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

Abstract: A catheter anchoring system is provided to securely anchor to a patient's skin a catheter and fluid supply tube interconnection. The anchoring system comprises a retainer configured to receive a catheter adaptor in a variety of positions. The adaptor interconnects the catheter and the fluid supply tube. In one embodiment the adaptor includes a lure-lock fitting to lock onto a hub on the proximal end of the catheter. The anchoring system additionally includes a flexible, adhesive anchor pad which supports a tube clip, as well as the retainer. The retainer includes a channel that is configured to receive the adaptor in a snap-fit manner. The retainer also includes a plurality of lateral slots. Each slot is sized to receive and to capture a radically extending member (e.g., an annular collar) of the adaptor to prevent the adaptor from sliding within the channel.

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

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable anchoring device to retain a catheter at a desired location inside a patient. The anchoring device includes a securing member with a body portion having an opening extending through the tubular body portion. The opening has a first dimension adapted to retain the catheter by frictionally engaging the catheter. The body portion of the securing member is dilatable to have an opening with a second dimension such that the securing member can slidably move about the catheter. The invention also relates to an anchoring device with a dilator member portion with a forward end wherein the forward end is adapted to detachably mate with the securing member through a portion of the opening of the securing member and to dilate the tubular body portion of the securing member from having an opening with the first dimension to have an opening with the second dimension.

Abstract: A securement device provides securement attachment of a catheter fitting to the skin of a patient, while allowing convenient disengagement of the catheter fitting from the securement device. This allows a health care provide the ability to replace the fluid supply tubes connected to the fitting without removing the securement device. The securement device also ensures the that components of the catheter fitting remain tightly connected to prevent accidental disengagement of the catheter from the fitting.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to a catheter having an improved tape down wing. This wing is oval and has a length to width ratio of between about 1:1 to about 1:3. In addition, the wing has a flat bottom with a domed cross-section. The ratio of the cross-sectional thickness, edge to center, is between about 1:1.5 to about 1:4.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions are engaged together by a hinge member and a clasp. Each body portion includes a radially deflective clamping member, the clamping member forming an adjustable clamping orifice designed to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A disposable venoclysis adaptor device for supporting a venotube at a person's limb and including at least one flexible fastening strap to be secured at the person's limb, two spacing cushions securable to the strap, an adaptor pillow securable to the strap between the two cushions, an adaptor flap provided between the cushions and cooperating with the adapter pillow for fixedly retaining a venotube therebetween, and a tube flax provided on the fastening strap for securing an extension of the venotube for preventing displacement of the venotube upon person's limb movement.

Abstract: A catheter anchoring device is provided for securely anchoring a catheter to a patient's skin. The catheter anchoring device is particularly well suited to secure an epidural catheter proximate to an insertion site. The catheter anchoring device includes a plurality of channels which receive a section of the catheter body such that a portion of the received section of the catheter body lies generally transverse to an axis defined by the indwelling portion of the catheter. An additional anchoring device also can be used to anchor a catheter/fluid supply tube interconnection to the skin of a patient. In connection with epidural catheterization, one anchoring device can be attached to the anterior of the patient's torso, and the other anchoring device can be positioned on the posterior of the patient's torso and proximate to the point of insertion. This arrangement improves the comfort of the patient and makes the interconnection between the catheter and the fluid tube more readily accessible.

Abstract: A tracheal tube securing strap is adapted to wrap around a patient's head or neck and hold a tracheal tube in a desired position with respect to the patient. The securing strap includes a nonadhesive central portion that is positioned around the back of a patient's head or neck, an adhesive intermediate portion positioned on each side of the central portion which is covered by a removable release liner, and a bifurcated end portion disposed at each end of the strap and temporarily covered by separate release liners.

Abstract: A catheter support for immobilizing a catheter tube exiting a penis consisting of a cradle, an extension member integral with the cradle and extending forwardly from the cradle, a strap on said cradle for securing the penis to the cradle, a removable tie on the extension member securing the catheter tube to the extension member, thereby precluding relative flexing between catheter and penis to thereby avoid discomfort.

