Abstract: A fluid handling cassette, such as that useable with an automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) cycler device or other infusion apparatus, may include a generally planar body having at least one pump chamber formed as a depression in a first side of the body and a plurality of flowpaths for a fluid that includes a channel. A patient line port may be arranged for connection to a patient line and be in fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber via at least a first one of said flowpaths, and an optional membrane may be attached to the first side of the body over the at least one pump chamber. In one embodiment, the membrane may have a pump chamber portion with an unstressed shape that generally conforms to the depression of the at least one pump chamber in the body and is arranged to be movable for movement of the fluid in a useable space of the at least one pump chamber.

Abstract: In certain aspects, a method includes determining that one or more alarm criteria of a first alarm condition of a dialysis machine is satisfied, and in response to determining that the one or more alarm criteria of the first alarm condition is satisfied, activating an alarm corresponding to the first alarm condition and activating a peripheral device.

Abstract: A system and method for draining excessive fluid from a body cavity or space. The system comprises an implantable fluid penetrable chamber comprising a frame covered by a fluid permeable mesh configured to enable fluids to penetrate therethrough. The system further comprises a catheter connected at a first end to one of said chamber sides/walls or penetrates therethrough; and optionally further comprises a pump placed inside or outside of said chamber.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to detecting fluid in medical tubing. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes controlling repetitive activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes receiving a signal from the ultrasonic receiver during an activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes determining that fluid is absent or present in a portion of the medical fluid tube based on a comparison between the signal and a threshold value.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for controlling fouling and complement protein activation during separation of plasma from whole blood using a spinning membrane separator. The separator includes a pair of relatively rotating surfaces spaced apart to define a gap therebetween, with at least one of the surfaces comprising a membrane that allows plasma to pass therethrough but substantially prevents the passage of red cells. In accordance with the method, the membrane material and membrane fabrication technique are selected so as that the resulting membrane both resists fouling and complement protein activation. In a specific embodiment, the membrane is has a smooth surface and substantially linear pores. The pores have a nominal diameter of less than 2 microns (so as to exclude platelets) and preferably a diameter of from 0.6 microns to 0.8 microns, as may be obtained by use of track-etching.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for determining an estimated risk of arrhythmia during or after dialysis based on changes in serum potassium concentration of a patient and an amount of fluid removed from the patient during dialysis. The systems and methods allow for a determination of a risk that arrhythmia will occur due to the changes in potassium and fluid volume of a patient during dialysis, and for optimizing a dialysis prescription in order to minimize the risk of arrhythmia.

Abstract: An arteriovenous access valve system may generally include a first valve tube extending lengthwise between an arterial end and a first joint end, with the first valve tube including a first valve device. The system may also include a separate second valve tube extending lengthwise between a venous end and a second joint end, with the second valve tube including a second valve device. In addition, the system may include at least one tube connector coupled between the first and second valve tubes.

Abstract: A device for nasal lavage is described. The device ejects a gentle flow of fluid under pressure. The fluid stream provides a high quantity of fluid at low pressure. The low pressure fluid stream is more comfortable for a user than a high pressure fluid stream that are delivered by various types of pressurized cans of solution.

Abstract: A suction device includes an outer tube having an inlet at a first end and an inner suction tube located within the outer tube, the inner suction tube having an inlet at a first end corresponding to the first end of the outer tube. The inlet of the inner suction tube is offset by a distance from the inlet of the outer suction tube, such that the inlet of the inner suction tube is located within the outer suction tube.

Abstract: A medical device for the treatment and irrigation of a sinus opening is described. The device allows for single-handed operation to access, dilate and irrigate a sinus opening. The device includes a sinus guide catheter, a guiding element, a balloon dilation catheter, a balloon catheter movement mechanism and a guiding element movement mechanism. A method for treating a sinus opening and irrigating a sinus is also described.

Abstract: A packaging unit is provided for accommodating a syringe having a barrel for slidingly receiving a plunger at one end, and having an opposite needle end, and includes a housing defining a chamber for receiving the syringe. Included in the housing are a first cavity for receiving the syringe plunger, and having a first set of side walls for directly engaging a head portion of the plunger without engaging a middle portion of the plunger; a second cavity for receiving the syringe barrel, and having a set of upper walls for directly engaging an upper surface of a flange portion of the barrel; and a third cavity for receiving the needle end of the syringe, and having a second set of side walls for directly engaging a cover for enclosing the needle end. The second cavity is in fluid communication with the first and third cavities.

