Abstract: A humidification system comprises a first sensor and a second sensor. The first and second sensors are adapted to sense flow characteristics within the system. The first and second sensors are isolated from the flow by barriers formed by respective first and second sealing members. The sealing members extend through apertures formed in the system and have a portion that contacts the sensing elements of the respective first and second sensors. A cartridge can hold the sensors and provide repeatable penetration depths into a flow passage of the system. A medical tube has a composite structure made of two or more distinct components that are spirally wound to form an elongate tube. One component can be a spirally wound elongate hollow body; the other component can be an elongate structural component spirally wound between turns of the spirally wound hollow body.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new inhaler device for the storage and administration of inhalable liquids to a patient, such as halogenated volatile liquids, particularly methoxyflurane for use as an analgesic, the device having one or more advantages or improvements over known inhalers.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device comprising at least one chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the at least one chamber, at least one chamber outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the at least one chamber, and an exhalation flow path defined between the chamber inlet and the at least one chamber outlet. A restrictor member positioned in the exhalation flow path is moveable between a closed position, where a flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is restricted, and an open position, where the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path is less restricted. A vane in fluid communication with the exhalation flow path is operatively connected to the restrictor member and is configured to reciprocate between a first position and a second position in response to the flow of exhaled air along the exhalation flow path.

Abstract: A lighting system includes a light source unit; an irradiation controller that forms a first area in a space by causing the light source unit to emit first light according to a first irradiation schedule, and simultaneously with the formation of the first area, forms a second area in the space by causing the light source unit to emit second light according to a second irradiation schedule; a communicator that acquires health condition information indicating the health condition of a user; a judgment unit that judges whether the user is a first subject targeted for irradiation with the first light or a second subject targeted for irradiation with the second light, on the basis of the acquired health condition information; and a presentation unit that presents whether the user is the first subject or the second subject, on the basis of the judgment.

Abstract: An intravascular medical device is prepared for shipping by being sealed within a sterile volume of a package. Prior to closing the package, an intravenous liquid solution is pumped into and through the medical device to displace all air bubbles. The liquid is pumped at sterilization temperatures corresponding to when the liquid has a low viscosity, but the liquid is chosen to have a relatively high viscosity at room temperatures corresponding to when the package is opened for use. The liquid solution remains adsorbed to the interior surfaces of the medical device at room temperature against a force of gravity. The strategy reduces the risk of air embolism when a medical device is put into use.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a clipless package for an elongate medical device or other elongate device is provided. The subject invention utilizes adhesives and material surface characteristic modification to bond the tube surfaces together, which overcomes the deficiencies of currently utilized packaging methods. The bonds can be created by a singular application of adhesive or in plurality or combination with a surface modifier, coated surface and/or a surface treatment, or by selection of a singular polymer outer layer that is tacky when fully cooled, whose morphology changes post-extrusion.

Abstract: A method of making a ready-to-use catheter assembly and a ready-to-use catheter are provided, which avoids any degradation of the catheter during sterilization. The method comprises: placing a catheter with a hydrophilic coating and a wetting fluid in a catheter package made of low moisture transmission material while the package is in a first condition wherein an insertable length of the hydrophilic coating of the catheter is not in contact with the wetting fluid, sterilizing the catheter package with the catheter and the wetting fluid by radiation sterilization while the catheter package is kept in a condition in which the insertable length is not in contact with the wetting fluid, transferring the catheter package with the catheter and the wetting fluid into a second condition, bringing the wetting fluid into contact with at least the insertable length and activating the insertable length via gravity and/or via inertia.

Abstract: Disclosed delivery catheters have a three-dimensional curvature that facilitates reaching the RAA from the inferior vena cava, positioning the distal end of the catheter generally parallel to the plane of the pericardial space at the puncture location within the RAA, orienting the puncturing device in a direction that avoids the right coronary artery, aorta, pulmonary artery, and other structures to prevent bystander injury to such structures, and provides sufficient rigidity to puncture through a wall of the RAA into the pericardial space.

