Abstract: Mouthpiece (1) for an inhaler device having an inlet, which is connectable to an inhaler device, an outlet and a holding device (2).

Abstract: An inhaler device comprising: a housing, a base plate covering the housing, a medicament holder integrated with the base plate, a mouthpiece sitting over the base plate, a lid which covers the mouthpiece, at least one piercing element, an actuating member, a spring, wherein the inhaler device is a two hinge system wherein the base plate is joined to hinge; the mouthpiece and the lid are joined to the hinge.

Abstract: A dose counter for an inhaler includes a counter display arranged to indicate dosage information, and a drive system arranged to move the counter display incrementally in a first direction from a first station to a second station in response to actuation input. A regulator is provided which is arranged to act upon the counter display at the first station to regulate motion of the counter display at the first station to incremental movements.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes components to protect operations of the apparatus. For example, in some versions, the apparatus may include a power supply, a motor powered by the power supply, and a transient absorption diode circuit between the motor and the power supply. The transient absorption diode circuit may be configured to absorb energy generated by the motor from rotational kinetic energy. Such absorption may serve to protect the components of the apparatus. In some examples, the apparatus may include a fault mitigation integrated circuit (IC). The IC circuit may be included in the respiratory apparatus to detect one or more faults based on physical and system parameters of the apparatus. The fault mitigation integrated circuit may generate a signal to stop the motor based on the detected fault, and may digitally communicate with a processor information about the detected fault.

Abstract: A resuscitator has a patient airway interface device, a bag, a flow passage coupled between the bag and patient airway interface device, and a sensor assembly. The patient airway interface device may be a mask or an endotracheal tube. The sensor assembly has a display, at least one sensor coupled to the flow passage and configured to provide a measurement of at least one parameter, and a processor coupled to the display and the at least one sensor. The processor is configured to receive the measurement from the sensor and provide information on the display based on the received measurement. The information may include a current breath rate, a pressure-vs-time curve, and guidance to the user to assist in achieving a target breath rate.

Abstract: Devices and methods for allowing for improved assisted ventilation of a patient. The methods and devices provide a number of benefits over conventional approaches for assisted ventilation. For example, the methods and devices described herein permit blind insertion of a device that can allow ventilation regardless of whether the device is positioned within a trachea or an esophagus.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved means of treating tracheobronchitis, bronchiectasis and pneumonia in the nosocomial patient, preferably with aerosolized anti gram-positive and anti-gram negative antibiotics administered in combination or in seriatim in reliably sufficient amounts for therapeutic effect. In one aspect, the invention assures this result when aerosol is delivered into the ventilator circuit. In one embodiment the result is achieved mechanically. In another embodiment, the result is achieved by aerosol formulation. In another aspect, the invention assures the result when aerosol is delivered directly to the airways distal of the ventilator circuit. The treatment means eliminates the dosage variability that ventilator systems engender when aerosols are introduced via the ventilator circuit.

Abstract: Provided is a pursed lip breathing apparatus and method of use thereof. The apparatus includes an elongated member having a first end, a second end, and a central cavity extending between the first end and the second end. A first opening of a first size is located at the first end and a second opening of a second size is located at the second end. The first opening accommodates a user's lips and is larger than the second opening. The central cavity includes a first end portion located in communication with the first opening, a second end portion in communication with the second opening, and a tapered portion between the first and second end portions. The method includes bringing the apparatus to one's mouth, placing one's lips against or around the first end, and breathing out of one's mouth into the first opening.

Abstract: A headgear component for a patient interface device includes a member having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, the member including at least one of a textile material and a foam material, the member having a plurality of vent holes extending therethrough, and a plurality of moisture wicking members provided on the first surface, the moisture wicking members covering the vent holes and being made of a hydrophilic material.

Abstract: Described herein are various embodiments of an oxygen concentrator system and method of delivering oxygen enriched gas to a user. In some embodiments, oxygen concentrator system includes one or more components that improve the efficiency of oxygen enriched gas delivery during operation of the oxygen concentrator system.

Abstract: A breathing assistance apparatus has a main body. A humidification compartment is defined within the main body and is adapted to receive a humidification chamber. A flow generator is positioned within the main body. The flow generator and the humidification compartment are fluidly connected and a liquid containment compartment is interposed between the flow generator and the humidification compartment. The liquid containment compartment is fluidly connected to both the flow generator and the humidification compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining water level in a humidifier chamber that is part of a humidified gases delivery apparatus and system. The method comprising the steps of delivering power to a heater plate, varying the power delivered to the heater plate, measuring the rate of change of temperature and determining the level of water based on the heating characteristics of the volume of water within the chamber, in particular determining the level of water within the chamber based on the rate of change of temperature and the supplied power.

