Abstract: A magnetic marker for marking a site in tissue in the body. In one embodiment, the marker comprises a magnetic metallic glass. In another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 9. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 6. In yet another embodiment, the marker is in a non-spherical configuration having an anisotropy ratio less than 3.

Abstract: A multicore magnetic particle. In one embodiment, the magnetic particle includes a plurality of superparmagnetic cores embedded in a non-magnetic matrix. In another embodiment, the effective anisotropy energy barrier of the particle is larger than the sum of the anisotropy energy barriers of the individual superparamagnetic cores. In yet another embodiment, the superparamagnetic cores are close enough to interact magnetically by exchange coupling and dipole interaction. In still yet another embodiment, the specific loss power of the magnetic particle is greater than the specific loss power of an equivalent mass of individual superparamagnetic cores.

Abstract: A passive inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a plurality of blister pockets is proposed. The inhaler includes an impaction element onto which the air stream can impact together with entrained inhalation formulation for better deagglomeration. Alternatively, the inhaler includes an oscillating and/or vibrating device for better de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation. Alternatively or additionally, the inhaler includes one or two mixing means for generating swirls, preferably with opposite rotation directions.

Abstract: A blister piercing element for puncturing the lid of a blister containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user. The piercing element has an outlet opening for the passage of medicament entrained in an airflow out of the blister and, a piercing head extending beyond and overhanging the opening that cuts a flap in a lid of a blister and pushes it away from the opening during insertion.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of powdered medicament is disclosed. The inhaler includes an aerosolizing device having a chamber of substantially circular cross-section, inlet and outlet ports at opposite ends of the chamber for the flow of drug laden air through the chamber between said ports and, a bypass air inlet for the flow of clean air into the chamber. The bypass air inlet is configured so that air entering the chamber through said inlet forms a cyclone in the chamber that interacts with the drug laden air flowing between the inlet and outlet ports.

Abstract: A passive inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a plurality of blister pockets is proposed. The inhaler comprises an impaction element onto which the air stream can impact together with entrained inhalation formulation for better deagglomeration. Alternatively, the inhaler comprises an oscillating and/or vibrating device for better de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation. Alternatively or additionally, the inhaler comprises one or two mixing means for generating swirls, preferably with opposite rotation directions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preparing tissue of interest in a patient for possible excision by surgery. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of: removing a biopsy sample from the tissue of interest; placing a magnetic marker at the biopsy site; performing a pathology analysis of the biopsy sample; and if the pathology analysis indicates that the tissue of interest should be removed, locating the tissue for surgery using a magnetic detection probe. In one embodiment, the marker comprises magnetic nanoparticles in a bioabsorbable matrix. A system for preparing tissue of interest in a patient for possible excision by surgery. In one embodiment, the system includes a magnetic marker and magnetic detection probe system.

Abstract: A passive inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a plurality of blister pockets is proposed. The inhaler has a flow resistance of at least 75000 Pa1/2s/m3.

Abstract: A passive inhaler (1) for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip (2) with a plurality of blister pockets (3) is proposed. The inhaler comprises an impaction element (31) onto which the air stream can impact together with entrained inhalation formulation for better deagglomeration. Alternatively, the inhaler comprises an oscillating and/or vibrating device (35) for better de-agglomeration of the inhalation formulation. Alternatively or additionally, the inhaler comprises one or two mixing means for generating swirls, preferably with opposite rotation directions.

Abstract: A passive inhaler for delivery of a powder-form inhalation formulation from a blister strip with a plurality of blister pockets is proposed. The inhaler has a flow resistance of at least 75000 Pa1/2s/m3.

Abstract: A blister piercing element for puncturing the Hd of a blister containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user is disclosed. The piercing element comprising an outlet opening for the passage of medicament entrained in an airflow out of the blister and, a piercing head extending beyond and overhanging the opening that cuts a flap in a lid of a blister and pushes it away from the opening during insertion.

