Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis having a lower leg element, a foot element, and a first energy storing unit being adapted such that moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in dorsiflexion direction from a position in which the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is minimal loads the first energy storing unit with energy. The first energy storing unit is adapted such that the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is increased by moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in a plantar flexion direction from a first position in which the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is minimal into a second position and moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in dorsiflexion direction from the second position back into the first position.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis having a lower leg element, a foot element being pivotably coupled to the lower leg element around a pivot axis, and a first energy storing unit being adapted such that moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in dorsiflexion direction from a position in which the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is minimal loads the first energy storing unit with energy. The first energy storing unit is adapted such that the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is increased by moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in a plantar flexion direction from a first position in which the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is minimal into a second position and moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in dorsiflexion direction from the second position back into the first position.

Abstract: The instrument has sensors for sensing oxygen and/or carbon dioxide content in exhaled air received in a receiving area in front of a mouth, an air flow rate sensor for sensing exhaled air flow rates in a flow rate sensing location and an air shield for shielding the receiving area and the flow rate sensing location from air flows from the environment. The air shield leaves a space between the air shield and the mouth of the person in open communication with the environment. The air flow rate sensor senses air flow speed in a location spaced from the exhaled air receiving area, rearward of a front end of the exhaled air receiving area and above a lower end of the exhaled air receiving area. In another embodiment a sensor for sensing ambient wind is provided.

Abstract: An ankle foot orthosis having a lower leg element, a foot element being pivotably coupled to the lower leg element around a pivot axis, and a first energy storing unit being adapted such that moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in dorsiflexion direction from a position in which the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is minimal loads the first energy storing unit with energy. The first energy storing unit is adapted such that the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is increased by moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in a plantar flexion direction from a first position in which the amount of energy stored in the first energy storing unit is minimal into a second position and moving the foot element relative to the lower leg element in dorsiflexion direction from the second position back into the first position.

Abstract: The present application relates to a prosthesis comprising a flexible portion (1) and at least one less flexible portion (2), which flexible portion comprises a fiber-reinforced hydrogel. In addition to that, the application relates to a prosthesis consisting of a fiber-reinforced hydrogel, which prosthesis is intended to replace cartilaginous materials. The application further relates to the use of the prosthesis and to a method for manufacturing the prosthesis. The application furthermore relates to a method of preparing the flexible portion for a prosthesis. Finally, the application relates to a fiber material apparently intended for use in the prosthesis.

Abstract: A catheter pump includes a displacement structure and a catheter. The catheter has an inlet in its distal end portion and an outlet spaced from the distal end portion. The displacement structure alternatingly applies suction for displacing fluid from the catheter to the displacement structure and pressure for displacing fluid from the displacement structure to the catheter. By inserting a distal end portion of the catheter into the aorta, pulsations can be applied to the blood pressure in the aorta. By applying pulsations, perfusion of the organs can be improved.

Abstract: A prosthesis for placement in the area of the pharynx, an upper region of the trachea or in a wall between the esophagus and an upper region of the trachea is provided with an air passage and a vibrating element for vibrating air. Because the prosthesis is provided with a stop for abruptly impeding the movability of the vibrating element in at least one position, sound with a broad spectrum of frequencies is produced which, when speaking, can be effectively converted into the desired sounds. This ensures a highly improved understandability and a more natural voice. According to a practical possibility, the voice prosthesis is incorporated in a one-way valve as a modular part.

Abstract: A catheter pump includes a displacement structure and a catheter. The catheter has an inlet in its distal end portion and an outlet spaced from the distal end portion. The displacement structure alternatingly applies suction for displacing fluid from the catheter to the displacement structure and pressure for displacing fluid from the displacement structure to the catheter. By inserting a distal end portion of the catheter into the aorta, pulsations can be applied to the blood pressure in the aorta. By applying pulsations, perfusion of the organs can be improved.

Abstract: For manufacturing a catheter tubing (50), a container (1, 21) provided with a passage (15, 35, 36), a mandrel (7) sealing off that passage (15, 35, 36) when inserted into said passage and a solution (14) containing a dissolved plastic in the container (1, 21) up to a level above the passage (15, 35, 36) are provided. Repeatedly, the mandrel (7) is inserted into the passage and at least a section of the mandrel (7) is passed through the passage (15, 35, 36) and the solution (14) in an upward direction. When sufficient plastic material has adhered to the mandrel (7), the catheter tubing (50) is removed from the mandrel (7). Thus, catheters having thin, smooth walls of a uniform thickness can be manufactured without expensive machinery and tools. A system for carrying out the method and particular catheters obtainable by that method are also described.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve includes a shut-off valve member (1) capable of shutting off the valve in response to an egressive air thrust. The valve includes a blow-off valve member (2) of a design such that the valve can open in response to an overpressure in the trachea which exceeds a given value. This blow-off valve member limits the maximum achievable overpressure behind the valve. Coughing is possible without prior operation of the valve and leakage due to excessive overpressure in the trachea is prevented. The valve may contain a tissue connector and a housing to be connected thereto.