Abstract: The invention relates to a mg delivery device (1), comprising: a housing (2) containing and holding a container (6) with a needle (5) attachable at its distal end, a needle shield (4) adapted to be movable with respect to the housing (2) between an advanced position (PI) in which the needle (5) is covered and a retracted position (PII) in which the needle (5) extends through an distal opening (4.2) of the needle shield (4), and a protective needle cap (7) releasably attached to cover the needle (5) before injection, wherein the needle shield (4) is adapted to move in a double movement sequence (M1, M2) between the advanced position (PI) and the retracted position (PII) to perform different operations in sequence.

Abstract: Medical devices for injecting tissue and methods of use thereof are described. The medical device may comprise a handle, a shaft, and a plurality of needles extending through the shaft, each needle defining a lumen therethrough and being independently moveable along a longitudinal axis of the device to transition from a retracted configuration to an extended configuration. In the extended configuration, a distal portion of each needle may deflect radially outward with respect to the longitudinal axis of the device. The medical device may comprise an end cap coupled to the distal end of the shaft and/or a locking mechanism to selectively lock the needles in the retracted configuration and/or extended configuration.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery device (1) comprising a dose delivery mechanism and a blocking structure (80, 180) for preventing inadvertent activation of the dose delivery mechanism. The blocking structure (80,180) enables and disables the dose delivery mechanism dependent on the position of a needle holder (30, 130) relative to a drug cartridge holder (20, 120).

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for applying an anesthetic includes a receptacle having an upper end, a substantially hollow interior, a lower end having a tube or nozzle extending therefrom, and an attachment for attaching to the barrel of a syringe or vice versa. The receptacle receives a container or canister containing an endothermic gas or vapor (propellant) that rapidly absorbs heat when released to the atmosphere. A depressible actuating member or trigger propels the gas or vapor through an outlet nozzle that is oriented to project a stream of gas or vapor along a delivery axis that intersects a delivery axis of the needle, therefore, the gas or vapor can be successively delivered to an injection site with minimal repositioning of the housing.

Abstract: A device for locating blood vessels of a patient includes at least one illumination strip including a top surface and a bottom surface. There is a securing device connected to the at least one illumination strip and configured to affix the bottom surface to the patient's skin. There is a light source disposed along the at least one illumination strip and directed toward an area on the patient's skin adjacent to the at least one illumination strip to illuminate the area on the patient's skin and enhance visibility of the patient's blood vessels.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical injection device may comprise a main body case having a cartridge holder, a piston that pushes out the pharmaceutical of a pharmaceutical cartridge held in the cartridge holder, a light emitting component, a light receiving component, and a controller. The light emitting component may shine light of different colors on the pharmaceutical cartridge disposed in the cartridge holder. The light receiving component receives light that has been shined from the light emitting component onto the pharmaceutical cartridge and reflected by the pharmaceutical cartridge. The controller may shine from the light emitting component and identify the type of pharmaceutical cartridge.

Abstract: A vaporizer comprising a mouthpiece, atomizer and battery. The atomizer preferably includes an upper chamber and a lower chamber disposed directly below the upper chamber. The upper chamber is preferably the shape of part of an oval cone and the lower chamber is preferably the shape of an oval cylinder. A heat source is disposed in the lower chamber, preferably running lengthwise along the longest diameter of the oval cross-section of the lower chamber. The atomizer is detachable connectable to the battery's housing, facilitating an electrical connection between the atomizer and the battery.

