Abstract: A unitary sheet device for removably securing a catheter to the skin of a patient includes a pair of flaps for being affixed to the skin and a central portion performed in a contour conforming to the catheter hub. When affixed, the central portion and the patient's skin together form a receptacle for securely holding the catheter against movement. The central portion may be a tapered conical sheet and the flaps may have adhesive for ease of attachment. A detent is provided, which may include a hole through the central portion of the sheet for engaging a protrusion from the catheter hub. Flexing of the sheet disengages the detent. A non-adhesive tab on one flap aids in removing the device.

Abstract: An elongated aspirating needle guide made of flexible plastic such as polypropylene and an elongated flexible aspirating needle having a medial plastic tubular portion made of PVC and terminating at ends with metallic needle portions. The guide has a base portion and an upper portion and has an elongated opening through the upper portion which receives the elongated aspirating needle. The opening in the elongated guide terminates short of the distal end of the guide. The base portion of the guide is wider than the upper portion and the base portion also extends distally from the upper portion. The distal end of the base portion is adapted to overlie the inner surface of the operator's finger adjacent the distal end of the finger of the operator who will utilize the device so that the flexible base portion protects the inner surface of the finger while being sufficiently thin enough to allow tactile palpation to be conducted through the distal end of the base portion.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder comprised of a strip of Velcro-type material carrying a dense array of hooks and a pressure sensitive adhesive on its back for attaching the strip to the endotracheal tube, and a band of soft material having loops for engaging the hooks to hold the tube by the strip and which is adapted to encircle the head of the patient. The ends of the band also carry Velcro-type strips with hooks which are adapted to engage the band to releasably secure it in place on the head.

Abstract: A body constructed of resilient shape retentive material is provided and includes a peripheral frame of a first thickness and a membrane extending across the interior of the frame. The membrane is of a second thickness considerably less than the first thickness. The membrane includes a central opening therein and generally radial slots formed therein and extending outwardly from the opening toward the peripheral frame. Those portions of the membrane disposed between adjacent slots define generally triangular tongue portions. One side of the peripheral frame includes attaching structure in the form of pressure sensitive adhesive whereby the frame may be adhesively secured in overlying relation to the outer surface of the body skin portion.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder includes a thin contoured plate fitting over the patient's nose, held in place by an elastic strap attached to either side of the plate and extending around the back of the patient's head. A pair of supplemental elastic straps are attached to the member, the opposite ends being fastened adjustably and slidably along the first strap on opposite sides of the patient's face. The opposite ends of the supplemental straps are attached to the lower portion of the support member, and provide stability in holding said member on the patient's face. A notched opening is located at the lower edge of the support member, into which an endotracheal tube may be laterally inserted and frictionally held in place. The straps may be adjusted or tightened by pulling on the ends.

Abstract: A vascular puncture dressing is described. The dressing includes a pressure-sensitive adhesive tape section, and at least a pair of adhesive strips extend forwardly from the forward edge of the dressing. The dressing preferably is transparent at least in an area adjacent the forward edge so that the vascular puncture wound can be observed without removal of the dressing.

Abstract: A skin mounted retention disc for maintaining a catheter indwelling comprises an elastomeric disc having a centrally disposed bore therethrough dimensioned to receive the catheter. About the periphery of the elastomeric disc is a plurality of very small holes to enable the disc to be sutered to the skin. Integrated to and extending upwardly from the elastomeric disc is a projection having a helically disposed channel therein for engaging the catheter as the catheter tube is wrapped about the disc after exiting the skin. A connecting tube having low release force connectors at either end is secured to the disc and links the catheter to a drainage bag. Because the force required to break the connection between the connecting tube and either the drainage bag or the catheter is less than the force required to dislodge the skin mounted retention disc, the connecting tube serves as a safety release to prevent the disc from becoming dislodged should the patient stray from the drainage bag.

