Abstract: A device for holding an endotracheal tube in various positions in alignment with the mouth of a patient. The tube holder has a tube holding support engaged on a frame for the holder in alignment with the mouth of a patient. The support is adjustable along the frame to position the support in various locations along the frame while still in alignment with the patient's mouth. The frame is shaped to engage the chin of a patient, and is pliant in order to conform to the chin.

Abstract: A tracheostomy system having a neckplate, a tracheostomy tube having an end adapted for insertion into a patient's breathing passage and an end provided with a trach head for swivel connection to the neckplate and a connection mechanism for swivelly connecting the trach head to the neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing. The present invention also relates to a method for swivelly connecting a trach head to a neckplate without deformation of the trach head or neckplate and without thermal processing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sputum trap for an aspiration a respiratory support system which includes a sleeved suction catheter device, a suction control valve, and a ventilator manifold. The sputum trap allows collection of sputum directly from a patient through a suction catheter without causing a loss of PEEP in the respiratory support system. The sleeved suction catheter device includes a sputum trap/suction control valve end connector having a valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until the sputum trap or suction control valve is attached thereto. The manifold includes a one-way check valve which is opened upon insertion of the manifold end connector of the sleeved suction catheter therein. The suction control valve includes an actuator which is linearly movable between a first position in which suction therethrough is prevented, to a second position in which the valve is open to suction therethrough.

Abstract: An anesthesia conduit for connecting a tracheal tube and a gas circuit. The connector includes a flexible portion integral with a substantially rigid longitudinally extending portion. The longitudinally extending portion may include two ports, one connected to apparatus such as an respiratory gas monitor, and the other configured such that suction catheters can be inserted into the conduit and tracheal tube.

Abstract: A bite block where, in a first embodiment, the mouthpiece is flanked by laterally-extending arms that define large, inverted "U"-shaped finger-accommodating openings so that a surgeon may guide a surgical tool by placing fingers within those openings. The mouthpiece has a cylindrical throughbore that receives the surgical instrument. The upper and lower teeth of the patient are supported by flat upper and lower support walls that are formed integrally with the mouthpiece, and each support wall includes a retention ridge that helps keep the mouthpiece in the patient's mouth. Upper and lower flanges extend above and below the plane of their respective support walls, so that the mouthpiece cannot enter the patient's mouth even when the surgeon pulls back the patient's lips to their limit.

Abstract: Partial esters of alginic acid and salts thereof possess important bioplastic and pharmaceutical qualities and are useful in various fields including medical, surgical, cosmetics and foods.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a mouthpiece which directs oxygen into to the mouth of a patient, whether the oxygen is supplied to the patient by a single oxygen supply tube or by conventional nasal cannulae extending from a common oxygen supply tube. In addition, the mouthpiece of the invention provides auxiliary openings through which fingers can be inserted into a patient's mouth so as to allow for manual manipulation of the mouthpiece once it is placed in the mouth.

Abstract: A solution administration apparatus for patient care, for use with an associated solution administration system, which apparatus includes a laser drilled orifice flow control device to provide a controlled, predetermined flow rate of solution to the patient. The apparatus includes a tubing set and a laser drilled orifice flow restrictor, formed in a body, and in fluid communication therewith, for use with an associated fluid supply container. The system provides a controlled, predetermined flow rate of solution to the patient which is independent of, and relatively constant over minor variations in solution supply pressure and viscosity.

Abstract: A breathing circuit is provided for conveying an inspiratory gas from a gas dispensing apparatus to a patient, and for conveying an expiratory gas from the patient. The circuit includes a corrugated expiratory tube having a first end and a second end. The expiratory tube has a relaxed length. A corrugated inspiratory tube is provided which is disposed generally colinearly and interiorly of the expiratory tube. The inspiratory tube has a first end disposed adjacent to the first end of the expiratory tube, a second end disposed adjacent to the second end of the expiratory tube, and a relaxed length greater than the relaxed length of the expiratory tube such that the inspiratory tube normally exerts a longitudinally directed pressure on the circuit. A first end coupling member is fixedly coupled to both the inspiratory tube and the expiratory tube. The first end coupling member is generally transparent and hollow, and has an interior and an exterior.

