Abstract: A nasal cannula including: a cannula body having a tubular shape, which is provided with a pair of paths through which respiration gas flows, and a partition wall which partitions the paths and makes outer sides of bent parts of the paths respectively; a pair of introducing pipes which are formed integrally with the cannula body at both end parts of the cannula body so as to communicate with end parts of the paths respectively and to be connected to a pair of supply tubes supplying the respiration gas respectively; and a pair of nasal pipes which are formed integrally with the cannula body at a center part of the cannula body so as to communicate with other end parts of the paths respectively, and to be inserted into nares.

Abstract: A connector system for use with an apparatus that delivers a supply of pressurized breathable air to a patient includes an air delivery conduit including an auxiliary conduit. The air delivery conduit and auxiliary conduit have a first end and a second end. A connector is provided to at least one of the first and second ends. The connector includes an inner tubular wall and an outer tubular wall surrounding the inner tubular wall and being concentric with the inner tubular wall. The inner and outer tubular walls define first and second passages that are isolated from one another. One of the first and second passages is configured to communicate with the air delivery conduit and the other of the first and second passages is configured to communicate with the auxiliary conduit.

Abstract: A heater wire for removing condensation from a respiratory gas conduit. The heater wire includes at least one groove disposed thereon. The heater wire is positioned in a respiratory gas conduit.

Abstract: A wire adjuster for adjusting a position of an element within a limb of a breathing circuit is described. The wire adjuster includes an interior wall engaging portion configured for engaging a surrounding interior wall of said limb and an element receiving portion coupled with the interior wall engaging portion, wherein the element receiving portion is configured for releasably securing the element as the wire adjuster is movably engaging with the surrounding interior wall, such that the wire adjuster can be used to selectively locate an element within the limb of the breathing circuit.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods are provided for treating obstructive sleep apnea. A unitary valve assembly removably located inside the exterior profile of a nasal pillow mask uses positive airway pressure from a low-flow hose to automatically create an on-demand therapeutic air splint in the pharynx. During inspiration the mask's valving system allows room air to be inspired. During exhalation another valve governs therapeutic backpressure equal to the prescribed pressure setting of the CPAP blower machine. The mask may be worn when the CPAP blower machine is off, and systems are provided for turning the CPAP blower machine on only when needed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure responsive respiratory valve apparatus for enabling positive pressure from a source of pressure to be applied to a user's airway, and allowing ingress of a breathable gas from an inlet port into a user's airway during inhalation and egress of expired tidal volume of air from the user's respiratory system to an exhalation port during exhalation. The invention minimises rebreathing of expired gas and optimizes delivery of pressurised breathable gas by venting gas only during exhalation, as well as addressing important user considerations including minimizing noise, pressure swing, and size.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for improving functioning of at least a portion of a subject's nervous pathway system includes a garment or device worn or disposed on the subject; and at least one stimulator disposed on, in or within the garment or device capable of providing at least one corrective non-weight stimulus to the subject's nervous pathway system. The kind of nonweight stimulus provided by the stimulator to the subject's nervous pathway system, the amount, degree or intensity of the stimulus provided by the stimulator to the subject's nervous pathway system, and/or the body location of non-weight stimulus provided by the stimulator to the subject's nervous pathway system is determined by a reiterative diagnostic method leading to an optimal response for the treated subject.

Abstract: A catheter or guide wire manipulating device for vascular intervention is provided, comprising a thumb component (3), a forefinger component (4), a driving component (1) and a catheter/guide wire support component (2); the thumb component comprises a roller (7) configured to advance or retreat the catheter/guide wire; the thumb component (3) is configured to drive the catheter/guide wire to rotate clockwise or counterclockwise through a combination motion of the components; the forefinger component (4) is configured to cooperate with the thumb component (3) to implement the rotation and the advancement of the catheter/guide wire by moving manually away from the thumb component, and returning by a pull force of a spring (23) after being released; the driving component (1) is configured to drive the thumb component (3) and the forefinger component (4); the catheter/guide wire support component (2) comprises a Y adapter fixation configured to install a Y adapter and an entry support configured to support and gui

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device, having a catheter (1), an actuation device (8) at a first end of the catheter and also a mechanical transmission clement (9, 10) for transmitting a movement along the catheter to the actuation device, the actuation device having a coupling clement (14) which is connected to the transmission clement (9, 10) and can be actuated by the latter relative to the longitudinal direction of the catheter in a first degree of freedom, and also a conversion element (15) which can be actuated by the coupling element and which converts the actuation movement at least partially into a movement in a second degree of freedom. As a result, a combined movement at the distal end of the catheter can be produced particularly simply for compression and release of a functional element.

