Abstract: The disclosure provides ceramic materials comprising calcium phosphate material and silk and processes and methods for preparing and uses thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the contacting of one or more surfaces of an implantable medical device with one or more diketopiperazines (DKPs).

Abstract: Provided herein relates to methods for preparing micron range silk fibers (or silk microfibers) and compositions comprising a micron range silk fiber (or a silk microfiber). The micron range silk fibers (or silk microfibers) can be used in various applications ranging from fillers in cosmetics to reinforcement materials to design high strength composites, e.g., reinforced scaffolds. In some embodiments, the silk microfiber-reinforced scaffolds can be used for bone graft applications because of their high compressive strength.

Abstract: A delivery system is provided that is adapted to treat various urological pelvic disorders, such as prolapse, incontinence, and the like. The delivery system can include at least one biologic loaded or otherwise provided with a bioactive agent. The biologic can comprise any drugs, hormones or steroids, stem cells, growth factors, proteins, and/or other bioactive agents to promote cell or tissue growth for the treatment and strengthening of organ walls or tissue. The biologic is generally adapted to controllably release the agent to the surrounding tissue or organ to provide a local and targeted delivery.

Abstract: Methods for treating a bioprosthetic tissue are described. The methods comprise contacting the biological tissue with an anchor compound, the anchor compound comprising first and second functional groups. The first functional group is reactive with and couples a tissue functional group associated with the biological tissue. The second functional group is one of a bio-orthogonal binding pair. The biological tissue coupled to the anchor compound is then exposed to a linking compound. The linking compound comprises at least two functional groups, each comprising the other one of the bio-orthogonal binding pair. In a preferred embodiment, the bio-orthogonal binding pair is an azide and an acetylene. The method can be performed in the presence of a catalyst, preferably a copper catalyst. Alternatively, the method can be performed in the absence of a catalyst, wherein the acetylene is incorporated in a ring-strained cyclic compound, such as cyclooctyne.

Abstract: The present invention concerns the enhancement of the osteogenic potential of bone graft by ex vivo treatment with a Wnt polypeptide, such as a liposomal Wnt polypeptide.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for hydrating a particulate biomaterial with a liquid biomaterial includes a vacuum device and a valve for withdrawing a gas from the particulate biomaterial and introducing the liquid biomaterial. The valve includes a hub, a valve body, a particulate port, a vacuum port, and a liquid port. The valve body selectively moves between first and second positions. The valve body at least partially defines a first passage and a second passage. The particulate port, the vacuum port, and the liquid port are each configured to fluidly connect to a particulate container, the vacuum device, and the liquid container, respectively. In the first position, the first passage fluidly connects the vacuum port to the particulate port for withdrawing the gas from the particulate container. In the second position, the second passage fluidly connects the liquid port to the particulate port for hydrating the particulate biomaterial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a carrier for growth factor related to regeneration of bone tissues that is capable of arbitrarily controlling the delivery rate of growth factors related to bone regeneration and thus especially applicable to a bone void filler in the fields of the dental or orthopedic applications. The carrier for controlling the delivery rate of the growth factor in the present invention is composed of a hyaluronic acid hydrogel having a distribution of interconnected pores and a calcium phosphate microsphere being distributed in the pores of the hyaluronic acid hydrogel. The calcium phosphate microsphere having a porosity suitable for delivery of the growth factor is positioned into the pores of the cross-linked hyaluronic acid hydrogel to complete the carrier.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogels comprising a plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to methods for preparing such hydrogels and to various uses of such hydrogels, e.g. as cell culture substrates, for drug and gene delivery, as wound dressing, as an implant, as an injectable agent that gels in situ, in pharmaceutical or cosmetic compositions, in regenerative medicine, in tissue engineering and tissue regeneration, or in electronic devices. It also relates to a method of tissue regeneration or tissue replacement using a hydrogel in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: The invention provides an injectable composition and method for the minimally invasive, in-situ repair and regeneration of an injured ligament or tendon in a mammalian subject. The composition is also useful for the delivery of growth factors, therapeutic agents and cells into the area of tendon or ligament injury.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the surface appearance of the skin a subject are provided. An injectable composition comprising at least hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof; and an effective amount of at least mepivacaine or a salt thereof are provided. The hyaluronic acid optionally has an average molecular weight ranging from 50,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons, and may be crosslinked hyaluronic acids, non-crosslinked hyaluronic acids, or a combination, in some embodiments. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for treating and preventing the cutaneous signs of chronological aging and/or induced by external factors such as stress, air pollution, tobacco or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, impaired surface appearance of the skin, impaired viscoelastic or biomechanical properties of the skin, and/or the long-lasting filling of volume defects of the skin.

