Abstract: One aspect of the invention is an apparatus including an alarm for alerting an operator to recharge a humidifier, wherein such alarm is generated other than through the use of a humidity sensor. In one embodiment the total work performed during heating and hydrating an insufflation gas is measured and an alarm generated when the total work performed exceeds a particular threshold. In another embodiment, a flow meter is used to measure the total flow of insufflation gas so that when the total flow of insufflation gas reaches a predetermined level an alarm is activated.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for treating wounds are disclosed. An apparatus for treating wounds is disclosed comprising an instrument for generating a low temperature, atmospheric pressure plasma, a means of flowing gas through the instrument, and a means of contacting the wound with the reactive gases flowing out of the instrument. A method for treating wounds using reactive gases is disclosed. The use of atmospheric pressure plasmas for treating wounds is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device 100 for dosing and pressure adjusting of a radiopaque agent, and, in particular, of carbon dioxide, while performing angiography, is supplied at a predefined pressure, slightly higher with respect to the environment pressure, from a source 1. The device 100 includes a first dispenser 10 for withdrawing measured amounts of carbon dioxide from the source 1. A first reservoir 15 is connected to the first dispenser by a first flow diverter 5, and contains a predefined amount of carbon dioxide to be supplied to an injection catheter 50. The device 100 includes also a second reservoir 25, the first reservoir 15 and second reservoir 25 have a common surface 20, soft or mobile, for balancing the gas pressure in the reservoirs. An output pipe 16 sets the first reservoir 15 and the injection catheter 50 in fluid communication.

Abstract: A wound therapy apparatus for enhancing healing of a wound includes a wound dressing configured for placement over the wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a wound contact fluid may be maintained by forming a substantially fluid-tight seal around the wound. An elastic bladder member defined by or within the wound dressing is expandable to exert a pressure on the wound contact fluid within the reservoir. A fluid system is in fluid communication with the reservoir for selectively delivering the wound contact fluid to the reservoir, and a pressure system is in fluid communication with the bladder member for delivering a compressed liquid or gas to the bladder member to effect expansion in the bladder member.

Abstract: An insufflation system is provided that includes an insufflator having a delivery assembly for delivering insufflating gas from a pressurized source of insufflation gas to at least one gas delivery path. At least one output line is coupled to the at least one gas delivery path. At least one dual-capacity tube has a first tube with a first end coupled to the at least one output line and a second end. The dual-capacity tube has a pair of tubes that each has a first end attached with the second end of the first tube. The dual-capacity tube provides for fluid communication of the insufflating gas between the insufflator and laparoscopic equipment that is insertable into a peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A catheter system including an elongate tubular member having a proximal end portion, a distal end portion and a lumen extending through at least a portion of a length of the elongate tubular member. The distal end portion of the elongate member is dimensioned and adapted to advance to or in proximity to a treatment site of a subject. A microbubble device is in fluid communication with the lumen. The microbubble device includes at least one input port for receiving a flow of material into the device and an output port configured to output microbubbles from the microbubble device. A second tubular member is in fluid communication with one of the at least one input ports. A pressure fitting arrangement is adapted to maintain a seal between the second tubular member and the input port.

Abstract: A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing segment generally parallel to the first tubing section and a valve disposed in the second tubing segment regulates fluid flow through the second tubing segment in order to limit vacuum surge in the main aspiration line upon clearing of an occlusion in the phacoemulsification handpiece tip.

Abstract: An electrosurgical system includes an evacuator apparatus and a sensor. The evacuator apparatus evacuates aerosol and smoke generated during application of electrosurgical energy. The sensor is operatively coupled to the evacuator apparatus and senses the aerosol and smoke generated during application of the electrosurgical energy. The sensor generates data in response to the sensed aerosol and smoke. The sensor operatively communicates the data to the evacuator apparatus and the evacuator apparatus evacuates the aerosol and smoke as a function of the data.

