Abstract: A cartridge syringe system includes a syringe (5). The syringe has a tip-ward direction and a ring-ward direction. The syringe (5) has a syringe body (9) and an actuator ring (7). A shaft (10) slidably mounts the actuator ring (7) to the syringe body (9), with a harpoon (11) at a tip-ward end of the shaft (10). The syringe body (9) has a spiral mount external to the syringe body (9) for removably mounting a sheath (20) to the syringe body (9), on a cooperating internal spiral sheath mount. The syringe body (9) and the sheath have similar openings. The sheath opening can be rotated to coincide with the syringe body opening, for inserting a needle assembly into the syringe body, or for removing the needle assembly. The sheath opening can be rotated to obstruct the syringe body opening, for retaining the needle assembly in the syringe body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for assembling a safety device and mounting the safety device on a syringe member before the syringe member is filled, said method comprising the steps of: providing a sleeve, a spring element and a mounting element; introducing the spring element into the sleeve along a mounting direction; introducing the mounting element into the sleeve along the mounting direction; obtaining the safety device; before the syringe body is filled, mounting the safety device on the syringe body by connecting the mounting element to the syringe body.

Abstract: A syringe includes a syringe outer tube including: a tubular-shaped outer tube main body, a reduced diameter section projecting from a distal end of the outer tube main body, and having a distal end opening that is configured to discharge the liquid from the outer tube main body through the reduced diameter section, and a lock adapter concentrically disposed at an outer circumferential portion of the reduced diameter section and configured to be fixed to a mating member; and a cap mounted on the syringe outer tube and including: a cap main body sealing the reduced diameter section in a liquid-tight manner, the cap main body comprising: a base portion including an opening, and a projection projecting into the opening, and a sealing member disposed in the opening, wherein the projection of the base portion contacts a distal end surface of the sealing member.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device comprises a dosing chamber configured to contain dry powder medicament, a transducer and a controller electrically coupled to the transducer. The medicament delivery device is capable of delivering a therapeutically effective dose of dry powder medicament in response to between 2-20 tidal inhalations, the dose preferably having a mass median aerodynamic diameter (MMAD) of about 6 microns or less and a fine particle fraction of at least 30%.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including an aerosol-generating device including a heater element; an aerosol-generating article, including a medicament source and a volatile delivery enhancing compound source; and at least one resilient member provided in the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-generating article and being resiliently biased against the heater element, wherein at least one of the medicament source and the volatile delivery enhancing compound source contacts the at least one resilient member, and the aerosol-generating system is configured to heat the medicament source and the volatile delivery enhancing compound source of the aerosol-generating article so that the medicament source has a higher temperature than that of the volatile delivery enhancing compound source.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for oxygenation and/or CO2 clearance of a patient, comprising: a flow source or a connection for a flow source for providing a gas flow, a gas flow modulator, a controller to control the gas flow, wherein the controller is operable to: receive input relating to heart activity and/or trachea gas flow of the patient, and control the gas flow modulator to provide a varying gas flow with one or more oscillating components with a frequency or frequencies based on the heart activity and/or trachea flow of the patient.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reversible airway device. The reversible airway device (10) can include: a supra-glottic airway support (12) comprising a multi-lumen tubular guide (14) and an optional sealing member (16); an endotracheal tube (26); and at least one seal (42). The multi-lumen tubular guide has a distal end portion (18), a proximal end portion (22), a first passageway (20) extending between the distal and proximal end portions, and a second passageway (24) that is non-concentric with the first passageway and also extends between the distal and proximal end portions. The at least one seal is disposed within the first passageway, the second passageway, or both, so as to occlude the flow of a gas through the first passageway and/or the second passageway. The endotracheal tube can be inserted into the first or second passageway and can traverse the seal.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly comprises an outer tracheostomy tube (1) and an inner cannula (20) fitted in the tube. The machine end of the inner cannula has a collapsible region (22) formed by a plurality of curved or bent struts (26) extending parallel with one another between a machine end collar (28) and a patient end collar (27). The struts (26) carry outwardly-projecting catches (23) arranged to engage a rib (24) extending around the inside of a hub (16) at the machine end of the tube and thereby resist removal of the cannula from the tube. The inner cannula (20) is removed by twisting the machine end collar (28) so that the struts (26) collapse inwardly and thereby disengage the catches (23) from the rib (24).

