Abstract: An automatic injection device including a housing, a chamber with a first compartment and a second compartment, and a seal structure between the compartments. The seal structure is initially in a sealing condition that seals the first compartment from the second compartment, where the seal includes a plug and an outer sealing member. The plug is slidably movable within the outer sealing member to convert the seal structure from the sealing condition to a mixing condition by opening a path between the first compartment and the second compartment. The automatic injection device also includes a needle assembly and an activation assembly. Activation of the activation assembly causes (1) pressurization of the first compartment, (2) the seal structure to convert from the sealing condition to the mixing condition, and (3) the first and second medicament components to be mixed and forced through the needle assembly.

Abstract: A tip cap assembly adapted to close a fluid passageway of a distally projecting tip of an injection system, said tip cap assembly including an elastomeric inner cap having a frustoconical protrusion extending proximally and having a proximal face; a rigid outer cap which is securely disposed around said elastomeric inner cap; the proximal face of the frustoconical protrusion having a diameter at least greater than the diameter of the fluid passageway of the injection system.

Abstract: A re-usable, multi-dose injection device having a housing suitable for receiving a medicament cartridge, and also suitable for receiving a needle, and including a cap (22) that can be remove-ably attached to a needle receiving end of the housing, wherein the cap (22) has an adjustable length.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a housing with a compartment for a medicament container, an injection needle arranged to housing and connectable to the medicament container for delivering a dose of medicament, a manually operated activation mechanism, an actuation mechanism operably connected to the activation mechanism and configured to extend the injection needle, upon activation of the activation mechanism, from a first position inside the housing to a second position for penetrating a patient, a plunger rod in the housing configured to act on the medicament container for delivering a dose of medicament through the injection needle, a driver configured to acting on the plunger rod for delivering the dose, and a needle cover operably arranged in the housing between a position inside the housing and an extended position outside the housing for shielding the injection needle when the injection needle is in the second position.

Abstract: A device for delivering a substance in the form of aerosol is described. The device is used with a syringe equipped with a plunger and without a needle. The delivery device comprises: a connection sleeve for connecting the device with the syringe; a nozzle for delivering the substance as aerosol, preferably with troncoconical walls and obtained on an elongated outer body of the device; and a fluid-dynamic path comprised between the connection sleeve and the dispensing nozzle, wherein the path comprises an annular expansion chamber and an elongated acceleration chamber, so that, while in use, a manual actuation of the plunger introduces the substance into the fluid-dynamic path in a liquid form through the connection sleeve and produces the substance as aerosol through the dispensing nozzle.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a body (1), a fluid reservoir (2), a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (2), and a dose indicator device for indicating the number of doses of fluid that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from said reservoir, the dispenser being characterized in that said dose indicator device includes a first safety system for actuating the dose indicator device once the dispenser has performed a predetermined incomplete actuation stroke, even if the dispenser does not perform the complete actuation stroke.

Abstract: A counter for a handheld device for dispensing a pharmaceutical substance includes at least one counter wheel having legible characters. The counter wheel is rotatable about a rotational axis, and a drive part having a shaped engagement section rotates the counter wheel. An acting part, displaceable relative to the counter wheel in the direction of extension of the rotational axis against a spring force, is connected to and rotates together with the drive part. A base part which can form a part of the housing and can be inserted into the housing at least partly overlaps the substance container in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the substance container, and has a stationary rotational axis for the counter wheel, the drive part preferably being guided in the rotational axis. The drive part is located on the side of the substance container with respect to the counter wheel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering medicament to a subject use one or more sensors to generate signals that represent characteristics of the ultrasonic energy emitted by a respiratory medicament delivery device during operation. Parameters based on these signals indicate energy amplitude in one or more frequency ranges. Such parameters can be used to control and/or monitor device operation and/or patient adherence.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing novel adaptive base flow scheduling during ventilation of a patient to optimize the accuracy of estimated exhaled tidal volume. Further, this disclosure describes systems and methods for providing novel adaptive inspiratory trigger threshold scheduling during the novel adaptive base flow scheduling.

