Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a decellularized tissue having excellent cell adhesion properties. Provided is a decellularized tissue prepared by decellularizing a biological tissue, said decellularized tissue being characterized in that the ratio of endothermic energy amount, in terms of dry mass, of the decellularized tissue to the biological tissue before the decellularization is 0.70 or greater when measured by differential scanning calorimetry. The ratio by mass of DNA amount, in terms of dry mass, of the decellularized tissue to the biological tissue before the decellularization may be 0.300 or smaller.

Abstract: A bioprosthetic valve for repairing a deep venous insufficiency in a subject includes a single leaflet from a xenogeneic heart valve attached at natural margins of attachment to a patch of valve wall tissue. The patch may extend axially above and below the leaflet and circumferentially on either side of the leaflet to provide a region for attaching the patch to a fenestration in a host vein. A bioprosthetic valve may be manufactured by excising a portion of a xenogeneic heart valve including a single leaflet and contiguous wall tissue, and may further comprise shaving off excess leaflet tissue from adjacent leaflets. A method of replacing a malfunctioning venous valve in a subject includes providing a bioprosthetic valve as described above and inserting it to the host vein.

Abstract: Material biocompatible and implantable in the human body, for the obtainment of a device that can be implanted in the human body or a spacer device for treating a bone or a joint seat, including an acrylic resin or a plastic material or polyethylene (PE) or low density polyethylene or high density polyethylene or ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) or polypropylene or polyamide or polyetheretherketone (PEEK) or a mixture thereof, wherein the material can be moulded and includes an additive such as a pharmaceutical or medical substance and/or a radio-opacifying agent and/or a further additive; device that can be implanted in the human body or a spacer device for treating a bone or a joint location obtained with the aforementioned material and method for obtaining the material according to the present invention.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multilayered drug eluting biodegradable foam comprising at least two layers, wherein each layer independently comprises a polymer and wherein at least one of said layers is a drug-comprising layer, which comprises at least one drug that is mixed with the polymer in said drug-comprising layer.

Abstract: The present invention addresses the problem of providing a block copolymer that has excellent adhesion to a base material and that can impart excellent antithrombogenicity to the base material surface, and providing a medical device comprising the block copolymer. The block copolymer according to the present invention comprises an A block and a B block. The A block is capable of containing intermediate water. The B block is more hydrophobic than the A block. The medical device according to the present invention is obtained by coating a medical device with an antithrombotic coating agent containing the block copolymer.

Abstract: A liquid-collection canister includes a liquid collection chamber defined by at least one wall and a first and second gas-communication pathway formed within the at least one wall. A first aperture is positioned between the first gas-communication pathway and the liquid collection chamber to allow gaseous communication between the liquid collection chamber and the first gas-communication pathway. A second aperture is positioned between the second gas-communication pathway and the liquid collection chamber to allow gaseous communication between the liquid collection chamber and the second gas-communication pathway. A first and a second liquid-air separator are positioned over the first aperture and the second aperture, respectively, to substantially prevent liquid passing through the first and second apertures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical vacuum pump filtration devices configured to filter air being received by the pump. The filtration devices comprise a pump housing and a mounting cap which incorporates filtration capabilities that capture and or divert particulate matter and moisture away from a pump intake opening. The filtration cap can also include apertures for sensors contained within the vacuum pump housing and the filtration cap. Compliance features that ensure proper installation and use of the filtration device can be included.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods convey fluid from an internal wound site or body cavity by applying negative pressure from a source outside the internal wound site or body cavity through a wound drain assembly that is placed directly inside the internal wound site or body cavity.

Abstract: A barrier of a vacuum pump prevents contamination from entering a vacuum pump air line. The barrier separates parts of the pump and is moveable between an initial state and a distended state. The barrier is assembled within the pump with a pre-load. When the vacuum source is applied to the barrier, the barrier achieves a distended state and when the vacuum source is released, the barrier incrementally self returns to an initial state. The geometry and material construction of the barrier, along with the pre-load, assists in returning the barrier on its own to the initial state from the distended state.