Abstract: The invention relates to biocompatible, bioabsorbable derivatized non-crosslinked chitosan compositions optionally crosslinked to gelatin/collagen by 1-ethyl-3-[3-dimethylaminopropyl] carbodiimide hydrochloride (EDC) for biomedical use and methods of making and testing such compositions, including a modified acute systemic toxicity test. The compositions comprise derivatized chitosan reacetylated to a degree of N-deacetylation (DDA) of between about 15% and 40%. The compositions are typically bioabsorbed in about 90 days or less and can be made to bioabsorb at differing rates of speed. The compositions are initially soluble in aqueous solution below pH 6.5. The compositions have an acid content that can be adjusted between about 0% (w/w) and about 8% (w/w) to customize the composition for uses that require and/or tolerate differing levels of cytotoxicity, adhesion, composition cohesion, and cell infiltration into the composition.

Abstract: Described is a kit for producing a crosslinked gel for surrounding urinary calculi and/or fragments thereof, more particularly kidney stones and/or fragments thereof, comprising a composition (A) comprising one or several cationically crosslinkable polymer(s), and a composition (B) comprising one or several crosslinking agent(s) for crosslinking the cationically crosslinkable polymer(s), wherein composition (A) and/or composition (B) additionally comprise(s) magnetizable particles or the kit additionally comprises a composition (C) that contains magnetizable particles. Upon contact of composition (A) with composition (B) in a region of the urinary tract, more particularly the kidney, that contains urinary calculi and/or fragments thereof, more particularly kidney stones and/or fragments thereof, a crosslinked gel is formed that partly or fully surrounds the urinary calculi and/or fragments thereof, more particularly kidney stones and/or fragments thereof, and that contains the magnetizable particles.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a manually-actuated pump and method for applying reduced pressure at a tissue site. The manually-actuated pump includes at least one variable volume chamber that is manually compressible into a plurality of positions. The manually-actuated pump includes a fixed volume chamber in communication with the at least one variable volume chamber. The manually-actuated pump also includes a filter housing having a hydrophobic filter that prevents liquid from entering the at least one variable volume chamber. The fixed volume chamber is coupled to the at least one variable volume chamber via the filter housing. The filter housing is located in between the at least one variable volume chamber and the fixed volume chamber.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. In some embodiments, the appliance includes an impermeable flexible overlay for applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. The wound treatment appliance may also include a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay, a wound packing means to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into an absorbable matrix including the wound packing means, a suction drain, a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound, and/or a suction bulb which may be used to provide a source of reduced pressure to an impermeable overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the wound treatment appliance.

Abstract: A method of safely removing mesenteric fat from the intra-abdominal region of human patients to ameliorate the metabolic syndrome, or abdominal obesity. The method involves using laparoscopically-guided intra-abdominal tissue aspiration, involving the simultaneously infusion of a tumescent solution into the mesenteric region of treatment, while synchronizing that infusion with the forward or return stroke of the inner cannula of the twin cannula assembly of a bipolar electro-cauterizing twin-cannula tissue aspiration instrument.

Abstract: Peristaltic pump assemblies in which the closing and opening of a pivoting or sliding door is coordinated with movement of the occlusion bed toward and away from the rotor assembly to engage and disengage tubing within the occlusion pathway are disclosed. Linkage mechanisms provided by the interaction of cam surfaces with rollers, as well as bar linkage mechanisms, are disclosed. The linkage mechanism, in addition to providing precise displacement of the occlusion bed, may also provide an over-center feature that enhances safety and pump operation when the door is in a closed position. Latching mechanisms and sensors may be incorporated. Control consoles incorporating such peristaltic pump assemblies are described. Adaptive components such as tubing cassettes routing aspiration and/or infusion tubing in a predetermined configuration to mate with occlusion pathways in aspiration and/or infusion pump assemblies provided in various types of medical devices and control consoles are also provided.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a system and method for administering reduced pressure at a tissue site. The apparatus includes a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure source generates a reduced pressure. The apparatus includes a tube having a plurality of lumens. The plurality of lumens includes at least one collection lumen. The reduced pressure source applies the reduced pressure to the tissue site through the plurality of lumens such that the at least one collection lumen receives fluid from the tissue site. The at least one collection lumen stores the fluid received from the tissue site.

