Systems and methods for cleaning and maintaining artificial airways sized for insertion within pediatric or neonatal patients (e.g., external diameters of less than 5 mm) are disclosed. The system includes a multi-port ventilator manifold configured to couple to a ventilation source, thereby forming a ventilator circuit with the patient. The manifold includes an occluder configured to advantageously reduce an amount of dead space in the manifold so as to prevent less of positive end expiratory pressure of the ventilator circuit and reduce the likelihood of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia of the patient, or even premature death.

Systems and methods for cleaning and maintaining artificial airways sized for insertion within pediatric or neonatal patients (e.g., external diameters of less than 5 mm) are disclosed. The system includes a multi-port ventilator manifold configured to couple to a ventilation source, thereby forming a ventilator circuit with the patient. The manifold includes an occluder configured to advantageously reduce an amount of dead space in the manifold so as to prevent less of positive end expiratory pressure of the ventilator circuit and reduce the likelihood of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia of the patient, or even premature death.

A tube protective sheath or tip is provided for use with a nasal RAE tube in order to minimize bleeding and trauma often associated with passage of a nasal RAE tube through the nasal cavity. The tube protective sheath or tip includes a hollow cylindrical portion that extends and fits snugly over the tube tip of the nasal RAE tube. A tapered, pointed, or rounded distal portion is connected to the hollow cylindrical portion. As the nasal RAE tube is inserted through the patient's nasal cavity, the nasal RAE tube protective sheath or tip spreads the passages gently and smoothly, allowing the nasal RAE tube to follow it into the pharynx. Strings or extensions are attached to the tube protective sheath or tip and are used to prevent loss of the protective tip in the patient's nasal cavity, pharynx, or trachea during the intubation process.

Algorithms for detecting endotracheal intubation and/or misplacement of endotracheal tubes in child patients during anesthesia for use with anesthesia machines, mechanical ventilators, and/or respiratory function monitors. An algorithm uses end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO.sub.2), and tidal volume (TV) or peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) to detect exact intubation time. Another algorithm uses respiratory parameters to identify and/or confirm the type of airway device used during mechanical ventilation, and to detect if and when an issue has arisen with use of a specific airway device to provide real-time decision support to attending medical care professionals.

An endotracheal tube to bag valve device connecting assembly for quick access to an endotracheal tube for suctioning includes a first tube and a second tube that are coupled to a hinge so that the first tube is positioned to be swiveled relative to the second tube to align the first tube with the second tube, wherein the first tube and the second tube define a pipe. A first end of the pipe is configured to selectively couple to a patient valve of a bag valve device. A second end of the pipe is configured to selectively couple to an endotracheal tube. The pipe is configured to allow flow of gas from the bag valve device to the endotracheal tube. The first tube is positioned to be swiveled on the hinge so that the second tube is configured to insert a suction tube into the endotracheal tube to clear an airway.

An endotracheal tube to bag valve device connecting assembly for quick access to an endotracheal tube for suctioning includes a first tube and a second tube that are coupled to a hinge so that the first tube is positioned to be swiveled relative to the second tube to align the first tube with the second tube, wherein the first tube and the second tube define a pipe. A first end of the pipe is configured to selectively couple to a patient valve of a bag valve device. A second end of the pipe is configured to selectively couple to an endotracheal tube. The pipe is configured to allow flow of gas from the bag valve device to the endotracheal tube. The first tube is positioned to be swiveled on the hinge so that the second tube is configured to insert a suction tube into the endotracheal tube to clear an airway.

System for assisting a patient in speaking, comprising at least one ventilation apparatus and a patient interface, the ventilation apparatus comprising at least one controllable respiratory gas source and being designed to identify two or more respiratory phases, at least inspiration and expiration, of the patient, and the patient interface having at least one speaking tube and a respiratory tube and being configured to conduct speaking gas to the patient via the speaking tube and to conduct respiratory gas to and/or from the patient via the respiratory tube. The system is configured to provide speaking gas to the patient at least temporarily in a speaking mode in order to enable speaking.

The disclosure provides methods that facilitate disease management by providing for early detection of metabolic changes that differentiate critically ill-COVID-19 patients under mechanical ventilation at the intensive care unit (ICU) who are likely to exhibit faster recovery.

An endotracheal tube that is particularly useful for surgical operations on a patient's lower face. The endotracheal tube comprises a swivel segment and a laryngeal segment that are rotatably joined. To facilitate relocation of the endotracheal tube during surgery, the swivel segment can be swiveled in relation to the laryngeal segment. To allow instruments to be inserted, the swivel segment has a lumen access port that opens into the lumen of the swivel segment. The laryngeal segment may have a reinforced portion to prevent occlusion or damage by the patient biting. Also disclosed are methods for performing surgery on a patient's face using the endotracheal tube and methods of intubating a patient's airway using the endotracheal tube.

Systems and methods are provided for portable and compact nitric oxide (NO) generation that can be embedded into other therapeutic devices or used alone. In some embodiments, an ambulatory NO generation system can be comprised of a controller and disposable cartridge. The cartridge can contain filters and scavengers for preparing the gas used for NO generation and for scrubbing output gases prior to patient inhalation. The system can utilize an oxygen concentrator to increase nitric oxide production and compliment oxygen generator activity as an independent device. The system can also include a high voltage electrode assembly that is easily assembled and installed. Various nitric oxide delivery methods are provided, including the use of a nasal cannula.