Abstract: An endotracheal tube cleaning apparatus to be used with an endotracheal tube, the cleaning apparatus having an elongate tubular member with a distal end that extends into the endotracheal tube and at least one channel defined therethrough and terminating at a distal end disposed in a vicinity of the distal end of the elongate tubular member. A cleaning assembly is provided at the distal end of the elongate tubular member so as to affirmatively engage the interior wall structure of the endotracheal tube, as a result of a resilient material bladder, for cleaning thereof. A ventilator coupling is further provided and is connected to the endotracheal tube. Moreover, a first inlet port of the ventilator coupling is coupled to a ventilator assembly structured to supply air to a patient, and a second inlet port of the ventilator coupling is structured to receive the elongate tubular member therethrough into the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A flow regulator, preferably in a respirator/ventilator, has a conduit through which a medium conduit flow is to be regulated flows and a choker valve arranged outside the conduit, the choker valve having pressure applicators arranged exactly opposite one another between which the conduit can be brought and act on the flow cross-section of the conduit such that they leave the flow cross-section of the conduit uninfluenced in a first limit position and press the conduit completely closed in a second limit position. In order to obtain a flow regulator of this type with a choker valve that is gentle on the conduit and which can also completely compress a conduit having a comparatively large flow cross-section, the pressure applicators are fashioned such that, when the conduit is compressed, both pressure actuators actively press it together from both, opposite sides.

Abstract: An apparatus to stretch one end of a catheter guide wire, and to secure the catheter guide wire in a dispenser tube is provided, including an introduction aid and a connection element. The introduction aid includes an elongate hollow element having an open distal end and an open proximal end, a cylindrical section having an undercut and a conical section tapering away from the cylindrical section. The cylindrical section contains a longitudinal U-shaped slit defining a flexible tongue, where the flexible tongue is adapted for pressing into the cylindrical section. The connection element includes a proximal connector, a tubular distal connector, and a central section between the proximal and distal connectors. The central section is open such that the guide wire is accessible, and includes an advancing surface. The proximal connector connects to the end of a catheter guide wire dispenser tube.

Abstract: A tracheostomy cannula for use in a tracheostoma is described, which is provided with a hose-like outer cannula into which an inner cannula, which is also hose-like, can be guided and can be locked to the outer cannula at the proximal part in order to form a cannula tube, wherein a cannula plate (3) for application to the neck is fitted in the proximal area of the outer cannula (1), through which the proximal part of the outer cannula reaches (1). It is proposed that the cannula tube is mounted so that it is pivotable about at least two spatial axes (X, Y) with respect to the cannula plate (3).

Abstract: A ventilator and trach holder device includes a main attachment body and at least one and, preferably, a pair of spaced apart attachment tab members. The main attachment body includes a central panel, a pair of spaced apart first connection members, a pair of spaced apart second connection members and a plurality of patches of complementary mateable hook and loop fastener material. The first and second connection members and central panel provide the main attachment body with a H-shaped configuration and the patches are complementary to and mateable with one another such that the main attachment body may be wrapped around a ventilator circuit component and held in place by fastening the patches to one another. Each attachment tab member includes opposite first and second ends and a pair of patches of complementary and mateable hook and loop fastener material. The first end of the attachment tab member is mounted to the central panel of the main attachment body.

Abstract: A quick disconnect fitting, that is operable with one hand, is provided for connection of a endotracheal tube and an artificial breathing apparatus output tube. The fitting is preferably a rigid body member having a artificial breathing apparatus input member, a endotracheal output member, and a movable piston or plunger for manual extraction of the endotracheal tube from the endotracheal output member. A finger support member can be provided to grip with at least one finger to obtain additional leverage to depress the plunger with the palm of a user's hand. Fluid communication is always maintained from position 1 to position 2 were complete disconnection of the endotracheal tube is achieved.

Abstract: Hemodialysis access and lock device (10) and system, the device comprising an improved lock (32) formed of a resilient plug (34) surrounding an inserted needle cannula (NC) and having radial blades (40) with a tapered outer edge (42) locking to a corresponding tapered surface (44) of a surrounding shell (12) and an internal passage sealed by a duck-bill valve and a strain relief at a catheter and the system comprising one or more of such devices and corresponding hub structures (100) connectable to external fluid conduits and providing control of the needle cannula and an internal obturator (OB) associated with it.

