each other by another partition wall, the connector being attachable to the connecting piece in a way that brings the partition wall and the other partition wall into a sealing contact, a ventilator and at least one tube connected to a nozzle of the connector at one end and to the ventilator at the other.

Abstract: The present application relates to a urinary catheter movement system for use with a urinary catheter located within an interior volume of a urinary catheter pouch. The system can include a catheter movement controller configured to selectively control longitudinal movement of the catheter relative to a port in the pouch. The system further can include a gripper assembly configured for gripping the catheter located within the interior volume of the urinary catheter pouch.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.

Abstract: A nasal cannula and mouthpiece assembly for delivering oxygen to a person is provided having a nasal cannula, at least two mouthpieces, two pairs of oxygen supply tubes and two sets of adjustors. Each mouthpiece has a first outer end for receiving oxygen and a second outer end with a first and second opening. The first opening delivers oxygen across lips of a mouth of the person and the second opening delivers oxygen inside the mouth from the sides. A sleeve member encloses each of the mouthpieces and positions the mouthpieces in front of the sides of the mouth. The oxygen supply tubes of the first pair deliver oxygen to the nasal cannula and those of the second pair deliver oxygen to the first pair and to the mouthpieces. The two sets of adjustors adjust the lengths of the oxygen supply tubes of the first pair and the mouthpieces to provide a desired fit of the assembly on the person.

Abstract: A system for adjusting a gas delivery mask is provided. The system may include a first housing portion, a first rim flexibly coupled to the first housing portion by a flexible member, a second housing portion coupled to the first housing portion, a second rim associated with the second housing portion, and a ball rotatably disposed between the first and second rims and having a gas passageway extending therethrough. The ball may be maintained in contact with both the first and second rims by a resiliency of the flexible member.

Abstract: Low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter, such as a gastrostomy feeding tube. In a preferred embodiment, the adaptor comprises a body having a lower portion and an upper portion. A first channel is provided in the lower portion, and a second channel is provided in the upper portion, the first and second channels being perpendicular to and in fluid communication with one another. A generally cylindrical stem is coaxially positioned within the second channel, the stem being rotatably mounted about its longitudinal axis. The stem is hollow and has an open front end, a closed rear end and a hole in its side wall, the hole being rotatably alignable with the first channel. To facilitate rotational alignment of the hole with the first channel, a stop is formed on the exterior of the stem, the stop being engageable with a surface positioned within the second channel. The front end of the stem is recessed relative to the front end of the second channel to prevent unwanted rotation of the stem.

Abstract: A snorkel clip made up of two substantially rigid elements, which are designed to wrap at least half way around a snorkel tube, overmolded with a substantially flexible element to create a simple, aesthetically pleasing device. The snorkel clip also includes a hinge region created as part of the substantially flexible element. This hinge region allows the snorkel clip to flex or bend so that one of the rigid elements may be disengaged and pulled away from the riser tube of the snorkel, so that a mask strap may be attached to and removed from the snorkel, while the other rigid element remains attached to the riser tube in a generally secure manner. The substantially flexible portion may also include several cut out sections to provide visual and tactile access to portions of the substantially rigid elements for utility and aesthetic design.

Abstract: Disclosed is a flow control device for a bronchial passageway. The device can includes a valve member that regulates fluid flow through the flow control device, a frame coupled to the valve member, and a membrane attached to the frame. At least a portion of the flow control device forms a seal with the interior wall of the bronchial passageway when the flow control device is implanted in the bronchial passageway. The membrane forms a fluid pathway from the seal into the valve member to direct fluid flowing through the bronchial passageway into the valve member.

Abstract: A cannula having at least three separate flow passages and comprising separate nasal and mouth main bodies. The nasal body has first and second nares and first and second main flow chambers respectively communicating with first and second ports, and the first and second flow chambers are separated from one another by a septum. The mouth main body is adjacent the nasal main body and has at least one mouthpiece and at least a third main flow chamber therein communicating with a third port. The cannula has at least first, second and third flow paths which can be connected with a desired supply, monitoring or detection device. The invention also relates to the method of manufacturing the cannula.

Abstract: A nasal cannula apparatus which includes one or more adjustment members which allow a wearer of the apparatus to retentively reposition the fluid supply tubing to a desired position of comfort. The ability to retentively reposition minimizes the dermal abrasion problems of the ears and other portions of the face experienced by the prolonged wearing of the nasal cannula apparatus encountered in the current art.

