Abstract: The invention relates to a drive mechanism for a medical injection device in which a piston rod (10) has a threaded outer surface and a not circular cross-section and engages a nut assembly (2, 102, 202) having either an internal thread (41, 141, 241) mating the outer thread (11) of the piston rod (10), or a shape mating the non-circular cross section of the piston rod (10). The nut assembly (2) comprises a first part (30, 130, 230) and a second part (40, 140, 240), which are connected by a hinge allowing the first part (30, 130, 230) and the second part (40, 140, 240) to tilt relatively to each other in a non-axial plane.

Abstract: The invention regards a protective cap for a delivery system, said cap comprising a tip part releasably attached to a main part, wherein the tip part and the main part together form an elongated body with a closed tip end, and the main part comprises at least one means for assisting the use of the delivery system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the shield assemblies include a shield that is pivotably secured to a needle hub. A ball-and-socket hinge secures the shield and the hub to one another. The assembly includes a reversible shield lock to hold the shield in the needle-protected position. The assembly further includes at least one stop piece to stop the shield from over-rotating.

Abstract: A protection device for a syringe needle, having an elastomeric cap. The cap defining a housing receiving the distal portion of the body of a needle syringe. An end wall of the cap perforatable over a fraction of its thickness by the free end of the needle. The housing having a first segment of frustoconical or cylindrical shape; a cylindrical second segment for housing the distal portion of the syringe body that carries the needle, and a third segment that tapers from the second segment towards the end wall of the housing, the lateral wall provided with an annular bead arranged in the housing, at least one slot extending in a longitudinal direction across the annular bead. The second segment includes at least one axial groove that extends longitudinally over a fraction of the height of the second segment.

Abstract: According to the invention, a safety device for a pre-filled syringe with an injection needle comprises of a support body adapted to mount the pre-filled syringe, a needle shield slidably arranged with respect to the support body, a retention and locking means (M) for retaining and locking the needle shield with respect to the support body in a first and a second advanced position (PA1, PA2) and in a retracted position (PR). The needle shield comprises an annular flange adapted to rest on the skin of the patient receiving an injection. The retention and locking means (M) are arranged at a distal end of the safety device.

Abstract: An auto-retractable syringe having a barrel and a plunger moveable within said barrel, said barrel having a gland assembly inside a forepart thereof, said gland assembly being connected to a needle hub; wherein said needle hub is located in the forepart of said barrel via a Luer-lock thread, internal of the forepart of the barrel, and two or more lugs protruding from said needle hub, and wherein said Luer-lock thread is open internal of the barrel such that the needle hub can be drawn into the barrel uninhibited by the thread.

Abstract: The injection device comprises a medicine container, means for injecting medicine from the medicine container to a patient through a needle, a skin contact surface crossable by the needle and having protrusions which are pressed around the injection site when the injection device is applied on the patient's skin for the injection, the protrusions being arranged so as to reduce the pain caused by the penetration of the needle, and a sensor for detecting contact of the patient's skin with the skin contact surface, wherein a predetermined force of application of the injection device on the patient's skin is required for the sensor to detect the patient's skin.

Abstract: There is disclosed a heater unit (1600) for conductively heating a removable heat exchanger unit (1602) via a heat transfer surface of the heat exchanger unit, the heater unit comprising: a body portion (1610) for receiving the heat exchanger unit (1602); a flexible heating element (1604) which, in use, makes thermal contact with the heat transfer surface of the heat exchanger unit; a compressible portion (1606) disposed on the distal side of the flexible heating element (1604) relative to the heat exchanger unit (1602) when received; and a biasing arrangement (1608) operable, in use, to distribute a transverse compression force across the arrangement formed from the compressible portion (1606), the heating element (1604) and the heat exchanger unit (1602), whereby the compression force causes the heating element (1604) to be urged towards the heat transfer surface of the heat exchanger unit (1602) and the compressible portion, in conjunction with the compression force, causes the heating element (1604) to co

Abstract: Portable nebulizer apparatus for medical use, comprising a mesh arranged so as to intercept an internal fluid path which leads into a dispenser outlet, and an oscillator element which causes said mesh to oscillate, the mesh being integrated in an extractable mesh assembly housed between a first and a second half-casing, the half-casings being movable in relation to each other between a coupled operational configuration and a separated configuration which allows access to the mesh assembly.

