Abstract: Vaporizers and vaporizer systems, which can include a device in communication with a vaporizer, can include one or more features related to control of functions and/or features of the vaporizer, identification of a cartridge and/or a vaporizable material in the cartridge, data exchange (either one-way or two-way) between a cartridge and a vaporizer with which the cartridge is engaged, and the like.

Abstract: An apparatus for vaporizing a concentrate and/or a non-concentrate material is provided. The apparatus can include a housing, a reservoir, a vessel, and a heating element. The reservoir can be coupled to a lid of the apparatus and configured to hold the concentrate. The vessel can be disposed at least partially inside of the housing and can be configured to receive the reservoir when the lid of the apparatus is in a closed position with respect to the housing. The heating element can be configured to generate heat for heating the vessel, thereby vaporizing the concentrate in the reservoir to form an aerosol. Coupling the reservoir to the lid of the apparatus can enable the apparatus to be used for vaporizing the concentrate while decoupling the reservoir from the lid of the apparatus can enable the apparatus to be used for vaporizing the non-concentrate material. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A combination respiratory therapy management system creates a combined respiratory therapy prescription that can be executed by a combined respiratory therapy device to provide multiple coordinated respiratory therapies to a patient. The system can update the combined respiratory therapy prescription and implement the updates while the combined respiratory therapy device is in use. Some versions of the system provide additional features that allow the combined respiratory therapy prescriptions to be created, accessed, shared with other users, and performed by the combination respiratory therapy device in a customizable user-friendly and non-threatening way.

Abstract: A respiratory gas delivery system monitors gas flow over the course of a breath in real time and uses this parameter to simulate, in whole or part, the function of a reference respiratory gas delivery system, in particular structural features, particularly structural components of parts of the reference system, to overcome a structural limitation of the reference system.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube has a ball formation (31) of part-spherical shape at its machine end (13). The ball formation (31) is retained between two rings (33) and (34) projecting rearwardly from the tube neck flange (20) to enable movement between the tube shaft (10) and the flange in multiple planes.

Abstract: A speaking valve assembly (2, 200) for fitting to the machine end (13) of a tracheostomy tube (1) has a one-way valve (23, 236) that allows inhalation but prevents exhalation. The assembly further includes a pressure relief arrangement that remains closed during normal respiration and vocalisation but opens when pressure in the assembly rises above a normal level. In one arrangement the pressure relief arrangement takes the form of a ball valve (30) with a ball (32) that is lifted away from an opening (31) by excess pressure but falls back to block the opening when pressure reduces. An alternative pressure arrangement has a slidable collar (226) that normally covers vent apertures (223) in a housing (220) of the assembly. When pressure in the assembly rises above a normal level the collar (226) is pushed out to expose the vent apertures (223) and allow air to escape.

Abstract: A replaceable liner, for a respiratory mask comprising an elastic substantially tubular shaped body dimensioned to stretch around the mask cushion. The liner is made of a knitted fabric in radially-continuous tubular structure that is preferentially formed through a circular knit to create a seamless tube. The ends of the fabric tube may be hemmed, finished with a fabric or elastic welt, or otherwise finished to prevent unraveling of the knit. The seamless tubular body may be knitted from a variety of natural yarns, such as wool or cotton, or from synthetic yarns, such as nylon, polyester, spandex, or elastic, to achieve a balance of comfort and wicking of skin oils and moisture, while maintaining sufficient radial elasticity to stretch around the respiratory mask. The fabric may be treated with antimicrobial coatings to provide protection against bacteria, fungus and reduce propensity of odors/stains.

Abstract: A face mask for delivering oxygen to, and sampling carbon dioxide exhaled from, a subject includes a partition wall that divides the mask into a subject respiratory space that primarily contains carbon dioxide exhaled by the subject, and an oxygen reservoir space that primarily contain oxygen. The partition wall includes one or two holes to which naris conduits are respectively connected. The naris conduit are positioned in proximity to the subject's nares to closely obtain carbon dioxide samples. The naris conduits enable oxygen to flow from the oxygen reservoir space to the subject respiratory space during inhalation, while quickly expelling traces of CO2, and they configured such that exhaled CO2 quickly fills them up, during exhalation, and while expelling oxygen traces back to the oxygen reservoir space. During exhalation.

