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 new alarm system for pulse oximeters, based on fuzzy logic, will differentiate false alarms, caused by artifact, from true alarms. Numeric input variables and corresponding fuzzy sets (oxygen saturation HIGH (high O2), NO (normal O2) and YES (desaturation) and rate of change of oxygen saturation (HIGH, MEDIUM and LOW) and their membership functions are defined. An output fuzzy set ARTIFACT is defined. Input voltages from the pulse oximeter are sampled and converted to digital form. The sampled voltages are converted by the membership functions into confidences that each fuzzy set descriptor for oxygen desaturation and reate of change apply. Rules are specified which result in confidences that the fuzzy set descriptors for ARTIFACT apply. Further rules govern the issuance of alarms for oxygen desaturation or for artifacts, momentary or continuous, so that the nurse can take appropriate action. The fuzzy logic alarm system program is written in Quick Basic 4.5, by Microsoft (R).