Abstract: An organizational system is disclosed, which comprises syringe compartments and vial compartments. Each of the vial compartments corresponds to one of the syringe compartments. The syringe compartments and vial compartments are designed to hold syringes and vials in an organized manner.

Abstract: A combined detectional and positional sensor for a syringe pump. The sensor can comprise a syringe thumbpress clamp that is pivotable so that an engagement pin deflects a linear membrane potentiometer first circuit thus providing a closed switch for detection of a syringe in the pump and a variable signal return for indication of plunger head position. Embodiments of the sensor can be used in relatively large syringe pumps and in relatively small syringe pumps, for example.

Abstract: A medical pump or the like provides for a multi-function flow monitor that provides for capacitive plates positioned on opposite sides of the IV line to sense changes in the electrical environment within the IV line to deduce IV line pressure, the presence of IV fluid bubbles, the presence of the IV line within the pump, and/or correct pump operation. Each of these conditions may he determined by different analysis of the capacitance across the capacitive plates.

Abstract: A medical device pump with a housing with a compartment for removably receiving a cartridge containing a therapeutic agent, a conduit configured to operatively provide a fluid flow path for therapeutic agent to exit from the cartridge, a user activated delivery button, a trigger mechanism, and a pump mechanism employing an articulating, coiled drive spring.

Abstract: Catheter monitor integration with patient support systems, such as patient beds, and with other healthcare communication systems including hand hygiene systems is provided. A patient bed that transmits bed data and catheter monitor data is disclosed. When catheter tubing is connected to a catheter monitor integrated into a patient bed, the bed automatically implements a falls prevention protocol. A countdown timer pertaining to removal of catheter tubing from a patient is displayed on one or more display devices. Monitoring for caregiver handwashing compliance in connection with use of a catheter monitor or a catheter kit is also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single needle integrated artificial pancreas, wherein the single needle integrated artificial pancreas comprises a fluid reservoir unit; a fluid driving unit connected to the drug reservoir unit; an indwelling unit connected to the fluid reservoir unit and comprising a glucose sensor, an insulin indwelling cannula, a puncture needle and an inserter; wherein the glucose sensor and the indwelling cannula are simultaneously implanted in the same subcutaneous tissue in a patient via the inserter under the aid of the puncture needle; and the puncture needle is a steel puncture needle or groove puncture needle; and a glucose monitoring and insulin delivery control unit is respectively connected to the fluid reservoir unit, the fluid driving unit and the indwelling unit. The single needle integrated artificial pancreas reduces the chance of a diabetic patient being infected and is simple in installation and convenient to use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device for selecting and dispensing a number of user variable doses of a medicament including a dose limiter for preventing the setting of a dose, which exceeds the amount of liquid left in a cartridge of the drug delivery device. The device comprises a cartridge (80) containing liquid, preferably a medicament, a dosing element (40, 130), which rotates during dose selecting, a last dose nut (110) coupled to the dosing element (40, 130) during dose selecting such that rotation of the dosing element (40, 130) causes an axial movement of the last dose nut (110), and a stop element (137), which is provided on the dosing element (40, 130) and which blocks further movement of the last dose nut (110), if a dose is selected corresponding to the amount of liquid left in the cartridge (80).

Abstract: A passive safety needle device is disclosed having a housing, a needle hub, a needle cannula, a retractable sheath, a spring to bias the retractable sheath in a distal direction to cover the distal end of the needle cannula, a radial protrusion to cause the spring to move from the proximal spring position to the distal spring position, and a catch to secure the distal end of the spring to the distal end of the housing. The spring may bias the retractable sheath in a distal direction to cover the distal end of the needle cannula. The radial protrusion causes the spring to move from a proximal spring position to the distal spring position towards the catch located at the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: A device for administering injections includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end including a bottom surface with an injection needle opening, and an axis extending between the upper and lower ends. The device includes a needle housing with an injection needle. The needle housing is disposed within the housing for moving between a retracted position and an extended position. The device has an injection actuator for commencing an injection cycle including a first stage in which the needle housing and said plunger base are coupled together and move in a first direction along the axis and a second stage in which the needle housing and the plunger base are decoupled from one another so that the plunger base is free to move away from the needle housing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a reusable syringe with a syringe body for receiving an ampoule. At the front end of the syringe body there is an opening which defines an axis along which a needle can be inserted. A plurality of holding segments are arranged around this axis and engage behind a needle carrier in the longitudinal direction. According to the invention, a holding segment designed as a thread part is movable in the radial direction. The invention further relates to a system composed of a reusable syringe, a needle carrier, and a container for used needles. Moreover, the invention includes an associated method for connecting and releasing a needle of a reusable syringe. The movable holding segment facilitates the release of the threaded connection of the needle carrier from the syringe body and makes the reusable syringe safer to use.