Abstract: A low-profile reduced pressure treatment apparatus and system are provided. The apparatus includes a moldable conduit holder, a conduit through the conduit holder, and a flexible base. The conduit holder has first and second bulkhead surfaces, a convex top surface, and a bottom surface adapted to conform to a tissue contact region adjacent to a tissue site. An end of the conduit is substantially flush with the first bulkhead surface and a longitudinal axis of the conduit is substantially perpendicular to the first and second bulkhead surfaces. The base is connected on a first side to the bottom surface of the conduit holder, and extends beyond the first bulkhead surface to form an overlay zone adjacent the first bulkhead surface. An adhesive is disposed on a second side of the flexible base to secure the flexible base to the tissue contact region.

Abstract: An implantable device for improving the pump function of the heart of a human patient by applying an external force on the heart muscle is provided. The device comprises at least one pump device having a pump. The pump comprising: a piston adapted for reciprocating movement, an operating device for operating the piston, a heart contacting organ. The movement of the piston assists the pump function of the heart through said heart contacting organ.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for detection of gas bubbles in a microchannel configured for a conductive fluid to flow therethrough. The methods and apparatuses utilize a plate and at least two aligned electrodes embedded within the plate. The plate is configured to be located over the microchannel such that the at least two aligned electrodes are located along a length of the microchannel in the flow direction. Impedance is measured between the electrodes, and the percentage of gas within the fluid flowing through the microchannel is measured based on the measured impedance between the electrodes.

Abstract: A renal therapy machine includes a blood filter including a plurality of porous fibers; a blood circuit in communication with the blood filter; and a dialysate circuit in communication with the blood filter and operable with at least one pump, wherein the renal therapy machine is configured to perform a priming sequence in which a physiologically compatible solution, other than dialysate, primes the blood circuit and is flowed within the fibers and through pores in the fibers of the blood filter, and the pump of the dialysate circuit vents air from the blood filter into the dialysate circuit.

Abstract: It is disclosed an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment (1) having a control unit (15) connected to an ultrafiltration device (20) and to a fluid preparation section (30) of fresh dialysis liquid. The control unit (15) is configured to receive measured values of the change of blood volume, the amount of ultrafiltration volume, and conductivity or to the concentration for at least one substance in the blood (BV %mes(t); UFmes(t), WLmes(t); Cbmes(t)); the control unit (15) is also configured to receive prescription values for the same parameters and to control ultrafiltration and adjust conductivity in the fresh dialysis liquid based on the difference between said measured values and said prescription values.

Abstract: Provided is a dialysate supply device and a blood dialyzing apparatus including the same. The dialysate supply device includes a flow controller controlling a dialysate flow, a supply pump supplying dialysate to a hemodialyzer, a recovery pump discharging dialysate from the hemodialyzer, a volume chamber storing dialysate, and a pressure-relief bypass maintaining dialysate pressure within a permissible range. The blood dialyzing apparatus includes the dialysate supply device, a blood tube, and a one-way valve disposed on the blood tube. The blood dialyzing apparatus can quickly change dialysate pressure in the hemodialyzer using the dialysate supply device having the flow controller, cylinder and piston, and increase mass transfer and hemodialysis efficiency. Also, the blood dialyzing apparatus may be miniaturized and lightened to provide a portable blood dialyzing apparatus because blood is transferred without using a blood pump.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring the presence of blood in an extracorporeal blood circuit are disclosed. A control unit, which is connected to a blood detector and to one or several pressure sensors, determines whether blood is present in the membrane device based on the differential pressure there over and generates a signal if the presence of blood as detected by the blood detector and the presence of blood as determined based on the differential pressure value do not coincide with each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a reception means for receiving fluids, which comprises a fluid surge redirection element comprising at least one flow-conditioning body that is adapted and intended to divide the fluid surge of the inflowing fluid into at least two partial fluid surges. It further relates to an external functional means as well as a treatment apparatus comprising a reception means in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: A cannula ingress system may include a tip stabilization mechanism having a tip stabilization mechanism distal end and a tip stabilization mechanism proximal end, a fixation mechanism, a hypodermic tube having a hypodermic tube distal end and a hypodermic tube proximal end, and a tip having a tip distal end and a tip proximal end. The tip may be disposed within the hypodermic tube wherein the tip distal end extends from the hypodermic tube distal end. The fixation mechanism may be disposed within a fixation mechanism channel of the tip stabilization mechanism. The tip stabilization mechanism may be disposed over the tip and the hypodermic tube distal end.

