Abstract: An infusion set includes a base (221) and a flexible catheter (242) movable from a first catheter position disposed substantially entirely within the base (221) to a second catheter position in which a free end of the catheter (242) is disposed externally of the base (221). An introducer needle (234) is located within the catheter (242) and is movable between a first introducer needle position disposed substantially entirely within the base (221) and a second introducer needle position in which a free end of the introducer needle (234) is disposed externally of the base (221). A spring (281) is activated to move the catheter (242) from the first to the second catheter position and the introducer needle (234) from the first to the second introducer needle position to facilitate insertion of the catheter (242).

Abstract: Methods, system and devices for monitoring a plurality of parameters associated with a closed loop control operation including continuously monitoring a physiological condition and automatic administration of a medication, detecting an impending administration of the medication level exceeding a predetermined threshold level, retrieving one or more signals associated with the monitored physiological condition, determining an accuracy indication of the retrieved one or more signals associated with the monitored physiological condition, and executing the administration of the medication level based on the accuracy indication are provided.

Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary method involves operating an infusion device to deliver fluid to a user in accordance with a first operating mode of a plurality of operating modes, obtaining operational information pertaining to the first operating mode, and obtaining clinical information pertaining to the user. A destination operating mode of the plurality of operating modes is determined based at least in part on the operational information and the clinical information, and the infusion device is operated to deliver the fluid in accordance with the destination operating mode in a manner that is influenced by at least a portion of the operational information pertaining to the first operating mode.

Abstract: A safety syringe (100; 700; 1200) comprising: a barrel (104; 704; 1204) having an opening at an end thereof; a syringe plunger (108; 708; 1208) configured to move within the barrel such that an inward stroke of the syringe plunger causes a substance within the barrel to be expelled from the opening; and a sheath (112; 712; 1212) configured to cover at least partially the opening in the barrel after use of the syringe, wherein the sheath is coupled to the syringe plunger and is configured to decouple from the syringe plunger at a point on the inward stroke such that the sheath is moveable independently of the syringe plunger and further movement of the sheath after decoupling at least partially covers the opening in the barrel.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical injection device comprises a main body case (2); a pharmaceutical syringe mounting component (3) that is provided inside the main body case (2) and onto which a pharmaceutical syringe (4) is mounted; a piston (5) provided movably with respect to the pharmaceutical syringe (4) mounted onto the pharmaceutical syringe mounting component (3); a drive mechanism (6) for driving the piston (5); a memory (46) that stores a preset pharmaceutical injection schedule; and a controller (7) that resets a current pharmaceutical dose by comparing a planned cumulative pharmaceutical dose, which is a planned cumulative amount of pharmaceutical injected up to the last time on the basis of the pharmaceutical injection schedule stored in the memory, and an actual cumulative pharmaceutical dose, which is a cumulative amount of pharmaceutical actually injected up to the last time.

Abstract: A closure piece for a powder syringe has a main body and a sealing element. The sealing element is disposed on the main body such that it rests in a sealing manner against a distal opening of a powder syringe when the closure piece is disposed in the closing position thereof on the powder syringe. A channel passes through the main body and the sealing element and has a proximal and a distal end. The closure piece includes a retaining element configured and/or disposed such that, prior to an activation of the powder syringe, any powder from a chamber of the powder syringe is at least substantially prevented from penetrating the channel when the closure piece is disposed in the closing position thereof on the powder syringe.

Abstract: Automatic injection device includes a housing, a syringe, a plunger, and a syringe carrier. The housing includes a barrel between a first end and a second end. The barrel includes an elongated window to allow viewing of contents inside the housing. The syringe is disposed within the housing and has a reservoir. The plunger is at least partially disposed within the syringe and includes a visual indicator. The syringe carrier is disposed within the housing and configured to contain the syringe and displace the syringe within the housing between a first position and a second position. The syringe carrier can be substantially transparent. The syringe carrier can have first and second legs and an extension disposed therebetween, and at least a portion of the extension can be configured to align with the window and the reservoir when the syringe carrier is in the first position.

