Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing machine-induced inexsufflation with diaphragmatic pacing of a subject, e.g. through a diaphragm pacer, use the detected onset of an inhalation and/or exhalation of a subject. The detection is based on output signals generated by one or more sensors.

Abstract: An airway device (14), that is used to maintain a clear airway in a patient, e.g. for artificial ventilation during surgery, comprises an inflatable cuff (26), which is inflated when in position in a patient's airway (24). The inflated cuff (26) provides a seal to maintain the device (14) in position in a patient's airway (24), and to prevent leakage of infected oropharangeal secretions into the patient's lungs. A method and apparatus (10) for monitoring: leaks in the pressure system of the device (14) that includes the cuff (26); blockage in the pressure system, and/or malpositioning of the airway device (14) during use.

Abstract: A head-mounted respiratory assistance apparatus configured to provide a respiratory gases stream to a user. The head-mounted respiratory assistance has a main body securable to the head of a user and a blower unit that is operable to generate a pressurized gases stream from a supply of gases from the surrounding atmosphere. A patient interface is provided on the main body that has a gases inlet which is fluidly connected to the blower unit and which is configured to deliver the pressurized gases to the user's nose and/or mouth.

Abstract: Systems and methods regarding ventilation of a patient, such as a victim at the scene of an emergency are described herein.

Abstract: A method of detecting dyssynchrony between a patient and a pressure support system includes receiving patient flow data relating to a flow of gas provided to the patient by the pressure support system, receiving an I/E state signal representing a respiratory phase of the patient as determined by the pressure support system, and analyzing the patient flow data and the I/E state signal and declaring a dyssynchrony for a breath based on at least one of the patient flow data and the I/E state signal. The method includes determining whether at least one of a number of predetermined criterion is satisfied based on at least one of the patient flow data and the I/E state signal, and declaring the dyssynchrony for the breath if it is determined that at least one of the number of predetermined criterion is satisfied.

Abstract: A fenestrated tracheostomy tube has a shaft (1) made of a silicone or other soft material. The fenestrated region (10) located in the trachea (20) has two rows of several openings (11) along the center line of the tube. The openings (12) are formed in a separate plate (12) of a stiffer material bonded or moulded in an aperture (13) in the shaft (1) of the tube to give the shaft extra stiffness in this region.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a patient gas delivery tube includes an elongated support member having first and second distal end and a living hinge biasing arcuate movement between the distal ends. A generally planar, rigid base configured to secures a lower distal end so that the support member extends from a surface of the base. A mount secured to the other distal end is adapted to secure an associated tube.

Abstract: An interfacing structure for a mask system includes a cushion component adapted to contact the patient's face in use and a cushion-to-frame component provided to the cushion component. The cushion-to-frame component is structured to secure the cushion component to a mask frame of the mask system. The cushion-to-frame component includes a cushion side adapted to interface with the cushion component and a frame side adapted to interface with the mask frame. The cushion side includes a platform to engage and support the cushion component. The platform provides an engagement surface to engage the cushion component and inner and outer flanges provided to opposing ends of the platform to guide, support and/or retain the cushion component on the platform.

Abstract: A mask assembly for treating sleep disorder including: a first frame including a first wall that at least partially delimits a breathing chamber, a second wall surrounding an opening through the first wall and defining a first substantially cylindrical surface surrounding the opening, the second wall extending from the first wall, the opening allowing the flow of pressurized gas to the breathing chamber; a second frame including a third wall defining a second substantially cylindrical surface, a fourth wall, a member extending toward a forehead support and two headgear attachment locations, the third wall extending from the fourth wall, the second cylindrical surface at least partially overlapping with the first cylindrical surface, and the second frame being configured to removably interlock with the first frame proximate the opening; and a cushion molded to the first frame and adapted to seal around at least a patient's nose.

Abstract: A nasal cannula for use in a system for providing a flow of respiratory gases to a user is described. The nasal cannula comprises a body made from a pliable material. The body has an inlet and at least one nasal prong fluidly connected to the inlet. In use a conduit providing a flow of gases to the cannula is connected to the inlet, and the nasal prong is inserted into a user's nostril. The cannula is arranged to direct the flow of gases from the nasal prong towards the front wall of the user's nasal passage within the user's nose.

