Abstract: In-vivo biodegradable medical implants, containing at least in part at least partially fine-grained metallic materials provide a strong, tough, stiff and lightweight implant. The in-vivo biodegradable implants are used in a number of stent applications, for fracture fixation, sutures and the like. The in-vivo biodegradable medical implants enable the reduction of implant size and weight and consequently result in reducing the release of implant degradation products into the body.

Abstract: Biocompatible intraocular implants include an alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist and a polymer associated with the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist to facilitate release of the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist into an eye for an extended period of time. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor agonist may be associated with a biodegradable polymer matrix, such as a matrix of a two biodegradable polymers. The implants may be placed in an eye to treat one or more ocular conditions, such as an ocular vasculopathy or glaucoma, among others.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a bioactive implant including the steps of (a) forming a mixture of an bioactive agent and a setting agent capable of transitioning from a flowable state to a rigid state; (b) converting the mixture into a flowable state; and (c) transitioning the mixture into a solid state in a shape of the implant.

Abstract: A method for recovering blood from a blood-laden surgical sponge for autologous reinfusion, the method comprising the steps of: conveying negative pressure to a housing with the blood-laden surgical sponge; applying a predetermined force to draw the blood from the surgical sponge; and collecting the recovered blood.

Abstract: Improved medical devices having anti-thrombogenic and anti-adherent surface modifiers for improved medical device performance and patient outcomes are provided. In certain embodiments, the medical devices are at least partially manufactured using an admixture of a base polymer and surface modifying fluoropolymer additives. In certain embodiments, the medical devices are vascular access devices, vascular access accessories, peripheral vascular devices, or components of these devices.

Abstract: A fluid collector unit of a wound drainage therapy system includes a multiple-pipe integration module and a collection bag. The multiple-pipe integration module includes first, second and third connection ports. The collection bag includes a negative-pressure buffer zone and two fluid collection zones that communicate with each other. The negative-pressure buffer zone is located between the two fluid collection zones and isolated from the two fluid collection zones. The two fluid collection zones are connected with the first connection port of the multiple-pipe integration module. The negative-pressure buffer zone is connected with the second and third connection ports of the multiple-pipe integration module, and the negative-pressure buffer zone has a fluid input port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wound drain management. Certain embodiments include an infection indicator and/or a coupling device configured to such that a wound drainage container can rotate in relation to a mounting device.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a first or suction tube, through which suction forces are applied through a tube-end opening along a longitudinal axis, and a second or irrigation tube, extending along Inc first tube, the second tube, through which irrigation fluid, typically liquids, travels, the second tube including apertures. through which irrigation fluid is expelled in an axial orientation different from the longitudinal axis. The suction and irrigation tubes form a circulation pathway for the introduced irrigation fluid and particulates, which are drawn into the suction tube by suction forces, tot properly clearing (flushing) the surgical site.

Abstract: A dental surgical suction apparatus combines the features and benefits of a surgical suction tip and a saliva ejector. The apparatus creates a more powerful suction force than provided by a saliva ejector by itself and can allow for better suctioning during oral surgery procedures and sedation, where keeping saliva and blood secretion from the throat can be critical, while also providing a device that is less traumatic to a patient's mouth. The apparatus can include a rigid tubular handle portion configured to releasably attach to a receiving port configured to receive a surgical suction tip on one end, a flexible tube portion connected to another end of the rigid tubular handle portion, and a soft tip portion connected to another end of the flexible tube portion. The soft tip portion includes a plurality of openings configured to minimize complete obstruction during suctioning.

Abstract: A device having a flow channel for a fluid has a nonreturn valve arranged in the flow channel, the nonreturn valve allowing the fluid to flow through the flow channel in a first direction and preventing it from flowing through the flow channel in a direction counter to the first direction. The device furthermore has a flow detector for detecting the flow of the fluid through the flow channel, wherein the flow detector detects a change in the nonreturn valve. This detected change serves as an indicator for the flow of the fluid. The device enables simplified flow detection, in that a nonreturn valve that is present is used as an indicator.

Abstract: A blood pump, such as an axial flow pump, having a pump housing, the pump housing defining a flow path and having a tapered portion adjacent to an outlet, tapering toward the outlet, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump housing, and an impeller and diffuser, disposed in the pump housing, the diffuser having a tapered body corresponding to the tapered portion of the pump housing, the diffuser body having at least one vane extending therefrom, the vein tapering in the same direction as the diffuser body. The present invention also includes a method of manufacturing the blood pump and a method of implanting the blood pump.

