An apparatus for monitoring EMG signals of a patient's laryngeal muscles includes an endotracheal tube having an exterior surface and a first location configured to be positioned at the patient's vocal folds. A first electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially below the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from below the vocal folds. A second electrode is formed on the exterior surface of the endotracheal tube substantially above the first location to receive EMG signals primarily from above the vocal folds. The first and second electrodes are configured to receive the EMG signals from the laryngeal muscles when the endotracheal tube is placed in a trachea of the patient.

An apparatus includes a body, a shaft assembly, and a shaft actuation assembly. The shaft assembly extends distally from the body and defines a longitudinal axis. A portion of the shaft assembly is configured to be inserted into an anatomical passageway associated with an ear, nose, or throat of a patient. The shaft assembly further defines a working passageway that is dimensioned to receive an instrument. An actuator of the body is operable to drive the instrument longitudinally relative to the shaft assembly. The shaft actuation assembly is operatively coupled with a proximal portion of the shaft assembly. Further, the shaft actuation assembly is translatable in a distal direction to extend the shaft assembly distally along the longitudinal axis and is translatable in a proximal direction to retract the shaft assembly proximally along the longitudinal axis.

The system allows optimizing the dispensing of aerosol medicaments. In particular the system allows the administration of an exogenous pulmonary surfactant to very young patients (e.g. preterm neonates). A catheter (101) conveys atomized surfactant directly to the retropharyngeal region in order to increase efficiency of the medicament administration without being invasive: this is particularly important for very young patients, such as pre-term born neonates suffering from neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (nRDS). The catheter is made of biocompatible flexible material (e.g. plastic material). It is possible to couple the catheter with a rigid scaffolding (e.g. metallic) to increase stiffness of the device and to improve easiness of positioning operations. The delivery of the atomized medicament is done by means of an air blasting technique.

Provided is a medical suction device including a compressible object comprising a surface, an opening in the surface, and a lumen defined by the surface and the opening, along with a tubular member located inside the compressible object. Also provided is a medical suction apparatus including the medical suction device and a catheter dimensioned to fit inside the tubular member of the device. A method of removing liquid from the throat of a subject using the medical suction apparatus is also provided, as well as kits including the medical suction device.

A method for operating an elastically mounted forming machine which is path-bound or force-dependent, in which method a working stroke of a ram device operatively connected to the drive is initiated by means of a drive, and a predefined forming process is carried out on a workpiece by moving the ram device during said working stroke, in particular due to the interaction of an upper tool located on the ram device with a lower tool located on a tool table, wherein the inertial forces and/or moments of inertia occurring during operation owing to the initiation of the working stroke and/or owing to an imbalance in the drive are at least partially compensated. The method, wherein at least one kinematic variable (s(t),v(t),a(t)) of a rigid body motion of the elastically mounted forming machine is detected during the operation thereof, wherein the time at which the working stroke is initiated is adapted to an instantaneous phase position of the at least one kinematic variable (s(t),v(t),a(t)) of the rigid body motion in order to generate inertial forces and/or moments of inertia so as to counteract the rigid body motion of the forming machine.

An example aerosol delivery device includes a mouthpiece having an airflow outlet, and an airflow passage extending between an airflow inlet and the airflow outlet. The example aerosol delivery device further includes a housing configured to receive a cartridge that includes an aerosolizable substance and a vapor element configured to heat the aerosolizable substance, and an internal power source configured to provide electrical power. The example aerosol delivery device further includes a controller coupled to the internal power source to receive a portion of the electrical power and configured to, when the cartridge is installed at the housing, cause the vapor element of the cartridge to heat the aerosolizable substance to release an aerosol into the airflow passage during an inhalation through the airflow outlet, and a connector configured to receive power from an external source to recharge the internal power source.

A system comprising a handpiece and drive system configured to removably couple to a proximal end of a housing. A scalpet assembly is configured to removeably couple to the housing, and includes a scalpet array comprising at least one scalpet configured for rotation. The scalpet array is configured to harvest dermal plugs via fractional resection. A collection chamber is configured to collect the dermal plugs, and to house formation of an injectable filler by mincing the dermal plugs, and mixing the dermal plugs with a carrier. The injectable filler is configured for bulk fill. The collection chamber includes a loading port, and a cannular syringe is configured to mate with the loading port to receive the injectable filler, and to deliver the injectable filler for the bulk fill.

A stylet for use with a suction system and with an endotracheal (ET) tube configured for insertion into a patient airway in an intubation procedure. The stylet has a semi-rigid elongate tube portion and is configured for removable insertion into the ET tube. An inlet is located at a first end of the stylet and an outlet is located at a second end of the stylet. A suction interface located at the second end of the stylet interfaces with the suction system. The stylet is configured such that a suction pressure created within the suction passage by the suction system suctions substances located within the patient airway into the stylet via the inlet, through the suction passage, and then out of the stylet via the outlet.

An oropharyngeal glove for use with a rigid bronchoscope is provided for use during a rigid bronchoscopy procedure. When the oropharyngeal glove is in its installed state, it conforms to the patient's mouth and throat. The oropharyngeal glove includes upper and lower teeth guards that protect the patient's upper and lower front teeth, respectively, when the glove is in the installed state. A first opening is formed in the oropharyngeal glove in its proximal end that allows the rigid bronchoscope to enter glove. The oropharyngeal glove has a second opening formed in its distal end through which the rigid bronchoscope passes to enter the patient's trachea. The portions of the glove that conform to the patient's mouth and throat comprise a protective lining that protects the mouth, throat and vocal cords from being damaged by the rigid bronchoscope.

An airway assist device and methods of making and using an airway assist device to assist in opening an airway or removing fluid or material obstructing an airway of a subject.