Abstract: A venipuncture assist device includes a main body having a first surface configured to confront a target venipuncture site. The device further includes a vein capture channel disposed within the first surface configured to urge a portion of a patient's tissue and subcutaneous vein therein when the vein capture channel is evacuated by vacuum, wherein the urging creates a bend in the vein for piercing by a venipuncture needle. The device further includes one or more needle channels extending from a front main body surface configured to receive and guide the needle into the bend in the vein.

Abstract: Systems and method of targeted injection are provided. A method includes: capturing an image of a subject; displaying the image on a touch screen display; providing input to the touch screen display, wherein the input generates at least one mark superimposed on the image; saving the image and the at least one mark as a modified image; projecting the modified image onto the subject; and administering an injection to the subject where the at least one mark is projected on the subject.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems and devices for delivering gaseous Nitrous Oxide (gNO) under therapeutic parameters to reduce infection in a subject. Certain embodiments include devices and systems for delivering pressurized gNO to reduce bioburden and promote healing in the wounds of subjects having various disease conditions, including skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) and osteomyelitis. In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides portable wound healing devices for delivering pressurized gNO to the site of a wound to treat various disease conditions in a subject.

Abstract: A dose indicator or dose counter is disclosed which includes an indexable first display unit indexable about a first display axis, an indexable second display unit indexable about a second display axis, the second display axis being transverse to the first display axis, and a chassis comprising a chassis frame, a displacement portion comprising a drive means to engage the first display unit, and at least one hinge means directly or indirectly connecting the displacement portion and chassis frame. The drive means is preferably configured to index the dose indicator. The dose indicator/counter has a small number of components yet is effective, reliable and compact.

Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus includes device (100) with a rocker arm (12) supporting a valve (11) that opens and closes an expiration opening (10) so that an oscillating resistance to flow is produced accompanied by an alternating sound at the frequency of oscillation. The apparatus also includes a sensor (20) with a microphone (21) that detects sound from the device (100) transmitted through air. The sensor (20) computes the frequency of the detected sound and represents this on a display (23).

Abstract: A vibratory PEP respiratory therapy device (100) includes a valve element (11) on a rocker arm (12) that opens and closes an opening (10) during exhalation through the apparatus. An accelerometer (20) including a piezoelectric beam (22) supported at one end (23) is mounted on the outside of the housing (2) of the device to respond to vibration transmitted though the housing caused by oscillating movement of the rocker arm (12). The output of the accelerometer (20) is supplied to a circuit (28), (29) that determines when the device (100) is used and the duration and quality of use of the device.

Abstract: Dispensing systems for a ventilator circuit having a ventilator flow circuit with a normal inhalation flow path with a heat and moisture exchanger (HME), a flow sensor in communication with the ventilator circuit, an automated drug dispensing system with an actuator and a pressurized canister residing upstream of the HME, a bypass inhalation flow path residing downstream of the pressurized canister, and at least one electromechanical valve residing in the inhalation flow path to selectively open the valve which can be normally closed to define a closed bypass path. At least one controller opens the at least one electromechanical valve to open the bypass inhalation flow path and close the normal inhalation flow path through the HME only when the flow sensor indicates air flow is in an inhalation direction. Once the valve is open, the actuator dispenses medication through the bypass inhalation flow path to the patient.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure device comprising a housing enclosing at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, and a chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber. A channel is positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, with the channel being moveably connected to a chamber of the at least one chamber. An air flow regulator is moveable with respect to the channel between a first position, where the flow of air through the channel is restricted and a second position, where the flow of air through the channel is less restricted, the air flow regulator being configured to repeatedly move between the first position and the second position in response to a flow of exhaled air.