Abstract: A holder for retaining an endotracheal tube in a patient's mouth has upper and lower portions, each including a semi-cylindrical member with wings extending radially on opposite sides. The upper and lower portions are joined by a flexible hinge between a first wing of the upper portion and an opposed first wing of the lower portion. When the hinge is closed, a region of each upper wing is adjacent to a region of a corresponding opposed lower wing, and the semi-cylindrical members form a sleeve defining a lumen sized to receive the endotracheal tube. A safety clamp limits the extent to which the upper and lower portions can pivot apart about the hinge to a predetermined maximum angle, whereby the position of the endotracheal tube can be adjusted axially, but radial displacement of the tube from the holder is restricted.

Abstract: Tubing circuits systems for delivering humidified respiratory gas to a human or an animal are disclosed. The circuit systems include an inspiratory tubing segment and an expiratory tubing segment joined by a manifold assembly. The inspiratory tubing segment is coupled to a humidifier while the expiratory system is coupled to a conventional ventilator. A single heating element is positioned in both the inspiratory and expiratory tubing segment elements. Temperature sensing elements are located at or near the outlet of the inspiratory tubing segment and at or near the inlet of the inspiratory tubing segment. Preferably, portions of all of the single heating element, and the temperature sensors are held by a single connector. The system is very effective in use, safe and easy to use, and provides a convenient, straight forward and reliable system useful in monitoring and controlling the temperature of respiratory gases being delivered to a patient.

Abstract: A tracheostomy device having an inner cannula with a connector head and an outer cannula. The inner cannula is secured within the outer cannula by a locking device having spaced apart, elongated handles that are pivotally mounted on the inner cannula. The handles are spaced such that a connector may be mounted on the connector head, thereby preventing movement of the handles. A method of locking the inner cannula to the outer cannula is also described.

Abstract: A nebulizer component, interconnected in the inspiratory flow path, includes an interior chamber with a lower region for storing liquid medicine at system pressures and an upper region containing a nebulizer (jet atomizer and baffle) for periodically nebulizing the liquid medicine for producing a fog of nebulized particles suspended in gas which mix with the breathable gas which flows through the chamber to the patient.

Abstract: A compound of formula: ##STR1## in which X.sup.1 is a reactive group that can react to form a covalent bond with a reactive group on the surface of a material to be rendered biocompatible, X.sup.2 is a group --O.sup..crclbar. or a precursor of such a group, n is 2, 3 or 4, Y is a group --N.sup..sym. R.sub.3 A.sup..crclbar. wherein each R, which may be the same or different, is a C.sub.1 -C.sub.4 alkyl group and A.sup..crclbar. is an anion present when X.sup.2 is an electrically neutral group or Y is ##STR2## wherein R.sup.1 together with X.sup.2 forms a direct bond between the nitrogen and the phosphorus atoms.

Abstract: The present invention provides an insulated breathing tube arrangement to prevent heat loss from the inhalant gas in a recirculatory aided breathing circuit thereby reducing internal vapor condensation commonly associated with such breathing circuits while also stabilizing the relative temperature and humidity within such breathing circuits. The insulated breathing tube arrangement includes a thin flexible partially longitudinally compressed casing surrounding a thicker corrugated tube. The thin casing allows for hairpin bending of the breathing tube arrangement and provides an insulating dead air space around the corrugated tube. In another arrangement selected enlarged corrugations are provided in spaced relation along the corrugated tube to engage the inner surface of the casing in a preselected spaced arrangement with respect to said corrugated tube to compartmentalize insulating dead air spaces between the tube and the casing.

