Abstract: A facemask includes a facemask body, a plurality of electrical contacts and a control circuit. The facemask body has an end including an opening and a skin contact perimeter extending along a periphery of the opening, with the skin contact perimeter configured to sealingly engage with a user's face. Each electrical contact is disposed at a respective region of the skin contact perimeter, and each electrical contact is configured to sense when the respective region of the skin contact perimeter is sealingly engaged with a user's face. The control circuit is disposed on the facemask body, and the control circuit is configured to receive a signal from each electrical contact when the respective region of the skin contact perimeter is sealingly engaged with a user's face and to initiate output of an audible stimulus and/or a visual stimulus in response to receiving a concurrent signal from all of the plurality of electrical contacts.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for surgeon-assisted rapid surgical implantation of devices into soft tissue. The apparatus comprises several subsystems that enable the referencing of the spatial position and orientation of the device being implanted with respect to the soft tissue into which it is being implanted and then the controlled implantation of the device at a predefined speed with higher positional accuracy and precision and a reduction in soft tissue damage, provided by ultrasonic assisted motion, compared to current state-of-the-art implantation methods and devices.

Abstract: Discloses is a micro-pump that includes a pump body having a compartmentalized pump chamber, with plural inlet and outlet ports and a plurality of membranes disposed in the pump chamber to provide compartments. The membranes are anchored between opposing walls of the pump body and carry electrodes disposed on opposing surfaces of the membranes and walls of the pump body. Also discloses are applications of the micro-pump including as a heat remover and a self-contained continuous positive airway pressure breathing device.

Abstract: Sleep apnea can be treated with pressure support therapy using a target pressure level. Detected respiratory events during consecutive multi-session testing period are compared to determine statistical metrics covering gradual changes in therapy efficiency. Adjustments to the target pressure level are based on changes in variability, and maybe made in between therapy sessions.

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: A flexible patient cassette that can be optimized for different types of breathing circuits, different drive circuits and different patient categories has a first inlet arranged to be connected to a drive circuit, and at least a second inlet arranged to be connected to a patient connector, the first and second inlets being pneumatically connected with each other through a gas conducting passage constituting a patient circuit having a certain volume. The patient cassette has a volume-varying arrangement for varying the patient circuit volume to allow that volume to be varied in dependence of at least one of the type of breathing circuit in which the patient cassette is used, the type of drive circuit to which the patient cassette is connected, and the tidal volume of a patient connected to the patient connector.

Abstract: A device for occluding a conduit includes first and second members, each with first and second ends. The second ends are connected by a hinge. The first ends interlock to close the device about the conduit. The members are shaped such that they can occlude the conduit without causing the development of damaged or necrotic tissue. If desired, a flexible cover can be provided and the first and second members can be disposed within the cover. If such a cover is used, it will contact the conduit in order to cushion the contact between the members and the conduit, minimize the tendency of the conduit to bleed, and increase traction relative to the conduit. The invention also includes methods for using the device to occlude a conduit.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The instrument includes a shaft and a reference element adapter, wherein the reference element adapter is directly couplable to the shaft and rotatable about the shaft. A selectively operable mechanical retainer provides retention of the reference element adapter to an instrument shaft adapting interface of the instrument shaft. The instrument also includes a reference element orientating mechanism arranged at an interface between the instrument shaft adapting interface and the reference element adaptor. The reference element orienting mechanism is capable of fixing at least one angular position of the reference element. The instrument also includes a grip piece interface on the instrument shaft, and a grip piece is selectively couplable to the grip piece interface.

Abstract: An instrument for delivering a suture transfascially may include a handle, a shaft extending from the handle, and a pair of needles that are moveable to an extended position beyond the end of the shaft. One or more sutures are carried by the instrument and may be delivered transfascially. A transfascial suture assembly includes a suture having a first segment, a second segment, and an intermediate segment therebetween. A force distributing member is locatable at the intermediate segment. Suture retainers may be provided at the end of each suture segment, and may have a connection that is moveable relative to the portion of the suture segment connected therewith. A method of delivering transfascial sutures includes inserting a twin-needle instrument loaded with one or more sutures into an abdominal cavity and deploying, from within the abdominal cavity, the suture carrying needles through a soft tissue repair patch and then through at least part of the abdominal wall.

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.

Abstract: A bi-directional gas flow generation system (10), the system comprising: (a) a pressure generator (14) comprising an inlet (40) and an outlet (42), (b) a flow member (16) comprising an outlet port (50), an inlet port (52), a respiratory circuit port (54) and a flow path (60), (c) a first valve (18), (d) a second valve (20), and (e) a processor (24) configured to selectively control the first valve and the second valve to operate in (i) a first mode in which gas flows from the flow member inlet port (52) to the respiratory circuit port (54), thereby creating a positive pressure at the respiratory circuit port (54) to insufflate the subject; and (ii) a second mode in which gas flows from the respiratory circuit port (54) to the flow member outlet port (50), thereby facilitating gas flow out from the airway of the subject to exsufflate the subject.