Abstract: A system for the vaporization and delivery of liquids. The invention allows for the vaporization of liquids in an easy and economical way that does not require the manufacturing apparatuses to be present at the time of delivery.

Abstract: The invention provides a dry powder inhaler comprising a mouthpiece for patient inhalation, a cover movable about a hinge to open and close the mouthpiece, a delivery passageway for directing an inhalation induced air flow through the mouthpiece, a channel extending from the delivery passageway, a reservoir for containing medicament, the reservoir having a dispensing port connected to the channel, a cup received in the channel and movable between the dispensing port and the delivery passageway, wherein the cup comprises a cup cam follower, a cup spring biasing the cup towards the delivery passageway, a yoke movable between at least a first position and a second position and including a yoke cam, whereby closing the cover moves the yoke between the first position and the second position such that the yoke cam engages the cup cam follower and urges the cup against the cup spring to the dispensing port, and wherein the yoke cam, the cup cam follower, or both, is lubricated.

Abstract: An aerosolization system includes a container that is configured to deliver a unit dosage of a liquid when squeezed a single time. The system also includes an aerosolizer that is constructed of a housing defining a mouthpiece, and an aerosol generator disposed in the housing. The aerosol generator includes a vibratable membrane having a front face and a rear face, and a vibratable element used to vibrate the membrane. Further, the housing includes an opening that is adapted to receive a unit dosage of the liquid from the container. The opening provides a liquid path to the rear face of the vibratable membrane.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a plant material. In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the plant material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the plant material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the plant material. The first temperature is less than 95 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A method, connector and system for obtaining an indirect measurement of a parameter in a patient with a total liquid ventilation (TLV) system. At least one parameter measurement is obtained of a liquid taken in the TLV system comprising an endotracheal tube having a distal end inserted in a patient's trachea. At least one flow measurement is obtained of a liquid taken in the TLV system. Considering a fluid model of the TLV system, the at least one parameter measurement and the least one flow measurement are processed into the indirect measurement of the parameter in the patient. The indirect measurement may be a temperature or pressure. The temperature can be a lung temperature, a blood temperature or an organ temperature. The pressure may be a tracheal pressure or an alveolar pressure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a device for holding an endotracheal tube. The device includes a rail having opposite ends and a plurality of grooves at least partially along the length of the rail between the opposite ends. The device also includes a tube holder coupled to and slidable relative to the rail between the opposite ends. The tube holder includes at least one lever arm partially received with the grooves of the rail to allow lateral repositioning of the tube holder relative to the rail, a tie having a slit and a plurality of teeth, a base extending away from a patient relative to the at least one lever arm, and a tab extending laterally from the tube holder with the tab configured to be received within the slit of the tie. The base includes a pawl configured to engage at least one of teeth of the tie.

Abstract: The present specification is directed to a seal forming structure for a patient interface for delivery of air to a patient's airway, wherein the seal forming structure comprises a first section of a thermoformable material and a second section of another material. The present specification is also directed to a patient interface comprising such a seal forming structure, wherein the patient interface further comprises a shell. The specification is also directed to methods for manufacturing such a patient interface.

Abstract: A vent arrangement for a mask system includes a mask component and a mask vent provided to the mask component. The mask vent includes a plurality of vent holes each extending through a thickness of the mask component and each including a vent exit, and a continuous side wall structured to surround the plurality of vent exits of the vent holes.

Abstract: A nasal breathing apparatus includes a first portion along a first axis and a second portion along a second axis. Each of the first portion and the second portion includes a passage, a plug section, and a passage section. The passage of the first portion extends along the first axis from a first opening at a first end of the first portion to a second opening at a second end of the first portion. The plug section of the first portion is near the first end of the first portion and has a diameter greater than a diameter of the passage section of the first portion at the second end of the first portion. The passage of the second portion extends along the second axis from a first opening at a first end of the second portion to a second opening at a second end of the second portion. The plug section of the second portion is near the first end of the second portion and has a diameter greater than a diameter of the passage section of the second portion near the second end of the second portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a nasal cannula apparatus (10). The apparatus is configured to detect the pressurized flow of breathable gas to and/or from the airway of a subject through the nose of the subject. In some embodiments, the apparatus comprises a body (17), a first nasal cannula system (12) formed in the body configured to engage a first nostril of a first nasal passage, and a second nasal cannula system (34) formed in the body configured to engage a second nostril of a second nasal passage of the subject. The second nasal cannula system is joined to first nasal cannula system by a bridge (38) such that the first nasal cannula system engages the first nostril and second nasal cannula system engages the second nostril at the same time. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured to transmit expiratory and inspiratory nasal pressurized flow to connective conduits (20, 40).