Abstract: An IV set and IV set system management device and associated systems and methods. The IV set and IV set system management device can include a body portion defining an opening to receive an IV set therein to couple the IV set and IV set system management device to the IV set. The IV set and IV set system management device can also include a plurality of protrusions extending from the body portion. In addition, the IV set and IV set system management device can include one or more recesses defined, at least in part, by at least one of the protrusions. The protrusions of the IV set and IV set system management device can be configured to mate with the one or more recesses of the IV set and IV set system management device, thus facilitating coupling of the IV set and IV set system management device with a similarly configured second IV set and IV set system management device.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device comprising a fluid reservoir; a transcutaneous access tool fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir; and a drive mechanism for driving fluid from the reservoir, the drive mechanism comprising a plunger received in the reservoir; a leadscrew extending from the plunger; a nut threadably engaged with the leadscrew; a drive wheel; and a clutch mechanism coupled to the drive wheel, wherein the clutch mechanism is configured to allow the nut to pass through when disengaged and is configured to grip the nut when engaged such that the drive wheel rotates the nut to advance the drive rod and the plunger into the reservoir.

Abstract: An auto-injector apparatus includes a flexible container containing a liquid medicant, a needle communicated with a container, a housing with a container being received in the housing, a pump disposed in the housing and positioned to engage the flexible container and expel the medicant from the container through the needle upon relative movement between the pump and the container, and a main drive spring operably associated with the needle to extend the needle from a first needle position wherein the needle is completely received in the housing to a second needie position wherein the needle protrudes from the housing. The pump may be a roller.

Abstract: Described herein are medical fluid infusion systems for pumping a fluid to a patient, such as in a hospital environment. In one aspect, disclosed is an infusion system including a drive assembly having a drive fluid reservoir and a drive mechanism configured to apply a force to drive fluid from the drive fluid reservoir through a length of tubing. The infusion system includes a hydraulic assembly having a first fluid chamber having an inlet port configured to be in fluid communication with the length of tubing and a second fluid chamber having an outlet port configured to be in fluid communication with a patient extension set and a flexible movable divider sealing the first fluid chamber from the second fluid chamber. Related apparatus, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A valve apparatus includes a body including a first wall and a second wall, a chamber defined within the body, a valve member positioned in the chamber, a first conduit defined within the body to extend through the first wall and configured to be in fluid communication with the chamber and a source of fluid, a second conduit defined within the body to extend through the first wall and configured to be in fluid communication with the chamber and a source of vacuum pressure, and an actuator operatively connected to an end of the valve member extending through the body from the chamber. The actuator may position the valve member within the chamber to selectively form a first flow path with the first conduit that extends through the chamber and the second wall, and a second flow path with the second conduit that extends through chamber and the second wall.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can employ a number of power management techniques to avoid using substantially excessive power during operation of the pump drive system. Thus, the infusion pump system can draw upon the energy supply in an efficient manner that extends the useful life on the power supply. Furthermore, the infusion pump system can be configured estimate an amount of power remaining to operate the pump system without the requirement of directly detecting the remaining charge on power supply device (e.g., without detecting the remaining charge on a battery). As such, the infusion pump system can readily inform a user of a particular estimated amount of time remaining for medicine dispensing operations.

Abstract: An integrated pump module is disclosed that includes a rigid housing having a fluid outlet, a fluid reservoir within the housing, and a pumping segment coupled between the fluid reservoir and the fluid outlet. The pumping segment is configured to cause fluid to flow from the fluid reservoir to the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to an injection device for selecting and dispensing a number of user variable doses of a medicament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston for a cartridge to be filled with a medicament, the piston comprising: a first piston member (12) comprising a first material and forming a distal end face (22) of the piston, a second piston member (14) comprising a second material of lower compressibility compared to the first material, wherein the second piston member (14) is arranged in a cupped receptacle (16) of the first piston member (12) and provides a thrust receiving surface (25) at a proximal end (24) of the piston.

Abstract: One example discloses a handheld medical device, comprising: a patient attribute sensor input configured to receive a patient attribute input signal; a dosage calculator configured to output a prescribed dosage volume output signal in response to the patient attribute input signal; a dosage volume sensor input configured to receive an actual dosage volume input signal; and a dosage comparator configured to generate a comparator output signal based on a comparison between the prescribed dosage volume output signal and the actual dosage volume input signal.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a drug delivery device for selecting and dispensing a number of user variable doses of a medicament. The device comprises a housing (10), a dose selector (80) operable to set a dose by rotation relative to the housing (10), a number sleeve (60) arranged within the housing (10) such that at least a portion of the number sleeve (60) is visible through a first aperture (11b) in the housing (10), and a piston rod (30) coupled to the housing (10) and to a drive sleeve (40). Rotation of the drive sleeve (40) relative to the housing (10) causes the piston rod (30) to translate relative to the housing (10). The piston rod (30) is coupled to the housing (10) via a threaded interface (16, 31) with at least two different pitches.

