Abstract: The invention provides an ear irrigation device for injecting a fluid into an external ear canal extending between an external ear and a tympanic membrane. The external ear canal includes an outer portion extending inwardly from the external ear and including cerumen-producing glands and an inner portion between the tympanic membrane and the outer portion. The ear irrigation device has a longitudinally extending body including an inward end and an outward end. Also, the ear irrigation device includes an input duct extending from the outward end to the inward end and terminating in a nozzle. The nozzle is adapted to direct fluid out of the body both transversely and towards the external ear when the inward end is positioned proximate to the inner portion of the external ear canal.

Abstract: The aromatic composition is for nasal administration and has a pharmaceutically-acceptable aqueous saline solution carrier combined with sesame oil and an essential oil such as peppermint oil and eucalyptus oil. The composition is withdrawn into a syringe and an output portion is sealingly applied to the nostril before the composition is injected therein to rinse the nostril.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a method for cleansing the colon of a patient, which comprises the steps of producing a lavage water at a temperature of 20-38° C. by an apparatus connected to a water resource; contacting an cleansing instrument of the apparatus with the anus of the patient, said the cleansing instrument having a curve plane with a cleansing opening, and said curve plane fitting to the portion of the patient's body close to the anus so that the cleansing opening can completely fit the anus; directing the lavage water into the anal canal of the patient under a predetermined pressure in coordination with the abdomen-contracting action of the patient; removing the cleansing instrument when the patient feels abdominal distension; and discharging the feces in the colon out of the body.

Abstract: An applicator for applying fluid from a squeeze bottle to various parts of the body that may be difficult to reach includes two rigid arms connected by an adjustable angle joint. One end of the first arm screws onto the bottle. The other end of the second arm ends in a tubular connector such as a grease gun fitting. A flexible tube provides a fluid passage between the bottle and the tubular connector. A variety of terminals for different purposes can sealingly snap onto the tubular connector. The terminals preferably have a grease fitting for easy connection. The terminals may include an enema tip, a douche tip, a bidet tip and a suntan lotion spreader. The arms may retract telescopically for compact transport and storage.

Abstract: A device for assisting the guiding of an Nasal Gastric Jejunum (NGJ) or Nasal Jejunum (NJ) tube through the stomach and into the jejunum. The device has a tip that is present on a forward end of a tube. The tip is formed to allow the forward end of the tube to be guided by forceps while also allowing a stiffening stylet, which is inserted into the tube to be used to guide the tube. The tip prevents the stylet from extending beyond the forward end of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the self-administration of a plurality of doses of an intranasal liquid pharmaceutical composition, including opioid analgesics, that includes a drug delivery device containing a plurality of sealed vials, each vial containing a predetermined volume of the pharmaceutical composition, a pump assembly for conveying the liquid pharmaceutical composition from the interior of the vial and discharging it as a nasal spray in response to manual activation by the patient, and programmable means for sequentially advancing a vial to the ready position after passage of a prescribed time interval following the last activation of the delivery device.

Abstract: A nozzle having an ejection duct structured so as to allow a better distribution of the substances on the inner paries of nasal cavities and similar, such as auricular, vaginal and rectal cavities is described. A conical central portion is mounted in the nozzle outlet portion with its base in the outlet opening providing an annular fluid outlet. The conical central portion is rigidly secured to the inner wall of the outlet portion with baffles. In different embodiments of the invention the outlet portion, the central portion, the baffles and the annular outlet opening vary in shape.