Abstract: A medical measuring device (2), as well as to a ventilator (1), as well as to a method for operating a medical measuring device (2) or a ventilator are provided. The medical measuring device (1) includes a sensor system (14) and measuring, signal processing and calculating device (21), to detect an inspiratory measured variable, which represents an indicator for the transport of breathing gases into the lungs of a patient (80), and an expiratory measured variable, which represents an indicator for the transport of breathing gases out of the lungs of a patient (80), and to determine an indicator for a ventilation-related shifting of secretion from the expiratory measured variable and the inspiratory measured variable.

Abstract: A system comprises a respiratory delivery arrangement adapted to cover at least one respiratory orifice of a patient. The system also comprises a first conduit having a first end and a second end, the second end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. A positive pressure is provided to the respiratory orifice via the first conduit and a second conduit having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. An exhaled gas is extracted from the respiratory orifice by one or both of a valve configured to redirect flow through the respiratory delivery arrangement and a venturi opening.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus includes an inner volumetric member pressurizable from a first pressure to a second pressure and an outer volumetric member surrounding at least a portion of the inner expandable volumetric member. The inner volumetric member pressurizes the outer volumetric member as the inner volumetric member is pressurized from the first pressure to the second pressure. In another embodiment, a breathing assistance apparatus includes exhalation and inhalation chambers with respective biasing members providing for the exhalation chamber to apply a pressure to the inhalation chamber and thereby provide assisted inhalation. Methods for assisting breathing are also provided.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask (1) comprising an air-way tube (2) and a mask portion (6) with an inflatable cuff (8) which is arranged around the airway tube (2) at the distal end thereof. A gastric tube (12) which extends at least partially along the outer surface of the airway tube (2), penetrates through the wall of said inflatable cuff (8) at a first location, extends through said inflatable cuff (8), and ends in a connection to an opening (12) in the wall of the cuff at a second location at the tip part of the laryngeal mask, so as to provide a passage through said circumferential cuff. With respect to a central mirror symmetry plane said gastric tube extends along the outer surface of the airway tube (2) in an asymmetrical manner, through said inflatable cuff (8) at the first location arranged asymmetrically with respect to said central plane, through said inflatable cuff (8), and ends in the connection to the wall of the cuff (8) at the second location at the tip part.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheal tube assemblies disclosed herein may include a tubular body having an open distal end for ventilating a patient and a cuff disposed around the tubular body above the open distal end. The cuff may be adapted to be inflated to seal the cuff against a wall of a trachea of the patient. The cuff may include a first portion that spaces the tubular body a first distance from the tracheal wall when inflated and a second portion that spaces the tubular body a second distance from the tracheal wall when inflated. The second distance may be greater than the first distance.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breathing mask for use in a respirator, comprising a receiving cover comprising an engagement portion for engaging a patient's mouth portion and/or nose portion, a connection portion connected to a breathing pipe, and an elastic deformable portion for connecting the engagement portion with the connection portion; a bracket assembly, comprising a forehead support disposed external of the connection portion and a receiving cover fixing frame fixedly disposed external of the engagement portion, and an elastic member for connecting the forehead support with the receiving cover fixing frame from a bottom of the receiving cover. The breathing mask for use in a respirator according to the present invention may achieve automatic adjustment of the forehead support without manual assistant adjustment.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and delivering nitric oxide directly to a patient. A reaction chamber is provided that is located at or in close proximity to the patient and reactants within the reaction chamber react together to produce a predetermined amount of nitric oxide. The reaction is controlled by metering at least one of the reactants into the reaction chamber to generate a predetermined quantity of nitric oxide as required by the patient. The reactants can include a nitrite salt, such as sodium nitrite, and a reductant such as ascorbic acid, maleic acid or a mixture thereof. By generating and delivering the nitric oxide directly to the patient in close proximity thereto, the formation of NO2 is minimized. One or both of the reactants may be in liquid form.

Abstract: A gas delivery system including a gas delivery device, a control module and a gas delivery mechanism is described. An exemplary gas delivery device includes a valve assembly with a valve and circuit including a memory, a processor and a transceiver in communication with the memory. The memory may include gas data such as gas identification, gas expiration and gas concentration. The transceiver on the circuit of the valve assembly may send wireless optical line-of-sight signals to communicate the gas data to a control module. Exemplary gas delivery mechanisms include a ventilator and a breathing circuit. Methods of administering gas are also described.