Abstract: A device (100) for facilitating the positioning of a catheter for the delivery of liquid medicament to spontaneously breathing patient, including: —an elongated main body (101) shaped to follow the internal shape of the patient's upper airways, the elongated main body (101) being provided with guiding means (107) adapted to house a catheter; —a substantially ring-shaped terminal element (103) adapted to engage the internal wall of the patient's retro-pharynx, the substantially ring-shaped terminal element (103) being connected to the elongated main body (101) by means of at least one spoke (105), the substantially ring-shaped element (103) and the at least one spoke (105) creating a chamber where the medicament can be delivered through the catheter.

Abstract: A system of breathing arrangements for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes at least first and second cushion components, e.g., full-face, nasal, nasal prongs, nose tip, and/or a combination of any of the above, including a nasal or full-face cushion and nasal prongs/nozzles combination, etc., that are different from one another in at least one aspect, and a common frame assembly configured to support each of the first and second cushion components. Various embodiments are directed to a full-face or nasal mask used with a frame having lateral connector portions having a stiffening member. The mask assembly may include a nose height adjustment device for the height of the cushion, or a cushion adjustment member by which the position of the cushion may be adjusted relative to the frame. The mask assembly may include a chin strap assembly.

Abstract: A vent arrangement is provided to a mask or associated conduit to discharge exhaled gas from the mask to atmosphere. The vent arrangement is structured to diffuse the exhaust vent flow to produce less air jetting, thereby increasing the comfort of the patient and their bed partner. For example, the vent arrangement may include one or more grill components and/or media constructed and arranged to diffuse vent flow.

Abstract: Described are nasal cannulas that improve the precision of the delivered dose for nitric oxide therapy by reducing the dilution of nitric oxide. The nasal cannulas may reduce the total volume and potential for retrograde flow during nitric oxide therapy through the design of the specific dimensions of the flow path and/or having check valves in the nitric oxide delivery line and/or having a flapper or umbrella valve dedicated to nitric oxide delivery. The nasal cannulas may also use materials that limit oxygen diffusion through the cannula walls. The nosepiece for these cannulas may be manufactured by a molding technique.

Abstract: A moisture removal apparatus for a breathing circuit may include a breathing gas conduit configured to receive a flow of breathing gas having a first humidity level. The apparatus may include a dry gas conduit adjacent to at least a portion of the breathing gas conduit, the dry gas conduit configured to receive a flow of dry gas having a second humidity level lower than the first humidity level. The apparatus may also include a feeding conduit extending through at least a portion of the dry gas conduit, the feeding conduit configured to introduce the dry gas into the dry gas conduit. The apparatus may further include a moisture transmission pathway configured to enable transfer of moisture from the breathing gas to the dry gas based on the humidity differential.

Abstract: A flow member (200) is for a flow assembly (100) of a pressure support system (2). The pressure support system includes a patient interface device (6), a flow generator (4), and a coupling conduit (8). The flow assembly includes a cover (102) and a sensing assembly (110). The sensing assembly has a flow sensor (114) having flow sensing components (118,120). The flow member comprises: a body (202) comprising: a mounting portion (204) connected to the cover, thereby enclosing the sensing assembly, a gas conduit (206) at least partially overlaying the mounting portion, the second conduit fluidly coupling the first conduit to the flow generator, and a number of flow conduits (208,210) each extending transverse to the gas conduit (206) and receiving a corresponding flow sensing component.