Abstract: An implantable medical pump system can include a blood pump comprising a pump housing defining a passage therethrough and a rotor within the passage. The blood pump further includes one or more elements at least partially contained within the housing adapted to actuate the rotor to drive fluid though the passage. The pump housing includes at least one coupling feature. The system further includes an inflow cannula defining a lumen therethrough. The inflow cannula is adapted to be mechanically coupled to the at least one coupling feature.

Abstract: Extracorporeal blood treatment systems and methods to display status information for one or more fluids used in extracorporeal blood treatments. For example, a graphical user interface may include a fluids region depicting one or more fluid areas. Each fluid area may include pump and reservoir elements that depict flow rate information, reservoir volume information, and/or a notification related thereto.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the performance of kidney replacement therapy having or using a dialyzer, control components, sorbent cartridge and fluid reservoirs configured to be of a weight and size suitable to be worn or carried by an individual requiring treatment are disclosed. The system for performing kidney replacement therapy has a controlled compliance dialysis circuit, where a control pump controls the bi-directional movement of fluid across a dialysis membrane. The dialysis circuit and an extracorporeal circuit for circulating blood are in fluid communication through the dialysis membrane. The flux of fluid moving between the extracorporeal circuit and the dialysis circuit is modified by the rate at which the control pump is operating such that a rate of ultrafiltration and convective clearance can be controlled. The system provides for the monitoring of an inlet and outlet conductivity of the sorbent cartridge to provide a facility to quantify or monitor the removal of urea by the sorbent cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for destroying cancer cells in blood includes a vessel for accepting a flow of blood of a patient through the vessel, and a sound energy source coupled with the vessel for generating sound energy at a resonant sweep frequency that causes cancer cells, within the flow of blood in the vessel, to act as cavitation nuclei and implode without implosion of other cells not resonant with the resonant sweep frequency. A method for destroying cancer cells in blood includes circulating blood from a patient through a vessel coupled with a sound energy source and exposing the blood, when passing through the vessel, to sound energy at a resonant sweep frequency to make cancer cells therein act as cavitation nuclei and implode without implosion of other cells not resonant with the resonant sweep frequency.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for removing high density particles from a biological fluid such as blood using aphaeresis. The particles are preferably sub-micron in size and denser than normally occurring components of the fluid and can be removed by a modified reverse-flow gradient density centrifuge without damaging the fluid. The particles can be provided to a patient in vivo or added to the fluid after it is removed from the patient. Some particles can carry and deliver oxygen and scavenge carbon dioxide. Other particles are conjugated to capture molecules for attaching to targets such as cancer cells, viruses, pathogens, toxins, or excess concentrations of a drug or element in the fluid. The targets are then removed from the fluid along with the particles by the aphaeresis instrument.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a delivery system that is able to deliver fluids, namely, ammonia nitrogen 13. Moreover, the delivery system is self-contained, manually portable, and capable of safely and effectively delivering ammonia nitrogen 13. Finally, the delivery system is capable of supplying up to 20 vials of fluid.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly includes an enclosure assembly. A reservoir assembly is positioned at least partially within the enclosure assembly and is configured to contain an infusible fluid. A pump assembly is positioned at least partially within the enclosure assembly and is configured to effectuate the dispensing of the infusible fluid contained within the reservoir assembly. Processing logic is positioned at least partially within the enclosure assembly and is configured to control the pump assembly. A removable cover assembly is configured to releasably engage the enclosure assembly. A combination of the removable cover assembly and at least a portion of the enclosure assembly defines a power supply cavity configured to prevent a removable power supply assembly from being reverse-polarity electrically coupled to the processing logic.

Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid, and an external infusion set configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user. A fluid delivery system is configured to deliver the infusible fluid from the reservoir to the external infusion set. The fluid delivery system includes a volume sensor assembly, and a pump assembly for extracting a quantity of infusible fluid from the reservoir and providing the quantity of infusible fluid to the volume sensor assembly. The volume sensor assembly is configured to determine the volume of at least a portion of the quantity of fluid. The fluid delivery system further includes a first valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the pump assembly from the reservoir, and a second valve assembly configured to selectively isolate the volume sensor assembly from the external infusion set.