Abstract: A restraint for securing and protecting medical tubing. The restraint device is comprised of an anchor plate having an outer surface and an inner surface. The anchor plate also includes a receiver upon which a means for retaining tubing is connected. The retaining means has a tube clamping portion which holds the tubing and an anchoring portion which secures the retaining means to the anchor plate. The device can preferably be non-adhesively positioned in an area of the patient's body through a fastening means located on the anchor plate. In addition, a cover is connected to the anchor plate for protecting and further securing medical tubing. The all-plastic device can be cleaned, sanitized and reused if desired.

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

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a tube and cable restraint having: an attachment strip of flexible material having on its underside a coating of adhesive suitable for adhering to a surface; a holding strip of flexible material having a fixed end, a repositionable end and a bridging section between the fixed end and the repositionable end comprising a bridging strip; an adhesive layer between the bottom surface of said holding strip and the top surface of said attachment strip at least at each end of said restraint; and a finger tab. The present invention also provides surgical drapes and gowns with tube and cable restraints attached thereto.

Abstract: A stabilizer for stabilizing a surgical instrument extending through tissue of an anatomical cavity wall includes an expandable outer member disposed on the surgical instrument and an inner member disposed between the outer member and the surgical instrument for moving the outer member between a contracted position allowing insertion of the outer member in the cavity wall and an expanded position resisting withdrawal of the outer member and the surgical instrument from the cavity wall. The outer member includes a plurality of legs, and protrusions on the inner member expand the legs outwardly from the surgical instrument in the expanded position in response to movement of the inner member. Annular, tapered ribs on the legs bite into the tissue along the thickness of the cavity wall in the expanded position to lock the surgical instrument in place in the cavity wall.

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

Abstract: A 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: A replaceable flexible protective cover for an infusion device formed from a transparent membrane adhesive on one side affixable to the skin of a person to surround at least a part of the infusion device, and the membrane includes a portion through which a portion of the device passes and grips the infusion device to assure stability as well as added water proof characteristic to the cover.

Abstract: A port includes a body having a hollow portion defining an axial bore, a flange circumferentially disposed around a proximal end of the hollow portion and two spaced apart legs extending distally from the hollow portion, each leg having a distal end with a wing portion extending laterally therefrom. The thoracic port is inserted into the intercostal space between two ribs and turned to a locking position wherein the legs may advantageously bias the ribs to a more spaced apart configuration and the wings abut the distal surface of the ribs to prevent inadvertent withdrawal of the port.

Abstract: An enclosure which provides a sterile environment for insertion of a catheter, attachment of an iv setup and the like and in another embodiment for sterile maintenance of a localized surgical site. The enclosure in both embodiments is comprised of a sterile transparent dome section comprised of a medically inert and acceptable resilient or rubber-like plastic material such as polyurethane, PVC or polyethylene, with a flat flange section peripherally situated around the base of the dome and extending away from the enclosure. The flange section comprises an adhesive section on the underface thereof whereby the dome can be sealingly and hermetically removably adhered to the skin of a patient to enclose a portion of a patient's skin in a controllable environment.

Abstract: The invention is a catheter protector harness apparatus. The protective apparatus as worn by an adult, child or infant has a belt that encircles the body from the chest to the back by passing under the arms and which has at least one strap passing over a shoulder. The harness belt and strap are secured behind the back out of reach, if desired, and the catheter is enclosed in a pocket mounted upon the front of the harness belt and formed by folding a flap which depends from the front portion of the harness belt and which is folded about an imaginary hinge-line extending along the front middle portion of the belt to which the flap is attached and which rests against the chest of the patient's body.

Abstract: A tube-retaining device is provided for holding a medical tube in a fixed position on a patient's body proximate the tube insertion site. The tube-retaining device includes a base, and clamp mounted on the base for engaging and holding the tube. The clamp includes first and second spaced-apart arms pivotably attached for movement between an open tube-receiving position and a closed tube-enclosing position. Locking teeth are formed on the arms for adjusting the space between the arms in the closed position. The clamp is adjustable for accommodating different size tubes.

