The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting growth of bacteria and to nanometer scale surfaces having antibacterial properties.

The present invention is directed to methods for inhibiting growth of bacteria and to nanometer scale surfaces having antibacterial properties.

This disclosure describes systems and methods for managing a move of a patient being monitored or treated by a medical system, such as a medical ventilator. The disclosure describes a novel approach for preventing a patient from being moved from a first location to second different location that is connected to a monitoring and/or treatment system, before all of the necessary hoses have been disconnected from the patient. Further, the disclosure describes a novel approach of ensuring that all of the necessary hoses are reconnected to a patient being monitored or treated by a monitoring and/or treatment system after being moved from the first location to the second different location.

This disclosure describes systems and methods for managing a move of a patient being monitored or treated by a medical system, such as a medical ventilator. The disclosure describes a novel approach for preventing a patient from being moved from a first location to second different location that is connected to a monitoring and/or treatment system, before all of the necessary hoses have been disconnected from the patient. Further, the disclosure describes a novel approach of ensuring that all of the necessary hoses are reconnected to a patient being monitored or treated by a monitoring and/or treatment system after being moved from the first location to the second different location.

A method and apparatus for a smartly controlled dual-cuff endotracheal tube. A fully automatic or manual closed-negative-feedback loop control logic inflates/deflates a dual-cuff mechanism inside a patient's trachea. Separate inflating and deflating units with independent air control functions control the pressure based on signals from the cuff pressure control system. The dual-cuff mechanism comprises an inner and outer cuff connected to pilot balloons with individual pressure sensors to measure pressure and send data to the control system to calculate the delta. The inner cuff has an opening that serves as a pressure equilibrium indicator for the optimal cuff pressure being achieved. The apparatus can be manufactured to be a disposable product after a single use. The disclosure achieves: increased control and ease of use; increased accuracy, range, and control of pressurized airflow; an improved way of determining ideal cuff pressures in real-time; improved hygiene; and decreased costs.

A method and apparatus for a smartly controlled dual-cuff endotracheal tube. A fully automatic or manual closed-negative-feedback loop control logic inflates/deflates a dual-cuff mechanism inside a patient's trachea. Separate inflating and deflating units with independent air control functions control the pressure based on signals from the cuff pressure control system. The dual-cuff mechanism comprises an inner and outer cuff connected to pilot balloons with individual pressure sensors to measure pressure and send data to the control system to calculate the delta. The inner cuff has an opening that serves as a pressure equilibrium indicator for the optimal cuff pressure being achieved. The apparatus can be manufactured to be a disposable product after a single use. The disclosure achieves: increased control and ease of use; increased accuracy, range, and control of pressurized airflow; an improved way of determining ideal cuff pressures in real-time; improved hygiene; and decreased costs.

A catheter mount is configured to be attached to a respiratory apparatus. The catheter mount includes a plurality of ports in fluid communication with each other. The plurality of ports include an interface port configured to connect to an interface tube, a conduit port configured to connect to a conduit tube, and at least one suction port configured to allow insertion of a suction catheter. The at least one suction port can be positioned to allow the suction catheter, when inserted, access to both the interface port and conduit port.

Laryngeal airway devices for human and veterinary use include an airway tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the airway tube is provided with a pre-formed and non-inflatable peri-pharyngeal bowl. The peri-pharyngeal bowl has a posterior bowl portion having a back dorsal portion and a side wall extending around and depending from the periphery of the back dorsal portion to define an internal space, and further having a resiliently deformable flange extending laterally from the side wall of the back dorsal portion which defines an extended internal space, the resiliently deformable flange has inner and outer surfaces that extend to a circumferential edge.

Laryngeal airway devices for human and veterinary use include an airway tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The distal end of the airway tube is provided with a pre-formed and non-inflatable peri-pharyngeal bowl. The peri-pharyngeal bowl has a posterior bowl portion having a back dorsal portion and a side wall extending around and depending from the periphery of the back dorsal portion to define an internal space, and further having a resiliently deformable flange extending laterally from the side wall of the back dorsal portion which defines an extended internal space, the resiliently deformable flange has inner and outer surfaces that extend to a circumferential edge.

A system and method for video assisted percutaneous needle cricothyrotomy and tracheostomy to assist physicians in quickly intubating patients suffering from respiratory distress when oral or nasal intubation is not possible or contraindicated. The system and method includes a display monitor, a percutaneous needle assembly including a connection hub having a syringe port for removably attaching a syringe, a needle port for attaching a hollow needle, and a stylet port in communication with the needle port for receiving a fiber optic stylet that extends through the hollow needle. The fiber optic stylet includes one or more illuminators, and a camera for capturing and transmitting anatomical images for display on the display monitor to visually assist physicians in locating a patient's trachea lumen. The fiber optic stylet is positioned within the trachea lumen, and used as a guide wire to insert a dilator and cannula for ventilating the patient.