Abstract: A device for securing a nasal cannula to a patient includes a pair of opposing legs having a predefined opening therebetween and a clip secured to an opposite end of the pair of opposing legs. The pair of opposing legs are configured to slide over a nasal septum and are biased together to provide compression as the pair of legs are moved apart when sliding over the nasal septum. The clip has an opening configured to secure the device to a tube. Alternatively, a device for securing a nasal cannula to a patient includes an adhesive strip configured to be releasably attached to columella of the nasal septum and a clip secured to the adhesive strip and the clip has an opening configured to secure the device to a tube.

Abstract: Components for a respiratory treatment apparatus that is capable of providing a humidified respiratory treatment permit a reduction in condensation in a patient interface and/or its gas delivery tubing. In some embodiments, a rainout valve that may be an integrated component of a humidifier output aperture, or coupled thereto, may reduce condensation with a vapor barrier operable to selectively block and permit humidified gas transfer from the humidifier. For example, the barrier may be operable to open in response to a flow of pressurized breathable gas that may be generated by a flow generator of the respiratory treatment apparatus. In the absence of such a generation of pressurized flow, the barrier may prevent a transfer of the humidified gas such as into a conduit for a patient interface by retracting to a closed position. Example vapor barriers may include a resilient membrane, cover, bellows, flap, shutter or other suitable valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory mask of modular construction. The main components are reduced to four parts and are provided by the mask body, the forehead support, the mask bead and the attachment piece. The design, according to the invention, of the outflow structure between mask body and forehead support makes apertures in the mask body unnecessary for this purpose. The strap coupling in the region of the mask body is made easier by a funnel-shaped guide structure such that it is possible in a simple manner even without seeing it.

Abstract: A positive pressure ventilation (PPV) appliance module includes an adapter that couples to a port on an NIV mask and an appliance for performing a respiratory care procedure. The adapter is configured to form a PPV seal with the port of the PPV mask and also form a PPV seal with the appliance. The PPV appliance module allows clinicians to perform procedures through the NIV mask without disrupting the therapeutic pressure.

Abstract: An oxygen delivery device for providing oxygen to a user through a retractable tube includes a first housing. An oxygen supplier, such as an oxygen concentrator, is positioned in the first housing. A reel, which is spring-loaded, is rotationally coupled to and positioned in the first housing. A door is positioned in and is hingedly coupled to the first housing proximate to the reel to allow access to the reel. A tube is coiledly positioned around the reel. The tube has a first end that is fluidically coupled to the oxygen supplier. The tube is positioned around the reel such that a second end of the tube is configured to be selectively and reversibly extended from the first housing through a hole that is positioned through the door. The second end of the tube is positioned to couple to an oxygen supply interface, such as a cannula.

Abstract: An electrically conductive plastic (ECP) material can be used to heat water in a reservoir of a respiratory humidifier to encourage heating and/or humidification of gases passing through the respiratory humidifier. The electrically conductive plastic material can at least in part overmould the base and/or walls of the chamber and/or the reservoir of the respiratory humidifier. The reservoir can also partially or fully be formed from the electrically conductive plastic material.

Abstract: A bypass adaptor for a respiratory assistance system including an inlet connector configured to connect to a gases source outlet and defining a first gases passageway with a first axis and an outlet connector configured to connect to an inspiratory conduit connector and defining a second gases passageway with a second axis, the second gases passageway being fluidly connected to the first gases passageway, the inspiratory conduit connector being incompatible with direct connection to the gases source outlet, wherein the first axis is separated from the second axis by an angle that allows the inspiratory conduit connector to be connected via the bypass adaptor to the gases source outlet in a space smaller than the length of the inspiratory conduit connector. Also provided are a port cap assembly and a humidifying apparatus including the port cap assembly, wherein the port cap assembly provides for improved assembly and/or usability.

Abstract: A humidification system has a humidification source and a main gases flow path. The main gases flow path has a low pressure region and a high pressure region. In some embodiments, each of the low pressure region and the high pressure region has an aperture. The pressure difference between the apertures promotes a gases flow between the main gases flow path and the humidification source, and results in humidifying the gases in the main gases flow path.

Abstract: A portable oxygen system for enhancing recovery time during a work out routine includes an oxygen tank that has an outlet. The oxygen tank contains gaseous oxygen. A hose unit is coupled to the outlet and the hose unit is in fluid communication with the oxygen tank. Thus, the hose unit selectively delivers the gaseous oxygen to a user. The hose unit is selectively extended and retracted with respect to the outlet.