Abstract: A method for expanding the volume of interior nasal air passages (65 and 67) by introducing separating forces in anatomical outer nasal wall tissues (62 and 64) to enhance oxygen flow and minimize obstruction caused by the presence of nasally inserted medical tubing, which further supports and retains various combinations of oxygen cannula (68), a nasogastric suction tube (35), or an enteral feeding tube (40). This method includes a device containing a clip assembly (14), adjustable arm (18) and dilator patch assembly (12). The primary purposes of this method are to reduce incidence of secondary infection, increase efficacy of oxygen therapy and improve patient comfort.

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

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

Abstract: The invention is a bandage and an assembly especially designed for proper fixation of an oral, endo-tracheal anaesthesia tube relative to the mouth of a person. The bandage includes a support sheet of a flexible, substantially non-ductile material defining opposite side surfaces and defining contiguous first and second parts. The first part is provided with a coating, at one side surface thereof, of a first adhesive exhibiting the ability of adhering to the skin of a person, and being configured so as to allow the first part to be adhered to the cheek of the person leaving the mouth unobstructed. The second part is provided with a coating, at one side surface thereof, of a second adhesive exhibiting the ability of adhering to the endo-tracheal anaesthesia tube, and being configured so as to allow the second part to be adhered to a segment of the tube extending outwardly from the mouth of the person.

Abstract: A retention device is presently disclosed for attaching and maintaining the positioning of a transcutaneous drainage tube in a patient without the use of suturing. The retention device is structurally configured to accommodate a drainage tube. Further, the retention device has a small tube and at least one pair of inflatable discs. The tube is positioned such that one of the discs in the pair of discs is located interior the epidermis while the other disc in the pair of discs is located exterior the epidermis. As the tube and discs are inflated, the pair of discs act as a grommet for securing the retention device to the epidermis. The tube is filled with a sterile, medically bio-inert saline solution at a point exterior the epidermis. Further, the retention device also has a flexible disc for holding a sterile dressing proximate the insertion position for the drainage tube. The retention device is positionally maintained without the need of suturing or other invasive connecting devices.

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

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

Abstract: An apparatus for tethering elongated members, such as cables, tubes and the like, to a human body, is disclosed. The tether is configurable to attach to various human appendages and includes an embodiment that is strong enough to support a heavy cable, such as a hospital ultrasound equipment cable. The tether can further accommodate various diameters of cables, tubes, cords and the like, including writing implements, and can be comprised of various alternative substances, including semi-rigid, soft and non-allergenic materials. A critical aspect of the present invention is that the cable, tube, cord and the like be quickly releasable from the body by tugging the cable, tube, cord and the like.

Abstract: This invention pertains to blood vessel cannulation devices and methods for sensing the location of a blood vessel, for cannulation with precision and ease. In preferred embodiments, the blood vessel cannulation device preferably comprises a mounting assembly for securing the device to a patient in the vicinity of a blood vessel. A rotating assembly is mounted to the mounting assembly for rotation with respect to the mounting assembly. A guide housing is mounted to the rotating assembly for traverse across the rotating assembly, and for rotating with the rotating assembly. Sensor guides in the guide housing receive one or more sensors which sense the blood vessel. Rotating the rotating assembly, and traversing the guide housing, enable bringing the bottom ends of the sensor guides into alignment with the blood vessel, correspondingly also bringing a cannula guide, also present in the guide housing, into alignment with the blood vessel.

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

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a harness system for supporting on a wearer, a portable chemotherapy treatment dispenser. The harness system includes a harness arranged and configured to removably surround a portion of the wearer. A container support means is mounted on the harness at a first location and is adapted to receive and hold a container of chemotherapy medication. A pump holding means is mounted on the harness at a second location and is adapted to receive and hold a pump. The harness may comprise a belt arranged and configured to be worn approximately about the wearer's waist. A shoulder strap may also be provided as part of the harness. The belt portion of the harness may be a brace, such as a back brace.