Abstract: Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles.

Abstract: A patient support system includes a patient support apparatus having a base frame and a patient support surface. A network includes one or more of such patient support systems and an associated computer device. The patient support system includes: at least one sensor configured to detect at least one patient characteristic; at least one light emitting device capable of emitting light in at least a first range of visible wavelengths; and a controller configured to: receive the or each output from the at least one sensor; determine a stage of sleep of a patient on the patient support surface; receive a wake-up signal; and after receipt of the wake-up signal, activate the or each light emitting device to emit light substantially only in the first range of visible wavelengths when the controller next determines that the patient is in a light stage of sleep. The associated computer device is configured to carry out a patient wake-up process.

Abstract: World peace and resolution of conflicts depends upon methods to deter use of weapons of mass destruction. Negotiations are the primary method to resolve conflicts. Pain, especially non-tissue sources of pain, is ubiquitous in the minds of humans and is an impediment to successful conflict resolution. It is proposed that leaders who are at peace with themselves are more likely to negotiate win-win resolutions of conflicts. When negotiations fail and deployment of weapons of mass destruction by a country is imminent, targeting the brain of its leaders to change their intentions may be reasonable and necessary. Concentrated extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic waves can penetrate the cranium in the most conductive portion of the skull, the pterion-temporal lobe intersection, and produce effects in the anterior temporal lobe that contains the amygdala. Remote stimulation of the temporal lobe may cause lethal or incapacitating seizures.

Abstract: According to the invention, a fluid exchange catheter is provided, which catheter has a proximal end and a distal end, and comprises an obligatory lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the obligatory lumen having a closed shape, wherein a lumen wall of the obligatory lumen forms a distal wall portion at the distal end of the obligatory lumen, the distal wall portion comprising at least one lumen opening in the lumen wall. Furthermore, the catheter comprises at least one additional lumen having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being arranged inside the obligatory lumen remote from the distal end of the obligatory lumen such that fluid exiting the at least one additional lumen flows inside the distal end of the obligatory lumen.

Abstract: A medical tube including a flexible tube-shaped main body, a hub connected to the proximal portion of the tube-shaped main body, and a strain relief member supported at a distal portion of the hub. The strain relief member surrounds a predetermined portion of the proximal portion of the tube-shaped main body. The tube-shaped main body includes a flexible portion which possesses increased flexibility for bending. The flexible portion includes at least one groove extending in a circumferential direction in the outer circumferential surface of the tube-shaped main body over a predetermined range in an axial direction of the tube-shaped main body from a position distal of the distal-most end of the strain relief member to a position proximal of the distal-most end of the strain relief member.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for automatic vascular access. An automatic vessel cannulation device, mechanical or electronic, has a sensor configured to detect a physiologic parameter of a needle tip, and a blunting device advancing member released in response to the sensor. The sensor may measure pressure or any other physiological parameter. A processor is configured to analyze data sent by the sensor and is pre-set to identify parameters unique to arteries, veins, or other body cavities or organs. A method may include comparing a physiologic parameter with pre-determined parameters to deploy a blunting element if the physiologic parameter is within a range of the pre-determined parameters. An expandable sheath may be included. A device can be provided having a motor controlling the cannulation device orientation to scan tissue with the tip of the needle by moving the cannulation device through the ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: Kit for protecting and holding catheters, characterized in that it comprises, on the one hand, a device (1) having a bearing (3) with an inner face and an outer face, said inner face being intended to be applied to the skin of a patient and having a cavity (3c) shaped to accommodate the non-invasive part (head or connector) of a catheter, while said outer face is attached to the central part of a thin and flexible cover sheet (2) which comprises an unglued protruding peripheral fixing portion extending outwards from said central part, and of which the inner face is intended to be applied to the skin of the patient, and, on the other hand, a package (4) that contains a non-allergenic and water-impermeable adhesive gel, this package having an outlet orifice shaped to allow a string of adhesive gel to be applied to the skin around the placement of the non-invasive part (head or connector) of the catheter, after the latter has been inserted.