Abstract: A respiratory flow limitation detection device, which can include an airway pressure treatment generator, determines a flow limitation measure 506 based one or more shape indices for detecting partial obstruction and a measure of a patient's ventilation or respiratory duty cycle. The shape indices may be based on function(s) that ascertain the likelihood of the presence of M-shaped breathing patterns and/or chair-shaped breathing patterns. The measure of ventilation may be based on analysis of current and prior tidal volumes to detect a less than normal patient ventilation. The duty cycle measure may be a ratio of current and prior measures of inspiratory time to respiratory cycle time to detect an increase in the patient's inspiratory cycle time relative to the respiratory cycle time. A pressure setting based on the flow limitation may then be used to adjust the treatment pressure to ameliorate the patient's detected flow limitation condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for mounting a breathing circuit in an anaesthesia machine. The device comprises: a baffle, which is arranged above the breathing circuit; a hanging member, which is arranged on the baffle and the breathing circuit, for hanging the breathing circuit onto the baffle; and a locking member, which is arranged on the breathing circuit or on the baffle, for locking the breathing circuit below the baffle, when the breathing circuit is hung in place.

Abstract: A bi-lateral endobronchial suctioning device includes actuating and articulating components that allow a provider to accurately suction both right and left bronchi as well as the trachea in a controlled and safe manner. A control mechanism is used to manipulate the actuating components in tubes forming a suction catheter to flex the tip of the bi-lateral endobronchial suctioning device to the left and to the right when the device is inserted through an endotracheal tube or other similar device, to enable directional control of a catheter for suctioning the lungs or trachea. The device further includes a bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) port allowing sterile saline or other liquids or fluids to travel down the catheter lumen to assist with breaking up thick secretions which collect in the airways.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods that utilize a tracheal tube with a shaped evacuation port. An evacuation port coupled to a suction lumen may be shaped to reduce air channel formation within the suction lumen, which in turn may improve the suctioning force and efficiency. The shaped evacuation ports may be generally oval or may be shaped to minimize a height dimension while maintaining a suitable cross-sectional area. In particular embodiments, the shaped evacuation ports may have cross-sectional areas that correspond to a cross-sectional area of the suction lumen.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments of the present invention disclose a multi-camera intubation device for video-guided intubation. Video-guided intubation enhances the safety and success of intubation in medical practice by allowing practitioners to observe obstructions during intubation techniques, such as oropharygolaryngoscopy. A first camera supports visualization of the glottis while minimizing neck hyperextension and patient stimulation; a second camera vastly decreases the incidence of injury to the soft palate, palatopharyngeal arch, palatoglossal arch, and tonsil during passage of a rigid tube, such as a styleted endotracheal tube (ETT). This second camera would provide a real-time view of a patient's internal structures, for example, pharyngeal inlet, and thereby guide a safe, atraumatic intubation.

Abstract: An airway tube (2), an artificial airway device (1) for use in establishing an airway in a patient, and a method of manufacture are provided. The artificial airway device includes the airway tube for introduction into the patient's trachea for passage of gases to and from the patient's lungs. The airway tube defines a longitudinal axis, includes a flexible tube wall (3), and is capable of bending so as to fit into a patient's airway. The airway tube includes a distal portion (4) and a proximal portion (5), and is adapted such that all or a part of the proximal portion is relatively more resistant to bending out of the longitudinal axis than all or a part of the distal portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sealing cushion (24) for a patient interface (16), wherein the cushion (24) comprises a nose bridge contacting area (40) that is configured to contact a nose bridge of a patient (12) during use of the cushion (24), wherein the nose bridge contacting area (40) comprises a material having a secant stiffness of less than 0.45 N/mm at a material strain between 0.1 and 1, wherein the secant stiffness is defined as tensile force applied to the material per unit width of the material divided by the material strain, wherein the material strain denotes a ratio of material extension in length per unit of original length of the material.

Abstract: A pacifier includes a nipple portion, a body portion, and one or more clamps coupled to the body portion configured to attach to a nasal cannula through a friction fit. Each of the clamps is coupled to the body portion of variable lengths to accommodate variable distances between the position of the nasal cannula when inserted at nares and the mouth among different infants and small children. The body portion may further include a handle for handling the pacifier, openings for viewing and to allow substances to pass through. The clamps may further include a hook addition, an extension, and a protrusion addition and may be coupled to the body portion by a trough to facilitate bending of the clamps. The body portion may further include a slanted section to accommodate the nasal cannula.

Abstract: Headgear for a respiratory interface comprising multiple separate sections of material joined to form the headgear and different levels of resilient extensibility or stretchability in at least four different parts or straps of the headgear.

Abstract: Apparatus (500) and components for coupling fluid or gas conducting elements, such as apparatus and components for connecting a nebulizer (501) with a gas flow system. In particular, the apparatus (500) and components are useful for connecting, in a gas-tight and quick release manner, a nebulizer (501) to a pressure-assisted breathing system, such as a mechanical ventilator or a continuous airway pressure (“CPAP”) system.

