Abstract: A medicament delivery device is provided. The medicament delivery device may include, among other features, a cartridge holder mounted in a housing and configured to receive a cartridge containing a medicament. The device may also include an outer cap detachably connected to the housing, and a coupling mechanism configured to connect the outer cap to an injection needle holder to which an injection needle is fixed. The coupling mechanism may include a rotatable member configured to be connected to an injection needle holder. The coupling mechanism may also be threadedly engaged with, and rotatable to, the outer cap. The configuration of the device may allow for quicker and more efficient delivery of medicament.

Abstract: A medicament injection device comprising: a needle holder holding a needle, a pivotable cartridge holder, the pivotable cartridge holder being pivotable from an open state to a closed state, wherein the pivotable cartridge holder is arranged to receive a medicament cartridge in the open state, and wherein the needle holder is axially movable towards the pivotable cartridge holder when the pivotable cartridge holder is in the closed state.

Abstract: A cartridge adapter includes: a cartridge holder having a space that can accommodate therein a drug cartridge, the drug cartridge including a cylinder having a tubular internal space extending in a longitudinal direction, a gasket supported in the internal space so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction, and a drug held in the internal space; a piston that moves the gasket in the longitudinal direction in the internal space of the cylinder; a piston guide that movably supports the piston and connected to the cartridge holder; and a piston driving mechanism that drives the piston in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A medicament injection device comprising a main body configured to receive a medicament cartridge sealed by a first penetrable barrier; a cap assembly comprising a button cap and a carrier unit, the button cap being rotatable with respect to the carrier unit and wherein the button cap is prevented from being displaced axially in a proximal direction unless the button is rotated into alignment with respect to the carrier unit, a needle carrier releasably coupled to the carrier unit, the needle carrier carrying a needle having a proximal end and a distal end, the needle carrier being releasably coupled to the push button, wherein, subsequent to rotational alignment of the button cap with respect to the carrier unit, the button cap is axially displaceable in the proximal direction, wherein axial displacement of the button cap in the proximal direction causes the needle carrier to be displaced axially in the proximal direction; and wherein, subsequent to axial displacement of the button cap in the proximal direct

Abstract: An injector for delivering a medicament includes an outer sleeve, an inner sleeve, and a syringe. The inner sleeve is disposed partially within the outer sleeve. A plunger rod of the syringe is engaged with the outer sleeve in a fixed spatial relationship such that the plunger rod and the outer sleeve translate as a unit. The outer sleeve is configured for axial translation relative to the inner sleeve from a first configuration wherein the inner sleeve extends from the outer sleeve a first distance to a second configuration in which the inner sleeve extends from the outer sleeve a second distance that is less than the first distance. Further, in a third configuration the inner sleeve extends from the outer sleeve a third distance that is greater than the second distance and the inner sleeve is restricted from axially translating with respect to the outer sleeve.

Abstract: An injection device having a drive member with first and second gear patterns that are fixed relative to each other. The drive member is rotatable and translatable in first and second opposing axial directions. A plunger expels medicament from a cartridge when it is translated in an advancing direction. A dosage indicator indicates a set dosage. A first gearing arrangement operably couples the first gear pattern with the plunger wherein rotation of the drive member in a first direction translates the drive member in a first axial direction without movement of the plunger and translation of the drive member in the opposite axial direction drives the plunger in the advancing direction. A second gearing arrangement operably couples the second gear pattern with the dosage indicator and moves the dosage indicator to indicate an increase in the set dosage when the drive member is translated in the first axial direction.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device comprising: a main body arranged to receive a medicament cartridge sealed with a penetrable barrier; a needle carrier carrying a needle; a cap removably coupled to the needle carrier, a pre-stressed spring connected to the needle carrier and to the main body, wherein the pre-stressed spring is held by an activation element coupled to the cap, wherein the activation element is arranged to release the spring when the cap is pulled in a distal direction from the device, thereby causing the needle carrier to move axially in a proximal direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cap for an injection device. The injection device comprises a body for holding a syringe having a needle extending from an end thereof. The cap is removably attachable to the body. The cap comprises an actuator and a needle shield to cover said needle. The cap further comprises a coupling between the actuator and the needle shield. The coupling is configured such that when the cap is attached to the body of an injection device axial movement of the actuator away from the body causes rotation of the needle shield relative to the body.