Abstract: A back strap for a patient interface device having a headgear component including a first strap member and a second strap member attached to the first strap member and structured to wraparound a back of the patient's head. The back strap member includes a first portion having a first attachment mechanism structured to couple the first portion to the second strap member, a connecting portion extending from the first portion, and a second portion having a second attachment mechanism structured to couple the second portion to at least one of the first strap member, a patient sealing assembly, or skin, hair, neck or clothing of the patient in a manner wherein the back strap member is configured to hold the second strap member and prevent it from riding up on a head of the patient during use.

Abstract: A mask assembly is provided for delivering gas to a patient that includes a mask body and a breathing circuit interface. The mask body includes an opening for reception of the gas and includes a seal structure for sealingly engaging with the face of the patient and surrounding at least the nose and mouth of the patient. The breathing circuit interface includes a first portion rotatably connected with the mask body and a second portion that is constructed and arranged to releasably connect with a conduit for delivering the gas to the patient through the opening.

Abstract: A respiratory system provides conditioned respiratory gases to a patient within a controlled temperature environment. A humidification apparatus has an inspiratory tube that may extend to a patient interface. The inspiratory tube may have a reduced length. A thermal insulation component may insulate at least a portion of the inspiratory tube. As a result, less of the inspiratory tube may be exposed to the surrounding ambient environment, which may reduce condensate formation within the inspiratory tube and heat loss to the surrounding ambient environment. The humidification apparatus may be directly coupled to the controlled temperature environment.

Abstract: A nebulizer apparatus for delivering medication in the form of an aerosol to a patient. The apparatus includes a medication reservoir for receiving liquid medication, a face mask for direct attachment to the medication reservoir for delivering aerosol to a patient, an attachment to a nebulizer machine, a mouthpiece, and hosing to inter-connect the nebulizer components. The medication reservoir of the nebulizer apparatus includes rapid injection ports for the addition of medication to the medication reservoir, and is connected to either the face mask or to a T-junction connector element.

Abstract: Described here are devices for intranasally delivering therapeutic gases to a patient. The devices may include a measurement chamber, a combination of pressure regulators and a sequencing mechanism that controls valves associated with the pressure regulators. When implemented in a hand-held dispenser, the hand-held dispenser may reliably deliver consistent doses of gas regardless of the unknown state and pressure of the therapeutic gas in the measurement chamber.

Abstract: A ventilator including an inspiration flow control unit and an expiration flow control unit coupled to the inspiration flow control unit. The ventilator also includes a nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) control system coupled to the inspiration flow control unit and the expiration flow control unit. The NIMV control system is configured to automatically and simultaneously adjust an inspiration flow and an expiration flow. A pressure of the inspiration flow is increased from a baseline pressure to a control pressure. A pressure of the expiration flow is returned to the baseline pressure.

Abstract: A method of making a platform of medical devices from a single tube of a memory metal is described. The single tube, which may be generally cylindrical, is cut to form perforations that function as scoring lines and are located adjacent to the proximal and distal ends. The perforations allow the manufacturer to cleanly tear proximal memory metal strips from each other and to cleanly tear distal memory metal strips from each other so that the freed proximal memory metal strips may be re-attached to each other and the freed distal memory metal strips may be re-attached to each other to form a medical device that may be positioned inside a catheter that has an inner diameter (ID) that is less than the outer diameter of the single tube. The formed medical device may be in the form of an expandable, shape-set basket with x-ray markers that may be used to remove an intracranial blood clot.

Abstract: A catheter is provided having a catheter tube which has excellent interlayer bonding strength between a polyamide-based resin and a modified polyolefin resin, and which can ensure visibility with a suitable color degree. A catheter is provided having a catheter tube. The catheter tube includes a first polyamide layer, a modified polyolefin layer arranged on an inner surface of the first polyamide layer, and a second polyamide layer arranged on an outer surface of the first polyamide layer. Among the first polyamide layer, the second polyamide layer, and the modified polyolefin layer, only the second polyamide layer includes a coloring agent.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a base material, an optional body material, and a braid structure having crescent-shaped ribbons braided into the structure. Various biocompatible polymers can function as base or body materials. When a ribbon is metallic, various biocompatible materials can function in the ribbon. The crescent of a crescent ribbon can face luminally or abluminally.

