Abstract: A gas humidifier can have a gas channel comprising an inlet and an outlet. A portion of the gas channel can have a region having a reduction in cross-sectional area relative to the portions of the gas channel outside of the region. A water conduit can extend from the region to a water reservoir. A heating element can heat water entering the region from the water conduit. Water vaporized using the heating element can join the flow of gases passing through the gas channel in use.

Abstract: Connectors for respiratory assistance systems are disclosed that are configured to at least decrease the proportion of condensate that drains into an inspiratory conduit. The connectors include a setup that causes the portion of a wye-piece connected to an expiratory conduit to be positioned below the portion of the wye-piece connected to the inspiratory conduit. The connector can alternatively, or additionally, include a wye-piece that includes a ball attached to the wye-piece adjacent the inspiratory conduit port such that when the ball is connected to a medical stand, the expiratory conduit port is positioned below the inspiratory conduit port. The connector can alternatively or additionally include a circuit hanger that includes a cradles for both conduits and a ball attached to the circuit hanger adjacent the inspiratory conduit cradle such that when the ball is connected to a medical stand, the expiratory conduit cradle is positioned below the inspiratory conduit cradle.

Abstract: An apparatus, method and system for delivering CO2 into an inspiratory gas stream to formulate a blended respiratory gas in a manner that continuously maintains a target CO2 concentration in a volume of the inspired respiratory gas, for example, over the course of a breath or a volumetrically definable part thereof or a series of partial or full breaths.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to devices, systems, and methods for mixing and/or blending two or more fluids, such as gases, to produce suitable mixed or blended fluids, such as a breathable gas. For example, the system may control and/or regulate flow from of first fluid from a first source and/or flow of a second fluid from a second source. The system may include a controller that may operate or direct operation of one or more valves to control the flow of the first and second fluids, thereby producing a blended or mixed fluid that has selected concentrations or proportions (or ratios) of the first and second fluids.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to ventilation devices, systems, and methods for applying positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to the lungs of a patient. For example, applying above atmospheric pressure to the lungs of the patient may mitigate alveolar collapse in the lungs and/or may have other health benefits for the patient.

Abstract: A respiration valve (100) and breathing machine having same; the respiration valve (100) comprises a valve body (1), an air resistor (2), a stainless steel valve port (3), a diaphragm (4) and valve bonnet (5); the valve body (1) is formed with an air intake channel (101) and an air output channel (102) connected to the air intake channel (101), and the air intake channel (101) has an air inlet (103) and an air outlet (104); the air resistor (2) is disposed in the air intake channel (101); the stainless steel valve port (3) is provided at the air outlet (104) of the air intake channel of the valve body (1), and one end of the stainless steel valve port (3) extends out of the air outlet (104) of the air intake channel of the valve body (1); the diaphragm (4) is movably disposed on the valve body (1) between the open and close positions of the stainless steel valve port (3); the valve bonnet (5) is disposed on the valve body (1), and cooperates with the valve body (1) to press against the edge of the diaphragm (

Abstract: A medical device packaging assembly includes a cover (10), a medical packaging paper (20), a medical device (50), and an adhesive dressing (30). The cover has a pocket (14) and a perimeter (12) extending from the perimeter of the pocket. The medical packaging paper forms a hermetically tight seal between the medical packaging paper and the perimeter of the cover around the pocket. The medical device is contained in the hermetically sealed pocket along with the adhesive dressing. The adhesive dressing is removably adhered to the medical packaging paper.

Abstract: Cut-pattern designs creating a frame structure from a solid tube, which may be used as a portion of medical device, such as a catheter. The tube includes a plurality of units of cutout segments which are distributed in band around a circumference of the tube. A tube can have multiple different zones, each having units with varying cutout segments. The cutout segments can have varying cutout surface area allowing the flexibility of the tube to be modified at any point along the tube by altering the cutout surface area with zones having greater cutout surface areas as compared to another zone are more flexible. The tube can be incorporated into a catheter.

Abstract: Various methods can be employed to apply an antimicrobial coating to the outer surface of catheter tubing. The antimicrobial coating minimizes the risk of microbe colonization on the outer surface of the catheter tubing when the catheter tubing is positioned within the vasculature of a patient. A catheter can be manufactured using a pre-treatment process which applies the antimicrobial coating to the catheter tubing prior to applying a lubricant over top of the coating. The lubricant can function to retain the coating on the outer surface and also to limit the diffusion of the antimicrobial agent from the coating. A catheter can include an antimicrobial coating that does not block the visibility of flashback. Because the antimicrobial coating can be minimally transparent, the coating can be applied to the outer surface in a striped pattern or other pattern that leaves a portion of the outer surface uncoated or minimally coated.

