Abstract: Objective Pulmonary Function (PF) evaluation for respiratory fatigue is vital to the diagnosis and management of many pediatric respiratory diseases in the intensive care, emergency and outpatient settings. A non-invasive PF instrument utilizes sensors and software to access respiratory breathing patterns, vital parameters, asynchrony and measures the work of breathing. Software algorithms predict respiratory fatigue. The hardware includes a microcircuit board that individually links to rib cage (RC) and abdominal (ABD) inductance bands. The bands wirelessly transmit changes in RC and ABD circumference. Point-of-care, real-time indices of respiratory work, breathing patterns and respiratory fatigue indices are developed on a user-friendly graphical user interface. The diagnostic data can later be securely emailed as an attachment for entry into patients' electronic medical records or sent to a caretaker's computer, or used directly to control a respiratory therapy device.

Abstract: Devices for cerebral and systemic cooling via a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. Cooling assemblies include at least one elongate tubular member having first and second lumens, a source of liquid coolant, a gas source communicating with the first lumen, and a switch for alternately connecting the liquid coolant source to the second lumen. The first lumen transports a compressed gas and the second lumen transports a volatile liquid. The pressurized fluid may be a perfluorocarbon. The perfluorocarbon may be perfluorohexane, perfluoropentane, or 2-methyl-perfluoropentane. The gas may be air, oxygen, or a combination.

Abstract: Objective Pulmonary Function (PF) evaluation for respiratory fatigue is vital to the diagnosis and management of many pediatric respiratory diseases in the intensive care, emergency and outpatient settings. A non-invasive PF instrument utilizes sensors and software to access respiratory breathing patterns, vital parameters, asynchrony and measures the work of breathing. Software algorithms predict respiratory fatigue. The hardware includes a microcircuit board that individually links to rib cage (RC) and abdominal (ABD) inductance bands. The bands wirelessly transmit changes in RC and ABD circumference. Point-of-care, real-time indices of respiratory work, breathing patterns and respiratory fatigue indices are developed on a user-friendly graphical user interface. The diagnostic data can later be securely emailed as an attachment for entry into patients' electronic medical records or sent to a caretaker's computer, or used directly to control a respiratory therapy device.

Abstract: A retractor for use in lingual frenotomy has a tapered hollow shield, having a closed distal end and an open proximal rim, a groove opening through the distal end to seat over the lingual frenulum, and a handle extending from the proximal rim in line with the groove.

Abstract: Methods for cerebral cooling are described. Cooling assemblies include elongate tubular members, a reservoir containing a pressurized fluid, and a manifold connecting the reservoir and elongate tubular members. After insertion of the elongate tubular members into the patient's nostrils, a pressurized fluid is delivered onto a surface of the patient's nasal cavity through a plurality of ports in the elongate tubular members. The delivery of the fluid causes cooling by direct heat transfer through the nasopharynx and hematogenous cooling through the carotids and the Circle of Willis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting respiration extrathoracically, particularly useful for augmenting respiration in neonatal patients, including providing a positive pressure to a torso area of a patient. The positive pressure may be delivered to the torso area of the patient while the torso area is exposed to an ambient pressure, such as by providing positive pressure with high frequency gas jets that are positioned in proximity to the torso area. The positive pressure may be delivered to different parts of the torso area of the patient at different times, such as by controlling gas jets independently. The positive pressure may also be controlled in coordination with a gas flow and concentration to the patient's airway, such as by increasing the positive pressure as a gas flow pressure delivered to the patient's airway is reduced.

Abstract: Devices for cerebral and systemic cooling via a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. Cooling assemblies include at least one elongate tubular member having first and second lumens, a source of liquid coolant, a gas source communicating with the first lumen, and a switch for alternately connecting the liquid coolant source to the second lumen. The first lumen transports a compressed gas and the second lumen transports a volatile liquid. The pressurized fluid may be a perflurocarbon. The perfluorocarbon may be perfluorohexane, perfluoropentane, or 2-methyl-perfluoropentane. The gas may be air, oxygen, or a combination.