Abstract: Systems and methods to reduce or minimize air embolisms from catheterization and other interventional procedures. Systems and methods are provided that include a chamber that can be filled with saline and hemostatically clipped to or incorporated with an open proximal end of a sheath for under saline catheter insertion, exchange, flushing or other steps that involve inserting a catheter into a patient's body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for providing feedback for a steerable medical device assembly for deflecting a device, the assembly comprising a control handle comprising an actuation mechanism. The assembly additionally comprises a device coupled to the control handle and operable to be deflected upon actuation of the actuation mechanism, and a feedback mechanism for providing an indication of the deflection of the device, wherein the feedback mechanism is associated with the actuation mechanism for deflecting the device.

Abstract: A diagnostic imaging catheter has flexibility at a distal end and has relatively high rigidity at a proximal end while avoiding an increase in outer diameter of a sheath. The diagnostic imaging catheter includes a rotatable drive shaft having a distal portion provided with an ultrasound transducer, a sheath in which the drive shaft is positioned and which extends in an axial direction, and a rigidity changing part provided inside the sheath and configured to make the rigidity of the drive shaft higher at the proximal end than at the distal end.

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

Abstract: A clip for attaching a flexible cable or tube to clothing. The clip comprises a body and a clasp for attaching the body of the clip to clothing. The body comprises at least one receiving formation in the form of a resiliently deformable channel for receiving a flexible cable or tube.

Abstract: Needle assemblies and related methods having a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and having the needle extending through the catheter tube in a ready to use position. A valve is positioned in an interior cavity of the catheter hub, the valve having sections that can deflect in a distal direction and sections that can deflect in a proximal direction to open a fluid flow path through the valve. The valve can be deflected by a multi-piece valve opener.

Abstract: The invention relates to a puncturing system comprising an outer tubular body which is designed to remain in a body part of a living being, characterized in that the puncturing system has at least one inner tubular body and a puncturing needle, wherein the inner tubular body is guided through a working lumen of the outer tubular body and can be longitudinally displaced with respect to the outer tubular body, and the puncturing needle is guided through a puncture lumen of the inner tubular body and the inner tubular body can be longitudinally displaced with respect to the puncturing needle, wherein, after a body part has been punctured by means of a puncturing section of the puncturing needle, which protrudes out of a patient-side end of the puncturing system, the inner tubular body can be moved out of the patient-side end of the catheter at least partially out of the outer tubular body, and is thereby designed to accommodate the puncturing section of the puncturing needle, which protrudes out of the patient-s

Abstract: A double guide wire includes two guidewires deployed concentrically, one within the other. Each guidewire is formed as an elongated flexible shaft having a distal portion including a deflectable helical coil terminating at a distal tip. The first guidewire is implemented as a hollow guidewire having a central lumen extending along its length, while the second guidewire is configured as a smaller gauge guidewire deployed within the central lumen of the first guidewire. An adjuster mechanism allows the inner guidewire to be advanced and retracted relative to the outer guidewire, transforming the guidewire between: a first state in which the distal tip of the second guidewire is adjacent to the distal tip of the first guidewire; and a second state in which at least part of the distal portion of the inner guidewire is advanced beyond distal tip of the first guidewire.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming a coating layer on an outer surface of a balloon of a balloon catheter. The method includes supplying a coating solution containing a drug and a solvent through an end portion of a flexible dispensing tube with an opening portion for discharging the coating solution through the end portion of the flexible dispensing tube; keeping in contact an opening portion-formed end portion side of the dispensing tube with the outer surface of the balloon in such a manner as to be oriented in a direction opposite to a rotating direction of the balloon; rotating the balloon about an axis of the balloon; and discharging the coating solution through the opening portion and applying the coating solution to the outer surface of the balloon while the dispensing tube is moved relative to the balloon in an axial direction of the balloon.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed, which is capable of improving accuracy of an inspection result of a tube wall of an elongated member constituting a catheter shaft and achieving further improved product quality through the inspection, and a method of manufacturing an elongated member for a balloon catheter, which is used for the balloon catheter. In an outer tube of a balloon catheter, distal from a proximal end of a guide wire lumen is formed of a transparent material. From a distal end toward a proximal end, an inner tube of the balloon catheter has at least a first region and a second region, the second region being a transparent region that is more transparent than the first region.