Abstract: A gas conditioning unit for a surgical gas delivery device is disclosed, which includes a filter housing having an insufflation gas flow path for delivering insufflation gas to a body cavity and for facilitating pressure measurements from the body cavity, a pressurized gas flow path for delivering pressurized gas from a pump in the surgical gas delivery device to an internal nozzle in the filter housing that accelerates the pressurized gas and thereby generates a continuous pressure barrier that inhibits egress of insufflation gas from the body cavity, a vacuum return flow path for returning depressurized gas spent by the internal nozzle back to the pump under vacuum, an air entrainment flow path for drawing air into the body cavity to maintain a given pressure therein, and a smoke evacuation flow path for conveying smoke from the body cavity.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body and a cover that pivots between a closed position and an open position and reservoirs each containing a dose of fluid. The reservoirs are arranged on a strip and an opening mechanism is provided. The device includes a movable support to move a reservoir against the opening mechanism. The movable support is movable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position. The device includes a strip-rolling system having a drum and an actuator member. The actuator member turning relative to the body in a first direction when the movable support is moved from the non-dispensing position towards the dispensing position, and in a second direction when the movable support is moved from their dispensing position towards the non-dispensing position. The actuator member causes the drum to turn only when turning in the second turning direction.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a therapy to a subject may include a lumen configured to be coupled to a portion of a respiration passage of the subject to receive air respired by the subject. A sensor is configured to monitor the lumen and generate a signal based on the air respired by the subject. A pressure pulse delivery system is configured to deliver a pressure pulse along the lumen to the subject and a reservoir of therapeutic agent is coupled to the lumen. A processor is configured to receive the signal from the sensor, determine, from at least the signal, an exhalation period of the subject, and based on the exhalation period, cause the pressure pulse delivery system to deliver a pressure pulse to the subject. Following the pressure pulse, the processor can cause the therapeutic agent to be delivered from the reservoir.

Abstract: A pulmonary drug delivery system is disclosed, including a breath-powered, dry powder inhaler, and a cartridge for delivering a dry powder formulation. The inhaler and cartridge can be provided with a drug delivery formulation comprising, for example, a diketopiperazine and an active ingredient, including, peptides and proteins such as insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 for the treatment of endocrine disease, for example, diabetes and/or obesity.

Abstract: A method selects the setting of a first operating parameter of a ventilation system that includes devices for feeding breathing air to and removing from a patient (7), a display device (13) with a screen (15) and a computer (11). The method includes presetting a first target value range for a first ventilation parameter, calculating permissible first operating parameter values by the computer (11) for the first operating parameter, so that the first ventilation parameter value is within the target value range if a permissible first operating parameter value is set; calculating values of a preset cost function, which is a function of at least one operating parameter, by the computer (11); selecting a first operating parameter value by the computer (11), at which the value of the cost function has an optimum; and outputting the selected first operating parameter value on the screen (15) of the display device (13).

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a method is described that includes providing a measured signal such as gas pressure or flow or any respiratory signal derived or obtained by combining pressure or flow signals related to a patient's breathing. Breathing events of interest are detected by establishing similarity of at least a portion of the measured signal with a reference signal or a collection of reference signals using a similarity criterion. A ventilation cycle is triggered if patients breath phase transition event is detected from the measured signal using the described method.

Abstract: A system for enhancing secretion removal from an airway of a subject by applying a negative pressure to the airway of the subject just prior to an exsufflation is provided. The negative pressure is applied just after the subject has inhaled under his own power and/or just after generator mechanical insufflation by the system. The negative pressure applied just after inhalation/insufflation and just prior to exsufflation temporarily reduces the cross-sectional area of the airway of the subject. A reduced cross-sectional area User of the airway increases the velocity of air through the air-way during a subsequent exsufflation, which results in enhanced secretion clearance. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more of a pressure generator, a subject interface, one or more sensors, a user control interface, one or more processors, and/or other components.

Abstract: This invention provides ventilators that provide superior air-oxygen mixing and gas delivery. The ventilators that supply a gas mixture to the lungs of a subject. The gas mixture comprises a first gas (e.g. oxygen) and a second gas (e.g. ambient air). The ventilators comprise a first gas inlet, a second gas inlet, flow modulator of the first gas, a flow modulator of the second gas, a junction configured to mix the first gas and the second gas, a patient interface configured to deliver the gas mixture to a subject, a pressure sensor, a plurality of flow sensors comprising at least a first flow sensor and a second flow sensor, and at least one controller configured for obtaining data from the pressure sensor and flow sensors and controlling the flow modulators to provide a gas mixture having a target pressure and a target oxygen content.