Abstract: A device and method for treating an illness or infection in the repiratory tract of a body is provided. The device administers an antimicrobial mist directly to the tissues to be treated, which coats the tissues in the respiratory tract where the infection is colonizing. The administration of the mist is reapplied in order to maintain a predetermined antimicrobial tissue density concentration of a uncompounded silver colloid suspended antimicrobial substance for a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A device for lubricating a urinary catheter and for normally and automatically gripping the catheter but selectively releasing such catheter only when squeezing forces are applied by a user's fingers during a catheterization procedure. Such a device is also combined with a protective container which preferably may also be used as a urine collecting pouch.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece and tip having two coaxial tubes or channels mounted within a body. The first tube is used for aspiration and is smaller in diameter than the second tube so as to create an annular passage between the first and second tube. The annular passage communicates with a pumping chamber formed between two electrodes. The pumping chamber works by boiling a small volume of the surgical fluid. As the fluid boils, it expands rapidly, thereby propelling the liquid downstream of the pumping chamber out of the annular passage. The distal end of the annular gap is sealed by a nozzle at the distal ends of the first and second tube and a plurality of orifices or ports may be formed in the nozzle. As the expanding gas is propelled down the annular gap, the gas/liquid stream is forced out of the distal orifice in a controlled and directed manner.

Abstract: A device for delivering a beneficial agent within a body cavity such as the ear canal. The device preferably includes a soft resilient casing that can be compressed to fit at least partially within the ear canal. Once inserted in the ear canal, the casing expands to form a seal between a boundary defining the ear canal and the device. The soft casing preferably encapsulates the beneficial agent within a reservoir formed inside the soft casing. As the device is squeezed, the beneficial agent is ejected through a release point. The device then maintains the beneficial agent within the ear canal until the beneficial agent has had time to take effect.

Abstract: The invention presented here refers to an appliance (1) for the rinsing of nasal cavities and of paranasal sinuses, with a rinsing mixture (3) and with a vessel (2) for containing and letting flow out the rinsing mixture (3) without overpressure, whereby the appliance (1) has an applicator (4) with an applicator aperture (42) for introducing the rinsing mixture (3) into a nostril, applicator (4) and vessel (2) are connected to one another, applicator (4) and vessel (2) are arranged at an angle of inclination (&agr;) to one another, a rinsing sure level (30) in the vessel (2) is on the height contour of the applicator aperture (42) and the rinsing mixture (3) through the applicator aperture (42) can flow into a nostril and through paranasal sinuses, as soon as the level of the rinsing mixture (30) is on the height contour of the paranasal sinuses.

Abstract: A nasal spray device for dispensing a liquid from a pressurized container (R). The nasal spray device includes two juxtaposed applicators (1a, 1b), each being provided with at least one expulsion duct (10a, 10b) opening at an outer end in a spay nozzle (B) and communicating at an inner end with the container (R) with a pressurizing device (P). The applicators are fixed to a base (2) which couples them to the container (R). The nasal spray device includes a first part (I) supporting the applicators (1a, 1b) and an outer bottom skirt (11) radially clamping onto a cylindrical inner bearing surface (21) provided along a surface of a second part (II) carrying the base (2). The first and second parts (II) define bottom portions of the expulsion ducts (10a, 10b).

Abstract: A dermabrasion apparatus operating by a flow of air and reducing substances conveyed by a pneumatic system through a handpiece. The apparatus comprises a housing, a vacuum pump, and an external tray inside of which a mixing bottle and a collecting bottle are provided. The apparatus further comprises at least one external source of pressurized sterilized air, or other suitable gas. The handpiece and the bottles are disposable sterilized components. Two or more of the components can be color-coded and sold in a kit.

Abstract: A method for nasal application of a medicinal substance by applying the substance through the nose in a maximum amount that is insufficient to stimulate an excretory response that would clear a significant portion of the substance from nasal and sinus passages. Within a time period of less than one hour, the application of the substance through the nose in an amount that is insufficient to stimulate an excretory response that would clear a significant portion of the substance from nasal and sinus passages is repeated. The repeated application, at a minimum, is done a sufficient number of times to provide an effective total dose of the substance. The repeated application, in any case, is done at least once.