Abstract: An adjustable hydrocephalus valve. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. § 1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A non-power injectable vascular access port configured to be implanted subcutaneously having a housing; a septum affixed to the housing; an internal reservoir collectively defined by the septum and the housing; an outlet configured to be in fluid communication with the internal reservoir; and one or more markers discernable following subcutaneous implantation of the access port and configured to identify the vascular access port as suitable for a non-power injection fluid flow rate and unsuitable for a power injection fluid flow rate. Related systems and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A vascular access port configured to be implanted subcutaneously comprising a housing; a septum affixed to the housing; an internal reservoir collectively defined by the septum and the housing; an outlet stem defining a lumen configured to be in fluid communication with the internal reservoir and having a retention feature on an outer surface of the outlet stem; a connecting element slidingly engageable over an outer surface of the distal end of the catheter positioned over the outlet stem; and one or more markers on the connecting element and discernable following subcutaneous implantation of the access port. The outlet stem is configured to receive a distal end of a catheter such that the distal end of the catheter is positioned over the retention feature of the outlet stem. Related systems and methods of use are described.

Abstract: A surgical port includes an end face with a channel extending through the end face. The channel has a cross section shaped to receive a surgical instrument cannula. A lateral wall extends around a perimeter of the end face. The lateral wall and end face enclose an open volume. A rim extends radially inward from the lateral wall and projects into the open volume. An apron portion extends radially outward from the lateral wall and in a direction axially away from the end face. Surgical systems may include surgical ports. Methods relate to using surgical ports.

Abstract: Needle assemblies and related methods in which a valve opener is used to push into a valve on the valve to open the valve. The needle assemblies each includes a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and the valve and valve opener positioned in the interior cavity of the catheter hub. The valve can have a valve skirt and a nose section of the valve opener can locate therein. One or more reliefs can be provided with the valve opener so that an elbow or diagonal section on a needle guard can project from a holding space within the valve opener through the relief.

Abstract: A connector is connectable to a medical device that includes a female connector portion. The connector includes: a main body member including: a cylinder portion that is insertable into the female connector portion, and a lock portion configured to, upon insertion of the cylinder portion into the female connector portion, pass over part of the medical device and then move in a predetermined locking direction to lock the medical device; and a lock member that is movable with respect to the main body member. When the main body member is in a state in which the lock portion locks the medical device, the lock member is moveable to a lock position at which the lock member limits movement of the lock portion in a predetermined unlocking direction.

Abstract: Medical devices including a cap for a medical connector are disclosed. In some embodiments, the cap comprises a disinfectant, such as an antiseptic fluid and an insert configured to seal or partially seal the medical connector as it is engaged with the cap. In some embodiments the cap insert has a segment which is deformable under axially applied pressure as an end-user attaches the cap to the medical connector. In some embodiments this insert is configured to improve the exposure of antiseptic to the outer surface of the medical connector while minimizing exposure of the antiseptic inside the medical connector open lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods of dispensing fluid intravenously to a subject, and of flushing a line of an intravenous fluid administration apparatus, are provided. The apparatus may include a chamber including a plurality of connector ports and be configured to operate in fluid communication with an upstream source via a first connector port and, during operation, pass therethrough to downstream tubing, under a first pressure condition, first fluid from the upstream source via a second connector port. A third connector port may be configured to connect to an end of tubing or a valve connector such that, during operation, the chamber is configured to, under a second, higher pressure condition, pass therethrough to the downstream tubing a second fluid from a second fluid source via the third and second connector ports, prevent first fluid flow into the downstream tubing, and prevent second fluid flow through the first connector port.

