Abstract: A dry powder inhaler for pulmonary or nasal use, comprising at least an inhaler body 801 and a cartridge 803 with at least one powder compartment 805 including one dose of a drug. The body has an opening 804 shaped for receiving the cartridge 803 and the means to allow a controlled sliding movement of the cartridge 803 relative to the body 801 after mounting. The cartridge powder compartment 805 comprises at least two inlets or slits 806, 809, at least one of which is a side inlet 809, for the admission of air, and a compartment outlet 807 to allow filling and fluid communication with an inhalation channel 808 provided in the body 801.

Abstract: The invention relates to a delivery device for nasal medication. It addresses need for delivering medication to the nose of a patient. In a preferred embodiment the device has: •A transducer 10 adapted to create an ultrasonic focal zone; •a feeder chamber 13 holding medication; •an energising chamber 14 smaller than the feeder chamber; •a mesh 15; and •an exit 17. The device is formed so that when it is activated the feeder chamber 13 continuously fills the energising chamber 14 with medication (until the feeder chamber has insufficient medication left to achieve this) so that there is a substantially constant supply of medication within the focal zone able to be energised and forced from the energising chamber so as to contact the mesh, become an aerosol, and leave the device by way of the exit.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and methods are provided for supplying gases to a user. The supply includes a sub-therapeutic mode and a pressure support mode for delivering therapy to a user. A flow diversion device or valve switches from a first mode corresponding with the sub-therapeutic mode of the system to a second mode corresponding with the pressure support mode of the system. In the first mode, the valve opens a larger flow path between the interior of the user interface and ambient air than in the second mode.

Abstract: Systems and methods for triggering inspiration and/or cycling exhalation with a ventilator are described herein. In particular, systems and methods for synchronizing ventilator breath delivery with patient breath demand utilizing a digital sample counting trigger mode are described herein. The digital sample counting triggering mode characterizes digital samples taken from a measured or estimated parameter during the patient inhalation/exhalation period to synchronize breath delivery with patient breath demand.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a nasogastric tube used to insert into a patient's body from nose to stomach. The patient's body from nose to stomach comprises a posterior pharyngeal wall, an inferior conch, a nasopharynx rear-upper wall, and a soft palate; the nasogastric tube comprises a tube body and a pressurized structure. The tube body has a longitudinal direction and includes a proximal end and a distal end. A distance is between and the posterior pharyngeal wall. The pressurized structure is disposed on the tube body along the longitudinal direction and near the distal end. The pressurized structure comprises a cavity. When a fluid is filled into the cavity, the pressurized structure is pressurized; and the distal end is lifted to reduce the distance to the posterior pharyngeal wall.

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) cannula device that comprises two respiratory tubes and a nasal interface comprising two nasal prongs. The two respiratory tubes and the nasal interface may have a D-shaped cross-sectional design in which a flat part thereof rests against a patient's face. The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) cannula device may further comprise a one-piece design. The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) cannula device may be formed so as to not require complex securing means to secure the device to a patient. The continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) cannula device may further comprise a clip to secure the respiratory tubes together at a position at the back of a patient's head.

Abstract: An oxygen deliver system for supplying oxygen from a supply tank under pressure to a patient wearing a nasal cannula is provided. The system includes a first tube connected at a first end to the oxygen supply tank for receiving oxygen therefrom, a swivel connected at a first end to a second end of the first tube, a second tube connected at a first end to a second end of the swivel and connected at a second end to the nasal cannula for delivering the oxygen to the patient, and a receiver for limiting movement of the swivel such that the first and second tubes are retained in position and allowed to revolve around the swivel.

Abstract: A respiratory mask system includes a headgear that, in use, secures the respiratory mask system to a patient's head. The headgear includes a pair of forehead straps that are coupled together by a forehead coupler to form a closed loop. The forehead coupler is removably connected to a frame of the respiratory mask such that the forehead straps remain in a closed loop. The pair of forehead straps can also be coupled together by positioning a male strap portion within an aperture of a female strap portion. The male strap portion has a free end that is configured to be received into the aperture. The male strap portion includes a plurality of notches that engage the aperture of the female strap portion and provide incremental adjustment. The free ends of the male and female strap portions have fasteners configured to engage the surface of the other strap portion.

