The following describes various applications and uses for a controllably rigidizable flexible, device or sheath, Such rigidizing mechanisms can allow for a transition between a rigid state and a flexible state of a sheath. Rigidization can be applied along an entire length of a flexible sheath or along select portions of the sheath, and the rigidization can be of varying stiffness. Rigidization can be user controlled or automatically controlled using computer processes.

A dental mask (M) comprises a very flexible mask substrate (MS) with a relatively rigid front plate (FP) which may be a viewing window (VW) causing the mask substrate to extend forward from a patient's face, forming a chamber in front of the patient's mouth. Instrument ports (IP) allow instruments to be introduced through the mask into the patient's oral or nasal cavity to perform dental or medical procedures. An elastic band (CE) on the mask substrate to conform the mask to contours of the patient's face. A malleable metal strip (MM) for conforming the mask to the patient's nose. Methods of fabricating the mask are disclosed. The mask, and variations thereof, may be used to perform various treatments, including non-oral procedures. Using a nebulizer in conjunction with the mask, wherein the nebulizer is supported independently of the mask.

A dental mask (M) comprises a very flexible mask substrate (MS) with a relatively rigid front plate (FP) which may be a viewing window (VW) causing the mask substrate to extend forward from a patient's face, forming a chamber in front of the patient's mouth. Instrument ports (IP) allow instruments to be introduced through the mask into the patient's oral or nasal cavity to perform dental or medical procedures. An elastic band (CE) on the mask substrate to conform the mask to contours of the patient's face. A malleable metal strip (MM) for conforming the mask to the patient's nose. Methods of fabricating the mask are disclosed. The mask, and variations thereof, may be used to perform various treatments, including non-oral procedures. Using a nebulizer in conjunction with the mask, wherein the nebulizer is supported independently of the mask.

Systems for use in assisted respiration can permit insertion of one or more elongated medical instruments into the proximal and/or distal airway of a patient during administration of assisted respiration, which may, in some instances, proceed with a patient awake or only minimally sedated. In some systems, a bite block is coupled with a mask and is movable relative to the mask such that the system is capable of accommodating differing patient anatomies.

Systems for use in assisted respiration can permit insertion of one or more elongated medical instruments into the proximal and/or distal airway of a patient during administration of assisted respiration, which may, in some instances, proceed with a patient awake or only minimally sedated. In some systems, a bite block is coupled with a mask and is movable relative to the mask such that the system is capable of accommodating differing patient anatomies.

A medical device for use with an associated tube inserted into a respiratory outlet of a patient is disclosed. The medical device includes a mask with an opening sized to receive and allow movement of the associated tube, and a valve operatively connected with the opening of the mask. The valve includes a main body, and an opening formed in a portion of the main body in which the opening is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the associated tube.

A medical device for use with an associated tube inserted into a respiratory outlet of a patient is disclosed. The medical device includes a mask with an opening sized to receive and allow movement of the associated tube, and a valve operatively connected with the opening of the mask. The valve includes a main body, and an opening formed in a portion of the main body in which the opening is sized and dimensioned to accommodate the associated tube.

A patient airway dome including an adjustable frame having a hinge such that the hinge allows the frame to adjust between an erected position to create an airway dome and a collapsed position that allows the frame to lay flat, a dome covering located over the retractable frame, a suction port which is connected to a conventional device in order to provide negative pressure to patient airway dome, and an arm access assembly operatively connected to the dome covering, wherein the arm access assembly includes an opening in the dome covering and a closure assembly located adjacent to the opening.

A patient airway dome including an adjustable frame having a hinge such that the hinge allows the frame to adjust between an erected position to create an airway dome and a collapsed position that allows the frame to lay flat, a dome covering located over the retractable frame, a suction port which is connected to a conventional device in order to provide negative pressure to patient airway dome, and an arm access assembly operatively connected to the dome covering, wherein the arm access assembly includes an opening in the dome covering and a closure assembly located adjacent to the opening.

A patient mask including a body shaped to be placed over a face of a patient and configured to prevent the passage of viruses and/or particles therethrough and at least one port configured to receive an endoscope, a surgical instrument, or both and to conform to the shape of the surgical instrument such that the port prevents the passage of viruses and/or particles therethrough.