Abstract: Mesentery tube apparatus that may be adhered to various portions of a patient's body for holding a tube such as a catheter and permits replacement of the tube while the apparatus is still adhered to the body, said apparatus including a base plate of sufficient flexibility to conform to the part of the human body to which it is to be adhered, a self adhesive coating on one surface of the plate for adhering the plate to the body and at least one flap having an end portion permanently adhered to the base plate. In one embodiment the base plate has an upwardly opening groove to have the tube extend thereinto and there is provided only one flap which has a self adhesive coating for adhering to the part of the tube extending radially outwardly of the groove and to adhere to a self adhesive coating on the base plate on either side of the groove, there being a self adhesive coating extending across the grooved portion.

Abstract: An apparatus or guide to aid in inserting the needle of syringes and the like into body conduits such as veins, is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pair of members which are placed on the opposite sides of a vein, parallel to the longitudinal axis thereof, thereby preventing lateral movement of the vein while it is being pierced by the needle. In an embodiment of the invention a guide is provided to aid in inserting the needle to the desired depth.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder includes a thin contoured plate fitting over the patient's nose with openings for the nostrils, a supporting member extending downward from the nose plate, and a tube holder attached to the supporting member having a C-shaped channel into which the endotracheal tube may be inserted laterally and held firmly in place by the walls of the channel. The contoured plate is 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 supporting member, the opposite ends being fastened to the first strap at locations near the middle of either cheek. The supplemental straps pass through small constricting openings in the main strap at these locations, being squeezed and frictionally fastened to the main strap, and they may be tightened by pulling them through the openings.

Abstract: A band for supporting a tracheostomy tube or the like comprising first and second straps each having a sponge-like inner surface adapted to lie against the skin and an outer layer of a looped material which functions as the female for Velcro-type fasteners. The straps are adjustably joined by a male Velcro-type patch on the back of one strap designed to engage the looped material on the face of the other strap. The free ends of the joined straps each carry a male Velcro-type fastener strip designed to thread through an opening in the flange of the tracheostomy tube to hold the tube in place.

Abstract: To stabilize the inserted position of an endotracheal tube and to protect it against bite-damage, a bite-block of relatively rigid tough plastic has integrally connected front-edge flanges for overlying the upper and the lower lips of a patient for attachment thereto as by strips of adhesive tape, and has a forwardly extending vertically-on-edge flange for attachment thereto of the endotracheal tube as by adhesive tape wrapped therearound.

Abstract: A retainer holds an endotracheal tube securely in a patient's mouth and prevents significant movement within the trachea. The retainer combines a member which is inserted in the patient's mouth and is adapted to receive and securely hold the tube within the tracheal lumen and a strap which encompasses the patient's head and fixes the member holding the tube securely within the patient's mouth.

Abstract: Discloses a device for the external fixation of the barium enema tip inserted into the patient's rectum. The device has a waist band, anterior and posterior straps suitably attached to the waist band a locking ring for releasable and removable locking engagement with a locking groove on the barium enema tip. The barium enema tip has a lumen communicating with side holes, a proximal end having a raised ridge to thereby receive and retain enema-bag tubing, a distal end, and an hour-glass shaped cuff having a concave portion whereby the anal sphincter complementally receives and locks thereon to prevent leakage of barium liquid.

Abstract: A fitting for use in performing a vascular puncture includes a system for rapidly and securely stabilizing an intravascular catheter or needle to a patient's skin upon insertion of the needle or catheter into a blood vessel. The hub of the needle or catheter has upper and lower lateral wings extending from its opposite sides. The wings are folded up over the hub and gripped together while a vascular puncture is made and then the lower wings, which have adhesive under surfaces, are released and dabbed onto the skin to rapidly stabilize the fitting. The upper wings can be taped down over the lower wings to effect a more permanent attachment of the fitting.

