Abstract: A ventilatory assist system and method are disclosed. The system comprises a tube for connection to a patient's airway, inspiratory and expiratory tube lumens connected to the tube, an inspiratory air source connected to the inspiration tube lumen, and a controller of air pressure in the expiratory tube lumen. The pressure controller is responsive to a physiological breathing signal representative of patient's inspiratory effort to allow air flow through the expiratory tube lumen during a patient's expiration phase, partially restricting the air flow through the expiratory tube lumen to a so minimum air flow during a patient's inspiration phase. During both respiratory phases, a unidirectional air flow is produced through the inspiratory and expiratory tube lumens to prevent air expired by the patient from being breathed again. The physiological breathing signal allows synchronization of the ventilatory assist with breathing efforts of the patient.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus has a variable rise time (iii) from a base level of positive air pressure during expiration (EPAP) to a higher level during inspiration (IPAP). The rise time is adjusted in order to reduce obstruction, resistance or instability in the upper airway.

Abstract: A forehead support for a patient interface used in the treatment of sleep disordered breathing, includes a support post provided to a frame and a pair of arms extending from the support post. At least one of the pair of arms is adapted to rotate relative to the support post about an axis that extends transverse to the support post.

Abstract: A novel gas delivery mask and associated method of use. A main mask body mounts features intended to deliver pressurized gas to a user's nostrils. A base provided. Two nostril inserts are attached to the base (either directly or through other components). The nostril inserts deliver gas to the user's nostrils. A separate sealing structure surrounds the two nostril inserts. This sealing structure includes a channel connected (directly or indirectly) to the mask and a removable soft seal placed in the channel. The soft seal is made of a pliable material that provides a gas seal and some mild adhesive properties. The mild adhesive properties allow the material to stick to both the channel and the user's skin.

Abstract: Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapor to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.

Abstract: A pressure relief device comprising a valve configured to resiliently deform in response to a predetermined pressure; and a sound dampener configured to dampen a sound generated by the valve when the valve resiliently deforms in response to the predetermined pressure.

Abstract: A pressure relief apparatus with brain entrainment includes a resonant wave generating module and a bio-signal measuring unit. The resonant wave generating module includes multiple resonant devices, divided into multiple regions. Each of the resonant regions can respectively generate a resonant wave being changeable or turned off. The bio-signal measuring unit at least measures an energy of autonomic sympathetic nerve system LH and an energy of autonomic parasympathetic nerve system HF. According to a current one of a set of present conditions, a set of feedback control signals is output to the resonant wave generating module to modulate the resonant devices.

Abstract: The present invention describes a medical kit 1 for facilitation of changing a urinary catheter in a patient, wherein the medical kit 1 comprises a first component in the form of a container 2 and a second component being a clamping unit 3 comprising two opposite clamping portions 4, 5, which container 2 and which clamping unit 3 are adapted to be reassembled so that the clamping unit 3 constitutes an end unit of the container 2 and clamping unit 3, and which clamping unit 3 allows for a catheter 6 to be pulled through and between the clamping portions 4, 5 where the clamping portions 4, 5 have a pressing effect on the catheter 6 but still allows for a sliding contact between the clamping portions 4, 5 and the compressed catheter 6, allowing for gelatinization of a urethra from the inside out when a catheter 6 containing lubricant/anaesthetic gel is pulled out from the patient and through and between the clamping portions 4, 5, said catheter 6 intended to be contained in the container 2 during removal of the

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a lung are disclosed. The method may include deploying a catheter into an airway of the lung, and discharging a media into the airway through the catheter. The media may be configured to increase elasticity of lung tissue in the vicinity of the airway or occlude the airway.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for use in the perfusion of organs and anatomical regions. In one aspect the present method provides a percutaneously deliverable device for supporting a vessel in a human or animal subject including means for supporting the vessel during delivery of a fluid thereto or collection of a fluid therefrom. In another aspect the invention provides a method for delivery or collection of a fluid to or from an organ or anatomical region in a human or animal subject, the method including the step of supporting a vessel associated with the organ or anatomical region. The devices and methods may be used to deliver, remove or recirculate a therapeutic agent to an organ or anatomical region.