Abstract: A catheter that prevents excessive concentration of stress while providing sufficient flexibility to a distal end portion of the catheter, even when the catheter is inserted and curved in patient's a blood vessel. Thus, breakage of the catheter at a radiopaque marker is prevented/reduced. The catheter includes a catheter tube and the radiopaque marker, which is disposed in the catheter tube. The radiopaque marker is fixed in the catheter so that a gap is provided between the radiopaque marker and the catheter tube in a radial direction of the catheter tube.

Abstract: An anchor device to simplify catheterization procedures, particularly for insertion and maneuvering of large catheters in tortuous arteries, vessels, or other lumen is disclosed. In some embodiments, the anchor device includes an anchor stent formed from a plurality of zig-zag shaped wire elements that are coupled together. The device further includes a plurality of connector struts attached at a proximal end of the anchor stent, the connector struts coalescing to form a strut tip. A guide device, such as a guidewire, is attached to the anchor stent at the strut tip and may be used to guide the anchor stent into the arteries or other vessels and toward a target treatment site.

Abstract: Some of the present methods include, and some embodiments of the present systems are configured for gaining access to a patient's vessel by way of the vessel (i.e. from the inside out). Some embodiments facilitate gaining access to an occluded vessel, where part of the access path is through the occlusion.

Abstract: An infusion set, comprising a base, and an inserter pivotally connected to said base, said inserter including a catheter movable from a first catheter position to a second catheter position, an introducer needle located within said catheter and movable between a first and second introducer needle positions, and an activation button, wherein when said button is moved from a first button position to a second button position, said catheter is moved from said first toward said second catheter position, said introducer needle is moved from said first toward said second introducer needle position, and said introducer needle is thereafter moved back toward said first introducer needle position, wherein in the second button position, the inserter is configured to fold substantially entirely within said base in the second inserter position.

Abstract: Needle assemblies 500 are disclosed having a multi-purpose protective cap 5. The needle assemblies 500 can embody catheter assembly 120 having a catheter hub 75 and a catheter tube 76 or a hypodermic needle 15 mounted on a needle hub 35. The multi-purpose cap 5 includes a first section 10 covering the needle 15 and a second section 20 having a base portion 40 for covering a hub, such as needle hub 35 or a catheter hub 75. The first section 10 and the second section 20 are separable from one another along a detachment line 30 and the second section 20 is re-useable as a securement device.

Abstract: A guide wire is described for navigating body channels such as vessels. The guide wire can include an elongated member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a fluid passage to transport a fluid from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The distal portion of the elongated member can include a shape memory material with two way memory effect. The shape memory material can have a transition temperature less than a body temperature such that the distal portion has a first shape at the body temperature and a second shape different from the first shape at a temperature less than the transition temperature.

Abstract: A medical instrument, which is capable of holding a wire, includes: a sheath which has a center axis in a longitudinal direction from a distal end toward a proximal end thereof and includes in a distal end surface of the distal end a first contact area capable of being in contact with the wire and a second contact area coming in contact with the wire and provided on a proximal end side beyond the distal end with respect to the first contact area; and a holding portion which is advanceable and retractable in a lumen of the sheath and is retracted into the lumen of the sheath so that the wire is pressed to the first contact area and the second contact area and the holding portion holds the wire.

Abstract: Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon.

Abstract: A fluid pressurizing and displacement device which is configured for both macro movement and micro movement of a plunger. In order to execute micro movement of the plunger, a user need only rotate the plunger; to execute macro movement of the plunger, a user need only push or pull the plunger. This simplicity in use is possible because a half-nut (or other suitable structure within the device) remains engaged with the plunger, except when the plunger is being pushed or pulled by its operator. All user motions are simple and intuitive.

Abstract: Methods and devices quickly and accurately locate the sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) while performing a sphenopalatine ganglion block procedure that introduces a medication to the SPG. The methods and devices also prevent the medication applied to the SPG from flowing down a patient's throat during the procedure.