Abstract: A breast pump for pumping human breast milk has a flexible pumping membrane and a stiff cap, which can be fitted onto said pumping membrane, this resulting in the formation of a pumping chamber for generating a negative pressure. The cap can be, or is, connected to a breast-shield unit via a suction line. The pumping membrane has an encircling collar with a step and a laterally projecting protrusion. The cap has, on its inner side, an encircling abutment region and also at least one form-fitting element, which is spaced apart from the encircling abutment region and establishes a form fit with the protrusion of the pumping membrane. The cap is positioned with a snap fit on the pumping membrane. In the abutment region (53), it establishes a joint frictional fit with a step of the pumping membrane and thus forms a seal. The snap-fit positioning of the cap on the pumping membrane is sufficient for the cap to be retained with sealing action on the pumping membrane.

Abstract: A breast shield for a breast pump for expressing human breast milk, comprising a funnel for applying to the human mother's breast and a connection part, wherein the funnel widens in the direction of the mother's breast and encloses at least one nipple and one areola surrounding the nipple of the mother's breast. The funnel comprises an end near to the breast, which forms a contact edge for contacting the mother's breast. The breast shield has a through-opening which extends from the end of the funnel near the breast up to the end of the connection part further from the breast, and which serves to apply a negative pressure to the mother's breast and to discharge expressed breast milk. The contact edge of the funnel is formed by a space curve that is not positioned in one plane, wherein the funnel has at least two planes of symmetry. The breast shield permits an application on the mother's breast that is optimally sealing and comfortable for the mother.

Abstract: An axial-flow blood pump for pumping blood includes a substantially cylindrical outer enclosure. A tubular housing concentric with and located within the outer enclosure has at one end an inlet and at an opposite end an outlet. A motor stator is concentric with and located between the outer enclosure and the tubular housing. An impeller is concentric with and located within the tubular housing. The impeller is suspended in operation by a combination of passive magnetic forces between magnets within the impeller or magnetized regions of the impeller and the motor stator and hydrodynamic thrust forces generated as blood flows between the tubular housing and a plurality of hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces located on the impeller. A volute may be in fluid-tight connection with the outlet of the tubular housing for receiving blood in the axial direction and directing blood in a direction normal to the axial direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods and devices for determining the probability of a patient's aortic valve being open or closed. In one embodiment, a plurality of flow rate data points are obtained from a blood pump, a portion of the flow rate data points are identified, first and second index values characterizing properties of at least part of the identified portion of the flow rate data points determined using only arithmetic and/or exponentiation operations, and a probability is determined of whether the patient's aortic valve is open or closed based on the first and second index values.

Abstract: A fluid resistant electrical connector for an implantable medical device includes a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly. The first connector assembly includes a first housing, an elongated coupling member, and first electrical contacts distributed around the coupling member. The second connector assembly includes a second housing, second electrical contacts, and a retention member. The second housing has a coupling member receptacle and a retention member receptacle. The coupling member receptacle is shaped to accommodate a distal portion of the coupling member. The retention member is partially accommodated by the retention member receptacle and movable between an insertion configuration accommodating coupling of the first and second connector assemblies and a retention configuration retaining the coupling member to prevent inadvertent uncoupling of the electrical connector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for methods and systems for determining heart rate of a patient. Based on motor current signals of a ventricular assist device (VAD), each of first, second and third events in the measured current signal may be detected, the first event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal, the second event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal in the opposite direction as the first event, and the third event being indicative of a rise or fall in the current signal in the same direction as the first event. A timer counter may be initiated upon detection of the first event, and an elapsed time may be measured upon detection of the third event. Heart rate may be determined based on the elapsed time of the timer counter.

Abstract: A method of detecting a suction condition during operation of a rotary blood pump with an inlet connected to a ventricle of the heart of a patient, an outlet connected to an artery of the patient, a rotor, and a control circuit configured maintain the rotor at a set rotational speed. The method includes measuring the rotational speed of the rotor at a plurality of times during each of a plurality of speed measurement intervals. A speed range is determined between a minimum measured speed and a maximum measured speed during each of the plurality of speed measurement intervals. At least one additional parameter relating to the operation of the blood pump is derived. A suction detection signal is generated if both at least one determined speed range is above a speed range limit and the at least one additional parameter is indicative of a suction condition.

Abstract: A dialyzer composed of: first and second dialyzation chambers, and an intermediate chamber interposed between the first and second dialyzation chambers. Each of the chambers has a respective one of a blood inlet or outlet and a dialysate inlet or outlet arranged so that blood and dialysate flow in counter-current to one another in both chambers. The intermediate chamber is connected to form a dialysate-free blood flow passage between the blood chambers and is configured to maintain a substantially uniform blood flow.