Abstract: An endobronchial tube which contains an integrated camera and light source and a cleaning nozzle arrangement disposed within dedicated peripheral lumen within the tube's wall.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube (1) is made from a first component (20) of a relatively hard plastics material that is overmoul - ded with a second component (29) of a softer plastics material (26). The first component (20) provides a machine end coupling (6) and a helical reinforcement member (23, 23?) extending along the region (3) that will, in use, extend through the tracheal tissue. The second component (29) extends along the reinforcement member (23, 23?) and beyond it to form the patient end (2) of the tube (1).

Abstract: A system for determining a position of a medical device in a respiratory system of a patient is provided. The system includes a positioning apparatus, a flexible guide rod having a distal portion, the flexible guide rod configured to be inserted into a passage of the respiratory system of the patient through the positioning apparatus, and an emitter coupled to the distal portion of the flexible guide rod.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a facial mask for use in positive airway pressure air supply systems, the facial mask having an internal intermediate maxilla support for providing a uniform sealing force around the breathing passages of a user.

Abstract: A cushioned sleep apnea mask to provide comfort to the user while wearing the sleep apnea mask. The cushioned sleep apnea mask provides a body that can be secured around the user's head so as to cushion portions of the user's head contacted thereby. The sleep apnea mask includes a rear portion to be positioned on the rear of the user's head, wherein a pad is disposed on the interior surface thereof. An upper strap extends around the user's forehead and a lower strap extends around the user's face. The front of the body includes a breathing device that can be placed over the user's nose, wherein the breathing device is connected to the upper strap and lower strap of the sleep apnea mask.

Abstract: An interface and headgear assembly includes a headgear assembly. The headgear assembly has a first strap configured to connect to the interface. A crown strap can be adjusted along a length of the first strap. In some configurations, the crown strap has a first portion and a second portion that are adjustably connected. The crown strap can be removably connected to the first strap using bridge regions of the first portion and the second portion.

Abstract: Mouthpiece (1) having vestibular shield (21) overlapping a user's teeth and gums, gases passageway means extending through said vestibular shield allowing for the passage of said gases through mouthpiece and extra oral sealing (25) means associated with gases passageway, said passageway in use causes gases to be diffused (outlets 23, 24) when exiting from gases passageway. Mouth piece may have a noseflap to seal the user's nose or provide a passageway for user's nasal passages. Mouthpiece may have adjustment means to alter distance between said vestibular shield and said extra-oral sealing means.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for humidifying a breathing gas are presented. The system includes a source of pressurized breathing gas, a vapor transfer unit external to the source of pressurized breathing gas, a first gas tube connecting the source of pressurized breathing gas to the gas inlet of the vapor transfer unit and having a first length, a liquid supply having a heater that heats liquid, a first liquid tube coupling the liquid supply to the liquid inlet of the vapor transfer unit, and a second gas tube having a second length and connecting the gas outlet to a patient interface. The first length is greater than the second length. The vapor transfer unit includes a gas passage, a liquid passage, and a membrane separating the gas passage and the liquid passage. The membrane is positioned to transfer vapor from the liquid passage to the gas passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a turbine ventilator having a fast response to the required inhalation of a subject connected to the ventilator. The turbine ventilator (1000) comprises: a first valve (3) connectable to at least one breathing orifice of the subject; an inspiratory reservoir (6) having an adjustable volume, said inspiratory reservoir being fluidically connectable to said first valve; a turbine unit (1) fluidically connectable to the inspiratory reservoir, said turbine unit being fluidically connectable via said first valve to the at least one breathing orifice of the subject; and a control unit (9) configured to control said first valve for controlling a flow or pressure from the inspiratory reservoir and/or turbine unit to the subject based on setpoints.

Abstract: A patient valve (31) for use with a resuscitator (1) has a first valve (45) opened by expiratory pressure and a second valve (71) downstream of the first that is opened by gas pressure passed by the first valve during expiration. Two pressure monitoring channels (32) and (33) extend from opposite sides of the second valve (71) to respective pressure sensors (320) and (330). A processor (340) receives the outputs of the sensors (320) and (330) to compute a differential pressure signal from which an indication of expiratory gas flow is derived. Expiratory tidal volume is derived by integrating the flow over time.