Abstract: A securement device retains an indwelling catheter at a desired incident angle while allowing incremental adjustments of the incident angle without disconnecting the catheter from the retainer. The retainer includes an arcuate slot which curves in a direction toward an insertion site of the indwelling catheter. The slot receives a portion of a hub of the catheter. Movement of the catheter hub along the arcuate path defined by the slot changes the incident angle of the catheter. The retainer also includes protrusions which project into the slot and capture a hub of the catheter at discrete positions within the slot. These positions correspond to commonly desired incident angles of the catheter for given medical applications. The retainer also connects to an anchoring base in order to secure the retainer to the patient's skin proximate to the catheterization site.

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

Abstract: A system and method are disclosed for supporting orotracheal tubing in the mouth and trachea of pediatric patient (e.g., infant) during prolonged intubation. In general, the system comprises an intraoral component and an extraoral component, each of unitary construction. The intraoral components includes a base portion and an alveolar ridge cushioning flap portion. The base portion has a longitudinal extent, a bore formed along the longitudinal extent for passage and support of a first selected portion of the endotracheal tubing, and a palate facing surface made of a soft resilient material for cushioning the palate of the infant during intubation. The extraoral component of the system includes a flexible lip cushioning flap portion and a tubing clasping portion. A centrally disposed hole is formed in the lip cushioning flap portion for releasable receipt of a projection extending from the alveolar ridge cushioning portion.

Abstract: A forming tool member which presents a contoured peripherally continuous concave recess within the confines of an exposed upper surface of the tool. This concave recess conforms generally to the contour of the inflatable ring of a laryngeal mask in its inflated state. A second or closure member (or force-application member) has a convexly contoured lower peripheral surface conforming generally to a predetermined or desired optimum shape of the ring in its deflated state, so that the predetermined shape of the deflated ring can be achieved by squeezing compression of these two members against an interposed deflatable ring in the course of fully deflating the ring. Releasably engageable elements of the two members retain a clamped and compressed condition of the fully deflated ring, in instant readiness for emergency use of the involved laryngeal mask.

Abstract: A disposable device and method for holding a plurality of medical conduits including an elongated foam strip having first and second ends and a layer of repositionable adhesive on a first surface of the strip. A clip is provide at the first end for releasably attaching the device to a bed sheet, blanket or patient's clothing, and the second end is folded over toward the first end with the conduits secured between the layers by the adhesive layer which substantially surrounds the circumference of each conduit to hold the same without allowing the conduits to be twisted or pulled through the holder.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for supporting a nasal cannula having two branches across the face of a patient for use utilizes a strap positionable across the top of the head of a patient wherein the strap includes two opposite end portions which are disposed adjacent the ears of the patient when the strap is positioned across the head. An amount of adhesive is borne by each end portion of the strap for adhesively securing the branches of the nasal cannula to the end portions of the strap so that by adhesively securing each of the two branches to a corresponding end portion of the strap and then positioning the strap across the head of a patient, the branches are suspended across the patient's head by the strap and prevented from shifting relative to the end portions by the adhesive.

Abstract: A tube fitting anchoring device is provided to securely anchor a catheter and fluid supply tube interconnection to a patient's skin. The anchoring device comprises a retainer which is configured to receive a tube fitting in a variety of positions. The tube fitting interconnects the catheter and the fluid supply tube. The anchoring system additionally includes a flexible, adhesive anchor pad which supports the retainer. In one embodiment, the tube fitting includes two parallel generally tubular segments interconnected by a transverse member. The retainer also includes at least two parallel channels interconnected by a transverse channel. The channels are sized to receive the generally tubular segments of the tube fitting in a snap-fit manner, with the transverse channel also receiving the transverse member of the tube fitting in a snap-fit fashion.