Abstract: This invention is a means for securing an intravenous needle and its related tubing in proper location juxtaposed to the hand of a patient. This securing means is semi-mitten shaped in outline and includes a plurality of adjusting straps so that one size fits many different sized hands.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube is provided with a plurality of longitudinally spaced transverse apertures along its outer end portion. The apertures are formed by securing a latex rubber strip to the outer surface of the tube at spaced locations or the apertures are formed in a longitudinal ridge of a tube having an oval cross section. After the tube is inserted into the trachea, bodily shifting of the tube is deterred by threading a twill tape through the aperture of a tracheostomy tube next to the tracheostomy incision or the aperture of an oral endotracheal tube next to the mouth of the patient and tying the ends of the tape behind the neck of the patient.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder which is particularly suitable for use during medical emergency situations. The holder comprises a pair of identical curved, plate-like hooking members and an interconnecting attachment band which encircles the patient's face and neck. Each of the hooking members has a dogleg opening for receiving and engaging the endotracheal tube when the hooking members are overlapped in position over the patient's mouth. The attachment band has segments of bristly fastening material of the type commercially available under the Velcro trademark which enable adjustment of its length to accommodate patient's of various sizes.

Abstract: A catheter holder system particularly useful for the stabilization of medical tubes and the like, particularly useful for association with ostomy receptacles. The catheter holder comprises a molded, conformable plastic member much in the configuration of a funnel or the like having a planar, annular or base portion wherein the member is of semi-rigid, upstanding construction whereby the extreme terminus of the funnel portion terminates in a tip portion which is easily separable in order to accommodate and receive various size medical tubing therethrough in order to maintain the tubing in a secure and stable position relative to the patient with which the tubing is utilized. In most instances the tubing will comprise a catheter which may be passed through the funnel portion of the member and snugly retained by friction fit therein.

Abstract: A tube holder includes a clamp formed by a clamp base and a wrap-around strap. The strap is fixed at one end to the base and, after wrapping around the tube, is locked to the clamp base at a point along its length in a double locking system.

Abstract: A catheter shield comprising a dome surrounded by a peripheral, skin engaging flange. The dome defines a cavity, has a hole for the catheter, and has a radial slit extending to the edge of the shield to aid in placement of the shield around the catheter. Vents may be provided in the shield. The shield is held in place by holding the shield against the skin, moderately tensioning the catheter, providing means for preventing relative longitudinal motion between the catheter and the shield, and then releasing the catheter so the elasticity of the catheter and of the body parts which anchor it pull and hold the shield in place against the skin. A second method for securing the shield entails positioning the shield around the catheter, pressing the shield firmly downward against the skin, and applying a tape strip with one of its edges firmly against the top of the shield.

Abstract: An interoral tube securing device which attaches to human teeth.

Abstract: A device for securing a catheter or like instrument to a patient comprises a first portion having an adhesive surface for securing that portion to the skin of a patient. A second portion is hingedly connected to the first portion and is adapted to fold thereover. The second portion has an adhesive surface to provide securement to the first portion when folded thereover. A slot and a hole are preferably associated with the first and second portions, respectively, for operably positioning the second portion around a catheter, which has been previously connected to the patient, so that the catheter extends through the plane formed by the second portion. This arrangement thereby facilitates the securement of the catheter in place on the patient.A method of securing a previously connected catheter or like instrument to a patient includes securing a device substantially as described above to a patient.

Abstract: A system and method for interfacing a patient with apparatus for monitoring gaseous components of the exhalation of said patient. The system includes a low dead space volume disc filter for blocking patient secretions and natural and manufactured humidification, improved sampling configuration, and apparatus for supporting endotracheal and tracheal tubes and the like with minimum discomfort to the patient. Special provision is made for supporting the endotracheal tube for a neonate, including a wire support requiring only minimal taping.

Abstract: A holder is disclosed herein for releasably retaining a conventional syringe in place on the body of a person undergoing medical treatment which includes a flat base having at least two outwardly extending pairs of support members arranged in fixed, parallel spaced apart relationship on opposite ends of the base. A selected one of the support members is provided with a shaped recess for insertably receiving the syringe in conformed relationship and a snap-lock slot arrangement is formed in the selected support member adjacent the recess for releasably retaining the syringe in place. Retainers are operably carried on the holder base for supporting and retaining the tubing used to introduce fluids to the syringe. Hook and pile fastening arrangements are cooperatively disposed on the base for detachably coupling the holder to a limb or other body part of the person. The term syringe includes needles, gravity flow needles, straight intravenous applicator needles, plunger-type syringes or the like.