Abstract: A filter apparatus for removing small molecule chemotherapy agents from blood is provided. The filter apparatus comprises a housing with an extraction media comprised of polymer coated carbon cores. Also provided are methods of treating a subject with cancer of an organ or region comprising administering a chemotherapeutic agent to the organ or region, collecting blood laded with chemotherapeutic agent from the isolated organ, filtering the blood laden with chemotherapeutic agent to reduce the chemotherapeutic agent in the blood and returning the blood to the subject.

Abstract: A recovery device assembly comprises an actuator element and a mechanically radially expandable and contractible recovery device operably connected to the actuator element is provided. The recovery device has proximal and distal toroidal balloon blocking elements and a central portion between the blocking elements. The recovery device is at least partially placeable in a first, radially collapsed configuration and in a second, radially expanded configuration by manipulation of the actuator element. When in the second, radially expanded configuration, the proximal and distal blocking elements have radial dimensions greater than the radial dimension of the central portion thereby at least partially defining a collection chamber at the central portion. Also provided are methods of isolating an organ and recovering blood from an organ that use the recovery device assembly provided.

Abstract: A patient care system is disclosed that includes a medical device such as an infusion pump. The medical device generates a data message containing information such as the status of the therapy being delivered, operating data or both. An alarm generating system assesses the data message from the pump and generates an alarm message if certain conditions established by a first set of rules are met. The alarm message is assessed according to a second set of rules as to whether to suppress the alarm message. The data message contains a required input for both the first and second algorithms. A dispatching system is adapted to forward the alarm message to an alarm destination according to a third set of rules. The alarm destination expresses an alarm upon receipt of the alarm message.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for administering a first medicament and a second medicament includes a first fluid reservoir configured to contain the first medicament and a second fluid reservoir configured to contain the second medicament. The fluid delivery device may include one or more basal drive mechanisms to provide a basal delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments. The fluid delivery device may further include one or more bolus drive mechanisms to provide a bolus delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments.

Abstract: A medical fluid injector is connected to a supply tube through which medical fluid is supplied and a discharge tube through which the medical fluid is discharged. The medical fluid injector has a housing body and a reservoir module which is disposed within the housing body. The housing body has a grip portion, which has a length in the longitudinal direction that is greater than a width in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal direction, and a pair of button protection arms located at one end adjacent to the grip portion. The reservoir module has a reservoir bag, which stores and discharges the medical fluid, and a push button which pushes the reservoir bag to discharge the medical fluid in the reservoir bag. The reservoir bag is fluidically connected to the supply tube and the discharge tube. A portion of the push button is positioned between the button protection arms.

Abstract: An infusion device (1) comprises a housing (10) having a front side (102) and a back side (103) opposite to the front side (102). A display device (11) is arranged at the front side (102) of the housing (10). A pump mechanism (18) serves to act onto a disposable pump module (17, 4), the pump mechanism (18) being included in the housing (10). Herein, the housing (10) is constituted to receive the disposable pump module (17, 4) at the back side (103). In this way an infusion device is provided which allows placing a disposable pump module on the housing of the infusion device and which may offer space savings over existing infusion devices.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a device may include an intraventricular access device and an infusion device. The intraventricular access device may include more than one catheter and a container. In some embodiments, the catheter may include an aspiration lumen and an infusion lumen. A distal end of the intraventricular portion of the catheter may be positionable, during use, in a subject's brain fluid. In some embodiments, the container may be coupled to a proximal end of the aspiration lumen. The proximal end of the aspiration lumen may be in fluid communication with the container. The proximal end of the infusion lumen may be in communication with an infusion pump. In some embodiments, the device inhibits cross contamination between a first fluid in the aspiration lumen and a second fluid in the infusion lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for establishing aseptic connections between two or more components or subassemblies. The devices may be used in medical devices such as drug delivery pumps (10). In some embodiments, a connection is made between a drug container (50, 1050, 2050) and a fluid pathway connection assembly (300, 1300, 2300). The fluid pathway connection assembly may include a connection hub (312, 1312, 2312), a piercing member (316, 1316, 2316), and a piercing member retainer (314, 1314, 2314). The assembly may further include a first film (318, 1318, 2318) covering a cavity (312A, 1312A, 2312A), thereby maintaining the aseptic condition of the cavity. The drug container may hold a fluid drug and include a pierceable seal (326, 1326, 2326). A second film (322, 1322, 2322) may cover a recess (328, 1328, 2328) formed by the seal and thereby maintain the aseptic condition of the interior of the chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing intrabronchial delivery of neurotoxins to control the effects of asthma comprises a shaft having proximal and distal ends and a neurotoxin applicator assembly disposed on the distal end. The neurotoxin applicator assembly comprises a deployable needle assembly, a rotating needle assembly, and a needle-less injection assembly or a nebulizer assembly.

