Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: A device and method for verifying the proper position of catheters in the body by means of acoustic reflectometry, the device including a sound source, one or more sound receivers, a tube with compliant walls and open distal end to be introduced through an entrance to a body cavity, the sound source and receiver(s) coupled to the proximal end of the tube, a processor for causing the sound source to generate an acoustic excitation signal, the processor processing the acoustic signals sensed by the sound receiver(s) and generating an approximation of the acoustic impulse response of the tube, and the processor analyzing the acoustic impulse response to determine the position of the tube in the body cavity.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems and methods for delivering respiratory treatment to a patient. For example, a treatment system may include a mechanism for delivering a positive pressure breath to a patient, and one or more limb flow control assemblies which modulate gas flow to and from the patient. Exemplary treatment techniques are embodied in anesthesia machines, mechanical ventilators, and manual ventilators.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurized atmosphere to a patient including one or more flat sheets of plastic arranged in an envelope and sealed around the periphery to form an airtight container. The helmet has an airtight collar that is configured to accommodate a patient's neck and form an airtight seal. An intake port is integrated into the helmet and receives pressurized air. An exhaust port is integrated into the helmet near the patient's mouth when the helmet is in use. Additional ports can be added to the helmet to provide more functionality such as feeding or supplemental oxygen.

Abstract: A nebulizer device aerosolizes (or vaporizes) liquid drawn from a liquid reservoir via a fluid flow path into a nebulization chamber. An inlet port is coupled to an external air supply and leads through a check valve and Venturi nozzle (e.g. a duckbill valve) into the chamber to direct an air stream across an opening of the fluid flow path. A discharge port leads from the chamber to a user mask, mouthpiece or canula, where the aerosol or vapor mixture can be inhaled. A filtered outlet port isolates exhaled material from the external environment. Multiple discrete heating elements may be placed around the fluid flow path to preheat the liquid. If the liquid is sufficiently volatile, heating may vaporize the material which can condense back into an aerosol after mixing with the air stream. A set of check valves direct one-way fluid flow and prevent leakage or spillage of material from the device.

Abstract: A positive pressure ventilation apparatus may include a positive pressure mask; a positive pressure source; and an exhalation filter. The positive pressure mask may include a mask body having a patient-contact perimeter and including a flexible concertinaed portion of uniform flexion continuously around the mask body. The flexible concertinaed portion may include a plurality of ridges. The positive pressure mask may further include a gas inlet to the mask body configured to be connected to the positive-pressure source; and an adhesive seal positioned at the patient-contact perimeter which may be positioned at the outermost portion of the patient contact perimeter. The adhesive seal may comprise one or more layers. Each layer may include one or more cover members, each of which may include at least one removable tab; and at least one perforation. Each layer may further include a dual-sided form carrier with adhesive material on one or both sides.

Abstract: A ventilator system for a patient includes: an intubation tube configured to flow oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward patient lungs and to evacuate exhaust air exhaled from the lungs, the intubation tube includes: a distal end, configured to be inserted into patient trachea, and a proximal end, configured to be connected to tubes for receiving the OHA and evacuating the exhaust air; a first microgravity sensor, coupled to the intubation tube at a first position, and configured to produce a first signal indicative of a first micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the first position; a second microgravity sensor, coupled to the intubation tube at a second different position, and configured to produce a second signal indicative of a second micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the second position; and a processor, configured to control the ventilation system to apply a ventilation scheme responsively to the first and second signals.

Abstract: A reusable respirator including a mask adapted for covering and conforming to the face around the nose and a mouth of a user, a strap configured to secure the mask to a face of the user, and a filter component. All components of the respirator are capable of being cleaned, disinfected and sterilized at temperatures in excess of 50° C. An outer surface of the mask is substantially smooth and wettable for easily disinfecting and is shaped with a pair of outer shield portions for housing particulate air filters. The outer shield portions each include a closeable vent through the outer surface that is adapted to provide a user seal check and direct air flow through the outer surface for filtering by the respective particulate air filter, which is adapted to filter at least 95% of airborne particles.

Abstract: A respirator system includes a respirator with an air filter, a flow generator with a sensorless DC motor, a mask, a processor, a sensor, an electric power source, and a wireless transceiver. The respirator filters air, increase the pressure of the air, delivers the air to the mask at a pressure above ambient, gathers data with the sensor about operation of the respirator, and transmits the data. An intermediate electronic device is separate and remote from the respirator, and is configured to receive the transmitted data process the data, and re-transmit the data. A computer receives the data, processes the data and generates at least one report regarding the respirator or a user of the respirator.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: A nebulizer for a fluid, includes a container containing the fluid; a housing part which can be detached from the nebulizer for replacing the container; an inner part; a retaining element connected with and not detachable from the inner part, where the housing part is releasable fixed to the inner part by the retaining element; a delivery mechanism for dispensing the fluid; a manually depressible actuator member, which is a separate part from the retaining element and acts on the retaining element, and wherein the actuator member is depressed to elastically deform or flex the retaining element to allow detachment of the housing part.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask body having a face-engaging portion, and at least one retaining member connected to the mask body and including at least one engaging member for receiving and tethering a liner to the respiratory mask to generally overlie the face-engaging portion. The retaining member may include a flexible elongated body having a central portion and opposing ends, and a bottom surface arranged to be attached to the respiratory mask. The liner may include a liner body constructed from an absorbent material and having an outer edge, an inner edge, and an opening bounded by the inner edge, wherein an extending portion of the liner body is defined which extends outwardly beyond the face-engaging portion and includes at least one aperture for engaging the retaining member. A kit for use with a respiratory mask includes at least one liner and at least one retaining member.