Abstract: A sleep apnea device with bleed for exhaling including a peripheral wall formed with an interior through passage formed with a proximally facing seat, bleed passages in the wall bypassing the seat and a ball to close against the seat.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for receiving and processing video content to aid in a user's rest cycles, such as sleep and wake cycles. Video content may be received and processed to determine information related to a plurality of pixels to be displayed on a screen. Each of the plurality of pixels may have a corresponding color value. A time of day when the video content is to be displayed is determined, and compared to a current time of day. Based on the comparison or other data, a color value of one or more of the pixels can be adjusted or changed.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to adjust an intensity of sensory stimulation delivered to a subject during a sleep session based on sleep depth in the subject during the sleep session. The restorative value of sleep may be increased by enhancing sleep slow-waves using sensory stimulation. The stimulation may be applied at an appropriate timing and/or intensity to enhance sleep slow-waves to enhance slow-waves without disturbing sleep.

Abstract: Various implementations of a drainage catheter device include an outer drainage catheter and a distal portion. The outer drainage catheter has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal portion is adjacent the distal end of the outer drainage catheter and extends straight in a first configuration and forms a plurality of loops in a second configuration. A surface of the distal portion that faces radially inward in the second configuration defines a plurality of openings.

Abstract: Tubular devices are provided that include a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, a central lumen, a conductor extending between the proximal and distal ends adjacent the central lumen, reinforcement members including windings extending helically around the central lumen, and an outer jacket. The tubular device includes a first portion in which the conductor extends helically around the central lumen, and a second portion in which the conductor extends longitudinally and either a) all of the windings surround the central lumen and the conductor remains outside the windings, b) at least some of the windings pass between the central lumen and the conductor and at least some of the windings surround both the central lumen and the conductor, and c) all of the windings surround both the central lumen and the conductor. Methods for making such tubular devices are also provided.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.

Abstract: A rapid exchange microcatheter for accessing the intracranial neurovasculature. A side opening through the sidewall is located a first distance proximal to the distal-most tip. A proximal opening located proximal to the side opening is a second distance from the distal-most tip. A distal, reinforced catheter portion extends between a distal end region to a point near the side opening. A proximal, reinforced catheter portion extends a distance from a point near the side opening towards the proximal end of the catheter body. The side opening is positioned within a gap between a proximal end of the distal reinforced catheter portion and a distal end of the proximal reinforced catheter portion. A payload of a cerebral treatment device is housed within the lumen proximal to the side opening. Related devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A device for removing air from an anatomical cavity in a surgical intervention, comprising a flexible catheter with one or more lumens having a proximal end and a distal end, each lumen having one or more holes at a terminal portion of the catheter comprising the distal end, there being further provided an aspiration means for aspirating air from the anatomical cavity, an insufflation means for insufflating, into the anatomical cavity, an air replacement gas having a higher density than air, and a means for lifting said terminal portion of the catheter for the placement thereof at the top of the anatomical cavity, the insufflation means and said aspiration means being connected to the proximal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Catheter shafts and associated devices, systems, and methods are disclosed herein, A representative catheter in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure includes a generally tubular outer structure and an inner structure surrounded by the outer structure. The inner structure surrounds a catheter lumen. The inner structure includes over-lapping edges such that, when the catheter is bent along its longitudinal axis, the over-lapping edges move relative to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for deactivating renal nerves extending along a renal artery of a mammalian subject to treat hypertension and related conditions. An ultrasonic transducer (30) is inserted into the renal artery (10) as, for example, by advancing the distal end of a catheter (18) bearing the transducer into the renal artery. The ultrasonic transducer emits unfocused ultrasound so as to heat tissues throughout a relatively large impact volume (11) as, for example, at least about 0.5 cm3 encompassing the renal artery to a temperature sufficient to inactivate nerve conduction but insufficient to cause rapid ablation or necrosis of the tissues. The treatment can be performed without locating or focusing on individual renal nerves.

