Abstract: A heating apparatus for heating a dialysis liquid includes a receiving section for receiving a heating bag through which dialysis liquid to be heated can flow, and a sensor system for determining or monitoring the deformation or the position of the heating bag in the receiving section of the heating apparatus or both. A dialysis liquid tube set, a set, a medical apparatus and a method are also described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a valve arrangement for use in an extracorporeal blood circuit having at least one arterial blood line and at least one venous blood line, the valve arrangement having at least one first valve arranged in the arterial blood line, a second valve arranged in the venous blood line, a fourth valve arranged in a first arteriovenous connection line between the arterial blood line of the circuit and the venous blood line of the circuit, and a fifth valve arranged in a second arteriovenous connection line between the arterial blood line and the venous blood line; and/or a third valve arranged for establishing a fluid connection in a blood line between the arterial blood line and the venous blood line of the circuit; and/or a sixth valve arranged between a blood treatment device and an air venting device of the circuit.

Abstract: A method of establishing a wireless operating communication between the extracorporeal blood treatment device and a medical accessory and extracorporeal blood treatment device configured for implementing the method are provided; the method comprises the steps of establishing a wireless auxiliary communication between the blood treatment device and the medical accessory, transferring configuration data using the wireless auxiliary communication and establishing the wireless operating communication between the blood treatment device and the medical accessory based on the configuration data. A maximum operating distance of the wireless auxiliary communication is shorter than a maximum operating distance of the wireless operating communication.

Abstract: A fluid path set for a fluid delivery system includes a tube coil that is designed to optimally position one or more volumes of a pharmaceutical within an ionization chamber to measure and prepare a pharmaceutical dose for administration to a patient. Methods for priming at least a portion of the fluid path set include placing a tubing section of the fluid path set in fluid connection with a source of a radiopharmaceutical, and placing the tube coil within a dose calibrator of the fluid delivery system. A volume of the radiopharmaceutical may be pumped through the tube coil, the tubing section, and an additional tubing section, and the dose calibrator may be monitored to determine if a measured activity level is substantially equal to or above a predetermined activity level, and if so, it may be concluded that the tubing section of the fluid path set has been primed.

Abstract: Described is an injection device for administering a dose of a medicament (M) comprising a carrier adapted to contain a syringe having a hollow injection needle and a stopper, a drive spring, a plunger adapted to forward load of the drive spring to the stopper, and a noise component adapted to generate an audible and/or tactile feedback by impacting a component of the injection device when the stopper is located at a proximal end of the syringe. In a first state, a resilient arm on the plunger is maintained in engagement with the noise component by the carrier. In a second state, the arm disengages the noise component and deflects at least partially into an aperture in the carrier.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for an automatic injection device which by its operation releases a biased element of the device for movement. The trigger assembly includes a button pressable by a user, and a lock member. Prior to the button being plunged, a blocking element on the button is abutted by a button-engaging surface of the lock member to prevent lock member rotation, thereby allowing an engagement surface on the lock member to remain in engagement with an engagement surface of the biased element so as to restrain motion of the biased element. When the button is plunged, the blocking surface moves clear of the button-engaging surface to allow the lock member to rotate, during which rotation the engagement surfaces disengage to release the biased element for movement.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a syringe adapter. In one embodiment, an adapter/cap assembly is threadably engaged to a syringe for enteral feeding applications. The adapter cannot be removed from the syringe to prevent the syringe from being used for IV applications.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a valve assembly comprising a male luer end portion and a female luer end portion and a passage for the transfer of fluids extending between the male and female luer end portions, valve means movable between a first position, in which the passage is closed, and a second position, in which the passage is open, biasing means for biasing the valve means toward the first position, and actuating means extending into the male luer end portion and coupled to the valve means to actuate the valve means when a female luer end portion of a medical accessory is engaged with the male luer end portion.

Abstract: A dose setting mechanism for a medicament delivery device is presented having a pinion mounted to a locking member where the axis of rotation of the pinion is offset and parallel to the longitudinal axis of the housing containing the dose setting components. Primary and secondary dose members are engaged with the pinion to indicate a set dose of medicament. A resetting mechanism is also presented where nut segments are threadedly engaged with an outer surface of a lead screw when in the locked position and are disengaged from the lead screw when the nut segments are in the unlocked position.

