Abstract: Apparatus for delivering and scavenging anesthesia gas for a patient. A lower elongate piece forming a nose cannula for delivering gas, is removably secured generally parallel and immediately adjacent to an upper elongate piece for scavenging gas. The upper piece extends over a lower portion of the patient's nose, and has a plurality of openings disposed on a lower surface thereof, directed downward towards the patient's mouth. Both ends of the lower and upper pieces are provided with barbs for receiving corresponding supply and exhaust hoses at one end. Barbs at the other end are sealed by an end cap. A strap secures the apparatus on the patient's head. Thus the apparatus can be advantageously used with hoses on only one side of the face, thereby allowing the user to work with minimal obstruction on the opposite side of the face.

Abstract: A system and method for treating cellulite tissue and related conditions comprising apparatus configured to transmit shear and other vibration modes beneath a patient's skin sufficient to break down connective tissue so that pocketing and dimpling of adjacent skin is ameliorated.

Abstract: A hand-held device for apportioned delivery of sprayable substances, in particular inhaler medicaments, having a cartridge which is displaceable by pressing in a housing into the open position for delivery, and an indexing mechanism which is moved along by the cartridge during the opening stroke of the cartridge for registering and displaying delivery actuations which have been carried out, which indexing mechanism is disposed in a housing centrally below the opening-side end wall of the cartridge, overlappingly with respect to the valve tube of the cartridge. In order to configure a hand-held device of the type in question in a spatially advantageous manner with a simplified construction and such that it is more reliable in terms of handling, it is proposed to displace plate-shaped housing as a whole with the cartridge, except for a step-by-step indexing finger star disposed therein.

Abstract: An airway adapter suitable for use with patients having low tidal volumes, e.g., neonates, which minimizes deadspace in the airway and promotes smooth flow of gases through the adapter. The adapter includes a first portion adapted to couple to a tubular adapter, such as an endotracheal tube adapter, and a second portion adapted to couple to a ventilation tube. A longitudinally compressible member is coupled to the first portion to minimize deadspace in the adapter. A portion of the compressible member resiliently contacts and seals against a tubular adapter upon assembly of the airway adapter therewith.

Abstract: There is provided a non-invasive pulsation and counterpulsation medical treatment apparatus for treating reduced cardiac output in heart patients. A flexible cuff is passed over the patient's lower body and/or extremities, and is attached through a lever arm to an electromechanical actuator. Through a mechanical linkage, the actuator sequentially tensions and releases the cuff, thereby sequentially compressing and releasing pressure on the patient, and thereby augmenting the patient's blood pressure. The actuator includes an electric solenoid which axially extends and retracts a shaft. The shaft oscillates the lever arm. A curved plate on the apparatus supports the patient's body or extremity in a fixed position during the treatment. A pressure sensor in the cuff transmits pressure data to an operator or electronic processor.

Abstract: The present invention is to provide a massager moves on a pair of undulated tracks. The massager comprises a massaging core 1, and a base 2, which includes a tow unit 3, a shank 4, a pair of tracks 51 and a pair of undulated tracks 52. The tow unit 3 is slided along the tracks 51, the tow unit is connected to the massaging core 1 by a pivotal axle. And the massaging core 1 is further guided to move along the undulated tracks 52. Tow unit 3 meshed with the shank 4 can be driven by a driving unit and a transmission unit, thereby, the tow unit 3 can be glided along the shank 4 and the track 51. The massaging core 1 connected to a tow unit 3 can slide along a pair of undulated tracks similar to waist, back, and neck portions of human body.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a cushion. The cushion has a non-face contacting portion structured to be connected to the frame, a face-contacting portion structured to engage the patient's face, and a central portion that interconnects the non-face contacting portion and the face contacting portion. The frame may be structured to allow a forehead support to assume multiple positions, to compensate for replacement cushions that may have a different profile, shape or size. The cushion is structured to compensate for variations in strap tension, treatment pressure and/or movement of the patient. Headgear may be provided with a strap assembly in which one or more straps is provided with selectively adjustable elasticity or extensibility that may be automatically changed in dependence of treatment pressure and/or treatment type.

Abstract: Methods and systems for aerosol delivery of agents to a patient are described herein. The present system can be used to administer various types of agents, such as a vaccine or other types of pharmaceutical substances. Certain embodiments of the present system utilize an actuator coupled to a disposable aerosolizing element that aerosolizes an agent for delivery to a patient when acted upon by the actuator. The aerosolizing element prevents the agent from contacting the actuator and other non-disposable components of the system so that little or no cleaning or maintenance is required. The present system also can include an aerosolization rate monitor that monitors the rate at which an agent is being aerosolized and provides feedback to the user to ensure that the proper dose is being administered.

Abstract: Apparatus for humidifying a respiratory gas includes a liquid storage space for storage of a liquid, a humidifying region for loading the respiratory gas with the liquid by the respiratory gas coming into contact in the humidifying region with the liquid, a respiratory gas supply device for supplying the respiratory gas to the humidifying region, a respiratory gas withdrawal device for withdrawal of the humidified respiratory gas from the humidifying region, and a partial-amount discharge device for passing a partial amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage space into the humidifying region.

