Abstract:
A video bougie 1 for use in inserting a medical tube 3 includes a bendable rod 10 with a camera unit 11 mounted at its forward end and connected by a cable 13 with an electrical connector 14 at the machine end of the bougie. A brass ferrule 30 has its forward end 32 attached to an external recess 24 around the machine end of the rod 10, the rear end 33 of the ferrule supporting the electrical connector 14.
Abstract:
A tracheostomy tube (1) has an inflatable sealing cuff (13) and an array of one or more RFID pressure sensors (120) around the cuff. A leakage unit (30) interrogates the sensors (120) to determine any regions around the cuff having incomplete contact with the tracheal wall indicative of potential leakage between the cuff and the wall of the trachea.
Abstract:
An introducer (2) for a curved tracheostomy tube (1) has a patient end tip (33) that projects beyond the patient end of the tube to help insertion. The patient end tip (33) is divided into two hinged portions (36) and (37). The hinged portions (36) and (37) bend outwardly to fill the gap created when the tube 1 is deformed to an oval section caused by straightening it by loading on the introducer.
Abstract:
A laryngoscope (10) includes a video camera ((13) at the patient end of its blade (11) that supplies video signals to a processor (14) in the handle (12). The processor (14) supplies signals to a display (15) supported on the handle (15). The laryngoscope also has a connector (17) on its handle (12) to which is connected the output of a video bougie guide (20) used with the laryngoscope. A switch (18) on the handle (12) enables the user to select which video output is shown on the display (15). Alternatively, images from both the bougie (20) and the laryngoscope (10) can be shown at the same time side-by-side on the display (15).
Abstract:
A tracheostomy tube assembly includes an outer tracheostomy tube (1) and a removable inner cannula (3). The inner cannula (3) is made by helically winding PTFE tape (40) on a mandrel (42) and applying a reinforcing strip (34) of PTFE or other materials longitudinally along the outside of the wound tape. The tape and strip are then heated to sinter and bond them together and convert the PTFE to ePTFE and form an inner layer. An outer layer (46) is extruded along the outside of the inner layer. The shaft (30) is cut between the ends of adjacent reinforcing strips (34) to leave a short unreinforced portion (35) at the patient end (32) of each shaft.
Abstract:
Tracheostomy tubes (1) of different sizes or of other different characteristics are marked on their flange (20) with a band (22) of differing colours or patterns. Similarly, inner cannulae (30) for use with tubes of specific sizes have a marking (33) of the same colour or pattern. The tube (1) and inner cannula (30) are contained in a sealed pack (40) having a tray (41) with a peel-off seal sheet (42) that also bears a marking (43) of the same colour or pattern. The sealed pack (40) is contained within an outer cardboard carton (50) having an end flap (51) which is sealed by a label (54) of the same colour or pattern so that tubes of the desired characteristic can be easily selected.