Abstract: A method of connecting flexible first band structure to a tracheostomy neck plate, the neck plate having a first wing projecting laterally, the method includes: providing first anchoring structure including a first clip connectable to the wing, the band structure connectible to the first anchor; the first anchor configured to be anchored to the neck plate via the clip and a first opening through the wing, and the first anchor having a first section offset relative to the clip; and providing a first lock in association with the section, for holding the anchor in anchored relation to the wing, and releasable to free the first anchor from the wing.

Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer the less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.

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 forced 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 tracheostomy tube assembly comprises an outer tracheostomy tube and an inner cannula of a flexible material preformed to the shape of the outer tube and smooth on its inside and outside. The outer tube is straight at its patient end and has a short straight machine end with a coupling. The patient and machine ends are separated by a curved intermediate region divided along its length into two sub-regions. The first sub-region closer the machine end has a small radius of curvature; the other sub-region closer to the patient end has a radius of curvature at least three times that of the first sub-region. This shape enables the patient end of the assembly to be aligned with the patient's trachea.

Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising two elements each having a hub disposed at the proximal end thereof. The hubs are constructed so as to be complementary and rotatably engageable as the result of a plurality of threads disposed on the hubs of the two catheter introducer elements. When the threads of the hubs of the two catheter elements are engaged axial disengagement of the hubs is inhibited. The catheter assembly also comprising a means of securing against accidental rotational disengagement. The size and location of the threads and the rotational securement means permits the catheter assembly to have a lower profile because the distance to the hemostasis gasket is reduced thus permitting easier access to the hemostasis gasket.

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: The present invention provides a housing for use in the administration of medical fluids comprising a body having an opening at a distal end to a chamber, the chamber is connected to an interior flow channel, and a plurality of ribs are positioned in the chamber and are circumferentially spaced, the ribs are positioned inward of the body opening.

Abstract: A substantially tubular body includes an open first end adapted for connection to a ventilator. The body further includes an open second end opposite the first end and adapted for connection to an endotracheal tube. An injection tube has a primary end and a secondary end. A pre-pierced, self-sealing injection port is disposed at the primary end of the injection tube and is adapted for insertion of the needle there-through and into the injection tube. The secondary end is connected to the body between the first end and the second end, whereby medication delivered through a needle inserted through the primary end will flow through the injection tube, into the body, then into the endotracheal tube, and will be atomized into a patient's lungs when the ventilator forces air through the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering pressurized gas to the airway of a patient including: a gas flow generator for providing a flow of gas, a breathing appliance for sealingly communicating with the airway of the patient, and a conduit for delivery of the gas flow to the airway of the patient, the conduit having a first end connected to the gas flow generator and a second end connected to the breathing appliance. The apparatus further includes at least one sensor in fluid communication with the conduit and located substantially at the gas flow generator for detecting conditions corresponding to breathing patterns of the patient and generating signals corresponding to the conditions, and an information processor for receiving the signals and for controlling the output of the gas flow generator responsive to the signals.

Abstract: A tracheotomy tube water blocking system including a strap adapted for securement around a neck of a wearer. The strap has an aperture through a front portion thereof. The aperture has a cylindrical collar secured therein. The cylindrical collar has an open inner end and an open outer end. The open inner end is dimensioned for coupling with an existing tracheotomy tube of the wearer. An air flow tube is provided having a generally inverted L-shaped configuration. The air flow tube has an upper horizontal portion with an open inner end coupling with the open outer end of the cylindrical collar. The air flow tube includes a lower vertical portion extending downwardly from the upper horizontal portion. The lower vertical portion having an open lower end.

Abstract: The cuff on the patient end of a tracheal tube is attached at one end to the inside of the tube and at the opposite end to the outside of the tube. The cuff encloses an axial sleeve that is slidably mounted within the patient end of the tube and is urged forwardly by a resilient collar. The sleeve can be retracted by applying vacuum to the cuff and, when released, extends forwards to prevent the cuff occluding the patient end of the tube.