Abstract: Customized CPAP masks and related modeling algorithms in accordance with embodiments of the invention are illustrated. One embodiment includes a method for generating a surface model of a CPAP mask, the method including obtaining facial scan data of a user's face, determining a set of landmark points from the facial scan data, wherein the set of landmark points relate to anatomical locations on the user's face, generating a base model, and deforming the base model into a deformed model using the set of landmark points.

Abstract: A nasal breathing apparatus with multifunction has two nasal inserts and one tubular chamber. In one embodiment, the first nasal insert forms an airtight barrier inside one nostril for delivering gases. The second nasal insert does not block the other nostril and is for sampling gases. The tubular chamber is in fluid communication with the first nasal insert but not the second nasal insert and has an outlet for discharging and delivering gases and for providing continuous positive airway pressure and ventilation. In another embodiment, both nasal inserts form an airtight barrier in the corresponding nostrils. The first nasal insert is dedicated for delivering gases and the second nasal insert for sampling gases. The tubular chamber is in fluid communication with both nasal inserts and has an outlet for discharging and delivering gases and for providing continuous positive airway pressure and ventilation.

Abstract: A patient interface can have a first body that rests on a first portion of a face of a patient, a second body that rests on a second portion of the face of the patient, and a bridge linking the first and second bodies. The patient interface can have an attachment structure that couples with a complementary fixation structure positioned on the face of the patient to secure the patient interface to the face. The fixation structure can include an adhesive to adhere the fixation structure, and thus the attached patient interface, to the face. The fixation structure can have an edge that is shaped to reduce the tendency for the fixation structure to be lifted off the face when the patient interface is detached from the face.

Abstract: One form of the present technology includes a fluid connector for delivery of breathing gas to a patient from a respiratory pressure therapy device, the fluid connector including a first end with a first opening to deliver a fluid flow, a seal portion extending around a periphery of the first opening, and a latching portion, a second end with a second opening to receive the fluid flow, a sealing surface extending around a periphery of the second opening and configured to engage the seal portion to form a face seal, and a complementary latching portion configured to engage with the latching portion

Abstract: An adaptor for a respiratory assistance system delivers aerosols to a patient. The adaptor is lightweight with a small footprint to increase patient comfort. The adaptor has a nozzle and a sealing mechanism to maintain pressure therein regardless of whether the nozzle is inserted into the adaptor. The adaptor is configured to connect to medical tubing and a medicament delivery device.

Abstract: A patient interface device includes a cushion member having a main body portion having a surface structured to engage a face of a patient. A frame member is coupled to the cushion member, and a fluid coupling conduit is coupled to the frame member. An engagement member is coupled to the cushion member; and a rotatable cam wheel is disposed between the frame member and the engagement member. Rotation of the cam wheel changes a position of the main body portion relative to the frame member. The cushion member includes a flexible portion adjacent the main body portion, and the cam wheel is rotatable about the flexible portion, such that rotation of the cam wheel about the flexible portion causes the flexible portion to deflect thereby moving the cushion member relative to the frame member.

Abstract: This invention relates in general to methods and devices for displacing body convection and thereby reducing exposure to allergens and other airborne fine particles within a personal breathing zone during situations of or corresponding to sleep thereby reducing or removing symptoms of asthma and allergic rhinitis while improving quality of sleep and in particular to methods and devices that utilize Temperature controlled Laminar Airflow (abbreviated TLA from herein and onwards). Also, business methods involving such methods and devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A meditation aid is provided. The meditation aid has three ritual objects. A first outer set of six bar members are connected in a pyramid formation. The pyramid formation has four corner portions defining six medial connecting points. A second inner set of twelve bar members are connected in a penta-tetrahedron formation. The penta-tetrahedron formation is centrally suspended within the pyramid formation by a set of four strut members. The four strut members are evenly disposed in connection with each of a respective one of each of the four corner portions. A third innermost set of three medially connected bar members is configured in a jacks-like star formation. The opposite ends, of the star formation bar members, are evenly disposed in spaced relationship for connection to a respective one of each of the six medial connecting points.