Abstract: This invention provides a vascular stabilizer in which a base plate that has a major medial longitudinal aperture or slot is adapted to be positioned so that the edges of the slot embrace a vein. The slot is defined by an arched connector or hood portion to rigify the slot and to protect a needle-type catheter in inserted position and means are provided to readily secure the base plate member to the patient as well as exerting mild pressure on either side of the vein to be infused.

Abstract: A device having special utility for holding medically-related conduits in a hospital setting is disclosed. The device comprises a generally flat, flexible pad having a gripper at one end thereof. The gripper is configured so as to selectively join the pad to a bedsheet, hospital gown or the like. A tape is disposed on the pad and extends across one surface thereof. The tape is configured such that the conduits can be secured between the tape and the pad. One surface of the tape is made of a material which selectively engages the surface of the pad such that the tape may be easily removed from and secured to the pad.

Abstract: A surgical safety device to be fixed externally to the body of a patient fitted with a body tube for securing the body tube against unintentional displacement into or out of the patient, comprises two relatively rotatable tubular members telescoped together and defining a bore for receiving the body tube, and an elongate flexible element located in the bore and having its opposite ends fixed to the respective members. When the tubular members are rotated the flexible element wraps itself around the tube and grips it to prevent longitudinal displacement through the safety device.

Abstract: A naso-gastric tube stabilizer device having a base part, a harness for releasably holding the device on a patient's head, and a spring member secured for releasably securing to the device an exposed section of a naso-gastric tube extending out of the patient's nostril.

Abstract: A soft and flexible device with a gripping portion for releasably engaging, stabilizing and aligning the portion of a naso-gastric tube where it exits the nose adjacent a patient's upper lip; the device is releasably secured on the patient's head by an adjustable harness that encircles the head.

Abstract: A two-section implantable catheter for peritoneal dialysis is disclosed, the catheter having a retainer section which permanently ingrows into the abdominal wall and a catheter tube section. The two sections are normally connected together in a fluid-tight seal but may be separated to permit replacement of the tube section of an indwelling catheter without necessitating surgical removal of the retainer section.

Abstract: An anchor for a body stimulation lead. A first body member is provided with an aperture while a second body member has a post extending from a surface thereof into the first body member aperture. At least the proximal portion of the post is slightly larger than the aperture to establish a press fit therein. Grooves are provided within one of the body members and are adapted to accept a body stimulation lead of known generally circular cross section. In a preferred embodiment, the groove opening is no greater than the lead diameter and the groove depth is at least as great as the lead radius. Suture cooperating elements are provided to facilitate securement of the anchor to body tissue.

Abstract: A vein catheter bandage with hose, tubular coupling member, laterally directed wings, stop cock on the coupling member or plug, and plug holder on one wing. An oblong, suitably air-permeable and liquid-tight protective sheet has a sticky layer on one side and thereon a liquid-absorbing layer which is substantially smaller than half of the protective sheet and is located entirely within one half of the protective sheet when this is divided transversely and at a distance from the edges of the protective sheet. On top of said layers there are two protective pull sheets. A slit is arranged through the protective sheet, the sticky layer and one of the pull sheets from the end of the bandage farthest from the absorbent layer and up to a short distance from the absorbent layer.

Abstract: A clip for retaining a flexible body fluid drain at a drainage site in a medical patient and preventing movement of the drain is disclosed. The clip has an upper portion containing a longitudinal slot into which the drain may be inserted sideways after placement of the drain in the drainage site, and a base portion, by which the clip may be taped or otherwise secured to the body surface of the patient at the drainage site.

Abstract: A stabilizing fitting for securely holding an intravenous catheter to a patient's skin at a venipuncture site comprises a laminar base member with an adhesive lower surface and a catheter hub retaining cradle on its upper surface. After insertion of the catheter into a vein and connection to an infusion tube, the catheter hub is pressed into the cradle which locates the hub laterally and longitudinally and the fitting is dabbed onto the patient's skin. Stabilization is then achieved by affixing criss-cross adhesive tapes over the assembly.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder has a body which is secured by a pair of non-stretchable, head encircling straps to overlie the patient's mouth and portions of the cheeks. The straps, which are adapted to extend, one above and the other below, the patient's ears, have one-way tightening adjustability by pawl action. The body is integrally molded to incorporate a quick-acting clamp having three integral hinges, one hinge pivotally connecting a pair of jaws of the clamp and the other two hinges supporting the jaws from resilient arms for snap-action between open and closed positions. The clamp is operative to secure or release the endotracheal tube while the straps retain the body in position on the mouth against dislodgment.