Abstract: An injection device comprising: a housing arranged to contain a liquid medicament or a medicament cartridge; an electrical coil arranged at the housing; a removable cap arranged to be removably engaged with an end of the housing; and a magnet arranged within the removable cap; wherein when the removable cap is disengaged from the housing, the magnet moves with respect to the electrical coil such that electrical voltage is induced in the electrical coil and a current is generated.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an auto-injector for delivering a liquid medicament, the auto-injector comprises an injector body, a syringe received in the injector body, a needle disposed in a first end of the syringe to extend toward an opening of the injector body, an injector cap to enclose the opening and cover the needle and a releasable attachment mechanism configured to secure the cap in place covering the needle. The releasable attachment mechanism comprises first and second engaging parts, wherein the first and second engaging parts cooperate in an attached position to secure the cap in position covering the needle, and wherein the attachment mechanism is configured to move into a release position in which the first and second engaging parts are in reduced cooperation when above a threshold temperature to facilitate detachment of the injector cap to expose the needle.

Abstract: A pen needle assembly (10) includes a pen needle (12) with a hub body (16) having a needle shield (28) that covers a needle (26) and can be retracted to expose the needle during injection and return to the extended position after use and locked in the extended position. A spring (56) is provided to rotate the needle shield after use to a locked position. A locking member (84) can be provided on the needle shield that cooperates with the hub body (16) to prevent rotation after use. An attachment mechanism (38) for the pen needle provides a sensory indication when a needle-bearing hub body (16) is seated on a pen and limits further rotation of the pen needle relative to the delivery device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pouch for cooling an insulin pump, which pouch includes a bottom wall and a standing peripheral wall along the bottom wall for enclosing an insulin pump. The upper edge of the peripheral wall forms an insertion opening for inserting the insulin pump. At least two opposite wall parts of the peripheral wall are provided with hydrogel-filled compartments, and the wall parts are water-permeable for the purpose of bringing the hydrogel into contact with water.

Abstract: Syringe pump apparatus and methods for detecting proper or improper engagement of a syringe pump drive system with a syringe in the syringe pump are disclosed. The apparatus and methods can determine proper or improper engagement between a drive system and the plunger of a syringe in a syringe pump by detecting the force required to move a plunger clip in reverse while restricting flow into the syringe. The apparatus and methods may also be used to determine that a syringe in the syringe pump apparatus is properly connected to a delivery line.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an electronic cigarette having an invertible mouthpiece. The electronic cigarette includes a battery assembly and an atomization assembly, the battery assembly including a battery and a housing, and the atomization assembly including a mouthpiece, an outer sleeve and a cartridge. The atomization assembly and the battery assembly are in pluggable connection. The housing defines a groove in the upper part thereof. The outer sleeve has a tail end accommodated into the groove in a working state. The atomization assembly is inverted and the mouthpiece is accommodated into the groove in a receiving state. After the electronic cigarette is used, the mouthpiece can be inverted conveniently and can be completely hidden in the housing to be protected against contamination.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivery of a medicament by inhalation is disclosed. The inhaler comprises a dose counting mechanism comprising a counter. The inhaler further comprises a dispensing mechanism, the dispensing mechanism being configured, on actuation, to dispense a dose of medicament and to adjust the counter. The inhaler further comprises a resetting member configured for movement in a first direction between a first position and a second position to reset the dispensing mechanism, and a prevention mechanism comprising a pair of first and second engaging members. If the movement of the resetting member in the first direction is reversed before it reaches the second position, the first and second engaging members prevent further actuation of the dispensing mechanism until the resetting member is again moved in the first direction. At least one of the first and second engaging members is configured to resiliently flex, under load, into abutment with a substantially rigid component of the inhaler.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system and a method for expiratory flow limitation (EFL) detection by controlling positive pressure (e.g., PEEP) applied during expiration for a subject. The technique is based on a temporary perturbation or adjustment of a pressure level of positive pressure during exhalation on selected breaths. The different response to such a perturbation that flow-limited breaths have compared to non-flow limited breaths is exploited to assess EFL in a subject. Adjustments of positive pressure applied to the patient are used in the disclosed algorithm to abolish EFL. The algorithm can be implemented in existing ventilators and other respiratory devices.