Abstract: Systems and methods for controlling environmental illumination relative to circadian function of individuals are provided. A method is provided for controlling the operation of light sources by assigning a circadian state to the individual based on received electronic information, extrapolating future circadian states based on the assigned circadian state, the assigned circadian state or the extrapolated future circadian states including at least a biological night state, and encoding machine-level control commands that control the operation of the light source for transmission to the light sources adapted for the biological night state by having circadian-significant attenuation along the circadian active wavelength range.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a distal-end tip which, even if caught in a stenosis, will not break apart from a distal end of an inner shaft of the balloon catheter when the balloon catheter is forcibly rotated or pulled by an operator. The distal-end tip of the balloon catheter is fixed to the distal end of the inner shaft, and a connecting tube covers an outer surface of the distal end of the inner shaft and a proximal end of the distal-end tip. An inwardly protruding portion of the connecting tube is embedded into the distal-end tip. This creates an anchoring effect and increases a welding area between an outer surface of the distal-end tip and an inner surface of the connecting tube, thereby reducing a risk that the distal-end tip will break apart from the distal end of the inner shaft.

Abstract: Described here are devices, methods, and kits for the deployment of tissue anchors. In some variations, the devices may comprise a shaft defining a lumen for housing at least one anchor therein and a mechanism for deploying the anchor distally from the lumen. In certain variations, the devices may comprise one or more stop elements. For example, a device may comprise a stop element that limits the advancement of the device through an opening in a wall portion or at the distal end of another device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are expandable introducer sheaths and methods of making and using the same. The sheaths minimize trauma to a patient's vasculature by allowing for temporary expansion of a portion of the sheath state after passage of the device. The sheath includes a rolled inner member having a detachable flap structure at its distal tip that facilitates expansion of the sheath lumen to increase diameters. Also, the flap structure reduces the number of layers at the tip, lowering push forces. An elastomeric free end of the tip helps reduce push and retrieval forces for balloons and implants. The expandable sheath includes an elastic outer layer that compresses the inner member and flap back into the rolled, compressed condition after the passage of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed towards a rapid exchange catheter configured for insertion into a subintimal space and crossing an occlusion in a subintimal space. The catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a first lumen configured to receive a first wire, the first lumen extending longitudinally through a least a lateral port of the catheter, and a second lumen having at least a portion distal of the lateral port and extending through at least the distal end of the catheter. The catheter also includes an exchange port, arranged on an exterior portion of the catheter configured to receive a second wire and second rapid exchange port in communication with the second lumen. Moreover, other embodiments of the invention are directed towards methods for using the rapid exchange catheter to cross an obstruction in a vessel, e.g., a total or partial occlusion, in a subintimal space.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a catheterization device includes a tip and includes a body member having a proximal end and a distal end. The body member can define a lumen that extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The catheterization device further includes an expandable portion extending between the tip and the proximal end of the body member. The expandable portion can include a plurality of arms bent to form a resting shape. The expandable member may be configured to expand to allow the body member to extend in response to tension applied to the body member and to retract to the resting shape when tension is withdrawn.

Abstract: A fixator assembly comprising a fixator for fixing inside a blood vessel, the fixator being able to slide proximally along a guide wire. The assembly comprising means for preventing the fixator from moving distally of the preventing means. A tubular element for introduction into a blood vessel of a person, the tubular element comprising an end opening and a plurality of side openings as well as a transport wire extending from inside the tubular element and to the surroundings thereof through an individual side opening.