Abstract: A catheter restraint comprises an adhesive backing which is applied to the patient's skin at a location adjacent the catheter entry point. At least three adhesive strips emanate from the non-adhesive surface of the backing along a straight line allow attachment of both the catheter and catheter tubing to the backing. At least one additional adhesive strip is provided spaced-apart from the line so that the catheter tubing may be looped backward and secured to the backing to help prevent the catheter from being dislodged by pulling on the catheter tubing. The catheter restraint allows the catheter to remain in place while the catheter tubing is changed.

Abstract: A simple, one piece medical tube retaining device. The device is particularly adapted for retaining a nasal tube in position on the face of the user and including a flexible strap with a first clamp means positioned beneath the nose of the user for clamping the tube and preventing undesired movement of the tube while accommodating required movement, and second clamp means near one end of the strap means to hold said tube in position, the clamp means being constructed to facilitate insertion and removal of the tube.

Abstract: A protective retaining device for application to the site of an intravenous or catheter intervention system utilizing insertion means and tubing comprising an elongated sleeve means of flexible material for being received over and about a portion of the body to which an intervention system is applied. The sleeve means is positionable over the intervention site for protecting the body about and at the site of intervention and for firmly retaining the tubing in position proximate to the body. The retaining device is provided with an opening therein which is positionable over the intervention site of the body to allow inspection of the insertion means without removal or displacement of the retaining device.

Abstract: An oxygen insufflation device for wearing on the head of a person comprises a head engaging frame similar to a spectacle frame including a front portion and a side temple portion engaged on each side of said frame terminating in respective ear engaging ends. The front member is engaged with the front portion of the frame and has a nose feed engageable over the person's nose and a downwardly extending portion terminating in a nose plug which is engageable into a single nostril. A flexible connection for supplying oxygen is connected into the frame at one of the temple portions and an oxygen flow passage is defined from this flexible connection through the associated temple portion and along the front of the frame and down said front member in the downwardly extending portion and terminates in a discharge opening in the nose plug. The frame advantageously includes a flexible connection between the front portion of the frame and the temples in the form of flexible links which are made from corrugated tube stock.

Abstract: A delivery system for therapeutic fluids including an implantable fluid receptacle and means to anchor a transcutaneous fluid delivery conduit on the surface of the body, together with a method of using the system for the long-term administration of fluids to selected sites in the body.

Abstract: A method for implanting electrodes in or around a human cochlea that involves inserting one end of an anchor in the temperal bone, and functionally engaging a lead to the electrode with the anchor. Numerous anchor embodiments are described together with tools for inserting some of the anchors.

Abstract: A method for implanting electrodes in or around a human cochlea that involves inserting one end of an anchor in the temperal bone, and functionally engaging a lead to the electrode with the anchor. Numerous anchor embodiments are described together with tools for inserting some of the anchors.

Abstract: A multi-purpose securement strip for anchoring tubing, monitor lines and the like on a body portion of a patient. The securement strip comprises an elongated base strip of flexible material having on its underside an adhesive coating for attachment of the base strip to the patient's skin. An elongated, flexible cover strip is provided, having a first portion (including an end of the cover strip) permanently affixed to the upper surface of the base strip. The cover strip has a second portion releasably adherable to the upper surface of the base strip such that one or more tubes, monitor lines or the like can be so located as to overlie the upper surface of the base strip, transversely of the long axis of the base strip, and can be adjustably and releasably held in position on the base strip by the second portion of the flexible cover strip.