Abstract: A clinical oxygen supply device (100) adapted to supply supplemental oxygen to a patient, comprising an oxygen inlet section (110) with a first coupling unit (111) adapted to be releasably coupled to a standardized oxygen wall outlet (1), an oxygen outlet section (120) with a second coupling unit (121) adapted to be releasably coupled to an oxygen dispensing device (2) attached to a patient (3), and an oxygen flow control section (130) with a regulation unit (132) adapted to regulate an oxygen flow between the oxygen inlet section (110) and the oxygen outlet section (120) on the basis of a control signal is provided.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for humidifying a breathing gas are presented. The system includes a base unit, a vapor transfer unit, a nasal cannula, and a liquid container. The base unit includes a blower. The vapor transfer unit is external to the base unit and includes a gas passage, a liquid passage, a gas outlet, and a membrane separating the gas passage and the liquid passage. The membrane permits transfer of vapor into the gas passage from liquid in the liquid passage. The nasal cannula is coupled to the gas outlet. The liquid container is configured to reversibly mate with the base unit.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly for a CPAP includes a base housing with a gas inlet configured to receive respiratory gas from the CPAP unit. The base housing includes a first connecting device located at a sidewall of the base housing and configured to directly, removably connect the base housing to the CPAP unit. The base housing also includes a second connecting device configured to be coupled to an air delivery hose. The humidifier assembly further includes a liquid storage container that is removably received in the base housing. The liquid storage container includes a liquid storage space configured to store liquid and a humidifying region configured to receive the respiratory gas from the gas feed opening and receive a partial amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage space to enrich the respiratory gas with moisture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas cylinder system (14) having a gas cylinder (15), a first electronic monitoring system (16) operable to monitor cylinder specific data (CSD) associated with said cylinder (15) or a patient specific data (PSD) associated with a patient. Such a cylinder system (14) may be used in a number of ways such as to modify the delivery of gas to a patient.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for providing a breathing biofeedback session utilizing thermal measurements. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) that takes thermal measurements of a region below the nostrils (THROI) of a user. THROI are indicative of the exhale stream. Optionally, each CAM is located less than 15 cm from the user's face and above the user's upper lip, and does not occlude any of the user's mouth and nostrils. Optionally, THROI include thermal measurements of at least first and second regions below right and left nostrils of the user. The system also includes a user interface configured to provide feedback, calculated based on THROI, as part of a breathing biofeedback session for the user. Optionally, the system includes a computer that calculates the feedback.

Abstract: A multilayer body, a multilayer hollow body, and a catheter with a multilayer hollow body each have improved torque transmissibility to one end when the other end is rotated rightward or leftward. The multilayer hollow body includes a single-strand hollow body that is formed by winding one element wire, an inner multi-strand hollow body that is disposed adjacently to an inner periphery of the single-strand hollow body and is formed by winding a plurality of element wires in an opposite direction from the single-strand hollow body, and an outer multi-strand hollow body that is disposed adjacently to an outer periphery of the single-strand hollow body 7 and is formed by winding a plurality of element wires in an opposite direction from the single-strand hollow body.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a first hypotube formed from a first material and a second hypotube formed from a second material different from the first material. A first joint is formed between the first hypotube and the second hypotube, the first joint including a combination of the first material and the second material. The apparatus includes a sidewall and a passageway extending through the apparatus. The sidewall is formed by the first sidewall of the first hypotube, the second sidewall of the second hypotube, and the first joint. The apparatus includes an outer diameter that is substantially consistent along a length of the apparatus and an inner diameter that is substantially consistent along a length of the apparatus. In other examples, a method of joining the first hypotube to the second hypotube is contemplated.

Abstract: A cannula-catheter bonding method and apparatus can include a needle having a specifically configured connector end to reduce the risk of the connector end disengaging with an adapter (e.g., a catheter, a cannula, or a connector of a Huber needle assembly, etc.). The specifically configured needle connector end can be a formation, such as a barb, a bead, an annular structure, a rib, etc. The formation can be formed on the connector end, and may be elongated with a conical shaped nose leading to a base with a bottom. The formation can be used to prevent movement of the needle relative to the adapter. A method for producing the formation can include forming a mold for the formation in a plate, where the connector end can then be placed within the mold so that curable material can be disposed within the mold. Upon hardening of the curable material, the formation can take the shape of at least a portion of the mold.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endovascular treatment. More particularly, the present invention is a tool designed to implement an endovascular treatment by the implementation of two or more lumens on a microcatheter and/or having a side hole in a single lumen. The present invention ameliorates the medical difficulty associated with making a good plug to prevent reflux of liquid embolic along catheter and maximize distal penetration, usually in treatment of arteriovenous malformations (AVM) and arteriovenous fistulas (AVF).