Abstract: A retractable self-destructing safety syringe with pre-attached needle including a barrel, an inner needle base disposed in a barrel neck at an end of the barrel body, and an elastic engagement mechanism formed between the barrel neck and the inner needle base is provided. An asymmetric elastic locking member having an elastic function is disposed at the end of the plunger, with which a sleeve-type retractable locking member on the needle base can be interlocked by the elastic function. After being retracted into the barrel body, the needle base together with the needle will be forced to deflect to one side under an asymmetric force, and the needle therefore will be forced to incline in a direction nearly a 45 degree angle toward to one side of the inner wall of the barrel and is blocked by the barrel neck, so that the needle and the needle base could not be pushed out the barrel neck again and self-destruction of the syringe is truly achieved.

Abstract: A pressure regulating syringe comprises a barrel assembly terminating with a tubular tip positionable in fluid communication with a fluid chamber, a plunger that is manually and axially displaceable within a barrel of the barrel assembly, a pressure sensor mounted onto the plunger adjacent to its distal end, for generating one or more electrical signals representative of a change in pressure within the fluid chamber, circuitry housed within the plunger for processing the generated signals, and a display mounted on the plunger for displaying an output indicative of the processed signals. The output is changeable upon axial displacement of the plunger when the tubular tip is positioned in fluid communication with the fluid chamber, which is for example a cuff surrounding a medical tube. Fluid is delivered by manually manipulating a fluid delivery element in response to the displayed output until a desired fluid delivery operation is performed.

Abstract: Fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems. The fill stations may be opened and closed to accept a reservoir and to allow fluid to be introduced into the reservoir for use with personal pump systems. The fill stations may hold the reservoir at a tilt relative to an underlying surface and may discourage overfilling of the reservoir. The filling stations may also include viewing windows having fluid lines marked thereon for indicating volume of fluid within the reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for inserting an infusion device for supplying a fluid to a body of a user, and a sensor for monitoring a body characteristic of the user, the apparatus including a bridge including a rigid body and comprising an infusion device end and a sensor end, the bridge further including an infusion device introduction needle attached to the infusion device end, a sensor introduction needle, the sensor introduction needle attached to the sensor end, an infusion device, operatively coupled to the infusion device introduction needle, for infusing a fluid to an infusion site, and a sensor introduction needle operatively coupled to an electrochemical sensor having a sensor electrode for determining at least one body characteristic of the patient at a sensor placement site, an infusion device release for releasing the infusion device from the infusion device introduction needle, and a sensor release for releasing the sensor from the sensor introduction needle.

Abstract: A nebulizer (1), in particular inhaler, having a pre-installed container (3) is proposed. The nebulizer comprises a securing member (30) preventing fluidic connection or opening of the container in a delivery state. The securing member can be manually opened, removed, released or destroyed by torsioning, by opening along a pre-determined breaking line and/or by means of an actuator (50). This facilitates handling.

Abstract: A dispenser including a medium reservoir, a discharge opening, and a feeding device for feeding medium from the medium reservoir to the discharge opening, wherein an actuating handle is displaceable relative to the medium reservoir in an actuation direction to discharge medium. The dispenser includes a protective device with a main segment and a switch segment, the main segment having a base portion and a plurality of protective arms pivotable relative to the base portion. The switch segment is displaceable relative to the main segment between a protective position and an enable position, wherein the switch segment limits maneuverability of the protective arms of the main segment in the protective position and does not limit maneuverability of the protective arms in the enable position.

Abstract: A dose counter includes a triggering unit having at least a first and a second trigger member thereon. The triggering unit is configured interact with the canister of a metered-dose inhaler when the canister moves in a longitudinal direction from a rest position to an activation position. A circuit assembly includes a substrate with at least a first and a second switch thereon. The first and second switches are configured to interact with the first and second trigger members when the canister moves from the rest position to the activation position. The circuit assembly includes a counting circuit that is configured to receive a signal from the first and second switches and to determine when the metered dose inhaler is activated.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve for attachment to a tracheostoma valve plaster may include a tubular base portion with a proximal opening through which inhaled and exhaled air enters and exits, respectively. A distal lid portion may be arranged distally of the tubular base portion. The distal lid portion may have a distal opening through which inhaled and exhaled air enters and exits, respectively. The tracheostoma valve may have a valve flap member for closing the distal opening via interaction between a front side of the valve flap member and an edge of the distal opening. A valve retaining arm may be included for interaction with the valve flap member to prevent the valve flap member from interacting with the distal opening.

