Abstract: According to one aspect of the present invention, an aerosol inhalation system includes a first conduit member for delivering medication in the form of aerosol particles to a patient. The system also includes a first device in fluid communication with the first holding chamber for producing the aerosol particles and being sealingly yet releasably received within an adapter that forms an entrance into a first holding chamber. The adapter has a compressible material disposed thereon which is at least partially compressed by insertion of the first device to form the seal between the first device and the adapter, thereby creating a closed system that is therefore capable of delivering a fixed concentration of the medication to the patient due to a valve of the valve mechanism being closed when the patient inhales and the medication is delivered to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a gas-supply system for patients receiving artificial respiration or breathing spontaneously, in which one or several gases (for example NO, oxygen) are added to the respiration gas at varying proportions (continuously or intermittently) by means of a control device (program control, sensor control or combined program/sensor control). This gas-supply system allows for adaptive dosing of the gas to suit individual patients.

Abstract: A patient interface device that includes a frame sized and configured to span at least a portion of a patient's face while remaining below the patient's eyes when the patient interface device is donned by the patient. A support member is coupled to the frame such that the support member is moveable relative to the frame. A sealing assembly is attached to the support member. A pair of patient contacting members are operatively coupled to the frame and supporting the frame on a patient's face.

Abstract: The present invention is related a nasal positive airway pressure device. The nasal device utilizes an engagement means located about nasal cannulae to engage and secure the cannulae within the nares of a patient. The engagement means is a nasal scaling flap. The flap in its natural bias is tapered, the wide-open end of which is shaped to conform to the facial contours of a patient's nose around the outside of the nose. Thus in a closed form, the flap provides a cup-like device that is fitted around the patient's nose and prevent the nasal device from falling from the patients nose. In the open form, which allows for placement and fitting of the nasal device, the flap is intended to be in a bent back position to aid insertion of the nasal cannulae into the patient's nares.

Abstract: Described herein are nasal respiratory devices and methods for treating a variety of medical diseases including snoring and sleep apnea through the use of such devices. In general, these devices include an airflow resistor, such as a flap valve and a holdfast for securing the device in communication with the subject's nasal cavity. The devices may be configured to include leak paths to regulate the expiratory pressure when worn by a subject. Methods for using these devices may include securing a device over or at least partially within (or both of) a subject's nasal cavities.

Abstract: An anesthesia apparatus with a breathing circuit (1) has improved initiation of anesthesia for the patient. The gas mixture dispensed into the breathing circuit (1) is circulated in a first operating state without release to a patient until a preset anesthetic concentration is set in the breathing circuit (1). The respiration of the patient connected to the anesthesia apparatus takes place in a subsequent second operating state with the gas mixture set in the first operating state.

Abstract: New bed or a new cradle model to be used specifically in hospitals, clinics and similar facilities for babies, which presents a specific laminar air flow system, with controlled temperature and moisture, for the patient desired levels, which provides reduction of the contamination on the micro environment where it is placed, allowing its use by patients under critical and delicate condition, with easy access to the patients.

Abstract: Methods and systems for lung volume reduction of a patient are described. The methods include implanting a flow control device in a bronchial passageway of the lung. The flow control device regulates fluid flow through the bronchial passageway and includes a valve protector that at least partially surrounds a valve member. The valve protector has sufficient rigidity to maintain the shape of the valve member against compression.

Abstract: A ventilator circuit for use in administering medication to a patient includes a chamber housing defining an interior space and having an input end and an output end and a one-way inhalation valve positioned upstream of the interior space. The one-way inhalation valve is operative to permit a flow of medication into the interior space of the chamber housing. An inhalation conduit communicates with the output end of the chamber and is adapted to transmit the medication to the patient. An exhaust conduit is connected to the inhalation conduit and a one-way exhaust valve is located in the exhaust conduit. The one-way exhaust valve is adapted to prevent a backflow of gas from the exhaust conduit into the inhalation conduit. A method of administering a medication to a patient is also provided.

Abstract: A unidirectional valve, wherein the valve comprises a valve body including a frame, a valve opening through the frame, and a valve seat extending from the frame and at least partially surrounding the valve opening. The valve further includes a valve flap having a first portion attached to the frame and an adjacent second portion free to move from a first position where the second portion is in contact with at least a part of the valve seat to a second position where at least part of the second portion is spaced from the valve seat, wherein the valve flap has a contour profile. The contoured profile may be along the length of the valve flap, between the point of attachment of the flap to the frame and the flap end, or from one flap side edge to a second side edge.