Abstract: Refill needles include a refill lumen for refilling a drug reservoir with a liquid and a venting channel for venting the device to be refilled. In various embodiments, the termini of the refill lumen and the venting channel are longitudinally displaced along the needle.

Abstract: Described and shown herein is simple dynamic model for insulin time-action profiles. Various aspects are suitable for implementation in an embedded system such as an insulin pump, or a handheld device such as a pump remote control. Various aspects can be used as an off-line modeling tool running on a smartphone to assist patients in their treatment, or can be used as part of a closed-loop control algorithm for an artificial pancreas.

Abstract: The current subject matter describes a delivery of medication to a patient based on a scan of a medication container by a scanner implemented on an infusion system. The medication can include oral medications, injection medications, patches, and/or medication drops. The scanner can scan a machine-readable representation (for example, a barcode) on the medication container to obtain recommended delivery data. A user interface device of the infusion system can display the recommended delivery data on a graphical user interface. Based on the recommended delivery data and based on a patient diagnosis by a clinician, the clinician can determine actual delivery data. Based on the determined actual delivery data, the medication can be delivered to the patient via a non-infusion channel. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump assembly may be equipped with one or more components to facilitate wireless operation of an infusion pump via a user-operated mobile device. In some embodiments, the mobile device and/or the infusion pump may prompt the user to confirm acceptance of a wirelessly communicated command to prevent an operation by the infusion pump (e.g., a dispensation of medicine) that is not desired by the user.

Abstract: The invention refers to a handheld injection device comprising a housing (10, 20, 30), a piston rod (60), defining a first longitudinal axis (I) and located within the housing (10), a driver (70, 80, 90) coupled to the piston rod (60), a dose setting means (40), which is rotatable during dose setting, a power reservoir (100) for driving the driver (70, 80, 90), and a number wheel (130) for displaying a dose set by the dose setting means (40).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery device (1) with a power unit (10, 110, 210, 310) adapted to release energy for inducing relative rotation between a first interface portion (45) of the drug delivery device (1) and a second interface portion (22) of the drug delivery device (1). The power unit (10, 110, 210, 310) comprises a first spiral spring member (15, 15, 215, 315) and a second spiral spring member (16, 116, 216, 316) arranged in series along an axially extending structure (11; 111; 211, 285, 281; 311, 385, 1381, 386, 381).

Abstract: The invention refers to an auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament, comprising: an outer casing, a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper a torsion spring and a gear arrangement for inserting the needle, delivering the medicament, and retracting the syringe after injection. At least one skin contact trigger element is arranged at a proximal end of the outer case, the skin contact trigger element translatable in longitudinal direction between a proximal position and a distal position and biased in proximal direction in a manner to protrude from the outer casing in the proximal position, wherein in its proximal position the skin contact trigger element is arranged to prevent the spring means from being released and wherein the skin contact trigger element in its distal position is arranged to allow release of the spring means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a medicament container (18) and a needle attached to said container, means (12,72) for automatic penetration of the needle, injection of medicament and withdrawal of the needle, comprising the steps of initiating a penetration sequence, followed by an injection sequence and followed by a withdrawal sequence, wherein a previous sequence triggers a subsequent sequence, and wherein said device further comprises a dampening means arranged and designed to dampen the movement of the injection means during the whole injection sequence.

Abstract: An injection device and method are shown. Devices and methods include a forceps and a needle advancement mechanism to clamp a portion of tissue and control a depth of penetration of the needle between gripping ends of the forceps. An injection device and method are shown where selected components of the injection device such as a syringe and forceps are disposable, while the remaining portions of the injection device are reusable. Devices and methods are shown that utilize micro-needles to control a depth of penetration.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic particles are disclosed. In one variation, a device for delivering particles includes a gas supply configured for supplying gas under pressure, a particle cassette comprising the particles, a cassette housing, and a cassette membrane. The cassette housing can comprise an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer of 18% to 28% by weight of Vinyl Acetate (VA). The device can also include a safety interlock to prevent or minimize the risk that the device will be unintentionally activated. The device can also have a silencer.