Abstract: A titanium electrosurgical instrument, such as a scalpel (20), and electrosurgical devices, e.g., needle (40), and Bovie tips (40), are provided with a silane coating (30) directly against the solid titanium metal (26, 43, 73) of the body tissue-contacting distal ends (24, 47, 70) thereof whereby to impart advantageous non-stick properties thereto.

Abstract: An injection needle assembly includes an injection needle, a fitting portion, and a hub. The fitting portion is formed into a cylindrical shape and has one end serving as a fitting opening. The fitting portion includes a female taper shape in which an inner diameter of a cylindrical hole of the fitting portion becomes smaller toward an inner side. The hub includes the fitting portion for holding the injection needle. The injection needle assembly is used such that the female taper shape of the fitting portion is fitted to a drug discharge tube, which has a male taper shape in which an outer diameter of a cylinder becomes smaller toward a tip. When the male taper shape of the drug discharge tube has a taper ratio of N/100, the female taper shape of the fitting portion 12 is formed to have a taper ratio of M/100, where M>N.

Abstract: Needle hub assembly (200) for a syringe (100), said assembly having a longitudinal axis (L1) comprising:—a needle hub body (210) having a syringe connector (212) for receiving an attachment member (110) of a syringe (100) at a first end (210a) of the body (210) and a needle receiving portion (214) at a second opposing end (210b) of the body (210),—a needle (216) extending from the needle receiving portion (214), wherein the syringe connector (212) comprises a substantially conical receiving opening (218) for receiving a syringe attachment member (110), at least a distal end (110b) thereof, wherein a length (A) of said opening (218), measured along the longitudinal axis (L1), is approximately 6.1+0.05 mm.

Abstract: An improved medicant delivery system 100 is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: A device for providing a medicament from capsules, where the device is integrated into an inhaler and comprises a capsule receiver comprising a capsule chamber, which extends along a first direction (X) in the manner of a tube and in which a capsule can be arranged, and a puncture device for opening the capsules, where the puncture device is arranged in a second direction (Y) radial to the capsule chamber, the puncture device having at least one needle which is moveable in sections into the capsule chamber in the second direction (Y) by means of an actuating button. A respective rear portion of the at least one needle of the puncture device is received in part in a needle receiver. The capsule receiver comprises at least one guide channel extending along the second direction (Y), wherein the needle receiver is arranged in the guide channel in such a moveable manner.

Abstract: This invention relates to an inhaler with a respiration indicator, whereby the inhaler has a chamber wall forming a chamber and a dispensing device for fluidic connection of the chamber to a bodily opening, preferably a nostril, whereby the respiration indicator has a wall section of the chamber wall or is formed in this way, whereby the wall section is designed to indicate a respiratory activity by deformation and/or movement.

Abstract: A pressure regulating device includes a housing having a gases inlet adapted to in use be in fluid communication or integrated with a breathing assistance apparatus which conveys gases to an infant or a neonate requiring breathing assistance, an outlet adapted to be in use in fluid communication with said infant, and an aperture which enables the venting of a portion of gases that in use are passing through the housing from the inlet to the outlet. A tube inlet on the housing is adapted to receive a surfactant delivery device therethrough to enable administration of surfactant to the infant or neonate. A sealing mechanism seals around the surfactant delivery device and is adapted to normally fluidically seal the tube inlet and in use allow the surfactant delivery device to pass through the tube inlet.

Abstract: A method of providing pressure support to a patient that includes determining a measure associated with an inspiratory time of the patient during therapy, delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient at an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) level during at least a portion of an inspiratory phase of the patient, delivering the flow of breathing gas to the patient at an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) level that is less than the IPAP level during at least a portion of an expiratory phase of the patient, and automatically setting a rise time associated with a transition from the EPAP level to the IPAP level based on the measure associated with the inspiratory time of the patient. Also provided is a pressure support system adapted to perform the method.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.

Abstract: The invention is an integrated device and improved method for percutaneous placement of a tracheostomy tube into a patient which includes a film sheath everted from a pusher moved through a guide that is positioned over an incision site in a patient's neck. The pusher moves through an incision, which may be preexisting or created by the device, into the patient's trachea, laying down the film sheath as it advances. The film and pusher may effect blunt dissection of the patient's tissue, and the device may optionally include a blade(s), needle or other cutting tool and/or the tracheostomy tube itself so that the tracheostomy can be completed with fewer procedural steps and surgical instruments.