Abstract: A urinary catheter and container are described. The urinary catheter may have a catheter shaft attached to a handle, and a coating disposed on an outer surface of the catheter shaft. The coating may include a hydrogel, water and/or glycerin, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG). The PEG may have a molecular weight equal to or less than 600, for example one or more of polyethylene glycol (PEG) 300 and PEG 400. The coating may be applied in a wet state and remain wet for an extended period of time in the container, thereby obviating the need for a lubricant, such as a water sachet or gel package, to accompany the catheter in the container. The container may include a gas impermeable foil material. The container may include an adhesive tab covering a perforated section, the adhesive tab including a pull loop.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a proximal diameter. The guide extension catheter may additionally include a collar member attached to an extension portion of the proximal member, where the extension portion may be located at the distal end of the proximal member. The extension portion may allow a delivery device to be inserted through the guide extension catheter to extend along a surface of the extension portion and align with a lumen of a distal sheath of the guide extension catheter.

Abstract: A catheter system including an accelerometer-based sensing assembly is provided. In particular the present teachings relate to an accelerometer based assembly used to determine contact between a catheter and surrounding proximate tissue, such as cardiac tissue. An embodiment of such a system may, for example, be used for visualization, mapping, ablation, or other methods of diagnosis and treatment of tissue and/or surrounding areas.

Abstract: An insertion aid for catheter manipulation is disclosed. The insertion aid can be used for urinary catheters, such as hydrophilic urinary catheters for intermittent use. The insertion aid includes first and second plate-like arms arranged overlying each other and with a separation distance there between. The insertion aid also includes a resilient hinge connecting adjacent marginal edges of the plate-like arms together. At least one of the plate-like arms includes a groove on its clamping inner surface for holding a catheter shaft. The groove extends at least partly in the same direction as, and essentially parallel to, the resilient hinge, and is arranged at a distance both from the resilient hinge and from the marginal edge of the plate-like arm. Corresponding catheter set and catheter assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention provides articulating mechanisms, and flexible members and flexible segments that can form such articulating mechanisms. The mechanisms are useful, for example, for remote steering, guidance and/or manipulation of various instruments and tools at a targeted location. The mechanisms, members or segments include links connected by flexible hinges. The proximal and distal ends of the mechanisms are connected by at least one set of cables in such a fashion that a proximal active flexible segment forms a discrete pair with a distal active flexible segment. Movement of active flexible segments at the proximal end of the mechanism results in a corresponding, relative movement of segments at the distal end of the mechanism. This configuration allows each flexible segment pair to move independently of one another and also permits the articulating mechanism to undergo complex movements and adopt complex configurations.

Abstract: Catheter-based delivery systems for delivery and retrieval of a leadless pacemaker include features to facilitate improved manipulation of the catheter and improved capture and docking functionality of leadless pacemakers. Such functionality includes mechanisms directed to deflecting and locking a deflectable catheter, maintaining tension on a retrieval feature, protection from anti-rotation, and improved docking cap and drive gear assemblies.

Abstract: Catheter-based delivery systems for delivery and retrieval of a leadless pacemaker include features to facilitate improved manipulation of the catheter and improved capture and docking functionality of leadless pacemakers. Such functionality includes mechanisms directed to deflecting and locking a deflectable catheter, maintaining tension on a retrieval feature, protection from anti-rotation, and improved docking cap and drive gear assemblies.

Abstract: Catheter-based delivery systems for delivery and retrieval of a leadless pacemaker include features to facilitate improved manipulation of the catheter and improved capture and docking functionality of leadless pacemakers. Such functionality includes mechanisms directed to deflecting and locking a deflectable catheter, maintaining tension on a retrieval feature, protection from anti-rotation, and improved docking cap and drive gear assemblies.