Abstract: A tracheal tube includes an inner cannula and an outer cannula that are connected with a threaded connection able to swivel, and wherein the inner cannula is also connected to an elbow adaptor through a Bayonet Neill-Concelman (BNC) connection. Both the threaded and the BNC connects provide more secure connections of the corresponding components and are able to withstand greater amounts of force exerted on them without becoming detached from each other. The elbow adapter may further be coupled to a pressure release valve that will alleviate pressure buildup within the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A vent device for a respiratory device, comprising one or a plurality of vents configured with a variable aperture size for communicating a flow of breathable gas. Said vent device being configured so that the cross section profile exposed to the flow of breathable gas communicating through the vent does not change as the aperture size changes. A vent device may comprise of a plurality of the said vents, wherein the aperture size of each vent may be controlled independently or together, and may be controlled according to one or more input signals from one or more sensors. Examples of suitable input signals include flow, pressure, noise, accelerometer outputs, orientation of a patient or presence of any obstructions. A patient interface or a patient conduit may comprise the vent device, or the vent device may be configured to connect with a patient interface or a patient conduit.

Abstract: A mask against atmospheric PM 2.5 includes a mask body and a filter layer located in the mask body. The filter layer includes a carbon nanotube structure. The carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of carbon nanotube films stacked and crossed with each other. The carbon nanotube structure includes a plurality of micropores. A diameter of the micropores ranges from about 1 micrometer to about 2.5 micrometers.

Abstract: A nebulizer adapter kit including a T-shaped adapter having cylindrical upper and lower portions and a safety cap on the lower portion. A direct flow valve on and in fluid communication with each of the proximal end and a channel stemming from a nebulizer medicine reservoir separate from the nebulizer machine. The direct flow valve is in operational and fluid communication with a direct flow tube. A shut-off valve is between and in fluid communication with the direct flow tube and a mouthpiece. A drip-reduction ring on the adapter bottom end inserts within an upper outlet of the nebulizer machine. A gas source is attachable to and in fluid communication with the nebulizer machine to convert liquid therapy medication into a mist, which is formed within the direct flow valve, rather than inside the nebulizer machine.

Abstract: Systems for tissue repair are described where an elongate tissue repair device may be introduced into a single incision to access the damaged tissue. A suture delivery assembly may be sized for insertion through a single incision and positioned into proximity with a damaged or ruptured tissue region. A first portion of the damaged tissue region may be positioned within or along a channel defined along the suture delivery assembly and one or more lengths of suture may be secured to the first portion via the device. A second portion of the damaged tissue region may be similarly positioned within or along the channel and one or more additional lengths of suture may be secured to the second portion via the device. The first and second portions may then be approximated and secured to one another via the sutures to facilitate healing of the damaged tissue region.

Abstract: A connector system for connecting a cable having a length to an item includes a base operatively connectible to the item, the base including a channel to seat at least a portion of the cable, the channel being in operative connection with the item upon connection of the base to the item, and a rotatable member which is rotatable relative to the base. The cable is in operative connection with the rotatable member so that, as the rotating member rotates relative to the base, a bend in the cable is formed at different locations in the length of the cable such that the different locations define different lengths of the cable. The different lengths of the cable become positioned within the channel as the rotating member rotates relative to the base.

Abstract: An adaptor comprises comprising a base element and a nozzle element which are operatively coupled to each other. The base element defines a throat and at least one entrainment port facilitating a path of fluid communication between the throat and ambient air. The nozzle element includes a jet nozzle, and a connector which is adapted to facilitate the fluid coupling of the nozzle element to a bi-lumen tube of the patient circuit. The connector includes both a delivery port and a sensing port. The jet nozzle and the delivery port collectively define a delivery line or lumen which fluidly communicates with the throat of the base element, and is placeable into fluid communication with the delivery lumen of the bi-lumen tube.

Abstract: A device for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea or snoring can include an expiratory valve connected to a manifold. The expiratory valve can include a body portion including a feedback port configured to be connected to an air flow generator. The expiratory valve can include a plunger at least partially disposed in the body portion. The expiratory valve can include a pressurizing chamber positioned between an end of the plunger and an end of the expiratory valve. The pressurizing chamber can be configured to receive air from the air flow generator through the feedback port.

Abstract: The present invention introduces a method for controlling the power of an electric vaporizer, i.e. an electronic cigarette. In the method, the resistance of the heating unit of the vaporizer is measured. The system includes a controller and a memory, and the latter comprises a table where values of resistances and their corresponding default voltage or power values are stored. Additionally, minimum and maximum limit values of the voltages or powers may be stored. Based on the measured resistance, a suitable power or voltage value is determined. The power source is set to feed the heating element according to the selection. The user may however set the voltage or power input smaller or larger through the input means, comprising button(s) and a screen; despite the resistance value, but set limit values are not allowed to be exceeded.