Abstract: A gas mask is provided with a mask body, which is designed to cover the face of a user, and with an opening in the mask body, which is closed by a speech diaphragm (8) in a gas-tight manner. A funnel (4) is directed toward the speech diaphragm with an opening angle in the range of 20° to 90°. The funnel (4) is arranged in front of the speech diaphragm in the interior space of the mask body in order to focus sound waves onto the speech diaphragm.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask frame and a forehead support provided to the mask frame. The forehead support includes a base extending from the frame. The base includes a flexible portion along at least a portion of its length including a material and/or physical characteristic that allows the base to flex from an original, unloaded position.

Abstract: A mask system includes a cushion for a mask that seals at its upper extent in a region of the nose that is generally above the tip of the nose or pronasale, and extends across a portion of the cartilaginous framework, alar or flares of the patient's nose, e.g., not extending over or across the bone nasal bone of the patient's nose.

Abstract: A tool for inserting an endotracheal tube, comprising a tubular sheath defining therein a longitudinally extending lumen, is provided. The tool comprises a longitudinal insertion member, and a guide member configured to facilitate relative longitudinal motion between the insertion member and the endotracheal tube when the insertion member is received within its lumen.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to an exhalation valve system (10) configured to control gas flow during exhalation of a subject (12). In some embodiments, the system comprises one or more of a pressure generator (14), a subject interface (16), one or more sensors (18), one or more processors (20), electronic storage (22), user interface (23), and/or other components. The system is configured to adjust a rebreathing level of the subject based on detected occurrences of disordered breathing events. By rebreathing exhaled air (and/or other breathable gas) a subject may minimize and/or prevent central sleep apneas. The system monitors the breathing of the subject to detect occurrences of respiratory events related to central sleep apnea. The system monitors accumulated retrograde breathing and adjusts the volume of exhaled rebreathing and/or other system settings affecting the subject's breathing. Through these adjustments, the system may prevent and/or reduce respiratory events related to central sleep apnea.

Abstract: A respiratory mask for continuous positive airway pressure treatment includes a cushion adapted to be positioned against the face of a patient. The cushion is configured in a gasket arrangement around an entrance to the airways of the patient. The cushion is constructed from a polyurethane foam and has a thickness of greater than about 5 mm.

Abstract: Some embodiments of the invention relate to an inhaler device for pulmonary delivery of at least one substance from a drug dose cartridge to an inhaling user, comprising: a first conduit for conducting a carrier airflow to a proximal opening of a mouthpiece for use by the user; a holder configured to position the dose cartridge within the carrier airflow; and a second conduit for conducting a shunting airflow to the mouthpiece without passing through the dose cartridge position. In some embodiments, a controller connected to a valve controls a rate of carrier airflow, for example by controlling the shunting airflow, based on a sensor indication of airflow rate and a target airflow profile.

Abstract: Described are systems and methods for compensating long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors used in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide (NO) gas to a patient by compensating for drift that may be specific to the sensors atypical use in systems for delivering therapeutic nitric oxide gas to a patient. The long term sensitivity drift of catalytic type electrochemical gas sensors may be addressed using calibration schedules, which can factor in the absolute change in set dose of NO being delivered to the patient that can drive one or more baseline calibrations. The calibration schedules can be used to reduce the amount of times the sensor goes offline.

Abstract: A nCPAP device includes an net configured for receiving a single gas jet flow. The single gas jet flow supplies gas for both nares. The device also includes a flow splitter configured for proportionally splitting said gas jet flow into two channels for the both nares according to one or more of nave anatomy and flow path resistance.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for respirating a patient in which the apparatus has a circulation device for circulating a gas in one direction and a conduit system, a pressure control device for varying a pressure of the gas and the conduit system in accordance with the desired respirating pattern, a sensor for measuring a flow of the gas and a composition of the gas, at least one supply line for a component of the gas, and a discharge line connected to the conduit system. The discharge line has a first valve for discharging the gas out of the conduit system, a second valve behind the first valve and a third valve in spaced relation to a behind the second valve.

