Abstract: Modes, methods, systems and devices are described for providing assisted ventilation to a patient, including wearable ventilation systems with integral gas supplies, special gas supply features, ventilation catheters and access devices, and breath sensing techniques.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for respiratory support for a patient and an airway prosthesis. The spontaneous breathing of a patient is recorded with sensors and an additional amount of oxygen administered by means of a jet gas flow at the end of a lung inhalation process. Oxygen uptake on inhalation is thus improved. Where necessary the exhalation process of the patient can be retarded by a counter-current to prevent a collapse of the airways. The above manner of proceeding is achieved by means of an arrangement, comprising an oxygen pump (1) connected to an oxygen source and an airway prosthesis (2, 3), which may be connected by means of a catheter (5). The spontaneous breathing of the patient is recorded by means of sensors (8, 9), connected to a controller (12), for activating the oxygen pump. The airway prosthesis has a tubular nozzle body (6) with a connector (37) for the catheter, whereby two of the sensors are provided on the nozzle body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracheostoma spacer with a tubular support framework. The support framework can be expand from an initial state to a supporting state of increased diameter and has a fixing element at the ends. The tracheostoma spacer is intended for use as a spacer in a tracheostoma (an opening in the trachea). The invention further relates to a device for inserting a tracheostoma spacer into a tracheostoma with a cutting instrument in the form of a trocar, the tracheostoma spacer being able to be positioned on the shaft of said trocar. A cover sleeve is also provided which can be moved on the shaft over a tracheostoma spacer positioned there.

Abstract: A method and system for catheter-based delivery of implants in the body. Implants can include stents, plugs, coils, baskets, filters, valves, grafts, prosthesis', drugs, drug reservoirs, biologics, or pumps. The catheter system comprises a uniquely configured grasper mechanism that allows holding the implant during the unsheathing delivery step prior to full release. With this delivery system, the implant can be unsheathed, positioned, and the position can be evaluated prior to releasing the implant from the catheter. Upon evaluation of the position of the implant, if it is found to be inaccurately placed, then removal of the implant can be done easily and without a device exchange. If the implant is found to be positioned correctly, the grasper mechanism can be actuated to release the implant from the catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to removable, essentially cylindrical implants which are characterized in that they can be reduced in diameter and are wrapped once or several times at one or more levels by one or more elastic, thin wire-shaped structure(s) (2a, 2b) which include(s) a catch device (3a, 3b) at least on one end thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an arrangement for reducing the volume of a patient's lung. A bronchial catheter (2) is introduced into a hyperexpanded lung area, and air is aspirated from there by means of an aspiration device (3). The associated segmental bronchus is then closed. According to the invention, the patient's spontaneous respiration is recorded by sensors (5), and aspiration of the air is carried out in synchrony with the patient's inhalation action. In order to prevent collapse of the associated segmental bronchus, a pressure generator is provided with which the associated segmental bronchus can be widened, by a compressed gas pulse, in synchrony with the aspiration. The pressure generator can be activated as a function of the aspirated air stream, which is monitored with a measuring device.

Abstract: The invention is relative to a method and an apparatus for supporting the respiration of a patient and to a tracheal prosthesis. According to the invention the spontaneous respiration of a patient is detected by sensors and at the end of an inhalation procedure an additional amount of oxygen is administered to the lungs via a jet gas current. This improves the absorption of oxygen during inhalation. If required, the exhalation procedure of the patient can be arrested or slowed by a countercurrent in order to avoid a collapse of the respiration paths in this manner. This procedure is realized by an apparatus comprising an oxygen pump that can be connected to an oxygen source and comprising a tracheal prosthesis that can be connected via a catheter. The spontaneous respiration of the patient is detected by sensors connected to a control unit for activating the oxygen pump.

Abstract: An instrument for implanting an expandable cylindrical vascular prosthesis includes an outer tube and an inner tube which can be displaced relative to one another. The inner tube is longitudinally slotted on the distal end, at least in an area thereof, and ensheathes the stent with this area which includes the longitudinal slot. In order to implant the stent, the outer tube is retracted. The stent then expands with continuous retracting movement of the outer tube and the inner tube is pressed open along the longitudinal slot. Implantation is terminated, when the outer tube is retracted along the entire length of the stent. The implantation is reversible by pushing the outer tube forward, as long as the stent has not yet fully exited the instrument. In this way, the inner tube is constricted together with the stent, and compressed to an initial position.

Abstract: The invention relates to removable, essentially cylindrical implants which are characterized in that they can be reduced in diameter and are wrapped once or several times at one or more levels by one or more elastic, thin wire-shaped structure(s) (2a, 2b) which include(s) a catch device (3a, 3b) at least on one end thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the picture-providing and spectroscopic diagnosis of tissue with the alternative or combined use of three diagnosis methods, specifically a mode A for the picture-providing white light diagnosis, a mode B for the picture-providing fluorescence diagnosis and a mode C for the fluorescence-spectroscopic diagnosis. The device comprises a first light means whose light as a beam bundle via a beam path is coupled into an optical fiber leading to an endoscope and a second illumination means whose light as a beam bundle via a second beam path may be coupled into the same fiber-optic. In the first beam path there is arranged an element widening the bundle opening, for the light beam bundle entering into the fiber-optic and in the second beam path there is arranged an element limiting the bundle opening, for the light beam bundle entering into the fiber-optic.