Abstract: A support device for phantom limb pain treatment includes: a dynamic image transmitting unit which outputs dynamic image data in which a hand carries out a repetition movement between a first state and a second state; a head-mounted display which displays a dynamic image based on the dynamic image data; and a display condition input unit which inputs a display condition for the repetition movement. The dynamic image transmitting unit outputs the dynamic image data corresponding to the display condition for the repetition movement. The display condition includes a forward speed which is a speed of shifting from the first state to the second state and a backward speed which is a speed of shifting from the second state to the first state.

Abstract: Provided herein are apparatus and methods of relaxation. In particular, disclosed herein includes a system that provides realtime or near realtime feedback response to a user in order to achieve a relaxation response. In particular, the realtime feedback response comprises aural signals relating to the user's own heartbeat, breathing, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A vascular embolization device includes a coil with a primary shape and an stretch resistant wire provided inside the coil, in which the stretch resistant wire is a multilayer strand including at least one core layer and at least one outer layer including one or more resin compositions and a biochemical active material, and the core layer is composed of a material with a tensile break strength higher than that of the outer layer. The vascular embolization device has the function of administering a biochemical active material and also has good flexibility.

Abstract: A cable includes a silicone rubber coating including microparticles and cavities as an outermost coating. A medial hollow tube includes a silicone rubber coating including microparticles and cavities as an outermost coating or an innermost coating. The microparticles may be at least one kind of microparticle selected from silicone resin microparticle, silicone rubber microparticle and silica microparticle. The microparticles may have hardness higher than a hardness of silicone rubber constituting the silicone rubber coating.

Abstract: A urinary catheter is provided as a package, where the package is an enclosed intermittent urinary catheter having a distal section and a proximal section. The distal section includes a urine exit port and the proximal section includes a urine entrance port and has a closed and rounded tip that is adapted to be inserted into a bladder.

Abstract: A catheter handle assembly comprising a handle body with a proximal end and a distal end with a passage extending therebetween. An adjustment unit disposed in the passage of the handle body and the adjustment unit comprising a gear mechanism that acts on the on a deflection stylet for adjusting deflection of the distal part of the deflection stylet. The gear mechanism comprises a first rack, a second rack and a pinion such that rotation of the pinion causes relative movement of the first rack and the second rack in opposing directions.

Abstract: A lavage catheter for the treatment of a maxillary sinus is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion comprises an irrigation tip. The irrigation tip has a tip opening through which fluid may be delivered by one handed operation of the catheter. A method for lavaging the maxillary sinus includes inserting the lavage catheter into a patient's anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus using one hand.

Abstract: A system for locating the tip of a catheter inside a human body is provided. The system includes a sound sensor for sensing the magnitude wave form generated by sound pressure as a PICC is progressed toward a heart of a patient; and monitoring means operably coupled to the sensor for measuring the magnitude of wave form generated by the sound sensor.

Abstract: Engagement catheter devices, systems, and methods to use the same under suctional tissue engagement. A method of the present disclosure comprises the steps of engaging a targeted tissue under suction/vacuum using an engagement catheter, delivering a substance into or through the targeted tissue using a needle positioned within a first lumen of the engagement catheter, injecting a fluid within the first lumen of the engagement catheter to flush at least part of the first lumen with the fluid, and suctionally removing the injected fluid from within the first lumen of the engagement catheter.

Abstract: Conventionally, a coil formed in an irregular shape is used on a distal end side of the coil of a guide wire or a distal joining section is used on the tip of the guide wire to shorten a length in a longitudinal direction of a rigid joint portion for improving the passing performance to the occluded lesion. However, it is not enough especially in the completely occluded lesion. Thus, it is an important technical problem to improve both the passing performance and safety. An outer coil having a coil inclined portion and a distal joining section connected with the coil inclined portion are provided on a distal end portion of the guide wire. In the coil inclined portion, each one turn of a coil wire is continuously inclined in a longitudinal direction. Thus, both the passing performance and safety can be remarkably improved especially in the completely occluded lesion.

Abstract: Balloon catheters, methods for preparing balloon catheters, and uses of balloon catheters are disclosed. The balloon catheter includes an elongate member, an expandable balloon, and a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the expandable balloon. The coating layer includes a total drug load of a hydrophobic therapeutic agent and a combination of additives including a first additive and a second additive. The hydrophobic therapeutic agent is paclitaxel, rapamycin, or paclitaxel and rapamycin. The first additive is a surfactant. The second additive is a chemical compound having one or more hydroxyl, amino, carbonyl, carboxyl, acid, amide, or ester groups.