Abstract: An enema tip retention apparatus for retaining an inserted enema tip in a patient during the administering of an enema to the patient includes an adjustable belt for encompassing the waist of the patient and including depending straps which couple to a substantially flat mounting plate. The mounting plate has a clamp disposed thereon and a clearance aperture therethrough and includes two collar buttons which are arranged for connection to the two depending straps. The clamp has a ratcheted arrangement such that its clearance aperture diameter may be varied, depending upon the enema tube outside diameter which is inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly (10) includes a tracheostomy tube (11) and a neck collar (14), which limits movement of the tracheostomy tube (11), but allows adjustment of the height of the tracheostomy tube (11). The collar (14) has a deformable sleeve (29) that is oversized relative to a portion of the tracheostomy tube (11) which extends therethrough. In an undeflected condition, portions (46,46) of the sleeve (29) engage the tracheostomy tube portions (43) to fix its height. When the sleeve (29) is deflected by compressing the sleeve (29) together at selected points, the engaging sleeve portions (46,46) will be deflected away from the tracheostomy tube portions (43) to permit axial movement thereof.

Abstract: A stabilizing fitting for securely holding an intravenous catheter to a patient's skin at a venipuncture site comprises a laminar base member with an adhesive lower surface and a catheter hub retaining cradle on its upper surface. After insertion of the catheter into a vein and connection to an infusion tube, the catheter hub is pressed into the cradle which locates the hub laterally and longitudinally and the fitting is dabbed onto the patient's skin. Stabilization is then achieved by affixing criss-cross adhesive tapes over the assembly.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube stabilizer avoids the pain of repeatedly stripping tape from the face of a patient, which affixes an endotracheal tube in position, and avoids damage caused by continuous pressure on one spot of a patient's mouth and teeth on a bite block by providing a faceplate held in position by strands around the head, a wide slot in the faceplate and a mouthpiece slidable to selected positions along the slot. Thus the tube may be adhesive taped to the mouthpiece but the mouthpiece and its taped tube may be slid sidewise in the slot when deemed necessary for the welfare and comfort of the patient.

Abstract: A surgical dressing used to anchor medical devices, such as chest tubes, to a patient and then to occlude any cut made in a patient for accommodating such medical device includes elongate bands connected to the dressing and to the medical device to connect that medical device to the dressing. The dressing includes a dressing upper portion and a dressing lower portion, and the preferred embodiment of the dressing has adhesive on a rear surface of the dressing upper portion and on the front surface of the dressing lower portion. The dressing upper portion adhesive attaches the dressing to a patient, and after removal of the medical device from a patient, the dressing lower portion is folded over to be superimposed with the upper portion, and is attached to the dressing upper portion via the adhesive on the front surface thereof to occlude the cut made in the patient for accommodating the medical device.

Abstract: In a micro-fluid exchange apparatus for exchanging fluid with an organ, such as the trachea or a blood vessel of a small animal, such as a rat or a mouse, a hollow needle, such as a syringe needle, is provided for penetrating the fluid conduit of the animal. The syringe needle is coupled to a plenum chamber having an inlet and outlet port. The plenum chamber is coupled to the syringe needle via the intermediary of a standard quick disconnect coupling fitting. The plenum chamber is carried at the end of a drive rod which is coupled to a micrometer drive head. The micrometer drive head is slidably and pivotably coupled to a pedestal for adjusting the height and angle of inclination of the needle relative to a reference base support. The needle is positioned adjacent to the incised trachea or a blood vessel of a small animal and the micrometer drive head is operated for penetrating the fluid conduit of the animal.