Abstract: A catheter of the invention includes an elongated flexible tubular main body; a plurality of manipulation wires inserted through the tubular main body and having tips connected to a distal part of the tubular main body; a manipulation-part main body provided at a base end of the tubular main body; and a bending manipulation part. The bending manipulation part has an engagement part engaging with base ends of the manipulation wires, and individually applies pulling force to the plurality of manipulation wires through pulling operations so as to bend the distal part of the tubular main body. The bending manipulation part is provided so as to be movable with respect to the manipulation-part main body. The path lengths of the plurality of manipulation wires from the tips thereof to the engagement part are simultaneously increased or decreased when the bending manipulation part and the manipulation-part main body move relative to each other.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tip electrode with a shell and a support member to provide a plenum chamber. The plug is formed with a U-shaped passage for a safety line to wrap around and secure the support member (with the shell affixed thereto) to the catheter. Additional passages are formed in the plug to accommodate components such as irrigation tubing, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair. A method of manufacture provides distal installation and/or anchoring of the safety line, lead wire and thermocouple wire pair in the support member prior to sealing the support member and mounting the shell.

Abstract: The invention provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for medical devices. An example medical device includes an elongate shaft having a distal region and a coil disposed along the distal region. The coil is formed from a winding member having a first filar region and a second filar region. The winding member has a first cross-sectional diameter along the first filar region, a second cross-sectional diameter different from the first cross-sectional diameter along the second filar region, a first centroid at a first position along the first filar region and a second centroid at a second position along the second filar region. The first centroid and the second centroid are axially-aligned.

Abstract: A coaxial stabilizing and sealing catheter provides increased support to a guide catheter that is seated in an ostium of a branch artery by extending through and out of a distal end of the guide catheter and anchoring in position within the vessel that is being treated. The stabilizing and sealing catheter includes, as part of a relatively flexible distal section, a balloon that locks the distal end of the stabilizing and sealing catheter in place to provide support to the therapeutic devices that are introduced and further seals the artery to prevent blood from entering the artery. A sealing cuff at a proximal end of the stabilizing and sealing catheter provides a seal between the exterior of the stabilizing and sealing catheter and the interior of the guide catheter. In addition, a fixing mechanism it utilized to lock the guide catheter in place to exchange therapeutic devices.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vascular conduit device including a deformable flange and complementary securing ring in cooperation for securing the device within an aperture defined in a tissue wall. The present invention further provides a system for implanting such a vascular conduit device in a tissue wall. More specifically, the present invention provides a system including a coring device for defining an aperture in a tissue wall (such as a ventricle and/or a blood vessel) and securely implanting a vascular conduit device therein so as to provide fluid communication between a first and second surface of the tissue wall via the vascular conduit device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to accessing, removing, exchanging and recirculating cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Devices, systems and methods disclosed herein are used to safely and efficiently navigate the space at and around the brain and spinal cord where the CSF flows through the body, also known as the CSF space.

Abstract: A catheter, and preferably a urinary catheter, is disclosed, comprising an elongate shaft with a catheter insertion end and a flared connector connected to the elongated shaft opposite to the catheter insertion end. The flared connector forms a catheter connector end. Further, a gripping sleeve is fixedly connected to the flared connector, and arranged to enclose at leat part of, and preferably essentially the whole, flared connector, apart from the catheter connector end. Hereby, a standard catheter can easily be customized for various use situations and users with different needs, in terms of e.g. gripping and manipulation possibilities. A method for producing such a customized catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device for sealing and repairing defects in a body lumen wall includes a wire frame and a partially-circumferential stent body. In some embodiments, the endolumenal sealing devices provided herein are well-suited for use in the GI tract including the colon. That is the case because the partially-circumferential sealing devices are configured to be compliant with the peristaltic movements of the GI tract. This feature can enable the sealing devices to resiliently remain located in a desired position within the GI tract, such that the defect in the lumen wall is sealed by the presence of the sealing device.