Abstract: An adjustable heat and moisture exchanger (HME) for use with a breathing apparatus to humidify air comprising: an inlet for coupling to a source of air, and an outlet for delivering air to a patient and an air flow path between them, HME material in the flow path with two or more surfaces exposed to the air flow path to exchange humidity between patient air flow and an inlet air flow, at least one adjuster for adjusting the configuration of the HME material and/or the air flow to alter the air flow over the surfaces of the HME material to alter the exchange of humidity.

Abstract: An arrangement for dispensing a fluid comprises a fluid cartridge comprising a casing for accommodating the fluid and a fluid dispensing unit configured for generating particles upon feeding the fluid in the casing with pressurized medium. The arrangement further comprises a dispenser device comprising a cartridge accommodation unit configured for accommodating the fluid cartridge and a pressure feed unit configured for feeding the fluid in a casing of the fluid cartridge with a pressurized medium upon accommodating the fluid cartridge in the cartridge accommodation unit to thereby generate the particles upon feeding the fluid in the casing with the pressurized medium.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for ascertaining a personal tinnitus frequency consisting of an audio signal generator unit and an associated audio signal earphone, which apparatus provides a first audio signal whose frequency is continuously adjustable. The invention is characterized in that compensating means are provided in order to eliminate ambient noise through active noise reduction.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for placement within a vessel of a patient. The catheter comprises an elongated catheter body, a septum extending longitudinally through the interior of the catheter body from the dividing the interior of the catheter body into a first lumen and a second lumen. Each lumen has curved or angled internal walls at the distal end of the catheter that terminate at ports located on opposing sides of the catheter body. The invention also provides a method for exchanging fluids in a patient comprising the step of positioning the catheter of the present invention in communication with a fluid-containing vessel of a patient.

Abstract: A catheter is configured to be introduced into and indwelled in a body lumen. The catheter includes a lumen and a deformable region that extends parallel to the lumen of the catheter in an axial direction. The catheter is bendable. The deformable region is configured to be located on an inner side of a curved section when the catheter is bent. At least a portion of an outer surface of the catheter is covered with a surface lubricating layer. A less lubricious portion is on the outer surface of the catheter at the deformable region. The less lubricious portion is less lubricious than the surface lubricating layer, and the surface lubricating layer and the less lubricious portion are disposed at the same position in the axial direction of the catheter.

Abstract: Attachment of tubes of various constructions for use in a microcatheter, including joining to a multifilar helix. Methods of uses and construction with concentric tubes axially displaceable over one another to control navigability and/or positioning properties of a microcatheter.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter can be used to measure pressure at multiple locations within the vasculature. The multi-lumen catheter can include multiple segments, such as a proximal portion, an intermediate portion, and a distal portion. A segment of a multi-lumen catheter may differ from another segment of the same multi-lumen catheter in radiodensity, hardness, and/or some other characteristic. Some multi-lumen catheters are designed to permit measurements of pressure in different lumens.

Abstract: An endoscope or other medical device includes a number of lumens positioned in an outer shaft. The lumens are formed as a multiple lumen assembly. In one embodiment, individual lumens are connected to each other with a sheet or webbing material. The lumen assembly is rolled or folded along its length for incorporation into the outer shaft of the medical device. The sheet or webbing material may be notched or perforated to facilitate folding the lumen assembly and/or separating individual lumens from the lumen assembly.

Abstract: Methods and catheters suitable for removing or reducing the formation of cellular occlusion associated the catheters. The catheters include a surface coated or infused with magnetic nanoparticles. Once the catheter is implanted in a subject, the nanoparticles induce localized hyperthermia around the catheter in response to a magnetic field.

Abstract: A guidewire introducable into a bodily lumen having an obstruction therein is provided. An introducer needle is advanced through tissue and into the bodily lumen. A guidewire is advanced through the introducer and into the lumen. The guidewire is advanced further through the lumen until an atraumatic distal tip of the guidewire encounters an obstruction the distal tip cannot pass in a straight forward manner. The distal tip is pressed against the obstruction such that a flexible segment proximal of the distal tip forms a loop distal of the distal tip. The guidewire is advanced further through the lumen such that the loop of the flexible segment is pushed past the obstruction and the distal tip is pulled distally past the obstruction. A greater diameter guidewire extension can be coupled to the back end of the guidewire, providing function as a larger diameter guidewire.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods useable for directing a guidewire from a subintimal position within the wall of an artery into the true lumen of that artery or other applications wherein it is desired to direct a guidewire or other elongate device from one location to another location within a subject's body.

