Abstract: A method for controlling mechanical lung ventilation is described. The method may include intermittently switching the airway pressure of the patient from a substantially constant high baseline pressure level to a substantially constant low baseline pressure and vice-versa such that the patient is able to breathe spontaneously in both high and low baseline pressure levels; detecting an inspiration effort by the patient inside a trigger time window that immediately precedes a switching event of the intermittently switching the airway pressure; maintaining a baseline pressure at the level in which the inspiration effort was detected so that the patient can complete the inspiration-exhalation cycle; and switching the baseline pressure level after a delay time.

Abstract: An intubation assistance instrument includes: an elongated assistance instrument main body to be inserted into a target site of a patient from a mouth cavity or a nasal cavity of the patient; a guide member detachably attached to the assistance instrument main body, the guide member having a guide portion into which an intubation tube is to be inserted when the intubation tube is intubated into the target site of the patient, the guide portion capable of guiding the intubation tube to the target site; and a lock mechanism that locks the guide member to the assistance instrument main body when the guide member is attached to the assistance instrument main body.

Abstract: A pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered to the airway of a subject through a gas circuit (16) as part of a therapy regime. Leakage of gas from within the circuit to atmosphere to prevent re-breathing of gas is dynamically adjusted to stabalize the total amount of leakage.

Abstract: This disclosure describes embodiments of alarm systems and methods for use in devices such as medical ventilators. Embodiments described provide for an apparatus of an interactive multilevel alarm system. Embodiments of the alarms also provide, at a glance, current alarm and device status information and historical alarm information to the operator. Embodiments also direct interaction with the alarming functions of the device by the operator. In some embodiments, additional visual indicators may be provided to identify non-normal or noteworthy operating conditions, such as the use of a therapeutic gas by a mechanical ventilator, so that the operator can assess the impact of that non-normal condition on any current and historical alarm information simultaneously provided.

Abstract: A directional valve includes a fixing lug (13), which is arranged eccentrically to a valve membrane (16) and is arranged at a valve housing (15). The dimensions of the fixing lug (13) are selected for fixing the valve membrane (16) relative to the sealing surface (2) of valve seat (1). The size of the eccentric offset (x) is in a range between 8% and 15% of the axis length (D) of the greatest longitudinal extension of valve membrane (16).

Abstract: A vaporization device and its method of use, where the device can accommodate a plurality of formulations for dispensing by selecting the desired source. Such formulations can include different drug formulations for providing different effects on the user. Also, an indicator with specialized indicia can be provided to identify the source being dispensed.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes an insertable container and a counter device for counting operations of the nebulizer. The nebulizer can be opened for replacing the container. The counter devices blocks opening of the nebulizer until a predetermined number for operations has been reached.

Abstract: In a first aspect, the invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol inhalation device (10), comprising the steps of transporting a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside said device (10) and vibrating the transported aerosol when it has reached said desired location. In a second aspect, the invention relates to an aerosol inhalation device (10) comprising a pump (1) for flowing a certain amount of an aerosol to a desired location outside the device (10), a vibrator (2) for vibrating the transported aerosol in a vibration mode and a control configured to actuate the vibrator (2) for vibrating the flowed aerosol only when it has reached said desired location.

Abstract: A personal airway humidification apparatus includes means for generating a heated air laden with gaseous (molecular) water. The personal airway humidification apparatus further includes an accumulator coupled to the generating means for retaining a volume of the gaseous water-laden heated air prior to being delivered by natural breathing to a user and a delivery tube coupled to the accumulator. The delivery tube has a sufficiently large diameter bore to enable the user's natural breathing to draw the gaseous water-laden heated air from the accumulator and through the delivery tube. The personal airway humidification apparatus also includes a one-way valve coupled to the delivery tube for venting exhalations of the user to atmosphere and preventing the exhalations from being exhaled back into the delivery tube and an interface device by which the gaseous water-laden heated air enters the user's mouth from the delivery tube.

Abstract: An adapter tube is provided with a pivotally flexible swivel joint providing an aerosol-conducting airway for use with an inhalation mask with a nebulizer.

Abstract: A method for generating a ventilation harm index. The method includes accessing data from a plurality of ventilators in operation, analyzing an aggregate of the data, and generating the ventilation harm index based on the analyzed aggregated data.