Abstract: A ventilating and aspirating apparatus for delivering respiratory gases to the trachea and the congested lungs and breathing passageways of a patient includes a flexible catheter tube extendable into and withdrawable from the patient's trachea. The catheter is housed within a pliable sheath extending from a manifold that is attachable to an endotracheal tube. The sheath has a slit defined by backing members formed along elongate opposed edges. A releasable, air tight "ziplock" seal is effected at the slit by a bead on one backing member and a groove to sealingly receive the bead on the other backing member. A "ziplock" actuator is structured as a slider member which travels along the bead and groove, and includes converging ends to hold the bead in the groove and a conduit member extending centrally through the slider member to interconnect an end of the catheter tube inside the sheath through a vacuum valve carried by the slider member outside the sheath to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A system for handling and disposing of respiratory waste from a patient's respiratory circuit. The system includes a device for providing an inhalable input fluid containing a gas to the patient's respiratory circuit, a device for providing an output path for the expired respiratory waste, a device for filtering and handling the respiratory waste with a filter portion including (a) an input port on a first side of a filter media for separating a gas from liquids and solids, (b) a first chamber on the first side, (c) a first output port for liquids and solids on the first side, (d) a second side of the filter media having a second chamber and (e) a second output port on the second side of the filter media for the gas with the first chamber geometry enabling preferential removal of any solids occluding the filter media preventing gas flow to the second chamber.

Abstract: An Urethral Catheter Holder is a device that has two semicylindric elements hinged with each other by a flexible living hinge on one edge. It has a single non adjustable male and female locking tooth on the other edges opposite to the living hinge. It has a semicylindric rim extension at one end of the device that extends to a diameter larger than said semicylindrical segment. There is a wedge defect at the living hinge side of the rim extension. The defect of the rim extension is covered by the curve extension cover. There is a compressible foam pad lining the surface of the semicylindric element and rim extension. The foam pad on the rim extension is impregnated with antimicrobial agent. When the device is placed in operative position, it forms a lumen inner to the foam pads able to hold and affix the Foley catheter without compromising and distorting the lumen of the catheter and the balloon inflation and deflation tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon-equipped intubation assembly and to a method of inserting the same into the air passages of a subject. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, an intubation assembly is provided which comprises an endotracheal tube that is equipped, at its proximal end, with a removable balloon adapter. The balloon adapter and its characteristic movements during "blind" intubation are used to monitor the progress of the insertion and ensure its proper positioning within the trachea of the subject.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved nebulizer attachment for use with a powered nebulizer machine for converting liquid medication into aerosol. It includes a reservoir chamber for liquid medication which is adapted to be oriented substantially vertically, has a gas inlet located thereon for connection to a nebulizer machine and has the capability therein to intermix the incoming gas with the liquid medication to create an aerosol. There is also an aerosol outlet for connection to a face attachment for delivery of the aerosol to a user. The present invention also includes a face attachment indirectly connected to the reservoir chamber. Finally, there is a hollow fitting located between the reservoir chamber and the face attachment. This hollow fitting is formed of a plastic tube having a plurality of circumferential, unconnected corrugations of a semi-flexible nature and has only three rest positions for each such corrugation.

Abstract: A medical tube retention device for securing a tube to a patient. The device is comprised of a band having interior and exterior surfaces and an elastic portion. At least a portion of the exterior surface has a first type of textile fastener covering. A first complementary textile fasting strip is affixed to one end of the band, and a second complementary textile fastening strip is releasably affixed to the opposite end. The textile fastening strips are attached to a tracheostomy or endotracheal tube flange through slots located on opposite sides of the flange. An optional third complementary textile fasting strip, affixed to the first end of the band, is secured to a tube connector and releasably affixed to the opposite end of the band to positively retain the connector to the tube.

