Abstract: A pressure support system (10) comprises a humidifier (20) adapted to increase the amount of water vapor entrained in a supply of breathing gas, and a positive air pressure device (30) fluidly coupled downstream of the humidifier. The positive air pressure device is structured to generate a positive pressure flow of breathing gas from the supply of breathing gas received from the outlet of the humidifier.

Abstract: A self-contained Autonomous Positive Air Pressure (APAP) device that treats sleep apnea by providing pressurized air intermittently or on demand. The self-contained device is inconspicuously designed as eyewear and does not require the user to be tethered to an air hose or power cord. The device also does not require the user to wear a face mask sealed to the user's face. Instead, the present invention comprises a system that is battery powered including pumps to pressurize a chamber or chambers that provides breathable air through electronically controlled pressure regulated valves that prevents upper airway obstruction.

Abstract: A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).

Abstract: A breathing tube system for connection to a respirator (2), which is provided with a tube heater, avoids a local increase in temperature during the heating of the tube (4, 7). Resistance wires (9, 10) are connected to one another on the breathing tubes (4, 7) in the form of a series connection and are contacted at the respirator (2) in the area of an inspiration port (3) and of an expiration port (6).

Abstract: An apparatus for providing humidification in a breathing assistance system may include a first container at least partially defining a first volume for housing an absorbent material, a second container at least partially defining a second volume for holding a liquid, and one or more fluid passageways for communicating the liquid from the second volume to the absorbent material in the first volume.

Abstract: Devices and methods of entraining a substance within an airflow are disclosed. Condensation aerosol delivery devices and methods of consistently producing multiple doses of a substance, such as a drug, having high purity, high yield, characterized by a particle size distribution appropriate for pulmonary delivery, and which can be administered to a user in a single dose are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inline vaporizer disposed in a carrier gas line vaporizes a fluid and adds such vaporized fluid to a carrier gas that flows within the carrier gas line. The vaporizer includes a reservoir or wick that transfers a fluid to a vaporizing element that is adjacent to the reservoir or wick. The vaporizer releases a vapor into the carrier gas line so that the carrier gas flows past the vaporizer to form a vapor and carrier gas mixture.

Abstract: A breathing circuit system for supplying a breathable gas from a breathable gas supply system to a patient interface. The system comprises a heated conduit, comprising a hose and a hose heating system associated with the hose, and a plurality of adapter elements. The hose heating system is provided for operating within a first predetermined voltage range. A controller is associated with the breathing circuit and provides voltage within a second predetermined voltage range. Each adapter element comprises at least one electric component provided for adjusting the voltage supplied by the controller from a second range to the first range.

Abstract: A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A drug delivery system, which includes an aerosol generator unit, a pumping unit, a flow tube, at least one condensate collector and an aerosol transition adapter. The aerosol generator forms an aerosol from a liquid formulation, which is partially volatilized. The pumping unit supplies the liquid formulation to the aerosol generator unit and a flow tube having an inlet end in fluid communication with an outlet of the aerosol generator unit and an outlet adapted for connection to a patient interface, which supplies ventilation gas to a patient's lungs. The system also includes at least one condensate collector adapted to collect condensed liquid or liquid produced by the aerosol generator unit, and a transition adapter arranged to mix aerosol produced by the aerosol generator unit with heated air or ventilation gas and direct the mixed aerosol into the inlet end of the flow passage.

Abstract: A filter assembly for use in sidestream gas sampling assembly. The filter assembly of the present invention includes a hydrophilic. The filter further includes a Hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic liner. The hydrophobic disk acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism member that is constructed from a porous material and is situated such that gas entering the filter assembly passes through at least a portion the hydrophilic member. In a further embodiment, the filter includes a hydrophobic member positioned downstream of the hydrophilic member. The hydrophobic member acts as a second line of defense against moisture reaching the sensing mechanism in the gas sampling assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for use humidified gases delivery treatment comprising a housing, a humidifier, and a chamber heating base connected to said housing, said housing includes a pressurized gases supply, a humidifier engagement (17), a pressurized gases outlet (4), a humidified gases return (7), and a patient outlet (9), said humidifier includes a humidification chamber (2) having a base, a humidifier inlet (5), a humidifier outlet (6) and said chamber is engagable with said humidifier engagement (17) via a single motion, and said single motion of engagement urges the base of said humidification chamber adjacent and in contact with said chamber heating base and makes a first fluid connection between said pressurized gases outlet (4) and said humidifier inlet (5), and makes a second fluid connection between said humidified gases return (7) and said humidifier outlet (6), with said first and second fluid connections being made in the direction of said single motion.