Abstract: A medical device package includes a medical device including a first end surface and a second end surface; and a medical device storage container configured to store the medical device, the medical device storage container including a container main body and a holding unit located in the storage space, and configured to hold the medical device such that the first end surface faces upward; and a sheet-like sealing member adapted to be glued to the container main body to seal an opening of the container main body. A surface of the sealing member that faces the container main body includes an adhesive applied area on which an adhesive is applied and an adhesive non-applied area on which the adhesive is not applied, the adhesive non-applied area being an area facing at least the first end surface of the medical device held by the holding unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon catheter. The invention comprises: a first shaft; an expandable balloon which is attached to the front end of the first shaft; an expandable lumen which is formed inside the first shaft and to which a liquid required for expanding the balloon is provided; a second shaft which extends from the front end of the first shaft to which the balloon is attached and has a wire hole through which a guide wire passes; and a guide wire lumen, which is formed inside the second shaft and through which the guide wire passes. According to the invention, the first and second shafts are coaxially connected and the expandable lumen and the guide wire lumen are respectively formed in each shaft in order to reduce the overall diameter of the shaft, thereby facilitating surgery and improving pushability.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) set system comprising a primary IV set defining a primary flow line of the IV set system. The primary flow line can include multiple access points along its length and feeds to a merging fluid pathway proximate to the distal terminus of the primary IV set. At least one secondary IV set with corresponding flow lines can be separably joined to the primary IV set to cause the secondary flow lines to be in fluid communication with the primary flow line. At least one of the IV sets can have a unique set of uniform marking indicia to facilitate rapid identification of the IV sets from other IV sets within the IV set system. Such marked and identified primary and/or secondary IV sets can be allocated to specific medical functions and/or can be for use by specific medical personnel to thereby minimize risk of error in administration of an IV to a patient. The IV set system can further comprise a merging fluid pathway about a primary IV set.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The reservoir, a base and a cap are connected to form an integrated unit that is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing. The cap and the infusion pump are each provided with at least one sensor or at least one detectable feature, arranged to interact with at least one corresponding detectable feature or sensor on the other of the cap and infusion pump device, to detect one or more of the presence, position or other characteristic of the cap when the cap is aligned or coupled with the infusion pump housing. The detectable feature and sensor may be magnetic, RF, mechanical, optical or any combination.

Abstract: An infusion system includes a double action infusion pump. The pump includes a cylinder and a reciprocating piston received within the cylinder, the reciprocating piston separating a first pump chamber from a second pump chamber of the cylinder. A reciprocating motor is coupled with the reciprocating piston, and the first and second pump chambers alternate between filling and evacuating conditions with reciprocation of the reciprocating piston through operation of the reciprocating motor, and the speed of reciprocation is varied to provide a continuous output of fluid between the first and second pump chambers. A fluid source and a catheter are optionally coupled with the double action infusion pump. The catheter includes one or more infusion ports near a catheter distal portion, and the one or more infusion ports receive and expel the continuous output of fluid from the double action infusion pump.

Abstract: An improved elastomeric pump for an infusion assembly. The pump includes a generally cylindrical mandrel body with first end, an opposed second end, a length, an outer diameter corresponding to a first radius (Rmandrel), a central bore extending through the length, a first port extending from the outer diameter to the bore to provide a fluid passageway, a fill port and an exit port in fluid communication with the bore. The pump includes an inflatable elastomeric tube disposed concentrically about the mandrel, the tube being sealingly secured on the mandrel near the respective ends of the tube and having an original inner diameter that corresponds to a second radius (r) so that it approximately matches the outer diameter of the mandrel (Rmandrel), a length (L) less than the length of the mandrel, a wall thickness (t) such that: (0.4225×r)<t?(0.660×r).