Abstract: Adjustable catheter including an elongate tubular shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a length therebetween. The elongate tubular shaft has a guidewire lumen defined therein extending along at least the distal portion of elongate tubular member and further has at least one pressure lumen defined therein extending along at least a section of the length of the elongate tubular shaft. The at least one pressure lumen having a proximal end and a closed distal end. A fluid adaptor is in fluid communication with the at least one pressure lumen. The catheter has a stiffness profile and a flexibility profile along a length there of and at least one of the stiffness profile and the flexibility profile selectively adjustable upon introduction of a pressurizing fluid into the at least one pressure lumen.

Abstract: In accordance with the present disclosure there is provided exemplary embodiments of an introducer sheath having a hub with an elongated tubular member extending from the hub. Disposed within the hub is a flexible valve member with a proximal surface and a distance surface and an aperture extending between the proximal surface and the distal surface. Both surfaces of the flexible valve member being parallel in a non-planar, retracted state and in a planar, relaxed state.

Abstract: A device for the ECG derivation from a catheter can be used with a guide wire as well as without a guide wire, and can be manipulated in a simple and sterile manner. The device includes a pipe section exhibiting a channel that includes a contact pin which is connected to a terminal at the outer face of the device and is movable between a first position and a second position, the two positions representing different positions with respect to the channel axis.

Abstract: A steerable catheter that includes a first elongated member, a second elongated member, and a distal tip coupled to distal portions of the first and second elongated members. The first elongated member has at least one lumen and a male or female element. The second elongated member has the other of the male or female element, wherein the male element engaged with the female element. Relative movement between the first elongated member and the second elongated member causes a curveable portion of the catheter proximal from the distal tip to bend without uncoupling of the first elongated member and the second elongated member. A sheath may be provided to encircle the first and second elongated members and define the curveable portion between the distal end of the sheath and the distal tip of the catheter.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein related to a printing system configured to print a three-dimensional object on a region of interest. The printing system can include one or more steerable actuators that are coupled to and configured to controllably steer the one or more dispense elements. Other embodiments disclosed herein also relate to methods of using such printing systems.

Abstract: A robotic catheter system includes a base and a robotic mechanism having a longitudinal axis and being movable relative to the base along the longitudinal axis. A flexible track is releasably secured to the base and includes an outer surface having a longitudinal opening slit extending therethrough to an inner channel. A rigid guide has a non-linear portion fixed relative to the robotic mechanism. A portion of the flexible track moves along the non-linear portion of the rigid guide away from the longitudinal axis when the robotic mechanism moves along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A catheter system including an insertion device and a catheter device. The insertion device includes a housing, a latch, a needle for insertion into a patient; and a spring. The catheter device includes a housing comprising a chamber, and a seal disposed in said chamber. The seal is configured to reseal when the needle is withdrawn from the seal such that blood is sealed in the chamber. The spring relaxes and thereby retracts the needle entirely into the housing of the insertion device when the latch decouples from the catheter device.

Abstract: This invention provides devices and methods for insertion of a catheter into a vessel. The devices include coaxial slidably mounted needle, dilator and catheter components. The methods include piercing a vessel with the needle component, dilating the pierced hole with the dilator component, retraction of the needle component, insertion of the catheter and withdrawal of the dilator.

Abstract: A surgical guiding device for minimally invasive surgical procedures includes a flexible elongated body having one or more through lumens; and a guidewire system at least partially disposed within at least one of said one or more through lumens of the flexible elongated body for guiding a surgical instrument to a surgical site.

Abstract: Enhanced dual purpose systems enable dilating of at least a lesion within a blood vessel and providing an anti-proliferative medicament in a non-attached form directly into the lumen of the vessel. Likewise provided is the ability to stop blood flow to prevent wash-out of the medicament during dwell time within the body lumen, and the ability to remove the medicament after the dwell time of the device to prevent unwanted exposure of the same within the body.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter including a catheter shaft and an inflatable balloon secured to a distal end region of the catheter shaft. The inflatable balloon has a generally conical shape in a fully inflated configuration having a proximal conical portion that tapers away from the central longitudinal axis in a distal direction from a proximal waist of the balloon and a distal conical portion that tapers toward the central longitudinal axis in a distal direction toward a distal waist of the balloon, with a radially outermost extent of the balloon located between the proximal conical portion and the distal conical portion. The proximal conical portion, the distal conical portion and/or the radially outermost extent of the balloon has an elliptical cross-section taken in a plane perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Methods and devices to quickly and accurately apply medication to a paranasal sinus are disclosed. Additionally, the methods and devices prevent the medication applied to a paranasal sinus from flowing down a patient's throat by expanding, using an inflation lumen of a device, an expandable member of the device adjacent to the patient's choana.