Abstract: Device for fixing and protecting a needle, this device having a first and a second adhesive part, separated by a central part, the first part being intended to be fixed to the skin, opposite the chosen penetration site for the needle, only one of the faces of the first part being adhesive, and a cutting line defining two longitudinal arms, each of these two arms including an outermost part belonging to the second adhesive part.

Abstract: A percutaneous guidewire comprising a distal end portion that is pre-formed in a curve that turns through more than 270 degrees. The stiffness of the guidewire may decrease continuously along the length of the curved distal end portion towards the tip of the guidewire and the radius of curvature of the curved distal end portion may also decrease towards the tip of the guidewire.

Abstract: A medical wire guide may include a mandril having a distal tip, a first coil coupled with the distal tip of the mandril, and a second coil configured to releasably engage with the mandril or the first coil. The second coil comprises a distal tip and defines an inner cavity dimensioned to contain a distal tip of the first coil when the second coil is engaged with the mandril or the first coil.

Abstract: This patent document discloses perfusion catheters and related methods for treating complications related to CTO interventions or dilating a vessel occlusion while maintaining a passage through the treated vessel segment. A perfusion catheter can include a balloon formed of an inflatable tube and an elongate shaft having a lumen for providing inflation fluid to, or withdrawing inflation fluid from, the balloon. The inflatable tube can be coiled in a helical manner around a central axis into a series of windings. Adjacent windings can be stacked against and bonded to each other, and an inner surface of the series of windings, when inflated, can define the passage. The elongate shaft can be eccentrically attached to a proximal portion of the balloon and the shaft's lumen can be in fluid communication with the interior of the balloon, specifically the inflatable tube. The inflatable tube can include two different polymer tubes, one slightly smaller than the other.

Abstract: An applicator assembly includes a head portion having a proximal, a distal end, and an interior portion defining a fluid chamber, a container slidably coupled to the body, a sealing member sealing an end of the container, and a lifting member, wherein the lifting member is mounted in the interior portion of the head portion and an interior of the container is placed in fluid communication with the application member by way of a fluid conduit that is formed around the sealing member from the container to the fluid chamber when the container is axially translated toward the head portion and the lifting member lifts the sealing member.

Abstract: A convection enhanced delivery device comprises a support member and an elongated microcatheter carried by the support member. The microcatheter projects lengthwise away from the support member. The microcatheter includes a catheter lumen extending in a first direction. A fluid conduit carried by the support member. The fluid conduit includes a conduit lumen that extends in a second direction different than the first direction. The conduit lumen is in fluid communication with the catheter lumen. An inlet port and a connecting port are also carried by the support member. The inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The connecting port is separate from the inlet port and is in fluid communication with the fluid conduit. The connecting port is configured to engage an end portion of an external fluid conduit such that the external fluid conduit projects away from the connecting port and from the support member.

Abstract: To provide a transdermal absorption sheet with which control of a dissolution rate and suppression of drug diffusion can be achieved, and a method of manufacturing the transdermal absorption sheet. A transdermal absorption sheet 100 is provided with a sheet portion 116, a plurality of frustum portions 114 that is disposed on the sheet portion 116, and needle portions 112 that are disposed on the frustum portions 114, each of the plurality of needle portions 112 includes a first layer 120 containing a drug and a second layer 122 not containing a drug, and at least one of the plurality of needle portions 112 contains an air bubble 124.

Abstract: The combination microarray patch for drug delivery and electrochemotherapy device is a medical device for delivering two separate pharmaceutical preparations to a patient, as well as providing electrostimulation for electroactive pharmaceuticals. A first pharmaceutical preparation is manually delivered into the patient through a first set of drug delivery needles. Similarly, a second pharmaceutical preparation is manually delivered into a patient through a second set of drug delivery needles. A desired electrical potential may then be selectively applied across first and second sets of electrotherapy needles for electroporation to facilitate delivery of the pharmaceutical preparations. The second pharmaceutical preparation may be a conjugate of the first for targeted drug delivery.