Abstract: A neuro-surgery assembly includes a neuro-catheter slidably received over a wire guide. The wire guide includes an inner tube positioned within an elongate hollow tube that includes a pattern of openings at its distal segment to provide an atraumatic tip for reaching sensitive locations in a brain. The wire guide is changeable between a stiff condition in which the inner tube is pressurized and a soft condition in which the inner tube is depressurized. The user may switch between the stiff and soft conditions to negotiate the tortuous pathway to a brain treatment site without a need to swap out to a different wire guide to support advancement of the neuro-catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments hereof relate to a guidewire formed from an elongated shaft, at least a portion of the shaft having an outer layer, a plurality of channels formed through the outer layer, and an inner core. The outer layer is formed from a material non susceptible to erosion by an erosion agent and the inner core is formed from a radiopaque material susceptible to erosion by the erosion agent. When exposed to the erosion agent, core material adjacent to the channels is removed to form a pattern of integral radiopaque segments or markers with a plurality of voids therebetween. By controlling the location of channels and the rate of erosion of the core material, the pattern of integral radiopaque segments and voids allow for in situ measurement when viewed under fluoroscopy.

Abstract: Disclosed are sheaths that comprise a first sheath member having a first passageway, a first length, and a first proximal end defined by a first valve apparatus configured to seal the first passageway, the first passageway having a first passageway diameter at a location in the first passageway; and a second sheath member coupled to the first sheath member, the second sheath member having a second passageway and a second length, the second passageway having a second passageway diameter at a location in the second passageway; where the first passageway and the second passageway are separate from each other and not co-axial, the first length is different from the second length, and the first and second sheath members are positioned beside each other for a portion of their first and second lengths.

Abstract: Balloon catheters, methods for preparing balloon catheters, and uses of balloon catheters are disclosed. The balloon catheter includes an elongate member, an expandable balloon, and a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the expandable balloon. The coating layer includes a total drug load of a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a combination of additives including a first additive and a second additive. The hydrophobic therapeutic agent is paclitaxel, rapamycin, or paclitaxel and rapamycin. The first additive is a surfactant. The second additive is a chemical compound having one or more hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, acid, amide, or ester groups.

Abstract: Balloon catheters, methods for preparing balloon catheters, and uses of balloon catheters are disclosed. The balloon catheter includes an elongate member, an expandable balloon, and a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the expandable balloon. The coating layer includes a total drug load of a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a combination of additives including a first additive and a second additive. The hydrophobic therapeutic agent is paclitaxel, rapamycin, or paclitaxel and rapamycin. The first additive is a surfactant. The second additive is a chemical compound having one or more hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, acid, amide, or ester groups.

Abstract: A non-compliant medical balloon, where the non-compliant medical balloon may be changed from a deflated state to an inflated state by increasing pressure within the balloon, is made with a first fiber layer, a second fiber layer over said first fiber layer such that the fibers of the first fiber layer and the fibers of the second fiber layer form an angle and a binding layer coating the first fiber layer and said second fiber layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon catheter comprising: an elastic catheter tube in which a second tube is slidably inserted into a first tube; and an elasticity restriction means for restricting the elasticity of the catheter tube with an elasticity rate thereof by connecting the first tube and the second tube, or a balloon catheter in which an inflation lumen and a guide wire lumen of a catheter tube are integrated.

Abstract: An ear medication delivery device for delivering a treatment liquid and retaining the treatment liquid within an ear canal of a patient including a unitary, one piece earplug formed of a soft resilient material including an ear canal engaging portion and an external portion and defining a single internal passage therethrough. The external portion includes a major disk and an annular medication applicator receiving portion in fluid communication with the internal passage. The ear canal engaging portion includes at least two minor disks of progressively different size extending outwardly in a generally radial direction. The ear canal engaging portion defines a molded resilient valve unitary with the earplug that is shiftable from a closed position to an open position in either direction under a preselected fluid pressure and that resiliently returns to the closed position below the preselected fluid pressure.

Abstract: A combination of low frequency high amplitude sonic frequency vibrations and high frequency low intensity ultrasonic pressure waves are applied to cosmetic compounds and to the skin to promote improved penetration of the cosmetic compounds into the epidermis. The cosmetic applicator device includes means for generating both sonic frequency vibrations and ultrasonic pressure waves adopted to deliver cosmetic compounds into the epidermis safely without significant temperature rise in the skin. Various removable applicator and skin cleaning attachments are also disclosed, including some with ultrasound waveguide.