Abstract: A cuff pressure adjusting device includes: a gas feeding unit which feeds a gas into a cuff by a pressing manipulation performed by a user; a cuff pressure detection unit which detects a pressure in the cuff; and a display unit which displays the pressure detected by the cuff pressure detection unit. The gas feeding unit includes: an elastic hollow body which is deformed so as to reduce an inner volume with reception of a pressing manipulation; and a support member which is disposed adjacently to the elastic hollow body in a direction along which the pressing manipulation is performed.

Abstract: Various improvements are provided to breathing training, monitoring and/or assistance devices. A portable device is provided which optionally includes a gas canister, a feedback system for implementing pressure control, and a visual output for indicating adherence to a breathing exercise to the user. The pressure control may provide regulation of different pressures for inhalation and exhalation.

Abstract: Patient interface components and/or associated head gear and adjustment systems improve sealing and/or patient comfort and/or ease of use. The interface comprising an inflating or ballooning seal. The headgear assembly can be connected to the interface with an elastic component and an inelastic component. The elastic component enabling a course fitting of the interface to the patient and the inelastic component enabling a final fitting of the interface to the patient.

Abstract: A hydrogen gas supplying apparatus includes a switching section configured to output, in accordance with switch instructions, one of a hydrogen-containing gas that contains hydrogen and a non-hydrogen-containing gas that does not contain hydrogen, an output section through which the gas that has been output from the switching section is supplied to a subject, and a controller configured to send the switch instructions to the switching section in accordance with an elapsed time and to control an amount of hydrogen that is output from the switching section. The controller controls an amount of hydrogen output per unit time during a first period from a start of switching from the non-hydrogen-containing gas to the hydrogen-containing gas to be greater than an amount of hydrogen output per unit time during a second period successively following the first period.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus includes a flow generator and a humidifier. The humidifier includes a humidification chamber. The humidification chamber comprises a water tub that is configured to receive a volume of water. A lid is hingedly coupled to the water tub for enclosing a volume contained within the water tub.

Abstract: A prior art demand valve has been modified to make it more responsive to persons with impaired oxygen delivery by replacing its sensing diaphragm and associated mechanically actuated valve actuator with a solenoid activated proportional control valve coupled to an analog pressure transducer via a pulse width modulated current driver circuit. The pressure transducer responds to detected pressure changes in a patient's breathing tube.

Abstract: Systems tune, control, or remediate the intrinsic Circadian clock. A light controller sets spectral distribution, intensity of a bioactive spectral band to shift or entrain circadian response to enhance performance and/or synchronize with local or expected conditions. The systems enhance performance under conditions that might be changing, disrupted, or otherwise present an irregular phase or unnatural change in the subject's circadian status, for example, due to geographically discontinuous activity or spectrally deficient workplace illumination, or due to divergent individual sleep/wake behaviors of subjects in a structured group activity. An illumination recipe that compensates for the deficiency of lighting or of participant sleep or behavior patterns, or age- or disease-related changes, to evoke, shift, or align circadian response and improve behaviors such as classroom alertness, relaxation, excitability, attention, or focus.

Abstract: A catheter holding tool for holding a catheter. The catheter holding tool includes an accommodation member. The accommodation member has a first accommodation portion which accommodates a first tubular portion and/or a second tubular portion of the catheter, a second accommodation portion which accommodates a second holding target portion of the catheter, and a holding portion which holds the second holding target portion when the second holding target portion is accommodated in the second accommodation portion. The catheter holding tool includes a fixing tool to fix the position of the first holding target portion. The fixing and unfixing of the position of the first holding target portion is independent of the holding portion of the accommodation member holding the second holding target portion of the catheter.