Abstract: A method for nasal application of a medicinal substance by applying the substance through the nose in a maximum amount that is insufficient to stimulate an excretory response that would clear a significant portion of the substance from nasal and sinus passages. Within a time period of less than one hour, the application of the substance through the nose in an amount that is insufficient to stimulate an excretory response that would clear a significant portion of the substance from nasal and sinus passages is repeated. The repeated application, at a minimum, is done a sufficient number of times to provide an effective total dose of the substance. The repeated application, in any case, is done at least once.

Abstract: A device for colonic lavage has a tubular body (10) having a forward portion (12) and a rearward portion (14). An opening (16) is provided at the front end of the forward portion (12). A side tube (18) includes an outlet (20), thereby defining a continuous passage (22) from the opening (16) to the outlet (20). A port (24) is located at the other end of the tubular body (10) and incorporates a seal (28) having a free internal dimension (I) less than the minimum cross-sectional dimension (M) of the passage (22). The junction (17) between the forward portion and the side tube (18) is flexible. A discharge tube (32) extends from the outlet (20) to a sealable container. In use, the forward portion (12) of the tubular body (10) is inserted into the bowel of a patient. A hose (26) is inserted into the port (24) to extend through the tubular body (10) and through the opening (16) into the colon of the patient. Irrigation fluid is passed through the hose (26) to cleanse obstructed fecal matter from the colon.

Abstract: An outlet portion (1) for nasal rinsers which is characterized in that it comprises an outlet end (2), a connection end (3) and a nozzle shaped channel (4), showing a restriction (5) and an expanded outlet (6), in between.

Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved vagina cleaning system. The improved system comprises a vagina opener, a vagina cleaning-solution sprayer, a multiple-functional vagina cleaning solution, and a health-promoting bacteria introducer. The system is used to remove semen from the vagina to prevent pregnancy, to reduce pathogenic microorganisms in the vagina to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, to remove other unwanted materials from the vagina to eliminate discomfort, and to add health-promoting bacteria into the vagina to prevent abnormal colonization of microflora in the vaginal cavity. The present invention also discloses methods of using the system for cleaning the vaginal cavity and for introducing health-promoting bacteria into the vaginal cavity.

Abstract: An intra vaginal device which is of a variable geometry and which includes a silicone matrix impregnated with progesterone, the confirmation and content of the progesterone impregnated matrix being such as to optimize effectiveness with a lower initial loading of progesterone.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for artificial insemination and embryo transfer relative to livestock animals is disclosed. The invention utilizes an inner sheath/distal probe end combination to allow atraumatic navigation through the cervical anatomy of the animal to reach the uterus. The probe end both is configured to assist in the navigation through the cervical anatomy as well as is intentionally minimized in size relative to the cervical anatomy. Once navigation is completed, semen or embryos can be emplaced at the desired site.

Abstract: A catheter or ostomy tube placement tip is comprised of a tapered, substantially conical head portion and a cylindrical body or stem portion centrally attached to the base thereof. The cylindrical base fits snugly within the lumen of a catheter or ostomy tube such as a ostomy or jejunal feeding tube and its tapered design allows for the insertion and placement of the tube within the lumen of the stomach or other body cavity through an opening or ostomy. Once properly placed, the tip is discharged from the end of the tube so that it is dissolved by human body fluids and is excreted.

Abstract: A delivery means for delivering liquid containing medicament to a posterior region of the nasal cavity, comprising an elongate tubular member (35; 151) and a nozzle (37; 153) at the free end thereof, which nozzle (37; 153) includes at least one opening (39; 155) through which liquid is in use delivered.

Abstract: The invention concerns to a phacoemulsification tip (1) having one end with cutting front section (2), a central channel (4) for the passage of the removed tissue, characterized in that at short distance from the cutting end (2) a diaphragm (3) is provided, reducing the inner diameter of the channel of the tip (1) of some tenth of millimeters of its length.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel douche nozzle suitable for vaginally administering a douche fluid.