Abstract: A medical device accessory comprising an interface configured to connect the medical device accessory with a medical device for administration of a medical treatment using the medical device and the medical device accessory, a plurality of electrical contacts proximate the interface, the electrical contacts comprising a lead electrical contact adapted to receive an voltage from a power source associated with the medical device and one or more identifying electrical contacts, and at least one conductor providing an electrical connection between the lead electrical contact and the one or more identifying electrical contacts. An arrangement of the one or more identifying electrical contacts connected to the lead electrical contact identifies a characteristic of the medical device accessory.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus configured to provide electrical stimulation to a leg of a user is provided. The treatment apparatus includes an inner layer configured to contact the leg of the user and configured to couple to an electrical stimulus, a retainer fixedly connected to the inner layer, and a fabric layer coupled to the inner layer, the fabric layer configured to releasably couple to the retainer to secure the electrical stimulus against the leg of the user.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for treating hypertension, e.g., via a pulsed electric field, via a stimulation electric field, via localized drug delivery, via high frequency ultrasound, via thermal techniques, etc. Such neuromodulation may effectuate irreversible electroporation or electrofusion, necrosis and/or inducement of apoptosis, alteration of gene expression, action potential attenuation or blockade, changes in cytokine up-regulation and other conditions in target neural fibers. In some embodiments, neuromodulation is applied to neural fibers that contribute to renal function. In some embodiments, such neuromodulation is performed in a bilateral fashion. Bilateral renal neuromodulation may provide enhanced therapeutic effect in some patients as compared to renal neuromodulation performed unilaterally, i.e., as compared to renal neuromodulation performed on neural tissue innervating a single kidney.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system is disclosed herein. The neurostimulation system includes an implantable pulse generator and an implantable therapy lead configured to be electrically coupled to the implantable pulse generator. The implantable therapy lead includes a flexible paddle electrode array with flexible electrodes. Each flexible electrode has a segmented configuration having first and second electrode segments and a flexible bridge or living hinge joining together the first and second electrode segments.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and apparatus for diagnosis of conductor anomalies, such as insulation failures, in an implantable medical device, such as an implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD), a pacemaker, or a neurostimulator. Insulation failures are detected and localized by identifying changes in electrical fields via surface (skin) potentials. Small variations in potential are detected along the course of the electrode near the site of insulation failure.

Abstract: An electrode connector assembly for use in transcutaneous electrical stimulation includes a flexible web extending in a plane and first, second, third and fourth electrode connectors carried by the web and spaced from each other about the web in the plane. The electrode connector assembly further includes an electrical connector and first, second, third and fourth conductors electrically coupling the respective first, second, third and fourth electrode connectors to the electrical connector.

Abstract: A device for the application of a transcutaneous electric stimulation stimulus onto the surface of a section of the human ear, includes at least two electrodes and a control device designed for input of a stimulation current via the electrodes. The stimulation device includes: a storage element that stores an allowed range of values for a contact resistance, which contact resistance is given between the at least two electrodes when the device is operated according to the intended use; a measuring device for measuring the contact resistance which is given between the at least two electrodes; a unit for changing the range of values for the contact resistance which range of values is stored in the storage element. The unit can change the stored range of values when a contact resistance measured by the measuring device lies outside of the stored allowed range of values.

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: Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles and/or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators and/or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. The assembly affords maximum patient mobility and comfort through differentiated components having minimal profiles and connected by way of detachable and adjustable connections.

Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for electrical therapies comprising at least one electrocatheter (10, 210, 310, 410), or an electroneedle, and at least one power supply device (20, 120A, 320A) capable of electrically supplying the electrocatheter or electroneedle with at least one current suitable for carrying out at least one therapy, characterised in that it comprises at least one system (90) for testing whether at least one desired point of application of the electrocatheter or electroneedle (10, 210, 310, 410) has been reached in the body of a patient, the testing system comprising at least one device for emitting an electric testing current (20, 120A, 320B) with which to electrically supply the electrocatheter (10, 210, 310, 410) or electroneedle before the start of the therapy, and at least one reading device, capable of providing at least one reading (60) of at least one response generated in the patient (66) by the electrostimulation with the electrocatheter (10, 210, 310, 410) or electron

Abstract: Some embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia. Some other embodiments of the present invention provide methods for selective neurostimulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia as well as techniques for applying neurostimulation to the spinal cord. Still other embodiments of the present invention provide stimulation systems and components for selective stimulation and/or neuromodulation of one or more dorsal root ganglia through implantation of an electrode on, in or around a dorsal root ganglia in combination with a pharmacological agent.