Abstract: An endotracheal pressure monitoring and medication system includes an endotracheal tube having a primary lumen and a secondary lumen with a connector having an outside diameter configured to provide a frictional fit with a Y-tube and a tubular conduit with an outside diameter providing a frictional fit with a proximal end of the endotracheal tube. The connector includes a passageway extending from the tubular conduit to a fitting whereby medication can be applied or pressure can be monitored. A sleeve member extends about on a seal to the endotracheal tube with a cantilevered branch tube providing fluid communication with the secondary lumen. The cantilevered branch tube can be connected to a flexible tube member to enable either the application of medication or the monitoring of pressure.

Abstract: A surgical cannula assembly includes a cannula, an adapter ring, and a housing. The adapter ring is defined at the proximal end portion of the cannula and includes a first sealing surface. The housing includes a port structure for engagement with the adapter ring. The port has a lip with a second sealing surface adapted to engage the first sealing surface. The first and second sealing surfaces are preferably annular surfaces which are non-parallel with respect to each other.

Abstract: A stylette or end cap connector for supporting a guide or stylette for medical tubing wherein the end cap is of integral tubular construction, and has a plurality of apertures through an enlarged head, and wherein an interior projection aids in friction fit retention with medical tubing, which is inserted therein.

Abstract: The improved endotracheal anti-disconnect device includes a flexible, resilent elongated patient neck band having a main body, the front surface of which bears a number of hook-receiving loops. The band has narrow opposite ends which form tabs, the front surfaces of which bear a number of hooks. With this arrangement the tabs can be passed through slots in the sides of an endotracheal tube bracket and then can be reflected rearwardly and connected by the hooks to the loops to releasably hold the bracket against the throat of a patient. The device also includes a ring assembly having a ring with a central space and to which ring are connected 4 connectors, which radiate therefrom. Two of the connectors are in the form of wings which are disposed horizontally and are elongated. The wings bear a number of hooks on their inner surfaces so that the ring can be pulled against the bracket and connected by the wings to the front surface of the neck band.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder secures an endotracheal tube in a selected position within the patient's mouth and trachea and includes a tube holding block having an elongated cradle that extends inwardly of a patient's mouth. The holding block is formed having a tube clasp housing in which is located a plurality of tube securing pins, whereby the endotracheal tube is held in place by the securing pins and a pair of oppositely disposed flexible flange members which engage and hold the tube in a substantially fixed position with respect to the patient's mouth, and wherein a flexible biting block is interposed between the tube cradle and the tube clasp housing.

Abstract: The invention features a component which is part of a breathing circuit for directing flow of air to and from a patient, the breathing circuit including an inspiratory tube defining an inspiratory lumen for flow of air to the patient and an expiratory tube defining an expiratory lumen for flow of air from the patient, the tubes being joined via a common wye piece to the component. The component includes each of inner and outer coaxial tubes, the inner tube defining an inner lumen in communication with the inspiratory lumen, the outer tube defining an outer lumen in communication with the expiratory lumen, wherein the outer tube is made from a collapsible and expandable tubing which is sufficiently flexible to assume a bent configuration and sufficiently stable to retain the bent configuration, and thus is virtually unlimited in its positionability with respect to the patient and the bulky portions of the breathing circuit.

Abstract: A neck flange supports a tracheostomy tube inserted into the neck and has a neck engaging portion of a molded thin flexible flat sheet of a transparent polymer. An interconnection positioned centrally within the neck engaging portion and carried thereby has a ring shaped body with an opening and a pair of opposed pivot pins extending inwardly into the opening for carrying the tube passing therethrough. The pair of opposed pins fit for movement within recesses in the tube to permit limited swivel motion. The interconnection is molded of a transparent polymer material that is less flexible than the neck engaging portion and has a stepped cross section so the pair of opposed pivot pins are raised relative to the ring shaped body. The neck engaging portion is molded about the interconnection so the raised pair of opposed pins remain exposed.

Abstract: In a device for transmitting information via a patient tube from a location near the patient to an intensive care or anesthetic machine, at least one signal source is arranged at one end portion of the tube to deliver information-carrying signals which propagate longitudinally through the medium inside the tube. At least one receiver is arranged at the other end of the tube to receive the signals.