Abstract: The invention relates a safety IV catheter assembly comprising a catheter tube having a distal end and a proximal end; a catheter hub having a distal end and a proximal end; a needle extending through the catheter hub and the catheter tube having opposite proximal and distal ends defining an axial direction A, wherein the proximal end is joined to the needle hub and the distal end forms a needle tip and a change in profile is provided between the proximal and distal ends of the needle; and a tip protector assembly being arranged movably on the needle in-between the catheter hub and needle hub outside the catheter hub in an arrangement engaging with one or more second locking means provided on the catheter hub in its ready position, wherein the first arm is deflected radially outwards by the needle against a restoring force, wherein the tip protector assembly is configured to entrap the needle tip upon withdrawal of the needle from the catheter hub.

Abstract: The disclosed guidewire includes a wire main body possessing an elongated shape and a cylindrical body possessing a cylindrical shape. The distal portion of the wire main body is positioned in the cylindrical body. The guidewire has an inner coil disposed between the wire main body and the cylindrical body. The inner coil includes a wire rod wound in a spiral shape along the outer circumferential portion of the wire main body. There is an interval between the wire rods adjacent to each other in a longitudinal direction of the wire main body that is adjustable. The guidewire also has an operation member that changes the interval between the wire rods of the inner coil.

Abstract: A medical guidewire system including an inner member having an outer diameter and an outer member having an inner diameter, the inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter. The inner and outer members are relatively slidable to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire system. The lumen of the outer member forms a gap for fluid flow therethrough. A connector to the inner member and a fluid infusion channel communicating with the gap for injection of fluid through the gap to exit a distal portion of the outer member.

Abstract: A semi-compliant fiber-reinforced medical balloon having a folded wall thickness of from about 0.0010 to about 0.0060 inches and a rated burst pressure of at least 15 atmospheres and exhibiting compliance in the radial direction of from 0.5% expansion per atmosphere to about 1.0% expansion per atmosphere when pressurized from a fully inflated diameter to the rated burst pressure of the balloon includes a base balloon formed from a semi-elastic polymer material having an elongation to break of from about 10% to about 20%, a fiber layer is disposed over the base balloon with fibers having an elongation to break of from about 10% to about 20% and an outer layer formed from a semi-elastic polymer material having an elongation to break of from about 10% to about 20% disposed over the fiber layer.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for delivering a drug to the frontal sinus system. An inflatable implant is positioned within the frontal sinus system using an anchoring means secured within the frontal sinus cavity. A drug-containing fluid is released directly into the frontal sinus drainage system.

Abstract: A catheter devices/systems and methods therefrom are described herein for treating acute kidney injury, especially the contrast-induced acute kidney injury wherein the devices prevent the contrast dyes from entering into kidney and/or facilitate blood flow of kidney by said catheter system.

Abstract: A method for transplanting a fecal matter/saline solution suspension within a patient, wherein the method uses a transplant kit that includes a fecal matter storage container having a fecal matter filter, a fecal matter/saline container connected to the fecal matter storage container for mixing the fecal matter and the saline to create a suspension, and a suspension delivery device for transplanting the suspension into the patient.

Abstract: Devices and methods for less invasively treating the gastrointestinal system, such as the intestinal mucosa of the small bowel. Embodiments described herein may be used to reduce caloric absorption and effectuate weight loss, for example.

Abstract: An application device for dispensing a fluid, including a liquid, gel, topical fluid, or other flowable substance, stored within a volume of the application device package is disclosed. The application device is manually deformable so as to permit breakage and establish an opening to the volume storing the topical fluid. In one embodiment, the application device comprises a sealed package that defines a volume in which the fluid is disposed. The package includes a partial slit that is configured to provide an opening to the volume when the package is deformed. The opening is configured to enable the fluid to be released from the volume. An applicator element is also included within the package and exposed upon package opening. The applicator element can include a gauze, foam, compliant pad, or other suitable element, and is configured to assist with dispersion of the fluid on a surface, such a patient's skin.