Abstract: Disclosed is a supporting device for a patient interface on the forehead of the patient. The supporting device has an adjustment by means of a self-acting, incorporated spring element and, depending on the tightening force of the harness, the forehead pad presses onto the forehead of the user as a result of the spring force and thus provides the patient interface at a spacing which is suitable for the patient and provides optimum, fault-free adaptation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swiveled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface, The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering a supply of gases to a patient. The device includes a patient interface and connecting member. The connecting member is preferably a L-shaped swiveled connector that is capable of being fixed into one of two positions, a first position where the connector is freely rotatable within the patient interface, and a second position where an interference between the interface and connector prevents the free rotation of the connector within the patient interface, The present invention further relates to a connector that has outlet means, which includes at least one outlet vent and a funnel, which in use directs and passes a substantial portion gases expired from the patient through the outlet vent or vents.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator is disclosed. An output of a high pressure compressor is fluidly coupled to an adsorbent device that increases the concentration of oxygen gas for storage in a high pressure accumulator. The adsorbent device is purged of the collected nitrogen via a valve fluidly coupled to the outlet of the high pressure compressor and the inlet of the adsorbent device. The outlet of the adsorbent device is fluidly coupled to the high pressure accumulator through a first valve. Additionally, a re-circulation loop fluidly couples the outlet of the adsorbent device to a valved inlet of the high pressure compressor.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system and method for managing a sleep session of a subject. Managing the sleep session is based on slow wave activity in the subject during the sleep session. Slow wave activity is related to sleep pressure. Sleep pressure dissipates and/or decreases as the subject sleeps. The dissipation dynamics depend on a given subject. The manner in which dissipation occurs regulates the length of the given sleep session and is linked to the temporal dynamics of slow wave activity. The system is configured to determine a metric indicating sleep pressure dissipation and, responsive to the determined sleep pressure dissipation metric indicating that sleep pressure dissipation has reached a dissipation threshold level during the sleep session, wake the subject.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for providing circadian-friendly LED light sources are disclosed. A light source is formed to include a first LED emission (e.g., one or more LEDs emitting a first spectrum) and a second LED emission (e.g., one or more LEDs emitting a second spectrum) wherein the first and second LED emissions are combined in a first ratio and in a second ratio such that while changing from the first ratio to the second ratio the relative circadian stimulation is varied while maintaining a color rendering index above 80.

Abstract: A cannula stabilization device has two tubing holders located on opposite ends of a bearing platform, a rotational joint fixedly attached to the bearing platform, and a helmet releasably attachable to the rotational joint. The helmet and the bearing platform are independently rotatable around a common rotational axis when the helmet is attached to the rotational joint.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus includes a catheter guide (10, 10?, 10?, 10??, 10??). The catheter guide (10, 10?, 10?, 10??, 10??) includes a first conduit (12, 12?, 12?, 12?? 12??) a second conduit (14 14? 14? 14?? 14??) and a shield member (16 16? 16?, 16??, 16??). The second conduit (14, 14?, 14?, 14??, 14??) is connected to an outer surface (26, 26?, 26?, 26??, 26??) of the first conduit (12, 12?, 12?, 12??, 12??).

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, methods and systems for delivering treatments and for medications to the site of an aneurysm (SOA). One embodiment of a method comprises delivering a neural growth stimulating factor (NGSF) to the site of the aneurysm to grow new nerve cells and/or stimulate the regeneration of damaged nerve cells. The NGSF may be delivered in a carrier such as a gel which can be selected to allow for long term delivery of the NGSF to the SOA. In many embodiments, the NGSF may be delivered to the SOA using a micro-catheter based system which includes a microcatheter that can be advanced in the cerebral vasculature. The microcatheter may also be used to delivery occlusive element to the SOA such as occlusive coils or balloon which promote clotting and reduce bleeding at the SOA and together with the carrier allow for long term release of NGSF.