Abstract: A medical device for sealing and repairing defects in a body lumen wall includes a wire frame and a partially-circumferential stent body. In some embodiments, the endolumenal sealing devices provided herein are well-suited for use in the GI tract including the colon. That is the case because the partially-circumferential sealing devices are configured to be compliant with the peristaltic movements of the GI tract. This feature can enable the sealing devices to resiliently remain located in a desired position within the GI tract, such that the defect in the lumen wall is sealed by the presence of the sealing device.

Abstract: A self-contained composition dosing and delivery system combination, such as described herein. The device also provides a dosing element internal the device chamber. In particular the device may be used to deliver liquid medicine. The device may also include child-proof means to reduce child poisoning due to Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication overdoses.

Abstract: Provided are means for the direct and continuous connection of a catheter to the lumen of any tubular anatomical structure, or ductus, without medically significant leakage. A port implanted at the body surface with piping to a periductal collar allows drug or radionuclide delivery that bypasses the upstream lumen. The port allows injection, infusion, or attachment of an automatic ambulatory pump. A superparamagnetic nanoparticle carrier-bound drug, for example, can be introduced into the lumen to pass downstream until the carrier particles, with or without the drug still bound, are drawn into the lumen wall by a magnetized jacket surrounding the ductus. Such constitutes a method of drug targeting whereby a segment of a vessel or the territory supplied by a branch of that segment can be circumscribed for exposure to the drug. A jacket with side-entry connector positioned in surrounding relation to a lesion requiring treatment can itself be magnetized.

Abstract: Methods and devices for administration of substances into at least two compartments of skin for systemic absorption and improved pharmacokinetics, based on biphasic or bimodel kinetic profiling.

Abstract: A device for positioning a subcutaneous port during an access procedure, said device comprising a dome (1) of plastic material, said dome being shaped to fit directly over a subcutaneous port, and a flange (3) extending laterally from the dome which is able to contact the surrounding skin area, wherein the device is a unitary device provided with removal means facilitating removal by deformation or fracture of the device.

Abstract: A releasable plug connection for inserting a nozzle tube into a jack includes a hollow cylinder and a sleeve displaceably mounted on the cylinder. A nozzle tube, forming the hollow cylinder, is provided with radially spring-loaded lugs, the free ends of which are in contact with a locking surface. The locking surface is formed on a flange of the sleeve, which can slide relative to the hollow cylinder against the force of a spring. To release the connection, the sleeve is pushed back so that the lugs are pushed inwardly, and ends of the lugs slide from the locking surface. As soon as the lug ends have left the locking surface, the nozzle tube shoots from the jack under the action of the spring.

Abstract: Embodiments include a medical implant including a fixing device with at least one fixing element to fix the implant at a site of implantation (310). The implant includes a belt drive that rotates an actuation device, wherein the actuation device is coupled to the fixing device and converts the rotary movement into a longitudinal movement of the fixing device. Embodiments include an insertion device to insert the medical implant.

Abstract: Embodiments include a medical implant for insertion into the human and/or animal body. The medical implant includes a helical fixing device to fix the implant at a site of implantation, wherein the helical fixing device is one or more of coupled to a locking device on the fixing device and coupled to an implant surface. One or more of the locking device and the implant surface impedes an autonomous detachment of the fixing device.

Abstract: Provided herein are a method and system are provided for the localization of clinically relevant electrophysiological signals necessary for the proper placement of the electrodes for nervous system stimulation. The system provides electrical and mechanical means to stimulate or excite neural structures in order to elicit specific neural responses. The method can include mechanical vibratory stimulation, cutaneous electrical stimulation, electrical stimulation of the peripheral nerves, or photic stimulation, and recording of local field potentials and extracting evoked potentials in response to stimulation.

Abstract: An extravascular nerve cuff that is configured to hold a leadless, integral, implantable microstimulator. The nerve cuff may include a cuff body having a pocket or pouch for removably receiving the implantable device within. The nerve cuff can be secured around the nerve such that the electrodes of the device are stably positioned relative to the nerve. Furthermore, the nerve cuff drives the majority of the current from the stimulation device into the nerve, while shielding surrounding tissues from unwanted stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the filed of medical nutrition. For example, the present invention relates to a composition comprising an amino acid source that in combination with electrical muscle stimulation can be used for the treatment of prevention of sarcopenia, for for reducing the loss of muscle morphology, for increasing the muscle morphology, and/or for improving muscle recovery after muscle atrophy in elderly humans.