Abstract: An endoluminal access device including an outer sheath defining a lumen and a guide assembly. The guide assembly includes an expandable portion configured to be transitioned between a collapsed configuration having a first diameter and an expanded configuration having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. The expandable portion includes a first arm defining a first lumen and an aperture in communication with the first lumen. The expandable portion is configured to expand outwardly from a central longitudinal axis when the expandable portion transitions to the expanded configuration and to deflect inwardly toward the central longitudinal axis when the expandable portion is transitioned to the collapsed configuration. The endoluminal access device further includes an endoluminal tool deliverable from the first lumen of the first arm and outwardly from the aperture of the first arm.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub defining an interior cavity and a catheter tube extending distally thereof. A rigid actuator is positioned to extend proximally in the interior cavity and support a seal member positioned thereon in the interior cavity. The seal member includes a central membrane, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. An hourglass shaped actuator cavity is formed in the distal portion and receives a barbed end of the actuator. The outer surface of the seal member is in partial circumferential engagement with the catheter hub to define an air path that allows fluid communication between areas of the interior cavity distal and proximal of the seal member. The seal member may be configured for multi-use and include a biasing member that moves the seal member to force the membrane back over the actuator to close the membrane.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter hub defining an interior cavity and a catheter tube extending distally thereof. A rigid actuator is positioned to extend proximally in the interior cavity and support a seal member positioned thereon in the interior cavity. The seal member includes a central membrane, a distal portion, and a proximal portion. An hourglass shaped actuator cavity is formed in the distal portion and receives a barbed end of the actuator. The outer surface of the seal member is in partial circumferential engagement with the catheter hub to define an air path that allows fluid communication between areas of the interior cavity distal and proximal of the seal member. The seal member may be configured for multi-use and include a biasing member that moves the seal member to force the membrane back over the actuator to close the membrane.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device, having a catheter (1), an actuation device (8) at a first end of the catheter and also a mechanical transmission element (9, 10) for transmitting a movement along the catheter to the actuation device, the actuation device having a coupling element (14) which is connected to the transmission element (9, 10) and can be actuated by the latter relative to the longitudinal direction of the catheter in a first degree of freedom, and also a conversion element (15) which can be actuated by the coupling element and which converts the actuation movement at least partially into a movement in a second degree of freedom. As a result, a combined movement at the distal end of the catheter can be produced particularly simply for compression and release of a functional element.

Abstract: Provided is an Extraction Device for Collecting Blood Samples, including a Catheter and a Safety System “EDCBSCSS” wherein a catheter is inserted through a cannula, which retracts once the catheter is inside a vein, by means of a spring and safety latch mechanism, retaining the cannula within a housing. The retracted cannula remains immobile within the housing thus avoiding reutilization of the devise and accidental puncture wounds during its disposal. This EDCBSCSS has the advantages (a) among others of assuring that the cutting element has been disabled; (b) possessing a safety system for medical personal so that after the procedure no accidental puncture wounds occur and (c) being easy to handle. The EDCBSCSS is made up of three sequential operational systems, which are puncturing and retracting system which are located within housings and comprise a puncturing cannula; a catheter; a catheter space, a spring and a safety latch.

Abstract: A catheter guide tube device (10) to assist in the insertion of a catheter (11) through a genital urethary system to a desired location within a patient's body. The catheter guide tube device (10) includes a catheter (11), a catheter guide tube (14) being attached to the catheter, and a catheter injection system (26) to regulate and control a flow of liquid through the catheter.

Abstract: Devices and methods for balloon delivery of rapamycin and other hydrophobic compounds to the wall of blood vessels. Balloon catheters, such as those used for balloon angioplasty, are modified with the addition of a reservoir of dry micelles. The micelle preparation is reconstituted and the micelles are mobilized when the aqueous solution used to inflate the balloons is injected into the catheter. The micelles are infused into tissue surrounding the balloon when pressurized fluid within the balloon leaks through the wall of the balloon.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to a method for deploying a medical device in a subject's tubular structure by advancing a catheter through a subject's tubular structure to a target location, the catheter having a tip coupled to a shaft of a T-shaped junction and the T-shaped junction having a crossbar coupled to an inflatable member; and inflating the inflatable member from an uninflated first state to an inflated second state with an inflation medium, where the inflatable member is shaped as a toroid in the inflated second state. In one embodiment the inflated member has attached to it a conical shaped membrane with a drawstring disposed through the shaft, crossbar, and inflatable member for ensnaring debris in the membrane. The orientation of the inflatable member may be perpendicular to the axis of the catheter and is resistant to deflection when forces are encountered in the tubular structure.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to minimally invasive devices and methods for body lumen access and/or drainage, and devices and methods for creating an open flow passage between two or more body lumens.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for placing the muscularis layers of first and second body lumens in contact to establish a long term or permanent open flow or access passage therebetween.