Abstract: Provided is an applicator device for facilitating the application of liquid adhesive onto the edge of a continued positive air pressure (CPAP) mask. The device has a central shaft with a hollow interior. One of the central shaft removably secures to a storage container of skin safe adhesive. The opposing end includes two arcuate guide arms extending upwardly to form a concave inner surface adapted to accept the edge of a CPAP mask. Within the central shaft and protruding outward from the upper opening is a liquid adhesive roller ball. The ball is the primary application surface for conveying adhesive onto the CPAP mask edge. In use the applicator is secured to the opening of an adhesive storage container and the assembly is then inverted onto the edge of a CPAP mask to apply liquid adhesive thereto, improving the seal between the mask edge and a user's face when deployed.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided that includes a mask (10) and a brace (40) assembly. The mask has a faceplate (12) and a cushion (15), and the brace assembly has a brace body (42) and a lever assembly (44). The brace body is coupled to the mask faceplate, and the lever assembly has at least one lever arm (70) and at least one actuator assembly (72) for each lever arm. The at least one lever arm has a body (76) and a pivot assembly (90). The lever arm body is pivotally coupled to the brace body at the pivot assembly. The lever arm body is structured to move between two positions, a first position, where the lever arm body does not effectively engage a portion of the mask, and a second position, wherein the lever arm body effectively engages a portion of the mask.

Abstract: A nasal prong for sealing with a nasal passage of a patient includes a head portion structured to seal and/or sealingly communicate with the patient's nasal passage and a column or stalk structured to interconnect the head portion with a base. The nasal prong is structured to redirect air flow direction, diffuse air flow or create turbulence, and/or orient a prong orifice in order to reduce and/or eliminate air jetting effects.

Abstract: A device combines a muffler and a filter such as for use with an air compressor. The device utilizes dual expansion chambers with an internal connecting tube to filter the air entering an air intake port of an air compressor or oxygen concentrator. The device attenuates sound that emanates from airflow through the chambers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for humidifying breathable gas provided to a user includes providing a breathable gas, producing moisture or water derived from ambient environmental surroundings, e.g., via condensation and/or dehumidified air, and directing the breathable gas along an air flow path. The air flow path optionally includes access to at least a portion of the moisture or water for increased humidification of the breathable gas, for delivery to the user.

Abstract: An erotic dream induction apparatus includes an inflatable air bladder, such as a rubber balloon, to induce sexual arousal via genital stimulation. The air bladder is brought into contact with either the penis or vagina of the user, and/or is inserted into the anus and/or vagina of the user. In one embodiment, the air bladder is brought into contact with the penis, vagina, and/or anus of the user by being maintained in position near, against, or around the penis, vagina, and/or anus by means of straps or pockets in stimulation underwear, such that when the air bladder is inflated, the air bladder makes contact with at least a portion of the penis, vagina, and/or anus of the user. The air bladder is repeatedly inflated and deflated by pumps and/or valves.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed, comprising a catheter and an elongate package accommodating said catheter in a closed condition. The package is provided with an insert opening arranged to releasably receive an end of the elongate package in the closed condition, thereby temporarily retaining said closed package in a folded disposition in which also the catheter is folded.

Abstract: A catheter with a spring tip that facilitates atraumatic initial placement and also continues to protect tissue contacted by the catheter device subsequent to the initial placement. The spring tip is shock-absorbing and axially compliant and allows enhanced use of various devices in conjunction with the tip such as bioptomes, electrodes, needles, flushing catheters, delivery catheters, and the like. The atraumatic shock-absorbing tip could include conductive or non-conductive materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deactivating renal nerves extending along a renal artery of a mammalian subject to treat hypertension and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer (30) is inserted into the renal artery (10) as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (18) bearing the transducer into the renal artery. The ultrasonic transducer emits unfocused ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout a relatively large impact volume (11) as, for example, at least about 0.5 cm3 encompassing the renal artery to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual renal nerves.

Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated main body possessing flexibility. The main boy is comprised of a first wire having a core member constituted by a metal material, a second wire having a core member arranged on the proximal side of the first wire and constituted by a metal material, and an optically transmissive member arranged between the first wire and the second wire, and connecting the first and second wires to each other and constituted by a substantially transparent tube shaped body. The optically transmissive member exhibits light permeability such that when light is illuminated from one direction of a lateral side thereof, the light is transmissible to the opposite side through the center axis of the main body.

Abstract: A system for treating vasculature of a patient includes a microcatheter extending through an optional aspiration catheter, and a guidewire subassembly extending through and beyond the microcatheter. The guidewire subassembly consists essentially of a (i) guidewire core having a narrowed portion, (ii) a fluid transport element coupled to and extending around the narrowed portion of the guidewire core, the fluid transport element defining at least one inlet opening and at least one outlet opening spaced from the inlet opening along a portion of its length, with a fluid flow path being defined between the fluid transport element and the microcatheter, and (iii) a conical seal interposed between the guidewire core and the support element for sealing therebetween and ensuring that infusate within the microcatheter is directed into the blood vessel through the inlet opening(s), the fluid flow path, and the outlet opening(s).

Abstract: Assist device (10) for sclerosing treatment of varicose veins, aimed at being partially inserted into a blood vessel (20), including a tubular element (11), which has at least three ways (13, 14, 15), at least two of which (13, 14) are connected to at least one related inflatable balloon element (12, 12?, 16) by at least one through hole (30, 31), and at least one remaining way (15) of said three ways (13, 14, 15) has at least one hole (32) for the passage of a sclerosing substance (17), aimed at reaching a wall (18) of said blood vessel (20), in which at least one (16) of said at least two balloon elements (12, 12?, 16) has an elongated shape extending toward at least another balloon element (12, 12?) and a volume comprised in the range of 30% to 99% of the space inside said blood vessel.

Abstract: The present invention is thus directed to methods and apparatus for decreasing pressure in a first portion of a vessel of the cardiac structure of a patient by implanting a shunt communicating with an area outside said first portion, whereby a volume of blood sufficient to reduce pressure in said first portion is released.

Abstract: The invention relates to an application system for the transepidermal surface administration of medications, said system comprising a container (1) accommodating a sprayable, active agent-containing composition, a propellant gas source (3) for pressurized gas consisting of at least 25% v/v of oxygen, and a spraying device (2), wherein container (1), propellant gas source (3), and spraying device (2) are flow-connected with each other in such a manner that the propellant gas atomizes the sprayable composition and, when the spraying device (2) is actuated, forces it out of the spraying device (2), with the composition being forced out of the spraying device (2) in the form of a conical spray jet at an exit velocity of ?100 m/s. With the help of the inventive application system active agents can be effectively administered via the skin without causing injury to the skin. As a result of the high exit velocity the penetration rate is especially favorable even when larger molecules are introduced.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus that regulates thermodynamic energy-flow within a human body for producing beneficial effects such as, for example, improvement in strength, improvement in stamina, pain relief, etc. According to one embodiment, the invention provides a wearable apparatus that may include biomolecular components for building-up of a thermomagnetic energy within the human body. According to another embodiment, the invention provides a wearable apparatus that may include biomolecular components for dilution of a thermomagnetic energy within the human body. According to yet another embodiment, the invention provides a wearable apparatus that may include biomolecular components having orthomolecular and/or non-orthomolecular organic materials which are capable of thermomagnetic levororotary action and/or thermomagnetic dextrorotatory action.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a patch to a subject, the patch having a number of projections thereon, the apparatus including opposable jaws movable between open and engaging positions, wherein in the open position the jaws can receive at least part of the subject, and in the engaging position the jaws can engage the at least part of the subject and a patch support for supporting a patch, and wherein the patch support is for urging the patch against the at least part of the subject.