Abstract: A blister pack comprising a plurality of spaced blister cavities each configured to receive and store an individual dose of medicament for inhalation by a user is disclosed. The pack includes a foil layer and an outer polymer layer and each blister cavity, or a number of blister cavities, are separated from an adjacent blister cavity, or number of adjacent blister cavities, by a region of weakness formed by substantially removing or displacing a portion of the outer polymer layer from the foil layer.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of a powdered medicament includes an aerosolizing device in the form of a vortex chamber 1. The vortex chamber 1 has a tangential inlet port 3 and an axial port 2. The ratio of the diameter of the vortex chamber 1 to the diameter of the exit port 2 is between 4 and 12. The length of the exit port 2 is less than its diameter. The cross-section of the inlet port 3 is rectangular and is defined at the bottom and at the radially outermost edge by the walls of the vortex chamber 1. The cross-sectional area of the inlet conduit 7, which supplies the medicament in a gas flow to the inlet port 3, decreases in the direction towards the vortex chamber 1. The inlet conduit 7 may be curved. The inhaler is capable of repeatably producing an aerosol of a medicament with a high proportion of particles in the range 1 to 3 microns, while using a 20 relatively small amount of energy.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of a powdered medicament includes an aerosolizing device in the form of a vortex chamber (1). The vortex chamber (1) has a curved wall (12), a tangential inlet port (3) and an axial exit port (2). The radius R of the vortex chamber (1) decreases with angular extend ?. The reduction in effective cross-sectional area of the vortex chamber accelerates the gas flow between the inlet (3) and the outlet (2) to reduce deposition of the medicament.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of a powdered medicament comprises a cyclone (1) with a tangential air inlet (3) and an axial air outlet (4). The cyclone (1) aerosolises and retains an aerosol of powdered medicament in an airflow circulating between the inlet (3) and the outlet (4). The cyclone (1) has an exit port (2) which is open to atmosphere. When the aerosol is to be inhaled, the pressure in the cyclone (1) is increased by increasing the airflow to the inlet (3) which causes the aerosol to discharge through the exit port (2). The inhaler has the advantage that the rate of discharge of the aerosol can be controlled independently of the rate of airflow required to aerosolise the medicament.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of a powdered medicament includes an aerosolising device in the form of a vortex chamber 1. The vortex chamer 1 has a tangential inlet port 3 and an axial port 2. The ratio of the diameter of the vortex chamber 1 to the diameter of the exit port 2 is between 4 and 12. The length of the exit port 2 is less than its diameter. The cross-section of the inlet port 3 is rectangular and is defined at the bottom and at the radially outermost edge by the walls of the vortex chamber 1. The cross-sectional area of the inlet conduit 7, which supplies the medicament in a gas flow to the inlet port 3, decreases in the direction towards the vortex chamber 1. The inlet conduit 7 may be curved. The inhaler is capable of repeatably producing an aerosol of a medicament with a high proportion of particles in the range 1 to 3 microns, while using a 20 relatively small amount of energy.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of a powdered medicament includes an aerosolising device in the form of a vortex chamber (1), The vortex chamber (1) has a curved wall (12), a tangential inlet port (3) and an axial exit port (2). The radius R of the vortex chamber (1) decreases with angular extend &thgr;. The reduction in effective cross-sectional area of the vortex chamber accelerates the gas flow between the inlet (3) and the outlet (2) to reduce deposition of the medicament.

Abstract: An inhaler for producing an inhalable aerosol of a powdered medicament comprises a cyclone (1) with a tangential air inlet (3) and an axial air outlet (4). The cyclone (1) aerosolises and retains an aerosol of powdered medicament in an airflow circulating between the inlet (3) and the outlet (4). The cyclone (1) has an exit port (2) which is open to atmosphere. When the aerosol is to be inhaled, the pressure in the cyclone (1) is increased by increasing the airflow to the inlet (3) which causes the aerosol to discharge through the exit port (2). The inhaler has the advantage that the rate of discharge of the aerosol can be controlled independently of the rate of airflow required to aerosolise the medicament.