Abstract: Drug delivery system, injection device, transfer apparatus, vial holder and method of administering and transferring are disclosed. The system may include transfer apparatus and an injection device. The transfer apparatus may have receiving stations for a drug source, such as a vial or vial holder, and for an injection device, and fluid flow pathways for transferring drugs from the source into the injection device. The injection device may include an expandable elastic bladder and an injection cannula that is movable between a plurality of positions.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system includes an infusion pump configured to deliver medical fluid to a patient according to at least one treatment parameter, and an alarm feature associated with the infusion pump, the alarm feature including (i) a first alarm signal associated with a first event relating to the at least one treatment parameter, (ii) a second alarm signal associated with a second event relating to the at least one treatment parameter, the second alarm signal discernable from the first alarm signal, and (iii) a snooze element configured to deactivate the first alarm signal after the first event has occurred and to enable the second alarm signal to be activated upon occurrence of the second event.

Abstract: A portable auto-injector configured to store a liquid component in a first chamber separately from a dry medication in a second chamber, wherein a first actuation mechanism opens a valve allowing for the initiation of a mixing step prior to injection. An extendable needle guard is provided over the delivery assembly which prevents premature injection as well as inadvertent sticks or other cross contamination of a needle. The needle guard can also form part of a secondary trigger mechanism which injects the mixed components after the mixing stage is complete.

Abstract: A system for injecting a fluid medicament into a patient includes a drive mechanism, and a cassette loaded with a pre-filled hypodermic syringe. When the cassette is loaded, the syringe is held firmly inside and the cassette can be selectively engaged with the drive mechanism. The drive mechanism has two motors. A first motor initially moves the hypodermic syringe from a position inside the cassette where its needle is concealed, to a position where the needle extends from the cassette for insertion into a patient for an injection. With the needle inserted, a second motor pushes the syringe stopper to expel a fluid medicament from the syringe. After an injection, the first motor withdraws the syringe back into concealment inside the cassette, to again firmly hold the syringe on the cassette. The cassette and syringe, in combination, can then be removed from the drive mechanism and discarded.

Abstract: A delay mechanism for an automatic injection device having a housing and a medication filled syringe. The delay mechanism includes a shuttle, a follower, a damping compound, at least one biasing member, and a biased plunger element. When moved in the device housing from a first location to a second location, the biased plunger element is adapted to drive the syringe piston within syringe barrel to force medication through the syringe needle for an injection. The follower, when the plunger element is so moved, is freed to move, under urging of the at least one biasing member, from a first position on the housing toward a second position to thereby move the shuttle for retracting the syringe needle into the housing after injection. The damping compound dampens or slows rotation of the follower as the follower moves from the first position toward the second position.

Abstract: An injection system includes a syringe, which preferably includes larger and smaller inner diameters, and a plunger. A wiper sidewall of the plunger defines a cavity, into which a plunger shaft of the system is inserted, for moving the plunger, within the syringe, for fluid injection. The plunger includes a feature for engaging the shaft, and the sidewall preferably includes an expandable-contractible portion, in which the feature is formed. When the plunger is initially mounted within the larger inner diameter of the syringe, the portion of the sidewall is expanded and the feature of the plunger does not operably engage the inserted shaft. When the shaft moves the plunger into the smaller inner diameter of the syringe, the portion of the sidewall contracts and the feature operably engages the shaft. A deformable end wall of the plunger may be spaced apart from a distal terminal end of the inserted shaft.

Abstract: A counter system for use in a drug delivery device is provided. The counter system comprises a counter element which is a foil, the counter element comprising indentations and indicia associated with the indentations, and a drive member provided with a catch for driving the counter element, wherein the catch engages a first indentation, and wherein, the catch is configured such that, when the drive member moves in a first direction, the counter element does not move and the catch disengages the first indentation and engages a second indentation which is arranged adjacent to the first indentation, and when the drive member moves in a second direction which is opposite to the first direction, the counter element also moves in the second direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a syringe closure for a syringe having a basic body, a terminal extension that extends from the basic body, which has a free end and a base arranged on the basic body. A recess is provided on the extension at a distance from its free end. The syringe closure for closing off the syringe can be attached in such a way on its extension via its free end that the syringe closure overlaps at least one recess of the extension. The syringe closure is characterized by a locking device having at least one locking element, which assumes a release position in a first functional position after the attachment of the syringe closure on the extension, and ensures a positive engagement with at least one recess on the extension in a second functional position, the locking position, and thus lockingly holds the syringe closure on the extension.