Abstract: A respiratory system, primarily to provide a mechanical insufflation/exsufflation therapy, may include a first pressure generating source, a second pressure generating source and a primary valve to switch between insufflation/positive pressure flow and exsufflation/negative pressure flow, and to generate oscillations alongside either of these cycles. The respiratory system can optionally employ a secondary valve either on a fluidic path of the first pressure generating source or on a fluidic path of the second pressure generating source. An interfacing assembly acts as a fluidic conduit between the pressure generating sources and the patient. A control unit is configured to generate required pressurized flow and oscillations as per the user settings. The aforesaid valves can be manipulated into multiple orientations/positions, which are aligned and/or adjusted with respect to the respective pressure generating sources as per the therapy requirements.

Abstract: A system for obtaining and providing enhanced PAP metrics of a patient's sleep period includes: a pressure support device for use in providing a flow of breathing gas to the patient; a processing unit; and a number of auxiliary devices in wireless communication with the processing unit. Each auxiliary device of the number of auxiliary devices is structured to detect and collect sleep-related data of the patient. The processing unit is programmed to: receive data obtained by a number of sensors of the pressure support device during operation of the pressure support device in providing the flow of breathing gas to the patient; receive supplemental data obtained by the number of auxiliary devices while the pressure support device is not providing the flow of breathing gas to the patient; and determine the enhanced PAP metrics of the sleep period of the patient utilizing the data and the supplemental data.

Abstract: A vibrating gastrointestinal capsule and method of use thereof for treating Parkinsonism in a subject, the method including: (a) providing a vibrating gastrointestinal capsule having a housing; a vibrating agitation mechanism adapted such that, in a vibrating mode of operation, the housing exerts vibrations on an environment surrounding the capsule; and a power supply disposed within the housing and adapted to power the vibrating agitation mechanism; (b) ingesting the capsule, by the subject; and (c) controlling the vibrating agitation mechanism such that at least a portion of the vibrating mode of operation occurs within the stomach and/or the small intestine of the subject.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy apparatus is operable to deliver multiple types of therapy to a patient. The apparatus includes a main housing and a nebulizer tray that selectively attaches to a bottom of the main housing. The apparatus also includes a filter housing unit having an antenna surrounding a pneumatic passage and a transponder chip coupled to the antenna. The main housing has also has an antenna that surrounds a respective pneumatic passage of a main outlet port of the apparatus. The main housing includes a reader that controls communication between the antennae. The main housing of the apparatus also has a pivotable hose support plate, a firmware upgrade port underneath part of the top wall of the housing, and a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays various user inputs for control of the apparatus and that displays various alert conditions that are detected.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a pressurised flow of breathable gas to the airways of a patient includes a pivotable outlet port structured and arranged to connect to an air delivery tube configured to pass the pressurised flow of breathable gas to a patient interface. The pivotable outlet port is able to pivot about at least one axis.

Abstract: Various characteristics of a gas flow can be sensed at the end of a respiratory conduit near the patient interface using a sensing module. The sensing module can be removable from the patient end of the respiratory conduit for ease of use and ease of cleaning. The sensor module can transmit sensor data over the same wires used to heat the respiratory conduit.

Abstract: Described herein are methods which involve minimizing or eliminating the occurrence of delayed negative effects that may arise from exposure to reduced oxygen partial pressure. An amount of supplemental oxygen, which substantially mimics a target oxygen partial pressure, is administered to an individual that is exposed to a reduced oxygen partial pressure environment, to compensate for the reduced oxygen partial pressure. The target partial pressure may be selected such that the individual experiences substantially no change in the oxygen partial pressure. Individuals receiving the supplemental oxygen may be healthy, have special sensitivities, or have a pre-existing neurological condition.

Abstract: Several embodiments of exhalation ports for use respiratory systems are described. Some of the embodiments provide an elongate body defining a lumen through which gases may flow. A plurality of tapered openings is arranged on a portion of the elongate body and configured to vent gases. A shroud extends from the elongate body and surrounds one or more of the plurality of tapered openings. The exhalation port is arranged to removably connect in-line with a circuit for delivering gases to a patient.