Abstract: A valvuloplasty system includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent a calcified region of a body. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The apparatus further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the calcified region adjacent the balloon. The shock wave generator includes a plurality of shock wave sources distributed within the balloon.

Abstract: A portable, efficient, integrated humidification system for use, e.g., with a positive airway pressure devices. The portable, efficient, integrated humidification system described herein offers many advantages over current humidification systems! There are many advantages to a portable respiratory humidifier. Portability reduces the amount of space the humidifier occupies in the user's bedroom environment. Portability enhances travel for the user. With less to pack, carry, and manage, the user is more likely to remain adherent to therapy when not at home. Portability allows for better utilization in recreational vehicles, while camping, in foreign countries, in the sleeping cabins of trucks or airliners, and on marine craft.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent a calcified region of a body. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The apparatus further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the calcified region adjacent the balloon. The shock wave generator includes a plurality of shock wave sources distributed within the balloon.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.

Abstract: Described here are positive airway pressure (PAP) systems and methods of using the same. The systems may comprise an air delivery matrix configured to deliver air from a chassis or housing and a user interface such as a mask. The systems may be wearable on a head of a patient, and in some instances may include an air bladder positioned between the chassis or housing and the head of the patient.

Abstract: Described here are positive airway pressure (PAP) systems and methods with various mechanisms for altering the air pressure based in part on the head position of the user. This can be achieved actively or passively. Passively, pressure is altered when head position is altered, as gravity acts to open or close venting elements. Actively, head position information can then be communicated to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or within a separate housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source e.g., a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent a calcified region of a body. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The apparatus further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the calcified region adjacent the balloon. The shock wave generator includes a plurality of shock wave sources distributed within the balloon.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source e.g., a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.

Abstract: Devices and components related to positive air pressure (PAP) systems, including portable PAP systems, are provided. A portable hose for a PAP system can comprise a flexible conduit at least partially surrounded by a fluid expandable support member.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a positive airway pressure (PAP) system with a head mounted harness assembly with a housing and a head position sensor located within or secured to the housing that detects the position of a patient's head, and communicates this head position information to a controller of the system which may be disposed within the housing having the position sensor or a second housing. The controller varies the output pressure of the pressure source, e.g. a rotary compressor, based, at least in part, on the head position information provided by the head position sensor. In a preferred embodiment, the position sensor is an accelerometer.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of radiopaque material within the body comprises a valvuloplasty or other balloon coated with the radiopaque material. The balloon is inflated in the aortic valve for marking the site of an aortic annulus to enable accurate placement of prosthetic valves under fluoroscopic imaging.

Abstract: A device for the transfer of radiopaque material within the body comprises a valvuloplasty or other balloon coated with the radiopaque material. The balloon is inflated in the aortic valve for marking the site of an aortic annulus to enable accurate placement of prosthetic valves under fluoroscopic imaging.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent a calcified region of a body. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The apparatus further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the calcified region adjacent the balloon. The shock wave generator includes a plurality of shock wave sources distributed within the balloon.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty system comprises a balloon adapted to be placed adjacent leaflets of a valve. The balloon is inflatable with a liquid. The system further includes a shock wave generator within the balloon that produces shock waves that propagate through the liquid for impinging upon the valve. The shock wave generator is moveable within the balloon to vary shock wave impingement on the valve.

Abstract: Substantially constant positive airway pressure systems and methods mediate the variations in pressures that occur within a conventional CPAP mask during inhalation and exhalation cycles, and thereby reduce discomfort.