Abstract: A flexible connector that couples a delivery conduit to a patient interface device and a pressure support system that includes such a flexible connector. The flexible connector of the present invention prevents disruption of the seal between the patient interface and the patient's face. The flexible connector may have a bellows portion with a longitudinally directed portion, a narrowed neck portion, or a plurality of corrugations. The flexible connector may further have a swivel portion and/or an exhaust member, and/or a hinge member.

Abstract: A coupling arrangement for a system for endotracheal ventilation of a patient is disclosed. The system includes an endotracheal tube and a manifold configured for allowing ventilation of the patient via the endotracheal tube, which manifold has a first coupling element with an axial extent and with engagement element; and which endotracheal tube has a second coupling element with an axial extent and with engagement element; wherein the coupling arrangement is configured to produce, when the first and the second coupling elements are moved together in the axial direction, a locking engagement between the engagement elements.

Abstract: A respiratory mask having a flexible, mask seal portion for engagement with the face of a user, a gel forehead cushion and a rotatable elbow coupling having integral exhaust ports. The mask seal portion has a thin section which permits the mask to more easily adapt to the contour of the face of the user. The gel forehead cushion provides increased compliancy and resiliency to better adapt to multiple user physical profiles. The elbow coupling includes tapered through holes in a polycarbonate arc piece to provide a quiet passage of gas through the holes.

Abstract: A multilumen tracheal tube or catheter is disclosed. The tube has a plurality of suction lumens, each having a suction port. A rotatable suction port collar is provided. The suction port collar has an inlet and an outlet. The collar overlaps each suction port and is capable of selectively occluding a number of the suction ports while enabling unimpeded passage between a remainder of the ports and the outlet.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes an instrument introduction section that is adapted for introducing an instrument into an artificial airway of a patient. The instrument introduction section has a distal end and a proximal end with an opening that allows for insertion of the instrument into the instrument introduction section. The instrument is movable through a passageway between the distal and proximal ends. The distal end is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway structure that is attached to the patient. Further, a valve is located in the instrument introduction section. The valve has a closed position in which the passageway is at least substantially isolated from the artificial airway of the patient when the instrument is present and is proximal from the valve. The valve at least substantially blocks the passageway of the instrument introduction section when the valve is in the closed position.

Abstract: Method and device for scavenging tainted escape gas at a location proximate the patient's mouth (24) before that gas diffuses into, or otherwise reaches the personal breathing space (32, 35) of attending health care providers (38, 39). The scavenging device (50) includes, but is not limited to a suction arrangement (52) suspendable from a patient's nasal mask (40) used for administering gaseous analgesia or anesthetic such as nitrous oxide to the patient (20). A suction inlet (54) is positionable proximate the patient's mouth (24) and an exhaust outlet (56) is provided that is interconnectable with a vacuum source (46).

Abstract: This invention is a neonatal airway adapter (10) with a sliding internal passage (54), which virtually eliminates void volumes (112) within the bore (76) of the airways, such that mixing of the exhales pages with void gases is reduced, and the waveform of the breath is maintained without undue distortion. Furthermore, the virtual elimination of void volumes reduces the level of re-breathing. The neonatal airway adapter connects to endotracheal tube adapters is such a way as to nullify the effect of the differing internal diameters (20) and internal lengths which are used in ET adapters currently available. The cross section of the internal bore of the airway through which the breath flows from the ET adapter to the connector of the ventilator is maintained almost constant, especially in the region of the gas sampling point (66), to ensure that reasonable conditions of laminar flow, and accurate sampling are maintained.

Abstract: A device for ventilation, comprising a ventilator for providing a stream of gas for ventilation at an outlet, a hose for inspiration air one end of which is connected to the outlet, a double-lumen endotracheal tube one lumen of which, at its end distal to the patient, is connected to the other end of the hose for inspiration air, flow meters for measuring the streams of gas in the two lumina of the endotracheal tube, pressometers for measuring the pressures at the ends distal to the patient of the two lumina, an evaluation means for determining the flow resistance in a lumen flowed through by gas because of the stream of gas measured therein and the pressures measured, and a means for outputting an information about the flow resistance of the lumina.

Abstract: A medication delivery apparatus and method for a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system such as used in emergency treatment of severe respiratory distress. The apparatus of the invention includes a 3-port Tee fitting, one port of which is connected to the inlet port of a CPAP full face mask operable at a continuous elevated pressure. A second port is connected to a CPAP gas conduit supplying a pressurized oxygen-containing gas. The third port is connected to a flexible tube receiving aerosolized medication from an upper outlet of an openable/refillable lightweight nebulizer. The flexible tube is of a length to support a nebulizer in a vertical attitude.