Abstract: In various embodiments, flow rate of fluids, such as oxygen, nitrous oxide, and air, may be electronically and/or mechanically controlled. An electronically controlled auxiliary common gas output (ACGO) valve may direct the gas mixture, including one or more gases and/or anesthetics, either to a primary breathing machine or to an ACGO of an anesthesia delivery machine. The ACGO valve may include a piloted shuttle valve comprising a valve body and a piston configured to translate within the valve body. The piston may divert the gas mixture to a primary breathing system outlet when translated to a first position and to an ACGO when translated to a second position. An electronically controlled drive gas may toggle the position of the piston. In some embodiments, the piloted shuttle valve may be spring loaded and default to directing the gas mixture to the primary breathing system.

Abstract: A process for making a sheath used to protect a medical device. The medical device includes a polymer scaffold crimped to a catheter having an expansion balloon. A sheath is placed over the crimped scaffold after crimping to reduce recoil of the crimped polymer scaffold and maintain scaffold-balloon engagement relied on to hold the scaffold to the balloon when the scaffold is being delivered to a target in a body. The sheath is removed by a health professional either by removing the sheath directly or using a tube containing the catheter.

Abstract: Medical devices, perfusion systems, and methods for detecting a pressure within a space in a subject and for perfusion of fluid into a space in a subject. The space may be a fluid-filled space, or a space that is depleted of fluid due to an obstruction to fluid flow into the space. Methods for forming the medical devices.

Abstract: A catheter tube for insertion into a body of a patient is disclosed. The catheter tube includes a distal portion that remains stable during fluid infusion into the patient, thus reducing or eliminating whipping of the catheter distal tip, even during power injection. In one embodiment, the catheter tube defines at least one lumen and is formed from a tube material that defines a proximal portion and a distal portion of the catheter tube. The catheter tube is configured such that the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for at least a portion of the distal portion of the catheter tube defined by the catheter tube material is greater relative the arithmetic product of an elastic modulus and an area moment of inertia for at least a portion of the proximal portion of the catheter tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a strong, flexible catheter shaft for use in a catheter system. The flexible catheter shaft includes a braided polyimide tube including one or more outer layers of material of varying flexibility. The flexible catheter shaft provides a shaft having sufficient stiffness and kink resistance to allow an operator to advance an electrode basket connected to the flexible catheter shaft through a guide catheter to a target ablation site without causing vessel trauma. The distal tip of the flexible catheter shaft is designed to have sufficient flexibility to reduce any risk of kicking out a guide catheter when tracking the electrode basket around turns into side branches or bifurcations in the vasculature of a patient and includes a distal spring coil.

Abstract: A catheter is provided including a first lumen and a second lumen. A first member is disposed for relative movement within the first lumen and defines a cavity. A second member is disposed for relative movement within the second lumen. The cavity of the first member is configured for disposal of the second member. The catheter may include an elongated tubular body that includes the first lumen and the second lumen. The first member may have a distal portion that extends beyond the distal end of the body. The distal portion may include the cavity. The cavity may be defined by a member lumen. The first and second members may include tubular stylettes. The second member may include a guidewire.

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

Abstract: A method for dilating a stenotic region in an airway of a patient may include advancing a balloon catheter through the airway of the patient to position an inflatable balloon of the catheter within at least a portion of the stenotic region, maintaining a position of the catheter relative to the patient, and inflating the balloon of the catheter to dilate the stenotic region of the airway. A system for dilating a stenotic region in an airway of a patient may include a catheter shaft having an overall length of less than 70 cm, an inflatable balloon disposed along a distal portion of the catheter shaft, and a stylet.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon which is both of high strength and radiopaque. The balloon includes an outer strengthened layer which includes a strengthening element at least partially embedded within the layer. Concentrically within the strengthened layer there is a radiopaque layer which includes a high concentration of radiopaque material distributed in the radiopaque layer. The strengthened layer acts as a support to the radiopaque layer which is otherwise be unable to withstand the pressure to which the balloon is normally inflated for deployment and in the course of a medical procedure. The structure provides a high strength radiopaque balloon with a relatively thin balloon wall optimizing balloon flexibility and wrappability. There is also disclosed a method of making a balloon which uses an internal support layer in a raw tubing which is then removed following formation of a balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a balloon, an outer tube connected to a proximal end of the balloon, an inner tube disposed inside the outer tube and having a distal end attached to a distal end of the balloon, a protruded-depressed portion formed on an outer periphery of the inner tube, and a core wire disposed between the outer tube and the inner tube. The core wire has a bulged portion sandwiched between the outer tube and a depressed portion of the protruded-depressed portion. The balloon catheter can transmit a force from the core wire to both the outer tube and the inner tube regardless of whether the force is generated by pushing or pulling a proximal end portion of the balloon catheter. Additionally, the core wire can move appropriately to maintain the flexibility of the balloon catheter even when the balloon catheter bends.