Abstract: A folding panel needle guard comprises front and rear panels coupled together at hinges, a collar attached to the front panels at hinges, a guard base element coupled to the rear panels at hinges, a hub and a spring to unfold and lock the front and rear panels in a co-linear needle shielded configuration. The folding panel needle guard is mountable to a needle or syringe assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an automatic injection device (1) comprising: a container aligned on a longitudinal axis A and movable between a first position and a second position, in which the needle is inserted, biasing means, laterally spaced with respect to said longitudinal axis A, and coupled to the container for moving it to its second position, via linking means, retaining means (70) for maintaining said biasing means in a first stressed state, deactivating means (80) capable of moving along a transversal direction for releasing said retaining means, triggering means (90) for releasing said deactivating means.

Abstract: A connector mountable to a syringe barrel has a proximal barrel-engaging portion, a distal luer fitment portion, and a fluid aperture therethrough. The barrel-engaging portion of the connector includes an axial ledge configured to abut the axial distal edge of a glass syringe barrel. The connector facilitates mounting a luer assembly to the barrel. The luer assembly may be a tip cap, a luer needle assembly, or a luer needle-less assembly, having a complementary luer fitment for connection to the luer fitment portion of the connector. The connector and syringe may further include an immobile, compressible needle seal. The needle seal is adjacent to or engageable with the barrel-engaging portion of the connector.

Abstract: An auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M) is present having a tubular chassis telescopable in a tubular case, a carrier subassembly comprising a tubular carrier slidably arranged relative to the chassis inside the case, where the carrier is adapted to contain a syringe with a hollow injection needle. The injector also has a drive spring and a plunger for forwarding load of the drive spring to a stopper of the syringe, wherein the syringe is lockable for joint axial translation with the carrier. A control spring is arranged around the carrier for translating the carrier in a proximal direction (P) for insertion of the needle through the chassis into an injection site.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide systems, methods and devices for respiratory support. As one example, a method for respiratory support is described that includes measuring a pressure, providing a measured pressure, measuring an inlet flow and an outlet flow, and providing a measured net flow. A relationship between a first value related to the measured pressure, a second value related to the measured net flow and a third value related to patient effort is used to provide a prediction of patient effort. An interim value is updated based at least in part on the prediction of the patient effort.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ventilation that allows the patient to trigger or initiate the delivery of a breath are provided. Further, systems and methods for triggering ventilation when exhalation flow is unknown or unreliable by the ventilator are provided.

Abstract: A patient interface that provides a flow of gas to a user. The interface includes a face-contacting layer and a multi-layer structure covered by the face-contacting layer. The responsive structure includes a plurality of actuators for moving the face-contacting layer. The actuators include a first and second groups of actuators, each of which comprises electrodes arranged in one or more layers. The layers are arranged above each other. The electrodes in the first group of actuators are, with respect to a first axis, transverse to the one or more first and second layers, and are arranged spatially offset relative to the electrodes of the second group actuators such that the electrodes of the first group of actuators do not overlap the electrodes of the second group of actuators.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a gas to a user has a single tubular nasal cavity component having only two terminal ends: a gas inlet and a gas outlet with a single gas flow path between. The component is configured for insertion into the nostril of a user and maintains the position without adhesive. The nasal cavity component includes a first portion having a first longitudinal axis along the single gas flow path. A proximal end of the first portion is flared outward for insertion into a nostril of a patient. A second portion has a second longitudinal axis, and a gas inlet end to receive gas from a gas supply. A distal end of the second portion intersects a distal end of the first portion in a bend portion, such that the first and second longitudinal axes intersect at an angle of between about 60 and about 80°.

Abstract: A patient interface device (2,102) is includes a cushion (6,106) and a frame assembly (60,160) coupled to the cushion, the frame assembly including a main frame member (4,104) and a stiffening structure (62,162) coupled to the main frame member, the stiffening structure having a main arm (64,164), a first Y-portion coupled to a first end of the main arm having first and second front branches extending at upward and downward angles, respectively, from the first end of the main arm, and a second Y-portion coupled to a second end of the main arm having first and second rear branches extending at upward and downward angles, respectively, from the second end of the main arm.