Abstract: A Parenteral administration apparatus comprising a hollow needle having a sharpened distal end and a proximal end. The proximal end is secured in a tubular base, the interior of the needle being in flow communication with the hollow interior of said tubular base. A relatively flexible elongated tube concentric with said needle and slightly shorter than said needle, and having a distal end in slidingly frictional engagement with the outer surface of said needle is provided. The proximal end of said tube is secured to one end of a hollow cylindrical base which has an annular necked-in portion defined by spaced apart annular shoulders.

Abstract: A flexible pad with two self-securing straps for mounting a transducer to the arm of a patient.

Abstract: An endotracheal support and stabilization device has a generally oval frame framing the face of a user. The frame has a cross-member extending across the face of the user at the level of the nose. The cross-member is movably adjustably mounted on the frame for adjustment to different positions according to different nose positions on different faces. Clamps on the cross-member secure external hoses to the cross-member in a manner whereby tubing from the hoses is maintained inserted into the nostrils of the user without pressure on the nose. A fastener is affixed to the frame and extendable around the back of the user's head for releasably supporting the frame in position framing the user's face with the cross-member extending across the user's nose.

Abstract: An adjustable stop is disclosed for use with endotracheal tube or catheter guides for setting the depth of penetration of the distal end of the guide into the endotracheal tube or catheter. The adjustable stop is composed of a body of resilient material having a central bore extending completely through the body. A surface portion of the body is provided for abutment against the opening to the endotracheal tube or catheter. At least one hole, laterally displaced from the central bore, extends partially into the resilient body from the rear surface. The guide is inserted into the adjustable stop through the central bore, and the stop is manually positioned along the length of the guide with respect to its distal end to set the desired depth of penetration. The proximal end portion of the guide is formed into a suitable handle and the end is manually inserted into the laterally displaced hole.

Abstract: An I.V. needle carrier assembly is disclosed which includes a delta-shaped base plate and an I. V. needle carrier-receiving barrel secured to the base plate and extending along the axis of symmetry thereof, so that the forward open end of the barrel resides at the apex of the delta. An I.V. needle carrier is slidingly received within the barrel and means are provided for sliding the carrier between a rearward position at which the needle tip is axially retracted within the barrel, and a forward position at which the needle tip is fully extended through the barrel front open end, whereby the needle may be inserted into the blood vessel of a patient. Adhesion means are affixed to the upper surfaces of the base plate at alternate sides of the barrel. These means include portions extendable beyond the lateral perimeter of the delta for anchoring the plate to the skin of the patient upon the needle being received into the blood vessel.

Abstract: A tracheo-bronchial sampler device comprises a tubular member insertable into a chest tube and defining a passage through which a sampling catheter can be passed when the chest tube is inserted into the trachea of a patient, means are provided for spacing the passage of said tubular member away from the inner wall of said chest tube, as well as stop means for preventing the insertion of the tubular member through the chest tube beyond a predetermined point. The device enables a sample to be obtained from the desired tracheal region without undesired contamination as the sampling catheter is inserted into the patient.

Abstract: A device for protecting both a patient's teeth and medical instruments (such as tubes, probes, etc.) against damage when such instruments are inserted through the mouth. The device comprises a teeth shield member of semi-rigid material with dimensions greater than the instrument introduced and a support member for the instrument at the periphery of the teeth shield member for securing a side-by-side relationship between the instrument and the teeth shield member. The support member can be in the shape of a slit-open tube into which the instrument can be inserted radially after the introduction of the instrument into the patient. The instrument can be fixed by means of a band tied around the instrument and tied or otherwise fixed to the device, which band can also be used to fix the complete unit in the patient by tieing around his neck.

Abstract: A simple easily applied one-piece catheter tube holder originally made flat and comprising two main parts having adhesive thereon for temporary attachment to the limb of the patient, there being a narrow bridge also provided with adhesive and connecting the two main parts, said narrow bridge being foldable in the center thereof to form a doubled member, and having fasteners such as snap fasteners or Velcro for holding the same in position to releasably hold the catheter tube in the desired orientation to the patient.