Abstract: IMD devices and implantation methods are discussed and disclosed. Electrode structures may be employed to allow electrical stimulation to heart tissue and/or sense a physiological condition. Devices may be used for the placement of the electrode structures in a patient and facilitate the degree of contact between the electrode structures and the tissue of the patient.

Abstract: A lead assembly includes a lead or lead extension having terminals and a mechanical stop fixed to the lead or lead extension and located distally to the plurality of terminals. The lead assembly also includes a connector having a connector housing, a connector block disposed within the connector housing, a port defined at the distal surface of the connector housing, a lumen extending from the port for receiving a portion the lead or lead extension, and contacts disposed within the connector housing. The outer diameter of the mechanical stop is larger than the lumen diameter within the connector block to halt further insertion of the lead or lead extension into the connector housing. Additionally or alternatively, a visually distinctive marking can be applied to the lead or lead extension to indicate alignment between the terminals of the lead and the contacts of the connector.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may an outer tubular member and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the lumen of the outer tubular member. A distal holding section may extend distally of a distal end of the inner tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving an implantable leadless pacing device. The device may further include a hub portion including at least a first hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the outer tubular member and a second hub portion affixed adjacent to the proximal end of the inner tubular member. A first locking mechanism configured to releasably couple the outer tubular member and the inner tubular member may be disposed within the hub portion.

Abstract: An example of a system to program a neuromodulator to deliver neuromodulation to a neural target using a plurality of electrodes may comprise a programming control circuit configured to determine target energy allocations for the plurality of electrodes based on at least one target pole to provide a target sub-perception modulation field, calibrate a plurality of electrode groups in the plurality of electrodes where each of the plurality of electrode groups is in an electrode configuration and includes an electrode set of at least one electrode from the plurality of electrodes, including for each of the plurality of electrode groups receive a feedback metric to delivery of modulation energy to the neural target, and normalize the target sub-perception modulation field, including determine a space domain scaling factor using the feedback metric to account for actual electrode-tissue coupling, and apply the space domain scaling factor to the target energy allocations.

Abstract: An example system has a pulse generator configured to deliver a first series of electrical signals to a right atrium of a heart. The first series of electrical signals can increase a first heart rate toward a target heart rate. The system can have a monitoring device configured to retrieve physiological data from a user of the system while the heart is receiving the first series of electrical signals. The system can have a controller configured to determine whether a physiological parameter has met a physiological threshold based on the physiological data. If the physiological threshold has been met, the controller can modify the first series of electrical signals to a second series of electrical signals that restores the physiological parameter to an acceptable level.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved devices, systems and methods to provide for control of bladder function. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus, system and/or a method for modulating the neural activity of afferent fibres of the pelvic nerve to bladder function. In one aspect, the disclosure relates to the use of pharmaceutical compositions in patients undergoing neuromodulation therapy.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) in a patient are disclosed. The method calls for positioning electrodes, and applying electrical symmetrical bursts. In particular, positioning step requires positioning a plurality of electrodes in electrical contact with the skin of a target region of the abdomen of the patient. The application step calls for applying a series of electrical symmetrical bursts to said electrodes. That application step generates contractions of abdominal muscles thereby generating movements of a digestive system of said patient wherein said movements are for causing the content of the esophagus to return to the stomach and to relieve GERD symptoms of said patient.

Abstract: A CFS system includes self-adhesive, disposable pads. Each pad is combined with a sealed, cleanable battery/controller pod and then placed on the body where needed. The battery/controller pod preferably has wireless capability, such as Bluetooth® capability. The patient can download an application to a smartphone or similar mobile device to control the pods.

