Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control system for a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Specifically, this disclosure relates to a method and a system configured for use with an oxygen delivery system that includes nasal fitting which does not include nostril prongs. Because the nasal fitting does not include nostril prongs, user comfort is dramatically increased relative to prior designs. That said, because the fitting is free of nostril prongs, changes in pressure associated with the user's breathing register less than in oxygen delivery systems with traditional fittings (i.e., those that include nostril prongs). As such, the method and system of this disclosure is configured to associate relatively small changes in pressure with a breathing cycle of a user, thereby permitting effective and efficient POC operation.

Abstract: A fiber producing apparatus and method for producing fibers having at least two different dimensions or characteristics. The apparatus cuts fibers of varying length, thickness, and width by varying a cutting stroke length, using a cutting plate having different cutting blades, and applying varying pressure on a material during the cutting process. The fibers of the present invention are moldable and can be used as an implant having a structure that mimics native or natural bones. The ability to mimic natural bone improves cellular infiltration and bone growth.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control system for a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Specifically, this disclosure relates to a method and a system configured for use with an oxygen delivery system that includes nasal fitting which does not include nostril prongs. Because the nasal fitting does not include nostril prongs, user comfort is dramatically increased relative to prior designs. That said, because the fitting is free of nostril prongs, changes in pressure associated with the user's breathing register less than in oxygen delivery systems with traditional fittings (i.e., those that include nostril prongs). As such, the method and system of this disclosure is configured to associate relatively small changes in pressure with a breathing cycle of a user, thereby permitting effective and efficient POC operation.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a control system for a portable oxygen concentrator (POC). Specifically, this disclosure relates to a method and a system configured for use with an oxygen delivery system that includes nasal fitting which does not include nostril prongs. Because the nasal fitting does not include nostril prongs, user comfort is dramatically increased relative to prior designs. That said, because the fitting is free of nostril prongs, changes in pressure associated with the user's breathing register less than in oxygen delivery systems with traditional fittings (i.e., those that include nostril prongs). As such, the method and system of this disclosure is configured to associate relatively small changes in pressure with a breathing cycle of a user, thereby permitting effective and efficient POC operation.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis system including at least one cylinder that has an elongated inner opening, a cylinder spring positioned within the opening and adjacent to a distal end of the inner opening, an activation plunger positioned within a proximal end of the opening of the cylinder, and a plurality of discrete members within the inner opening between the cylinder spring and the plunger. The system further includes a pump comprising a spring and a tube connected to and extending from the cylinder and the pump, wherein the tube is configured for transferring fluid to the at least one cylinder upon activation of the pump.

Abstract: A nasal cannula for an oxygen delivery system according to an exemplary aspect of the present disclosure includes, among other things, a cannula having an end configured to attach to an oxygen source and a face piece configured to deliver a fluid from the oxygen source to a user. A magnetic coupling is arranged along the cannula.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis system including at least one cylinder that has an elongated inner opening, a cylinder spring positioned within the opening and adjacent to a distal end of the inner opening, an activation plunger positioned within a proximal end of the opening of the cylinder, and a plurality of discrete members within the inner opening between the cylinder spring and the plunger. The system further includes a pump comprising a spring and a tube connected to and extending from the cylinder and the pump, wherein the tube is configured for transferring fluid to the at least one cylinder upon activation of the pump.

Abstract: A catheter assembly adapted to treat a vessel bifurcation. A balloon member of the catheter assembly includes a main body portion and a cylindrical shaped bulge portion that extends radially outward from the main body portion. The bulge portion extends around a circumference of the main body portion. A stent of the catheter assembly is typically mounted to the balloon member. When treating the vessel bifurcation, the catheter assembly is positioned with the bulge portion aligned axially relative to an ostium of the branch vessel. The balloon member is inflated to expand a portion of the stent into the branch vessel. The circumferential construction of the bulge portion of the balloon member reduces the need for radial (rotational) alignment of the balloon member relative to the ostium of the branch vessel.