Abstract: The disclosure is of apparatus for transporting treatment means to a pulmonary patient and including sealing means embedded in parts thereof to prevent leakage of the treatment means.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube stabilizer includes an elongate frame having a transverse tube channel with an opening sized to radially receive an endotracheal tube. Straps are provided for securing the frame to the head of a patient with the frame bridging and the tube adjacent to the patient's mouth. A clamp has a body and a distal foot. The clamp body is attached to the frame with the distal foot traveling in a arcuate path relative to the frame from an open position remote from the opening of the transverse tube channel to a select operative position blocking the opening of the tube channel. In this manner, with an endotracheal tube received in the channel, the distal foot, when in an operative position, clamps the endotracheal tube in fixed position relative to the frame within the slot.

Abstract: An endotracheal catheter assembly and method for deep intrapulmonary, aerosol delivery of liquid drugs and other liquid therapeutic agents. The invention can deliver a bolus dose of liquid drugs into the lungs of a patient which is at least bioequivalent in terms of physiological effect to a similar drug dose delivered intravenously. The catheter assembly includes a first, gas-bearing tube and a second, liquid bearing tube, preferably concentrically nested within the gas-bearing tube. The tubes are inserted in an airway of the patient, preferably by threading the tubes into a lumen of an endotracheal tube, to position a terminal nozzle formed by distal tips of the tubes near a carina of the patient. At the nozzle, the lumen of the first tube has a comparative cross-sectional area relative to that of the second tube's lumen of between about 0.4:1.0 and 4.0:1.0.

Abstract: A medical device is herein described for provision of a pressurized fluid through interchangeable probes. In the preferred embodiment of this medical device, the interchangeable probes are mounted to a handset having a quick disconnect/reconnect mount which not only permits rapid attachment and removal of such probes to the handset, but also the freedom of change in orientation of the probe relative to the handset to accommodate variable condition/requirements of an operative procedure and clinician preferences. In the preferred embodiment of this invention, quick disconnect/reconnect mount of this invention permits rotational movements of the probe tip while preserving sealing engagement thereof to the handset.

Abstract: The avoiding of uncomfortable-to-the-touch ear loops and the like in the attaching insertion of oxygen-delivering inserts of a cannula into a patient's nose which uses a 0.25 inch diameter in a circular base of a U-shape of the cannula to provide a chord which in width wise size is smaller than the width wise size of a patient's typical columella which divides in two the nasal cavities, such that the size difference results in a "pinch" fit which holds the cannula in place during its use, and the referred to columella not being sensitive-to-touch thus does not contribute to patient discomfort.

Abstract: A sealed ventilation circuit adapter that enables simultaneous patient ventilation and safe tracheal suctioning is embodied to accommodate any of a wide variety of commercially available suction catheters. The adapter comprises a manifold assembly, and a catheter carrier. The manifold assembly may be attached to a patient for an extended period, while the catheter carrier is advantageously constructed as a single procedural use disposable device. The carrier couples with the manifold assembly and functions to effect an introduction of a catheter through a normally closed valve structure carried by the manifold assembly.

Abstract: A surgical procedure done under general anesthesia in which a patient is first operated on in an operating room and thereafter moved from the operating room to a recovery room is disclosed herein. During general anesthesia the patient is administered oxygen from a first oxygen source through a cooperating tube disengagably connected at a first end to the source and at a second opposite end to a mask or endotracheal tube attached to the patient in a way that allows the patient to receive oxygen from the source. After surgery, while being moved from the operating room to a recovery room, the patient is administered oxygen from a second, portable source using the very same cooperating tube. Specifically, after the patient has begun spontaneous ventilation, the first end of the cooperating tube is disconnected from the original oxygen source and reconnected to the portable source.