Abstract: A catheter for treatment of sinusitis capable of causing a space in a further rear (distal side) of a posterior nasal aperture to communicate with external air is provided. The catheter comprises an anterior nasal aperture balloon 33, an anterior nasal aperture balloon air supply lumen 39b for inflating the anterior nasal aperture balloon 33, a posterior nasal aperture balloon 13, a posterior nasal aperture balloon air supply lumen 19b for inflating the posterior nasal aperture balloon 13, and a drainage lumen 39a having an opening 41 between the anterior nasal aperture balloon 33 and the posterior nasal aperture balloon 13, in which an external air communication lumen 19a having an opening 21 on a distal side from the posterior nasal aperture balloon 13 is further provided.

Abstract: A safety balloon catheter includes a catheter having a stretch valve, a connector, a balloon inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon and conveying inflation fluid thereto and therefrom, a hollow second lumen, and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon to the second lumen. The stretch valve has a hollow base fixed in the second lumen at a proximal catheter end and shaped to permit a fluid therethrough and a hollow plug slidably positioned in the second lumen at a given distance from the base to, in a steady state, prevent inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, when actuated, slide within the second lumen to permit inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen. The connector connects the base and the plug and has a length greater than the given distance.

Abstract: A textile-reinforced medical dilation balloon is provided, including a woven tubular textile sleeve with substantially longitudinal thermoplastic warp threads and at least one weft thread woven substantially perpendicular relative to the warp threads, where the sleeve defines a sleeve lumen. A medical dilation balloon is disposed within the sleeve lumen, and an adhesive coating substantially covers the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve, attaching it to the balloon.

Abstract: A pleural space draining assembly for draining gas and liquid from a pleural space includes a catheter. Walls, coupled to and positioned in the catheter, define a first channel, a second channel, and a third channel. A first port, fluidically coupled to the first channel, is positioned through the catheter proximate to a first end of the catheter. A stylet, which has a tip that is blunt, is complementary to the first channel. A second port, fluidically coupled to the second channel, is positioned through the catheter between the first port and a midpoint of the catheter. A balloon is sealably positioned in the second channel. The balloon is configured to reversibly and selectively inflate. Holes, fluidically coupled to the third channel, are positioned through the catheter. A valve is fluidically coupled to the third channel at the first end of the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a handle assembly, a guide assembly, and a dilation catheter. The guide assembly extends distally from the handle assembly. The guide assembly includes a malleable guide member and a flexible guide member. The distal end of the flexible guide member is distal to the distal end of the malleable guide member. The flexible guide member is positioned about the malleable guide member and is slidable along the malleable guide member. The dilation catheter is slidably disposed about the flexible guide member.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a grounding member and an actuator. The grounding member includes a first grounding feature and a bending channel. The first grounding feature is configured to engage a dilation instrument. The bending channel is configured to receive a malleable member of the dilation instrument. The actuator is pivotably coupled with the grounding member. The actuator has a bearing surface. The bearing surface is configured to cooperate with the bending channel to thereby bend the malleable member of the dilation instrument as the actuator is pivoted relative to the grounding member.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided. In an embodiment, the device includes a device body having an elongated drug reservoir lumen, a drug positioned in the drug reservoir lumen, and at least one end plug positioned at an end of the device body, for example inserted in an end of the drug reservoir lumen. The end plug may include an aperture therethough, and the drug delivery device may be configured to release the drug from the drug reservoir lumen through the aperture.

Abstract: This invention relates to an ingestible drug delivery device configured for wireless communication with other ingestible drug delivery devices.

Abstract: A microneedle cartridge is provided comprising a pair of concentric cylinders wherein an inner cylinder supports a microneedle array block and moves up and down an inside cylinder, driven by a central rod which connects the microneedle array to a drive motor. An inner baffle cylinder fits inside the inner cylinder and surrounds the central rod, isolating the microneedle array from the internal cavity of the machine. Fabric gaskets treated with antimicrobial solution are placed at the locations where the inner baffle cylinder meets the inner cylinder and where the inner cylinder meets the outer cylinder. A piston rod cradle at the bottom of the cartridge engages a cup-shaped polymer reciprocating piston rod that interacts with the device motor through a connecting metal piston. A removable, autoclavable metal nosecone covers the cartridge assembly.