Abstract: A drug delivery device comprising; a housing; a cylindrical member configured to be rotatably supported inside the housing, wherein the outer surface of the cylindrical member is provided with at least first and second tracks together forming an encoder, each track comprising conductive segments and non-conductive segments; and at least first and second groups of contacts configured to engage the first and second tracks respectively at predetermined intervals along the length of the track.

Abstract: [Problem] To provide: an injection needle and an injector which are capable of simplifying injection and aspiration processes using an injector and reducing process time; and a co-injection device and co-injection method which perform a co-injection process using the injector. [Solution] This injection needle (11c) includes a needle tube (211), and a ventilation part (213) that connects, outside the needle tube (211), a first position (first opening (2131)) positioned nearer the rear end (211) side than the tip (2111) of the needle tube (211) and a second position (second opening (2132)) positioned nearer the rear end (2112) side than the first position.

Abstract: 1. Dispensing device. 2.

Abstract: A process and a nebulizer for dispensing a consecutively dose of medicament in the form of a mist, comprising: an energy source (ES), an air-conditioning volume, an air outlet fluidity connected to the air-containing volume, an air actuator adapted to release a flow of compressed air through the air outlet at such time as a predetermined ES pressure has been reached in the volume and at least two valve means in communication with the air actuator. The compressed air is released at a predetermined pressure of about 20 to about 100 psig. The valve means controls the actuation of the air actuator such that when a medication is nebulized, a mist distribution of a medication is formed having droplets size in the range of approximately 1? to approximately 7? which inhaled by a user at a set of predetermined intervals.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for delivering a substance to the nasal cavity of a subject in which drawing air from a mouthpiece triggers release of a substance to a subject's nasal cavities. The device comprises a container for containing the substance in fluid communication with a nosepiece, a valve with an active configuration and an inactive configuration, and a trigger mechanism to reconfigure the valve from its inactive configuration to its active configuration and vice versa. Drawing air from the mouthpiece, e.g., when the subject takes in air by mouth, activates the trigger mechanism, thereby reconfiguring the valve from its inactive configuration to its active configuration for a predetermined period of time and delivering the substance from the device to a nasal cavity of the subject.

Abstract: A powder inhaler device comprising a body provided with a housing (102) able to receive a dose of a medicinal substance, a channelling (3, 102) tangential to the housing provided with holes communicating with an external environment, a mouth-piece (101) communicating with the channeling and able to aspirate air from the external environment through the holes, generating a flow which on a pathway thereof involves the containing housing of the medicine, in which the body, the housing and the mouth piece form a single piece and single-use unit able to contain a single dose of medicine.

Abstract: A system with a nebulizer as well as a container with a fluid and an indicator device for such a nebulizer are proposed. A check scheme is used for indicating the number of containers already used with the nebulizer or which still can be used with the nebulizer. The indicator device indicates the number of uses performed or still possible with the current container. The indicator device is adapted to let stepwise appear a color sequence and/or replacement symbol when approaching a predetermined number of uses with the container. Further, the indicator device can show markings in braille.

Abstract: A nebulizer as well as a container with a fluid for such a nebulizer are proposed. The container comprises a control device which indicates initially an unused state of the container before first use. An indicator device stops via a locking device further use of the container in a locked state when a predetermined number of uses has been reached or exceeded. After replacement of the container, the nebulizer can be reset and used again.

Abstract: A system for efficiently generating and inhaling vapor of herbs and incense including a hollow container having a stable base and an open mouth in an upper surface of the container, the container having an aperture in the surface, the aperture displaced from a lip of the open mouth, the container partially filled with water. Also provided is a circular diffusion element positioned upon a surface of water within the container, a region within the container above the diffusion element defining a vapor collection chamber. Further provided is a diagonally-oriented tube having an upper and a lower end, the tube secured within the aperture, the upper end defining an herb-burning bowl within which are placed herbs to be burned, the lower end having a filter, the lower end immersed in the water, the filter permitting vapor to escape into the water but limiting escape into the water of larger herbal debris of the herb-burning bowl.