Abstract: A medical tube which is relatively thin in thickness over its entirety while an outer layer and an inner layer are preferably prevented from being separated from each other. A medical tube includes a first layer and a second layer that is provided adjacent to an inner circumferential surface of the first layer. The medical tube also includes a wedge-shaped convex portion that is provided on an outer circumferential surface of the second layer so as to be widened in width radially outward, and a concave portion that is provided on an inner circumferential surface of the first layer, with the convex portion and the concave portion engaging each other.

Abstract: To prevent a user from accidentally pricking the user with a hollow needle when separating blood components using a syringe and a connection device. A blood component separation apparatus has three syringes and a connection device. The connection device is attached to one syringe and is inserted into other syringes. The connection device has a first member to which a base end of a hollow needle is joined and a second member which is connected to the first member in such a manner as to be able to move relative to the first member. The second member is moved back and forth between a first position where a tip of the hollow needle is accommodated and a second position where the tip of the hollow needle is exposed. The second member has elastic portions which are elastically deformed in the movement from the first position to the second position. The elastically deformed elastic portions elastically energize the second member at the second position to the first position side with respect to the first member.

Abstract: A medical transfer and connecting device (1) for connecting a first medical appliance with a second medical appliance, the device having an axial direction (A) and a radial direction (R) and comprising an outer part (2) having a first end (8) and a second end (9) with an end opening (10) and a bore (4) extending in the axial direction (A) between the first (8) end and the second end (9). An inner part (3) carrying a barrier member (12) and having a central canal (7) extends in the axial direction (A) and is telescopically arranged in the bore (4) in the outer part (2), the inner part (3) with the barrier member (12) being axially movable in the bore (4) in the outer part (2) between a shielding position in which the barrier member (12) is completely located within the bore (4) in the outer part (2) and a cleaning position in which the barrier member (12) is located with at least a portion of the barrier member (12) extending axially past the end opening (10) in the outer part (2).

Abstract: A medical connector includes a body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a sidewall extending between the distal end and the proximal end, a helical thread extending radially outward from a surface of the sidewall and comprising a crest portion, flank portions, and a root portion with the flank portions connecting the crest portion to the root portion, and at least one deformable protrusion extending radially outward from the root portion of the helical thread.

Abstract: There is provided an adaptor for forming an electrical connection between a medical device having a first type of connector and an electrode having a second type of connector. The adaptor has a first connecting part shaped to cooperate with a corresponding connecting part on one of the medical device and the electrode so as to form a mechanical and electrical connection therebetween. The adaptor further has a second connecting part having a portion of magnetic or ferromagnetic material arranged to be magnetically attracted to a corresponding magnet or portion of ferromagnetic material included in a magnetic connector part on the other of the medical device and the electrode, so as to form a magnetic and electrical connection therebetween. The first connecting part is electrically connected to the second connecting part.

Abstract: A method using a prior art hand-held device known as the Dolphin Neurostim™ to supply minute, concentrated micro-current impulses to the (outside) perimeters of scar tissue for the purpose of tissue diagnosis (through ohm resistance measurement), promotion of scar tissue repair (through electrical repolarization), and pain management (through sympathetic deregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System. The micro-current stimulus (therapy) is delivered through a tiny metallic spring tip (probe) ideally suited for location (detection) of specific treatment points (which have the cellular characteristic and lowered skin resistance). The device is activated to deliver a concentrated (DC) micro-current stimulus through the scar/suture tissue to another identical device located (mirrored) on the opposing side of the scar/suture.

Abstract: A method of using of a pair of prior art hand-held device known as the Dolphin Neurostim™ to supply minute, concentrated micro-current impulses to the perimeters of cranial sutures for the purpose of tissue diagnosis (through ohm resistance measurement), promotion pain management (through sympathetic deregulation of the Autonomic Nervous System. The micro-current stimulus (therapy) is delivered through a tiny metallic spring tip (probe) ideally suited for location (detection) of specific treatment points (which have the cellular characteristic of lowered skin resistance). The device concurrently detects, measures, and stimulates therapeutically active treatment points located beside sutures. Once detected, the device is activated to deliver a concentrated (DC) micro-current stimulus through the suture tissue to another identical device located (mirrored) on the opposing side of the suture.