Abstract: Therapeutic agents, diagnostic agents and other compositions can be effectively delivered to target tissues using ultrasonic dispersion. For example, a therapeutic agent in solution may be injected subcutaneously in the vicinity of a target tissue in a patient. External ultrasound is used to disperse the therapeutic agent in the target tissue. The disclosed methods provide increased concentrations of therapeutic agents in tissue relative to traditional delivery methods, thereby improving therapeutic outcomes while reducing costs. In addition the methods can be used to deliver effective concentrations of therapeutic agents to tissues with limited blood supply.

Abstract: A valved male luer connector includes an elastic hollow element which encloses a tubular member having an inlet portion and an outlet portion. A collar is axially displaceable causing a stretching deformation of the elastic hollow element and opening the flow passage between the inlet portion and the outlet portion of the tubular member. A priming cap is designed to be releasably connected to the casing of the valved connector to provide stretching deformation of the elastic element and keep the outlet portion of the tubular member in communication with the atmosphere through a liquid-impermeable barrier.

Abstract: A catheter covering device with at least a sleeve and an adhesive film is provided. The catheter covering device may further include a water indicator attached to the adhesive film and a desiccant paper attached to the water indicator. The adhesive film may include a larger diameter than the water indicator and the desiccant paper. Thereby the adhesive film is exposed around the circumference of the water indicator and desiccant paper. A catheter may be inserted into the sleeve and the adhesive film may be adhered to a user's skin. The catheter covering device may thereby protect the catheter from the elements. If moisture enters the catheter covering device, the desiccant paper may absorb the moisture and activate the water indicator, indicating to the user that the catheter covering device has been contaminated.

Abstract: A medical stopcock which allows easier switching operation of plural branch-tubes. The main body of the stopcock comprises a chamber part with a nearly spherical inner surface, and an upstream branch-tube, a downstream branch-tube and a merge-branch-tube all extending from the chamber part. A valve body of the stopcock comprises a nearly spherical valve main body and a rod-shaped operating part with a guide hole linking the inner surface of the chamber part to the outside. In operation, the rod-shaped operating part is moved along the guide hole through the use of the horizontal flow passages and the vertical flow passage to allow the predetermined branch-tubes out of the upstream branch-tube, the downstream branch-tube and the merge-branch-tube to communicate with one another or to shut-off the communication.

Abstract: A method for protecting a pressure transducer from fluid pressure damage using a pressure isolation mechanism is disclosed. The method includes associating the pressure transducer with an isolation port of the pressure isolation mechanism, placing a pressurizing device for delivering fluid under pressure in fluid connection with an inlet port of the pressure isolation mechanism, and actuating the pressurizing device to cause fluid flow in the inlet port such that a free floating, fluid flow responsive valve member positioned in an internal cavity of the pressure isolation mechanism engages a seal seat therein to attain a closed position, preventing fluid flow between the inlet port and the isolation port and thus prevent overpressure in the isolation port. Hemodynamic pressure signals read with the pressure transducer may be transmitted at least in part through a body of the valve member, or a portion thereof, when in the closed position.

Abstract: Implantable medical electrical leads having electrodes arranged such that a defibrillation coil electrode and a pace/sense electrode(s) are concurrently positioned substantially over the ventricle when implanted as described. The leads include an elongated lead body having a distal portion and a proximal end, a connector at the proximal end of the lead body, a defibrillation electrode located along the distal portion of the lead body, wherein the defibrillation electrode includes a first electrode segment and a second electrode segment proximal to the first electrode segment by a distance. The leads may include at least one pace/sense electrode, which in some instances, is located between the first defibrillation electrode segment and the second defibrillation electrode segment.