Abstract: A filtration module for comprises a filter housing defining two or more filter compartments. The housing has an input side with a gas inlet in fluid communication with each of the filter compartments and a gas outlet in fluid communication with each of the filter compartments. A filter element resides in each of the compartments intermediate the gas inlet to the compartment and the gas outlet from the compartment. One application for the filtration module is a respiratory therapy device.

Abstract: Ventilator circuit aerosol delivery systems used to administer medication to a patient are disclosed. In one implementation, a metered dose inhaler (“MDI”) ventilator assembly may include a housing that defines an interior space, an inhalation port that defines an inhalation passageway in communication with the interior space, an exhalation port that defines an exhalation passageway in communication with the interior space, a patient port that defines a patient passageway in communication with the interior space, and a MDI receptacle positioned on the housing and in communication with the interior space. The MDI receptacle is operative to receive a MDI container and dispense an aerosolized medication within the MDI container into the interior space so that during inhalation, an inhalation flow including the aerosolized medication may flow through the inhalation port, the interior space, and the patient port.

Abstract: A method for reducing a loss of medication from a nebulizer includes the steps of entraining a liquid medication into a first flow of a pressurized gas into a nebulizer chamber and also entraining an additional amount of the liquid medication into a second flow of ambient air drawn into the nebulizer chamber through an opening when a patient inhales through the nebulizer chamber. When the patient exhales, a portion of the exhaled breath is directed into the outlet of the nebulizer chamber, thereby increasing a backpressure within the outlet and substantially stopping the second flow of ambient air into the nebulizer chamber, thereby decreasing the amount of medication lost to the ambient environment while the patient is not inhaling.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Introduced are methods and systems for: gathering human biological signals, such as heart rate, respiration rate, or temperature; analyzing the gathered human biological signals; and controlling a vibrating pillow strip based on the analysis.

Abstract: A system, method and kit for reminiscence therapy on an individual and group setting to treat depression and other disorders based on timing and application of reminiscence therapy using the compositions of one or more audio and visual elements configured to constructively interact with the individual's autobiographical memory components to stimulate memory components of the life of the individual with dementia.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for thermally conditioning a sleep environment and managing skin temperature of a user. The thermal system and method include a heat exchanger and controller configured to conductively cool and heat a user during sleep and at other times. The thermal system provides for management of skin temperature of a user, such that sleep comfort and/or quality may be improved, and the thermal system may take advantage of reduced sensitivity of a sleeper during deep sleep for more aggressive thermal manipulation of skin temperature via the conductive cooling. In addition, the thermal system may be further configured to condition the sleep environment when the user is not present based on pre-sleep or maintenance considerations.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein is directed to articles, compositions, systems, and methods of using and preparing bioceramic compositions and to the bioceramic compositions. A bioceramic composition of the disclosure radiates infrared energy or rays and can be used in the treatment of various conditions.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed which has at least a two-layered structure and can suppress decrease in function thereof by suppressing the disorder at an interface between layers during use, and a method for manufacturing the same. The catheter has an inner layer as a tube shaped body made of a thermoplastic resin and an outer layer, as a tube shaped body made of a thermoplastic resin, coming into contact with the outer surface of the inner layer, and has a reinforcement member which is at least partially embedded in the inner layer and includes a gap leading the inner layer toward the radial outside of the catheter. The inner layer has a protrusion which extends in an axial direction of the catheter while protruding from the gap to the radial outside, is positioned on the radial outside of the reinforcement member, and ingrows into the outer layer.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter having a curvilinear slit formed therein to allow for infusion of fluids through the catheter and into the blood vessel of the patient in the event of blockage of the primary opening of the catheter.

Abstract: A stabilized catheter tube for insertion into a body of a patient. The catheter tube includes a distal portion that remains stable during fluid infusion into the patient, thus reducing or eliminating whipping of the catheter distal tip. In one embodiment, the catheter tube defines at least one lumen and is formed from a tube material that defines a proximal portion and a distal portion of the catheter tube. The catheter tube is configured such that the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for the distal portion of the catheter tube is greater relative the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for the proximal portion of the tube. In one embodiment, the catheter tube is operably attached to an implantable access port and includes an enlarged distal portion relative a proximal portion of the catheter tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a device relative to tissue may include an emitter and a detector coupled to the device. The emitter may emit energy onto the tissue. The detector may detect energy reflected from the tissue. The detector may also generate a detector output signal indicative of a characteristic of the reflected energy. The apparatus may also include a processor that receives the detector output signal from the detector. The processor may determine whether there has been relative movement between the device and the tissue based on the detector output signal. The processor may also generate a processor output signal based on the relative movement. The apparatus may also include an actuator assembly engaging the device. The actuator assembly may receive the processor output signal from the processor. The actuator assembly may also move the device based on the processor output signal.