Abstract: A device and a method for feeding a patient intravenously in a manner that reduces the potential for interruption of the intravenous therapy. The device includes an adjustable strap with fastening means for loosely securing the strap around a patient's limb. The encircling length of the strap is adjusted such that the strap is permitted to move longitudinally along the limb where the natural contours of the limb prevent removal of the strap from the limb, and the natural contours preferably stop the longitudinal movement of the strap short of an intended infusion site on the limb. An intravenous feeding tube is affixed to the strap at a location intermediate the ends of the tube, the segment of tubing between the strap and the catheter end of the tube having sufficient slack such that the longitudinal movement of the strap away from the infusion site will be stopped by the contours of the patient's limb before all of the slack is used.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder is disclosed for holding an endotracheal tube at a fixed position within a patient's mouth before, during and after surgical procedures while permitting access to and visualization of the mouth. The holder is comprised of a variable diameter clamp made from a cylindrical section which frictionally engages the endotracheal tube at a position external to the patient's mouth and is dimensioned to not obstruct access to or visualization of the interior of the mouth. A strap engages the clamp to secure the endotracheal tube to the patient to minimize longitudinal, rotational, and lateral movement of the endotracheal tube within the patient's mouth. The width of the strap in proximity to the patient's mouth is equal to or less than the outside diameter of the cylindrical section to minimize the obstruction of the patient's mouth by the strap. The annular cross section of the clamp minimizes the obstruction of the mouth by the clamp.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter and anchoring set comprising a catheter assembly having an I.V. catheter having one end inserted into the limb of a patient and a flexible tube attached to the other end of the catheter, a flexible anchor base, the base having notches therein forming adjustable bands extendible around a limb, attachment means attaching the bands together and skin-anchor adhesive means on the inner side of the base and capable of holding the base to the skin while the bands are being adjustably secured in place.

Abstract: A medical tube holder and its method of use are disclosed. The holder has a backing element having front and back faces, a portion of the back face having means to adhere to a substrate. The element has an elongate elastic strip having a free end and an end attached to the element suitable for wrapping around tubing to form a loop within which the tubing is held. Members possessing a mutual magnetic attraction are mounted on the front surface of the element for mutual engagement when the element is folded. After the tube is positioned within the loop, the free end of the strip is pulled to tighten the loop and is then positioned between the magnetic members. When the element is folded, the strip is held between the magnetic members to lock the tube within the loop.

Abstract: A band for securing a catheter or similar device to a limb of a human comprising a stretchable primary strap adapted to encircle a limb. A part of the strap is made of a soft looped fabric and the strap also carries a male Velcro-type fastening material which cooperates with the looped fabric to enable the strap to be secured in place about the limb. A secondary strap made of a flexible material is secured, hooks up, intermediate its ends to the central portion of the primary strap on the looped fabric. The secondary strap is made of a male Velcro-type fastening material, and each end of the secondary strap is designed to be looped over and encircle the catheter or similar device and attach to the looped fabric to hold the catheter or similar device securely in place on the limb.

Abstract: A securing device for securing endotracheal tubes to a person, and for securing similar tubes extending from body cavities, is formed of a noose in a thin-walled elastomeric tubing by means of the passage of ends of the tubing through a ring of a thick-walled tubular section. Friction between the foregoing elements and between the noose and the tube secure the device to the tube. Free ends of the tubing are passed around the body of the person to be tied or secured by means of a clamp inserted into one end of the tubing.

Abstract: A catheter guide is provided which has a base having a first channel extending thereacross for receiving a catheter. An arcuately extending member extends outwardly from the base. A second channel extends along the arcuately extending member for also receiving a catheter. The first and second channels extending respectively across the base and along the arcuately extending member can be enclosed or partially enclosed for retaining a catheter within the channels and within the catheter guide.

Abstract: A device for carrying, manipulating, and securing a hollow, medical subcutaneous infusion needle. The carrier comprises a body firmly holding the needle, a pair of laterally extending relatively angularly variable wings, and a control member. One handed-grasping and manipulation of the control member permits both unlocking the wings for changing their angular relationship to accommodate the desired angle of insertion of the needle into a patient, and locking the wings to brace the carrier at the desired angle. Manipulation of the control member also permits rotation of the needle independent of the angle of insertion, during the insertion procedure. Squeezing the control member provides an unset condition in which relative movement of the wings with respect to each other and with respect to the body may occur, and relaxation of squeezing provides a set or locked condition.

Abstract: A bite-block for intubated endotracheal tubes and the like is disclosed. It includes a body (12) of substantially rectangular cross section, the body (12) having a central channel (18) open at the top and a pair of open side channels (20, 22) on either side of the central channel (18). A projection (16) conforming to the curve of Spee extends laterally from the body (12), the surfaces (32, 34) of the projection (16) being configured for engagement with teeth other than the incisors. A face plate (14) is secured to the anterior end of the body (12), and has apertures (24, 26, 28) communicating with the channels (18, 20, 22) for accommodating intubation of an endotracheal tube (44), suction catheter (46) or the like.