Abstract: A multilumen unilimb breathing circuit with a detachable proximal fitting for providing respiratory gases to and receiving expiratory gases from a patient. The circuit has unique fittings for connection to patient devices or assisted ventilation systems and components. Despite many teachings away in the prior art from making breathing circuit tubing detachable from the proximal terminal, the proximal end of the rigid multilumen proximal fitting can be attached and detached by a user at a site of use to a mating multilumen proximal terminal while its distal end can be attached to multiple lumens formed of flexible tubing for carrying gases to and from a patient. The present invention introduces for the first time to the multilumen unilimb circuit art a detachable proximal fitting.

Abstract: A closure device (10) is disclosed for use with an access port (62,72,82,92) of a medical respiratory apparatus (60,70,80,90). The closure device (10) comprises a cap (14) that seals the access port (62,72,82,92) save for an opening (28) in the cap (14), and a closure (16) for sealing the opening (28). The cap (14) includes a portion of flexible material (26) in which the opening (28) is formed, and is hingedly mounted with respect to the access port (62,72,82,92).

Abstract: A medical device clamping assembly includes proximal and distal axially aligned members. The proximal and distal members are movable relative to each other. A channel is defined through the members for receipt of at least a portion of a treatment device therethrough. A clamping member is configured between the proximal and distal members and defines a portion of the channel. The clamping member is actuated between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration by moving one of the distal or proximal members relative to the other. In its clamped position, the clamping member clamps upon and restricts axial movement of the treatment device through the assembly; however, the assembling may move on or within the treatment device and does not necessarily limit at least partial retraction of the device from a patient but rather only restricts insertion of the device beyond that point at which the assembly contacts a stopper.

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger for both conducting a stream of air produced by a ventilator to a moisturizing medium and internally bypassing the moisturizing medium if aerosolized medication is introduced into the stream includes a housing having a ventilator-side port coupled to an outlet of a ventilator and a source of aerosolized medication. The housing has a patient-side port for coupling to a patient to provide ventilation including either air or air carrying aerosolized medication. A first path conducts air from the ventilator-side port through the moisturizing medium and the patient-side port, and a second path conducts air carrying aerosolized medication from the ventilator-side port directly to the patient-side port. A two-way valve mechanism in the housing selectively couples the ventilator-side port into fluid communication with one or the other of the first and second paths.

Abstract: An improved manifold assembly useful in patient ventilation/aspiration systems includes a stop cock valve with a hollow stem and a transverse port arranged to permit the stem to be rotated between open and closed positions. In both positions, a ventilating pathway is maintained through the stem between ventilator and patient connection ports of the manifold. In the open position the stem provides a travel pathway for a catheter between the patient connection port and an access port of the manifold. In the closed condition, the stem seals this travel pathway. The improvement provides an arrangement of structure operable to resist imparting shear damage to an inserted catheter, and to provide enhanced feedback to an attendant, as the stem is manually rotated into contact with the catheter.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes an instrument introduction section that is used for introducing an instrument into an artificial airway of a patient. The instrument introduction section has a distal end and proximal end with an opening which allows for insertion of the instrument into the instrument introduction section. The instrument is movable through the passageway in the instrument introduction section between the proximal and distal ends. A valve is located in the instrument introduction section and has a closed position in which the instrument may be isolated from the artificial airway of the patient. The valve at least substantially blocks the passageway of the instrument introduction section when in the closed position. The valve also has an open position that allows for the instrument to be advanced through the instrument introduction section. A manifold is attached to the distal end of the instrument introduction section. The manifold is in communication with the artificial airway of the patient.

Abstract: A respiratory suction catheter assembly includes a manifold supporting a rotatable swivel member for engagement with an endotracheal tube, and a seal support body disposed on a boss of the manifold opposite the part supporting the swivel for supporting a catheter tube seal and a porous filter for filtering air flowing into and out of a flexible elongated sheath enclosing the catheter tube. The sheath includes opposed tapered ends secured to the seal support body and to a boss on a suction control valve housing. The valve housing supports a tapered plug closure member engageable with a resilient actuator and a slide-lock member. Certain components, including the sheath, the seal support body, the filter, the catheter tube seal and the catheter tube may be treated with an anti-microbial agent.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.