Abstract: A tube fixation device (1) for maintaining a tube (2) inserted into a mammalian body in a releasably fixated position, said tube fixation device (1) comprising: a tube receiving element (3) configured to receive said tube (2); a fastening element (4) arranged in connection to said tube receiving element (3) and wherein said fastening element (4) is configured to releasably fixate said tube (2) when said tube (2) is arranged in said tube receiving element (3); and a supportive element (5) attached to said tube receiving element (3) and configured to be positioned on a surface area of said mammalian body,characterized in that the supportive element (5) comprises a layered structure (16), wherein said layered structure comprises at least a ductile layer (20) comprising a ductile material, wherein the ductile layer is configured to be shapeable by the practitioner to conform to a three-dimensional shape of said surface area on said mammalian body.

Abstract: A compliance restoration device includes a compliance balloon lumen, a chamber support structure disposed in the compliance balloon lumen and configured to expand to support an expanded volume of the compliance balloon lumen, and a spring assembly configured to cause the chamber support structure to expand by applying a force on a first end of the chamber support structure.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices and methods are provided for modulating the microenvironmental pH surrounding the device. One embodiment of a drug delivery device includes an elongated annular body formed of a matrix system containing a drug dispersed in a biocompatible polymer and a pH modifier disposed in the lumen of the body, wherein the device is configured to release in vivo (i) the drug by diffusion from the annular body and (ii) the pH modifier by diffusion through the annular body. Methods in clude inserting into the patient a device and releasing the drug and pH modifier therefrom by diffusion.

Abstract: Provided are active agent delivery devices configured to deliver an active agent formulation into or through a mucosal layer in a subject. The active agent delivery devices include a power reservoir configured to eject the active agent formulation at a pressure sufficient to deliver the active agent formulation into or through a mucosal layer in a subject. Methods of using the subject active agent delivery devices are also provided.

Abstract: A method for delivering a bioactive agent to the cardiovascular system is described. The method delivers the agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. For instance, little or none of the bioactive agent will be sequestered in lymph tissue and prevented from circulation in the cardiovascular system. The method includes utilization of a transdermal delivery device including microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for delivering bioactive substances or cosmetic substances using plasmaporation and microneedles are provided. The delivery of the substances includes topical, intracellular, intercellular, and transdermal delivery to the subject.

Abstract: An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature.

Abstract: An organizer anchor assembly may include an organizer unit coupled to an anchor base having a flat bottom with sufficient surface area in contact with a table or other surface to secure the organizer assembly in place during use. The organizer unit holds and organizes lines of a medical device, such as a peritoneal dialysis machine. The anchor base may be flat to contact the cart or table surface and/or may include a perpendicular portion designed to wrap around an edge of the cart or table surface. The organizer anchor assembly may be beneficially used in connection with a home dialysis machine in which lines and connectors are desirably organized and anchored during a dialysis treatment. Portions of the organizer anchor assembly may be made of polymer materials that provide a frictional interface in contact with a surface to resist movement of the organizer anchor assembly across the surface.

Abstract: A drug administration valve (100) comprises a valve housing (200) having a plurality of drug inlets (D1 to D4) for receiving drug fluids, such as cytostatic, one flushing inlet (F) for receiving a flushing fluid, and an outlet (O). A valve member (300) rotationally arranged in the housing has a passageway (320; 321) presenting a single inlet (322) and a single outlet (324).The valve member (300) presents a plurality of drug positions for guiding an associated drug fluid to the outlet (O), and one or more flushing positions for guiding a flushing fluid through the same passageway (320; 321) as the drug fluids in order to flush said passageway (320; 321) from any drug residuals.

Abstract: Valve devices are provided for draining fluids from and/or infusing fluids into a patient's body that include a housing including first, second, and third connectors, a primary fluid path communicating between the first and second connectors, and a secondary fluid path communicating from the primary fluid path to the third connector. First and second valve members are movable within the housing between first positions wherein the valve members do not obstruct the primary fluid path and second positions wherein the primary fluid path is at least partially closed. The third connector may be configured to prevent fluid flow therethrough unless a mating connector is fully coupled thereto. The valve members may be selectively closed to isolate portions of the flow path to allow a source of vacuum or fluid coupled to the third connector to aspirate or infuse fluid along portions of the primary fluid path.

Abstract: One subject of the invention is an article for cosmetic treatment of a body area with an electric current, comprising a support (50) comprising an electrode (1) and a counter electrode (2), said electrode and counter electrode being separated from one another by a space comprising an electrically insulating zone (3) made of a polymeric material.