Abstract: Methods have been discovered that make it possible to continuously extrude tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof. These methods allow tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof to be produced without radial deformation of the tubes despite the slow crystallization of the polymer and copolymers. The methods can produce tubes of P4HB and copolymers thereof with tightly defined outside and inside diameters which are required for medical application. These tubes are produced by radial expansion at temperatures above the melting temperature of P4HB and copolymers thereof, and using low tube cooling temperatures and prolonged cooling times. The tubes made from P4HB and copolymers thereof are flexible, and can be prepared with high elongation to break values.

Abstract: A suction catheter system is described with a suction extension interfaced with a guide catheter to form a continuous suction lumen extending through a portion of the guide catheter and through the suction extension. The suction extension can be positioned by tracking the suction nozzle through a vessel while moving a proximal portion of the suction extension within the lumen of the guide catheter. The suction extension can comprise a connecting section with a non-circular cross section for interfacing with the inner lumen of an engagement section of the guide catheter. The tubular body of the guide catheter can have a reduced diameter distal section the can be useful to restrain the movement of the suction extension.

Abstract: A system can include a handle and a needle fixedly secured to the handle. The needle can include a distal tip that can be inserted through a sidewall of a vessel of a patient. The system can further include a catheter that defines a lumen through which the needle extends and includes an engagement surface at an interior thereof. A cannular stiffener can be positioned within the lumen of the catheter at an exterior of the needle and can include an engagement surface that can press distally on the engagement surface of the catheter to advance the catheter distally over the needle and through a lumen of the vessel when the stiffener is advanced distally over the needle. The system can further include a stiffener hub attached to the stiffener, the stiffener hub being movably coupled with the handle so as to translate relative thereto.

Abstract: Infusion systems and related methods involving a catheter hub and an extension or IV administration set having a male Luer connector for fluid communication with the catheter hub. A support adaptor is provided with the extension or IV administration set and has a body with a length between first and second ends, and a body wall having a continuous wall surface in a radial direction relative to the length and which defines an exterior of the body. An internal wall of the support adaptor defines a bore with the body wall, wherein the bore has first and second openings. A tubing length is located in the bore and extends out of the second opening. The bore includes first and second bore sections. Optionally, the second bore section is angled relative to the first bore section. A support surface is located beneath the bore, elevation wise.

Abstract: A single-use, sterile, disposable catheter placement assist device to aid in the sterile placement of transurethral urinary catheters in female patients, and a method for catheter placement using the device. The catheter placement assist device includes a labia separator with flared wings having a curved profile. The wings meet at a valley. The catheter placement assist device also includes a posterior shield that covers the perineal tissues including the anus to prevent contamination of the sterile catheter with bacteria and may further include a spout that may be shallowly inserted into the vagina to position the catheter device to optimize labial separation, retraction of the posterior vaginal wall, perineal shielding, and visualization of the urethral meatus. The additional features of a light, a handle, a catheter tip holder, a swab storage location, and a stackable configuration may further be included with the catheter placement assist device.

Abstract: An elongated surgical manipulator apparatus and method of operating enables determination of the shape of a flexible portion of the elongated surgical manipulator and/or the location of an arbitrary point thereon, as well as a measure of a contact force exerted on a distal portion of the manipulator. A plurality of fiber optics are operatively coupled with the manipulator, each of the fiber optics including a plurality of fiber Bragg gratings for determination of the shape and/or position. Each of the fiber optics further includes a fiber optic strain gauge such as a Bragg grating or a Fabry-Perot resonator at a distal portion of the elongated surgical manipulator that is isolated from the strain associated with the bending of the manipulator. The fiber optic strain gauges at the distal portion may thus be used to detect a force vector (magnitude and direction) imposed on the distal portion.

Abstract: Cannula securing devices and cannula needle and catheter covers including such devices. wherein a cannula securing device comprises a tubular section shaped internally to engage and hold securely a cannula needle bushing, the tubular section having a top and a bottom, and a securing member for attaching the securing device to a patient's skin in a substantially perpendicular orientation to the skin, wherein the securing device has an attachment surface substantially co-planar with the tubular section bottom.

