A method for use in an endotracheal intubation procedure, the method including: inserting an intubation guide into a mouth of a subject, the intubation guide including an elongate body defining a passageway configured for receiving a blade portion of an intubation device; covering the mouth of the subject with a ventilation mask including: a ventilation port connected to a ventilator, and an intubation port for receiving the blade portion of the intubation device; ventilating the subject using the ventilation mask; and while ventilation of the subject continues: inserting the blade portion of the intubation device into the passageway through the intubation port; positioning a distal tip of the blade portion proximate to the larynx of the subject; and advancing an endotracheal tube along the blade portion of the intubation device through the intubation port and the intubation guide into a trachea of the subject.

A shielded intubation guide for use in an endotracheal intubation procedure, the shielded intubation guide including: an elongate body defining a passageway extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening for receiving a blade portion of an intubation device, the shielded intubation guide being configured for insertion into a mouth of the subject so that the proximal opening is positioned proximate to the mouth and the distal opening is positioned in an airway of the subject; and a shield around the proximal opening for substantially reducing emissions from the mouth, the shielded intubation guide allowing endotracheal intubation to be performed by: inserting the blade portion of the intubation device into the passageway; positioning a distal end of the blade portion proximate to the larynx of the subject; and advancing an endotracheal tube along the blade portion through the passageway into a trachea of the subject.

Oral gas catheters and methods of inducing gas in a patient orally. The oral gas catheter includes one or more delivery cannulas configured to be inserted into the patient's mouth with a distal end of the delivery cannula disposed adjacent the patient's laryngeal inlet, and a clip disposed on the delivery cannula. The clip is configured to secure the delivery cannula to a tooth of the patient. The oral gas catheter may have two such delivery cannulas and clips with the delivery cannulas coupled together by a coupler. The delivery cannulas are placed in an operative position in a patient's mouth and secured in the operative position by releasably securing the clips to the patient's teeth. The oral gas catheter makes it possible to bypass the nasal cavity and deliver oxygen or other gas directly adjacent the laryngeal entrance and into an anatomical dead space of the airway.

Techniques for blockage removal are provided, which may provide immediate and effective aid to a choking victim. A blockage removal device may comprise a mouthpiece disposed on an inlet. The inlet may be coupled to a chamber configured to hold a vacuum generated by a vacuum pump. A vacuum gauge may display information to a user, who may open or close a valve to provide or remove a vacuum to attempt to remove a blockage.

A loading dilator may include a first portion and a second portion. The first portion may include a first proximal end, a first distal end, and a first outer surface extending between the first proximal end and the first distal end. The second portion may include a second proximal end, a second distal end, and a second outer surface extending between the second proximal end and the second distal end. The first outer surface may include a plurality of slits extending along at least a portion of the length of the first portion. The plurality of slits may be spaced apart circumferentially around a longitudinal axis of the first portion. The length of the second portion may be smaller than the length of the first portion.

An oxygen concentrator may have a compressor to feed a feed gas for sieve bed(s) via a first manifold, an accumulator to receive enriched air from the bed(s) via a second manifold. It may include an outer housing for the manifolds, the compressor, and the accumulator. The housing may include an access portal to a compartment therein, for removably receiving the bed(s) as a canister assembly. The first manifold may be adjacent to the compartment and have inlet coupling(s) for removably coupling respectively with inlet(s) of the canister assembly. The inlet coupling(s) may each have a first central axis. The second manifold may be adjacent to the compartment and have outlet coupling(s) for removably coupling respectively with outlet(s) of the canister assembly. The outlet coupling(s) may each having a second central axis. The first and second central axes may form any one of an obtuse, acute, or right angle.

Devices and methods for standardizing breathing effort in subjects are disclosed. An exemplary device has an exhaust housing having a proximal portion that defines a port and an opposed distal portion that defines inspiration and expiration pathways. The distal portion has a distal end surface, and the inspiration and expiration pathways are in fluid communication with the port and extend, respectively, to inlet and outlet openings defined in the distal end surface. An airflow adjustment plate, which defines openings having varying sizes, is rotatably coupled to the distal portion of the exhaust housing. Rotation of the airflow adjustment plate relative to the exhaust housing among a plurality of rotational positions, with a respective opening of the airflow adjustment plate being positioned in alignment with the inlet opening at each position, thereby increasing or decreasing resistance to air flow through the inlet opening.

A facemask has an outer surface, an inner surface, and a mouthpiece. The inner surface has either a receiver or an insert, and the mouthpiece has either an insert or a receiver that mates with the receiver or the insert of the inner surface. When the receiver and the insert are mated (or coupled), the user can wear the facemask by having the mouthpiece inside the user's mouth.

Methods, devices, and systems are disclosed for controlled delivery of a therapy, such as a stimulant, to a mouth of a subject via an oral device positioned in a secured configuration in the mouth. At least one of a tongue position stimulator (TST) and tongue position sensor (TSE) is provided, according to certain aspects. According to another aspect, a stimulus is delivered to the mouth and/or tongue via a mouthpiece secured to the subject's teeth. In another regard, a stimulus is delivered that generates a natural response to eliminate or reduce sleep disorders, such as for example at least one of snoring and obstructive sleep apnea.

A positive exhalation pressure device increases the pressure gradient in the airways, thereby increasing oxygen saturation levels and decreasing the severity of hypoxia. Various embodiments of the device may be inserted into the nasal and/or oral cavities, or configured as mask devices covering the nasal and/or oral cavities. In some embodiments, the resistance of the device may be varied.