Abstract: A finger grip arranged to be connected to a syringe barrel having a plunger and a plunger rod for driving said plunger. The finger grip includes a body having a lower side with finger supporting surfaces for supporting fingers of a user during handling and an engagement member being moveable between an inactive position where the engagement member is arranged not to engage with the plunger rod of the syringe barrel and an active position where the engagement member is arranged to engage with a grooved surface on the plunger rod of the syringe such that feedback is given to a user as the plunger is moved relative to the finger grip. An activation member for moving the engagement member from said inactive position to said active position is built-in into the finger grip.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device (1) is proposed, comprising a housing (13) having a proximal end and a distal end, a dose member (23) which is displaceable in the proximal direction with respect to the housing for setting of a dose of a drug, a clutch member (28) which is displaced in the proximal direction with respect to the housing when setting the dose, and a stop member (30) configured to define a clutch stop position for the proximal displacement of the clutch member with respect to the housing, with the clutch member, when in the clutch stop position, being prevented from further displacement in the proximal direction with respect to the housing, wherein the clutch member and the dose member are configured to mechanically cooperate with one another when the clutch member is in the clutch stop position, thereby preventing further displacement of the dose member in the proximal direction with respect to the housing during setting of the dose. Furthermore, a drug delivery device (1) is proposed.

Abstract: Medical device assemblies capable of aspirating liquid into a syringe barrel or other medical devices while evacuating any air from the syringe are described. An exemplary medical device includes a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within either the stopper or the plunger rod. Described is a medical device including a syringe barrel, plunger rod and stopper assembly having an air permeable and liquid impermeable porous portion and structure for forming a vacuum within chamber between the stopper and plunger rod wherein the plunger rod includes a sealing edge and is moveable relative to the stopper. Exemplary medical devices may include a vent for allowing air that permeates through the porous portion to escape to atmosphere. Methods for aspirating a syringe barrel with a liquid are also provided.

Abstract: A method for assembling a syringe includes supporting a syringe barrel having a stopper being movably disposed therein. A distal end of a plunger rod is inserted into the compartment of the syringe barrel. An initial digital image is taken of the stopper within the syringe barrel. The distal end of the plunger rod is coupled to the stopper located within the syringe barrel so that the plunger rod is secured to the stopper. A plurality of further digital images of the stopper within the syringe barrel are taken during or after coupling the distal end of the plunger rod to the stopper. Information determined from each of the further digital images is compared to information determined from the initial digital image using a computer processor to determine if the stopper in each of the further digital images has moved relative to the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for administering a dosage of a medicament includes dosage setting means (7) for setting the dosage of a medicament to be administered; expelling means (15) for expelling a medicament from a medicament container; and coupling means (21) operatively coupled with the dosage setting means (7) and the expelling means (15), wherein the coupling means (21) is arranged to convert displacement of the dosage setting means (7) into a displacement of the expelling means (15) in a first direction, wherein the expelling means (15) includes a ratchet means (18a, 18b), and wherein the mechanism includes a first and a second independently moveable resisting pawl (14a, 14b) means facing a common side of the ratchet means (18), the first and the second resisting pawl means (14a, 14b) being configured to engage with the ratchet means (18a, 18b) and resist displacement of the expelling means (15) in a second direction opposite to said first direction.

Abstract: Various handheld medical dispensing configurations and methods including the following: Handheld medical dispensing system comprises a syringe, which has a plunger, releasably mounted to syringe actuation apparatus, the apparatus having an actuator configured such that it can move the plunger more than once to dispense a plurality of amounts of substance from the syringe. A method of dispensing fluid from a syringe comprises holding a medical substance delivery system including a syringe, which has a needle, and which is secured to syringe actuation apparatus configured to dispense predetermined amounts of the substance from the syringe, penetrating the needle at one patient site and using the apparatus to deliver a predetermined amount of the substance, and penetrating the needle at another patient site and using the apparatus to deliver a predetermined amount of the substance.

Abstract: A mixing device and a retractable syringe comprising same are provided. The mixing device comprises concentric outer and inner barrels that form an outer chamber, the inner barrel having an inner chamber. A mixing plunger is slidably located in the outer chamber. A seal located in the outer chamber is capable of axial movement, in response to depression of the mixing plunger, from a first position in sealing engagement with one or more apertures in the inner barrel to a second position intermediate the apertures and vents in the outer barrel. This allows depression of the mixing plunger to force a first substance from the outer chamber through the apertures to mix with a second substance in the inner chamber. The mixed substance in the inner barrel is then delivered by the syringe with subsequent needle retraction.

