Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing machine-induced inexsufflation with diaphragmatic pacing of a subject, e.g. through a diaphragm pacer, use the detected onset of an inhalation and/or exhalation of a subject. The detection is based on output signals generated by one or more sensors.

Abstract: A fenestrated tracheostomy tube has a shaft (1) made of a silicone or other soft material. The fenestrated region (10) located in the trachea (20) has two rows of several openings (11) along the center line of the tube. The openings (12) are formed in a separate plate (12) of a stiffer material bonded or moulded in an aperture (13) in the shaft (1) of the tube to give the shaft extra stiffness in this region.

Abstract: An airway device (14), that is used to maintain a clear airway in a patient, e.g. for artificial ventilation during surgery, comprises an inflatable cuff (26), which is inflated when in position in a patient's airway (24). The inflated cuff (26) provides a seal to maintain the device (14) in position in a patient's airway (24), and to prevent leakage of infected oropharangeal secretions into the patient's lungs. A method and apparatus (10) for monitoring: leaks in the pressure system of the device (14) that includes the cuff (26); blockage in the pressure system, and/or malpositioning of the airway device (14) during use.

Abstract: A nebulization structure includes a carrier unit, a vibration unit, a nebulization unit and a position-limiting unit. The carrier unit has a first carrier portion and a first surrounding portion extended from an outer perimeter of the first carrier portion, and the first carrier portion has a through hole. The vibration unit includes an annular vibrating sheet disposed on the carrier unit. The nebulization unit is disposed on the first carrier portion, and the nebulization unit has a plurality of micro holes communicated with the through hole. The position-limiting unit has a first position-limiting portion disposed on the nebulization unit and a second position-limiting portion extended from an outer perimeter of the first position-limiting portion and along the first surrounding portion. The nebulization unit is positioned between the first carrier portion and the position-limiting unit, and the first position-limiting portion has an opening for exposing the micro holes.

Abstract: A mask assembly for treating sleep disorder including: a first frame including a first wall that at least partially delimits a breathing chamber, a second wall surrounding an opening through the first wall and defining a first substantially cylindrical surface surrounding the opening, the second wall extending from the first wall, the opening allowing the flow of pressurized gas to the breathing chamber; a second frame including a third wall defining a second substantially cylindrical surface, a fourth wall, a member extending toward a forehead support and two headgear attachment locations, the third wall extending from the fourth wall, the second cylindrical surface at least partially overlapping with the first cylindrical surface, and the second frame being configured to removably interlock with the first frame proximate the opening; and a cushion molded to the first frame and adapted to seal around at least a patient's nose.

Abstract: Reinforced filter media are prepared by adhering discrete, non-intersecting strands of thermoplastic or thermoset materials to the filter media web. The filter media may be a fabric, a nonwoven web or a filtering foam. The reinforced filter media can be used to prepare respirators, including flat-fold respirators or molded respirators.

Abstract: Blood filter devices and methods of use.

Abstract: A sealing device (20) includes a base (22) adapted to attach at any of a plurality of positions on a patient interface device (8), an arm (26) having a first end coupled to the base (22), and an end portion (24) connected to a second end of the base and adapted to apply pressure to an area of a cushion member (12) of the patient interface (8) device when the base is attached at any of the plurality of positions on the patient interface device.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes an insertable container and a securing mechanism for holding the container in the nebulizer such that the container can move back and forth but cannot be separated. The securing mechanism is formed by a metal unitary part. The securing mechanism forms a transportation lock for holding the container unmovable in the housing in a delivery state of the nebulizer. The securing mechanism forms a cage which encompasses the container.

Abstract: An electronic flow monitor, a control method and an anesthesia machine. The electronic flow controller can comprise a control module, an oxygen gas branch for delivering oxygen gas, an equilibrium gas branch for delivering equilibrium gas, and a gas mixing branch for mixing the oxygen gas and the equilibrium gas. The control module can meter an oxygen gas flow and an equilibrium gas flow through flow sensors. A first flow controller can be disposed in the oxygen gas branch, and a second flow controller can be disposed in the equilibrium gas branch. The first flow controller may be used to regulate the gas flow in the oxygen gas branch between zero and a maximum value and the second flow controller may be used to regulate the gas flow in the equilibrium gas branch between zero and a maximum value.