Abstract: An inhaler is proposed having an insertable container and a monitoring device for counting uses of the inhaler. The monitoring device is arranged in a detachable housing part or fitted onto a mouthpiece of the inhaler. A supply air current is detected by means of a pressure sensor. A position sensor may further be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of connecting disrupted tissue, tissue repair, treating colorectal disorder and tissue welding. The methods comprise using a bioadhesive composition comprising ELP and light absorbing chromophores and irradiating the bioadhesive tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved vascular occlusion device having improved flexibility and retention of the type fabricated from braided tubular metal fabric having an expanded preset configuration and an elongated collapsed reduced diameter configuration for delivery through a catheter to a treatment site and shaped to create an occlusion of an abnormal opening in a body organ or vessel, the woven metal fabric having a memory property whereby the medical device tends to return to said expanded preset configuration when unconstrained. The device further including at least one disk portion adjacent a body cylindrical portion formed from the fabric and having a transition diameter between the disk and cylindrical portion, significantly smaller than the diameter of the disk and the diameter of the cylindrical portion.

Abstract: This invention relates to a breath indicator that is receivable by a part of a breathing assistance apparatus that supplies gas to a patient. The indicator comprises an elongate body having a gas sampling end and an attachment end. The attachment end is adapted to attach to a part of a breathing assistance apparatus and for locating the gas sampling end. The gas sampling end is to be located in a region where gas from the patient is to be exhaled. The gas sampling end being in communication with a sensor comprising a detector material changeable between a first visual indicator state relating to an inhalation phase of the patient, and a second visual indicator state relating to an exhalation phase of the patient. The detector material is capable of changing between the visual indicator states at a sufficient rate to substantially correspond with the inhalation and exhalation phases of the patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for percutaneously treating atherosclerotic plaques within blood vessels. Atherosclerotic plaques cause significant morbidity and mortality by narrowing the arteries, which adversely affects blood flow, and by acting as a source for thrombi and emboli thus causing acute organ ischemia. Current treatments include open surgery with its inherent drawbacks, and stenting, which is less invasive but leaves the plaque material in the artery, which promotes restenosis. The present invention combines the advantages of both approaches. In general, the invention provides tools that enable percutaneously dissecting the plaque from the arterial wall and removing it from the body.

Abstract: Passive heating may be provided to a flexible tube (202) configured to deliver respiratory gas to a patient. A flexible sheathing body (206, 208, 210) may be removably attached to the flexible tube so as to surround the flexible tube and extend along the flexible tube. A passive heating element (218, 220, 222) integrated with the flexible sheathing body may store non-electrical energy and release the stored non-electrical energy as thermal energy to heat the flexible tube.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for retracting, lifting, compressing, supporting or repositioning tissues, organs, anatomical structures, grafts or other structures within the body of human or animal subjects for the purpose of treating a diseases or disorders and/or for cosmetic or reconstructive purposes and/or for research and development purposes or other purposes.

Abstract: Pressure indicator comprising a base, a deformable membrane fixed to the base in a fluid-tight manner according to a closed contour, and a body fixed to the base, delimiting a hollow volume covering the deformable membrane on the side opposite the base, while encompassing at least the closed contour, at least one inlet for a fluid the pressure of which is to be measured in a pressure range, wherein the deformable membrane is such that the expansion thereof for said pressure range is sufficient to be visible to the naked eye and to allow a direct display indicative of the pressure, in that the base is drilled with at least one first hole a first end of which emerges between the deformable membrane and the base in the closed contour, in that the body is drilled with at least one second hole a first end of which emerges into said hollow volume, in that the other end of the first hole is linked to the inlet respectively to the open air, in that the other end of the second hole is linked to the open air, respectiv

Abstract: A method of automatically controlling the temperature of a patient circuit (56, 58) of a pressure support system (50) includes determining (directly measuring or estimating/deriving) one or more environmental parameters relating to environmental conditions around the pressure support system, such as ambient temperature and/or ambient humidity, determining a desired temperature based on at least the one or more environmental parameters, and controlling the operation of a heating apparatus (70) operatively associated with the patient circuit based on the desired temperature. Also, a pressure support system implementing the method.

Abstract: A carrying system is provided for use with breathing apparatus. The carrying system includes a backplate and a plurality of straps adapted to hold the backplate on the back of a user when the carrying system is worn. The backplate includes at least one plate of a plastics material. The at least one plate having a predetermined shape and the at least one plate being adapted to provide impact protection to a user during use by at least partially absorbing and/or dispersing impact forces, and to deform resiliency in response to external forces imposed by bending and/or twisting of a user during use and return substantially to its predetermined shape when not subjected to an external force.