Abstract: An intravenous tube assembly to supply intravenous fluid to a patient includes an intravenous fluid container held by a stand and connected at one end to intravenous fluid tubing, which is connected at the opposite end to a patient. A mast assembly has an elongate resilient mast with a movable tip and a base. The base is fixed to structure proximate the patient. The tip carries a tube holder which releasably holds a segment of the intravenous tube leading to the patient. The mast permits patient movement by deflecting to follow the patient and rebounding upon return of the patient to prevent an excess of residual intravenous tube in the vicinity of the patient.

Abstract: A tracheal cannula in which the cannula tube is pivotally coupled to its throat plate by a spherical ball formed at the external end of the tube and an engaging socket formed in the throat plate.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intubation assembly for nasogastric intubation comprising a catheter and a plastic sheath tube for encasing the catheter along substantially the full length thereof, the sheath tube having a longitudinal tear-off line over the full length thereof and having elasticity and rigidity slightly greater than the catheter which is slidably inserted in the sheath tube.

Abstract: For widening puncture channels of the kidney, use is made of catheters increasing by steps in diameter, which are inserted consecutively into the kidney through a puncture channel over a guiding rod. One of the catheters is equipped, beside its central passage, with a guiding passage parallel to the former and intended for a second guiding wire.

Abstract: A medical tube holder is disclosed herein having a base supporting an adhesive strap for adherence to the facial area of a patient immediately adjacent the mouth. The base is provided with a central opening for receiving and holding an elongated tube or straw-like member inserted into the patient's mouth. An adjustable clamp releasably secures the tube or straw-like member in place on the holder. Various clamp constructions are employed such as a gate type, a C-clamp or a notched strap type.

Abstract: This invention pertains to the construction and use of a sterile securement device for retaining an inserted and placed catheter and a connected tubular conductor in an assembled condition. This securement device in retaining condition maintains this assembly by this adhesively-coated film which is tightly pressed to the skin of a patient. A frame of sheet material has at least three outer-edge portions providing therebetween a determined interior space or area. This retaining film is a bottom member of film adhesively coated on one side and is attached by the adhesive to one side of this frame. The film within the frame has a flexible release sheet applied to the adhesive surface of this film. An additional protector sheet having a sealable surface is configured to be secured to both the frame and release sheet and has a tab means for removal of this protector and release sheet at time of use. The assembled package is sterilized before shipment and storage.

Abstract: A needle support is disclosed for supporting a needle inserted into a body part of a patient. The needle support is a frusto-conical member formed from a pair of semiconical halves which are joined at a common hinge edge with the halves presenting opposing flat surfaces which may be pivoted to a closed position with the surfaces opposing and abutting one another. The needle support 50 is formed of a material which is sufficiently rigid to support a needle disposed between said conical halves yet deformable about a rigid needle with deformable portions defining a needle receiving channel. A support base is provided secured to the body portion and sized to cover a part of a patient's skin and adhesive is provided on a skin abutting surface of the support base.

Abstract: The automatic intubation device described herein consists of an endotracheal tube which can be inserted automatically into the trachea without the use of a laryngoscope or a physician skilled in its use and which will avoid obstructions on the way to the trachea and comprises a combination of: (1) a flexible guide comprising either a flexible tube or rod having no more than a slight curvature in the length thereof, preferably an esophageal tube, and having a male or female adaptor or track running at least a substantial portion of its length and (2) the endotracheal tube to be inserted into the trachea which endotracheal tube may have a substantial amount of curvature therein and also has a female or male adaptor or track complementary to the adaptor of the guide and designed to fit into or onto the adaptor of the guide.

Abstract: The support wrap system is designed to secure the intravenous tubing in a non-kinked loop in a protective manner at the injection site. The wrap is made up of a length of material of a length sufficient to surround the limb at the injection site and to additionally overlap itself to at least 15% of its length. The two ends of the captured intravenous tubing loop are first captured by two flaps of material having respective pluralities of resilient engaging elements for releasably securing the flaps, located at one end of the wrap. The length of material is then wrapped around the limb to overlap the end which has captured the IV loop and then to resecure the wrap to itself by a third fastener of resilient elements.

