A respiratory apparatus includes an instrument introduction section that
is adapted for introducing an instrument into an artificial airway of a
patient. The instrument introduction section has a distal end and a
proximal end with an opening that allows for insertion of the instrument
into the instrument introduction section. The instrument is movable
through a passageway between the distal and proximal ends. The distal end
is configured for releasable attachment with an artificial airway
structure that is attached to the patient. Further, a valve is located in
the instrument introduction section. The valve has a closed position in
which the passageway is at least substantially isolated from the
artificial airway of the patient when the instrument is present and is
proximal from the valve. The valve at least substantially blocks the
passageway of the instrument introduction section when the valve is in
the closed position. The valve also has an open position that allows for
the instrument to be moved through the instrument introduction section
and into the artificial airway of the patient.