Abstract: A nebulizer having an insertable container and a monitoring device for counting actuations of the nebulizer is proposed. The monitoring device is mounted in a detachable housing part and directly detects movements of container during a nebulizing process, an air supply current in the region of a mouthpiece, and/or the production of aerosol, in order to detect this as the actual dispensing of fluid and actuation of the nebulizer, while preferably the time of actuation of the nebulizer is additionally detected and stored. This allows better monitoring and guidance for the user.

Abstract: Mask apparatus and methods for providing positive airway pressure therapies are disclosed. The mask apparatus includes a mask secured to the mount with the mask cantilevered from the mount. A circumferential band, a first lateral stabilizing band and a second lateral stabilizing band secure the mount to the head of a user. The methods include securing a mask apparatus to the head of a user and administering a positive airway pressure therapy.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device includes a respiratory mask that interfaces with a face of a patient. The respiratory mask comprises a body portion that forms an enclosure around a nose of a patient and at least one set of headgear strap flanges. The body portion is substantially entirely manufactured from an elastomeric material. A bellows-like structure is integrally molded in the body portion to create a sealing interface between an inner bottom portion of the mask and the patient's nose.

Abstract: A powder inhaler for administering powder by inhalation, comprising: a flow path defined by a plurality of surfaces through which a stream of air is in use drawn on inhalation by a user; and dosing means (18) for providing a dose of powder to the flow path for entrainment in the stream of air; characterized in that the inhaler further comprises dislodging means for dislodging powder accumulated on a surface of the flow path downstream of the dosing means (18).

Abstract: A jacket and method for surviving an avalanche. The method includes inflating an expandable member to generally encapsulate a head of a person. The jacket may comprise a pair of expandable members disposed in pockets of the jacket, and a canister communicating with one of the expandable members. Apparel comprising an inflated expandable member having a depending inflated portion that at least partly covers another inflated expandable member.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a device for decreasing intracranial or intraocular pressures. The device comprises a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening that is adapted to be interfaced with a person's airway. The device further includes a valve system that is operable to regulate respiratory gas flows through the housing and into the person's lungs during spontaneous or artificial inspiration. The valve system assists in lowering intrathoracic pressures during each inspiration to repetitively lower pressures in the venous blood vessels that transport blood out of the head to thereby reduce intracranial or intraocular pressures.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in the vessel. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer; methods for comparing the amount of contents actually released from the vessel compared to a theoretical constant; and methods for time logging (alone or in conjunction with the logging of other data) the actuation of the dispensing valve for comparison to a prescribed method. Devices (including metered dose inhalers) for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: A method of making a pharmaceutically active ingredient abuse-prevention device includes providing a pharmaceutically active ingredient and providing an antagonist of the pharmaceutically active ingredient. The antagonist is in selective fluid communication with the pharmaceutically active ingredient. Electronic circuitry is configured to selectively operate the fluid communication between the antagonist and the pharmaceutically active ingredient so as to mix the pharmaceutically active ingredient with the antagonist upon recognition of one or more predetermined fault conditions. Mixing the pharmaceutically active ingredient with the antagonist renders the pharmaceutically active ingredient substantially ineffective.

Abstract: A snorkel clip made up of two substantially rigid elements, which are designed to wrap at least half way around a snorkel tube, overmolded with a substantially flexible element to create a simple, aesthetically pleasing device. The snorkel clip also includes a hinge region created as part of the substantially flexible element. This hinge region allows the snorkel clip to flex or bend so that one of the rigid elements may be disengaged and pulled away from the riser tube of the snorkel, so that a mask strap may be attached to and removed from the snorkel, while the other rigid element remains attached to the riser tube in a generally secure manner. The substantially flexible portion may also include several cut out sections to provide visual and tactile access to portions of the substantially rigid elements for utility and aesthetic design.

Abstract: A system and process for monitoring the valves of an anesthetic dispenser with a safety valve (2) and with a dispensing valve (3) for dispensing the anesthetic in the form of a vapor. The valves are connected in series. A system has a downstream dispensing gap (5) and a fixed bypass resistance (9). The dispensing valve (3) is first opened for an equalization time. The safety valve (2) and the dispensing valve (3) are closed and the differential pressure between the saturated vapor branch (4) and the mixed gas branch (8) is measured by means of a differential pressure sensor (6, 7). The safety valve (2) or the dispensing valve (3) is opened and the differential pressure between the saturated vapor branch (4) and the mixed gas branch (8) is measured by means of the differential pressure sensor (6, 7).