Abstract: A medical safety needle is comprised of a needle body having a needlepoint, a covering body having a detent portion slidable on the needle body to catch the needlepoint so as to cover the needlepoint, and a resilient cantilever supporting the detent portion, a sleeve following the covering body to cover a side face of the needle body, a collar portion slidably fitting on the covering body, which is configured to get in contact with the cantilever to press the cantilever radially inwardly, and a housing being formed in a unitary body with the collar portion or having an end face on which the collar portion is capable of being seated, the housing being configured to carry the covering body from a first position to have the needlepoint exposed to a second position to have the needlepoint covered by the covering body.

Abstract: A medical device may include an introducer sheath, having a distal and a proximal end and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The introducer sheath may also include a tab formed at the distal end and extending distal to the lumen, and a frangible portion extending between the distal end and the proximal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a safety puncturing system comprising a cannula and a guidewire.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon/shaft assembly and a linear member. The balloon/shaft assembly includes a catheter shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end and a balloon connected to the catheter shaft. The linear member straddles an inflatable region of the balloon and is mounted on the balloon/shaft assembly. The linear member includes a hard portion and a flexible portion. The hard portion includes at least an outer portion disposed on an opposite side to an inner portion facing the inflatable region, of a portion disposed along an outer peripheral surface of the inflatable region in an inflated state. The flexible portion is a portion other than the hard portion. The flexible portion is extendable and has a lower hardness than the hard portion.

Abstract: Provided is a new balloon catheter enabling formation of, with high dimensional accuracy and excellent shape adaptability with respect to a balloon, an additional structure such as a blade and/or a reinforcement member on the balloon. The balloon catheter includes a shaft and an expandable/contractible balloon on the distal end side of the shaft, with an additional structure having a prescribed pattern being formed through electroforming or the like directly onto an inner circumferential surface and/or an outer circumferential surface of the balloon.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a compressible chamber positionable beneath a foot of a user and being movable between an expanded position and a compressed position. The compressible chamber includes an inlet and an outlet. An inlet valve is in fluid communication with the inlet to prevent fluid within the compressible chamber from exiting the inlet, and an outlet valve is in fluid communication with the outlet to prevent fluid from entering the compressible chamber through the outlet. A biasing member is disposed within the compressible chamber to bias the compressible chamber toward the expanded position, and a manifold is positionable at a tissue site and in fluid communication with the inlet of the compressible chamber.

Abstract: A device for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may include a conduit and at least two applicators. The conduit may include a proximal end and a bifurcated distal portion having two distal ends. Each applicator may be coupled with one of the distal ends of the conduit and may be configured to direct the substance out of the applicator toward one of two sides of an airway. A method for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may involve advancing a substance delivery device into the airway, contacting two sides of the airway with at least two applicators of the substance delivery device, such that each applicator contacts the airway near a glossopharyngeal nerve and/or a superior laryngeal nerve on each of the two sides of the airway, and delivering the substance through the applicators to contact the airway along the two sides.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an adhesive skin patch material, which comprises a polyurethane elastomer film, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer provided on one side of the polyurethane elastomer film, and a release liner releasably laminated so as to cover the sticky surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer. The polyurethane elastomer film has a thickness of 1 ?m to 9 ?m, and the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer contains an acrylic-based copolymer and an ingredient in a liquid or pasty state at room temperature.

Abstract: Applicator (1) for topical application of an acidic liquid (30), the applicator comprising a container (3) containing said acidic liquid, the container comprising an opening (31) in fluid contact with a nib (2) for a controlled release of the acidic liquid, wherein the nib comprises a plurality of fibers (20) and an adhesive material (21) adhering the fibers. A kit of parts (100) for topical application of an acidic liquid, the kit of parts comprising (a) a liquid release unit (40) comprising a nib for a controlled release of the acidic liquid, and (b) a container unit (50) comprising a container configured to contain the acidic liquid, wherein the container unit further comprises a liquid release element for application of the acidic liquid to the nib, wherein the nib comprises a plurality of fibers and an adhesive material adhering the fibers.