Abstract: An oscillating positive respiratory pressure apparatus and a method of performing oscillating positive respiratory pressure therapy. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, an exhalation flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet, and a restrictor member rotatably mounted within the interior chamber. The restrictor member has an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the flow path at the inlet, and includes at least one blocking segment. Rotation of the restrictor member moves the at least one blocking segment between an open position and a closed position. Respiratory pressure at the chamber inlet oscillates between a minimum when the at least one blocking segment is in the open position and a maximum when the at least one blocking segment is in the closed position. By exhaling into the apparatus, oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy is administered.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a mechanical ventilation system for adjusting a level of ventilatory assist to a patient. A neuro-mechanical efficiency of the patient is determined. A control value is received at the mechanical ventilation system. The level of ventilatory assist to the patient is determined on the basis of the neuro-mechanical efficiency and of the control value. The mechanical ventilation system may be adjusted automatically based on the determined level of ventilatory assist to the patient. Alternatively, the determined level of ventilatory assist to the patient may be displayed for the benefit of an operator and a manual command may be received for adjusting the mechanical ventilation system.

Abstract: As disclosed herein, the present invention relates to an improved respirator having a respirator mask, respirator bellows, respirator conduits, and mounting straps attached to the torso of an operator. The respirator mask is positioned over a patient's face so as to cover the nose and mouth. The respirator bellows are positioned under the arms of the operator and are attached to the mounting straps, which may be configured as a vest that can be worn by the operator. The respirator bellows communicate with the respirator mask via the respirator conduits. The operator can deliver air or oxygen to the respirator mask by pumping the respirator bellows with his or her arms. Advantageously, the pumping motion is actuated without the use of hands. The hands-free pumping action allows the operator to firmly secure the respirator mask in proper position on the patient's face with both hands.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a compilation unit structured to receive a plurality of different 3-D models of a patient's face, to compare the different 3-D models of the patient's face and to determine additional information about the patient's face based on the comparison, wherein the additional information includes at least one of a location of hard tissue, a depth of soft tissue, and a compliance of soft tissue, and wherein the patient's face is manipulated between the different 3-D models.

Abstract: A mask for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient may include one or more of the following improvements: rigidizer provided to headgear strap, locking clip/clip receptacle headgear connection, keyed headgear buckles, lotion dispenser on frame, rotatable prongs to adjust orientation, alignment indicators provided to prong, cushion and/or frame, chin flap with bellows arrangement, vent holes positioned away from gas entry port, and vent holes to direct washout gas at an angle.

Abstract: A ventilator system includes a mask to be placed over a wearer's face. The mask has a shell. The ventilator shell further includes a cushion provided to the shell to sealingly connect the mask to the wearer's face and thereby form a chamber between the shell and the wearer's face. The ventilator system also includes an inlet port in the shell and an air flow generator. The inlet port is configured to receive a flow of breathable gas. The air flow generator is mounted on the mask and is capable of creating a pressure of about 2-40 cm H2O in the chamber.

Abstract: A mask apparatus for a respiratory treatment can permit delivery of breathable gas to a user. In one example, the mask may employ a frame and cushion to form a seal for both mouth and nose. The frame may be adapted for coupling with a respiratory treatment apparatus so as to permit communication of a pressurized gas from the respiratory treatment apparatus. The cushion, which may be foam, may have a substantially under the nose configuration or over the nose configuration. The mask may have a common plenum chamber for both nose and mouth. The cushion may further define a centrally open lip superior region. The cushion may be adapted to couple with the frame directly or to the frame in conjunction with a cushion support clip. Various features of the cushion may further promote sealing and comfort for the under the nose design.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to, amongst other things, systems, devices, materials, and methods that can improve the accuracy and/or precision of nitric oxide therapy by, for example, reducing the dilution of inhaled nitric oxide (NO). As described herein, NO dilution can occur because of various factors. To reduce the dilution of an intended NO dose, various exemplary nasal cannulas, pneumatic configurations, methods of manufacturing, and methods of use, etc. are disclosed.

Abstract: A maintaining member is for a patient interface device. The patient interface device includes a cushion member structured to engage a face of a patient. The maintaining member has body structured to be located on a single side of the face of the patient. The body includes a coupling portion structured to be coupled to the cushion member, and a maintaining portion extending from the coupling portion, the maintaining portion having a receiving portion located opposite and facing the coupling portion, the receiving portion being concave facing in a direction toward the coupling portion in order to maintain the patient interface device on the face of the patient.

Abstract: A system selectively delivers either breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation (BSFTV) or closed-system positive pressure ventilation (CSPPV) to augment respiration of a patient with a standard tracheal tube. A removable adaptor has a cap that can be removably attached to the proximal connector of the tracheal tube in BSFTV mode, and an inner cannula that extends within the tracheal tube to effectively divide it into two lumens. The adaptor includes a ventilator connector for removably engaging a ventilator hose to deliver air/oxygen through the adaptor and one lumen of the tracheal tube with a flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined waveform synchronized with the patient's respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. The adaptor also includes a port allowing the spontaneously-breathing patient to freely inhale and exhale in open exchange with the atmosphere through the other lumen.