Abstract: To detect air in a fluid delivery line of an infusion system, infusion fluid is pumped through a fluid delivery line adjacent to at least one sensor. A signal is transmitted and received using the at least one sensor into and from the fluid delivery line. The at least one sensor is operated, using at least one processor, at a modified frequency which is different than a resonant frequency of the at least one sensor to reduce an amplitude of an output of the signal transmitted from the at least one sensor to a level which is lower than a saturation level of the analog-to-digital converter to avoid over-saturating the analog-to-digital converter. The signal received by the at least one sensor is converted from analog to digital using an analog-to-digital converter. The at least one processor determines whether air is in the fluid delivery line based on the converted digital signal.

Abstract: A system for drug delivery by infusion is disclosed where the concentration of the drug solution withdrawn from a drug container (1, 2) to be delivered to the patient (8) according to a predetermined dose rate protocol for the drug is repeatedly analyzed during the infusion, and the concentration data obtained are used to continuously control the infusion rate to at least substantially maintain the predetermined dose rate. A method for drug delivery by infusion is also disclosed.

Abstract: An infusion device comprises a pump device (1) having a housing part (103) and a flexible wall section (120) together forming a pump channel (121) through which a fluid is to be pumped, wherein the pump channel (121) has a first end (120A) as inlet for a fluid and a second end (120B) as outlet for a fluid, wherein the pump channel (121) extends along a channel length (C) between the first end (120A) and the second end (120B). The infusion device further comprises a pump actuation mechanism (2) having an actuation device (20) for acting onto the flexible wall section (120) along the channel length (C) of the pump channel (121) for locally depressing the flexible wall section (120) in a vertical direction (Z) in order to pump a fluid through the pump channel (121), the actuation device (20) being displaceable with respect to a housing section (22) of the pump actuation mechanism (2) along the vertical direction (Z).

Abstract: A compact medical fluid infusion pump and method for using thereof is described. The compact includes a medicament reservoir integrated with a rotary pump for providing a user thereof with a controlled quantity of fluid-medicament. The rotary pump includes at least one stationary arm and at least one rotating arm such that an operating device configured to operate the rotary pump thereby the fluid-medicament is impelled through an outlet channel of the reservoir and infusing the medicament into a user.

Abstract: An auto-injector apparatus and associated methods utilizing specific dimensions and parameters of use for the auto-injector are provided for achieving increased effectiveness of the auto-injector device in delivering medicament into the patient's body, and in dispersion of the medicament from the initial injection site into the surrounding bodily tissues.

Abstract: A dispensing device which disperses medicate through a needle across a zone within a body. The device includes a needle which is, during use, becomes encapsulated within a tubular needle-receiving member, a reservoir in fluid communication with the needle, positioned within the housing, and in communication with the needle, a second reservoir, a reservoir-connecting conduit in communication with the reservoir, a fluid drive in communication with the fluid in the second reservoir and in communication with the reservoir-connecting conduit, and a linear drive attached to the needle or to the needle-receiving member. The fluid drive impel fluids from the second reservoir to the reservoir-connecting conduit and thus drives the therapeutic agent from the reservoir during the linear displacement of the needle towards the housing. Fluid communication from the therapeutic agent reservoir to the needle is maintained by the tubing during operation of the linear drive.