Abstract: An arm-mounted motorized tattooing instrument includes a skin-perforating ink delivery wand configured for hand-held operation by a human operator, a wrist-or-forearm-mountable power supply, and a means for electrically coupling the skin-perforating ink delivery wand to the power supply. The instrument is configured to allow the human operator to operate the ink delivery wand without loss of power when rotating the ink delivery wand by hand about any of three orthogonal axes with the power supply mounted to a wrist or forearm of the same hand.

Abstract: This disclosure provides methods and systems for ultrasound assisted delivery of a medicant to tissue. The delivery of the medicant is enhanced by the application of high intensity ultrasound pulses, which generate an intertial cavitation effect, an acoustic streaming effect, or both. This disclosure also provides methods and systems for alleviating pain or swelling associated with the application of ultrasound energy by delivering an anesthetic across a stratum corneum layer according to the methods described herein.

Abstract: Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.

Abstract: A bi-directional, pressure-actuated medical valve assembly for improved control of fluids and related methods of use are described. The pressure-actuated, bi-directional valve includes a first flow control portion permitting fluid to flow in a first direction when subjected to a first pressure threshold and a second control flow portion for permitting fluid to flow in a second direction when subjected to a second pressure threshold. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: An electrode sheet attachable to living tissues is provided. The electrode sheet includes a hydrogel, a non-metallic conductive filler dispersed in the hydrogel, and a pharmaceutical or cosmetic transdermal component dispersed in the hydrogel.

Abstract: Provided is a biological electrode and a biological electrode-equipped wearing tool, in which a contact surface having a certain surface area is suitably brought into intimate contact with a living body, and a suitable electrical distribution is obtained. A biological electrode includes: an electrode sheet having a plurality of electrode bodies spaced apart from each other; and a conductive cloth portion superimposed on the electrode sheet. The electrode sheet includes stretching wires that link the neighboring electrode bodies, has a shape of a stretchable and flexible mesh sheet, and can follow a living body to be suitably deformed.

Abstract: Provided is an electrical stimulation device. The electrical stimulation device includes a first electrode that contacts a first portion of the head of a user to apply a current to the head of the user, a second electrode that contacts a second portion that is different from the first portion of the head of the user to apply a current to the head of the user, a controller that performs a control such that polarities of the first electrode and the second electrode can be changed based on a reference comprising at least one of a reference time, a reference pH index, and a reference number of uses.

Abstract: A system includes a pulse waveform generator and an ablation device coupled to the pulse waveform generator. The ablation device includes at least one electrode configured for ablation pulse delivery to tissue during use. The pulse waveform generator is configured to deliver voltage pulses to the ablation device in the form of a pulsed waveform. A first level of a hierarchy of the pulsed waveform includes a first set of pulses, each pulse having a pulse time duration, with a first time interval separating successive pulses. A second level of the hierarchy of the pulsed waveform includes a plurality of first sets of pulses as a second set of pulses, a second time interval separating successive first sets of pulses, the second time interval being at least three times the duration of the first time interval.

Abstract: A muscle training device includes an insulating sheet configured such that electrodes are exposed on an inner surface closely contacting a body surface above a muscle, a stimulation signal output unit configured to output an electrical stimulation signal to a stimulation electrode which is at least any of the electrodes, a myoelectric signal detection unit configured to detect, while output of the electrical stimulation signal is stopped, a muscle action potential shown at a myoelectric detection electrode which is at least any of the electrodes, and a muscle condition determination unit configured to determine the state of action of the muscle from the muscle action potential of the myoelectric detection electrode. The stimulation electrode to which the electrical stimulation signal is output and/or the method for outputting the electrical stimulation signal are/is adjusted according to the state of action of the muscle determined by the muscle condition determination unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical devices and, more particularly, to medical devices that deliver neuromodulating therapy.

Abstract: A body stimulating structure includes a body which is attached to an internal organ of a living body, and a magnetic field inductor formed in the body, wherein when power is supplied, the magnetic field inductor produces a magnetic field and applies magnetic stimulation to a target site of the internal organ of the living body to which the body is attached. A method for manufacturing the body stimulating structure includes: forming a first pattern on a first substrate and filling the first pattern with a conductor; stacking a second substrate on the first substrate; and forming a second pattern connected to the first pattern on the second substrate and filling the second pattern with a conductor.