Abstract: An intravascular balloon catheter that may include, for example, a first elongate member having a proximal end, an opening at the distal end and a lumen therebetween, a balloon defining a cavity, the balloon having a proximal waist sealingly attached to the first elongate member proximal the distal end, a distal waist, and a tubular portion therebetween, a second elongate member having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen therebetween, the second elongate member disposed in the first elongate member and sealingly attached to the balloon distal waist, and a stopper attached to the second elongate member and disposed in the balloon cavity distal the distal end of the first elongate member, the stopper having an outer profile that prevents movement of the first elongate member thereover the first elongate member having an inner diameter at the distal end large enough to permit the passage of fluid therethrough over the second elongate member.

Abstract: A tubular medical device, such as an elongate catheter is provided. The catheter includes an anchor mechanism with two or more arms biased toward an expanded position and can be urged toward a narrower insertion position. Each of the two or more arms are fixed to the tube proximate a nonexpandable distal tip of the tube and to the central portion of the tube. A biasing member is disposed in conjunction with the anchor mechanism, the biasing member is connected to the tube at the central portion proximate to a position where the two or more arms connect to the tube and is also connected to the tube proximate to the distal tip. The biasing member urges the two or more arms toward the expanded position.

Abstract: An implant device is configured to be implanted in a fistula to fluidly connect the lacrimal apparatus and a paranasal sinus. A surgical tool has an implant the implant device mounted on a carrier. Various methods involve a fistula between the lacrimal apparatus and a paranasal sinus. A kit includes an entry device for use to form a fistula and an implant tool for use to implant an implant device following formation of a fistula.

Abstract: The present invention offers an alternative for cancer treatment where radiation, thermotherapy, or another therapeutic modality must be delivered to an internal cavity of a subject, for example to treat mouth, anal, cervical, and vaginal cancers. The invention is a new approach that builds on recent results in 3D printing and steerable needle motion planning to create customized implants containing customized curvature-constrained internal channels that fit securely, minimize air gaps, and precisely guide treatment sources through internal printed channels to accurately reach tumors and minimize damage to healthy tissue.

Abstract: A microneedle applicator. The applicator can include a microneedle array, a microneedle array holder, and an actuator movable between a first position and a second position to cause the microneedle array holder to move, respectively, between a retracted position and an extended position. The applicator can further include a first biasing element configured to bias the actuator in the first position, and a counter assembly, or mechanism, configured to count a number of times the microneedle array holder is moved between the retracted position and the extended position (or the number of times the actuator is moved from the first position to the second position). In some embodiments, the counter assembly can include the actuator and first biasing element.

Abstract: Microneedle arrays and methods of forming the same can include one or more bioactive components bonded to a biocompatible material such that the one or more bioactive components are cleavable in vivo to release the bioactive component from the biocompatible material.

Abstract: A therapeutic agent injection device including an injection device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient having a body, the body having a patient face and a port face opposite the patient face, the port face having an introducer port including an introducer channel and an injection port including an injection channel, the introducer channel being in fluid communication with the injection channel through a cross channel, the injection channel defining an injection axis; a delivery tube for subcutaneous delivery of the therapeutic agent to the patient, the delivery tube projecting from and being generally perpendicular to the patient face, the delivery tube defining an introducer axis and being in fluid communication with the injection port; and a patch, the patch being attached to the patient face and being operable to adhesively attach to the patient; wherein the injection axis is parallel to the introducer axis.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a disposable connector 20 suitable for engagement on the substitution post 180 of a hemo filtration machine 18. The connector 20 comprises: a rigid main body 22 defining a duct 220 ; and a soft element 24 fitted on an end of the main body 22. In the connector 20 according to the invention, the soft element 24 comprises a membrane 240 occluding the duct 220 and performing a valve function; and a seal portion 242 radially expanding outward of the duct 220.

Abstract: An electrode system includes a gel deployment receptacle configured to release a conductive gel onto a body of a subject and a fluid pump in fluid communication with the gel deployment receptacle.