Abstract: A bi-level pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient during inspiration and expiration to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The pressure generating system generates a flow of breathing gas at an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) during inspiration and at an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) during expirations. A controller monitor at least one of the following conditions: (1) snoring, (2) apneas, (3) hypopneas, or (4) a big leak in the pressure support system and adjusts the IPAP and the EPAP independently based on the occurrence of any one of these conditions.

Abstract: A supraglottic airway of the type used to facilitate lung ventilation and the insertion of endo-tracheal tubes or related medical instruments through a patient's laryngeal opening where the shield is designed to have an internal increase in pressure during assisted inhalation such as positive-pressure ventilation.

Abstract: A conduit coupling assembly for use in connection with a patient interface device. The conduit coupling assembly includes a coupling retention assembly for retaining the conduit coupling in a predetermined position with respect to the user's face, and an adjustment assembly that permits continuous adjustment of a position of the conduit coupling with respect to a user's face. The conduit coupling assembly is continuously adjustable and retainable in an adjusted position and orientation by the adjustment assembly.

Abstract: Self Contained Aerosol Dual Delivery System (SCADDS) is a pocket-sized inhaler for delivering inhaled therapeutic or recreational aerosols simultaneously and separately via oral and nasal routes. A handle assembly has a removable mouthpiece, cartridge penetration needles, puncture needle protective cover, a shuttle, a cam, valves and conduits from the penetration needles to the individual nozzles for oral and nasal inhalation. A cartridge contains separate reservoirs of solutions for oral and nasal inhalation. The reservoirs, impermeable bags with fluid and dissolved gas in solution, are punctured when the cartridge is attached to the handle assembly. Inhalation slides the shuttle toward the mouthpiece and opens the valves to release solution. The oral aerosol is inhaled into the lungs while the nasal aerosol provides a pleasant aroma.

Abstract: The present invention deals with a simple device to aid in cardiac compression to assist in reestablishing normal heart rhythm. The design and size of the device is particularly useful in morbidly obese individuals that require cardiac compressions in order to optimize resuscitation efforts.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for treating a variety of breathing disorders experienced by patients. The invention is particularly suited to the treatment of atelectasis, the partial or total collapse of the lung, although those skilled in the art will appreciate that it has applications in treating other disorders as well. Treating patients with breathing disorders traditionally has required the use of multiple types of apparatus in order to provide the multiple types of treatment used. The present invention provides for a treatment apparatus that is enabled to provide multiple types of treatment, depending on the needs of the patient.

Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fixed diverter and a movable fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected with an actuator for responding to an inhalation or a manual actuation and beginning the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid orifice or fluid pathway connected to an actuator so that the fluid orifice or fluid pathway reaches a nebulizing position during inhalation.

Abstract: A specialized bed is described, FIGS. 2 and 3, that will prevent bedsores, heal existing bedsores, with no repositioning of patient required. With modifications it will be an effective massager, FIGS. 14 and 15. The following is a description for Bedsores Therapy. The electro-mechanically powered bed, designed for resting of a living body that has limited or no capability of motion by self, has its resting area composed of movable Bed Elements, FIGS. 5 and 6. The sequential lowering of these Bed Elements from contact with the body for sufficient length of time reestablishes blood circulation near skin in the regions that had been starved of blood. Down and up motion of the Bed Elements is created by Gear Motor Drive 30 which rotates two Camshaft assemblies 28L and 28R. A series of Cams 82, arranged with gradual phase shift, give the down and up movements to the Bed Elements in a desired sequential and cyclical manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and a system for controlling breathing of a patient. A system for controlling breathing of a patient includes a respiratory conduit. The respiratory conduit is configured to be coupled to a patient interface device and is further configured to be coupled to a pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two air flow control devices, positioned between the patient interface device and the pressurized air generating device. The respiratory conduit includes at least two volumes, wherein one volume is positioned between a first air flow control device and a second air flow control device and another volume is positioned between a second air flow control device and a third air flow control device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for compressing a patient's limb or limbs (e.g., legs or arms) for treating or preventing ailments due to compromised venous or lymphatic circulation of the limb. Exemplary embodiments include, but are not limited to, sub-atmospheric compression, micro-pneumatic compression, and active fabric compression devices and methods.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system having active noise control may include a gas delivery system, a patient interface, a connection system, and a noise control system. The gas delivery system may supply breathing gas to a patient via the connection system and the patient interface. The noise control system may include a processor, a speaker, a reference signal source, and a feedback sensor. The processor may generate noise control signals to be output by the speaker for canceling noise caused by a noise source of the breathing assistance system. The reference signal source may communicate reference signals associated with the noise source. The feedback sensor may detect noise caused by the noise source and noise control signals output by the speaker, and communicate to the processor feedback noise signals based on the detected noise. The processor may generate the noise control signals based at least on the reference signals and the feedback noise signals.