Abstract: A system and method for treating anorectal and/or genitourinary dysfunction includes implanting, in a minimally invasive manner, an electro-medical device for stimulation of two or more anatomical or histological structures of the anorectal region and/or genitourinary region. Electrodes operably connected to the device are positioned proximate the target anatomical or histological structures. The device provides either the same or different stimulation algorithms to each anatomical or histological structure, which may be the same or different. The varied stimulation parameters, such as pulse width, pulse amplitude, and pulse frequency, are defined such that after an application of the electrical pulses, an abdominal leak pressure, an abdominal leak volume, or a urine volume increases or a number of incontinent episodes or a mean incontinence volume per episode decreases relative to said parameters prior to the application of the electrical pulses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring patients with cardiac diseases are described. A system may include an accelerometer sensor for sensing an epicardial or endocardial acceleration (EA) signal. The accelerometer may be included in a leadless or a lead-based medical device. The system may additionally include a companion device in communication with the medical device via a wireless communication link. The companion device may sense a cardiac signal such as a heart sound signal, and may use the cardiac signal and the EA signal transmitted from the medical device to generate a diastolic function indicator indicating the diastolic function of the heart. The system may provide the diastolic function indicator to a user or a process, or to detect worsening of heart failure based on the diastolic function indicator.

Abstract: Examples of the present disclosure are related to devices in the field of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation and neuromuscular electrical stimulation. More specifically, embodiments are related to devices that are configured to automatically detect the stimulation intensity range and the motor point to generate a high efficiency, low intensity electrical stimulation treatment.

Abstract: A method of fitting a cochlear implant in an ipsilateral ear of a subject, the cochlear implant having an electrode array with one or more electrode contacts, includes applying broad-band white noise stimulus to a contralateral ear in order to mask efferent nerve fibers, applying a single pulse stimulus to the ipsilateral ear and then measuring base-line evoked compound action potential (CAP) signals in the ipsilateral ear for an electrode contact during a refractory period, applying a sequence of separated single pulse stimuli to the contralateral ear and then measuring attenuated CAP signals in the ipsilateral ear for the electrode contact during the refractory period, comparing the measured attenuated CAP signals to the measured base-line CAP signals in order to determine a CAP threshold for the electrode contact and adjusting processing parameters of the cochlear implant based on the CAP threshold.

Abstract: The application relates to a hearing assistance device comprising an implantable part for electrically stimulating an auditory nerve of a user. The application further relates to a method of operating a hearing assistance device. The object of the present application is to improve the electrical stimulation of the cochlear nerve by a cochlear implant hearing assistance device. The problem is solved in that the implanted part comprises a) a current source generator; and b) an electrode array configured to be located inside one of the cochlear scala or adjacent to the auditory nerve. The hearing assistance device is configured to produce a time-varying waveform delivered by the current source generator, the time-varying waveform comprising a positively sloping positive pulse. This has the advantages of providing a smaller spatial spread of neurons being discharged by electric stimuli from a given electrode. The invention may e.g. be used in cochlear implant hearing assistance devices.

Abstract: The invention provides devices and methods that can prevent or ameliorate bronchoconstriction. In particular, the invention provides devices and methods in which a signal is delivered to the vagus nerve or the pulmonary branches of the vagus nerves. The signal is able to treat bronchoconstriction and prevent and/or ameliorate bronchoconstriction.

Abstract: An exemplary method treating a chronic low back pain condition in a patient includes 1) generating, by an electroacupuncture device implanted beneath a skin surface of the patient, stimulation sessions at a duty cycle that is less than 0.05, and 2) applying, by the electroacupuncture device in accordance with the duty cycle, the stimulation sessions to a target tissue location within the patient by way of an electrode array located within the patient at an acupoint corresponding to the target tissue location.