Abstract: A disposable applicator for dispensing a desired quantity of a substantially non-runny medicant medicament, including a housing, a plunger and a replaceable cap. The housing is generally tubular having opposing proximal and distal ends and a tapered inner surface extending therebetween. The distal end terminates in a dispensing nozzle that defines a dispensing passageway in substantial coaxial alignment with the housing, while the inner surface has an alignment device. The plunger has a peripheral edge and is configured for axial movement within the housing, where the peripheral edge is aligned by the alignment device and slidingly guided by the inner surface, supporting the plunger therein. The plunger is configured for slidable advancement toward the dispensing opening by exertion of force by a user, so as to urge the medicament through the passageway.

Abstract: An apparatus, in particular for use in the antenatal period of pregnant women for insertion into the vagina, the main function of which is to dilate muscular, tendinous and connective tissue in the pelvic floor so as to make these tissue structures more flexible, includes a length of hose (4) mounted on a mandrel (3) and is expandable by means of a fluid, the length of hose being connectable with the fluid through at least one channel (6) in the mandrel. The mandrel is formed with at least one channel which extends longitudinally through it and terminates outside the user in the use of the apparatus. The mandrel with the length of hose may be provided with a replaceable cover which adds to the hygiene and safety.

Abstract: An earpiece for cleaning wax or other foreign material from the ear canal of a patient or delivering a therapeutic agent into the ear canal. The device has a fluid outlet that directs the fluid passing therethrough at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the device. The fluid is thereby directed at the wall of the ear canal so reducing the likelihood of damage to the delicate structures of the eardrum. The device is also designed to allow inspection of the ear canal when it is in place so removing the need of repositioning equipment following cleaning of the canal.

Abstract: An improved aortic cannula is provided for use in heart by-pass surgery. The cannula includes an elongated tube with a terminal end. The terminal end has a ramped surface leading to the discharge opening. The ramped surface terminates in a spoon-shaped lip. The spoon-shaped lip directs blood out of the cannula opening toward the ascending aorta or aortic arch in a U-shaped dispersion so as to preclude impact on the aortic wall. A bead adjacent the opening facilitates dispersion of the exiting blood. The opening has an upper edge with an inverted V-shaped contour which also facilitates dispersion of the blood.

Abstract: A cleaning device is a device directly connected with a bath shower head. It is primary used in the individual hygiene. The structure thereof includes a joint directly connected a general used shower bath device. The body of the cleaning device connected with the joint is made by resin and has a cylindrical holding portion matching the requirement of ergonomics. A water box and a cleaning channel are formed within the holding portion. A rotary nozzle is connected on another end of the holding portion, which may be inserted into an organization (for example excretory organs) for cleaning. The present invention may be directly used in shower bath devices of any bathroom.

Abstract: An oral care system includes a universal handle which is configured to hold any of a plurality of oral hygiene instruments, and a lavage source to apply lavage solution through the oral hygiene instruments to facilitate complete cleaning of a patient's mouth. Preferably, the universal handle and lavage source are configured to be held in the user's hand with both suction and lavage being controlled manually. The orally hygiene instruments attachable to the universal handle typically include a lavage toothbrush, at least one catheter and at least one swab, to thereby enable cleaning of the teeth, gums, soft tissue and crevices therebetween.

Abstract: A portable apparatus (51) for delivering a colonic lavage to a patient includes a portable frame (52) preferably constructed of tubing, a lavage liquid reservoir (71) and a waste reservoir (72) both stowable in the frame (52), a speculum (78) for delivering the lavage liquid to the interior of a colon and for receiving waste from the colon, a waste conduit (88) communicating at one end with the speculum (78) and at another end with the waste reservoir (72), and a first sphincter valve (87) selectively opening and closing the waste conduit (88). A pump (66) housed in the frame (52) delivers the lavage liquid from an interior cavity of the frame (52) to the speculum (78) via a delivery conduit (91) coupling the speculum (78) with a pump tube (102) communicating with the pump (66). A regulator valve assembly (58) communicates with the pump tube (102) and ensures that the lavage liquid is never delivered to the colon above a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: Oxybutynin chloride formulations having increased stability at body temperature, even at high concentrations. These formulations comprise oxybutynin chloride at a pH of between 3.0 and 5.0, and may include a buffer capable of providing adequate buffering capacity in this range. The OC solutions can be placed in an infuser device for treatment of bladder dysfunction.