Abstract: An adapter couples a patient's breathing circuit to a ventilator. In the preferred embodiment, the adapter comprises an inhalation conduit having a first end for coupling the adapter to the ventilator and a second end for coupling the adapter to the patient breathing circuit; an exhalation conduit having a first end for coupling the adapter to the patient breathing circuit and a discharge conduit, the discharge conduit transversely oriented to the inhalation conduit; an exhaust port communicating with the discharge conduit for releasing breathed gas from same; a valve selectively opening and closing the discharge conduit to release gas from same; and a base comprising means for releasably coupling the adapter to the ventilator.

Abstract: A flexible tracheotomy endotracheal tube comprises a short distal section of tubing, an intermediate section of tubing, a pre-formed obtuse-angle bend in the tube between the distal and intermediate sections, an elongated proximal section of tubing, a pre-formed abrupt bend in the tube between the intermediate and proximal sections, and an inflatable cuff integrated into the distal section of tubing.

Abstract: A flow control device includes a sealing component that can be positioned within a bronchial lumen. The sealing component can comprise two or more overlapping segments that are movable relative to one another such that the segments collectively form a seal that can expand and contract in size to fit within and seal bronchial lumens of various sizes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a receptacle for a therapeutic fluid susceptible to deterioration on exposure to a gas such as oxygen or carbon dioxide. The receptacle has walls of sheet material each including at least one layer forming a barrier essentially impermeable to such gas, and a seal sealing the walls together in a region thereof. A transfer tube is sealed in the seal having a proximal end in the receptacle, a distal end accessible from outside the receptacle, a flow passage extending between said proximal and distal ends, and a closure blocking flow through the flow passage adapted to be pierced by a tubular needle for transfer of therapeutic through the needle. The transfer tube and closure are essentially impermeable to said gas.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering anaesthetic to human or animal patients. The apparatus is an anaesthetic machine which is arranged to mount components of an anaesthetic delivery circuit, and which includes a collector arrangement in the form of a manifold having a plurality of inlets and outlets. The manifold enables a reduction in the number of tubes connecting the various components in an anaesthetic system, which are normally required in prior art anaesthetic machines. The manifold also includes an arrangement which provides a Venturi effect on gas flow, and enables a pressure gauge to be mounted out of a patient breathing circuit. The machine is preferably portable.

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. An identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment, such as to modify the flow to the targeted lung region or to achieve volume reduction or collapse of the targeted lung region. 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. The bronchial isolation of the targeted lung region is accomplished by implanting a flow control device into a bronchial passageway that feeds air to a targeted lung region.

Abstract: This invention is a secretion, a suction device, and kit for intubated or tracheostomized patients including a suction valve (1) having a body (2) with a chamber (3) where a selective obstruction device (4) is assembled. The device further includes a spherical valve (45) which selectively opens or closes a passage for a probe (25) through a patient/ventilator connection (56). The kit allows for the correct positioning of the suction device, including a plastic sheathing (65), and a tube for disposal of the suction device.

Abstract: A breathing circuit comprising first and second conduits, wherein at least one of the conduits is a non-conventional conduit. In an embodiment, a multilumen unilimb breathing circuit has first and second conduits, wherein when the proximal ends of said first and second conduits are each connected to an inlet and outlet fitting, respectively, movement of the distal end of the first conduit causes a corresponding movement of the distal end of the second conduit. In an embodiment, at least one of said conduits is coiled. In another embodiment, a coiled conduit is contained within an outer flexible conduit that is axially extendable and compressible, forming a unilimb multilumen respiratory circuit. The outer flexible conduit may be pleated to provide for non-rebounding axial extension and contraction. The multilumen respiratory circuit can provide a variable rebreathing volume.

Abstract: A gas circuit has an outlet and an inlet. Circuit adapters are provided. An anesthesia breathing circuit has tubular breathing circuit hoses, a Y connector and a connecting elbow. The breathing circuit has an electronically conductive system of wires and contacts to form two unconnected parallel electric circuits. An endotracheal tube has a conductive strip. A capnograph has a sampling tube coupled to the breathing circuit. The capnograph is electrically coupled to the separate electric circuits. The capnograph begins an adjustable timer when the endotracheal connector completes the electrical circuit by connecting the endotracheal tube to the breathing circuit. The timer provides for the transmission of an alarm when the circuit had been completed and no carbon dioxide was detected in the breathing hoses within a predetermined amount of time. The timer also provides for the transmission of an alarm when the circuit had been completed and had been disconnected.