Abstract: A pressure support system includes a gas flow generating system a patient interface device, and a tubing. The s flow generating system includes a gas source, a controller, and a first inductive coil. The patient interface device includes a second inductive coil and an input element. The tubing is disposed between the flow generating system and the patient interface device to carry a flow of gas from the gas source o to the patient interface device. The tubing includes a third inductive coils structured to transmit power and/or a signal between the first inductive coil of the pressure support system controller and the second inductive coil of the patient interface device.

Abstract: A humidifier and humidity sensor is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus. The humidity sensor preferably includes means to sense absolute humidity, relative humidity and/or temperature at both the patient end and humidifier end. The humidifier may also include provision to both control independently the humidity and temperature of the gases. Further, a chamber manifold is disclosed to facilitate easy connection of the humidifier to various outlets, inlets and sensors. A heated conduit is described which provides a more effective temperature profile along its length.

Abstract: A nasal cannula assembly is disclosed having a face mount part, in use resting against a user's face, which includes at least one nasal prong capable of being fitted into a person's nares. The cannula assembly also includes a manifold part, in fluid communication with the face mount part, having a single horizontal side gases entry. In particular, this cannula assembly is for supplying heated, humidified gases to a patient suffering from COPD. A tie or lanyard is disclosed for use with a breathing assistance apparatus such as a nasal cannula, face or nasal mask or tracheostomy connector. The tie or lanyard transfers the weight of the conduits supplying gases to the breathing assistance apparatus from the breathing assistance apparatus and distributes it onto the neck of the patient.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus, including a mask and a neck component. The mask is adapted to substantially surround at least the mouth or nostrils of a user. The neck component is attached to said mask, and adapted to substantially surround the back of the neck of said user. The neck component includes a flow generator to receive unfiltered air from a surrounding environment, filter said unfiltered air, and, provide filtered air to said mask. The breathing apparatus has a ‘low profile’ appearance and is adapted to sit comfortably about the neck of the user.

Abstract: A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an intubation system include a tracheal tube, a heat source coupled to the tracheal tube, and a temperature sensor disposable in a patient's trachea to detect a temperature within the patient's trachea. The heat source is adapted to generate heat when the tracheal tube is disposed in the airway of the patient. A temperature control system coupled to the heat source is adapted to monitor the detected temperature and to control generation of heat from the heat source based on the detected temperature.

Abstract: A charged hydration device and a method of filling the hydration device so the charged hydration that can be mounted to a medical apparatus that provides insufflation fluid to a body cavity either immediately prior to the medical procedure or during a medical procedure with the charged hydration device including an inlet and outlet for an inline connection with the medical apparatus so that an insufflation gas delivered through the charged hydration device is hydrated to prevent tissue damage to a person receiving the insufflation gas.

Abstract: A heated breathing circuit with radiant barrier is provided. The breathing circuit includes an airflow conduit configured to receive gas at input end and configured to deliver said gas to a patient at an output end, a heating element disposed inside the airflow conduit configured to heat the gas inside the airflow conduit between the input end and the output end and a heat shield disposed between the heating element and an outside surface of the airflow conduit such that the heat shield prevents heat energy loss from within said airflow conduit.

Abstract: A low flow heated/humidified respiratory gas delivery system, especially useful for low flow rates as preferred in the treatment of neonate and other such patients, wherein the respiratory gas is heated and humidified as desired for delivery to the patient and the temperature is monitored at the point of delivery to the patient.

Abstract: The gases temperature supplied to a patient when the patient is undergoing treatment such as oxygen therapy or positive pressure treatment for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often measured for safety and to enable controlling of the humidity delivered to the patient. The invention disclosed is related to measurement of properties, particularly temperature, of gases flowing through a heated tube, supplying gases to a patient, which utilizes the heating wire within the tube.

Abstract: The present invention relates a modular respiratory system to which different parts can be added in a convenient way enabling such upgraded respiratory system to deliver the most comfortable respiratory conditions at an acceptable cost of ownership.