Abstract: A catheter anchor for holding a catheter in position in a patient has a base in the form of a disc with a flat surface normal to a central axis. There is a transverse, resilient bar extending across the disc on the side opposite the flat surface. The bar has at least one reentrant groove in it to receive and grasp the catheter. There may be an additional reentrant groove in the bar expandable by a plug to constrict the catheter groove. Also, there may be a pawl sheet adapted to grip the catheter and abut the bar to inhibit unwanted insertion of the catheter into the patient. From the flat surface of the disc a number of needles extend approximately helically and symmetrically with the axis and with their exposed points engageable with the patient's tissue by rotation. There may also be a central guide needle extending from the flat surface along the axis.

Abstract: A hemostatic device comprising, a catheter having an elongated elastic shaft, an inflatable balloon adjacent a distal end of the shaft, and a sidearm adjacent a proximal end of the catheter. The device has a traction member comprising a retaining portion to receive the catheter shaft and sidearm, with the retaining portion being connected to an object to maintain the catheter shaft under selected tension.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder for securing an endotracheal tube in a selected position in a patient's trachea. A support strip having an adhesive-backed material to secure the support strip to the patient's face is configured to be positioned in the naso-lip area of the patient's face between the lower portion of the nose and the upper lip and to spread from cheek to cheek. A locking strip comprising a "Velcro" material portion, and a pad comprising a material which interlocks with "Velcro" material are attached to the support strip. The endotracheal tube having a presealed ring at a selected location comprising a material which interlocks with "Velcro" material is used, such that the locking strip can be locked around the presealed ring and to the pad to lock the tube in the selected position and prevent its rotation.

Abstract: An improved surgical drape comprising a main sheet of flexible drapable material having secured thereto in hinge-like fashion a retainer member comprising an elongated strip of generally flexible material to which tubing, electrical wires and the like may be attached and thereby retained in desired position on the drape. The flexible material comprising the retainer member is preferably selected from the group consisting of woven fabrics, nonwoven fabrics, polymeric films, and a liquid absorbent material laminated to a polymeric film. The drape may also include a reinforcing panel and, in a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing panel and the retainer member are made from a single piece of material. Methods for making such drapes are also disclosed.

Abstract: A securing device for a catheter placement assembly comprising a pair of oppositely-extending wings connected together by an upstanding portion with an axial through hole along a line of symmetry between the wings and said through hole being adapted to be positioned over a catheter in position so that tape may be applied to the wings to hold the catheter placement assembly in position.

Abstract: A substantially rectangular pad of soft, strong, flexible, foam material is provided with a securement flap by which an article such as a catheter tube or the like may be anchored to the pad which in turn is adapted to be adhesively affixed to the skin of a patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for holding a naso-gastric tube in position relative to a patient's nares, while at the same time permitting a reasonable degree of freedom for the patient to move without significant discomfort. The device includes a clamp for fixedly and movably engaging a naso-gastric tube and an adhesive member for affixing the device to a patient's nose. These two elements are connected by a flexible elongate member which allows relative movement therebetween. The tube clamp frictionally engages the exterior of the tube and thus allows the tube to be manually moved relative thereto for repositioning.

Abstract: An intubation set is disclosed which incorporates a special fastening means by which the tube can be fixed conveniently and effectively to the body of a patient at a point adjacent to the body opening into which the tube has been inserted. The set includes a special connector by which it may be securely associated.

Abstract: A nasal cannula assembly designed for contact with the nasalabidial area of a patient's face comprising a nasal cannula, a pair of auxiliary oxygen supply tubes connected to the opposite ends of the nasal cannula, a slip loop disposed about the auxiliary supply tubes, and a main oxygen supply line. The nasal cannula is made of a flexible plastic material that is dip molded into a hollow tubular member having a main body portion whose cross-section is oval shaped with a vertical orientation and having a pair of spaced hollow tubular extensions projecting upwardly in a curved configuration from its upper surface. The main body portion has a horizontal axis extending along its length with an elbow formed at each end. An arm portion extends from each of the elbows and the axis of the arm portion intersects the horizontal plane of the axis of the main body portion at an acute angle from above the horizontal plane.