Abstract: A miniaturized controller includes communication and control circuitry for monitoring and controlling an implantable medical device (IMD). The miniaturized controller includes a display that allows it to essentially mimic the IMD control functionality of a traditional IMD controller. The size of the miniaturized controller, which may be approximately 1.1 cubic inches, enables it to be carried discreetly by a patient during the patient's daily activities. While the miniaturized controller functions as a standalone IMD controller in a first mode of operation, it is also wearable by the patient to function as a smartwatch, for example, in a second mode of operation. In the second mode of operation, the miniaturized controller, which may include sensors for measuring physiological parameters of the patient as well as patient motion when worn by the patient, is capable of providing closed-loop control of the IMD.

Abstract: In some examples, controlling delivery of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) includes storing, in a memory of an implantable medical device system and in association with each of a plurality of heart rates, at least one respective value for an interval between an atrial event and a ventricular event. Processing circuitry of the implantable medical device system may determine a heart rate of a patient and select one of the stored values for the interval between the atrial event and the ventricular event associated with the determined heart rate. The processing circuitry may further determine whether to control therapy delivery circuitry of the implantable medical device system to deliver fusion pacing or biventricular pacing, based on the selected one of the stored values for the interval between the atrial event and the ventricular event.

Abstract: Neuromodulation is used to enhance left ventricular relaxation. An exemplary neuromodulation system includes a therapy element positionable in proximity to at least one nerve fiber, and a stimulator configured to energize the therapy element to delivery therapy to the at least one nerve fiber such that left ventricular relaxation and left ventricular contractility are contemporaneously enhanced.

Abstract: Neuromodulation is used to enhance left ventricular relaxation. An exemplary neuromodulation system includes a therapy element positionable in proximity to at least one nerve fiber, and a stimulator configured to energize the therapy element to delivery therapy to the at least one nerve fiber such that left ventricular relaxation and left ventricular contractility are contemporaneously enhanced.

Abstract: Neuromodulation is used to enhance left ventricular relaxation. An exemplary neuromodulation system includes a therapy element positionable in proximity to at least one nerve fiber, and a stimulator configured to energize the therapy element to delivery therapy to the at least one nerve fiber such that left ventricular relaxation and left ventricular contractility are contemporaneously enhanced.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to receive a target neuromodulation field location within a patient for a neuromodulation field, wherein the target neuromodulation field location is not specific to the patient, receive a waveform file, the waveform file including data to define a waveform morphology for a neuromodulation waveform, wherein the waveform morphology is not specific to the patient, using the waveform file and the target neuromodulation field location to determine a patient-specific neuromodulation waveform, and deliver the patient-specific neuromodulation waveform to the at least one electrode to provide a neuromodulation field at the target neurostimulation field location.

Abstract: This document discusses, among other things, systems and methods to receive a first target neuromodulation field location, receive a stimulation pattern, determine a sequence of target neuromodulation field locations based on the first target neuromodulation field location and the stimulation pattern, determine a neuromodulation waveform for each electrode in a plurality of stimulation electrodes for each of the determined target neuromodulation field locations, and deliver the determined neuromodulation waveforms to the plurality of stimulation electrodes to provide the stimulation pattern to a patient to provide a therapy.

Abstract: An example of a system to program a neuromodulator to deliver neuromodulation to a neural target using a plurality of electrodes may comprise a programming control circuit configured to determine target energy allocations for the plurality of electrodes based on at least one target pole to provide a target sub-perception modulation field, and normalize the target sub-perception modulation field, including determine a time domain scaling factor to account for at least one property of a neural target or of a neuromodulation waveform, and apply the time domain scaling factor to the target energy allocations.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a device including a circuit for adjusting the energy of the stimulation pulses, independently controlling the pulse width and the voltage of each stimulation pulse. An iterative search algorithm for determining the optimum energy includes changing both the pulse width and voltage at each new pulse delivered, by setting a high energy value and a low energy value, and delivering a stimulation pulse with the low energy value. A capture test is then carried out. In the presence of a capture, a current iteration is complete and a new iteration is done with the current low energy as a new high energy value. In the absence of capture, the algorithm is terminated with selection of the last energy value that produced the capture as the value of optimum energy.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs), and methods for use therewith, reduce how often an IMD accepts false messages. Such a method can include receiving a message and measuring a message interval indicative of a length of time between when the message was received and when a preceding message was received. The method can also include determining, based on the measured message interval, whether the message was received within the message window, and determining whether to reject the message based on results thereof. The method can also include adjusting a temporal position of the message window based on the measured message interval. The method can further include determining a quality measure indicative of a quality of the message and/or a quality of a channel over which the message was received, and determining whether to reject the message based on the quality measure.