Abstract: A holder for securing and protecting an intravenous injection needle when the needle is inserted in the body of a patient is disclosed. The holder includes a flat base having an adhesive bottom with an aperture located in the middle of the base. A clear plastic window, having an adhesive bottom, is placed over the aperture on the base. When the needle is inserted in the body, the base is placed over the needle so that the insertion site lies in the middle of the aperture. The base securely holds the needle in place, and the clear window covers and protects the needle while allowing the needle insertion site to be observed. The window can be partially peeled back to provide access to the needle, and if desired the window may be completely peeled off and replaced. A see through gauze pad to which an antibiotic salve can be applied is also disclosed. This gauze pad is removably placed underneath the clear window in the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is a percutaneous access device (PAD) with a connector lock which facilitates replacement and removal of tubes transmitting materials to or from the body of a patient without the need for surgery and with minimal interference with an implanted PAD. The lock may include a screw ring and elastomeric seal attachable to the neck of the device through which a tube extends, and the neck has recesses in its outer surface to permit it to be tightly restrained during tightening or loosening of the lock. A flat skirt or flange provides subdermal anchoring of the buttonlike percutaneous access device, and a two-stage porous bed covering portions of the neck and skirt promotes formation of a tight dermal/biomaterial barrier near the junction of the two stages of the porous bed.

Abstract: A catheter retaining means and method for a surgically implanted catheter having an internal tubing portion received within the body and an external tubing portion with a free end extending from an exit site on the body. The retaining means comprises a band of flexible material for being received about the body and over the exit site of the implanted catheter for protecting the site of the body and securely retaining in position proximate to the body the external tubing portion as it extends from the exit site. The band has an opening and a pocket overlying the opening for receiving into the pocket through the opening at least a part of the external tubing portion and its free end for storage therein, the pocket allowing the removal therefrom of the free end and part of the external tubing portion of the catheter for placing it in use.

Abstract: A device for securing catheters to grafts and the like implanted in patients, primarily for use in connection with dialysis treatments is disclosed, including an anchoring bracelet for attachment to the patient at a predetermined location at which the graft is located, a rotatable saddle rotatably mounted on the anchoring bracelet, in which the saddle includes an aperture adapted to receive the catheter, a contact surface having a shape adapted to mate with the graft, and a saddle channel extending between the aperture and the contact surface, and stabilizing tabs for preventing removal of the rotatable saddle from the anchoring bracelet so that the catheter can be accurately located in the graft and firmly anchored on the patient.

Abstract: A bracelet adapted to secure an intravenous tube to the wrist of a medical patient is formed of a single elongated strip of flexible plastic material. One end of the strip tapers to a rounded point, with a plurality of ratchet teeth formed in the edges of the strip adjacent to the tapered portion. The opposite end is provided with an opening to receive the first end and to engage the ratchet teeth and form a loop of adjustable length, with a pair of lateral slots provided to retain the distal portion of the first end flush with the bracelet. The medial portion of the strip includes a plurality of pairs of longitudinally extending slots, each pair adapted to receive the intravenous tube therethrough, so that the tube may be secured by describing a retrocurved configuration through the bracelet slots.

Abstract: A system for supplying supplemental oxygen to a patient includes a nosepiece and an oxygen tube holder. The nosepiece has a conical section with a truncated tip and a flexible annular skirt and is formed with a primary axial oxygen passageway and a pair of lateral secondary oxygen passages which lead from the primary passageway to outlets on the conical surface. Optionally, an additional pair of passageways lead through the nosepiece from a position outwardly of the skirt into the axial passageway. In alternative forms, the nosepiece has a tear-away skirt portion to permit the diameter to be changed to accommodate the individual, and has external air passageways formed as recesses on the conical surface. The tube holder is arcuate and is adapted to be mounted on an EKG electrode-type patch on a cheek prominence and supports an oxygen delivery tube to the nosepiece. The electrode post is received within a curved slot formed in the holder base.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder has a cord with a loop through which the endotracheal tube extends. A tube with slits surrounds the cord adjacent the loop to secure the endotracheal tube in the cord when the tube is placed in the mouth and throat of the patient. The remaining portions of the cord extend over the ears and under the chin of the patient. A lockable collar is positioned on the cord to tighten the cord under the chin so as to position and retain the endotracheal tube in the patient.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, an elongated catheter having a lumen, a distal end for placement in a patient, and a proximal end. The system has a retaining assembly comprising, a base plate for placement adjacent the patient, and an upright wall extending substantially peripherally around the base plate and having an opening, with the base plate having an aperture to receive the catheter and an upright retaining member having a groove extending from the aperture to receive the catheter in the groove. The catheter is wound in at least one coil inside the wall and extends toward the wall opening.