Abstract: A ventilator manifold and adaptors therefore are disclosed which allow attachment of respiratory system accessory devices to the ventilator manifold without loss of PEEP. The manifold includes an accessory access port which has a normally closed valve therein which remains closed regardless of the pressure changes within the manifold. The normally closed valve is positioned in the accessory access port such that placement of an adaptor therein forces the normally closed valve to an open position, and removal of the adaptor allows the normally closed valve to return to its closed position. The adaptors are formed to allow attachment of accessory devices such as an ambulatory resuscitation bag, a metered dose inhaler, and a bronchial scope. The adaptors may also include a locking ring thereon for locking the adaptor in position in the accessory access port.

Abstract: The cardiac pulmonary resuscitator improved patient valve has a top and bottom portion joined together forming a cylindrical housing. A diaphragm is mounted between the housing top and bottom portions through which air passes to and from the patient. A rigid tubular port integral with the top portion has a first opening outside the housing and a second opening inside the top portion. A pair of stops on each side of the second opening prevents the diaphragm from blocking air into the rigid tubular port so that some air to and from the patient flows through the rigid tubular port to an air sampling device for making a reading.

Abstract: An apparatus for ventilating and aspirating the respiratory system of a tracheostomy patient includes a patient module connectable to a supply of air and to the trachea of a patient, a center module including a first end element connected to the patient module, a second end element, a tubular catheter element extending slidably and sealingly through the first end element, a flexible tubular plastic sleeve extending between the first and second end elements around the catheter element, and a vacuum module connected to the second end element of the center module and connectable to a vacuum source for applying vacuum to the catheter element. The first and second end elements of the center module are releasably connected to the patient module and the vacuum module, respectively, so that the center module, including the catheter element, can be readily replaced without replacing the patient module and/or the vacuum module.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube (38a) demountably attachable to and for use in combination with an oral airway (10) having a tabular flange (22) with C-shaped openings thereon, the endotracheal tube (38a) having an elongated hollow tubular body (56) with first open end (60) and a second open end (62), the body (56) having a portion containing alternating ribs (50) and bays (52) integral with the body of the endotracheal tube (38a). The bays (52) are dimensioned to fit snugly within the C-shaped opening of said oral airway (10) and the ribs (50) being dimensioned to prevent longitudinal displacement of the endotracheal tube (38a) with respect to the oral airway (10).

Abstract: The proximal end of a nasal oxygen catheter is modified so that it releasably engages a facemask coupler that is in fluid communication with an anesthesia machine. A facemask is also releasably engaged to the facemask coupler. The distal end of the catheter includes nasal prongs and oxygen only from the anesthesia machine is dispensed to the patient through the prongs when the proximal end of the catheter is engaged with the facemask coupler. Upon disengagement of the proximal end of the catheter from the coupler, the facemask may be applied to the nose and mouth of a patient without reconfiguring the anesthesia machine. The anesthesia or oxygen-dispensing capabilities of the anesthesia machine are not disabled by any configuration of parts so that the machine may be reconfigured from an oxygen-only mode to an oxygen-and-anesthesia mode in only a second or two.

Abstract: An endotracheal respiration system which includes a respirator manifold with a port for attachment and detachment of an accessory device thereto without interruption of continuous respiratory support of the patient. A particular embodiment includes a suctioning system for removal of fluids from a patient's lungs during respiratory support. The manifold of the respiration system includes an accessory access port which has a normally closed valve therein which remains closed regardless of the pressure changes within the manifold. However, the normally closed valve is positioned in the port such that placement of a specially designed male adaptor located on the suctioning device forces the normally closed valve to an open position, thus allowing passage of a suction catheter through the manifold into the patient.

Abstract: Intubation apparatus including an airway device, or main tube, which is to be inserted via the patient's mouth and then into the patient's trachea or esophagus. Components within the main tube are selectively operable for establishing either a first airflow path along the length of the main tube or a second airflow path between the proximal end of the main tube and lateral passages provided in the main tube wall, depending on the location of the main tube. An auxiliary tube is secured to the main tube so that the interior of the auxiliary tube communicates with the interior of the main tube at a location downstream of the lateral passages provided in the main tube wall. A suction tube is insertable through the auxiliary tube and into the main tube to a location beyond the distal end of the main tube.