Abstract: Implantable medical devices (IMDs), and methods for use therewith, reduce how often an IMD accepts false messages. Such a method can include receiving a message and performing error detection and correction on the message. Such a method can also include determining a quality measure indicative of a quality of the message and/or a quality of a channel over which the message was received, and determining whether to reject the message based on the quality measure.

Abstract: A modular external defibrillator system in embodiments of the teachings may include one or more of the following features: (a) a base containing a defibrillator module to deliver a defibrillation shock to a patient, (b) a patient parameter monitoring pod connectable to a patient via patient lead cables to collect patient data, the patient data including at least one patient vital sign, (c) a power supply sharing link between the base and the pod, the pod receiving power from the base via the power sharing link, the pod being operable to collect patient data without receiving power from the base, and (d) an external battery charger, the battery charger interrogating the batteries to determine battery information used for battery charging, the battery information including at least one of charging voltage, charging current, and charge time.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (“AED”) (10) employing a self-test circuit (11) and an encoded status indicator. The self-test circuit (11) automatically tests AED (10) and dependent upon the tests, generates both a base status signal (110) indicative of an operational readiness of AED (10) and a test status signal (120) indicative of self-test information of AED (10). The encoded status indicator concurrently visually indicates both the base status signal (110) and the test status signal (120) with the visual indication of the base status signal (110) being perceivable to a human eye and the visual indication of the test status signal (120) being unperceivable to the human eye. The encoded status indicator may employ a light source (14) for emitting a status light (20) and an encoder (13) to intensity modulate the status light (20) as emitted by the light source (14) as a function of an encoding of the base status signal (110) and the test status signal (120) by the encoder (13).

Abstract: With externally applied magnetic fields, we will concentrate in vivo diamagnetic Bismuth particles or unipolar magnetic particles as a confined locus, then push the locus to move to a tumor, shape it to the tumor, then use near IR to heat the particles so to destroy the tumor by thermal ablation or hyperthermia treatment. We will then cause the locus to move to other tumors, and repeat the process, so to destroy all tumors and cure the cancer.

Abstract: A system and method for treating head-related medical and mental health conditions embodied in eyewear is provided. The eyewear provides transcranial magnetic stimulation and light therapy through an electromagnetic generator system and light sources, respectively, disposed along the frame of the eyewear. The electromagnetic generator system provides at least one pulse-generating stimulation arm along a frame arm, wherein the stimulation arm is movable between a storage and an operative condition directing magnetic pulses toward the wearer's skull. The light sources may be disposed along an inner lateral edge of the portions of the frame retaining the optical lenses so that the light sources direct adjustably angled dichroic light toward the eyes of a wearer.

Abstract: A device for non-invasive treatment of a disorder in a patient comprising a magnetic portion having a first side and a second side, a first metal portion having a first end and a second end, and a second metal portion configured for hand holding and having a first side and a second side, wherein second side of the second metal portion: (i) is coupled to the first side of the magnetic portion; and (ii) has a surface area that is less than the surface area of the first side of the magnetic portion; and wherein the first metal portion is coupled to the second side of the magnetic portion. The first metal portion is optionally fitted with a head. The disclosure further relates to non-invasive methods for treating a disorder in a patient, wherein said methods use said magnetic device.