Abstract: A closed automated suction device (CASD) is described. The device is designed to overcome the need for manual suction and to facilitate strict asepsis in patients who are endotracheally intubated or tracheostomied. The device includes an outer tube with an inner tube concentrically nested within to define a cavity therebetween. The inner tube comprises a passage extended therethrough for providing ventilation, and the cavity between the inner and outer tubes is configured for communication with a vacuum source to provide aspiration.

Abstract: A photo-resist (21) is applied in a pattern of vertical columns having the dimensions of holes or pores of the aperture plate to be produced. This mask pattern provides the apertures which define the aerosol particle size, having up to 2500 holes per square mm. There is electro-deposition of metal (22) into the spaces around the columns (21). There is further application of a second photo-resist mask (25) of much larger (wider and taller) columns, encompassing the area of a number of first columns (21). The hole diameter in the second plating layer is chosen according to a desired flow rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides clinical decision support that can be used with non-portable and portable systems when delivering and/or monitoring delivery of a therapeutic gas comprising nitric oxide to a patient. Further, clinical decision support can be used with non-portable and portable systems during delivery and/or monitoring of delivery of therapeutic gas when nebulized drugs may and/or may not be being delivered to a patient (e.g., when nebulizers are delivered upstream in the inspiratory limb of the breathing circuit, into a breathing gas delivery system, etc.).

Abstract: A system and accompanying assembly, of integrated or modular construction, for inflating and monitoring pressure within a retaining cuff including a housing having a pressure chamber connected in fluid communication with a fluid pressure source and a fluid communicating connection with the retaining cuff. Associated control circuitry includes a pressure sensor disposable in fluid communication with the pressure chamber and the retaining cuff, via the fluid communicating connection and structured to concurrently determine and monitor pressure within the pressure chamber and the retaining cuff. The control circuitry is cooperatively structured with the pressure sensor and other operative components to establish dynamic multilevel sampling capabilities, calibration parameters stored within the control circuitry prior to use and limited or single use capabilities of the assembly.

Abstract: A patient transfer device is configured for use with at least one host device which is capable of providing respiratory support to a patient. The patient transfer device includes an inspiratory port and an expiratory port which are configured to pneumatically connect to the host. An inspiratory connection is pneumatically connected to the inspiratory port and an expiratory connection is pneumatically connected to the expiratory port. An inspiratory valve is coupled between the inspiratory port and the inspiratory connection and expiratory valve is coupled between the expiratory port and the expiratory connection. The inspiratory valve and the expiratory valve are operable between first configurations that permit flow there though and second configurations that occlude flow through the valves. The inspiratory valve and the expiratory valve are configured to operate in the second configuration when the patient transfer device is disconnected from the at least one host device.

Abstract: A hydration respiration apparatus includes a respirator assembly having a facemask that covers the nose and mouth of user and a pair of filter cartridges on opposed sides of the facemask. A hydration assembly includes a hydration tube extending through a front wall of the facemask and a hydration reservoir configured to hold a liquid, the reservoir being displaced from the respirator assembly and in fluid communication with the tube. The hydration tube includes a proximal end situated in the interior area of the facemask and a distal end situated outside the facemask, the tube being selectively movable between a retracted configuration substantially outside the interior area and a deployed configuration substantially inside the interior area. The proximal end of the hydration tube includes a valve configured to selectively release water into the mouth of the user when the hydration tube is at the deployed configuration.

Abstract: This invention relates to a headgear component as a part of a headgear. The component comprising a backstrap, a first ear loop extending from one end of the backstrap, the first ear loop following a path defining a first ear opening, and a second ear loop extending from another end of the backstrap, the second ear loop following a path defining a second ear opening. A first pair of connection zones is on the first ear loop, each connection zone spaced an equal distance from the backstrap and spaced from each other, and a second pair of connection zones on the second ear loop, each connection zone spaced an equal distance apart from the backstrap and spaced from each other. A connection zone of the first pair and a connection zone of the second pair are on a first side of the backstrap, and a connection zone of the first pair and a connection zone of the second pair are on a second (other) side of the backstrap, wherein the headgear component is substantially of a symmetrical shape.

Abstract: An inhaler comprising a reservoir of an inhalable composition. A housing contains the reservoir and has an outlet end and an opposite end. A composition flow path for the flow of the composition extends from the reservoir along the flow path and out of a composition outlet at the outlet end of the housing. A flexible diaphragm within the housing defines an air flow path from an air inlet to an air outlet at the outlet end of the housing, the diaphragm extending past the air flow inlet towards the opposite end separating the air flow path on one side of the diaphragm from the remainder of the housing on the opposite side of the diaphragm.

Abstract: An airflow control valve (20) for use in a breathing apparatus (10) to control a flow of air from a pressurized air supply to a respirator. The valve comprises an inlet port (31) for connection to a pressurized air supply, and first (32) and second (33) outlets. The valve is configurable between a first position in which the inlet port is in restricted fluid communication with the first outlet to allow a restricted flow of air from the inlet port to the first outlet and in which the second outlet is sealed from the inlet port and, a second position in which the inlet port is in substantially unrestricted fluid communication with the second outlet to allow an unrestricted flow of air from the inlet port to the second outlet.