Abstract: Tether apparatus may be used to replace an implanted lead extension with a replacement lead extension without tunneling or the use of tunneling tools.

Abstract: Example implantable cardiac electrotherapy leads are disclosed herein. In an example, a lead may include a plurality of cable conductors within an insulating jacket. A first one and a second one of the conductors include a proximal end at a proximal end of the jacket, the second conductor extends to at least the distal end of the jacket, and the first conductor includes a distal end at an intermediate location between the proximal end and the distal end of the jacket. The lead may also include a crimp connector connected to the first one of the cable conductors at the intermediate location, as well as a conductive element that may be connected to the crimp connector. A number of conductors along the proximal portion of the jacket may be greater than a number of conductors along at least a segment of the distal portion of the jacket.

Abstract: An oral care implement may be embodied as an oral care device for placement in the oral cavity. The oral care device may include a support component, a piezoelectric component, and a therapeutic element. The support component is configured for placement between one or more maxillary teeth and one or more mandibular teeth. The piezoelectric element is configured to generate an electrical current from relative movement of the maxillary teeth and the mandibular teeth. The therapeutic element is electrically connected to the piezoelectric component and is configured to release a therapeutic composition into the oral cavity at least in part in response to receiving the electrical signal.

Abstract: A system for designing a therapy or for treating a gastrointestinal disorder or a condition associated with excess weight in a subject comprising at least one electrode configured to be implanted within a body of the patient and placed at a vagus nerve, the electrode also configured to apply therapy to the vagus nerve upon application of a therapy cycle to the electrode; an implantable neuroregulator for placement in the body of the patient beneath the skin layer, the implantable neuroregulator being configured to generate a therapy cycle, wherein the therapy cycle comprises an on time during which an electrical signal is delivered, the electrical signal comprising: a) a set of pulses applied at a first selected frequency of about 150-10,000 Hz, wherein each pulse of the set of pulses has a pulse width of at least 0.01 milliseconds and less than the period of the first selected frequency.

Abstract: An apparatus for electrical therapies includes at least one electrocatheter, or an electroneedle, and at least one power supply device capable of electrically supplying the electrocatheter or electroneedle with at least one current suitable for carrying out at least one therapy. The apparatus includes at least one system for testing whether at least one desired point of application of the electrocatheter or electroneedle has been reached in the body of a patient. The testing system includes at least one device for emitting an electric testing current with which to electrically supply the electrocatheter or electroneedle before the start of the therapy, and at least one reading device, capable of providing at least one reading of at least one response generated in the patient by the electrostimulation with the electrocatheter or electroneedle through the testing current.

Abstract: Methods for allowing a user to control a neuromodulator to modify a cognitive state being experienced by the user. The user may select a waveform ensemble from a hand-held user device having an interface, and the user may adjust the perceived intensity of the applied waveform ensemble with the user device while the waveform ensemble is being applied. Also described are methods of managing communication between the hand-held user device (such as a smartphone or the like) and a wearable neurostimulator. Methods of displaying and visually tracking and controlling the applied waveform ensemble are also described herein.

Abstract: Hearing assistance apparatus, systems and methods that involve the use of a head mountable power supply to power an implantable cochlear stimulator.

Abstract: A method and system for enhancing migration of precursor cells in a desired direction, comprising applying a biphasic monopolar electrical field to the precursor cells. The method and system can be used to treat injury or disease of neural or skin tissue.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are provided for treating cardiac conductive disorders that include implantation of a network of material that adaptively corrects the electrical conductivity of heart tissues and restores “normal” conductance. The methods and apparatuses disclosed herein involve the delivery of a material to a subject's heart in order to restore normal conductance in a minimally invasive, tunable, localized, and reversible manner, without artificial electrical stimulation.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed towards posture-responsive therapy. To avoid interruptions in effective therapy, an implantable medical device may include a posture state module that detects the posture state of the patient and automatically adjusts therapy parameter values according to the detected posture state. A system may include a memory that stores posture state definitions, a posture state module that records a plurality of postures of a patient over a period of time, and a processor that identifies a set of the plurality of postures that fall within a posture state, and redefines a boundary of the posture state based on where the postures fall within the posture state.