Abstract: A self-sealing valve device for an angiographic catheter includes a housing having a first end adapted to form a luer lock connection with the proximal end of the angiographic catheter. A central bore extends between the first end of the housing and an opposing second end, and a deformable elastomeric slit seal is supported across the central bore to selectively seal the proximal end of the catheter. The slit seal is adapted to permit a guidewire to be passed therethrough and advanced into the catheter while sealingly engaging the walls of the guidewire to prevent blood loss through the catheter. The second end of the housing is provided with a female luer lock connection fitting for receiving the conical tip of a syringe, stopcock, or the like, and forming a pressure-tight connection therebetween.

Abstract: A valve for fluids employs two telescoping parts which cooperate with one another to block fluid flow when pulled partially apart and open a flow path therethrough when pushed together. A plunger component, having a central bore, a closed off end and perforated walls, is slidingly and sealingly received within the collar of the hollow valve body. When the plunger's closed end is pushed far enough into the valve body so as to expose the apertures, fluid is free to flow from within the valve body into the plunger component. When pulled apart so as to cause the perforations to be positioned within the confines of the collar, flow is blocked. An actuation mechanism integrated into a housing serves to automatically pull the valve's components apart to stop flow when its cover is swung open and conversely causes the two components to be pushed together to open flow when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A ventilator manifold is disclosed which includes a port for attachment and detachment of an accessory device thereto without interruption of continuous respiratory support of the patient. A particular embodiment of an accessory device described herein includes a suctioning device for removal of fluids from a patient's lungs during respiratory support. The manifold includes an accessory access port which has a normally closed valve therein which remains closed regardless of the pressure changes within the manifold. The normally closed valve is positioned in the port such that placement of a specially designed adaptor therein located on the suctioning device forces the normally closed valve to an open position, thus allowing passage of a suction catheter through the manifold into the patient.

Abstract: An endotracheal respiration system is disclosed which includes a respirator manifold which includes a port for attachment and detachment of an accessory device thereto without interruption of continuous respiratory support of the patient. A particular embodiment of an accessory device described herein includes a suctioning system for removal of fluids from a patient's lungs during respiratory support. The manifold of the respiration system includes an accessory access port which has a normally closed valve therein which remains closed regardless of the pressure changes within the manifold. However, the normally closed valve is positioned in the port such that placement of a specially designed male adaptor located on the suctioning device forces the normally closed valve to an open position, thus allowing passage of a suction catheter through the manifold into the patient.

Abstract: A tracheal tube having a distal end for placement in a patient's trachea. In one embodiment, the tracheal tube includes a preformed curved proximal end that directs the tracheal tube, upon leaving the patient's mouth, toward the patient's left or right ear depending on the particular preformed curvature. In another embodiment, a swivel assembly is located anywhere along the region of a bend connecting the proximal and distal ends of the tracheal tube. The swivel assembly allows the proximal end of the tracheal tube to rotate through 360.degree. relative to the distal end. A variation of this embodiment forms the proximal end of the tracheal tube in substantially the shape of a patient's nasal cavity so that the tracheal tube may be placed in the patient's trachea through the patient's nasal cavity. In a further variation of all the embodiments, a flexible corrugated piece of tubing is attached to the proximal end of the tracheal tube.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holding and securing device is adjusted using a strap including mating hook and loop type fastener pads, such as sold under the TM VELCRO to hold an endotracheal tube in place after intubation has been performed. The endotracheal tube holder includes two identical hook-shaped members each having a hook portion. One hook-shaped member is inverted, superimposed and slidably connected to the second hook-shaped member. In this orientation, the curved faces of the hook-shaped members form a "C" shaped gripper used for holding the endotracheal tube. The hook and loop covered nylon strap is attached at the end of each hook-shaped member distant from the hook portion. The nylon strap is used both to secure the endotracheal tube holder to the patient's face and to apply a force at the end of each hook-shaped member that causes each member to slide in the direction of the applied force, causing the tube to be firmly gripped between the two curved faces of the two hook portions.

