Abstract: An implant in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology includes proximal and distal end portions spaced apart from one another along a longitudinal axis and configured to be deployed at first and second airways, respectively, of a bronchial tree, the second airway being of a greater generation than the first airway. The implant includes a wire extending along a wire path within a tubular region coaxially aligned with the longitudinal axis. The wire includes first and second legs alternatingly disposed along the wire path and extending distally and proximally, respectively, in a circumferential direction about the longitudinal axis. The implant is configured to transition from a low-profile delivery state to an expanded deployed state at a treatment location and to allow mucociliary clearance from immediately distal to the implant to immediately proximal to the implant while the in deployed at the treatment location.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle removal and disposal device (10) for removing hypodermic needle assemblies (62) from hypodermic syringes (60) comprises an elongated storage container (12) which can be held in one hand having at a top end thereof a needle removing shield (24). The needle removing shield includes an apron (26) for extending laterally outwardly beyond an outer surface (14) of the elongated storage container and a funnel-shaped top surface (30) slanting toward a cone shaped needle-removal plateau (28). The needle-removal plateau forms an elongated hole (44) through a plateau surface (46) thereof having a size that is only slightly larger than hubs (66) of hypodermic needle assemblies. Hypodermic syringes can be maneuvered so that needle assemblies mounted thereon extend into the elongated hole and the hypodermic syringe can then be rotated laterally about the hub of the hypodermic needle assembly.