Abstract: Electrode structures for transvascular nerve stimulation combine electrodes with an electrically-insulating backing layer. The backing layer increases the electrical impedance of electrical paths through blood in a lumen of a blood vessel and consequently increases the flow of electrical current through surrounding tissues. The electrode structures may be applied to stimulate nerves such as the phrenic, vagus, trigeminal, obturator or other nerves.

Abstract: An implantable system, and methodology, for improving a heart's hemodynamic performance featuring (a) bimodal electrodes placeable on the diaphragm, out of contact with the heart, possessing one mode for sensing cardiac electrical activity, and another for applying cardiac-cycle-synchronized, asymptomatic electrical stimulation to the diaphragm to trigger biphasic, diaphragmatic motion, (b) an accelerometer adjacent the electrodes for sensing both heart sounds, and stimulation-induced diaphragmatic motion, and (c) circuit structure, connected both to the electrodes and the accelerometer, operable, in predetermined timed relationships to the presences of valid V-events noted in one of sensed electrical and sensed mechanical, cardiac activity, to deliver diaphragmatic stimulation.

Abstract: Implantable devices having motion sensors. In some examples the a configuration is generated for the implantable device to use the motion sensor in an energy preserving mode in which one or more axis of detection of the motion sensor is disabled or ignored. In some examples the motion sensor outputs along multiple axes are analyzed to determine which axes best correspond to certain patient parameters including patient motion/activity and/or cardiac contractility. In other examples the output of the motion sensor is observed across patient movements or postures to develop conversion parameters to determine a patient standard frame of reference relative to outputs of the motion sensor of an implanted device.

Abstract: In general, the disclosure is directed toward an implantable medical device that includes a plurality of sensor modules that are implanted within a patient. The sensor modules may cooperate with each other to coordinate the timing for performance of one or more sensor actions across the modules when making a measurement. Example measurements include tissue perfusion measurements, oxygen sensing measurements, sonomicrometry measurements, and pressure measurements. The coordination of the sensor modules may be controlled by a signal that is transmitted from a host controller to the sensor modules via a bus. In some examples, the bus may have two wires that transmit both timing information and data information to the sensor modules. The signal may be a signal that is substantially periodic, such as a pulsed signal. In additional examples, the signal may supply operating power and timing information to the sensor modules.

Abstract: A device for ambulatory monitoring for suspected bradycardia or QT monitoring with simultaneous external pacing capability is provided. The device monitors the patient for a significant bradycardic episode and/or prolongation of the QT interval. The device provides a monitor having sensing, pacing, recording and transmission capabilities. At least two pacing electrodes are provided with adhesive backing for application to the anterior chest region with one cathode to the region of the cardiac apex and an anode to the region of the right upper sternal cardiac border. If a bradycardic episode is detected or prolongation of the QT is sufficient, then pacemaking energy is provided to the electrodes allowing the patient time to seek medical care without suffering the results of temporary hemodynamic instability that might otherwise be associated with dysrhythmia.

Abstract: A system for controlled sympathectomy procedures is disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. Methods for performing a controlled surgical procedure are disclosed. A system for performing controlled surgical procedures in a minimally invasive manner is disclosed. An implantable device for monitoring and/or performing a neuromodulation procedure is disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed in an improved medical implantable device system including an improved external charger that is able to communicate with an external controller and IPG using the communication protocol (e.g., FSK) used to implement communications between the external controller and the implant. The external controller as modified uses its charging coil to charge the implant, and also to communicate with the other devices in the system. As such, the external charger is provided with transceiver circuitry operating in accordance with the protocol, and also includes tuning circuitry to tune the coil as necessary for communications or charging. Communication or charging access to the charging coil in the external charger is time multiplexed. The disclosed system allows charging information to be provided to the user interface of the external controller so that it can be reviewed by the user, who may take corrective action if necessary.