Abstract: A system for delivering a humidified gas to a patient is disclosed. The system includes a supply tube having a first supply tube end and a second supply tube end. The supply tube has a first inner diameter. The system also includes an apparatus for delivering heated and humidified gas to the first end of the supply tube and a single lumen having a first lumen end and a second lumen end. The single lumen has a second inner diameter, smaller than the first diameter. The first lumen end is in fluid flow communication with the second supply tube end. The system also includes a nasal cannula in fluid flow communication with the second lumen end. A method of delivering heated and humidified gas to a patient is also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasound observable endotracheal tube, according to a specific embodiment of the present invention, has a flexible body surrounding an airway lumen and includes an ultrasound-reflecting element making the tube visible within the body using ultrasound. In another specific embodiment, an endotracheal tube includes a heating member used for warming inhaled respiratory gases. Another specific embodiment of an endotracheal tube includes a sensor for measuring pressure exerted between an inflation cuff and a patient's tracheal tissues for preventing injury from over/under cuff inflation. Yet another specific embodiment of an endotracheal tube includes a sensor for measuring a CO2 concentration in exhaled respiratory gases, and an alternative embodiment includes a sensor for measuring an O2 concentration in respiratory gases.

Abstract: A fan unit that forms part of a gases supply unit used as part of a breathing assistance system for providing heated gases to a user. The fan has an impeller surrounded by an upwardly sloped surface to facilitate improved airflow performance under surge conditions.

Abstract: A patient circuit for delivering improved support to a patient. In one embodiment of the present technology, the patient circuit includes at least one limb that includes: an inlet; an outlet; an enclosing wall defining an interior flow passage between the inlet and the outlet; and a configurable region configured to be adjusted to alter a at least one modifiable characteristic of the at least one limb.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus, system and a method for producing heat shock in a targeted area.

Abstract: A breathing circuit includes inspiratory and expiratory limbs, each having a respective electrically energizable heating circuit. The heating circuits are independently and selectively electrically energized through separate power circuits such as to control the temperature in each limb in a desired fashion so as to reduce rainout in the breathing circuit and particularly in the expiratory limb.

Abstract: A microdosing device with a dosing chamber for the at least temporary reception of a liquid quantity, and with which is associated at least one discharge opening is provided. A vibrating unit in operative connection with at least one boundary surface of the dosing chamber is provided in order to vibrate the same for a discharge process, and with a delivery function unit connected to the vibrating unit for activating the latter during a delivery time period. A drying function unit is additionally provided and can be activated in time-separated manner with respect to the delivery function unit in order to free the dosing chamber from liquid residues.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O2 or SF6/O2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: An anti-condensation arrangement for catheters including a heated air generator, a sheath covering a catheter such as to create a cavity with it, and a device for the input of heated air produced by the generator into the cavity wherein the sheath has a venting opening to allow the exit of heated air from the cavity and therefore continuous exchange of air.

Abstract: The present invention provides a filter assembly for filtering a gas stream. The filter assembly including a number of filter elements structured to be disposed in a gas stream. The filter assembly further including a heating element for heating each of the number of filter elements, the heating element being structured to be disposed in the gas stream for directly heating the gas stream as the gas stream passes therethrough.

Abstract: An open system provides breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation to augment respiration by a self-breathing patient. A sensor detects a physical property of a patient's respiratory cycle. A processor monitors the sensor and controls a gas source to deliver oxygen-containing gas through a tube extending into the patient's airway with the flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined non-constant waveform synchronized with the respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. Gas is delivered at a flow rate sufficient to significantly mitigate the airway pressure the patient must generate during spontaneous breathing and thereby reduce the patient's work of breathing.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: A mouth and nose mask including a main cover body with a main air vent at the center thereof, an inner cover body, and a linking member. There is a space between the main cover body and the inner cover body. The linking member links the main cover body and the inner cover body. The bottom edge of the inner cover body is designed not to touch the face when wearing. The mouth and nose mask is safe, can be used in the treatment of allergic respiratory diseases, and is effective in preventing the same.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering breathable gas to a user includes a humidifying unit that is controllable to humidify the gas in accordance with a variable humidity profile such that the gas is delivered to the user at variable humidity levels, e.g., during a treatment session.

Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes a liquid reservoir (3) with a liquid to be evaporated, a heater (9) and an evaporator tube (12). The evaporator tube (12) has a first porous element (1) having a first porosity and with an area in contact with the liquid in the liquid reservoir (3) and a second porous element (2) with a second porosity and with an area present on an evaporator side (50) used to dispense the evaporated liquid, and an area outside the liquid reservoir heated by the heater (9) which is not directly in connection with the liquid. The first porous element and the second porous element are in contact in contact areas with the first porous element forming a wick delivering liquid from the reservoir to the contact area.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and device for rapid heating of a substance. One embodiment includes a substance including a drug to be vaporized for inhalation therapy. A sealed fuel cell containing a combustible filament is placed in a heat exchange relationship with the substance. An igniter is operatively associated with the combustible element. The substance may be vaporized inside of a housing to allow the vaporized drug to aerosolize and be inhaled by a user.