Abstract: A method for treating angina by introducing medicine to a patient's sphenopalatine ganglion with a catheter. The medicine includes a mixture of a local anesthetic, a steroid, an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory.

Abstract: Modified medical syringe with a flow regulator for the administration of anaesthesia, which allows for anaesthesiologists to handle the needle, control continuous aspiration and administer the anaesthetic with a single hand, thereby preventing intravascular injections. It comprises a flexible tube, designed to be introduced inside the barrel, which supplies the anaesthetic; a cylindrical body located on the rod, equipped with a protuberance along a semicircle located on the proximal side of the body and a through-hole wherein one end of the flexible tube may be introduced; a cylindrical cap located inside the syringe barrel, equipped with a longitudinal groove along its cylindrical side, which is designed to house the aforementioned flexible tube; a preloaded spring around the rod located between the cap and the support disk; and a pressurisation device connected to the flexible tube.

Abstract: A sleep pod can secure a user inside and promote napping. The pod can include biofeedback mechanisms for aiding users in the inducement of sleep for short periods of time and for use as a fatigue management solution. The pod can include a housing including a base to support cushioning and a human being, a hinged lid, closable onto the base to securely include the human being, and a sleep control module supporting at least one of: temperature, security, noise cancellation, sound generation, vibration production mechanisms, lighting, ventilation, and communications. The housing can be made any combination of fiberglass, wood, plastic, metal, and rubber. The sleep control module can support wireless communication with a handheld device associated with the human being, and can support wireless communication with a remote server via a data communication network.

Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing a peripheral catheter having a plurality of diffusion holes.

Abstract: An immunotherapy delivery device is provided including a catheter and a pressure modulating device fixed adjacent the distal end of the catheter. In accord with aspects of the device, the lumen of the catheter is coated to facilitate delivery of a healthy immunotherapy agent. A method for delivering an immunotherapy agent to a tumor includes advancing the delivery device into a vessel of a patient, and infusing the agent under pressure into the vessel to penetrate the tumor. The delivery device prevents reflux of the agent toward non-treatment sites.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detecting tension on a tendon and/or mechanical deformation (e.g., breakage) of one or more steering tendon of a steerable and flexible articulating device. Theses apparatuses may have one or more tendons that are each electrically conductive and configured to steer the apparatus when tension is applied to the proximal end of the tendon. Tension and/or breakage (or other deformation) of one or more of these tendons may be detected by monitoring the electrical resistance of the tendons.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that secures a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors. In some implementations, the anchor device can be installed using a technique in which the subcutaneous anchors undergo relatively little or no flexing when being inserted through the skin into the subcutaneous region between the skin and underlying muscle tissue which may be occupied by fatty tissue.

Abstract: A guidewire includes a wire body having a first wire arranged on a distal end side and a second wire arranged on a proximal end side of the first wire. A proximal end surface of the first wire and a distal end surface of the second wire are joined to each other to form a joint portion. An outer member is arranged on an outer peripheral side of the wire body and forms a tubular shape which covers the wire body at least from a distal end portion of the first wire to the joint portion. An inner member is arranged between an outer peripheral portion of the wire body and an inner peripheral portion of the outer member and covers the joint portion. The inner member is an inner coil formed by winding a wire for the inner member into a coil shape.

Abstract: Active Energy Facilitated Drug Delivery platform for delivering therapeutics to biological tissue through electrical conductivity. This delivery method is comprised of an elastic alloy to encase a balloon or drug deposition, where the alloy acts to emit an electric field in aiding and actively allowing the pharmaceutical agent to have enhanced permeation, binding and internalization to cells and the biological matrix. A therapeutic agent is deposited onto a balloon to embody the drug deposition, reservoir whereby the electrical field facilitates the active transfer of a pharmaceutical agent to the target tissue is described.

Abstract: A percutaneous transluminal angioplasty device includes an embolic filter mounted to the catheter shaft at a location distal to the angioplasty balloon. Thus the filter can be down-stream from the blockage and can be properly positioned to capture embolic particles that may be set loose into the blood stream as the angioplasty procedure can be performed. The embolic filter can be normally un-deployed against the catheter shaft to facilitate introduction and withdrawal of the device to and from the operative site. Once the angioplasty balloon can be properly positioned, however, means operatively associated with the embolic filter can be actuated to deploy the filter to position a filter mesh across the lumen of the vessel.