Abstract: Methods and treatments are taught for the diagnosis and treatment of breast conditions, including proliferative breast disease, ductal hyperplasia, lobular hyperplasia, atypical ductal hyperplasia, atypical lobular hyperplasia, ductal carcinoma in situ, lobular carcinoma in situ, lobular carcinoma and invasive breast cancer. The methods and compositions deliver efficacious formulations of chemical and/or biological treatment medicaments to the breast via a transpapillary route.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods, devices and systems relating to applying drugs or therapeutic agents to biological conduits, e.g., vascular lumens. More specifically, the present invention comprises enhancing the uptake of drugs or therapeutic agents encapsulated in microbubbles in combination with ultrasound energy as well as applying drugs or therapeutic agents in a cyclic manner using a pulse generator that may be matched in frequency with a patient's blood pulsing.

Abstract: A method for delivering drugs into cystic fluid, the method comprising injecting a drug delivery system (DDS) into a cystic fluid space at an injection site, the DDS comprising at least one therapeutic agent encapsulated in biodegradable polymers, applying ultrasonic energy proximal to the injection site, and controlling the at least one of buoyancy, delivery location, mixing, and dispersion of the DDS to a targeted area using the ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a longitudinal length; electrodes disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body; terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the lead body; and conductors electrically coupling the plurality of terminals to the plurality of electrodes. At least one of the electrodes or terminals is a coated contact. Each coated contact includes a conductive substrate and a conductive coating disposed on the substrate.

Abstract: A trial electrical stimulation lead includes a lead body having a distal end portion, a proximal end portion, and a longitudinal length; electrodes disposed along the distal end portion of the lead body; terminals disposed along the proximal end portion of the lead body; conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes; and a preventer extending proximally from the proximal end portion of the lead body. The preventer has a diameter smaller than a diameter of the lead body. The preventer prevents coupling of the trial electrical stimulation lead to an implantable control module, but permits coupling to an external trial stimulation system.

Abstract: Dislodgement of a defibrillation lead from the right ventricle to the right atrium is a rare complication associated with implantable cardioverter-defibrillators. However, such dislodgement deserves attention out of proportion to its low incidence because of the possibility to cause fatal proarrhythmia. Various embodiments are directed to algorithms for detecting lead dislodgement, including a primary algorithm that operates during baseline rhythm and a secondary algorithm that operates during detection of ventricular tachycardia or ventricular fibrillation to identify lead dislodgement during atrial fibrillation.

Abstract: A roll of body wrap material is provided. The body wrap material may carry a medicament useful in addressing undesirable or unsightly human body fat. The body wrap material carries a conductive material used to establish an electric circuit for iontophoretic treatment. An area of a human body is wrapped with the body wrap material. An electric circuit is established from the medicament in the wrap, the conductive matter, human skin, and a power source. When the circuit is powered, ions of the medicament in the wrap are driven throught the human skin in the circuit in order to provide a treatment to the body fat beneath such skin.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient with dyspnea are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, and, based at least in part on identifying the patient as suffering from dyspnea, implanting an electrical signal delivery element within the patient in signal communication with an afferent neural pathway of a carotid body chemoreceptor. The method can further include at least reducing dyspneic sensations in the patient by directing an electrical signal from the electrical signal delivery element to the neural pathway to at least partially block afferent signals from the chemoreceptor.

Abstract: Hearing assistance apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a head mountable power supply to power an implantable cochlear stimulator.

Abstract: Hearing assistance apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of distributed power.

Abstract: A signal processing arrangement generates electrode stimulation signals to stimulation contacts in a cochlear implant electrode array. A signal filter bank transforms an input sound signal into band pass signals, which each represent an associated frequency band of audio frequencies. A signal processing module processes the band pass signals in a sequence of sampling time frames, wherein for each time frame, the processing includes performing a spectral feature analysis of the band pass signals, and dynamically assigning a stimulation focus pattern to one or more of the band pass signals based on the spectral feature analysis. A stimulation coding module is configured to code the processed band pass signals for each time frame to produce the electrode stimulation signals for delivery by the stimulation contacts to a region of adjacent auditory neural tissues.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for quantifying the quality of a fiducial time marker for a candidate heart beat, quantifying the quality of a candidate heart beat, or determining a time of beat sequence of the patient's heart. A fiducial time marker is obtained for a candidate heart beat. A quality index of said candidate heart beat is set to a first value. The candidate heart beat is tested with at least one beat validity test. At least a second value is added to said quality index of said candidate heart beat if said candidate heart beat passes said at least one beat validity test. The candidate heart beat is tested with at least a second heart beat validity test. At least a third value is added to said quality index of said candidate heart beat if said candidate heart beat passes said at least second heart beat validity test.