Abstract: Catheter-based delivery systems for delivery and retrieval of a leadless pacemaker include features to facilitate improved manipulation of the catheter and improved capture and docking functionality of leadless pacemakers. Such functionality includes mechanisms directed to deflecting and locking a deflectable catheter, maintaining tension on a retrieval feature, protection from anti-rotation, and improved docking cap and drive gear assemblies.

Abstract: A guidewire for backloading and inserting a percutaneous pump affixed to a cannula includes a proximal section made of a first material, with a first diameter, a rounded proximal end, and a distal end. The guidewire also includes a distal section made of a second material, with a second diameter which is greater than the first diameter, a distal end, and a proximal end abutting the distal end of the proximal section. The first material of the proximal section is selected to be softer than a material of the percutaneous pump to reduce damage to the pump during backloading. The distal section of the guidewire is configured to be stiffer than the proximal section to insert the percutaneous pump in a desired location without damaging the guidewire.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the field of endovascular treatment. More particularly, the present invention is a disc balloon which is designed to implement safer endovascular treatments, primarily by allowing many middle cerebral artery aneurysms that are currently clipped to be treated with coiling.

Abstract: A kit comprising: a urinary catheter comprising a first and a second longitudinal lumens; an ultrasonic transducer disposed about said catheter; a balloon mounted on said catheter, and enclosing said transducer; and a reservoir containing an acoustic coupling medium, wherein: said catheter further comprises a first opening in said first longitudinal lumen, said first opening disposed inside said balloon and configured to inflate said balloon with at least some of said acoustic coupling medium, said catheter further comprises a second opening in said second longitudinal lumen, said second opening disposed outside said balloon and configured to deliver a therapeutic fluid into the urinary bladder, around said balloon, and activation of said transducer in said urinary bladder causes cavitation bubbles to form in said therapeutic fluid adjacent an internal surface of the urinary bladder, and little or no cavitation bubbles are formed in said acoustic coupling medium in said balloon.

Abstract: Balloon catheters that deliver therapeutic agents are functional only for treatment of the arterial anatomy and result in inefficient dispersion of the therapeutic agent to the arterial tissue due to dispersion through the secondary balloon holes under high pressure. A method and drug delivery balloon device for efficient drug delivery to the targeted point of the anatomy comprising a first balloon wholly enveloped by a second balloon composed of a porous membrane that delivers the therapeutic agent to the targeted point upon the introduction of low pressure to the secondary balloon membrane. In the venous anatomy, the drug delivery balloon device interacts directly with the diseased, narrow segment of the venous vessel while not damaging the vessel tissue. Further, in treatment of arteriovenous (AV) fistulas, the drug delivery balloon device allows the physician to choose the appropriate drug and quantity for treating the narrowing (smooth muscle hyperplasia) or blood clots (thrombus burden) in the fistula.

Abstract: A balloon structure includes a proximal balloon portion having a first internal volume, a distal balloon portion having a second internal volume, and a central balloon portion disposed between and joined with the proximal and distal balloon portions. The central balloon portion has a third internal volume isolated from the first and second internal volumes. A first lumen is associated with the third internal volume to direct pressure to the third internal volume for inflation of the central balloon portion. At least one second lumen is associated with the first and second internal volumes to direct pressure to the first and second internal volumes for inflation of the proximal balloon portion and the distal balloon portion. Whereby, upon inflation, the central balloon portion dilates, or delivers other treatments to tissue in the passage, with the proximal and distal balloon portions limiting movement of the balloon structure in the passage.

Abstract: A shape controlled balloon catheter includes the balloon mounted about a catheter. A wire is spirally wound about the balloon and includes a manipulation segment extending along a centerline of the catheter away from the balloon. A position of the wire on an outer surface of the balloon changes responsive to movement of the manipulation segment relative to the catheter along the centerline. The balloon has a continuum of different inflated shapes corresponding to a continuum of different positions of the manipulation segment of the wire relative to the catheter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for flushing shunt systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a flusher includes a pinch tube that extends over a flush dome such that a user can simultaneously close the pinch tube and actuate the flush dome with a single motion. Flushing and refill valves of the system can be disposed in a cartridge that is laterally-offset from the flush dome, advantageously reducing the height profile of the flusher. Flushers with integrated shunt valves are also disclosed, as are shunt systems with restricted and unrestricted modes for selectively limiting the instances in which a user can open an auxiliary flow path through the system.