Abstract: A toilet attachment is configured for positioning between a toilet seat and a toiled bowl. In use, the toilet attachment is secured by the weight of the toilet seat. The toilet attachment has a base plate and a tubular irrigation assembly which can be connected to a fluid line. The base plate has an upper and lower surface, a rear end and a front end. When the base plate is installed, the rear end faces a rear portion of the bowl and the front end faces a front portion of the bowl. The base plate has ports to receive and secure the fluid line and the irrigation assembly. These ports are located at the front end. The irrigation assembly comprises an irrigation tip, and in one embodiment of the toilet attachment, a restictor as a limiter for preventing insertion of the tip too far into a body cavity.

Abstract: A large diameter medical suctioning system for rapid evacuation of fluid foreign matter from patients using an increased diameter suction tube and a variable diameter suction tip. The variable diameter suction tip is expandable to a diameter of between 3/8 of an inch and 2 inches. The suction tube and connections thereto have a correspondingly increased diameter that provides an evacuation rate at least 10 times faster than the rate of evacuation using conventional suction systems. Additionally, the variable diameter suction tip is capable of performing the functions of a conventional suction tip by reducing the diameter of the variable diameter suction tip. The large diameter suctioning system is configured for connection to the pour spout of a suction canister to assure compatibility with existing medical vacuum systems.

Abstract: There is disclosed a nasal irrigation system having an applicator or irrigating member through which a pressurized stream of irrigating fluid is passed through to the nasal passage. The applicator or irrigating member includes a tubular member, adapted for receiving a pressurized stream of fluid from a fluid source, having a bore extending therethrough. The tubular member is formed of a first portion and a second portion offset at an angle from each other. One portion of the tubular member includes an opening extending into the bore. The covering and uncovering of the opening by the user allows for the user to control the pressure of the fluid stream through the irrigating member, such that the fluid stream is directed to the nose and nasal passages when desired. A fitting is attached to an end of the tubular member for further comfort for contacting the nose. A method for using the irrigating member and the system including this irrigating member is also disclosed.

Abstract: An intubation device is used to intubate a body passageway or cavity, such as the maxillary sinus, by ventilating, draining, irrigating, medicating or otherwise treating the body cavity. The intubation device includes a flexible tube, for providing access to the cavity, and an anchoring member disposed at a distal end of the flexible tube, for anchoring the tube to a region of the cavity. The tube includes a curved portion proximate the distal end, and the anchoring member includes one or more flanges extending from the distal end. The curved portion of the tube and one of the flanges form a receiving region adapted to receive and conform to a wall in the body cavity, such as the wall of the maxillary sinus. The method of nasal intubation includes inserting the anchoring member and distal end of the tube through a hole formed in the wall of the maxillary sinus.

Abstract: A personal hygiene system includes a cabinet, a cover hingedly attached to said cabinet, a fluid bottle removably attachable to the cabinet, a hose attached to the fluid bottle, and at least one personal hygiene accessory attached to said hose. A plurality of flexible tabs are formed on the back side of the interior of the cabinet for releasably holding the fluid bottle. Optionally, a quick-connector release may be used to connect the hose and the fluid bottle. A plurality of tabs are provided in an array about the fluid bottle for releasably receiving the tube. One or more holders are preferably formed on the back wall of the cabinet for releasably receiving a personal hygiene accessory.