Abstract: An endoscopic system includes an endoscope having a delivery member available to supply a body cavity of a specimen and, in addition thereto, a gas supply apparatus from which predetermined gas is supplied to a body cavity via a delivery member. The endoscopic system further includes a determination unit that determines whether or not there is a status in which, the gas supply device needs to supply gas to the body cavity, and a control unit that selectively and automatically control a permit and stop for the gas supply to be implemented by the gas supply apparatus depending on a determined result of the determination unit, which are formed in a unitary structure with, for instance, the gas supply unit.

Abstract: A system for treatment of a wound area of a patient including a first treatment pad comprising a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for cleaning and exposing a wound area to ultraviolet light, a second treatment pad comprising removal ports for exposing the wound area to a negative pressure, and a control unit interoperably connected to the first and second treatment pads for providing a negative pressure and the ultraviolet light to the wound area.

Abstract: A treatment pad for applying heat, cooling or an antiseptic fluid to a subject's body surface incorporates a heat transfer member or a wound treatment member that is adapted to be held in place by application of a vacuum pressure. The heat transfer member may comprise an electrical resistance wire arranged in a serpentine pattern within a housing or, alternatively, may comprise interconnected heat transmissive tubing through which either a heated or a cooled fluid may be made to pass. Alternatively, the pad may contain a gel that can be cooled in a refrigerator or heated in a microwave oven and held in place on the subject's body by application of a vacuum to the assembly. The wound treatment member may comprise a gaseous antiseptic delivery pad held in place on the patient's body by use of a vacuum.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for providing a pressurized insufflation fluid into a patient cavity and for providing sealable access to the patient cavity by a surgical instrument. The assembly comprises an inner tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. An outer tubular member is disposed about the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the inner tubular member and the distal end of the outer tubular member define a trocar seal nozzle arranged therebetween.

Abstract: Fluid removal systems and methods for removing fluid from a tissue site are presented. The system includes a semi-permeable inbound conduit, which is fluidly coupled to a treatment-fluid delivery unit, for placement proximate to the tissue site, and a semi-permeable outbound conduit, which is fluidly coupled to the inbound conduit and to a treatment-fluid collector, for placement proximate to the tissue site of a patient. The treatment-fluid collector receives a treatment fluid and a recruited fluid from the tissue site. A recruited-fluid determination unit may be coupled to the treatment-fluid collector to determine a volume of fluid recruited from the patient. The treatment fluid is any fluid (including a gas) that pulls fluid from the interstitial and intracellular space. A reduced-pressure treatment subsystem may also be included, among other things, for removing ascites and other fluids from a body cavity.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a laminar-flow-emitting device that can be incorporated into an operating theatre in order to allow eyes to be operated on safely. The invention is characterised by the special arrangement of the laminar flow outlets, which flow is projected towards the patient such as to facilitate the protection of both eyes simultaneously through the differentiated projection of two flows.

Abstract: Device for emitting a plasma jet at ambient pressure and temperature, includes an electric-field generator for generating discharges between an anode assembly and a cathode assembly. The cathode assembly defines an inter-cathode dielectric space that extends inside the cathode assembly and is opposite at least one cathode surface of the cathode assembly, and has at least one cathode opening extending outside the inter-cathode space, the cathode opening being defined by at least one active edge of the cathode surface, the active edge(s) extending in a cathode opening plane. The anode assembly includes at least one pointed portion that is oriented toward the outside of the inter-cathode space and is laterally and deeply placed relative to the cathode opening. The pointed portion extends up to the cathode opening plane, for causing a plasma jet emission that is spontaneously sprayed in a predetermined direction toward the outside of the inter-cathode space.

Abstract: Gas packages for the delivery of therapeutic gases, and in particular gaseous nitric oxide (gNO) are provided herein. The gas packages comprise one or more of a gas reservoir, interface layer, sealing layer, and holding container. The interface layer regulates discharge of the therapeutic gas from the gas reservoir to the external environment. The sealing layer and/or holding container prevent evolution of the gas until the sealing layer is compromised or the holding container is opened.

Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a housing and a valve, the valve being disposed within the housing, a first indexed member integral to the housing, the first indexed member adapted to be complementary to a second indexed member, and a radio frequency identification device adapted to communicate with a radio frequency receiver, the valve being configured to align with a canister, seal the canister and open in a single movement. A drug containment device having said valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: By providing an envelope body (101) enveloping at least a part of body surface, a supply unit (61) supplying carbon dioxide gas into the envelope body (101), and a pressurizing unit (102) pressurizing the carbon dioxide gas supplied into the envelope body (101) to make the gas to be absorbed into an absorbent material, it is possible to further improve an efficiency for making the carbon dioxide gas to be absorbed from the body surface.

Abstract: An endoscopic imaging system for examining a patient's body cavity includes an endoscope having a distal end, a proximal end and a number of lumens therein. One or more distal gas ports are disposed at or adjacent the distal end of the endoscope and one or more proximal gas ports are disposed proximal to the distal gas ports. Insufflation gas is delivered to the distal gas ports and withdrawn from the proximal gas ports or vice versa such that a gas bubble is formed in the body cavity and travels with the distal tip of the endoscope.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system, method, and computer program product for controlling the supply of a distending media (such as an insufflating gas) from a distending media source to an endoscopic device so as to prevent the excess venting and/or waste of distending media. More specifically, the present invention provides for the detection of a pressure level within a lumen of an endoscopic device and adjusts a supply parameter of the distending media based at least in part on the detected pressure level, and in some cases, on the relationship between the detected pressure level and a user-defined threshold.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating gas for delivery into a body cavity, body space or body surface of an animal. The apparatus comprises a housing defining a chamber having an entry port and an exit port. One or more agents are released into the gas stream that flows through the chamber so that the gas stream carries the agent to the animal. Also shown, for use with, or without, the chamber, is an agent chamber adapted to be coupled to at least one structure defining at least one fluid flow path extending at least a portion of the distance between an insufflation device and the body cavity, body space or body surface.

Abstract: A method to apply a nerve inhibiting cloud surrounding a blood vessel includes creating a treatment plan, wherein the treatment plan prescribes application of the nerve inhibiting cloud towards at least a majority portion of a circumference of a blood vessel wall, and applying the nerve inhibiting cloud towards the majority portion of the circumference of the blood vessel wall for a time sufficient to inhibit a function of a nerve that surrounds the blood vessel wall.

Abstract: An insufflating surgical instrument adapted for movement across an abdominal wall to insufflate an abdominal region of a patient is disclosed comprising a shaft having an insufflation channel adapted for connection to a source of fluid under pressure at the proximal end, a tip at the distal end of the shaft, and at least one vent hole formed at the tip or the shaft being in connection with the insufflation channel and being adapted to expel the fluid under pressure to insufflate the abdominal region. At least one of the tip and the shaft is translucent or transparent to facilitate visualization of the abdominal region. The shaft includes a lumen extending along the axis between the proximal end and the distal end to enable insertion of a laparoscope. The lumen and insufflation channel may be formed as separate channels or as one shared channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma applicator (1) for applying a non-thermal plasma to a surface (2), particularly for the plasma treatment of living tissue and especially for the plasma treatment of wounds (2), comprising a sealing cover (4) for covering a portion of the surface thereby enclosing a cavity between the sealing cover (4) and the surface (2), wherein the non-thermal plasma is provided in the cavity so that the non-thermal plasma contacts the surface (2). Further, the invention relates to a corresponding method.