Abstract: A device that allows a suction head to be clamped to a tracheostomy tube and left in place to dispose of secretions on a continuous basis by suction, without interfering with respirations or oxygenation. This is achieved by slipping a ring around the outer end of the tracheostomy tube bearing a holder for a glass suction head which comes to rest on the outer rim of the cannula, but does not extend inside the cannula. When connected to suction, mucus will be disposed of as it is coughed up, without causing the many problems of tracheostomy care.

Abstract: An intravascular tube assembly is disclosed which facilitates the administration of drugs and fluids to a patient. The invention is especially useful during emergency surgery, or in other contexts where several medications need to be administered simultaneously, and wherein it is necessary to provide a complicated assortment of infusion lines. The assembly comprises a plurality of tubes for delivering the fluids, the tubes having indicia disposed at intervals along their length. In the preferred embodiment, the indicia are printed on the tubes at intervals of about six inches, and are printed three times at each location along the tube, around its circumference. Alternatively, the indicia can be printed in a spiral fashion from one end of the tube to the other. The assembly also includes at least one generally flat separator having a plurality of spaced-apart holes, the diameter of the holes being slightly larger than the diameter of the tubes.

Abstract: An adapter body for a catheter is described wherein the body is shaped to angle the catheter toward the blood vessel and maintain suturing about the body for holding same to the patient. In particular, a saddle is positioned across the top of the adapter body to locate a suture when same is used to tie down the adapter.

Abstract: A device which permits the discharge of urine from cutanenous ureterostomies into the conventional collecting bags, comprising a hollow tube which can optionally divide over a part of its length into two substantially parallel branches a few mm apart, and a flange integral with the tube and adhesive on the face which is directed towards the patient body.

Abstract: A device for anchoring catheter tubing to the skin of a patient which includes a resiliently flexible pad attachable to the patient's skin. The pad has a predetermined dimensioned arcuate passageway disposed therein for snugly receiving and redirecting the tube. The passageway is externally accessible along its length by manually spreading the pad along a slit.

Abstract: A disposable "third hand" holder for CAPD exchange sets holds a set connector and a cap in an aseptic condition until ready for use. The holder is adhesively secured to a work surface. After the set connector has been removed from the holder and the exchange is under way, a sterilant tube can be connected to the holder in place of the set connector, and its contents can be squeezed out through a passage within the holder into the interior of the cap. When the patient's catheter is eventually capped, the sterilant in the cap maintains all interior surfaces of the catheter connector in an aseptic condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for locking an endotracheal tube to a respirator, and the method of using the same. The locking mechanism comprises two clamp mechanisms and a strap interconnecting them. One of the clamp mechanisms is tightened around the endotracheal tube, and the other clamp mechanism is a quick-release clamp that is clamped onto the respirator connector in a quickly releasable manner.

Abstract: A smooth bulbous tip slips within a blood vessel after puncture by an inserted needle. Withdrawal of the needle leaves a blunt, non-lacerating conduit for intravenous fluid. A broad base prevents breakage of the cannula. Multiple break-away perforated tabs provide options for suturing the hub of the catheter to the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A device for securing a respiratory appliance during respiratory therapy having a head covering made of a material which conforms to the shape of the patient's head, and two elongated thread-like members positioned on opposite sides of the head covering at points which approximately correspond to the temporal areas of the patient's head, the thread-like members being adjustable to vary the distance between the respiratory appliance and the head covering so that the respiratory appliance is securely positioned within the patient's nares.

Abstract: An improved tubing organizer for hospital use having Velcro.RTM. straps, a Teflon.RTM. loop and a stainless steel clip connected by stainless steel eyelets. The improved tubing organizer is able to withstand repeated exposure to temperatures up to two hundred eighty degrees Fahrenheit and can be permanently attached to a length of tubing.