Abstract: The portable self-contained colonic machine includes a generally T-shaped housing having hot and cold water inlets, a mixed water inlet and a drain in a recess below the flange on one side of the machine and a water outlet to the user, a return line inlet and a rinsing outlet in the recess along the opposite side of the machine below the flange. The outlets and inlets lie within the rectilinear confines of the housing. A return line extends linearly from the return line inlet through a view tube and an on/off valve to an outlet port to the drain. The linear extending return line facilitates manual cleaning of the machine.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device has a resilient reservoir connected to a rigid hollow punch made of synthetic resin. The punch is precisely sized to enable manual penetration of rubber stoppers found on standard evacuated tubes which are commonly used for blood sampling. The diameter of the punch also allows for transfer of the fluid from the sample tube to the device in a reasonable amount of time. A method of transferring blood or blood products from the sample tube to testing apparatus involves using the device to penetrate a rubber cap on an evacuated tube and then transfer the blood to the device. The blood can then be transferred to a testing apparatus without exposure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A dissolvable tip 20 or 40 for a colon hydrotherapy speculum system 100 that replaces the function of an obturator. The dissolvable tip 20 or 40 is made of a body of dissolvable material wherein a surface of the tip 20 or 40 is inserted and snugly fit into an inserting end 17 of a speculum 10 while another surface of the tip 20 or 40 with the speculum 10 is inserted into the anal, rectal, or colon canal 91 of a patient 90. The dissolvable tip 20 or 40 is held at the inserting end 17 of the speculum 10. One embodiment of the present invention discloses the dissolvable tip 20 as a pill shaped and egg shaped tip. Another embodiment of the present invention discloses the dissolvable tip 40 as similar in shape to dissolvable tip 20, but the dissolvable tip 40 further has a circumferential bulge 44 in its body wherein the circumferential bulge 44 has an edge that contacts the perimeter of the inserting end 17 of speculum 10 to allow a further snug attachment between the dissolvable tip 40 and the speculum 10.

Abstract: A syringe that includes a barrel with a removable, tapered nozzle having a rounded front end to facilitate its entering a body cavity without the necessity of puncturing the skin. The nozzle has side openings through which the treatment fluid can be expelled against the wall defining the body cavity. The syringe also has a plunger slidably movable in the barrel and provided with a front end shaped to substantially fill the nozzle so that, when the plunger is pushed fully forward, it will displace a selected amount of the treatment fluid safely through the side openings onto an adjacent wall surface of a body cavity. The nozzle is removably attached to the barrel so that it can be removed to place the selected amount of a treatment fluid in a chamber bounded by the barrel, the nozzle, and the front end of the plunger.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for administering a medical fluid comprises a film-sheet pouch of a heat-sealed polymeric material, which includes a first chamber containing medical fluid and a second chamber for receiving used medical fluid, and comprises a cross-over conveying device detachably enclosed within a third chamber of the film-sheet pouch that includes a fluid conduit line, having a first end heat-sealed into the bonded seam defining the first chamber and a second end including a connector coupled to a peritoneal catheter. The apparatus of the present invention also includes at least one shut-off element to control the flow of fluid out of the first chamber into the conduit line.

Abstract: A syringe for the intramammary administration of veterinary pharmacological compositions, in particular for the treatment of bovine mastitis. The syringe comprises a container body (1), a cannula (3) extending axially from one of its ends, a removable shutter (4) surrounding the initial part of the cannula (3), and a protective cap (6) covering both the cannula (3) and the shutter (4). During use, when the cap (6) is removed, only the end part of the cannula (3) is freed so as to allow insertion into the initial section of the teat; when the shutter (4) is also removed, the entire cannula (3) is freed so as to allow insertion as far as the teat cistern.