Abstract: A retaining clamp device holds a tubular air fitting to an endotracheal tube or tracheostomy, e.g., disposed on the neck of the patient. A C-shaped clamp member is formed of a resilient semi-rigid plastic and has an inside diameter that fits snugly over the air fitting, with one or more legs connected to the C-shaped clamp member. The legs have slots at their free ends to fasten the clamp member to said to the flange of the endotracheal tube assembly, e.g., using the Velcro strips that hold the flange to a neck collar. The legs can include left and right leg members that extend from opposite sides of the C-shaped clamp member. The attendant or patient can snap the C-shaped member on or off the fitting of a ventilator tube, moving the C-shaped member to the side.

Abstract: A method for providing assisted ventilation which avoids hypoxia and hypocapnia is disclosed, in which a predetermined dead space in an assisted ventilation system is provided external to the patient. The method may also be used to create normocapnia or moderate hypercapnia without causing hypoxia during assisted ventilation. Preferably, hypoxia can be avoided while inducing and/or maintaining the arterial carbon dioxide tension between about 35 and 95 mmHg. Dead space volumes as small as 10 ml and exceeding 150 ml are utilized in the method. An improved proximal terminal, tubular attachments, and coaxial filter are disclosed, which are safer and less expensive to use than prior art unilimb assisted ventilation systems; the devices of the present invention also reduce medical wastes in comparison to prior art assisted ventilation systems.

Abstract: A two part closed tracheal suction system comprising a first part connector for attachment to an endotracheal tube and a ventilator circuit wherein the connector includes a normally closed entrance seal directly manually accessible and preferably manually deformable to open up an access opening to the connector, and the entrance seal automatically returning to its normally closed position upon manual release of the seal.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve includes a shut-off valve member (1) capable of shutting off the valve in response to an egressive air thrust. The valve includes a blow-off valve member (2) of a design such that the valve can open in response to an overpressure in the trachea which exceeds a given value. This blow-off valve member limits the maximum achievable overpressure behind the valve. Coughing is possible without prior operation of the valve and leakage due to excessive overpressure in the trachea is prevented. The valve may contain a tissue connector and a housing to be connected thereto.

Abstract: A securing device for an introducer of the kind for introducing an oral tube or laryngeal mask into a patient takes the form of a V-shape plate with a ribbed collar at its apex within which the tube or mask extends. A compressible gap extends from the collar to the edge of the plate and this is compressed, so that the collar grips the tube or mask, by fastening openings in the plate onto projections from the introducer. Alternatively, the securing device has a clip with two spaced engagement members so that the gap is squeezed closed by clipping the engagement members between two arms of the introducer.

Abstract: A blind intubation guide (10) including a tube-receiving space (46) with a tube-supporting spout (50) which effectively overhangs the epiglottis (90) so as to prevent an orotracheal tube (60) from catching thereon as such tube (60) is advanced through the guide (10). A guide wall (42), which aims the tube (60) into the laryngeal opening (82) and has an upper edge below the level of the junction of the spout (50) and an aft member (16) and a support member (30) of the guide, cooperates with a free edge (52) of the spout (50) to rotate the tube (60) into position for advancement into the laryngeal opening (82) and the trachea (96).

Abstract: A pharyngeal airway tube, without inserting any foreign matters in the trachea (T), can be easily inserted through the oral cavity (O) in the lower pharynx (P), and is capable of hermetically sealing a transitional region from the lower pharynx to the esophagus (E) and the periphery of the laryngeal opening (AL) to secure an airway for positive pressure artificial ventilation. The pharyngeal airway comprises an airway tube (1) having a closed, round distal end and provided in its side wall with ventilating holes (2), and a balloon (3) attached to the edge of the ventilating part and around the ventilating part of the airway tube and capable of being inflated so as to surround a part of the airway tube near the distal end of the same. A small bore gas passage (4) is formed in the wall of the airway tube so as to open into the balloon, and a small bore tube (5) fitted with a connector (7) is connected to the proximal end of the gas passage.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction catheter device usable with a respiratory support system which includes a catheter enveloped in a sleeve having a proximal end connector for connection to a suction source through a suction control device such as a suction control valve, and a distal end connector for attachment to a manifold of the respiratory support system. The proximal end connector includes a normally closed valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until a suction control device is attached thereto. The proximal end connector may also be adapted for use on a dual lumen catheter and thereby include a fluid injection passage having a one-way check valve therein. The distal end connector of the suction catheter device includes a magnifying window through which a portion of the catheter within the connector can be viewed.