Abstract: A harness for a naso-enteral tube for use in patient health care, particularly for naso-enteral feeding. The harness is a thin elongated length of material, preferably cyclindrical or tubular, secured to a naso-enternal tube for a distance along the length of the tube and inserted into the patient with the naso-enteral tube. The harness then may be secured about the patients nasal septum so that the connection between the harness and the naso-enteral tube along siad distance is within the patient's nostril.

Abstract: This invention is an improvement in an anchor for a transcutaneous conduit, such as a hypodermic needle, used in conjunction with a subcutaneous reservoir having a conduit-penetrable septum. The anchor includes a resilient protective boot having a plurality of concentric annular rings stacked using the conduit as an axis, beginning with a base ring carrying adhesive for attachment to the skin of a living body and ending with a terminal ring to be attached to the conduit, and includes means, when the terminal ring is attached to the conduit, to urge the protective boot into a compressed state along the axis and the conduit into the body. The improvement provides means for inserting a stylet into the anchor and through the conduit to prevent coring the septum when the conduit is inserted into the reservoir.

Abstract: A suture tab for holding a catheter in place on a patient is described. The suture tab includes a central opening adapted to receive and hold a catheter in place. A slit extends from one edge of the suture tab to the central opening such that the catheter must pass through the slit to arrive at the central opening. A suture placed through the suture tab serves to both close the slit and hold the suture tab in place on the patient.

Abstract: An intravenous needle assembly includes a hollow needle having a beveled point, the needle being positioned transversely of a central section of an elongated, flexible, foldable body having oppositely disposed wing sections. The needle is provided with a flexible connecting tube and a connector for attachment to a desired device, such as a syringe, bottle, etc. The central section mounting the needle and the oppositely disposed wing sections carry a tapered foam pad with a pressure sensitive adhesive on the lower surface thereof when applied to the skin of a patient's body. After the insertion of the needle in a vein, the needle is angled downwardly into the vein to position the beveled pointed end away from the walls of the vein.

Abstract: A medical drainage apparatus is provided for draining surgical wounds or internal organs or cavities. The apparatus comprises a pair of flexible pleated tubes which are adapted to be connected to a pair of drainage tubes which extend from the body, a relatively rigid Y connector which is connected to the flexible tubes, and a relatively rigid bridge which extends over the flexible tubes and which is adapted to be attached to the body and to hold the Y connector.

Abstract: A tube holder comprised of a foam strip which has apertures in the strip running the length of the strip at spaced intervals. The resilient nature of the foam facilitates holding a trachea or nasogastric tube sufficiently firmly in place when the strip is wrapped around the patient's head and two of the apertures are aligned so that the tube can be inserted through the apertures into a patient's body orifice. The apertures may be circular or slits. An alternative embodiment uses a similar foam material but has a single aperture at one end for inserting the tube through, with the other end of the strip wrapping around a person's head and being wrapped around the tube and fixed by Velcro or similar substances.

Abstract: A personal catheter leg strap (10) for the securement of any one of a plurality of differently sized catheter tubes (32) includes a first section (12) of a gauze type material and a second section (14) of elastic type material joined together at a junction (16) for wrapping about a limb. A Velcro-type strip (30) attaches the two free ends of the first and second portions together. A catheter tube securing strap (22) is attached at one end thereof to the junction (16) and has two portions (24) and (26), of which the portion (26) is narrower throughout its length. An orifice (28) is disposed in the broad portion (24) and is dimensioned such that the entire length of the narrow portion (26) is insertable therein. The securing strap (22) has a free end thereof wrapped around a catheter tube (32) one revolution and inserted through the orifice (28). Within the one revolution, protruding members (29) protrude inwardly into the exterior surface ( 36) of tube (32), firmly securing it to the strap (22).

Abstract: A waterproof fabric sleeve or cover for a human limb has a cuff which can be wrapped tightly around the limb. To the inside surface of the cuff is affixed a circumferentially elongated fitting of resilient material thicker at its mid-section than at its ends and having a transverse groove at its mid-section dimensioned to hold an intravenous feeding tube. The groove is open at its inside surface an amount less than its greatest diameter. The sleeve is positioned on the limb so that the intravenous tube fits into the groove and the cuff is wrapped tightly enough to seal it to the limb. The fitting is positioned with a margin of the cuff on each side and the cuff margins seal it to the limb when the intravenous tube is removed.