Abstract: An injector for delivering a therapeutic product may include a base having a flexible surface that conforms to various body contours of a patient and defines one or more an injection chambers. The injector may have a height that is substantially less than its width, thereby defining a low profile, which provides a larger more stable base that can pinch or stretch the skin in a controlled manner. The larger base can also accommodate larger volumes via multiple injection chambers and/or large combined primary containers.

Abstract: An insulated bucket truck intercom facilitates safe/reliable bucket-to-cab and bucket-to-ground communications during truck operations, while in close proximity to high voltage power sources/lines. A truck-powered cab transceiver and battery-powered bucket transceiver are selectively interconnected by fiber optic cable to maintain high voltage electrical isolation of at least 10 KV/foot. A hands-free bucket transceiver liberates bucket workers from depressing a PTT button to communicate during repair operations. A PTT cab transceiver prevents stray sounds from distracting bucket workers. Bucket elevation through extension of the telescoping boom, with fiber optic cable secured thereto, is accommodated by a self-storing fiber optic reel assembly positioned at each section. Play in the cable and a spring-loaded pulley member accommodates boom articulation.

Abstract: A delivery device includes first and second housing portions that selectively engage and disengage. A reservoir on one housing portion operatively engages a drive device and/or a needle inserting device on the other housing portion. Upon proper engagement of the housing portions, the reservoir operatively couples to the drive device and/or the needle inserting device. A first magnet on the first housing portion and a second magnet (or a magnetically-attractive material) on the second housing portion are positioned to magnetically interact with each other, upon operative engagement of the housing portions. A third magnet on the second housing portion may be opposed to the first magnet to help align the housing portions for connection. A magnet-responsive device may be on one or both housing portions to detect alignment and/or connection of the housing portions.

Abstract: Internally controlled cell spray dispenser comprises embodiments that are being used to generate spray by controlling a contact between solutions of different cellular composition and the incoming compressed air produced and triggered by an external source of compressed air. In order to obtain desired quality of spray the present apparatus uses the compressed air regulator, and elastic properties of the air channel valve to control both the circumference of the air channel, and the flow of air in to the frontal cone where the main contact between the two fluids is taking place. Reduced air channel is causing a reduction in flow of air and an increased air pressure in the air channel and in the frontal cone promoting discharge of thicker liquids and larger tissue grafts. Releasing the pressure exerted on the air channel valve is causing the air channel to elastically rebound allowing more air under less pressure to enter the frontal cone promoting a discharge of smaller particles suspended in thinner media.

Abstract: A device and method for dispensing a liquid with a gas includes an instrument having a cannula and a low-pressure tip. The low-pressure tip includes a tip housing that at least partially defines a high pressure chamber. A distal wall of the tip housing includes an aperture in fluid communication with the high pressure chamber. The low-pressure tip also includes a tube and a gas flow channel. The tube fluidly communicates liquid at a relatively low pressure from the cannula through the first aperture. The gas flow channel fluidly communicates gas from the cannula at a relatively high pressure and to the high pressure chamber for discharge from the aperture. The tube and aperture are adapted to dispense the liquid and the gas in order to create a low pressure zone distal of the tube to dispense droplets of the liquid.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve that isolates the surgical device or movement thereof to inhibit or prevent an established non-jet streaming condition from becoming a jet streaming condition and a method of inhibiting or preventing a jet streaming condition from occurring due to instrument obstruction.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine box counter, which comprise a case body, comprising a bottom seat, an upper cap movably combined with the case body, and a plurality of resilient elements disposed between the bottom seat and the upper cap. As such, the medicine and the bottom seat are directly combined so that when the user exerts a pressure upon the upper cap in the use course, the resilient elements may be indirectly extruded and thus the bottom seat triggers the count mechanism to count, and after the pressure on the upper cap is released, the upper cap automatically restores to its original position by means of the resilient elements, whereby achieving the efficacies of rapid assembly, convenient use, effective medicine-taken count and reduced manufacturing cost are provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensers, in particular to dispensers for dispensing a dose of a gaseous, gas borne or droplet substance from a substance source and dispensers comprising dosage counters. The present invention therefore provides a dispenser for dispensing a dose of a gaseous, gas borne or droplet substance from a substance source, the dispenser comprising: a body (1) for receiving a substance source, the body having a mouthpiece (2); a junction member (41) slideably arranged in the body for movement in a longitudinal axis of the body to release a dose of a substance from a substance source (C), the junction member receiving a spout (S) of a substance source in a socket (43); and a dispenser driver for moving the junction member in the longitudinal axis of the body to release a dose of a substance from a substance source.