Abstract: The present invention, in an exemplary embodiment, provides a stent, which combines many of the excellent characteristics of both silicone and metal stents while eliminating the undesirable ones. In particular, it is an objective of a preferred embodiment of the present invention to provide a stent that is easily installed, yet removable. Moreover, the stent does not cause material infections and has the capacity to reduce infection. Therefore, a principal objective of a preferred embodiment in accordance with the present invention is to provide a prosthesis that is suitable for both permanent and temporary use while being easy to insert, reposition and remove. This prosthesis is also suitable for targeted delivery of antimicrobial and chemotherapeutic agents.

Abstract: The invention concerns a stent 1 for the bracing and/or holding-open of a body cavity having a tube 2 made from an elastic material, a tubular weave 3 comprising filaments 5 seating in close adjacency to the outer surface of the tube 2 as well as a coating 4 applied to the outer surface of the tube 2 which attaches the weave 3 to the outer surface of the tube 2. The coating 4 is adapted to have a structured outer surface dominated by the weave 3. The stent 1 in accordance with the invention can be produced economically with adjustable restoring forces and facilitates a secure placing within the body cavity. Means for preventing drifting within the body cavity can also be introduced onto outer surface of the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement and method for diagnosing malignant tissue by fluorescence observation with an endoscope. A stroboscope is used as a white light source in order to illuminate the interesting tissue region through the endosocope. A laser is simultaneously used in order to stimulate the fluorescence. At a time, the analyzer is activated in the dark phase between two light flashes of the stroboscope and deactivated during a visible light flash. The tissue, with a continuous fluorescence stimulation by exposure to light with a stimulating wavelength, may be observed under a pseudo-white light. The spectrogram may be represented on a screen which displays a normal white light endoscopic picture.

Abstract: A stent for placement in a body tube includes a flexible support structure which is embedded in a hollow cylindrical casing of a synthetic material which at least at body temperature has limited elasticity. The support structure of the stent is composed of at least two zigzag-shaped wires which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the casing of the stent and which are offset relative to each other on the circumference of the casing, wherein each wire has at least three legs and the middle leg includes an acute angle with each of the two adjoining legs.

Abstract: An instrument for interventional flexible tracheoscopy/bronchoscopy, particularly for the treatment of central air passage stenoses under local anesthesia with the aid of a flexible fiber bronchoscope, includes an outer tube and an inner tube, wherein the outer tube and the inner tube can be displaced relative to each other, and wherein at least one guide element is provided for positioning the inner tube relative to the outer tube and a cuff which can be filled with a medium is arranged in the area of the distal end of the inner tube.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a prosthesis into a body cavity and holding it in place. A shaft has a pair of pivoted jaws to open and close on the prosthesis. A releasable latch can hold the levers toward one another to exert a continuing grip on the prosthesis. A support element is slidably mounted to the shaft to hold the prosthesis in place after the jaws are opened and the shaft is withdrawn.

Abstract: A stent for placement in a body tube includes a flexible support structure composed of an elastomer which is hard in a temperature range lower than 25.degree. C. and soft in a temperature range greater 35.degree. C. The flexible support structure may be embedded in a hollow cylindrical casing of an elastic synthetic material which has a limited elasticity at least at body temperature, wherein the casing is composed of an elastomer which is hard in a temperature range lower than 25.degree. C. and soft in a temperature range greater than 35.degree. C. The casing in which the flexible support structure is embedded may also be of a memory elastomer, particularly on the basis of polyurethane.

Abstract: A stent for placement in a body tube includes a flexible support structure of wires, wherein the wires are of a material having a shape memory function. The support structure of the stent is composed of wires which have different shape memories. In a method for changing the configuration of a stent of the above-described type which has been placed in a body tube, the stent is subjected over at least portions thereof to a specific application of heat or cold in order to influence the restoring force and/or the geometric shape.

Abstract: A tracheal stent 1 is comprised from a plastic shaft 2 and metal clasps 5 which grasp the plastic shaft 2 ventrolaterally. The plastic shaft 2 is, cranially, lengthwise oval in cross section and, caudally, squarish-oval. It is comprised from thin highly-elastic and stable sheet and from clasps 5, whereby the clasps 5 are bound to the sheet. The clasps 5 can, in a first manifestation, be sufficiently compressed together over their free ends 6, 7 that the plastic shaft 2 is given as small an outer circumference as possible. In a second manifestation, the clasps 5 can be spread out by, for example, being heat activated. A stably-shaped and, in section 7', highly-elastic lumen 8 is formed in plastic shaft 2 which largely corresponds to the size of a lumen of a natural trachea.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for producing a controlled pressure level in a respirator for human patients which is equipped with a tracheal tube 3 connected to the respirator and connectable to the trachea, comprises producing an oscillatory gas stream by means of two opposite gas jets in an attachment tube 4 which has two end openings. By controlling the pressure and/or frequency of the gas jets, a varying pressure level propagating into the tracheal tube is modulated onto the gas stream. The respirator for carrying out the method comprises two gas jet pipes 20, 21 having nozzle tips 24, 25 of which one discharges or points within the attachment tube 4 substantially in the direction of the tracheal tube 3 and the other substantially in the opposite direction.