Abstract: The system includes five components: (1) a sensor array, (2) a processor, (3) a transmitter, (4) a receiver-stimulator, and (5) an implantable electrode array. The olfactory implant system generates odor fingerprints by detecting odors with an array of chemical sensors and then transmitting variable spatio-temporal stimulation patterns for an electrode array with electrode stimulating points positioned at different locations in the olfactory cortex (e.g., stimulating the olfactory bulb). Different patterns of activity in the olfactory cortex are thereby generated which mimic the sense of smell in a subject. Once trained the system should be usable by a subject to detect or correctly identify one or more odors.

Abstract: An implantable electrical stimulation device configured to treat multiple pelvic conditions of a patient includes a pulse generator, memory, first and second electrode leads comprising one or more electrodes, a switch and a controller. The switch has a first state, in which the first electrode lead is electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and a second state, in which the second electrode lead is electrically coupled to the pulse generator. The controller includes at least one processor that is configured to execute at least one stimulation program stored in the memory. The controller is also configured to selectively set the switch in the first or second state. Electrical stimulation pulses generated by the pulse generator responsive to the execution of the stimulation program are delivered to the first or second electrode lead depending on the state of the switch.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system to provide pulse stimulation to an area of a living body by way of one or more electrode leads applied to the area, the area including an associated resistance element and an associated capacitance element. The system may include a pulse generating circuit having a controllable output voltage to generate constant voltage pulses to the one or more electrode leads, wherein the corresponding current signal of each constant voltage pulse includes an exponential decay to a steady state current value. The system may include a controller configured to estimate the associated resistance element of the area, determine a specified target steady state current value to be applied to the area, and control the pulse generating circuit to generate a constant voltage pulse to the one or more electrode leads at a calculated voltage level which achieves the specified target steady state current value to the area.

Abstract: A non-invasive electrical stimulation device shapes an elongated electric field of effect that can be oriented parallel to a long nerve, such as a vagus nerve in a patient's neck, producing a desired physiological response in the patient. The stimulator comprises a source of electrical power, at least one electrode and a continuous electrically conducting medium in which the electrode(s) are in contact. The stimulation device is configured to produce a peak pulse voltage that is sufficient to produce a physiologically effective electric field in the vicinity of a target nerve, but not to substantially stimulate other nerves and muscles that lie between the vicinity of the target nerve and patient's skin. Current is passed through the electrodes in bursts of preferably five sinusoidal pulses, wherein each pulse within a burst has a duration of preferably 200 microseconds, and bursts repeat at preferably at 15-50 bursts per second.

Abstract: An exemplary system includes 1) a sound detector configured to detect an audio signal, 2) an implantable stimulator configured to be implanted within a user, and 3) a sound processor communicatively coupled to the implantable cochlear stimulator and the sound detector. The sound processor is configured to determine that a level of the audio signal exceeds a predetermined threshold and direct, in response to the determination that the level of the audio signal exceeds the predetermined threshold, the implantable stimulator to elicit a stapedial reflex within the user by applying electrical stimulation to one or more stimulation sites within the user. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for modulating cranial nerves, such as the sphenopalatine ganglion, to treat a medical condition of a patient, such as cluster headache. A stimulation device comprising a dipole antenna is advanced transnasally to a target site at or adjacent to the nasopharyngeal mucosa posterior to the middle turbinate. Electrical impulses are applied through one or more electrodes in the stimulation device to the target nerve sufficient to modulate the nerve and treat the medical condition.

Abstract: Provided herewith are methods and apparatus for optimizing an atrioventricular (AV) pacing delay interval. One manner described involves dynamically programming an AV interval in cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) device having a rate-adaptive AV (RAAV) feature in such a way that not less than a minimum AV interval is maintained. That is, the AV interval is not allowed to be reduced so much that the P-wave is truncated by the QRS complex. In this form of the invention, the AV interval is reduced by one millisecond per one bpm increase in heart rate (and vice versa for reducing heart rate) but maintained at a value calculated from the end of the P-wave (PWend) and the beginning of the QRS complex (QRSbeg) or delivery of a ventricular pacing stimulus or to the end of the end of the QRS complex (QRSend).