Abstract: A humidification breathing apparatus for generating and delivering humidified air to a patient at a desired humidity proximate the patient, the apparatus comprising an air flow path and a controller for controlling operation of the humidification breathing apparatus, wherein the controller is configured to operate the humidification breathing apparatus to control humidity at a point in the flow path to achieve the desired delivered humidity proximate the patient based on the patient exhaled humidity and flow.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for coupling a tracheostomy tube to a source of humidified breathing gas are disclosed. An adaptor includes a housing, a tracheostomy tube connection device, and a baffle. The housing has an interior surface, an exterior surface, and a breathing gas port. The tracheostomy tube connection device is positioned within the housing and includes an input port for receiving a flow of humidified breathing gas from the breathing gas port and an output port for coupling with the tracheostomy tube. The tracheostomy tube connection device has an internal surface defining a breathing gas passage and an external surface spaced from the interior surface of the housing to create a condensation passage. The baffle may be positioned between the breathing gas port and the input port to cause controlled condensation from the flow of humidified breathing gas by disrupting the flow of humidified breathing gas.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein such apparatus comprises a display that provides a visual and/or numeric indication of the calculated dose of nitric oxide. Also described is a method of monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein the breathing gas flow rate and therapeutic gas flow rate are measured and used to determine the calculated dose of nitric oxide, which is then displayed. In some embodiments, an alert is provided when the calculated dose rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range.

Abstract: An interface assembly comprises a nasal mask that includes a seal having a rolling portion. The rolling portion of the seal rolls over a portion of a clip that secures the seal to a frame. The frame has a ball and socket connection to a connector. The connector comprises an elbow having integrally formed exhaust holes and a swivel.

Abstract: A method for controlling operation of a CPAP apparatus. The apparatus has a blower, a patient interface, an air delivery conduit for delivering air from the blower to the patient interface, a sensor for determining the pressure in the patient interface, and a control mechanism that causes air to be delivered at a desired pressure to the patient interface and that detects transitions between inhalation and exhalation of a respiratory cycle of a patient in order to synchronize the blower output with the patient's efforts. In one form the CPAP apparatus provides pressure in accordance with a bi-level waveform with at least one characterizing parameter of the waveform being automatically adjusted in accordance with indications of sleep disordered breathing. The indications of sleep disordered breathing can be one or more of snoring, apnea, hypopnea, and flow limitation.

Abstract: An intranasal device having a first cannula for insertion into a first nostril of a user and a second cannula for insertion into a second nostril of a user. Each cannula has an interior surface defining a generally cylindrical lumen. On the exterior surface of each cannula is a first protrusion in the shape of an anteromedial concavity of a nostril of the user and second, separate and distinct protrusion in the shape of a posterolateral concavity of the nostril of the user.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device provides a support cushion (15) including a cushion body (20) and at least two inserts (50). The cushion body has a plurality of stiffener passages (22). The at least two inserts are stiffening inserts shaped to correspond to the stiffener passages. The cushion body is made from a first material having a first hardness. One of the at least two inserts is made from a first material, having substantially the same first hardness as the cushion body, and the second insert is made from a second material having a second hardness, the second hardness being different than the first hardness.

Abstract: An aerosol generator for generating an inhalation aerosol from an inhalation liquid, includes an intake duct for guiding air to a mouth of a user, and a nozzle, arranged in the intake duct for injecting the inhalation liquid into the intake duct. The nozzle is arranged for generating a Rayleigh droplet train of the inhalation liquid propagating along a droplet train propagation path. The intake duct includes at least two first orifices having at least partly opposing discharging directions extending towards the droplet train propagation path. The at least two first orifices are configured for providing respective first air streams in at least partly opposing directions so as to interact in the droplet train propagation path.

Abstract: A device for respiration with a half mask (4) and with a strap (6) for pressing the half mask (4) onto the face of a mask user (7). Wearing comfort is facilitated by providing the strap (6) of a one-piece cut made of an elastic material and having at least one four-point connection with straps (9, 10) to the half mask (4).

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly (10), adapted to be placed over the nose and mouth of the face of a wearer. The mask assembly includes a base mask (12), defining a set of openings; a filter (30), detachably supported by the base mask and covering the openings; and a source of electricity (60). Also, an air exit valve (34) is positioned over one of the openings of the base mask and releases air from inside the mask to the outside when pressure inside is greater than air pressure outside. Finally, a centrifugal fan (22) is electrically connected to the source of electricity and is positioned in one of the openings of the base mask so as to draw air through the filter to the inside. This fan blows air into the inside in a direction that misses the wearer's face.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing ventilation assistance or control are disclosed. Systems and methods for providing randomized ventilation are disclosed. Methods for operating a ventilation system while preventing or reducing the occurrence of ventilator associated lung injury are disclosed. Devices, systems, and methods for providing passive ventilation are disclosed.