Abstract: A needle-free injector system includes a needle-free injector having at least one sensor configured to detect, using the at least one sensor, a degree to which a patient has administered a treatment using the needle-free injector, and configured to transmit information to a server regarding the administration of the treatment; and the server configured to communicate, to a device associated with the patient, a message regarding the administration of the treatment. A method of determining patient compliance with a treatment regimen includes detecting a potential treatment event by a needle-free injector system; measuring, using at least one sensor proximal to a treatment site on a body of a patient, at least one physical parameter; and determining, using the measurement of the at least one physical parameter, a level of compliance of the patient for the potential treatment event.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medicament container assembly (11) for a medicament delivery device, comprising: an elongated body (3) configured to receive a medicament container (17) and provided with a radially flexible first gripper arm (3f) extending in the axial direction of the body (3) and an oppositely arranged radially flexible second gripper arm (3g) extending in the axial direction of the body (3), wherein the first gripper arm (3g) and the second gripper arm (3f) are configured to support a neck portion of a medicament container, and a clamp member (13) configured to be arranged radially outside of the first gripper arm (3f) and the second gripper arm (3g), to press the first gripper arm (3f) and the second gripper arm (3g) radially inwards, to prevent proximal displacement of a medicament container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism for an injection device for setting and dispensing of a dose of a medicament, the drive mechanism comprising:—a tubular shaped housing component (12, 45) extending in an axial direction (z) and comprising an inner thread (46),—a tubular shaped display member (80) having an outer thread (81) engaged with the inner thread (46), and—a dose member (90) axially displaceable between a dose setting position (S) and a dose dispensing position relative to the display member (80),—wherein the display member (80) comprises at least one blocking member (87) on its outer circumference to axially engage with a blocking structure (18) on an inside facing sidewall portion (12a) of the housing component (12, 45) to block an axial displacement of the dose member (90) from the dose setting position (S) towards the dose dispensing position.

Abstract: The safety syringe includes a barrel having a clamping slot, a large sealing ring and a zero line; a plunger having a pull pawl and an annular convex clamping disc, an avoiding seams; a rubber plug; a needle connector having annular clamping pawls, an inner sealing ring and a pullback ring; and a locking body made of a polymer material with elasticity and having a sealing disc, a sealing ring, a clamping ring and a checking ring. The sealing disc, large sealing ring, sealing ring and inner sealing ring are engaged to constitute a sealing structure. When the clamping ring meshed with the pull pawl is dragged to retract inwards, the sealing ring and pullback ring are engaged to pull the needle connector to retract, and the checking ring is plugged into the inner cavity of the clamping pawls to fix the clamping pawls in the clamping slot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supplementary device for a manually operable injection device, the supplementary device comprising: a body (300) having at least one engaging member (340) to releasably mount the body (300) to the injection device (1) in a specific position (P) on an outside surface (106) of the injection device (1), at least one indicator (350; 370; 380) located on the body (300) and having a shape or contour to overlap or to align with a mark (150; 160; 170; 180) on the outside surface (106) of the injection device (1) when the body (300) is in or near the specific position (P).

Abstract: The disclosure provides a supplemental device configured for removable attachment to a medicament injection device. The supplemental device includes a display, a processor arrangement, at least one memory, and an image-capturing component. The processor arrangement is configured to cause the supplemental device to: (i) use the image capturing component to capture successive images of a medicament dosage indicated by a medicament dispensing device, (ii) successively display the captured images on the display, (iii) perform optical character recognition on captured images to identify medicament dosage indicated by the medicament dispensing device when the images were captured, (iv) and make a non-transient record of delivered dosage information in the at least one memory based at least in part on the identified medicament dosage.

Abstract: Automated drug delivery systems and related methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, these systems can reduce or eliminate infusion inconsistencies. An exemplary system can include a syringe actuator which can be controlled via electrical, mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic means to precisely infuse and/or withdraw material from a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cap assembly (5) for a medicament delivery device, comprising: a cap (7) having a tubular body (7b) defining an axially extending distal opening (7c) and configured to be mounted to a proximal end of a medicament delivery device, wherein the cap (7) has a bottom structure (7e) defining a proximal end of the distal opening (7c), wherein the bottom structure (7e) has a cam structure (7f) provided inside the tubular body (7b), and wherein the tubular body (7b) has inner walls provided with radial recesses (7d), and an elongated squeeze member (9) configured to be received in the distal opening (7c) of the tubular body (7b), and having a longitudinally extending channel (9d) configured to receive a delivery member shield, and which squeeze member (9) has radial arms (9e) flexible in the radial direction and forming part of a wall of the channel (9d), wherein the squeeze member (9) has a proximal end face (9a) configured to cooperate with the cam structure (7f) of the cap (7), w