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

Abstract: A catheter clamp comprises a base (1) for securing by adhesion to the skin, a hole (2) in the base for passage of a catheter tube (3), a curved tube support surface (14) for supporting the tube which is bent in use through about 90.degree., and an arm (6) pivoted at (8) between parallel upstanding side walls (4) on the base. The arm (6) has a curved portion (22) extending eccentrically of the pivot (8) which urges a tube portion (23) above the hole (2) into a vertical channel provided in a post (12), and grips the tube when the arm is pivoted to an operative clamping position. The arm is held by retention means (24, 25) in the clamping position. In another embodiment (FIGS. 8, 9) the manually operable clamping means is provided by a slider (50).

Abstract: The present invention discloses catheter tube retaining devices having a disk rotatably coupled to the base, and a strap (or equivalent) for attaching such a device to the human body. The disk is capable of rotation relative to the base through at least a 90 degree arc. Further, the disk has formed upon a top surface at least one U-shaped retaining channel or groove of sufficient diameter as to retain a catheter tube in interference fit, without restricting the passage of fluid through such tube. Preferably, at least one pair of opposing tabs (or equivalent) protrude over the retaining channel to assist in the retention of the catheter tube. The disk can accommodate four channels, for different sizes of catheter tubes.

Abstract: A belt-pack for containing and securing surgically implanted catheters embodying a pouch, and a belt with two end portions, one end portion permanently attached to the pouch and one end portion thereof extending around the waist of a patient and overlapping and detachably connected to the pouch. The detachable connection of the one end belt portion and the pouch comprises multiple button holes in the belt portion for connecting to matching buttons affixed to the pouch to give a substantial range of adjustment for both adult and pediatric patients.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and nasal cannula device, e.g. NCC device, with modular components and a mean airway pressure (MAP) measurement port. The NCC device includes a comfortable foam securement strip which adhesively attaches to the upper lip of an individual. The securement strip includes adhesive tape strips extending therefrom with removable backings for attaching the NCC device to the individual's face with the nasal prongs sealably positioned in the nose. The MAP measurement port can be located near the nasal prongs for accurate pressure readings or further away for convenience in reading the pressure. Extensions or tapping fixtures can also be used to provide a MAP measurement port at a convenient location away from the face. The NCC device could be used with modular connections including, for instance, ventilator circuit attachments and/or cannula flow-meter attachments.

Abstract: A medical device securing apparatus for releasably securing at least one medical device to a supporting object. The securing apparatus includes a foundation strap (12) and a securing mechanism for releasably securing the foundation strap to a supporting object (22). An engaging strap (26) extends outwardly from a second end portion (16) of the foundation strap (12) for being received about at least a portion of at least one medical device. Also included is a securing strap (30), secured at its proximal end (31) to the foundation strap (12), for releasably engaging at least a portion of the distal end portion (28) of the engaging strap (26), after the engaging strap has been received about at least a portion of at least one medical device.

Abstract: Apparatus for holding a medical implement in position in a body opening. The apparatus includes a strap of material, the strap of material having a length and two ends, a weight being provided at each of the two ends, the strap of material being draped over the body of a patient in such a way that the medical implement is supported from below by a portion of this strap of material intermediate the ends, the weight at the ends of the material counter-balancing the tendency of the medical implement to move or fall downwardly out of the body opening.

Abstract: A medical tubing support which includes a harness strap, capable of being attached around the body of the patient, a detachable pad capable of being selectively attached to the harness strap, and at least one adjustable strap pivotally attached to the detachable pad which secures ventilation circuit tubing on the detachable pad. The first end of the adjustable strap is attached to a rivet located in the center of the detachable pad. The rivet enables the adjustable strap to pivot anywhere in 360 degrees. During use, the second end of the adjustable strap is wrapped over an object to hold the object on the detachable pad. Velcro (TM) hook and loop surfaces disposed between the detachable pad and the adjustable strap enables the adjustable strap to be selectively fixed in position on the detachable pad. Velcro (TM) hook and loop surfaces provided between the detachable pad and the topside of the harness allows the detachable pad to be selectively placed on the topside of the harness.