A processor acquires a first radiographic image and a second radiographic image obtained by irradiating a subject, into which a tracheal tube has been inserted, with radiation in different directions, derives a three-dimensional position of a distal end of the tracheal tube in the subject on the basis of a position of the distal end of the tracheal tube in each of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, derives a three-dimensional position of a bronchial bifurcation in the subject on the basis of a bronchial bifurcation position in each of the first radiographic image and the second radiographic image, and determines insertion of the tracheal tube into an esophagus on the basis of the three-dimensional position of the distal end of the tracheal tube and the three-dimensional position of the bronchial bifurcation.

Devices and methods are described for disinfection of pathogenic organisms using pulsed DC field electroporation. For example, this disclosure describes disinfection of pathogenic organisms using pulsed DC field electroporation for lung infection treatment, blood infection treatment, sterilization, and respirators.

Devices, systems, and methods for creating a percutaneous tracheostomy are described herein. In some embodiments, a system can include an inflation assembly and a guidewire assembly. The inflation assembly can include an elongated tube, an inflatable member, and a magnetic member. The elongated tube can have a first end, a second end, and can define a lumen. The inflatable member can be coupled to the first end of the elongated tube and can be fluidically coupled to the lumen such that the inflatable member can receive fluid via the lumen. The magnetic member can be coupled to the first end of the elongated tube. The first end of a guidewire of the guidewire assembly can include a coupling member, the coupling member configured to couple to the inflatable member such that translation of the elongated tube translates the guidewire assembly.

A method of indicating an oxygen desaturation period has been initiated includes detecting an oxygen mask configured to supply oxygen to a patient to saturate the patient, detecting a removal of the oxygen mask from the patient to stop saturation of the patient, initiating a desaturation timer in response the removal of the oxygen mask from the patient, and operating an image display device to display a first running time on a screen of the image display device indicating a desaturation time elapsed from a time of the removal of the mask.

An expandable endotracheal tube includes a shaft that has an airway. The expandable endotracheal tube also includes an expandable segment mounted to a distal end of the shaft. The expandable segment includes an expandable membrane and a constant force spring positioned within the expandable membrane. The constant force spring has a compressed configuration to allow for placement of the expandable endotracheal tube within a patient and an expanded configuration in which the expandable membrane forms a seal with a trachea of the patient to enable positive pressure ventilation.

An endotracheal tube insertion apparatus configured to assist in the proper placement of an endotracheal tube during patient intubation. The present invention includes an external member wherein the external member has a housing with an arcuate formed bottom surface configured to be superposed a patient's neck during intubation. The external member includes a proximity sensor and a magnet. The endotracheal tube insertion apparatus further includes an insertion member that is elongated in form and has movably coupled thereto an end member. The end member is positioned so as to extend beyond the end of the endotracheal tube. The end member includes a proximity tag member and a magnet member wherein the magnet member is configured to be attracted to the magnet located in the external member so as to guide the endotracheal tube to the correct location. A plurality of lights further provides visual confirmation of the proper location.

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.

Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus. In addition, the methods and device allow for timed delivery of ventilations based on a condition of a thoracic cavity to increase the amount and efficiency of blood flow during a resuscitation procedure.

A repositionable medical tube, such as an endotracheal tube, a nasogastric tube, or a nasojejunal tube, having an inflatable cuff with at least one divot region therein, the divot region having an outer diameter sufficiently smaller than an outer diameter of both a proximate cuff region and of a distal cuff region as to produce a discernibly-distinct ultrasonic image when scanned by an ultrasound sensor. The medical tube may be further provided with an ultrasonically-detectable coil or one or more ultrasonically-detectable markers having an identifiable geometric shape when the marker is visible using an ultrasonic probe.

A device and method for performing a cricothyrotomy and/or a tracheotomy has an outer cannula. An inner cutting cannula is positioned within the outer cannula. An actuator is coupled to a proximate end of the inner cutting cannula. The actuator keeps the inner cutting cannula in a retracted position within the outer cannula when the actuator is not activated and an extended position where a distal end of the inner cutting cannula extends out of the outer cannula with a force for the distal end of the inner cutting cannula to penetrate one of a cricothyroid membrane or tracheal wall when the actuator is activated.