Abstract: The invention is an improved bulb-type irrigation syringe having an open end that is of a funnel shaped construction and having a recloseable lid that fits onto the top of the funnel shaped end of the syringe and down inside the top barrel portion of the syringe. The top of the syringe is modified by making it larger so as to resemble a funnel shaped construction. The lid is able to frictionally fit inside the barrel of the syringe creating an airtight frictional seal and has another aperture in order to hold a squeeze bulb in airtight frictional connection as well. A squeeze bulb is normally attached to the top of the syringe and in this invention may be closed inside the barrel of the syringe by simply closing the lid on top of the funnel shaped syringe.

Abstract: An evacuation unit and method for using the unit for controlling the release from a body cavity of aerosolized blood and other body fluids or other contaminants contained in the gas present in the body cavity during an endoscopic surgical procedure is disclosed. The unit includes a port in fluid communication with the body cavity through which the contaminated gas passes to an evacuation connector having a first end in fluid communication with the port and a second end and an aerosol trap in fluid communication with the second end of the evacuation connector such that the aerosol-containing gas is able to flow from the connector through the aerosol trap whereby the aerosolized fluids or other contaminants in the gas are prevented from entering the atmosphere of the operating room. The connector preferably has a flow control valve between the ends.

Abstract: An irrigation syringe which is particularly adapted for injecting water into a human body cavity, such as for the cleansing of an ear, includes a pressure regulator unit which is connected to, and supported by, a faucet, and a handpiece including a manually operable valve. The regulator unit includes a supply chamber having an inlet which is connected to a pressure water supply such as a faucet, an outlet which supplies pressure regulated water to the handpiece, and a pressure relief outlet having a check valve which opens to allow water to drain, such as into a sink, when the water pressure inside the regulator unit exceeds a predetermined value. A flow limiting orifice at the inlet to the supply chamber helps smooth out pressure fluctuations from the water supply and provides a steady flow from the supply chamber outlet. Temperature and pressure readouts are provided on both the pressure regulator unit and the handpiece.

Abstract: A new type of airway, the cuffed oro-pharyngeal airway (COPA), is described, which may be used as a less cumbersome alternative to face mask/oral airway technique for maintenance of general anesthesia. The airway includes an elongated tube having a length such that the proximal end is adapted to be disposed adjacent to but outside the oral cavity of the patient and the distal end is adapted to be disposed in the lower pharynx of the patient, above the epiglottis. an inelastic, inflatable cuff is mounted to the tube adjacent the distal end. On inflation, the inflatable cuff displaces the soft palate against the nasopharynx to seal-off the nasal passages and defines a seal between the tube and the pharyngeal wall. The inflatable cuff also displaces the base of the patient's tongue, thereby locking the tube in the pharynx and displacing the patient's epiglottis to a more open disposition for more effective anesthesia gas delivery to the lungs.

Abstract: A disposable flexible plastic enema nozzle with self-adhesive securing means for convenient attachment to the patient's buttocks is disclosed. The securing means comprises an annular positioning collar disposed about the enema tip or tube. The positioning collar has an elongated self-adhesive plastic sheet with easily removable protective tabs covering the adhesive. In one embodiment of the invention the positioning collar is fixed near the distal end of the tube, while in another embodiment the positioning collar is slidable along the tube for adjusting the insertion length of the tube. The invention is particularly applicable to diagnostic enema procedures, such as barium enema for radiological examination, performed on infants, small children, the infirm and the elderly.

Abstract: A tubular ventricular catheter having an improved distal open end that improves the fluid flow therein and which reduces the tearing of any choroid plexus or other brain tissue which might grow into the lumen of the catheter. The catheter tip is provided with longitudinal slots extending from the distal end and partially through the elongated body of the catheter. To preserve the open communication of the tip to fluid flow the edges of the longitudinal slots can be scalloped by a series of semicircular cutouts, which will form lateral passageways into the center bore of the catheter in the event the distal open end collapses. The catheter is also equipped with an electrical signal generator which will function to prevent growth of tissue into the lumen, and aid in proper placement of the proximal end of the catheter in the ventricle.