Abstract: A connector for joining an endotracheal tube and an integrally formed auxiliary lumen to a source of anesthesia and a preselected item of auxiliary equipment, respectively, includes a first pair of tubular mounting members on a proximal end of the connector that are closely radially spaced with respect to one another and longitudinally spaced from a second pair of tubular mounting members on a distal end of the connector that are closely radially spaced with respect to one another. A pair of parallel bores are formed in the base of the connector to provide fluid communication between associated, longitudinally spaced apart mounting members.

Abstract: The breathing apparatus disclosed includes a first connector structure which provides ports for connection to a supply of fresh breathing gases, to an afferent gas tube and to an afferent gas bag. The first connector structure also provides a port to which a ventilator can be connected, a port to which an efferent gas tube can be connected, and a connection to an efferent gas bag. The afferent gas tube is of larger diameter than the efferent gas tube. The apparatus further includes a second connector construction to which said tubes are connected and which has a port for connection to the patient. The second connector structure causes preferential flow between the patient port and the afferent gas tube port.

Abstract: A connector for joining an endotracheal tube and an integrally formed auxiliary lumen to a source of anesthesia and a preselected item of auxiliary equipment, respectively, includes a first pair of tubular mounting members on a proximal end of the connector that are closely radially spaced with respect to one another and longitudinally spaced from a second pair of tubular mounting members on a distal end of the connector that are closely radially spaced with respect to one another. A pair of parallel bores are formed in the base of the connector to provide fluid communication between associated, longitudinally spaced apart mounting members.

Abstract: A respiratory intubating device for carrying a gas to or from the lungs of a patient including a flexible tubular member having a pair of parallel lumens for extending from a proximal area at the patient's mouth to a distal area at a bronchus of the patient, and an adapter integrally connected to the tubular member for interconnecting the tubular member with a source of gas and for providing access for surgical instruments. The adapter includes a Y-shaped member having a pair of hollow branches which lead to the pair of lumens of the tubular member and a pair of hollow stem members integrally connected to the hollow branch members at about a right angle thereto, and extending upwardly to aim across the patient's face. The Y-shaped member including the junctions of the branch members and the stem members are encased in a soft flexible plastic.

Abstract: 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: A connector includes a body having a tubular cavity connected to two ducts and includes an infusion aperture for infusing a liquid into the line and a sampling aperture for sampling blood. A constriction having a diameter progressively decreasing towards the inlet aperture is disposed in the cavity between the two apertures and produces a Venturi tube effect, preventing the sampled blood from being affected by the infused liquid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for administering medicinal aerosol to a patient's lungs through an endotracheal tube (22) connected to a ventilator (100) or other respiratory apparatus, in which a charging volume (26) connected to a nebulizer (102) for generating medicinal aerosol is inserted between the ventilator (100) and the endotracheal tube (22), such that the charging volume (26) is filled with medicinal aerosol during patient exhalation, and the medicinal aerosol in the charging volume (26) is delivered into the endotracheal tube during patient inhalation. Additional amounts of medicinal aerosol are delivered into the endotracheal tube (22) during patient inhalation through hose (24) between the charging volume (26) and the nebulizer (102).

Abstract: An assembly has a tracheal tube and an adaptor having a connecting tube insertable in the tracheal tube and a connecting piece connectable with a resuscitation tube. The adaptor has at least one clamping member adapted to press a part of the tracheal tube located on the connecting tube from outside and yielding during mounting the tracheal tube so as to secure the tracheal tube against removal from the connecting tube. The clamping member is formed so that prior to pushing of the tracheal tube onto the connecting tube the clamping member has a smaller radial spacing from the connecting tube than a wall thickness of the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A swivel connector is provided for use in either an intravenous liquid supply line or an oxygen supply line to allow the line to rotate to prevent kinking. A body portion is provided having a cylindrical cavity formed in one end thereof, and a hollow, cylindrical male member slides into the cylindrical cavity and has sufficient clearance to allow free rotation of the male member within the cylindrical cavity. A locking flange is carried by the male member which engages an annular groove formed in the body portion to prevent the male member from inadvertently disengaging from the body portion. A seal is also provided between the male member and the body.

