Abstract: A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the body member and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location.

Abstract: Described herein are passive nasal respiratory devices, in particular, passive nasal respiratory devices configured to achieve positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in a subject wearing the device. PEEP devices may have a threshold pressure for opening during expiration. These devices may include a flap valve that opens on inhalation nested with a spring valve that opens when exhalation pressure exceeds a predetermined threshold. The device may be configured to be comfortably worn by a sleeping subject.

Abstract: Methods, apparatus, and kits for enhancing breathing in patients suffering from chronic pulmonary obstructive disease are described. The methods and apparatus rely on increasing flow resistance to expiration in a manner which mimics “pursed lip” breathing which has been found to benefit patients suffering from this disease. In a first example, a device is implanted in a trachea or bronchial passage to increase flow resistance, preferably selectively increase resistance to expiration relative to inspiration. In a second embodiment, a mouthpiece is provided, again to increase resistance to expiration, preferably with a lesser increase in flow resistance to inspiration. In a third embodiment, the patient's trachea or bronchial passage is modified by the application of energy in order to partially close the lumen therethrough.

Abstract: Described herein are combined active PAP/passive EPAP interface devices to transmit positive air pressure from a PAP source to the user, but provide passive EPAP when the PAP source is disabled. These interface device may continue to provide benefit to the user even if the PAP source becomes disconnected or otherwise fails. The interface devices described herein include a passive EPAP airflow resistor configured to provide expiratory positive airway pressure (“EPAP”). These interface devices may also include quick connects and/or disconnects for releasably connecting to the source of pressurized breathable gas, a quick release for disconnecting from the source of pressurized breathable gas, and an adhesive user interface region that connects the device the user's face. Also described are adapter for converting a PAP interface devices into combined active PAP/passive EPAP interface devices, and methods of using these devices.

Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are nose-reduced nasal devices configured to reduce or eliminate the unwanted noises associated with use of a nasal device. These noise-reduced nasal devices include a flap-valve airflow resistor and a noise-reduction feature that is a noise-reduction element, a noise-reduction flap valve, or both. The noise-reduction feature typically prevents the flap valve from oscillating or vibrating and producing an audible sound during use, particularly during inhalation through the device. The method and devices described herein may prevent the flap, and particularly the edge region of the flap face or tip of the flap, from oscillating during inhalation.

Abstract: Whole-nose nasal respiratory devices and methods of making and using whole-nose nasal respiratory devices are described and illustrated herein. These devices are typically configured to be adhesively secured to a subject so that they engage both of the subject's nostrils and allow airflow from both nostrils to communicate with an airflow resistor. The airflow resistor is configured so that it inhibits exhalation through the nostrils more than it inhibits inhalation through the nostrils.

Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.

Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.

Abstract: Described herein are packaging systems for nasal devices, and methods of packaging and/or dispensing nasal devices. A packaging system may include one or a plurality of nasal devices removably secured to a support backing, and a dispenser. In some variations an applicator may also be included. Methods of using and methods of assembling packaging systems and dispensers are also described.

Abstract: Described herein are adjustable whole-nose nasal devices having a first passageway for communication with a first nasal passage and a second passageway for communication with a second nasal passage, an airflow resistor that inhibits expiration more than inspiration, and an adjustable connector. The adjustable connector may include one or more adjustable joints or regions that allow the whole-nose device to conform to the spacing between a subject's nostrils, and/or the orientation and angle of the subject's nostrils. Also described herein are whole-nose devices having a single airflow resistor communicating with both of a subject's nasal passages. Methods of treating a disorder using the whole-nose nasal devices are also described.

Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.

Abstract: Described here are devices for altering the flow of air in a respiratory cavity such as the mouth and nostrils of the nose. These methods and devices may be useful for affecting a physiologic benefit in patients suffering from a variety of medical diseases, particularly those that may benefit from “pursed-lip” breathing and non-invasive ventilation, such as COPD, heart failure, sleep apnea, and other medical disorders. The devices are typically removable devices that may be placed over or in a respiratory cavity to increase resistance to airflow within the respiratory cavity. Resistance to expiration may be selectively increased relative to inspiration. Removable oral and removable nasal devices are described. Oral and nasal devices that filter inhaled airflow of debris and allergens are also provided. A nasal device that increases patency of the nares is also provided.

Abstract: Whole-nose nasal respiratory devices and methods of making and using whole-nose nasal respiratory devices are described and illustrated herein. These devices are typically configured to be adhesively secured to a subject so that they engage both of the subject's nostrils and allow airflow from both nostrils to communicate with an airflow resistor. The airflow resistor is configured so that it inhibits exhalation through the nostrils more than it inhibits inhalation through the nostrils.

Abstract: A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the body member and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location.

Abstract: Described herein are packaging systems for nasal devices, and methods of packaging and/or dispensing nasal devices. A packaging system may include one or a plurality of nasal devices removably secured to a support backing, and a dispenser. In some variations an applicator may also be included. Methods of using and methods of assembling packaging systems and dispensers are also described.

Abstract: A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, a stabilization device configured to stabilize the body member and a positioning device configured to position the delivery device in a desired location.

Abstract: A system for treating a septal defect having an implantable treatment apparatus and devices for delivering the implantable treatment apparatus, devices for controlling delivery of the treatment apparatus and methods for treating a septal defect are provided. The implantable treatment apparatus is preferably implantable through a septal wall or portion thereof. The treatment system can include a flexible elongate body member, a delivery device configured to deliver the implantable apparatus, and a proximal control device for controlling delivery of the implantable apparatus, among others.

Abstract: Described herein are nasal devices, including nasal devices formed in layers having four or fewer layers. In some variations, the nasal devices include a single integrated layer from which the flap of the airflow resistor is formed as well as the base of the holdfast region. The nasal devices may include a single aligner or rim body on the side of the device facing the subject. The aligner may protect the airflow resistor, and may help center or position the nasal device. In some variations, these nasal devices may include a noise-reduction feature. Also described herein are systems, devices and methods for determining if a passive nasal respiratory device having an airflow resistor configured to inhibit exhalation more than inhalation has been worn by a subject, and thereby confirming compliance.

Abstract: Whole-nose nasal respiratory devices and methods of making and using whole-nose nasal respiratory devices are described and illustrated herein. These devices are typically configured to be adhesively secured to a subject so that they engage both of the subject's nostrils and allow airflow from both nostrils to communicate with an airflow resistor. The airflow resistor is configured so that it inhibits exhalation through the nostrils more than it inhibits inhalation through the nostrils.