Abstract: A splint is disclosed for supporting the hand, wrist and at least a portion of the forearm during a time when a patient is connected to a lifeline, e.g. intravenous tube. The splint incorporates a substantially rigid molded body defining several shapes. Generally, a dome is provided for mating engagement with the palm of the hand and a transversely arcuate curved channel extends away from the dome to receive the wrist and a portion of the forearm. The contact surface is vented, as by a fabric covering, texture or perforations. The molded body further defines securing means for the lifeline, as in the form of rolled or beaded edges of the body which also add strength and rigidity. Fastening means for attaching the molded body to the hand, wrist and forearm are also incorporated in the form of straps fitted with fabric contact engaging means. A hole is defined in the molded body for tying it in a stable position.

Abstract: A looped cannula for administering oxygen and consisting of a flexible hollow tube having apertures disposed along a preselected midlength of the loop and at circumferentially spaced locations so that once the loop is encircled about the head of the patient and the loop is preferentially tightened, there will be a continuous stream of oxygen through at least some of the apertures directed toward the nose of the patient. The loop is held in operative position by means of a mounting member in the form of a fabric which is located at the crown of the head and has portions extending toward the anterior of the head and terminating in mounting sections. Substantially upright portions are operatively connected to the fabric and also to the loop, such upright members being located closely adjacent the ear and holding the loop in its appropriate location. Oxygen is continuously supplied to the loop through both of the open ends by means of a single oxygen supply line which is fitted into an adapter.

Abstract: A cannula introducer for use in open heart surgery and provided for locating through an incision in the heart lining, the introducer includes a cylindrical member, formed at its upper end into a pair of tubular-like guide means, while its lower end is formed into confinement, having a pair of apertures therethrough, and through which the cannula are directed for insertion into the vena cava during the application of a heart-lung machine during a surgical procedure, and through which the cannulas may be introduced and guided into the heart, and more specifically its right atrium, and further into the superior and inferior vena cavae in preparation and during open heart and related type surgical operations, requiring the application of two separate cannulas, at the mid-point of the introducer may be located an integral beaded portion therearound, to facilitate the adherence and tying of the wall of the right atrium to the introducer while it is located within the same during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A catheter support device for anchoring an intravenous catheter and a portion of its associated tubing to a patient including a substantially rigid annular support member securable to the patient by an adhesive patch, the support member having an inclined catheter bracket mounted thereon for immobilizing the catheter with respect to the patient and an arcuate passageway carried by the support member for mechanically isolating a portion of the catheter tubing with respect to the catheter.

Abstract: A disposable stabilizing fitting for a catheter tube includes a laminar base member having an adhesive coated underside and a tube-retaining cradle. A snap-over cover engages the catheter tube in the cradle. Specifically, gripping members in the cradle are non-aligned with one or more gripping members in the cover such that the gripping members engage the catheter tube by bending the tube slightly without restricting flow. In one preferred embodiment, the cradle is subdivided into two longitudinal sections having respective covers which hinge in opposite directions and are latchable in a plurality of positions corresponding to various catheter tube diameters.

Abstract: An improved gastrostomy or like percutaneous transport tube includes, at the end exterior to the abdominal wall, a nutrient supply coupling assembly including a mechanically simple one-way valve. A threaded cap closes the assembly, and may be replaced by a coupling member having a fitting for disconnectable attachment to a nutrient or other fluid supply. A tool is provided for preventing rotation of the assembly during removal and replacement of the cap and coupling member.The assembly body includes a flange that extends parallel to the exterior abdominal wall. An annular skin protector disc seats between the flange and the abdominal wall, and includes spaced ridges arranged to permit the entry of air between the disc and the skin.In another gastrostomy tube embodiment, an enlargement at the end emplaced in the stomach is of dome shape and acts as a one-way valve. A slit across the enlargement divides the dome into two sections.