Abstract: A blower includes a housing including an inlet and an outlet, a motor to drive a rotatable shaft, first and second impellers provided to the shaft, the first and second impellers each including a plurality of impeller blades, a first stationary component provided to the housing and including stator vanes downstream of the first impeller, and a second stationary component provided to the housing and including stator vanes downstream of the second impeller. A first set of stator vanes of the first stationary component is provided around the motor and are configured and arranged to direct airflow along the motor, to de-swirl the airflow and to decelerate air to increase pressure. A blower including a third impeller and third stationary component positioned above the first impeller is also described.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering air to a patient are provided. A device includes a first portion having a first airflow inlet and a first impeller configured to move in response to airflow from the first airflow inlet contacting the first impeller, the first portion defining a first airflow path; a second portion having a second airflow inlet, a second impeller, and an outlet for communicating airflow to a patient, the second portion defining a second airflow path; and means for coupling the first portion and the second portion, such that movement of the first impeller causes corresponding movement of the second impeller, wherein the second impeller is configured to impel air through the second airflow inlet and out of the outlet to the patient, upon movement of the second impeller and wherein the first and second airflow paths are not in fluid communication.

Abstract: A temperature-measuring device for a respiratory humidifier (1) with a liquid container (5) is provided, wherein the temperature-measuring device comprises a flow channel (9) for breathing gas and an infrared detector (21), which is directed from the outside toward the flow channel (9) for the contactless detection of the temperature of the breathing gas in the flow channel (9), wherein the flow channel (9) comprises on its lateral surface (13) a measurement portion (15), which is aligned with the surrounding areas of the lateral surface (13) and toward which the infrared detector (21) is directed, wherein the flow channel (9) comprises a flow guide element (17), which conducts the breathing gas stream to the measurement portion (15) at a previously determined inflow angle of preferably greater than 10° and less than 170°.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying a respiratory gas includes a conveyor device for conveying the respiratory gas, a conduit for feeding the respiratory gas to a person, and a humidification device for humidifying the respiratory gas. A sensor device is configured to generate a signal indicative of the respiratory gas humidity and a control device is configured to control the humidification device with regard to the signal A method of supplying a respiratory gas to a patient, in which the respiratory gas is introduced by means of a conveyor device into the conduit leading to the patient and is humidified, includes operating the conveyor device so that a respiratory gas pressure which is above ambient pressure is provided in the conduit, and adjusting the humidity on the basis of signals indicative of the relative and/or absolute humidity of the respiratory gas generated by the sensor device.

Abstract: A feature implemented in a CPAP breathing therapy machine to determine if the patient is suffering from a flow limitation condition and if so, altering the operation of the CPAP machine to attempt to alleviate the condition.

Abstract: An airflow adaptor for a breath-actuated dry powder inhaler. The airflow adaptor includes a conduit having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the proximal end allows fluid communication from a deagglomerator outlet port to the distal end of the conduit, and wherein the airflow adaptor further includes provisions for allowing air to flow from a proximal end of the adaptor to a distal end of the adaptor independently of the airflow in the conduit when a breath induced low pressure is applied to the distal end of the airflow adaptor.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for minimally invasive suturing is disclosed. A suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes proximal section having a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween, a suture head assembly extending from the distal end of the proximal section; a suturing needle having a pointed end and a blunt end, the suturing needle capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the proximal section, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to and after rotation of the suturing needle, and an actuator extending from the proximal end of the proximal section to actuate a reciprocating needle drive having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: An inhaler for use with a dry powder pharmaceutical formulation, including: a chamber containing the dry powder formulation, a valve disposed in series with the chamber for regulating air flow through the chamber, and a bypass coupled around the combination of the chamber and the valve, where the valve and bypass cooperate for ensuring that the air flow is at least essentially fixed or kept constant or at a minimum accepted or desired or required flow rate through the chamber, and for varying air flow restriction through the inhaler with flow rate, or for keeping the air flow restriction generally constant.

Abstract: There is provided an aerosol generating system for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate. The system includes an aerosol-forming chamber, and a leakage preventer for preventing or reducing leakage of liquid aerosol condensate from the aerosol generating system. The leakage preventer may include one or more of: at least one cavity in a wall of the aerosol-forming chamber, for collecting droplets of condensed liquid aerosol-forming substrate; at least one hooked member for collecting droplets of condensed liquid aerosol-forming substrate; an impactor for disrupting airflow in the aerosol-forming chamber so as to collect liquid droplets; and a closure member for substantially sealing the aerosol-forming chamber when the aerosol generating system is not in use.

Abstract: Particular aspects provide novel atomizers for generating particles over a broad range of MMAD size distributions, the eliminating the requirement for an impaction baffle in generating the desired particle sizes. In particular aspects, the atomization means communicates with a remote particle filter member configured and positioned to provide for particle size filtering. In additional aspects, the atomization means communicates with a particle dispersion chamber suitable to impart a desired particle flow pattern to particles within and exiting the dispersion chamber. In further aspects, the atomization means communicates with a nasal, ocular, oral or ‘vicinity’ adapter. The novel devices provide for targeted (e.g., nasal, ocular, oral, local vicinity), systemic, and/or topical delivery of an atomized liquid (e.g., via the nasal cavity, olfactory region, and mouth). Further exemplary aspects relate to aerosolization and delivery of perfume, fragrance, essential oil or cosmeceutical agents and the like.