Abstract: A hollowly cylindrical supporting body is used for an electrical stimulation probe, and the electrical stimulation probe provides an insulated outer shell. The insulated outer shell can accommodate and cover the hollowly cylindrical supporting body. Further, the hollowly cylindrical supporting body can be assembled precisely with the insulated outer shell through Fool-Proofing Design. Therefore, the insulated outer shell and the hollowly cylindrical supporting body can be combined closely and joined together to form the electrical stimulation probe of the present invention.

Abstract: A windowed electrode assembly includes a foam layer having windows. Each window receives a corresponding gel pad that is sized such that it is contained by the window's sidewalls. The windowed electrode assembly includes a foam backing layer that forms a back wall for the windows such that each gel pad is encased by the window's sidewalls and back wall.

Abstract: According to the present invention, an implantable device comprising an electrode for carrying an electric signal to or from a biological cell or tissue provided. The electrode material is chosen to exhibit desirable properties in terms of electrical conductivity, biocompatibility and bio-fouling. The invention further provides implantable devices comprising such implantable electrodes.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to programming implantable stimulators to deliver stimulation energy via one or more implantable leads having complex electrode array geometries. The disclosure also contemplates guided programming to select electrode combinations and parameter values to support efficacy. The techniques may be applied to a programming interface associated with a clinician programmer, a patient programmer, or both. A user interface permits a user to view electrodes from different perspectives relative to the lead. For example, the user interface provides a side view of a lead and a cross-sectional view of the lead. The user interface may include an axial control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different axial positions along the length of a lead, and a rotational control medium to select and/or view electrodes at different angular positions around a circumference of the lead.

Abstract: In certain embodiments an electrode array for epidural stimulation of the spinal cord is provided where the array comprises a plurality of electrodes disposed on a flexible polymer substrate; said electrodes being electrically connected to one or more lead wires and/or connection points on an electrical connector; where the electrodes of said array are bonded to said polymer so that the electrodes can carry an electrical stimulation signal having a voltage, frequency, and current sufficient to provide epidural stimulation of a spinal cord and/or brain in vivo or in a physiological saline solution, without separation of all or a part of an electrode from the polymer substrate.

Abstract: A medical device includes telemetry circuitry configured to receive programming instructions. The medical device also includes stimulation circuitry configured to generate a plurality of electrical pulses in response to the programming instructions to provide an electrical stimulation therapy for a patient. The stimulation circuitry includes a voltage converter, a multiplexor, and a stimulation driver. At least one of the voltage converter, the multiplexer, or the stimulation driver is selectively enabled and disabled during or between the electrical pulses to reduce power consumption of the medical device.

Abstract: In certain embodiments an electrode array for epidural stimulation of the spinal cord is provided where the array comprises a plurality of electrodes disposed on a flexible polymer substrate; said electrodes being electrically connected to one or more lead wires and/or connection points on an electrical connector; where the electrodes of said array are bonded to said polymer so that the electrodes can carry an electrical stimulation signal having a voltage, frequency, and current sufficient to provide epidural stimulation of a spinal cord and/or brain in vivo or in a physiological saline solution, without separation of all or a part of an electrode from the polymer substrate.

Abstract: A durable nerve cuff electrode for achieving block of an action potential in a large diameter nerve.

Abstract: A lead anchor includes an anchor body having a band section, guide members and a support section. The guide members and the support section are spaced apart from each other and define a band channel. Further, the lead anchor includes a flexible band that is coupleable to the guide members with at least a portion of the flexible band positionable within the band channel. The flexible band and the support section define a first lead channel having a spaced-apart distance between the flexible band and the support section. The first lead channel includes an open side for allowing a lateral ingress or egress of a portion of a lead. The lead anchor further includes a fastener movable relative to the anchor body to reduce or increase the spaced-apart distance of the first lead channel to hold or release, respectively, the portion of the lead within the first lead channel.