Abstract: A method of treating lower leg ischemia in a patient includes advancing a wire guide upstream through a vascular access sheath extending into an artery of the patient at a percutaneous entry point in the lower leg, and increasing a downstream flow of blood through the artery at least in part by dilating a constriction in the artery with a treatment mechanism guided into the constriction via the wire guide. The method further includes withdrawing a catheter which is coupled with the treatment mechanism from the patient at the percutaneous entry point via sliding the catheter downstream through the vascular access sheath. A low profile balloon may be used as the treatment mechanism, and is advanced through the artery while the vascular access sheath protects the artery from irritation such that spasm of the artery is less likely to occur. Reduced risk of spasm advantageously enables retrograde access to chronic total occlusions such that multiple entry points into a patient's body are not necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical tube fixing apparatus which can fix a medical tube and simultaneously suture an incised surgical site. The medical tube fixing apparatus includes a body for fixing and supporting the medical tube, and a fixing pin, fixed to the body, for being fixed to skin of a patient while suturing the skin of the patient. The body includes a first fixing member, a second fixing member fixed to and supported by one lateral end of the first fixing member, and a locking unit by which the first and second fixing members are fastened and fixed to face each other. The first and second fixing members are formed with a plurality of protrusions on an inner side thereof, respectively. The fixing pin, being fixed to both of the first and second fixing members, can be fixed to the skin of the patient with a skin stapler.

Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to an extended use systems and devices for management of bladder function for people with urinary dysfunction. The system includes a catheter and a valve that can control fluid flow. The catheter can be placed inside the bladder using devices that facilitate insertion and extraction. The placement of the catheter can be done by a trained individual such as a patient, as well as a clinician, a nurse, or a caretaker. Once placed inside the bladder, the catheter can be fully-internal, meaning no portion of the catheter is visible from outside of the patient's body.

Abstract: A self cleaning inlet head for use on a shunt. The head has a tube with openings disposed in predetermined positions in its wall, and a cleaning element installed inside the tube. The cleaning element may comprise a central shaft with a number of bristles protruding therefrom, preferably in locations substantially identical to the positions of the openings in the wall of the tube. Mutual vibratory motion between the cleaning element and the tube causes at least some of the bristles to enter the openings, thereby keeping them clear, and preventing tissue growth into them. The vibratory motion may be generated by the action of an external field on a responsive part of the cleaning element, such as an external magnetic field operating on a magnetic or magnetized part of the cleaning element or the bristles. Alternatively, the external field may be an ultrasound field operating on the bristles.

Abstract: A dilation device, comprises an elongated member extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, the elongated member sized and shaped to be received within a target area of an esophageal passage to dilate the target area, a projection extending along the elongated member from an outer surface thereof so that, when the elongated member is received within the target area, the projection extends into a wall of the esophageal passage, and a vibration mechanism which, when activated, vibrates one of the elongated member and the projection to break away a cell blockage within the target area.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for atrial appendage occlusion. A device is described with respect to non-surgically occluding the left atrial appendage with minimal invasiveness. Additionally, a system and method are described for using the device to perform the left atrial appendage occlusion procedure.

Abstract: A dilation system includes a handle, a guide member, a balloon dilation member, an actuator, and an endoscope. The handle is configured to provide single-handed use to a user. The guide member is coupled with a distal end of the handle and extends distally therefrom. The balloon dilation member is slidably disposed within the body and the guide member and includes an expandable balloon. The actuator is configured to translate and/or rotate to thereby cause translation and/or rotation of the balloon dilation member. The handle may include a guide member actuator configured to cause translation of the guide member. The handle may further include a rotation mechanism configured to impart rotation upon the guide member. The handle may also include a housing configured to receive and selectively retain the endoscope. The housing is configured to translate and/or rotate to thereby cause translation and/or rotation of the endoscope.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating a stricture in a body lumen. The method comprises (a) sensing pressure being exerted by a treatment device on the stricture, (b) determining if enough force is being exerted on the stricture, (c) if enough force is being exerted on the stricture, timing the application of enough force, (d) determining if too much force is being exerted by the treatment device on the stricture, (e) if too much force is being applied to the stricture, decrementing the force being applied to the stricture, (f) determining if not enough force is being applied to the stricture, (g) if not enough force is being applied to the stricture incrementing the force being applied to the stricture, and (h) repeating (a)-(g) until (i) a desired pressure has been maintained on the tissue for a desired time.