Abstract: A needle for drug injection, and a drug injection apparatus comprising the same are disclosed. The needle for drug injection is formed in the shape of a cylinder, of which one end comprises a needle tip and the other end comprises; an needle body configured to be opened so that drug can be injected thereinto; and at least one outlet through which the drug is discharged, the outlet being provided on one side of the needle body, wherein the outlet is formed to have an inclination angle in the direction from the one end to the other end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pen needle provided with a safety protection system, which utilizes a shuttlecock-shaped supporter blade of an elastic material to simplify the structure and reduce the number of parts to reduce the manufacturing process and size of the pen needle, thereby providing a less expensive, simpler and safer pen needle, in order to prevent the pen needle, which is a one-time consumable item to be inserted and fastened into a pen-type syringe in a screw-coupled manner, from being reused after a single use.

Abstract: An injection device uses telescoping and/or nested components and other features to make the overall device compact in size. The device is configured to have a storage position and an extended position, such that its needle is positioned within the housing of the device in a storage position, with the needle extending beyond the device housing when needed for an injection. The telescoping plunger mechanism has a storage position and an extended position for use. The device includes a needle depth cover, which extends from the device housing for use, and guides the user as to the correct depth for the needle to penetrate the user's skin. A switch allows different depth settings, for example allowing a deeper penetration for injection into a leg, and shallower penetration for injection into an arm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a touch-free topical spray of halobetasol comprising a composition which is delivered through a dispensing system, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.01% w/w to about 0.5% w/w of halobetasol based on the total weight of the composition for the treatment of skin disorders, wherein the dispensing system comprises a metered valve assembly comprising a metered valve having a stem connected to an actuator, wherein the actuator is provided with an insert having an orifice diameter in a range of about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm, and wherein no rubbing-in is required when said composition is applied to affected skin. Said topical spray compositions offer ease of application leading to enhanced patient compliance. Further, said compositions are delivered from a dispensing system in metered doses. It also relates to processes for the preparation of the touch-free topical spray compositions.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a halobetasol topical spray system comprising: (i) a composition comprising halobetasol; (ii) a dispensing system comprising: (a) a pressurized container comprising the composition and (b) a metered valve assembly comprising a metered valve having a stem connected to an actuator, wherein the actuator is provided with an insert having an orifice diameter in a range of about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm, wherein the actuator is depressed for activation to expel the composition from the pressurized container forming a focused coverage area. Further, said compositions are delivered from a dispensing system in metered doses.

Abstract: A humidification system has a tube configured to transport gases. The tube is configured to be soaked prior to use and has a bead to hold liquid. Heat applied to the bead causes the liquid to be released as vapour. Gases flowing through the tube are heated and humidified by the vapour.

Abstract: A fluid supply warning and communication system including fluid tight engagements being made with tubing having at least one connector end chosen from a universal connector, a twist-on nipple, and a v-shaped end. A gas supply warning and communication system including a first upstream gas path, a second upstream gas path, and a downstream gas path made with tubing having at least one connector end chosen from a universal connector, a twist-on nipple, and a v-shaped end. A method of increasing humidity in a downstream gas path in the gas supply warning and communication system by flowing gas through a downstream gas path tubing that increases humidity to an end use appliance.

Abstract: A new Continuous/Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure device (C/BiPAP) is operable which includes both a device with a bi-directional mode of operation in a housing and a user mask to deliver air and oxygen flows and direct exhaled air to a control device. A control system receives inputs for oxygen, carbon monoxide, heart rate and air flow, both inhaled and exhale pressure and varies the input of air and oxygen and adjust the negative pressure in response to those readings. The novel features of the device including self-cleaning of the mask when it is placed in the within the housing, the inclusion of a lithium battery for back-up and for use outdoors, and wireless capabilities in the control device. The self cleaning regime includes a water storage compartment, a water heater, and a tube running to the self-cleaning compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tracheostoma protection device for covering a tracheostoma, comprising an open-cell foam cloth, an adhesive strip and an air-impermeable region arranged distally on the foam cloth and associated with the tracheostoma, the tracheostoma being concealable by means of the air-impermeable region. During use of the tracheostoma protection, the foam cloth can by moved at least to some degree outwardly from a contact surface about the tracheostoma.