Abstract: A detachable holder for immobilizing a flexible tubing at a site adjacent its point of connection to a medical device inserted in a patient to feed a therapeutic fluid into a vein or artery or to withdraw fluid from the patient. The holder is formed by a flexible plastic strip having upstanding end wings provided with snap-in key hole slots in axial alignment. These slots are adapted to receive a short section of the tubing which then bridges the wings and is held thereby. Attached to the underside of the strip is one component of a hook and loop fabric fastener whose other component is bonded to the outer face of an adhesive tape. By adhering the tape to the skin of the patient at a position adjacent the inserted medical device and then fastening the holder thereto, one is able to immobilize the tubing to prevent a tug thereon from displacing the inserted medical device.

Abstract: The present invention entails an apparatus for receiving and holding a medical fluid infusion device of the type having a main patient feed line that directs fluid to and into a patient and which further includes a plurality of feeding pig tails that branch and extend from the main patient feed line. In order to maintain the pig tails in an orderly and untangled state, the apparatus of the present invention basically comprises a board type support structure that is provided with a series of spaced apart channels formed across the upper surface of the board and designed and adapted to receive and hold the respective pig tails and the main patient feed line.

Abstract: A pocket device for retaining a gastronomy tube entering from the stomach of a patient including a band having opposite ends with cooperative fastener at the opposite ends so that the band can be place around the abdomen of the patient, a pocket member provided generally centrally located on the band and including pocket opening and closing device to provide access to the pocket where a slit is provided in the band intermediate the ends of the band so that the slit is located within the perimeter of and covered by the pocket so that the gastronomy tube placed in the stomach of the patient is received through the slit and can be stored in the pocket when not in use where access to the tube can be provided by means of the pocket opening and closing device to allow feeding.

Abstract: A device which stabilizes the sheath of an endoscope or arthroscope during surgery. The device is a relatively thin, flat, flexible plate of plastic material and is adapted to be placed against a patient's body at the area where penetration is made by the scope sheath. The plate is formed with a predetermined sized central hole and the sheath is slidably inserted through the hole and has an interference fit with the surrounding plate material. The plate provides a stable base for the scope to be slidably moved with respect to the plate to adjust the depth of penetration. The plate preferably has a bow or generally figure-eight configuration which provides sufficient surface area at both ends of the plate to provide a stable base for the scope while permitting other surgical instruments to be inserted into the patient's body closely adjacent the scope due to the concavity of the plate sides. Various mechanisms can be mounted in the central plate hole to accommodate various sizes of scope sheaths.

Abstract: An arm band for stabilizing an intravenous needle inserted into a patient's vein. The arm band is provided with a hole in the body thereof, spaced from a side edge of the band. The hole is dimensioned to surround the needle. The band is further formed with a slit from a side edge thereof to the hole, to provide opposing flaps which open to permit passage over the tube part of the inserted intravenous needle. A strip is secured at one end thereof to the band on one side of the slit. The free end of the strip is extended over the slit, causing the edge of the hole to surround the needle. The free end of the strip is provided with means to secure it to the band on the other side of the slit, thereby obtaining the stabilization of the intravenous needle.

Abstract: A device for securing catheters to grafts and the like implanted in patients, primarily for use in connection with dialysis treatments is disclosed, including an anchoring bracelet for attachment to the patient at a predetermined location at which the graft is located, and an adjustable saddle adjustably mounted on the anchoring bracelet, in which the saddle includes an aperture adapted to receive the catheter, a contact surface having a shape adapted to mate with the graft, and a saddle channel extending between the aperture and the contact surface, so that the catheter projects a predetermined distance from the contact surface when it has been inserted into the aperture, thereby permitting the catheter to be accurately located in the graft and firmly anchored on the patient. Such catheter devices including a catheter with a needle portion and a tubular catheter conduit for delivery of or removal of body fluids to the catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter support comprising an anchoring pad and a flexible strap, a portion of which is attached thereto, is disclosed. One side of the anchoring pad carries an adhesive compatible for use with human skin. One side of the strap carries a fastener material. With the pad in place, a catheter is laid against the pad, and the free end of the strap is folded across the catheter. The fastener material of the free end is pressed against the fastener material attached to the pad to hold the catheter in place. Alternatively, the side of the pad opposite the side with the adhesive carries fastener material, and the flexible strap is separate therefrom. A channel is present through the fastener material on either the pad, flexible strap or both to receive the catheter.