Abstract: A device and system for thermally affecting tissue that includes a balloon catheter with a reduced distal length for ease of navigation and that also includes a balloon that is more resistant to bursting and delamination. The balloon may include a proximal neck generally attached to an elongate body and a distal neck generally attached to a shaft disposed within the elongate body. The distal neck is turned inward to extend within the balloon chamber and the proximal neck may either extend within the chamber or extend proximally away from the balloon chamber. Alternatively, the device may include an inner balloon and an outer balloon, the distal necks of both being turned inward and extending within the inner balloon chamber. The proximal necks may both also be turned inward to extend within the chamber or the proximal neck of the outer balloon may extend away from the balloon chamber.

Abstract: A plurality of structural layers having different properties are nested together to form the medical balloon. Certain embodiments include at least one layer comprising a fiber-reinforced polymer. The layers of the balloons can slide relative to one another in use. A structural layer may comprise metal reinforcing fibers suspended in a polymer matrix.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include apparatus and methods for coating medical devices. In an embodiment, a coating apparatus is included having a coating application unit including a movement restriction structure, a fluid applicator having a lengthwise major axis, a fluid distribution bar having a body angled with respect to the major lengthwise axis of the fluid applicator between 0 and 20 degrees, a rotation mechanism and an axial motion mechanism. The axial motion mechanism configured to cause movement of at least one of the coating application unit and the rotation mechanism with respect to one another. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: Devices used to pressurize, depressurize, or otherwise displace fluid are disclosed. The devices may be configured to displace fluid in order to inflate or deflate a medical device, such as a balloon. The devices may further include a crank member for providing a mechanical advantage when pressurizing or otherwise displacing fluid.

Abstract: A control system for an arterial catheter operable to selectively impede blood flow includes a processor and a storage medium accessible to the processor that bears instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to execute logic including receiving a first signal representing a physical parameter associated with a patient in whom the catheter is disposed, receiving a second signal representative of time, and causing inflation of a first balloon on the catheter to impede blood flow in the first artery. Based at least in part on the first signal satisfying a first condition, the instructions include causing deflation of the first balloon. Based at least in part on the second signal indicating elapse of a predetermined time period, the instructions include causing deflation of the first balloon regardless of whether the first signal satisfies the first condition.

Abstract: Embodiments herein relate to an implantable device comprising a casing, a semi-permeable membrane plug at or near a first end of the casing, a piston, beads, and an opening for release of the beads from the implantable device within a body of a human or an animal; wherein the implantable device is configured to be implanted within the body of the human or the animal during delivery of the beads into the body of the human or the animal; wherein the beads comprise a core and a shell with the core being enclosed by the shell and the beads contain a drug; and wherein the implantable device is configured to produce a desired flow rate of elution of the drug from the implantable device when the implantable device is implanted within the body of the human or the animal.

Abstract: Embodiments are disclosed of a method of controlling timing and/or dosage of a transdermal drug patch. For example, a control device operative to move the patch to one or more of a plurality of operational relationships with a skin of a patient, including being fully engaged with the skin, partially engaged with the skin, and disengaged with the skin. The device may include a roller that peels a patch on and off the skin. Optionally a convention patch is used. In some embodiments a patch and/or an adaptor has a mobile zone and an immobile zone. In some embodiments, an active surface of the patch fully contacts the skin in an engaged state. For example the patch may be attached to the device on a passive portion thereof.

Abstract: A medical connector includes a housing with a central axis, a hollow bore, and a narrowed passage. The connector further includes a rigid valve member configured to move along the axis of the connector as the connector moves between an open and closed configuration. The connector includes a resilient member coupled to the valve member and the housing.

Abstract: A bi-directional valve assembly, including valves for use in closed-ended catheters or other elongate tubular devices, is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter assembly for insertion into a body of a patient is disclosed and comprises an elongate catheter tube including an outer wall that at least partially defines at least one lumen that extends between a proximal end and a closed distal end thereof. The catheter tube includes a valve assembly that in turn includes a linear slit valve defined through the outer wall of a distal segment of the catheter tube, and a deformation region. The deformation region includes a compliant segment disposed in the outer wall of the catheter tube and a thinned portion of the outer wall. The compliant segment and thinned portion of the deformation region cooperate to preferentially deform the outer wall and open the slit valve during aspiration through the catheter tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is an electrical stimulation device. The electrical stimulation device includes at least one electrode unit that contacts the head of a user to apply a current to the head of the user, and a current providing module that provides a current to the at least one electrode unit, wherein the current providing module includes a plurality of pads disposed on a path for providing the current to the at least one electrode unit to be spaced apart from each other, and wherein the current providing module provides the current to the at least one electrode unit if the plurality of pads are connected to each other by a conductive material.