Abstract: An airflow perturbation device for measuring respiratory resistance of a patient breathing with the use of a ventilator comprises a sealed housing having a first port and a second port each configured to couple to a ventilator hose, a perturbation mechanism to periodically alter air flow resistance between the first port and the second port, a pneumotachometer comprising a flow sensor to measure airflow between the first port and the second port, a pressure sensor to measure a difference in air pressure between the first port and the second port, and a computing system comprising at least one processor configured to receive data from the flow sensor and pressure sensor. The computing system determines an airflow resistance based on the received data. Embodiments of the present invention further include a method and computer program product for measuring respiratory resistance of a ventilated patient in substantially the same manners described above.

Abstract: A servoventilator control slowly changes the target ventilation over a period of time, according to a preprogrammed schedule adapted to be set by the physician. Preferably, the target ventilation stays constant at an initial target ventilation for an initial hold time, and then increases at a constant rate until it reaches a final target ventilation, whereupon it stays constant thereafter. If the pressure support level is too high, possibly indicating glottic or upper airway closure, the rate of increase of target ventilation may be lowered or the final target ventilation not reached.

Abstract: A cuff pressure controller device (100) is connected to a foregoing cuff (10) via an air supply tube (125). The cuff pressure controller device (100) includes a controller unit (111), a cuff pressure detector unit (113), a driver circuit (119), a piezoelectric pump (101), a check valve (121), and a release valve (122). The cuff pressure detector unit (113) detects the cuff pressure of the cuff (10). The driver circuit (119) drives the piezoelectric pump (101) at a drive frequency of 20 kHz or higher. The controller unit (111) controls the cuff pressure detector unit (113), the driver circuit (119), and the release valve (122) in such a way that the cuff pressure stays within a predetermined range based on detection results of the cuff pressure detector unit (113) and the like.

Abstract: Airway adapters and suction catheter systems, and methods of using the same, are described herein. An exemplary airway adapter assembly may comprise a connector body portion having a first end and a second end. The connector body portion may define an elongate cavity having an axial center between the first and the second end. The exemplary airway adapter assembly may also comprise a valve coupled to the second end of the connector body. The exemplary airway adapter assembly may also comprise a ventilation base member comprising a tubular portion coupled to the second end of the connector body portion and ventilator port. The ventilator port may comprises a conduit having a first conduit end and a second conduit end, and the first conduit end may be coupled to the tubular portion through an articulable connection. An exemplary closed suction catheter system may comprise a suction control valve assembly and a closed suction catheter sheath.

Abstract: Wash port assemblies for airway adapters and methods are described. An example wash port valve assembly may include a multi-part housing defining a cavity and comprising a cap portion having a first hardness, and a base portion having a second hardness that has a hardness value greater than the first hardness. The cap portion may define an inlet port and the base portion may define an outlet port. The valve assembly may include an elastomeric valve disposed within the cavity and may be configured to be movably retained within the multi-part housing. The elastomeric valve may comprise a valve tip portion and a valve end portion distal of the valve tip portion. An example airway adapter assembly may include an adapter housing defining a cleaning chamber, and a wash port coupling assembly coupled to the wash port of the cleaning chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a voice assist apparatus capable of vocalization in a near-natural voice by correctly flowing and blocking voice assist gas during expiration and inspiration, respectively, of a patient even when the pressure inside the operation tube relatively slightly increases and decreases. In the voice assist apparatus, the main body has a first chamber connected with a second end of the voice assist gas-inlet tube, a second chamber connected with a second end of the voice assist tube, a third chamber connected with a second end of the operation tube, a dividing wall dividing between the first chamber and the second chamber except an opening communicating the first chamber with the second chamber, and a membrane formed elastically deformably to open and close the opening and isolates the third chamber from the first chamber and the second chamber.