Abstract: A self cleaning inlet head for use on a shunt. The head has a tube with openings disposed in predetermined positions in its wall, and a cleaning element installed inside the tube. The cleaning element may comprise a central shaft with a number of bristles protruding therefrom, preferably in locations substantially identical to the positions of the openings in the wall of the tube. Mutual vibratory motion between the cleaning element and the tube causes at least some of the bristles to enter the openings, thereby keeping them clear, and preventing tissue growth into them. The vibratory motion may be generated by the action of an external field on a responsive part of the cleaning element, such as an external magnetic field operating on a magnetic or magnetized part of the cleaning element or the bristles. Alternatively, the external field may be an ultrasound field operating on the bristles.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent for splinting a nasal passage. The stent consists of a braided tubular support body which, in unloaded state, has a diameter of at least 4 mm and a length in the range of 25 to 120 mm and particularly of 25 to 100 mm. The stent may have a widened section at the proximal end for splinting of the nasal alar. It may alternatively or in combination have a fixation section at the proximal end of the stent for fixation of the stent in a nasal passage of a user. When fixed the fixation section protrudes from the nostril of the user and can be fixed outside of the nose.

Abstract: A diffusing applicator is provided and generally includes a head unit, and extension shaft, and a dispensing device. The head unit includes a fluid receiving space and a plurality of dispensing passageways in communication the fluid receiving space. The extension shaft is securely connected to head unit. The dispensing device holds a fluid and is connected to the extension shaft. The dispensing device is in communication with the plurality of dispensing passageways.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dispenser. Specifically, the dispenser comprises a housing and a stop member fixedly positioned in the housing configured to receive at least a portion of a container and an actuator engagable by a user, whereby contents of the container are released.

Abstract: The purpose of the present application is to provide a microneedle patch applicator and a microneedle patch applicator housing, whereby perpendicular penetration properties of the needle into skin are enhanced. A microneedle patch applicator housing has a flat peripheral base part configured from a single sheet or film, and a protruding part which is surrounded by the peripheral base part and bulges perpendicularly upward toward a top surface from a bottom surface with respect to the peripheral base part. A bottom-surface portion of the protruding part constitutes part of a microneedle patch support surface. The protruding part is provided with a plurality of recessed fold parts, and the recessed fold parts have recess bottoms oriented in the direction away from a center part of the protruding part.

Abstract: An intravenous line port cover. The intravenous line port cover is formed by the connection of a first member to a second member. The first member and the second member form a cavity that can hold an intravenous line port. The housing has a pair of apertures that receive the intravenous lines leading into and out of the intravenous line port. Each aperture has a washer that forms a seal around the intravenous lines that prevents contaminants from reaching the intravenous line port.

Abstract: An apparatus includes sheet material having a first layer, a second layer extending generally parallel to the first layer, and at least one enclosure extending between the first and second layers. The enclosure is at least partially filled with an antimicrobial composition. A housing supports the sheet material for movement relative to the housing. The housing has an opening through which the sheet material extends to dispense the sheet material. In another aspect, a housing has a space storing an antimicrobial composition. The housing is connected to a desired object to be disinfected.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to make a sterile or aseptic connection between a container of material, such as a fluid, to a terminus using tubes or hoses interspersed with connectors. The system keeps the material container, material, connectors, tubes or hoses and terminus sterile or aseptic from when making connection through to the evacuation of the material container. The system is substantially comprised of connectors to attach tubes or hoses contiguously by making the connection within an enclosure. The enclosure is used to make and keep the portion surrounding the connectors and enclosure attachments in contact with sterilant or sanitizer as a means to make and keep the system sterile or aseptic. It further includes the means of repeating the process after a material container has been depleted followed by the connecting of a new material container to insure any potential contamination has been eradicated before the process of depletion resumes.

Abstract: A method of electro-therapeutic stimulation is disclosed herein. The method includes the steps of attaching electrodes to a practitioner and a patient, physically contacting the patient's body with the practitioner's body, and transmitting electrical current to the patient's body through the practitioner's body. This method of treatment for soft tissue injuries and disorders enables the practitioner to integrate electrical muscle stimulation with any form of soft tissue or manual therapy, stretching, or movement.