Abstract: Methods for cerebral and systemic cooling via a patient's nasopharyngeal cavity are described. In one method, a cooling assembly is inserted into a nasal cavity through a patient's nostril. A substantially dry gas is delivered through a lumen of the catheter onto the surface of the patient's nasal cavity. Evaporative heat loss cools the patient's nasal cavity. If additional cooling is needed, a liquid coolant is delivered through a separated lumen of the catheter. The liquid coolant is nebulized at a plurality of delivery ports on the distal end of the catheter and is delivered onto the surface of the patient's nasal cavity in combination with the dry gas. The dry gas enhances evaporation of the nebulized coolant and additional cooling is provided from the evaporative heat loss of the liquid coolant.

Abstract: A retractor for use in lingual frenotomy has a tapered hollow shield, having a closed distal end and an open proximal rim, a groove opening through the distal end to seat over the lingual frenulum, and a handle extending from the proximal rim in line with the groove.

Abstract: A bandage includes a reservoir filled with a perfluorochemical fluid, saturated with oxygen. Oxygen passes through a permeable membrane to the skin or wound to promote healing, and carbon dioxide travels from the skin or wound to the reservoir.

Abstract: An orthodontic compliance monitor includes a sensor that senses when an orthodontic appliance is properly positioned and a processor that processes an output of the sensor and generates compliance data. A memory device stores compliance data and the processor generates the compliance data based on a compliance protocol. System and methods for orthodontic compliance are also disclosed.

Abstract: Vehicle tires are filled with perfluorocarbon gas to extend tire life.

Abstract: A subject is confined in a closed environment at an elevated pressure through which perfluorochemical fluid containing dissolved oxygen is circulated to treat disease or injury.

Abstract: An open-circuit liquid ventilation system includes a reservoir containing a breathable liquid, a patient interface receiving breathable liquid from the reservoir, a pump directing breathable liquid from the reservoir to the patient, a controller for the pump, and a tank for storing used breathable liquid. The system may be passive regarding expired liquid. Alternatively, the system may be active and include a bypass line connected to the pump such that used breathable liquid is drawn from the patient. The patient interface may be adapted to interface a gas ventilation system to facilitate a rapid conversion from gas to liquid ventilation. The system may include sensors monitoring pressure and volume parameters and may include an output displaying information including schematics and real time tracings regarding a ventilation procedure.

Abstract: The present invention includes a transient method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The present invention includes a steady state method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The steps of both the transient delivery method and the steady state delivery method can be controlled by a servo-control unit. A supplementary biological agent delivery step can be performed in both the transient method of delivering a biological agent and the steady state method of delivering a biological agent.

Abstract: A system for unilateral lung ventilation includes an endotracheal tube and a blocking device for blocking the bronchus of a non-ventilated lung to prevent a ventilation medium from entering the lung. The blocking device includes an inflatable member supported by a catheter having an inflation lumen for inflating the inflatable member. The catheter includes at least one lung treatment lumen for delivering a therapeutic agent to the non-ventilated lung. An inner channel within the main channel and a side branch provide a guideway for the blocking device within the tube. A valve may be included to close the side branch when the blocking device is removed from the inner channel for parallel flow of ventilating gas in the main and inner channels. A method of using the system provides for ventilation/perfusion (V/Q) matching by respectively delivering cooled air and nitric oxide to the non-ventilated and ventilated lungs.

Abstract: A thoracic stabilizer for limiting anterior chest wall collapse includes a platform supporting a patient and a pair of lateral supports contacting opposite sides of the patient's chest wall and applying force to limit collapse of the chest wall. The force applied by the lateral supports is varied depending on the force applied to the platform by the patient. The stabilizer includes a retractometer measuring the collapse of the chest wall. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer includes a controller that varies the force applied to the chest wall in closed-loop fashion based on the chest wall collapse measured by the retractometer using an algorithm of the controller. According to one embodiment, the stabilizer includes motors moving the lateral supports. According to another embodiment, the stabilizer includes a hydraulic system and the lateral supports include expandable fluid-filled members.

Abstract: The present invention includes a transient method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The present invention includes a steady state method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The steps of both the transient delivery method and the steady state delivery method can be controlled by a servo-control unit. A supplementary biological agent delivery step can be performed in both the transient method of delivering a biological agent and the steady state method of delivering a biological agent.

Abstract: The present invention includes a transient method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The present invention includes a steady state method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The steps of both the transient delivery method and the steady state delivery method can be controlled by a servo-control unit. A supplementary biological agent delivery step can be performed in both the transient method of delivering a biological agent and the steady state method of delivering a biological agent.