Abstract: A catheter grip is disclosed that may be engaged onto a catheter by squeezing respective separation regions of the catheter grip to open a gap between distal ends of respective rigid plates thereof. The catheter grip may then be used to grip and manipulate the catheter by releasing the force on the separation regions and squeezing respective compression regions of the respective rigid plates of the catheter grip.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor sleeve that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may include a first actuator that controls the extension of one or more subcutaneous tines into the subcutaneous region under the skin. The anchor sleeve can also include a second actuator that can cause the anchor sleeve to lock onto an outer portion of the catheter (or other medical instrument) arrange in the working channel.

Abstract: A guidewire comprising a hydrophilic surface coating encasing a core and a metal coil along a longitudinal length of the hydrophilic surface coating to form a distal closed tip, the metal coil circumscribing the core along a predetermined length, the core extending longitudinally beyond the metal coil in both a proximal direction and a distal direction, wherein a proximal section of the guidewire includes a hydrophobic surface coating.

Abstract: A torque coil 10 includes an inner wire layer 14 helically wound in a constricted state. An outer wire layer 18 is helically wound over the inner wire layer in a constricted state. An outer polymer cover 20 surrounds the inner and outer layers thereby securing the inner and outer layers within the outer polymer cover.

Abstract: In a surgical drain system formed with two or more branches, exudate flow from a patient's wound is directed between two branches with the respective filling and emptying times determined in order to identify the presence of a blockage in the drain.

Abstract: A method for treating pleural effusion in a patient, the method comprising: providing a valve comprising: a body having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen extending therebetween; an inlet disposed at the proximal end of the body, the inlet being fluidically connected to the lumen; an outlet disposed at the distal end of the body, the outlet being fluidically connected to the lumen; and at least one valve element disposed in the lumen of the body, the at least one valve element being a one-way valve element configured to permit the passage of fluid in a single direction through the lumen of the body; and implanting the valve in the body of the patient such that the inlet of the valve is fluidically connected to the pleural cavity of the patient, and such that the outlet of the valve is fluidically connected to a second body cavity.

Abstract: A dilation system and method for accessing a surgical target site to perform surgical procedures. In one version, the dilation system includes a dilation assembly and an actuating mechanism. The dilation assembly comprises plurality of dilator segments. The actuating mechanism is operably associated with the dilator segments so as to cause the dilator segments to move from a collapsed state to an expanded state.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices, medicaments, and methods are provided for the intraperitoneal treatment of ovarian cancer. An implantable device for drug delivery includes an elongated, flexible device having a housing defining a reservoir that contains a drug in solid or semi-solid form, and configured to be wholly deployed within the peritoneal cavity of a patient and continuously release a therapeutically effective amount of the drug over a period of at least 24 hours. A medicament includes cisplatin for administration into the peritoneal cavity of a patient continuously over a treatment period of at least 24 hours. A method of drug delivery includes implanting within the peritoneal cavity of a patient an elongated, flexible device having a reservoir containing a drug, solubilizing the drug at least in part with peritoneal fluid, and releasing an effective amount of the solubilized drug from the reservoir continuously for a period of at least 24 hours.

Abstract: Provided is a device for the dispensing of powders of the type in which a generated gas flow entrains the powder to be dispensed and carries the powder from the device via a barrel. The barrel has a bore including a main portion with a continuous internal surface, and is characterized in that the length of the main portion is at least fifteen times its maximum internal diameter; and/or the internal bore of the main portion is tapered; and/or the barrel has an outwardly flared outlet portion.

Abstract: A female coupling device includes: a main body defining a fluid passage therethrough; and a clip member coupled to the main body, with the clip member including two opposing arms that extend from the clip member at generally a 45 degree angle relative to a mating male coupling device, the arms being positioned to engage the male coupling device when the male coupling device is mated to the female coupling device.

Abstract: A connector assembly may include a body and a fluid fitting, the fluid fitting configured for releasably engaging a syringe nozzle, at least one deflectable locking arm connected to the body and radially deflectable relative to the distal end, the proximal end of the at least one deflectable locking arm configured for deflecting in a radial direction relative to the distal end to releasably engage the syringe nozzle, and at least one locking element disposed on the at least one deflectable locking arm, the at least one locking element movable with movement of the at least one deflectable locking arm between a first position where the at least one locking element is released from an engagement portion of the syringe nozzle and a second position where the at least one locking element is engaged with the engagement portion of the syringe nozzle.