Abstract: A device for long-term fixation of a tube in the patient's body, including housing provided with a flexible annular base to secure the tube in the housing, provided with a bushing stationary mounted coaxially with respect to the housing, and ribs connecting the bushing with the flexible annular base and confining a cavity disposed between the base and the patient's body and closed with a cover.

Abstract: A member and method for anchoring and relieving the strain on a flexible, percutaneous lead which exits the body of a patient includes a flexible, elastomeric disc having a surface for contacting and conforming to the body of the patient. The surface is adhesively attached to the body at the location at which the lead exits the body. The opposite surface of the disc includes a bulbous shaped head. A passage extends through the adhesive, the disc and the head for snugly receiving the lead to extend therethrough. A slit may be provided in the disc between its perimeter and the passage for opening the disc to receive the lead in the passage and/or to remove the lead from the passage.

Abstract: A re-usable intravenous catheter holder is provided. The holder is in the shape of a cut-off tank top body garment which is fitted securely around the patient's chest by an elastic band around the base of the garment. The holder supports a catheter tube and coupling which protrudes from the patient's chest. The design also provides a means whereby the shoulder strap of the garment may be opened to allow access to the catheter without removal of the holder, while maintaining constant shape of the holder. Also, the holder may be worn or removed by the patient without experiencing discomfort.

Abstract: A trocar apparatus and method for introducing a drainage catheter into a drainage area of the body. The trocar includes a hollow cannula and a rod. The rod has a closed distal end and is longer than the cannula so that it can slide into the cannula and, when fully inserted, project a predetermined distance past the distal end of the cannula. The proximal ends of the cannula and the rod have respective supports which will contact one another to limit the forward motion of the rod into the cannula and an interfitting device cooperatively disposed on the supports to permit the user to hold the rod and the cannula in fixed relationship during insertion of the trocar. A catheter holder is placed on the cannula support. The projecting end of the rod is inserted into a drainage opening in the distal tip of the catheter, and a proximal portion of the catheter is held in the catheter holder, so that prior to insertion the catheter is aligned generally along the outside of the cannula.

Abstract: A surgical appliance support is provided which is secured to the patient's chest or back and accommodates respiration tubes, oxygen-air mixing elements, catheter suctioning lung equipment, alarm devices, and the like. The support is comfortable, sanitary, and safe for use with long-term patients.

Abstract: A catheter tube holder (10) includes a first section (12) of a gauze type material and a second section (14) of elastic type material joined together at a seam (16) for wrapping about a limb. A Velcro-type strip (30) attaches the two free ends together. A securing strap (22) is attached at one end thereof to the seam (16) and has two portions (24) and (26), of which the portion (26) is narrower. An orifice (28) is disposed in the broad portion (24) and is dimensioned such that the narrow portion (26) is insertable therein. The securing strap (22) has a free end thereof wrapped about a catheter tube (32) and inserted through the orifice (28) after wrapping about the tube (32) one revolution. The strap (22) is then wrapped an additional one-half revolution about the catheter tube (32) and attached to the surface (20) with a Velcro-type fastener.

Abstract: A transcutaneous infusion system comprises an implantable infusate injection port for conducting infusate from the port to an infusion site in the body. The port is supplied with infusate through a penetrable septum located directly under the skin. To infuse the patient, a flexible injection cannula encircling a needle which is slightly longer than the cannula is inserted through the septum into the port and then the needle is withdrawn leaving the free end of the flexible cannula in the port. The opposite end of the cannula is provided with a fitting for connecting the cannula to the outlet of a fluid administration set. The system also includes a bracket removably connected to the cannula and taped to the patient adjacent the injection site so that the bracket anchors the cannula and its associated fittings and tubing against the patient's skin, while assuring that the cannula is not bent to an extent that will stop fluid flow into the port.