Abstract: Implantable devices and systems include one or more leads adapted to be emplaced in the internal thoracic vein (ITV) of a patient. The lead may include features to adapt the lead for such placement. An associated device for use with the lead may include operational circuitry adapted for use with a lead having an electrode for sensing and/or therapy purposes coupled thereto. Methods for implantation and use of such devices and systems are disclosed as well.

Abstract: A defibrillation system with a unique paddle assembly. The paddle assembly has a paddle head with a conductive surface. The paddle head is introduced into the chest through a small surgical incision. The paddle head is connected to a handle by an elongated shaft. The elongated shaft has an electrically conductive core that is covered in a dielectric insulator. The elongated shaft is malleable. A pivot connection joins one end of the elongated shaft to the paddle head. The pivot connection enables the paddle head to move through a range of different orientations with respect to the elongated shaft. Electricity passes through the conductive core of the elongated shaft and into the paddle head.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for measuring the impedance of one more target cells before and after an electroporation protocol has been applied to the cells. The result of the impedance measurement provides a feedback control that can be implemented during and/or after the electroporation protocol to customize the electrical treatment for a particular target cell or cellular tissue.

Abstract: Prophylactic stimulation and abortive electrical stimulation are delivered to a cranial nerve, including, e.g. an occipital or trigeminal nerve to treat symptoms of various conditions, including, e.g. occipital neuralgia or migraines.

Abstract: A device and to a system and a method for transmitting stimuli to a user. The stimuli can include stimuli caused by electrical muscle stimulation or haptic stimuli such as vibrations. The system simplifies the use of the corresponding stimuli inter alia in that parameters can be measured during the use and the type and specificity of the stimuli can be changed depending on the measured parameters. The systems, devices and methods are particularly suitable for use in sports.

Abstract: A neuronal tissue-machine interface apparatus includes an array of magnetically-responsive switches positioned in close proximity or contact to neuronal tissue of a human subject, wherein a magnetic environment of the plurality of magnetically-responsive switches varies along the array, and an antenna that is electrically connected to the array, wherein a subset of the magnetically-responsive switches respond to electromagnetic energy received by the antenna, and wherein the response of the subset of the magnetically-responsive switches includes modulation of an electrical current conducted by the subset of the magnetically-responsive switches.

Abstract: Methods for providing therapy related to urological disorders. Particular embodiments of this technology relate to stimulation of lumbar spinal targets either alone or in combination with a sacral target or targets. In embodiments spinal roots are stimulated by partially or fully implanted stimulators to treat symptoms by producing bladder inhibition relative to that which occurs prior to stimulation. Embodiments also disclose improving nerve stimulation, including lumbar nerve root stimulation, using methods termed enhanced transcutaneous electrical stimulation (eTENS) since these enhance the inhibition or excitation of neural tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a wearable device having a low frequency generation function and a health care system using the same, and more particularly, to a wearable device having a low frequency generation function and a health care system using the same capable of effectively preventing nausea and vomiting due to motion sickness, morning sickness, drugs, or the like by transmitting a low frequency to the median nerve of the wrist.

Abstract: A peripheral nerve stimulator can be used to stimulate a peripheral nerve to treat essential tremor, Parkinsonian tremor, and other forms of tremor. The stimulator can have electrodes that are placed circumferentially around the patient's wrist or arm. Specific nerves in the wrist or arm can be targeted by appropriate spacing of the electrodes. Positioning the electrodes on generally opposing sides of the target nerve can result in improved stimulation of the nerve. The stimulation pattern may alternate between the nerves. Improved stimulation algorithms can incorporate tremor feedback, external data, predictive adaptation, and long-term monitoring data.

Abstract: Provided are an ancillary device for an electrical stimulation device and an electrical stimulation device. The ancillary device is usable for an electrical stimulation device including at least one electrode that contacts the head of a user to apply a current to the head of a user, and includes a reverse current supplier that contacts the at least one electrode of the electrical stimulation device, and a controller that controls the reverse current supplier such that a reverse current is supplied to the at least one electrode to neutralize the at least one electrode.

Abstract: Embodiments presented herein are generally directed to arrangements for implantable medical devices. The implantable medical devices may include one or more of a single-body calvaria implant and an implantable microphone subcutaneously implanted in the recipient's forehead region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hearing system. The hearing system comprises an implantable device configured to be implanted under the skin of a wearer and an external device configured to be positioned at an ear of the wearer. The external device comprises a transmit system configured to generate a wireless signal for being transmitted to the implantable device.

