Abstract: Various control methods can indirectly determine incorrect connections between components in a respiratory therapy system. For example, errors in the connections can occur between a patient interface, a humidifier and/or a gases source. The methods can indirectly detect if a reverse flow condition exists or other error conditions. A reverse flow condition can occur when gases flows in a direction different from an intended direction of flow. The detection of the reverse flow condition can be indicative of likely errors in connections between the humidifier, patient interface and/or gases source.

Abstract: Start-up protocols for a device and method for administering NO is described.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a nasal cannula without nostril prongs. The nasal cannula may be used together with an oxygen delivery system, such as a portable oxygen concentrator, or another type of breathing device such as a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machine. In an example, a nasal cannula includes a tube configured to connect to an oxygen supply, and further includes a fitting configured to connect to the tube. The fitting includes at least one discharge port and does not include nostril prongs.

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 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 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 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 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 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 system for supporting pulmonary gas exchange in patients and for coupling to a ventilating system or for use in the case of non-ventilated patients, which has a flexible hose introducible into the trachea of a patient, a pump unit, a reservoir unit and a controller such that via the flexible hose and by means of the pump unit it is possible to regulate aspiration, especially end-expiratory aspiration, and recirculation, especially end-inspiratory recirculation, of the aspirated gas. In order that the system can be operated independently of a ventilating system, the system has a sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for controlling a gas mixture within a mechanical ventilator. According to one embodiment, a computer implemented method includes receiving first peripheral arterial oxygen saturation (SpO2) data from a pulse oximeter via a pulse oximeter interface, wherein the pulse oximeter is configured to monitor a patient receiving invasive ventilation; determining a first mode of operation for a ventilator mechanism, wherein the ventilator mechanism is configured to provide at least a portion of the invasive ventilation; determining first partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) data stored in a first lookup table using the first SpO2 data, wherein the first lookup table is derived from a sigmoid shaped oxyhemoglobin dissociation curve; determining first fraction of inspired oxygen in air (FiO2) data for setting a mixture in a gas blender in the ventilator mechanism based on the first PaO2 data and a variable offset; and providing the FiO2 data to the ventilator mechanism.

Abstract: A mobilization module for mobilizing a body part of a patient includes a body part support, a movement mechanics and a drive unit. The body part support is coupled to the movement mechanics. The movement mechanics is adapted to induce a controlled cadenced displacement of the body part support. The controlled cadenced displacement moves the body part support by at least 1 cm or at least 3 cm and preferably by at least 5 cm. The drive unit is connected to the movement mechanics to actuate the movement mechanics.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system (10) for humidification of a pressurized flow of breathable gas delivered to a patient, the system comprising; a ventilator (12) for generating a pressurized flow of breathable gas; a patient circuit (14) in fluid communication with the ventilator and connectable to the respiratory system of a patient; and an aerosol generator (18). The patient circuit defines an internal space (26) for transporting the flow of breathable gas which internal space accommodates the outflow opening (20) of the aerosol generator. This enables to prevent so-called rainout and a relatively light weight portable system. The invention also relates to an insert (30) that is connectable to the patient circuit and that accommodates the aerosol generator.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler with a blister folding device can include a housing to receive a single blister containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, and a mouthpiece through which a dose of medicament is inhaled by a user and a blister opening device. The blister opening device can include a blister support element for supporting a blister containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user, and a blister folding element co-operable with the blister support element. The blister folding element and the blister support element can be movable relative to each other between a first position, for insertion of the blister into or onto the blister support element, and a second, burst, position in which the blister folding element has co-operated with the blister support element.

Abstract: A device including a semi-rigid shell forming an external surface with at least part of the shell adapted to contact tissue of a body cavity. The shell includes a treatment band formed around the shell, a first portion forming a rounded end of the device that is distal to the treatment band, and a second portion formed around the circumference of the shell and located proximal to the treatment band. The device further includes a vibration mechanism configured to case the shell to vibrate, a sensor configured to provide sensor data upon contact with the tissue, and a processor configured to receive the sensor data and to use the sensor data to produce parameters of the tissue.

Abstract: There is provided an exhaust apparatus for connection to a personal protection respiratory device that defines a filtered air volume adjacent to the face of a wearer and comprises at least one exhalation, the apparatus comprising a blower in fluid connection with the at least one exhalation valve, the blower being responsive to the wearer's respiratory cycle to draw a substantial portion of the wearer's exhaled breath through the at least one exhalation valve wherein, in response to the wearer's respiratory cycle, the blower operates throughout the wearer's exhale breath, or a substantial period thereof, and does not operate throughout the wearer's inhale breath, or a substantial period thereof.

Abstract: It is discloses a patient interface comprising a seal forming portion, a pad, and a cushion. The seal forming portion may comprise a base surface and a plurality of fibers fixed to and extending away from said base surface for contacting a patient's skin. The cushion may comprise at least along a portion of the circumference a first structure having an elongate section joined with at least one end section oriented substantially perpendicular or at an angle to the elongate section. A first end A of the elongate section may be connected or connectable to a frame member. The end section may be provided at an opposing second end B of the elongate section. The pad may comprise a resilient foam material layer with the seal forming portion. The pad may be adapted to be connected to the cushion.

Abstract: A headgear or headgear segments are manufactured to shape thereby producing little or no waste material. Such headgear or headgear segments (components) may comprise a unitary, substantially seamless structure. Techniques such as knitting, braiding, crocheting, and 3D printing may be used to produce the headgear. As a result, the manufacturing process may have reduced steps, the amount of material waste may be reduced, and there are virtually no seams in the headgear between adjoining sections, thereby resulting in headgear with enhanced comfort.

Abstract: A spine board is provided having a skull tong anchor assembly slidably attached to the spine board where a push rod mechanism is used to apply traction force on the skull tong anchor assembly. The push rod mechanism includes a strain gauge device so that the traction force can be selected and monitored. The spine board can also include a mattress that can be attached to the spine board where the mattress includes integrated shoulder straps that can be partially detached therefrom to secure a patient to the spine board.

Abstract: Described herein are an interactive apparatus and methods for sensing and measuring real-time characteristic patterns of a subject's use of a dry powder inhalation system. The inhaler device can be used in a wireless communication mode to communicate with a display to assess the subject's usage of the inhalation system concurrently as the inhalation is performed and thus the subject's inhalation can be evaluated as well as the performance of the inhalation system. The system can also detect the identity of the medicament, its dosage, lot, expiration, etc. and the characteristics profile of a dry powder formulation emitted from the inhalation system in use.