Abstract: An apparatus for conditioning an insufflation gas has an inlet for the delivery of an insufflation gas to a conditioning chamber. The conditioning chamber is used to charge the insufflation gas with a medicament by blowing the insufflation gas through a humidifying liquid containing the medicament. The insufflation gas charged with the medicament flows from the charging device to an outlet and can be delivered to the abdominal cavity of a human or animal, where it ensures optimum distribution of the medicament.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are described for temporarily or permanently evacuating stagnating air from a diseased lung area, typically for the purpose of treating COPD. Evacuation is accomplished by displacing the stagnant CO2-rich air with a readily diffusible gas using a trans-luminal indwelling catheter specially configured to remain anchored in the targeted area for long term treatment without supervision. Elevated positive gas pressure in the targeted area is then regulated via the catheter and a control unit to force under positive pressure effusion of the diffusible gas out of the area into neighboring areas while inhibiting infusion of other gases thus effecting a gradual gas volume decrease and deflation of the targeted area, thereby reducing volume of ineffective areas, increasing tidal volume of better areas, and improving lung mechanics.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: The portable environmental control chamber provides gas, as needed, to encourage healing and prevent infection. In one embodiment, the environmental control chamber acts as a hyperbaric chamber that can be affixed over a wound to supply oxygen to the wound bed. In another embodiment, the environmental control chamber acts as a catheter tent that prevents microbes from entering the catheter site. The environmental control chamber comprises a gas impermeable film that forms a tent over a wound or catheter site to which is attached two or more flexible ports that allow gas to be applied to a site. The chamber is attached to the body using an adhesive.

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 apparatus suitable for cleaning a surgically prepared working surface comprises a body portion adapted to supply pressurized fluid (preferably carbon dioxide gas) to the surgically prepared working surface and aspirate surface debris dislodged from the surgically prepared working surface. The apparatus further comprises a head portion adapted to constrain the supplied pressurized fluid to flow substantially along the surgically prepared working surface to dislodge debris there from when the head portion is in contact with the surgically prepared working surface. The dislodged surface debris are aspirated by the body portion. A second embodiment includes a Venturi-assisted cleaning head and is operable with or without an external source of vacuum.

Abstract: An oxygenation and temperature thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed for treatment of skin wound tissues. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient in conjunction with oxygenation. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression. Oxygenation is provided subsequent to initial heating in order to promote oxygen absorption by the wound tissues prior to the cooling thereof which facilitates pulling oxygen into the wound tissues. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods deliver vasoconstrictive agents simultaneously with capnic gases. The capnic gases can enhance the effectiveness of the vasoconstrictive agent, lower the dosage of drug or concentration of agent necessary to achieve a therapeutic result, or both. Exemplary capnic gases include carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and dilute acid gases.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprising nitric oxide gas producing component.

Abstract: Gas packages for the delivery of therapeutic gases, and in particular gaseous nitric oxide (gNO) are provided herein. The gas packages comprise one or more of a gas reservoir, interface layer, sealing layer, and holding container. The interface layer regulates discharge of the therapeutic gas from the gas reservoir to the external environment. The sealing layer and/or holding container prevent evolution of the gas until the sealing layer is compromised or the holding container is opened. The gas packages and methods for using them are useful for the treatment, alleviation, and prevention of various disease and non-disease, medical and non-medical, conditions in humans and animals.

Abstract: There are provided an atmospheric low-temperature micro plasma jet device for bio-medical application comprising an electrode used as an anode, a gas injection pipe used as a cathode, a porous insulating material, a protection pipe, and an insulating case and manufacturing method therefor using micromachining such as microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) in such a way that a diameter of micro electrodes where plasma is jetted is several tens micrometers or less.

Abstract: A trocar assembly includes a trocar valve body defining a cavity. The assembly includes a rotatable valve handle that is elongated and has a first end and a second end. The first end is sized and configured to be rotatably maintained within the cavity and the second end extends outwardly so as to be actuatable by a user. The rotatable valve handle defines a lumen therethrough which extends longitudinally from the first end to the second end. The valve body defines an outlet that communicates with the cavity. The rotatable valve handle is rotatable from an open position, in which the lumen is at least partially aligned with the outlet so as permit fluid to pass through the lumen, and a closed position, in which the lumen is not aligned with the outlet so as prevent fluid to pass through the lumen.