Abstract: Device to be connected to a tracheostoma, comprising a filter housing (10) for receiving a moisture and heat exchanging filter (11) said filter housing having a first opening (12) to be connected to the patient's stoma and at least one second opening (14) at the opposite side of the filter (11).According to the invention there is provided at said second opening (14) of the filter housing (10) a valve member for closing said second opening, said valve member being spring biased to an open position and being adapted to be manually closed by means of a finger against the spring bias.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which a closed ventilating system accommodates multiple access to the respiratory system of an intubated medical patient. Access to the respiratory system is accomplished via one or more access ports through an attached accessory device in order to ventilate the lungs of the patent with gas or gasses, aspirate secretions from the lungs, oxygenate the lungs, visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, sample sputum and gasses, sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, flush the respiratory tract with washing solution, and/or administer medication, gasses, and/or lavage. The embodiments of the present invention may have such accessory devices permanently fixed to the adaptor or may be removable and replaceable. Access control means may be provided whereby one or more access ports are selectively aligned with the adaptor in order to allow passage of an attached accessory device therethrough.

Abstract: A nasal tube holder for anchoring a tube in a nasal passage including a nasal dilator affixable over the bridge of a nose, a tube holding portion depending from the nasal dilator for engaging a tube and anchoring the tube within a nasal passage and an adhesive backing carried by the nasal dilator and the tube holding portion for adhering the nasal dilator to a nose and a tube to the tube holding portion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed by which a closed ventilating system accommodates multiple access to the respiratory system of an intubated medical patient without comprising the closed character of the system. Access to the respiratory system through one or more access sites of the closed system apparatus is provided at proximal adapter ports to ventilate the lungs of the patient with gas or gases, to aspirate secretions from the lungs, to oxygenate the lungs to eliminate or reduce residual co.sub.2 therefrom, to visually inspect selected parts of the respiratory system, to sample sputum and gases, to sense parameters such as flow rates, pressure, and temperature, to flush with washing solution, and/or to administer medication, gases, and/or lavage.

Abstract: An improved unilimb anesthesia tube assembly includes a rotatable end fitting at the patient end and inner and outer cylinders to which inner and outer unilimb tubes are secured with gas-tight seals. The invention also includes a tool and method for checking the gas-tight seals of the assembly.

Abstract: A tracheal guide (10) for positioning a medical device (11) such as an endotracheal or intubation tube in the trachea (12) of a human patient (13). The tracheal guide includes an elongated member (14) with a generally U-shaped passage (17) extending therethrough. Ears (18, 33) are disposed laterally about the passage and, in particular, the distal end (15) thereof. These ears are shaped for conformance with and placement in the piriform fossa (19, 34), which are located in the vicinity of the glottic opening (39) of the trachea. A tongue (25) extends distally from the distal end of the elongated member and into the esophagus (32) of the patient when the ears of the guide are positioned in the piriform fossa. The passage of the elongated member includes first and second surfaces (20, 24) that form an edge (26) that extends anterior to the cricoid cartilage and, in particular, the transverse arytenoid when the edge and ears are properly positioned in the patient's airway.

Abstract: A closed ventilator system includes a universal endotrachael tube adapter having a pair of interconnected hollow body members. One of the hollow body members includes a pair of interconnected air passageways coupled respectively between a ventilator and an endotrachael tube, where the air passageway coupled to the endotrachael tube includes a universal access port for receiving a measurement gauge or a suction catheter device. The other hollow body member is adapted to receive a valve which is maintained in a normally open position to permit air under pressure from the ventilator to be supplied to the endotrachael tube. However, when the measurement gauge or suction device is attached to the access port, the valve can be manually operated to close the passageway to the ventilator without closing the other air passageway to facilitate accurate breathing measurement or fluid removal procedures.

Abstract: Filtration and closure barriers are disclosed which prevent passage of gas-carried contamination between the atmosphere and a collapsible sheath, which surrounds a catheter tube, during insertion and/or removal of the catheter tube from the respiratory tract of a medical patient.