Abstract: A system for use in prevention of stroke is provided that has a shaft that carries an occluding balloon. The occluding balloon is inflated to occlude blood flow through at least one of a right carotid artery and a left carotid artery. An actuation device for causing inflation of the occluding balloon is present. The inflation is applied in a cyclical nature based upon a cardiac cycle. The cyclical inflation of the occluding balloon in turn causes a resulting cyclical occlusion.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in a living host into a second location within the host, such as the bladder of that host. The device may be used to treat ascites, chronic pericardial effusions, normopressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, pulmonary edema, or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non-human mammal.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering substances to lung tissue through an extra-anatomic passage created in an airway.

Abstract: An applicator includes a piston plate, a non-linear coil spring, a casing, a lock means and a release means. The casing includes a tubular main body part that houses therein the piston plate and the non-linear coil spring, and a cover part that is arranged on one end side of the main body part. The cover part and the piston plate sandwich the non-linear coil spring there between. The lock means locks the piston plate with the casing such that the piston plate is held at a retraction position thereof on the cover part side in a state where the cover part and the piston plate compress the non-linear coil spring. The release means releases a locked state where the piston plate is locked with the casing by the lock means and where the cover part and the piston plate compress the non-linear coil spring.

Abstract: A connector includes: a port in which a disc configured to be displaceable is provided; a space defined by a side wall surrounding the disc in the circumferential direction when the disc is displaced and a bottom wall arranged at a position opposite the disc and configured to allow displacement of the disc; and a flow passage connected to the bottom wall at a position away from the side wall, and allowing fluid to flow therethrough to the space. The connector further includes cutouts formed from the flow passage to the side wall.

Abstract: A cannula seal is presented. The cannula seal includes a cap portion that fits over a cannula and a valve portion. The valve portion includes an hourglass seal and a cross slit seal. In some embodiments, the cap portion includes a tab. In some embodiments, the cap portion and the valve portion are integrally formed. In some embodiments, the cap portion and the valve portion are joined at a bonding region, which may include overflow traps. In some embodiments, ribs are included.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the use of electrodes with human and animal subjects. More particularly, the present invention relates to electrical contacts which are applied to the surface of a subject for the purpose of delivering transranial direct current stimulation (TDCS).

Abstract: A method of making a stimulation lead includes attaching multiple segmented electrodes to a carrier. Each of the segmented electrodes has a curved form extending over an arc in the range of 10 to 345 degrees. The method further includes attaching conductors to the segmented electrodes; forming the carrier into a cylinder with segmented electrodes disposed within the cylinder; molding a lead body around the segmented electrodes disposed on the carrier; and removing at least a portion of the carrier to separate the segmented electrodes.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system and method of providing therapy to a patient implanted with a plurality of electrodes using a plurality of electrical sources is provided. A source-electrode coupling configuration is determined from the electrical sources and electrodes. Electrical current is respectively conveyed between active ones of the plurality of electrical sources and active subsets of the plurality of electrodes in accordance with the determined source-electrode coupling configuration. The total number of the electrodes in the active electrode subsets is greater than the total number of the active electrical sources.

Abstract: The invention generally relates to apparatuses and methods for stimulating and monitoring biological tissue. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system for stimulating and monitoring tissue, the system including a first energy source, a second energy source, and an imaging device, in which the system is configured such that the first and second energy sources target the same region of tissue and the combined effect of the first and second energy sources stimulates the region of tissue.

Abstract: A method and related systems and apparatus for wrinkle reduction. The method includes the steps of positioning and applying a patch to skin of a consumer and adhesively securing the patch to the skin. A chemical composition on the patch includes both active ingredients and adhesive. A pair of electrodes are connected to a battery-driven, microprocessor-based controller. A current is applied through the electrodes in the patch for a selected time. The chemical composition in the patch is propelled into the consumer through use of the current in order to relax the skin or the consumer. The patch is removed and any residue of the chemical composition is massaged into the skin.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a device for electroporating and delivering one or more antigens and a method of electroporating and delivering one or more antigens to cells of epidermal tissues using the device. The device comprises a housing, a plurality of electrode arrays projecting from the housing, each electrode array including at least one electrode, a pulse generator electrically coupled to the electrodes, a programmable microcontroller electrically coupled to the pulse generator, and an electrical power source coupled to the pulse generator and the microcontroller. The electrode arrays define spatially separate sites.