Abstract: A surgical mask for use in dental procedures, and oral or facial surgery, formed of a continuous sheet of flexible material comprising a nose-conforming shell incorporating adhesive material for sealing and for maintaining position on the patient during the dental or surgical procedure. The mask forms an encasement for input/output manifolds, and terminates in flexible flange at the columella-labial junction; the mask includes a manifold for receiving and directing N2O/O2 into the nasal vault of the patient, and for the removal of exhalant and the scavenging of gases from the work area.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface includes two or more bladders arranged in concentric relation. Each of the bladders includes a face-contacting portion adapted to engage the patient's face, and each of the bladders is adapted to be pressurized independently from one another. At least one of the bladders is an active bladder that is pressurized to at least a sealing pressure to form a continuous seal with the patient's face in use.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask anchoring device serves to seat an airway tube in an operational position against edentulous gums and the roof of the mouth to securely hold the airway tube in a desired position. The device also guides the airway tube towards the lungs, and braces the mouth open for manipulations to the airway tube. The device collapses into a substantially flat configuration for storage and portability. An upper and lower brace directly engage the edentulous gums. The braces are substantially smooth and pliable, and are configured to mate with substantially smooth, bald gums. A supportive platform with a slightly curved surface forms a supportive brace to hold the airway tube into place against the roof of the mouth. The slightly curved configuration of the platform nestles the airway tube, and the large surface area presses the airway tube against the roof of the mouth.

Abstract: A therapeutic compress system for treatment of a body part. For treatment of the eye region, the compress system comprises a deformable frame that is disposable upon the eye region and includes a first frame section joined to a second frame section at a central bridge. A gel pack is removably joined to the frame and comprises a gelatinous material contained in a pouch. A V-strap assembly may be required for securing the gel pack and frame to the eye user in a manner that optimizes pressure of the gel pack on the eye region and comfort of the user. The compress system may include a gel impressor that is inwardly deformable so as to contact portions of the gel pack with the nasal corners of the eyes of the user.

Abstract: A valve assembly for a blower driven ventilator has a first conduit (1), an inlet (2) for receiving fluid from the blower (209) and a first orifice (4). A second conduit (5) is provided with an outlet (6) for forwarding fluid to a patient (203). A membrane (8) includes a front side (9) and a back side (10), wherein at least part of the membrane (8) is movable between a closed position and an open position. A switching circuit (12) enables the selective opening and closing of a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and the blower (209) via the fluid inlet (2), a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and the patient (203) via the fluid outlet (6), and a fluid connection between the cavity (11) and ambient air (13). A control system (17) controls the switching circuit (12) during a ventilation operation of the blower (209).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for controlling a ventilator to automatically adjust ventilation assistance to an active or passive subject. The method includes determining volume and flow rate of gas to the patient during inspiration on an ongoing basis, and generating control signals in proportion to the volume and flow rate of gas to the patient wherein proportionality factors, and support levels for the elastic and resistive components of pressure are automatically adjusted by the ventilator. The ongoing pressure applied by the ventilator is a sum of elastic and resistive pressures that are automatically controlled by the system. When the patient breathes spontaneously, the support levels are automatically adjusted based on the patient's requirements. If the patient does not breathe spontaneously, the ventilator provides ventilation at an optimal level and rate. The method may be used in weaning or in a management phase of ventilation.

Abstract: A patient interface device (2) includes a frame member (4) and a cushion (6) having a main body, a sealing portion, and first and second posts extending from the main body. The frame member defines a first orifice and a second orifice. The first post of the cushion is rotateably received within the first orifice and the second post is rotateably received within the second orifice in a manner that permits the cushion to rotate relative to the frame member.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80) comprising a main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) that includes a fluid conduit adapted to be connected to a breathing circuit, and a sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) adapted to engage a surface of a patient, such that the fluid conduit is in fluid communication, in use, with an airway of the patient, wherein the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) includes a plasticizing agent, and a barrier member (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88) is provided between the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) and the main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) of the device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80), the barrier member (18, 28, 38, 48, 58, 68, 78, 88) at least impeding the migration of plasticizing agent from the sealing member (15, 25, 35, 45, 55, 65, 75, 85) to the main body (12, 22, 32, 42, 52, 62, 72, 82) of the device (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80).

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method of guiding transitions between therapy modes in connection with the treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient for a respiratory disorder is/are provided. Respiratory disorder treatment according to a first therapy mode is provided. Input indicating a second therapy mode to be transitioned to following provision of the first therapy mode is received, with the second therapy mode being different from the first therapy mode. At least one default treatment parameter suitable for the second therapy mode is assigned or calculated. Each default treatment parameter of the second therapy mode is presented, with each default treatment parameter being adjustable by an operator during the presenting. Transitioning from the first therapy mode to the second therapy mode is performed by providing respiratory disorder treatment in accordance with the second therapy mode and each default treatment parameter and any adjustments made thereto prior to the transitioning.