Abstract: A device for fixing catheters or the like, having a curved plate with a reinforcing bead, and three supporting legs extending radially therefrom, the legs arranged to provide an access arc to the curved plate of greater than 180.degree..

Abstract: A sterile assembly and method for protecting and affixing an indwelling device such as an elongated catheter, or pacer lead, in an incision in the human body includes an elongated, hollow tubular, sheath of transparent, relatively limp, impervious plastic having at its proximal end a dome of self-supporting plastic adherable around the incision and having, at its distal end, an elongated tube, several inches in length, of self-supporting plastic. The sheath is shipped accordion folded onto the tube to save space. The indwelling device is sleeved into the sheath with the conventional nub at its distal end wedged in the bore. The proximal end is introduced into the incision and the domed distal end of the sheath is adhered around the incision so that the device is contamination free. The device and sheath are then gripped in the slot of a clamp and the clamp adhered to the body near the incision or elsewhere.

Abstract: A tube holder includes a clamp formed by a clamp base and a wrap-around strap. The strap is fixed at one end to the base and, after wrapping around the tube, is locked to the clamp base at a point along its length in a double locking system.

Abstract: An endo-tracheal tube holder comprises a web or strap including separable fasteners at the ends of flexible material of the web for adjusting the size of a loop formed by the web, and an adjustable tube retaining means secured to the web.

Abstract: A penis-scrotum-catheter supporting and protecting apparatus for the male genitalia includes a mesh pouch for retaining, enclosing and supporting the male genitalia. The mesh pouch includes an upper edge portion defining an opening for accommodating the penis. Adhesive elements are provided for securing the upper and lower portions of the mesh pouch to the human body. A flexible separable strip is attached to the upper portion of the mesh pouch for adjustably joining first and second adjacent upper portions of the mesh pouch.

Abstract: A catheter retainer comprising a member of synthetic plastics material having a central hole wholly or partly defined by a pair of resilient catheter-gripping jaws, and a resilient catch member for holding the jaws in their relatively closed position. The catheter retainer is preferably an insert that snaps into a coupling member which is carried by a pad of adhesive dressing material.

Abstract: An improved venipuncture device comprises a catheter having a catheter hub at one end, with a needle having a needle hub at one end and a sharpened tip at the second end extending through the catheter and catheter hub. A resilient reseal is mounted in the catheter hub for sealing the catheter upon removal of the needle. The improvement comprises a wing hub having an axial bore adapted for telescopic reception and attachment to the catheter portion. A pair of oppositely extending flexible wings are integrally formed and extend from the wing hub. An area of reduced thickness on each of the flexible wings along a portion of the width of the wings adjacent to the wing hub allows the wings to be easily folded upward. As a result, the wings may be pinched together between the thumb and index finger, thus, making it easier to insert the needle into the vein of the patient.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder made in one simple piece that slips over the tube from one side and locks in place by a snap action. The use of plastic material provides a hinge for opening and closing the holder with the resiliency of the plastic providing a snap action for locking and unlocking the device. The lock is a positive one resulting from the abutting of two flat members and guards against further closure as well as opening. The portion in the patient's mouth is reinforced to provide a bite block. A flange against the lips and face allow fastening to the patient with tape, straps or adhesive means. Openings are provided to allow access for probes or catheters alongside the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: An improved oral endotracheal tube protector device for protecting and securing in place an endotracheal tube. The device includes a substantially straight, cylindrical tube member having a bore extending therethrough, with a circumferential band to indicate proper positioning of the device in close proximity to the proximal end, and circumferential ridges at the distal end to which tape is attached. In use, the tube protector is slidably placed over the endotracheal tube and advanced until the circumferential band engages the patient's teeth. The tube protector is then taped to the endotracheal tube, and to the patient's face.

Abstract: A medical tube holder and its method of use are disclosed. The holder has a backing strip having front and back faces, a portion of the back face being adapted to adhere to a substrate, such as a surgical drape. The backing strip has preferential tube receiving locations and is movable between a folded and unfolded position. Members possessing a mutual magnetic attraction are mounted on the front surface of the strip for mutual engagement when the strip is folded. The tubing is secured within the preferential receiving locations between folded sections of the strip when the strip is in its folded position.