Abstract: A pulse generator discharge circuit is disclosed. The circuit includes one or more discharge stages, each discharge stage including a plurality of control input terminals. The circuit also includes first and second discharge terminals, and a plurality of serially connected switches electrically connected between the first and second discharge terminals, where a conductive state of each of the switches is controlled by a control signal. The circuit also includes a plurality of inductive elements configured to generate the control signals for the serially connected switches, where each inductive element is configured to generate a control signal for one of the serially connected switches in response to one or more input signals at one or more of the control input terminals, and where each of the serially connected switches is configured to receive a control signal from a respective one of the inductive elements.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system that can modulate the intensity of a neural stimulation signal over time. A pulse generator can be configured to generate a stimulation signal for application to neural tissue of an individual and modulate a parameter related to intensity of a pattern of pulses of the stimulation signal over time. An electrode can be coupled to the pulse generator and configured to apply the stimulation signal to the neural tissue. A population of axons in the neural tissue can be recruited with each pulse of the stimulation signal.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor may 1) divide an audio signal into M analysis channels, 2) select only N analysis channels included in the M analysis channels for presentation to a patient during a stimulation frame, wherein N is less than M, 3) increase a probability that a particular analysis channel will be included in the N analysis channels selected for presentation to the patient during the stimulation frame if the particular analysis channel was not selected for presentation to the patient during one or more stimulation frames that temporally precede the stimulation frame, and 4) decrease the probability that the particular analysis channel will be included in the N analysis channels selected for presentation to the patient during the stimulation frame if the particular analysis channel was selected for presentation to the patient during the one or more stimulation frames that temporally precede the stimulation frame.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an electrical stimulation therapy method. The method includes applying a variable frequency stimulation pulse to target nerve tissue of the patient suffering from dysfunction of a nerve circuit in the brain selected from the group consisting of motor circuit, associative circuit and limbic circuit, wherein the variable frequency stimulation pulse comprises at least two kinds of electrical stimulation pulse trains at different frequencies; and each of the at least two kinds of alternate electrical stimulation pulse trains in each of the plurality of pulse train periods has a duration in a range from about 0.1 seconds to about 60 minutes. The target nerve tissue is a part of the nerve circuit. The different frequencies of the electrical stimulation pulse trains are in a range from about 10 Hz to about 250 Hz.

Abstract: Flexible implantable subcutaneous heart device (HD) structure, including a flexible device body, at least one flexible lead and at least one respective transition unit, the transition unit for respectively coupling each flexible lead to the flexible device body, the flexible device body including a plurality of inner components and a respective plurality of hollow outer units, the hollow outer units for encasing and protecting the inner components, each one of the hollow outer units including at least one hollow rigid element and a hollow flexible element, the hollow flexible element coupled with the hollow rigid element for enabling the outer unit a degree of flexibility, wherein the hollow flexible element is covered with a covering and wherein the flexible device body is covered with a polymer.

Abstract: Methods and systems of evaluating cardiac pacing in candidate patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy patients are disclosed. The methods and systems disclosed allow treatments to be personalized to patients by measuring the extent of tissue capture from cardiac pacing under various therapy parameter conditions. Systems and methods of optimizing right ventricle only cardiac pacing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and systems of evaluating cardiac pacing in candidate patients for cardiac resynchronization therapy and cardiac resynchronization therapy patients are disclosed. The methods and systems disclosed allow treatments to be personalized to patients by measuring the extent of tissue capture from cardiac pacing under various therapy parameter conditions. Systems and methods of optimizing right ventricle only cardiac pacing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to techniques for separately transferring power and data from an external device to an implantable component of a partially or fully implantable medical device. The separated power and data transfer techniques use a single external coil and a single implantable coil. The external coil is part of an external resonant circuit, while the implantable coil is part of an implantable resonant circuit. The external coil is configured to transcutaneously transfer power and data to the implantable coil using separate (different) power and data time slots. At least one of the external or internal resonant circuit is substantially more damped during the data time slot than during the power time slot.

Abstract: A medical device control unit is provided. The control unit may include at least one processing device, a circuit electrically coupled to the at least one processing device, and a flexible housing configured to contain the at least one processing device and the circuit. The flexible housing may include at least one connection portion configured to engage a connector protruding from a flexible carrier, and at least one electrical contact electrically coupled to the circuit and configured to establish an electrical connection with an exposed electrical contact on the flexible carrier when the connection portion is engaged with the at least one connection portion.

Abstract: Devices and methods are described that generate personalized therapy protocols for home use of therapeutic medical devices. The devices include an intuitive user interface to guide user to select proper settings, a personalized therapy protocol-generating approach according to user selection and personal profile, and follow-up therapy protocol adjustments to achieve optimized results based on feedbacks collected from past treatments.

Abstract: Methods and devices for tying management of an implantable medical device to the activities of a primary care physician are described, including access control, simplified parameter optimization, support for tuning a device in response to the effects of other treatments in parallel, and support for helping a primary physician and a patient work together to tune device configuration to the activity and performance needs of the patient. In some embodiments, a medical device is self-configuring in a device parameter domain, based on inputs provided in a patient performance domain. The self-configuring of the medical device is based, for example, on an automatically applied transformation of inputs derived from patient performance domain observations into changes in the configuration of the medical device which affect technical parameters of its operation.