Abstract: A urinary catheter deployment cassette or system includes a catheter pack, a urinary catheter, and an introducer aid. The catheter pack defines an interior compartment having a rotatable spindle at least partially positioned therein. The urinary catheter is at least partially received within the interior compartment of the catheter pack and associated with the spindle. The catheter pack includes a deformable or pierceable cover that the spindle engagement member of the introducer aid is pressed to rotate the spindle and deploy the catheter from the catheter pack. In another embodiment, a catheter pack includes an associated drainage adaptor for draining fluid from the catheter pack or a urinary catheter positioned within the catheter pack. In another embodiment, a cassette includes a rotatable drum with a two-piece catheter wrapped around it and a joining tube that places the pieces of the catheter in fluid communication.

Abstract: A method includes obtaining a fractional flow reserve (FFR) value over a given distance in a patient's vasculature; providing a display of a region of interest of the patient's vasculature; displaying a graphic on the display of the location of the vasculature having a FFR value outside of a predetermined limit; and robotically positioning a medical elongated device proximate the location.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter that has adjustable stiffness that enables a user to select the stiffness of at least one region of the catheter during insertion and navigation through a body lumen. A preferred embodiment of the invention works in combination with a guidewire to enable placement of the catheter at a position within the vascular system, for example, to enable treatment of a variety of medical conditions. The catheter can include segments that undergo relative movement in response to actuation by the user to adjust the flexibility of the at least one region, preferably located at or near the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter body of a guiding catheter configured to be introduced into the renal artery, the catheter body including a plurality of abutting portions abutting at least two sites of the inner wall of the aorta on the abdominal side relative to the heart when the distal portion is disposed in the renal artery. A method for using a guiding catheter for the renal artery including providing the guiding catheter for the renal artery; inserting the guiding catheter from an artery in the arm and disposing a distal portion of the guiding catheter in the renal artery via the aorta; and causing the plurality of abutting portions to abut the inner wall of sections further on the abdominal side than the heart, in the aorta.

Abstract: An antimicrobial, securement, and position verification device for medical catheters is disclosed. A film, medical grade adhesive, and antimicrobial substance disposed on the medical grade adhesive operate in conjunction to secure the device to the patient's skin and to prevent infections. The catheter is secured by guide channels in the foundation and securement cover through the use of one or more adhesives impregnated with antimicrobial substances. The device further comprises catheter position alert media and indicators configured to indicate any unintentional positional changes.

Abstract: A method of making a core metal element for a medical guidewire comprising providing a wire of nickel titanium alloy having a length that includes a proximal portion having a first diameter and a distal portion having a second diameter. Applying cold work to the distal portion and not applying cold work to the proximal portion, thereby imparting to the distal portion a third diameter that is smaller than the second diameter; and then applying a reducing process to the wire whereby the proximal portion is reduced to have a fourth diameter that is less than the first diameter.

Abstract: A system for dilating a stenosed vessel is provided. The system includes a balloon mounted on a catheter shaft, the balloon being composed of a first material and fibers forming a grid attached to a surface of the balloon or integrated within a wall thereof. The fibers are composed of a second material having less elasticity than the first material such that when the balloon is inflated beyond a predetermined pressure balloon regions protrude from the grid formed by the fibers.

Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a balloon catheter is provided for use during annuloplasty. Preferably, the balloon includes a distal, noncompliant portion and a proximal semi-compliant portion which allows for sequential inflation, reliable positioning, and compliance measurement.

Abstract: An implantable electrode array assembly configured to stimulate tissue of a recipient, including an elongate member configured to be inserted into a recipient, wherein at least a portion of the elongate member includes a bio-active substance.

Abstract: A delivery device including a substrate formed in a coil comprising a plurality of loops, an active agent deposited between an inner surface and an outer surface of the substrate formed in the coil, and a pair of end caps, each end cap disposed on a corresponding end of the coil.