Abstract: Disclosed are a microstructure-based drug delivery system comprising a microporous structure and a method for manufacturing the same, and more specifically, a detachable microstructure-based drug delivery system using a microporous structure layer and a method for manufacturing the same, thereby skipping a drying step which is essential for the manufacturing process of the existing biodegradable microneedle, and solving the problem in that the hardness of the microneedle is reduced when the microneedle contains drugs, failing to penetrate the skin. Here, the microstructure is implantable in the body through the insertion into the body and detachment from the microporous structure, and the detachable microstructure can be applied to wrinkled (skin movement) and corrugated parts through a detachment function thereof.

Abstract: A method of treating an occlusion at a treatment site within a patient's vasculature comprises providing an ultrasonic catheter. The ultrasonic catheter has a distal region, a proximal region opposite the distal region, a fluid delivery lumen having at least one opening in the distal region, and an ultrasound radiating member positioned within the distal region. The method further comprises positioning the ultrasonic catheter at the treatment site, such that at least a portion of the distal region is within the occlusion. The ultrasonic catheter further comprises passing a therapeutic compound through the fluid delivery lumen such that the therapeutic compound is delivered to the treatment site. The ultrasonic catheter further comprises emitting ultrasonic energy from the ultrasound radiating member. The emitted ultrasonic energy has an amplitude that is periodically varied between a low amplitude and a high amplitude.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to flush syringe assemblies comprising an integrated contamination-prevention device integrated with device connector flushing positioned so that the practitioner cannot forget to apply disinfectant. The flush syringe assemblies comprise a barrel with an elongate plunger rod disposed therein and a cap comprising a passageway. The plunger rod includes a stopper of which at least a portion can be embedded in the passageway of the cap to form a plug in the cap.

Abstract: Apparatus and techniques for securing a medical device with hemostasis valve are described.

Abstract: A method for using a medical device in connection with a catheter for regulation or transfer of fluids to and from a patient. The method may include obtaining and using a medical device including a diaphragm having two unidirectional slit valves disposed therein that actuate in different directions, one slit valve actuating in one direction in response to infusion-induced pressure and another slit valve actuating in another direction in response to aspiration-induced pressure. The method may include infusing fluid through one of the unidirectional slit valves, through a lumen, and into a patient's body. The method may also include aspirating fluid from a patient's body through the lumen and another unidirectional slit valve.

Abstract: A stopcock having a deflectable stopcock lever. Said stopcock is fixedly connected to a catheter-like or sheath-like medical installation for supplying drugs into a blood vessel of a patient or an animal or for withdrawing blood from the vessel, with a blocking device being provided on the stopcock, ensuring trouble-free retraction of the medical installation from the vessel or replacement of the medical installation. This is preferably a three-way stopcock.

Abstract: A dual one-way check valve arrangement that may be used for assessing an operating condition of at least one of first and second check valves situated in series along/within a section of a patient-specific section of tubing. A pressure sensor may be associated with at least part of the flow path between the first and second check valves and may be operable to provide an indication of a failed condition of at least one of the first and second check valves. In one embodiment, the pressure sensor may change from a first state to a second state upon fluid pressure within the flow path between the first and second check valves falling below a predetermined level. For instance, the predetermined level may be a cracking pressure of at least one of the first and second check valves. The change in state may be visually discernible on an exterior of the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An anti-free-flow valve for use with an enteral feeding or infusion pump is disclosed. The valve includes a first component connectable to a first tube and has a first cavity and a sealing element and a second component adapted to be connected to the first component and a second tube and having a second cavity, a valve seat and a flexible portion. The sealing element and the valve seat are sealingly engageable to control fluid flow between the first and second cavities. The valve is configured such that applying an axial tension force between the first and second components brings the valve into an open position. The second component's flexible portion includes a bellows which has a spring function in the axial direction and a housing at least partially covering the second component and configured to operate as a stop limiting the axial movement of the second component.

Abstract: Method and systems of determining adequacy of fixation of a medical lead type having a fixation helix are disclosed. The lead of the medical lead type is placed at a desired location within a patient's body and the fixation helix is screwed into tissue at that location. One or more parameters, associated with the lead, are measured at the location. Based upon the measured one or more parameters, determining a number of turns that the helix is embedded into the tissue at the location.