Abstract: A post dilatation balloon catheter includes a balloon member having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a circumferential bulge portion. The circumferential bulge portion extends around a circumference of the balloon member and is positioned at a location between the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The circumferential bulge portion inflates to a maximum inflated dimension that is greater than a maximum dimension of the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The balloon member is arranged into a folded state by folding at least one of the distal and proximal portions of the balloon member in a separate step from folding the circumferential bulge portion.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, the invention relates to medical devices which comprise at least one reservoir, a therapeutic-agent-containing region disposed within the reservoir and an electrode comprising a conductive polymer. The devices of the invention are configured such that a rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the reservoir changes upon a change in the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.

Abstract: The stent placement dilation balloon assembly comprises a catheter having a distal end, a distal end portion, and a proximal end, a balloon mounted to, about, and around the distal end portion of the catheter. The assembly further includes an elastic sheath positioned about and around the balloon. The outer surface of the sheath includes a profile which encourages stent securement. A stent is mounted on the sleeve for placement in a vessel in a human body.

Abstract: A post dilatation balloon catheter includes a balloon member having a proximal portion, a distal portion and a circumferential bulge portion. The circumferential bulge portion extends around a circumference of the balloon member and is positioned at a location between the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The circumferential bulge portion inflates to a maximum inflated dimension that is greater than a maximum dimension of the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The balloon member is arranged into a folded state by folding at least one of the distal and proximal portions of the balloon member in a separate step from folding the circumferential bulge portion.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect, the invention relates to medical devices which comprise at least one reservoir, a therapeutic-agent-containing region disposed within the reservoir and an electrode comprising a conductive polymer. The devices of the invention are configured such that a rate of release of the therapeutic agent from the reservoir changes upon a change in the oxidation state of the conductive polymer.

Abstract: A catheter assembly adapted to treat a vessel bifurcation. A balloon member of the catheter assembly includes a main body portion and a cylindrical shaped bulge portion that extends radially outward from the main body portion. The bulge portion extends around a circumference of the main body portion. A stent of the catheter assembly is typically mounted to the balloon member. When treating the vessel bifurcation, the catheter assembly is positioned with the bulge portion aligned axially relative to an ostium of the branch vessel. The balloon member is inflated to expand a portion of the stent into the branch vessel. The circumferential construction of the bulge portion of the balloon member reduces the need for radial (rotational) alignment of the balloon member relative to the ostium of the branch vessel.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a balloon member and a balloon restricting arrangement. The balloon member includes a proximal portion, a distal portion and a circumferential bulge portion. The circumferential bulge portion extends around a circumference of the balloon member and is positioned at a location between the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The balloon restricting arrangement includes a proximal portion extending around the proximal portion of the balloon member and a distal portion extending around the distal portion of the balloon member to restrict an inflated size of the proximal and distal portions of the balloon member. The proximal and distal portions of the balloon restricting arrangement are spaced apart axially, and the circumferential bulge portion extends radially outward therebetween.

Abstract: A catheter system comprises a catheter comprising a distal portion, a proximal portion and an inner shaft. The inner shaft comprises a medical device receiving region for receiving and carrying a medical device. The retaining device is at least partially constructed of an electroactive polymer. The retaining device is located on or adjacent to the medical device receiving region. The electroactive polymer of the retaining device has an activated state and an inactivated state. The retaining device is capable of retaining a medical device to the catheter and releasing the medical device from the catheter by transitioning between the activated state and the inactivated state.

Abstract: Medical devices or components thereof having electroactive polymer actuators embedded within at least a portion of the device of component thereof, and novel electroactive polymer actuators formed with a conductive substrate layer and an electroactive polymer layer, the electroactive polymer actuated upon application of a voltage to surrounding liquid electrolyte, the actuators may be embedded within an inert polymer matrix material, or within solid polyelectrolyte matrix material.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an outer shaft comprising a first section of electroactive polymer. The first section of electroactive polymer affecting either the flexibility of the catheter or the steerability of the catheter.

Abstract: A stent may comprise a plurality of serpentine bands that overlap along the length of the stent. Each serpentine band may comprise a plurality of alternating first struts and second struts connected by a plurality of alternating proximal turns and distal turns. Each first strut defines a curvilinear path different from that of each second strut.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable or insertable medical devices that contain a substrate and one or more electrical circuits disposed over the substrate. The electrical circuits in the devices of the present invention contain at least one multilayer region, which in turn contains (a) a plurality of polyelectroyte layers which contain at least one type of polyelectrolyte and/or (b) a plurality of particle layers which contain at least one type of charged particle.