Abstract: A cap for coupling to a medical adapter may include a housing with a closed top end and an open bottom end with legs that extend from the housing away from the bottom end. Members may extend from an inner surface of the legs to engage and secure the cap to a medical adapter or an insert configured to mate with a medical adapter. A cap may include angular ridges between a cap housing and an insert to permit rotation of the cap in single direction and prevent removal of the cap from a medical adapter. A cap may include hinged legs to permit the cap to be secured to a medical adapter by rotating the legs toward each other until a portion of a collar on each leg may be matingly joined around the medical adapter.

Abstract: A transcutaneous nerve stimulation system includes a multifunctional earphone assembly that receives a sound signal from a sound source or other sources (such as a signal generator). An amplifier receiving the sound signal from the sound source or independent signal generator amplifies the sound signal to generate an amplified electrical signal. A stimulator, which includes multiple conductive electrode contacts, is coupled to the amplifier to receive the amplified electrical signal. The electrode contacts may protrude from an earbud/headphone or extend from an adjustable probe arm. The amplified electrical signal is used to apply eleceltrical stimulation while the earphone assembly emits audible sounds according to the sound signal. The combined functionality enhances compliance with treatment regimens involving electrical stimulation of vagus nerves and other regions of a subject.

Abstract: One aspect relates to a multi-contact electrode, a method for manufacturing a multi-contact electrode, and a use of such multi-directional multi-contact electrode. The multi-contact electrode includes a support structure and a plurality of electrically conductive electrode segments. The support structure is made of a ceramic material. The electrode segments are made of a cermet material and are supported by the support structure. The electrode segments are distributed over an outer surface of the multi-contact electrode to form a multi-directional multi-contact electrode.

Abstract: An electrode array with a flexible array substrate on which plural spaced apart electrodes are disposed. Integrated circuits are disposed in the array substrate. The integrated circuits are mounted to package substrates. The package substrates are more rigid than the array substrate. Internal to each package substrate is at least one electrical conductor. The electrical conductor extends from a bond pad integral with integrated circuit at least partially through the package substrate. The electrical conductor functions as the conductive member that extends between the integrated circuit an electrode with which the integrated circuit is associated.

Abstract: A method for treating an eye, including the step of applying an electromagnetic wave of distorted sinusoidal current with a resonance frequency and having related harmonics on an eye, an eye orbit, a temple, eyelid areas or a part thereof.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a system for fitting a cochlea implant that has a plurality of stimulation electrodes is disclosed. The system comprises a fitting device and a cochlear implant communicatively connected to the fitting device. The cochlear implant comprises an electrode lead with a plurality of stimulation electrodes forming an electrode array, a stimulation unit to generate stimulation pulses to be emitted via individual stimulation electrodes in controlled manner with an adjustable stimulation intensity and a sound processing unit for generating a stimulation intensity control signal for each electrode depending on frequency ranges assigned to each individual electrode and a respective signal strength of an input signal in a respective frequency range. The fitting device comprises a graphical display and a user interface providing input means.

Abstract: An implantable medical lead has a torsional stiffness and is rotationally coupled to a stylet. Applying rotation directly to the lead in turn causes rotation of the stylet. Where the stylet has a bent tip for purposes of steering the lead, the rotation applied to the lead rotates the bent tip so that the lead can be steered by rotating the lead rather than rotating a hub of the stylet. The rotational coupling may be achieved through one or more features provided for the lead and/or the stylet, such as a feature within a lumen of the lead that mates to a feature along the stylet or a feature of the stylet hub that engages the proximal end of the lead. The torsional stillness of the lead may be provided by adding a feature within the lead body, such as a braided metal wire or an overlapping foil.

Abstract: A sensing and treatment device includes an array of metal nanorod electrodes formed on a substrate, the array including first electrodes for sensing, and second electrodes for electrical pulsation. A data processing system is configured to monitor a parameter using the first electrodes and to activate the electrical pulsation in the second electrodes in accordance with a reading of the parameter.