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for treating cardiac conductive disorders that include implantation of a network of material that adaptively corrects the electrical conductivity of heart tissues and restores “normal” conductance. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein involve the delivery of a material to a subject's heart in order to restore normal conductance in a minimally invasive, tunable, localized, and reversible manner, without artificial electrical stimulation.

Abstract: A leadless cardiac pacemaker (LCP) configured to sense and pace a patient's heart includes a sensor configured to sense a parameter related to cardiac contractility of the patient's heart and a power management unit that is operatively coupled to the sensor. The power management unit is configured to place the sensor in a higher power sense mode during times when sensing the parameter related to cardiac contractility is desired and to place the sensor in a lower power mode during times when sensing the parameter related to cardiac contractility is not desired.

Abstract: A medical implant including an implant body for insertion into a human and/or animal body. The implant body includes at least one first and at least one second contact portion, wherein the at least one first and the at least one second contact portions contact two tissue regions performing a relative movement with respect to one another. The at least one first and the at least one second contact portions are movable relative to one another, wherein a relative movement of the contact portions may be converted into an electrical signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed in which an external device such as a consumer mobile device (e.g., smart phone) is used as an external controller to bi-directionally communicate with an Implantable Medical Device (IMD) using a dedicated patient remote control (RC) as an intermediary device to translate communications between the two. The dedicated RC contains a graphical user interface allowing for control and monitoring of the IMD even if the mobile device is not present in the system, which is useful as a back-up should the mobile device experience problems. Use of the dedicated RC as an intermediary device broadens the utility of other computing devices to operate as an external controller for an IMD even if the computing device and IMD do not have compliant communication means.

Abstract: An intra cardiac device is disclosed. The device comprises means for transforming kinetic energy from heart tissue movement into electrical energy in use, from which electrical energy information in respect of heart function is obtainable. Furthermore, a system is disclosed, comprising one such intra cardiac device and at least one receiver, wherein the intra cardiac device comprises means of communication, through which said at least one device communicates with the receiver(s) wirelessly. In this way energy from heart movement provides self contained intra cardiac devices for conveniently monitoring or stimulating a patient's heart.

Abstract: Systems and methods for increasing skin rejuvenation of a region of a patient's skin. The system includes: a pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) frequency generator that emits electromagnetic pulses to the region of the patient's skin; and a deep tissue diathermy device that applies heat to the region of the patient's skin up to temperature T. The system simultaneously applies the heat and the PEMF to the region of a patient's skin.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed in general to a portable device for the non-invasive treatment of headaches and mood disorders. Specifically, the disclosure is directed to a portable device capable of simultaneously and selectively generate at least three synergistic modes of treatment of headaches and mood disorders at varying intensities and durations.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: A medical device (1) comprising a flexible light source wherein said flexible light source comprises two or more individually manageable areas (2, 3, 4) of light emission and wherein each area (2, 3, 4) comprises a light diffuser textile comprising optical fibres (10) providing side diffusion of a light, method for its manufacture and medical uses.

Abstract: Generally regarded as safe (GRAS) dyes can be used as photosensitizing dyes in oral compositions to provide anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory efficacy. Embodiments include oral care compositions including photosensitizing dyes, methods of making the compositions, methods of using the compositions, and kits containing the compositions and light emitting devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a therapeutic lamp platform inductive mask and charger. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, provided is a phototherapy system comprising a phototherapy device including a plurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicate radiant energy to a user treatment area, a rechargeable power source, and a controller operatively associated with controlling a delivery of the radiant energy to the user treatment area, wherein the plurality of radiant lamps, the rechargeable power source and controller are housed by a mask shaped therapeutic lamp platform wherein the phototherapy device is configured to inductively charge the rechargeable battery; and an inductive charger configured to charge the phototherapy device rechargeable battery.

Abstract: Disclosed are therapeutic lamp platform mobile device applications. According to an exemplary embodiment of this disclosure, provided is a phototherapy device comprising a wearable therapeutic lamp platform including a plurality of radiant lamps disposed to communicate radiant energy to a user treatment area; a power source; a controller operatively associated with the therapeutic lamp platform and the power source configured to limit a number of available doses of radiant energy provided to a user, and the controller configured to communicate with an ecommerce platform to obtain an additional number of available doses.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.