Abstract: An active bipolar cardiac electrical lead includes a distal electrode (108), an intermediate connection mount (109), a ring electrode (103), and a tip housing (110). The intermediate connection mount (109) defines a proximal fitting (370) and a distal fitting (374). The ring electrode (103) has an exposed section (356) that sleeves over and engages the proximal fitting (370) of the intermediate connection mount (109) with a snap-fit connection. The intermediate connection mount (109) may connect the ring electrode (103) to the tip housing (110) and provide electrical insulation between the ring electrode (103) and the distal electrode (108).

Abstract: A medical device system and method for detecting dislodgement of a ventricular lead determines one or more characteristics of a cardiac signal received via the ventricular lead that are associated with dislodgement of the ventricular lead during atrial fibrillation, and detects dislodgement of the ventricular lead based on the determined characteristics. The medical device and system provides a lead dislodgment alert in response to detecting dislodgement. In some examples, an implantable medical device withholds delivery of a ventricular defibrillation therapy based on detecting dislodgement of the ventricular lead.

Abstract: A hand-held device for electrically powered skin treatment is disclosed. The device includes a first outer electrode, a second outer electrode, and a plurality of rechargeable batteries. The plurality of batteries are disposed in a compartment where the compartment is covered by a shell-like housing cover and where an outside of the housing cover is a section of an exterior area of a device housing. The compartment is covered by a removable compartment cover where an inner side of the compartment cover is directed toward the plurality of batteries in the compartment and where a connector socket with at least two poles is disposed on an outer side of the compartment cover. The compartment cover is located within the housing cover. A charging circuit is coupled to the plurality of batteries.

Abstract: In various embodiments, methods are provided for applying transcutaneous and/or epidural spinal cord stimulation with and without selective pharmaceuticals to restore voluntary control of hand function in tetraplegic subjects.

Abstract: In one aspect, an ingestible, electrical device, comprises one or more electrodes comprising a biocompatible conducting material and a biocompatible insulating material; a generator connected to the one or more electrodes; and an outer casing enclosing the one or more electrodes and the generator, the outer casing configured to dissolve in an aqueous environment of the organism; wherein the one or more electrodes have a first form factor when enclosed in the outer casing and a second form factor following a dissolution of the outer casing, the first form factor is a form factor that is collapsed an increased amount relative to an amount that the second form factor is collapsed, and the second form factor is a form factor that is collapsed a decreased amount relative to an amount that the first form factor is collapsed.

Abstract: A method for multi-carrier processing in an auditory prosthetic device comprises receiving an audio signal comprising multiple signals, each produced by an independent source, and identifying at least a first signal and a second signal in the received audio signal. The method also comprises adjusting an amplitude of a first carrier signal based on a first signal or a signal envelope associated with the first signal, and adjusting an amplitude of a second carrier signal based on a second signal or a signal envelope associated with the second signal. The amplitude-adjusted first and second signals are delivered to one or more stimulation devices associated with an auditory prosthetic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a hearing system. The hearing system comprises an implantable device configured to be implanted under the skin of a wearer and an external device configured to be positioned at an ear of the wearer. The external device comprises a transmit system configured to generate a wireless signal for being transmitted to the implantable device.

Abstract: The present invention consists of an implantable device with at least one package that houses electronics that sends and receives data or signals, and optionally power, from an external system through at least one coil attached to the at least one package and processes the data, including recordings of neural activity, and delivers electrical pulses to neural tissue through at least one array of multiple electrodes that is/are attached to the at least one package. The device is adapted to electrocorticographic (ECoG) and local field potential (LFP) signals. The output signals provide control for a motor prosthesis and the inputs signals provide sensory feedback for the motor prosthesis. The invention, or components thereof, is/are intended to be installed in the head, or on or in the cranium or on the dura, or on or in the brain.