Abstract: A method and system to help determine the extent to which a hearing prosthesis recipient is exposed to speech. The hearing prosthesis will log data regarding audio input, optimally in correspondence with times when the hearing prosthesis is in a stimulation-on mode in which the hearing prosthesis is set to stimulate a physiological system of the recipient in accordance with received audio input, so as to facilitate identification of speech to which the recipient is exposed. Further, as the hearing prosthesis itself receives the audio input, the hearing prosthesis may analyze the audio input to determine one or more linguistic characteristics of the audio input, such as a quantity of speech by the recipient and/or by others, and the hearing prosthesis may output data representing the determined one or more linguistic characteristics. Advantageously, the data may then be used to help facilitate rehabilitation of the recipient.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved spatial fitting and training system for a visual prosthesis. The system of the present invention maps projected locations of percepts, where a person perceives a percept from a visual prosthesis to the intended location of the percepts. The projected location may vary over time. These test results can be used to correct a visual prosthesis or spatially map the visual prosthesis.

Abstract: A medical device for treating cardiac arrhythmia is disclosed, including: a microprocessor (8) and a digital/analog module (9).

Abstract: A connector block that permits simultaneous and continuous interconnection of the three leads of the epicardial pacing wires, the pacemaker, and the ECG monitor on clear separately labeled connectors is provided. Circuitry is provided that allows the display of epicardial signals on the telemetry unit, while still preserving the ability to pace the heart from the pacemaker. When pacing the connector block prevents excessive loading of the pacer signals by the ECG monitor and/or damage to the monitor by the high-voltage pacer signals. The connector block may be used universally on all monitors without the need for sophisticated understanding of the electrical characteristics of the ECG monitor or concern for damage or improper signal loading.

Abstract: A controller (20) for an advanced defibrillator (10) employs a therapy manager (30), a monitor manager (40), and a profile manager (50). In operation, the profile manager (50) manages a compilation of clinical usage profiles (60), each clinical usage profile (60) being derived from a different clinical usage of the advanced defibrillator (10) for the patient, and configures the therapy manager (30) and the monitor manager (40) responsive to a selection by a user of the advanced defibrillator (10) of one of the plurality of clinical usage profiles (60). Each clinical usage profile (60) includes a therapy profile (61) specifying a configuration of the therapy manager (30) for a delivery of an electric therapy to the patient. Each clinical usage profile (60) further includes a monitoring profile (62) specifying a configuration of the monitor manager (40) for a measuring of vital parameter(s) of the patient.

Abstract: A modular medical system employing a bedside patient monitor (20), a portable patient monitor (40), a monitor docking station (50), a therapy applicator (30) and a therapy docking station (60). In operation, the portable patient monitor (40) is docked to the bedside patient via the monitor docking station (50) whereby the bedside patient monitor (20) and the portable patient monitor (40) measure patient parameters (e.g., ECG, Sp O2, pulse rate, NIBP, Et CO2, etc.) upon the portable patient monitor (40) being coupled to a patient. Alternatively, the portable patient monitor (40) is docked to the therapy applicator (30) via the therapy docking station (60) whereby the therapy applicator (30) conditionally delivers the electrical therapy (e.g., defibrillation shock, synchronized conversion, transcutaneous pacing, etc.) to the patient upon the portable patient monitor (40) being coupled to the patient.

Abstract: Point-of-care mobile medical computer carts, wall mounted computers, ceiling mounted computers, and wall mounted flat panel displays and other mounts that incorporate and/or are retrofitted with a defibrillator automated external defibrillator (AED) or manual defibrillator.

Abstract: A defibrillator is provided that includes a garment, shaped to be worn around a chest of a patient; cardiac sensing electrodes, each of which is configured for placement in external or internal contact with the chest of the patient; and defibrillation electrodes, each of which is coupled to the garment for external placement near the chest of the patient, and which comprise respective reservoirs containing electrically-conductive gel, and respective liners removably covering the gel. One or more exposure actuators are configured to remove the liners from the gel. Control circuitry is configured to detect cardiac arrhythmia using the cardiac sensing electrodes, ascertain that the detected cardiac arrhythmia is a type of cardiac arrhythmia that can be treated by applying defibrillation, drive the exposure actuators to remove the liners from the gel, and, thereafter, drive the defibrillation electrodes to apply at least one defibrillation shock to the chest of the patient.