Abstract: A band for securing a catheter or similar device to a limb of a human comprising a stretchable primary strap adapted to encircle the 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 at one end intermediate the ends of the primary strap. That end of the secondary strap also carries a clip having an eye. The other end of the secondary strap, made of a male Velcro-type fastening material, may be threaded through the eye of the clip and engage the looped fabric so that the secondary strap forms a closed loop for encircling the catheter or similar device and holding it securely in place on the limb.

Abstract: A separable fastening device is disclosed to support a catheter tube to a limb of a patient. The fastener has a first flexible strap member including a first knitted textile material having upstanding from one surface a plurality of multifilamentary loop-like elements and a polyurethane foam substrate secured to the opposite surface. A second section is formed of a flexible tape member having upstanding from one surface a plurality of hook-like elements which matingly engage with the upstanding filamentary loop-like elements of the first section so as to be attachable thereto at the respective end portions to form a complete flexible strap member. The end portion of the first section is generally tapered at the connection to the second section and defines an opening therethrough spaced sufficiently from the tapered end and dimensioned to receive a free end portion of the second section.

Abstract: A trans-abdominal stomach catheter placement system involving an external nasogastric intubation device with a mobile distal end embracing magnetic determination of the device adjacent the abdominal wall and displacement of internal organs thereat to facilitate stomach perforation, of a catheter of the Foley type introduced by means of a needle and having additional external securement and traction means therefor.

Abstract: A disposable device is provided for securing cords and tubes during surgical, or other medical operations or medical services, or the like, by which cords and/or tubes extending to or from the patient may be conveniently fastened, for example to the paper or fabric sheet covering the patient during surgery, to the bedside railings or to the patient directly during intravenous injections or drainage, and so on. The device of the invention comprises a thin flexible pad having a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side so that it may be removably attached to the aforesaid sheet, bed-rail or the like, and it also has an elongated flexible strip portion attached to, or integral with the pad, having a velcro element affixed to its distal end. In use, the pad is adhesively attached to a convenient supporting surface, such as described above, and the strip is wrapped around the tube or cord to be secured by the device.

Abstract: A lamina having a wide head portion foldable about a lateral weakening to be superimposed on a narrow body portion which includes an elongated opening. Adhesive on the wide head portion and the narrow body portion secure the lamina to a common surface.

Abstract: A catheter holder for securing a urethral catheter to a patient includes an anchoring strip with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer on one side covered by a peel-off cover sheet. A cord passes through a pair of adjacent openings in the anchoring strip with the cord being tied to secure it to the anchoring strip. The anchoring strip in the area of the openings is reinforced by a reinforcing panel. The cord is looped around a peripheral groove in a connector between the catheter and a drain tube and tied to secure it in the peripheral groove against longitudinal movement.

Abstract: A support assembly for a catheter extending from a patient's body comprising, a support member of compressible foam material having a slot extending from an outer edge of the support member, and adhesive on an inner surface for securing the support member to the patient's body with the catheter received in the slot. The support member has a sufficient thickness to cushion the patient's body and prevent kinking of the catheter when the patient reclines on the support member.

Abstract: An improved surgical drape comprising a main sheet of flexible drapable material having secured thereto a retainer member made from a flexible material and comprising a conduit through which tubing, electrical wires and the like may be threaded and thereby secured to the surface of the drape. The flexible material comprising the retainer member is selected from the group consisting of woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, polymeric films, and a liquid absorbent material laminated to a polymeric film. The drape may also include a reinforcing panel and, in a preferred embodiment, the reinforcing panel and the retainer member are made from a single piece of material. Methods for making such drapes are also disclosed.