Abstract: A method of providing an individualized online behavior modification program using medical aids. The method comprises the steps of: registering an individual that desires to modify a specific behavior; consulting with the individual; providing a suggested treatment plan including recommended medical aids based on information about the individual obtained during the registering step and consulting step; delivering the suggested treatment plan including the medical aids to a health care provider selected by the individual; providing a finalized treatment plan by incorporating the suggested treatment plan and suggestions from the health care provider; monitoring the individual's treatment; modifying the finalized treatment plan by adjusting accordingly the final treatment plan based on information received during the monitoring of the individual's treatment; and providing a final assessment.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A device for externally retaining a gastrostomy feeding tube comprises a clip. In one embodiment, the clip is a generally rectangular, unitary structure shaped to include a first end wall, a second end wall spaced apart from and extending parallel to the first end wall, a lower wall extending perpendicularly between and interconnecting the first end wall and the second end wall, and an upper wall having a first end connected to the first end wall and a second end spaced apart from the second end wall. The first end wall, the second end wall, the lower wall and the upper wall together define a tubing storage cavity, with the space between the upper wall and the second end wall defining an inlet to the tubing storage cavity. The first end wall has a top surface, a bottom surface and a bore extending between said top surface and said bottom surface.

Abstract: An improved respiratory suction apparatus—catheter includes a manifold for attachment to the distal hub of an endotracheal tube to form a respiration circuit, a catheter tube which is displaceable through the manifold and into the endotracheal tube to suction secretions from the tube and lungs, and a valve mechanism disposed adjacent the respiration circuit to minimize the draw of air from the respiration circuit of a patient while the catheter is being cleaned. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the catheter is cleaned more thoroughly than in the prior art while simultaneously drawing little or no air from the patient's respiration circuit.

Abstract: A low profile adaptor for use with a medical catheter. In one embodiment, the adaptor comprises a lower connector portion, an upper connector portion and a valve. The lower connector portion comprises a tubular portion and an annular portion, the annular portion radially surrounding the tubular portion along an intermediate length thereof. A helical thread is formed on the inside surface of the tubular portion. A circular lip projects upwardly a short distance from the top surface of the annular portion. The upper connector portion comprises a tubular section adapted for insertion into the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. An external helical thread is formed on the tubular section of the upper connector portion for mating engagement with the thread on the interior of the tubular portion of the lower connector portion. The upper connector portion also includes an annular base.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a connector holding device to prevent the accidental disconnection of the two halves of a connection device for a fluid connector system.

Abstract: A valved aerosol Tee adapter assembly comprises a housing member having an upper section with a first interior passageway, a spring chamber between the first passageway and the inner wall of said upper section and a valve seat formed along the upper edge of said upper section, and a lower section having a second passageway contiguous with the first passageway, a compressible spring positioned in the chamber; and a valve reciprocally movable in the housing comprising a valve actuator slidably received in the second passageway having an upper surface for engaging the compressible spring, and a valve member secured to the valve actuator.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for performing pulmonary procedures, and in particular treating lung disease. A flow control element includes a valve that prevents airflow in the inhalation direction but permits airflow in the exhalation direction. The flow control element is guided to and positioned at the site by a bronchoscope that is introduced into the patient's trachea and used to view the lungs during delivery of the flow control element. The valve may include one, two or more valve elements, and it may be collapsible for easier delivery. A source of vacuum or suction may be used to increase the amount of fluid withdrawn from the lung tissue. A device for measuring hollow structures, such as bronchioles, and a device for removing a previously-placed flow control element are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.

Abstract: A method of intubating a patient includes inserting a tracheal tube into the patient, inserting a gastric tube into the patient, attaching a gastric tube retainer to the tracheal tube, and engaging the gastric tube in the gastric tube retainer to thereby secure the gastric tube in position relative to the tracheal tube. The gastric tube is engaged in the gastric tube retainer by spreading apart portions of the gastric tube retainer along a slit, and sliding the gastric tube into the gastric tube retainer along the slit to a gastric tube opening having a diameter corresponding to the outer diameter of the gastric tube, so that the gastric tube is securely retained in an uncompressed condition in the gastric tube opening.

Abstract: A nasal cannula for insufflating a patient with oxygen through one nare of the cannula and separately analyzing the exhaled gases from the patient by drawing the sampling of the exhaled gas from the other nare of the cannula into a conventional carbon dioxide analyzer. A further addition of holes or vents in the nares of the cannula are provided on both the interior and posterior of one or both nares in order to substantially reduce or eliminate the incidence of occlusion of the tip of the carbon dioxide sampling nare.

Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are force toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.