Abstract: In a tracheostomy tube structure, a neckplate of the tube structure and on elbow dis-connectible from the structure, the steps include providing flexible band means, attaching the band means to the neckplate, extending the band means to retain the elbow, and tightening the band means to hold the elbow against inadvertent disconnection from the tube structure.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure apparatus includes a pair of cannula each having an inflatable cuff to position the cannulae within the nares of a patient. The cannulae are connected to a source of positive air pressure to provide continuous positive nasal airway pressure. The cuffs may be inflated by providing cuff apertures in the cannula so that the positive airway pressure during inhalation and exhalation maintain the cuffs inflated and the cannulae positioned within the nares during treatment. Alternatively, the cuffs may be separately inflated. The apparatus includes an inflatable air strap harness to position and hold the nasal cannulae device relative to the patient's head. The inflatable air strap harness is soft and flexible and comfortable for the patient to wear. The air strap is inflated and secured, such as with a hook and loop belt, surrounding the patient's head with the cannulae inserted into the patient's nares.

Abstract: A cased suctioning catheter assembly with a protective flexible sheath around the catheter tube, has a thumb or finger operable pump located near the patient end of the catheter assembly. This pump receives irrigation fluid from a bag hanging on an IV stand and, when operated, pumps it into an irrigation lumen in the suction catheter on an as-needed basis during suctioning. Thereby one hand of the administrator can both stabilize the cross piece at the patient end of the suction catheter assembly and operate the irrigator, while the other hand controls vacuum flow as needed for the suctioning function.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube apparatus (28) includes an elongated stylette (32) having a V-shaped distal end (58) and tube adaptor collar (30) for holding the stylette in a position in an endotracheal tube (10) in which the V-shaped distal end is in a first position near a distal end (16) of the endotracheal tube, but not extending substantially outside thereof, and for allowing the stylette to be moved longitudinally to a second position where the V-shaped distal end extends from the distal end of the endotracheal tube a fixed distance. Prongs (60, 62) of the V-shaped distal end have enlarged nodes which are as large as possible but yet which can be moved longitudinally within the endotracheal tube for removal of the stylette therefrom. The nodes include nesting side surfaces (68, 70) whereby a maximum cross sectional dimension of nested nodes is not substantially greater than a maximum cross sectional dimension of a single node.

Abstract: A medical connector to be attached to a liquid introducing tube has a first connecting part adapted to be connected to one portion of a medical liquid introducing tube, a second connecting part adapted to be connected to another portion of the medical liquid introducing tube and being formed integrally with the first connecting part, a breaking portion formed between the first and second connecting parts and adapted to be broken under finger pressure, and a seal cap for sealing an opening of the second connector part after breaking the breaking portion.

Abstract: An improved locking cap for mounting on the smooth flexible filament of a surgical fastener wherein the locking cap is of a thin flat washer-like shape with gripping elements for engaging the filament and locking the cap in position relative to the filament.

Abstract: A sealing sleeve for use with a cannula in open laparoscopy is disclosed. The sleeve of the subject invention has a conical shaped collar defining a passageway for feeding the cannula therethrough. The collar is formed of a resilient medically inert material capable of conforming to the edges of an incision thereby forming a gas tight seal and maintaining the pneumoperitoneum during the laparoscopy. The sleeve also includes a polygonal tube connected to the collar and rigid supports attached to the polygonal tube for receiving a suture to maintain the cannula in place with respect to the patient.