Abstract: One aspect is a housing for an implantable medical device, including first housing portion of metal, an intermediate portion of metal and having first and second sides opposite one another and having integrated features, and a second housing portion of metal. The first housing portion is sealed to the first side of the intermediate portion and the second housing portion is sealed to the second side of the intermediate portion thereby forming an housing internal space within first and second housing portions and containing the intermediate portion and its features, such that the features are hermetically sealed within the housing relative to an external space that is outside the housing.

Abstract: One aspect is a method of fabricating a housing for an implantable medical device, including forming a first housing portion of metal using an additive manufacturing process such that features are integrated into the first portion. A second housing portion of metal is also formed. The first and second housing portions are joining thereby sealing an internal space of the housing within first and second portions and fully containing the features such that they are hermetically sealed relative to an external space outside the housing.

Abstract: Various embodiments of an implantable medical device system and methods of forming such systems are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the implantable medical device system includes a housing, electronics disposed within the housing, and a feedthrough assembly attached to a sidewall of the housing and electrically coupled to the electronics. The feedthrough assembly can include a non-conductive substrate and a feedthrough. The feedthrough can include a via from an outer surface to an inner surface of the non-conductive substrate, a conductive material disposed in the via, and an external contact disposed over the via on the outer surface of the non-conductive substrate, where the external contact is electrically coupled to the conductive material disposed in the via. In one or more embodiments, the external contact is hermetically sealed to the outer surface of the non-conductive substrate by a laser bond surrounding the via.

Abstract: An implantable neurostimulation (INS) device includes a non-rechargeable battery, a rechargeable battery, an antenna, an inductive coil, a neurostimulation module and a telemetry module. The neurostimulation module produces neurostimulation signals for delivery to target neural tissue, and the telemetry module wirelessly communicates with a non-implantable device using at least one of the antenna and the inductive coil. The non-rechargeable battery provides power to the neurostimulation module, and the rechargeable battery provides power to the telemetry module. The INS device also includes a charge module that charges the rechargeable battery in dependence on signals received from a non-implantable device via the inductive coil. Additional modules, such a sensor module, can be powered by the rechargeable battery. Additionally modules, such as controller, can be powered by the non-rechargeable battery.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a detection architecture for use in implantable cardiac rhythm devices. The detection architecture of the present invention provides methods and devices for discriminating between arrhythmias. Moreover, by exploiting the enhanced specificity in the origin of the identified arrhythmia, the detection architecture can better discriminate between rhythms appropriate for device therapy and those that are not.

Abstract: A portable, non-invasive device for providing therapeutic treatment to a joint to promote healing of the joint includes a cuff positionable around the joint. The cuff includes an electromagnetic stimulator configured to provide an electromagnetic field within the joint and at least one thermal therapy component including an activation circuit configured to activate the electromagnetic stimulator circuit, the thermal therapy component coupleable to the cuff, the thermal therapy component comprising at least two substances in separate compartments separated by a breakable barrier, wherein the at least two substances are configured to react upon mixing to produce thermal energy exchangeable with the joint.

Abstract: A transcranial magnetic stimulation device has a capacitor for storing electrical energy. A wire coil delivers a magnetic pulse when the capacitor is actuated to cause current flow through the wire coil. A charging circuit charges the capacitor and there is a sensor which includes an unactivated state and an activated state. A control circuit connected to the body sensor initiates the delivery of a magnetic pulse when current from the capacitor flows through the wire coil.

Abstract: Methods, devices and systems for delivering light therapy to human or non-human animal subjects. Included are shapeable light therapy devices which are formable into different shapes suitable for delivery of therapeutic light to different regions of the subject's body and will retain the desired shape without a need for the use of a strap or other shape-retaining apparatus. Also included are light therapy devices that, in at least some modes of operation, deliver light that is not visible to the human eye and which include indicator(s) to indicate to a user and/or to the subject being treated when non-visible light is actually being emitted.