Abstract: Techniques are described in this disclosure for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient over multiple channels, with independent rate control for each channel, using a single stimulation generator. In one example, the disclosure describes a method for delivering electrical stimulation therapy to a patient that includes delivering first electrical stimulation pulses at a first programmed rate on a first channel using a stimulation generator, and delivering second electrical stimulation pulses at a second programmed rate on a second channel using the stimulation generator, the second programmed rate being different than the first programmed rate, and the second programmed rate being independent of the first programmed rate.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for adjusting functionality of an implantable medical device based on posture are disclosed. In some instances, a method for operating a leadless cardiac pacemaker implanted into a patient, where the patient has two or more predefined behavioral states, may include detecting a change in the behavioral state of the patient, and in response, changing a sampling rate of a sensor signal generated by a sensor of the leadless cardiac pacemaker. In some embodiments, the method may further include using the sampled sensor signal to determine an updated pacing rate of the leadless cardiac pacemaker and providing pacing to the patient at the updated pacing rate.

Abstract: Materials and systems that enable high efficiency conversion of mechanical stress to electrical energy and methods of use thereof are described herein. The materials and systems are preferably used to provide power to medical devices implanted inside or used outside of a patient's body. For medical devices, the materials and systems convert electrical energy from the natural contractile and relaxation motion of a portion of a patient's body, such as the heart, lung and diaphragm, or via motion of body materials or fluids such as air, blood, urine, or stool. The materials and systems are capable of being bent, folded or otherwise stressed without fracturing and include piezoelectric materials on a flexible substrate. The materials and systems are preferably fashioned to be generally conformal with intimate apposition to complex surface topographies.

Abstract: Techniques for identifying individual target sites for application of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) to a brain of a patient for treatment of neurological and psychiatric disorders. The identification of the target TMS stimulation sites may be based on using functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to determine cortex regions of the brain that are functionally connected to other regions of the brain that may be stimulated to decrease symptoms of depression and other disorders. For example, target stimulation sites may be identified in the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) to remotely modulate the activity in a subgenual cingulate region and other limbic regions functionally connected with the DLPFC. TMS may be applied to the patient's head at the identified target TMS sites to treat depression and other neurological and psychiatric disorders.

Abstract: Systems that integrate electrocardiography (ECG) functions and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) functions, as well as methods of manufacturing such systems and methods of performing ECG and TMS using such systems, are provided. A system can include a hardware component and a software component in operable communication with the hardware component. The hardware component can include or be in operable communication with a TMS machine, and the software component can be configured to receive waveforms from ECG hardware.

Abstract: A method and a system are provided for subjecting organic cells in a region of a subject to an extremely low frequency magnetic field. At least one resonance medium is operably connected to a generator. The generator produces a sinusoidal non-harmonic current signal, having a predetermined frequency of substantially between 7.5 Hz and 7.9 Hz. The resonance medium is energized by the signal and the magnetic field yielded is substantially between 0.7 mT and 3 mT to be located adjacent organic cellular tissue in the region for a predetermined period. Organic cells in the laboratory, repository or in the region are subjected to a constant magnetic field of less than 1 mT and having a frequency of substantially between 7.5 Hz and 7.9 Hz for the predetermined period.

Abstract: An optical cosmetic device for body hair includes an optical system that emits cosmetic light for body hair. The optical system includes a light source, a control unit that controls at least one of a voltage and a current supplied to the light source, and an optical filter that changes a spectrum of light emitted from the light source. An intensity integral of the cosmetic light for body hair in a wavelength range of 400 to 700 nm is larger than that in a wavelength range of 700 to 1200 nm. An intensity integral of the cosmetic light for body hair in a wavelength range of 400 to 500 nm is smaller than that in a wavelength range of 500 to 600 nm. The largest one of intensity peaks of the cosmetic light for body hair is in a wavelength range of 400 to 570 nm.

Abstract: A portable light therapy device configured to be worn by a patient proximate the eyes includes a front frame including a pair of eye frame sections coupled to each other by a bridge. The bridge is supported on a nose of a patient when worn such that each eye frame section is positioned in front of a respective eye of the patient. A pair of side frames is coupled to opposing ends of the front frame such that, when the device is worn, the side frames extend generally perpendicularly to a plane defined by the front frame. A pair of light modules are each attached to a respective one of the side frames. Each light module includes a light source that emits light and a battery that provides power to the light source, wherein light emitted by each light source is directed into a respective eye of the patient.