Abstract: An air delivery device (ADD) for applying fluid pressure pulses (FPP) to the mouth cavity of a patient at a predetermined frequency according to a protocol The ADD, comprises: a) an air blower for blowing air into a pressure chamber via a first opening (inlet); b) airflow occluding means (AOM) provided in fluid communication with said pressure chamber; said AOM located between said first opening and a second opening (outlet) of said pressure chamber; c) a patient mouthpiece or Face Mask, in fluid communication with said second opening (outlet); and, d) means for controlling AOM, adapted to interrupt and release said airflow at a predetermined frequency and pressure, thereby applying said FPPs to the mouth cavity of a patient according to a predetermined protocol during operation.

Abstract: The device and a process for the heating and humidification of gas, especially respiratory gas. Fluid from a fluid reservoir is supplied to a sprinkling type chamber where, for the purpose of humidification, it is moved through the gas. The point is that the fluid is heated by a temperature controlled heater to a preset temperature. In addition to the description of the device, a description of the process underlying the operation of the device is described.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus provides respiratory treatment with improved power management control to permit more efficient power consumption and power supply units, such as battery powered operation. In one embodiment, power management prioritizes the flow generator (104) over other accessories such as the heating elements (111, 135) of a humidifier (112) and/or a delivery tube. The flow generator may control operations of the heating elements as a function of a detected respiratory cycle. For example, the timing of operation of the heating elements may be interleaved with the portion of an inspiratory phase of the respiratory cycle to permit the flow generator to operate during a peak power operation without a power drain or with a lower power drain from these components. Operations of distinct sets of components of the system (e.g., different heating elements) may also be interleaved to prevent simultaneous peak power operations.

Abstract: A respirator with a breathing gas block (2) and with breathing gas ducts (13, 15, 17) and with a heater has the electric components located outside of the breathing gas-carrying areas. A heated distributor plate is flatly in contact on the underside of the breathing gas block (2) and has heating ribs (21, 22) that are in contact with breathing gas ducts (13, 15) at least in some areas.

Abstract: A method of conveying humid breathing gases from a patient through a breathable breathing tube. The breathing tube includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a portion of hydrophilic material. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic material. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: A nasal cannula, for supplying a respiratory gas to a patient, comprising: a pair of spaced apart supply lines which each have a head at one end thereof with a discharge opening therein. The opposite end of each supply line is connectable to a respiratory gas source. Each head is sized to be snugly received and retained within one of the nasal cavities of the patient while forming a sufficient leakage passage, between a portion of inwardly facing nasal cavity skin of a patient and a portion of an exterior surface of the head, to facilitate exhausting of any excess respiratory gas supplied to the patient through the leakage passage and also facilitate inhalation of any room air required in excess of the respiratory gas to be supplied to the patient.

Abstract: An inline vaporizer disposed in a carrier gas line vaporizes a fluid and adds such vaporized fluid to a carrier gas that flows within the carrier gas line. The vaporizer includes a reservoir or wick that transfers a fluid to a vaporizing element that is adjacent to the reservoir or wick. The vaporizer releases a vapor into the carrier gas line so that the carrier gas flows past the vaporizer to form a vapor and carrier gas mixture.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating the delivery of medication/humidity to a patient without breaking a ventilator circuit that contains a two-position flow control valve in the circuit, so as to permit manual switching from a first position in which humidified air/oxygen will be supplied to a patient and a second position in which atomized medication will be supplied to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a much safer and less expensive way of providing portable oxygen from a gas concentrator for patients who do not want to be tied to a stationary machine or restricted by present oxygen technology. The present invention involves a home liquid oxygen ambulatory system for supplying a portable supply of oxygen, where a portion of the gaseous oxygen output obtained from an oxygen concentrator is condensed into liquid oxygen. The system includes an oxygen concentrator which separates oxygen gas from the ambient air, a condenser in communication with the oxygen concentrator for receiving and liquefying the oxygen gas flow, a cryocooler associated with the condenser, and a first storage dewar in fluid communication with the condenser and adapted to store the oxygen liquefied by the condenser, the first storage dewar including means for transferring liquid oxygen from the first dewar to a second dewar for storing a quantity of oxygen suitable for moveable oxygen treatment.