Abstract: A device that delivers one or more substances into a vaginal lumen according to one of a plurality of release patterns. The device comprises a supporting structure, substance dispensers, and/or coupling elements which are configured to release one or more substances, for example, drugs, in manner designed to optimize treatment of one or more medical conditions.

Abstract: The invention provides biodegradable implants for treating sinusitis. The biodegradable implants have a size, shape, density, viscosity, and/or mucoadhesiveness that prevents them from being substantially cleared by the mucociliary lining of the sinuses during the intended treatment period. The biodegradable implants include a sustained release therapeutic, e.g., an antibiotic, a steroidal anti-inflammatory agent, or both. The biodegradable implants may take various forms, such as rods, pellets, beads, strips, or microparticles, and may be delivered into a sinus in various pharmaceutically acceptable carriers.

Abstract: A method and a device for autografting of fat microparticles containing stem cells of various types, injected into scars, or stretch marks, and/or other cutaneous injuries, at epidermis-dermis level is presented. Fat is taken from the patient in the periumbilical area, where large quantities of mesenchymal stem cells exist. After reduction in size by means of a thin grid emulsifier filter the fat microparticles are loaded into a tank of a multi-needle gun, such as used for tattoos. The multi-needle tattoo gun injects the fractionated fat microparticles into the epidermis-dermis of scars, and/or stretch marks and/or other skin defects or even internal injuries. The injected fat particles trigger tissue regeneration, deleting scars, stretch marks, wrinkles and/or other defects or skin damages in 3-4 weeks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for opening a tissue to a target value are disclosed herein. In an exemplary method, a region of the tissue is targeted for opening, a size range of microbubbles corresponding to the target value is determined, microbubbles of the size range are positioned in proximity to the targeted region, and an ultrasound beam is applied to the targeted region such that the tissue is opened with the assistance of the microbubbles to the target value.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention relate to a connector including at least one first connector part and at least one second connector part. The connector parts can be connected to one another in a fluid-tight manner and can be locked to one another via at least one closure element. One of the connector parts has at least one sealing element (e.g., a septum or a sealing disk) that blocks a throughflow in the closed state and which can be opened, and the other one of the connector parts has at least one opening element for opening the sealing element. One of the connector parts has at least one projection and the other one of the connector parts has at least one receiver, and the opening element and the sealing element are arranged with respect to one another such that the opening element only opens the sealing element when the projection has been introduced into the receiver.

Abstract: A connector for transferring fluid and method therefor. The connector may have a first port, a second port, and a third port which may be coupled together at a main channel with a first valve element therein controlling fluid flow through the first port. The first valve element is supported by a valve element support positioned between the first port and the third port, and the second port joins the main channel to provide a fluid path around the first valve element and through the third port.

Abstract: Described herein are the occlusion assemblies configured to facilitate the opening and closing by occlusion of flexible tubing. In particular embodiments, the occlusion assemblies are associated with or form part of a medical infusion device, such as a hemodialysis device, peritoneal dialysis device, plasmapheresis device, etc., and may be controllably and automatically operated to facilitate fluid handling by such devices. The occlusion assemblies may be designed to position and immobilized the tubing and may include a frame or other support feature providing tubing guides and/or configured for attachment to or integration with a fluid handling assembly of a device of which they are part or with which they are used. The occlusion assemblies comprise a tubing occluder, which may be a mechanism constructed and positioned to apply a force to the tube(s) associated with the occlusion assembly to occlude the tubes and to release the force to allow the tubes to open for fluid flow.