Abstract: An oxygenation and temperature thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad with a plurality of air chambers is disclosed for treatment of skin wound tissues. The air chambers are filled and released by a valve assembly that may be separate from or integrated within the blanket. The thermal therapy and oxygenation treatment pad includes a fluid bladder for delivering hot and/or cold therapy to a patient in conjunction with oxygenation. The temperature therapy blanket may also include an air bladder for providing compression. Oxygenation is provided subsequent to initial heating in order to promote oxygen absorption by the wound tissues prior to the cooling thereof which facilitates pulling oxygen into the wound tissues. This Abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an Abstract that allows a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain subject matter of the technical disclosure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to dressings, such as patches and bandages, and other devices and systems that deliver nitric oxide.

Abstract: A method of topically treating the respiratory tract of a mammal with nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas nasally to the upper respiratory tract of the mammal. Also provided are several designs for a nasal delivery device for the controlled nasal deliver the nitric oxide containing gas.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided which includes a housing, configured for insertion into a body of a subject. The apparatus includes functional cells coupled to the housing and a source of oxygen configured to supply oxygen to the functional cells. The apparatus further includes an oxygen delivery interface configured to receive oxygen from the source of oxygen, and to facilitate passage of the oxygen to the functional cells, while the housing is disposed within the body of the subject. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for generating atmospheric pressure cold plasma inside a hand-held unit discharges cold plasma with simultaneously different rf wavelengths and their harmonics. The unit includes an rf tuning network that is powered by a low-voltage power supply connected to a series of high-voltage coils and capacitors. The rf energy signal is transferred to a primary containment chamber and dispersed through an electrode plate network of various sizes and thicknesses to create multiple frequencies. Helium gas is introduced into the first primary containment chamber, where electron separation is initiated. The energized gas flows into a secondary magnetic compression chamber, where a balanced frequency network grid with capacitance creates the final electron separation, which is inverted magnetically and exits through an orifice with a nozzle. The cold plasma thus generated has been shown to be capable of accelerating a healing process in flesh wounds on animal laboratory specimens.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided including a chamber, which is adapted to be implanted in a body of an individual, the chamber including functional cells and chlorophyll-containing elements comprising chlorophyll of an obligate photoautotroph.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hose set for a device (1) for insufflation of gas into a human or animal body, comprising a first hose portion (2) including a first port (3) and a second port (4), said first port being connectable to the device (1) for insufflation, comprising a second hose portion (5) including a third port (6) and a fourth port (7), said fourth port (7) being connectable to an insufflation instrument (8), wherein said second port (4) comprises a first connecting element (9) and said third port (6) comprises a second connecting element (10), said first connecting element (9) and said second connecting element (10) being mechanically complementary with respect to each other, by means of said connecting elements (9, 10) said second port (4) and said third port (6) being connectable with each other in a gas-tight manner, and wherein said second or said third port (6) comprises a sterile filter element (11), which spans the inner cross section of said third port (6).

Abstract: In order to control the pressure in an abdominal cavity of a patient and a pressure in a hollow organ, a medical system includes: a first pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of a gas in the abdominal cavity; a first port for insufflating and evacuating the abdominal cavity; a second pressure sensor for measuring the pressure of a gas in the hollow organ; a second port for insufflating and evacuating the hollow organ; an air supply apparatus connected to the second port for controlling the air supply and evacuation based on the output by the first and second pressure sensors; a third port connected to the second pressure sensor in the air supply apparatus; an endoscope connected to the air supply apparatus; a pneumoperitoneum needle connected to the first port; and a puncture needle connected to the second port.

Abstract: A gas supply apparatus measures a first pressure inside a first body cavity of a patient and a second pressure inside a second body cavity of the patient. The gas supply apparatus regulates a pressure of a predetermined gas based on the measured first and second pressures inside the first and second body cavities.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for coagulating tissue used in combination with an endoscope which includes an elongated flexible tube having a plurality of side-ports located therethrough. The tube extends through a working channel of the endoscope and an ionizable gas is supplied to the tube at or near the proximal end of the tube. A diffusing member directs the ionizable gas from the proximal end of the tube through each of the side-ports towards the tissue. An electrode is used for ionizing the gas prior to the gas exiting the side-ports.