Abstract: A multiple output current stimulator circuit with fast turn on time is described. At least one pair of input side and output side transistors is arranged in a current mirror connected to a supply transistor by cascode coupling. The output side transistor supplies stimulation current to an electrode in contact with tissue. An operational amplifier connected to a reference voltage and to the output side transistor drives the supply transistor to maintain the voltage at the output side transistor equal to the reference voltage. The at least one pair of transistors includes multiple pairs of transistors whose output side transistors drive respective electrodes with stimulation currents. The stimulator determines the initiation and duration of stimulation current pulses supplied to each electrode. At circuit activation, large currents are generated which discharge capacitances in the output side transistors causing rapid output side transistor turn on.

Abstract: A method and system is described for ensuring a state of an active implantable medical device based on the presence and persistence of a magnetic field. The output of a magnetic field sensor is monitored. The active implantable medical device is maintained in a first state, for so long as the presence of a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic field sensor, until a first interval is surpassed. If the first interval is surpassed, then a determination is made as to whether a second interval has been surpassed. If it is determined that the second interval has not been surpassed, then the active implantable medical device is transitioned into a second state. If it is determined that the second interval has been surpassed, then it is ensured that the active implantable medical device is in a predetermined one of the first and second states.

Abstract: A system or method for identifying sets of stimulation parameters can include receiving at least one image of a region of a patient; registering the at least one image with an anatomical or physiological atlas that identifies different anatomical or physiological structures; identifying a desired stimulation region using the at least one image; comparing the desired stimulation region with each of a plurality of predetermined estimated stimulation regions, where each of the estimated stimulation regions is a calculated estimate of a stimulation volume for a corresponding set of electrical stimulation parameters; selecting one of the predetermined estimated stimulation regions based on the comparing; and providing the corresponding set of electrical stimulation parameters for the selected one of the predetermined estimated stimulation regions to a user or an electrical stimulation device.

Abstract: One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to rules on the physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation.

Abstract: One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to the rules on physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation.

Abstract: One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to the rules on physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation.

Abstract: One system includes a stimulation device such as a vagus nerve stimulation lead, and a controller for controlling the stimulation device according to a set of stimulation parameters. A memory of the stimulation device contains a state transition model, and for each state defines a set of stimulation parameters and at least one expected response during the application of stimulation with the parameters. A matrix determines the transition rules between states based on physiological levels measured versus target levels. A state transition control unit determines, in an organized timely method, possible transitions between states according to the rules on physiological levels obtained in response to the implementation of the stimulation parameters of the current state, and a transition from a current state to a new state causes a corresponding change in the parameter set used for stimulation.

Abstract: A therapeutic window for at least one electrode of a medical system may be determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by electrical stimulation delivered by the at least one electrode. In some examples, a processor determines the therapeutic window for a particular electrode by at least determining an efficacy threshold based on the VTA expected to result from the delivery of electrical stimulation according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values including the stimulation parameter at the efficacy threshold, and determining an adverse-effects threshold based on the VTA expected to result from the delivery of electrical stimulation according to a set of electrical stimulation parameter values including the stimulation parameter at the adverse-effects threshold.

Abstract: Systems and methods for producing asynchronous neural responses to treat pain and/or other patient conditions are disclosed. A method in accordance with a particular embodiment includes selecting a target stimulation frequency that is above a threshold frequency, with the threshold frequency corresponding to a refractory period for neurons of a target sensory neural population. The method can further include producing a patient sensation of paresthesia by directing an electrical signal to multiple sensory neurons of the target sensory neural population at the stimulation frequency, with individual neurons of the sensory neural population completing corresponding individual refractory periods at different times, resulting in an asynchronous sensory neuron response to the electrical signal.

Abstract: This disclosure includes techniques for securing the proximal ends of a medical lead to the connector block of an IMD with a fastener device that incorporates a flexible clamp. A fastener device for a medical device comprising a flexible clamp forming a clamp aperture, wherein the flexible clamp includes a clamp protrusion configured to facilitate actuation of the flexible clamp, a rigid body, wherein the rigid body connects to and surrounds the flexible clamp, and an actuator configured to actuate on the clamp protrusion to change a perimeter of the clamp aperture, wherein the change of the perimeter of the clamp aperture by the actuator is configured to apply a compressive force about a perimeter of an electrical contact of a medical lead in the clamp aperture to electrically and mechanically connect the medical lead to the fastener device.