Abstract: The object of the invention is an inspiratory gas volume divider comprising at least two inspiratory lines (18, 19) having inspiratory branches (14,16) at ends thereof and comprising one-way valves (2,3) and at least two expiratory lines (20, 21) having expiratory branches (15,17) at ends thereof and comprising one-way valves (7,12). The inspiratory branches and expiratory branches are in pairs combined with each other in at least two inspiratory- expiratory pairs. The initial portions of the inspiratory lines are connected to the divider valve (23) provided with a control input. In the inspiratory lines, after the volume valve divider, there are included systems measuring gas volume (11,12) with output signals thereof delivered to the controller (22), and the output signal thereof is connected to the volume divider's input.

Abstract: Described are methods for safer nitric oxide delivery, as well as apparatuses for performing these methods. The methods may include detecting the presence or absence of a nasal cannula, and stopping the delivery of nitric oxide or providing an alert if the cannula is disconnected. The methods may also include purging the nasal cannula if it is reconnected after a disconnection or if it is replaced by a new cannula. Other methods pertain to automatic purging of the delivery conduit if the elapsed time between successive deliveries of therapeutic gas exceeds a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter, in particular to a balloon bearing, three lumen catheter for dispensing diagnostic fluids into a body cavity and retrieving a sample of the diagnostic fluid.

Abstract: A method for visualization and/or administration of medication of and into the sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess of a patient is provided. The method includes providing a sphenocath and inserting a guidewire into the nostril of a patient to a target area proximate the sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess of the patient. The sphenocath is advanced over the guidewire and a catheter hub of the sphenocath is rotated relative to a sheath hub to conform to an anatomy of the patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine recess, such that the distal end of the catheter tube is proximal to the target area. The sphenocath is then advanced relative to a sheath assembly so that the distal end of a sphenocath catheter tube extends from a sphenocath sheath tube distal end and bends along the guidewire. The guidewire is removed and contrast media, fluids, and/or medication is administered to the patient's sphenopalatine/pterygopalatine ganglion disposed within the sphenopalatine recess of the patient.

Abstract: A medical device system may include a catheter sheath and a catheter shaft sized for delivery through a lumen of the catheter sheath. The catheter shaft may be coupled to an end effector at or adjacent a distal end of the catheter shaft. The catheter shaft may include a lumen and a control element. The control element may be coupled to the end effector and may reside within the lumen of the catheter shaft. Physical access may be provided to the control element, to allow the control element to be severed to facilitate removal of the end effector from a bodily cavity. The control element may include a lumen and a control cable therein. A liquid entry port may be provided in the lumen of the control element toward a distal end of the control element to allow expedited provision of fluid to a distal portion of the control element.

Abstract: A steerable catheter includes a body portion, a flexible catheter body with a proximal end and a distal tip and a continuous steering wire passing through the flexible body from the proximal end to the distal tip and turning back through the flexible body from the distal tip to the proximal end.

Abstract: A method of coupling a catheter tunneler adapter to a catheter is provided. The method includes providing a catheter having a lumen divider at a proximal end thereof; forming a receiving notch in the lumen divider by removing a center portion thereof such that two divider side portions remain; providing a catheter tunneler adapter having a distal end including a radially inward step which defines a contact surface configured to be received in the proximal end of the catheter; positioning the distal end of the catheter tunneler adapter within the catheter until the radially inward step engages the receiving notch; and securing the catheter tunneler adapter to the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter device configured to provide access to a hollow organ is provided. It includes a body extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end and a flexible insertion tube extending longitudinally from a proximal end to a distal end, wherein the body includes an elongated channel along the longitudinal length of the body extending from the proximal end of the body to the distal end of the body, wherein the channel is configured to receive an elongate needle. The body further comprises one or more cutting edges extending rearwardly from a distal end of the body. Furthermore, the flexible insertion tube of the catheter device is coupled to the distal end of the body and comprises a tubular elongated passage aligned with the tubular elongated channel of the body forming a lumen. Kits including such catheter devices and methods for accessing a hollow organ are also provided.

Abstract: A tubing assembly having a signal generator placement control device for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems. The control device facilitates control of the position the guidance systems' signal generator relative to the end of the tubing assembly. The tubing assembly includes a tubular insulator coupled to one end of the control device, and the tubing assembly includes a tubular connector attached to the other end of control device. Also, the tubing assembly includes a catheter attached to the tubular connector and an end member attached to the catheter.