Abstract: Multiple designs, systems, methods and processes for control using electrical signals recorded from clinically paralyzed muscles and nerves are presented. The discomplete neural prosthesis system and method for clinically paralyzed humans utilizes a controller. The controller is adapted to receive a volitional electrical signal generated by the human that is manifest below the lesion that causes the clinical paralysis. The controller uses at least the volitional electrical signal to generate a control signal that is output back to a plant to change the state of the plant, which in one aspect is one or more of the user's paralyzed muscles to achieve a functional result or to devices in the environment around the user that are adapted to receive commands from the controller.

Abstract: This application describes a miniature implantable neurostimulator system for sciatic nerves and their branches. The implanted miniature neurostimulator is implanted in the leg and stimulates these nerves for the treatment of urinary or bowel incontinence. The miniature implantable neurostimulator has a low duty cycle permitting a small size with medically-acceptable longevity. The system includes a wireless programmer and patient-activated key fob.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating erectile dysfunction are disclosed. Methods are aimed at reducing blood outflow from penile tissue by delivering energy to specific penile tissue that controls blood outflow from the penile tissue and causing remodeling of the specific penile tissue. Devices may be configured to generate RF energy and to apply the generated RF energy to a penis to thereby elevate a temperature of internal penile tissue above a predetermined temperature value while maintaining a penile surface below a predetermined temperature threshold. The predetermined temperature value may be set to initiate synthesis and/or a regeneration of collagen fibers in a collagen-rich penile connective tissue and/or to increase oxygenation of endothelial cells, initiate angiogenesis and neovascularization in a vascular penile tissue. Additionally, electrical penile stimulation is disclosed, possibly applicable in conjuncture with the erectile dysfunction treatment.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods of neurostimulation for treating obstructive sleep apnea. The system is adapted to send an electrical signal from an implanted neurostimulator through a stimulation lead to a patient's nerve at an appropriate phase of the respiratory cycle based on input from a respiration sensing lead. External components are adapted for wireless communication with the neurostimulator. The neurostimulator is adapted to deliver therapeutic stimulation based on inputs.

Abstract: A system, including a first prosthetic device configured to evoke a hearing percept based on a first ambient sound and a second non-invasive device configured to stimulate skin based on a second ambient sound generated by a voice.

Abstract: An exemplary stimulation configuration management system may 1) obtain electric field imaging (EFI) data for a plurality of stimulation configurations associated with an electrode included in an intracochlear electrode array that is a part of a cochlear implant system associated with a patient, 2) identify, based on the EFI data, a stimulation configuration included in the plurality of stimulation configuration and that focuses an electric field produced by current applied to the electrode more than any other stimulation configuration included in the plurality of stimulation configurations, and 3) direct the cochlear implant system to use the identified stimulation configuration for the electrode during a normal operation of the cochlear implant system.

Abstract: In electrically stimulating neural tissue it is important to prevent over stimulation and unbalanced stimulation which would cause damage to the neural tissue, the electrode, or both. It is critical that neural tissue in not subjected to any direct current or alternating current above a safe threshold. Further, it is important to identify defective electrodes as continued use may result in neural and further electrode damage. The present invention presents system and stimulator control mechanisms to prevent damage to neural tissue.

Abstract: A particular implantable device includes one or more electrode connectors and multiple circuit elements within a housing. The implantable medical device may also include one or more switches, where each switch of the one or more switches is coupled between one or more of the multiple circuit elements and at least one electrode connector of the one or more electrode connectors.

Abstract: A method of providing therapy to a patient using at least one electrode is provided. The patient has a neural tissue region that is relatively close to the at least one electrode, and a neural tissue region that is relatively far from the at least one electrode. The method comprises conveying time-varying electrical energy from the electrode(s) into the relatively close and far neural tissue regions, wherein the electrical energy has a frequency and amplitude that blocks stimulation of the relatively close neural tissue region, while stimulating the relatively far neural tissue region.