Abstract: Therapeutic tools and methods for treating vaginal pain experienced during penetration.

Abstract: A catheter includes an articulation assembly that enables the distal end of the catheter to bend away from the longitudinal axis of a proximal portion of the catheter. The catheter may include a dilation catheter or a guide catheter. The articulation assembly may provide bending in response to changes in electrical current and/or in response to changes in temperature. In addition, or in the alternative, the articulation assembly may provide bending in response to translation of a wire member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade within the wall to release the drug to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be coupled to an actuator having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: A container having a neck surrounding a dispensing outlet, a ball rotatably mounted and restrained in the neck, a valve seat formed within the neck, an outer wall of the neck having an upper portion and a lower portion with the upper portion of the outer wall having threads formed thereon and a lower portion having a locking mechanism formed thereon, a cap with screw threads formed on an upper portion thereof and a locking member formed on a lower portion of the cap side wall. The dispenser is childproof and ensures that the cap is sealed with the neck when closed.

Abstract: Vascular access devices, assemblies, kits, and related methods are disclosed. A vascular access assembly may include a first tubular conduit, a second tubular conduit, and an expandable stent graft that is coupled adjacent to a peripheral end of the second tubular conduit. When implanted into the patient, vascular access assemblies may form a flow path that extends from an artery or an arteriovenous graft to a heart of a patient. The vascular access assembly, when implanted and assembled, may be a fully subcutaneous surgical implant.

Abstract: An access port, wherein the access port may include a body having an exterior surface and a chamber defined therein, a bore defined in the body providing fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior surface, a needle in fluid communication with the chamber, a passage defined in the body providing communication between the chamber and the exterior surface, a seal secured within the passage, and an actuator in communication with the needle, configured to move the needle relative to the passage or move the passage relative to the needle.

Abstract: Components for a medical infusion fluid handling system, such as an APD system, in which one or more lines (such as solution lines), spikes or other connection ports may be automatically capped and/or de-capped. This feature may provide advantages, such as a reduced likelihood of contamination since no human interaction is required to de-cap and connect the lines, spikes or other connections. For example, a fluid handling cassette may include one or more caps that cover a corresponding spike and include a raised and/or recessed feature to assist in removal of the cap from the cassette. A solution line cap may include a hole and recess, groove or other feature to engage with a spike cap and enable removal of the cap.

Abstract: A clamping device is provided in which an other end portion is prevented from being excessively displaced in the transition from a clamped state to an unclamped state. A clamping device includes a one end portion having a locked part at a tip, an other end portion having a locking part capable of locking the locked part, a middle portion continuous with the one end portion and with the other end portion, and an insertion hole (H1, H2) allowing a flexible tube T to be inserted therethrough. An unclamped state is established when the locked part locked is unlocked by bending the other end portion such that the other end portion is displaced from the one end portion. The clamping device is configured to clamp the flexible tube T in a clamped state where a first projection and a second projection are positioned close to each other and to intercept a flow of a fluid at a clamped position.

Abstract: Digital-to-analog converter (master DAC) circuitry is disclosed that is programmable to set a controlled slew rate for pulses that are otherwise defined as having sharp amplitude transitions. For example, when producing a biphasic pulse, the constant amplitude and duration of first and second pulses phases can be defined and provided to the DAC in traditional fashion. Slew rate control signals control a slew rate DAC within the master DAC, which prescribes a slew rate that will appear at sharp transitions of the defined biphasic pulses, i.e., at the beginning of the first phase, at the transition from the first to the second phase, and at the end of the second phase. The slew rate can vary with the duration or frequency of the pulses, with lower slew rates used with longer durations and/or lower frequencies, and with higher slew rates used with shorter durations and/or higher frequencies.

Abstract: Cardiac electrodes and techniques for testing application of the electrodes to a victim are described herein.