Abstract: A patch for a therapeutic electrical stimulation device includes a shoe connected to the first side of the patch, the shoe including a body extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, and having first and second surfaces, the first end of the shoe defining at least two ports, and the first surface of the shoe defining a connection member. The patch also includes at least one conductor positioned in the ports of the first end of the shoe. The shoe is configured for sliding insertion into a receptacle defined by a controller so that the conductor is connected to the controller to deliver electrical current from the controller, through the conductor, and to the electrodes, and the connection member is at least partially captured by a detent defined by the controller in the receptacle to retain the shoe within the receptacle.

Abstract: Methods for a new, drug-free therapy for treating solid skin tumors through the application of nanosecond pulsed electric fields (“nsPEFs”) are provided. In one embodiment of the invention, the cells are melanoma cells, and the applied nsPEFs penetrate into the interior of tumor cells and cause tumor cell nuclei to rapidly shrink and tumor blood flow to stop. This new technique provides a highly localized targeting of tumor cells with only minor effects on overlying skin.

Abstract: According to aspects of the present disclosure, an implantable electrical system may include an implantable pulse generator with a bore sized to receive an electrical lead, with an engagement mechanism that does not require the use of set screws to secure the lead within the bore. The engagement mechanism may include a deformable component that may be moved or deformed to allow entry of the lead into the bore, and then moved or deformed again to engage a surface of the lead to secure the lead within the bore. The engagement mechanism may allow rotation of the lead within the bore while maintaining electrical connections between the generator and the lead. The engagement mechanism may also allow the securing and/or release of the lead relative to the bore without the need to manipulate a set screw or breach a seal of the generator.

Abstract: A method for delivering energy as a function of degree coupling may utilize an external unit configured for location external to a body of a subject and at least one processor associated with the implant unit and configured for electrical communication with a power source. The method may determine a degree of coupling between the primary antenna and a secondary antenna associated with the implant unit, and regulate delivery of power to the implant unit based on the degree of coupling between the primary antenna and the secondary antenna.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in general, to movement disorders and, in particular, to a method of treating movement disorders, including Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: The present invention is wireless visual prosthesis with a remote driver for the external coils this, among other things, provides for a magnetic resonance image (MRI) safe visual prosthesis. fMRI is an effective tool for analyzing cortical responses to neural stimulation, such as from a visual prosthesis. However, the external electronics of a visual prosthesis cannot operate in a MRI field. The present invention provides a radio frequency shielded link between a video processing unit, driver circuitry and the coils used for communicating with the implantable portion of the visual prosthesis.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a computer implemented neural stimulation system having a first module configured to derive neural data from muscle contractions or movements of a subject. The system further includes a second module configured to derive a neural state assessment of the subject based at least in part on the neural data. The system further includes a third module configured to derive at least one neural stimulation parameter based at least in part on the neural state assessment. The system further includes a fourth module configured to deliver neural stimulations to the subject based at least in part on the at least one neural stimulation parameter.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulator system adapted to provide therapy for various neurological disorders is capable of varying therapy delivery strategies based on the context, physiological or otherwise, into which the therapy is to be delivered. Responsive and scheduled therapies can be varied depending on various sensor measurements, calculations, inferences, and device states (including elapsed times and times of day) to deliver an appropriate course of therapy under the circumstances.

Abstract: A stimulation system, such as a spinal cord stimulation (SCS) system, having a programmer for establishing a program to treat a patient. The programmer uses a discretized, interrupted, and safe spatial electrode migration process for establishing the stimulation program.

Abstract: Sensors are applied to the heart and sensor data is supplied to a rules engine. The rules engine applies rules that reflect a CRM pharmaceutical regime of the patient to the sensor data to determine whether an electrical waveform should be applied to the heart. When electrical stimulation is warranted, the drug “awareness” rules are used by the rules engine to instruct a multi-phase cardiac stimulus generator to generate an electrical waveform that improves the performance of the drugs administered to the patient, allow the patient to be administered a lower dose of a particular drug, and/or reduce or eliminate side effects from the drugs.