Abstract: A device for delivery of TENS current, attachable to a handheld skin treatment device with a mechanical motion source, comprises a housing for mounting on the handheld skin treatment device, with a conductive skin contact head with first and second electrodes for receiving a TENS signal as a voltage established between the electrodes and a connector mounted in or on the housing and configured to interface with the mechanical motion source to receive the motion of the motion source. The device has an energy converter in the housing to convert the motion into electrical current, a power control circuit for receiving the electrical current and converting it into at least one power supply output voltage; and a signal generation circuit connected to the at least one the power supply output voltage for producing as an output a TENS signal for delivery to skin.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for activating brown adipose tissue (BAT) using electrical energy. In general, the methods and devices can facilitate activation of BAT to increase thermogenesis. The BAT can be activated by applying an electrical signal thereto that can be configured to target sympathetic nerves that can directly innervate the BAT. The electrical signal can be configured to target the sympathetic nerves using fiber diameter selectivity. In other words, the electrical signal can be configured to activate nerve fibers having a first diameter without activating nerve fibers having diameters different than the first diameter. Sympathetic nerves include postganglionic unmyelinated, small diameter fibers, while parasympathetic nerves that can directly innervate BAT include preganglionic myelinated, larger diameter fibers.

Abstract: A method for making an electrotherapeutic sole, where the electrotherapeutic sole includes of nitrile-butadiene rubber (38%˜42% by weight), conductive carbon black (37%˜42% by weight), a softening oil (14%˜17% by weight), a processing aid (3%˜5% by weight), and an accelerant (1%˜2% by weight) and has a top portion protrudingly provided with a plurality of electrode protuberances that correspond in positions to the acupoints in a human sole; the electrotherapeutic sole is also provided with a socket, thereby an electrotherapeutic pulse output terminal inserted into the socket can send the electrotherapeutic pulses generated by an electrotherapeutic pulse generator sequentially through the socket and the conductive carbon black in the electrotherapeutic sole to the tips of the electrode protuberances to massage the corresponding acupoints in the human sole.

Abstract: A system for facilitating administration of transcranial stimulation. The system includes an electrode, the electrode including a counterpart configured to be attached to a headcap, a gel cup configured to be attached to the counterpart, an electrical conductor configured to be disposed within an interior space of the gel cup, and a gel pad. The gel pad is arranged to be in contact with the electrical conductor. Further, system includes a distributor, which includes at least one inlet for an aqueous solution, as well as a plurality of outlets in a fluid communication with the at least one inlet. Further, the plurality of outlets are configured to direct the aqueous solution towards the gel pad.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing a sensor at the heart is formed based on a modified, branched, pacemaker lead to provide a heart anchor lead where two anchors are coupled to a single main lead rather than there being just a single anchor. Thus, the proposed heart anchor lead comprises a single main lead, a sensor included within the main lead, in which the sensor has a distal end and a proximal end, a first anchor coupled to the distal end of the sensor and extending outward from the distal end of the sensor, and a second anchor coupled to the proximal end of the sensor and extending outward from the proximal end of the sensor in a direction that forms an angle with the first anchor. The heart anchor lead can optionally also have a pacemaking function.

Abstract: A skull-implantable electrode assembly for delivering pulses of electric current to a patient's brain, comprising a conductor housed in an insulated conduit and threaded through an electrically-conductive cannulated skull screw. Details of the exterior construction are discussed, as well as electrode arrangements and methods of treating a medical ailment of a patient.

Abstract: A system for neuromodulation device coding for stimulation of a patient includes a neural code library comprising digital representations of neural responses of neural units of at least one normal functioning animal, each digital representation corresponding to one of digital representations of stimulus; a sensory device configured to detect a sensory signal; an analyzer configured to identify one of the digital representations of stimulus in the neural code library in response to receipt of the sensory signal; a processing device configured, for each identified sensory signal, to retrieve the digital representations of neural responses of neural units corresponding to the identified sensory signal from the neural code library, and select one or more neural units of a patient to be stimulated by a neuromodulation device associated with the patient; and a transmitting device configured to stimulate the selected one or more neural units of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for application of a pulsed radio frequency therapy in a vascular system or another cavity or tissue of the human or animal body comprising a catheter with at least one electrode disposed thereon for insertion into the vascular system or another cavity or the tissue of the human or animal body; a probe with at least one further electrode disposed thereon, wherein the probe is insertable via the catheter into the vascular system or the other cavity or the tissue of the human or animal body; and a generator electrically connected with the electrodes for generating a pulsed electro-magnetic field between the electrodes.

Abstract: The epicardial pacing system and related method includes an epicardial catheter configured to be disposed in the middle mediastinum of the thorax of a subject for use in electrical pacing of the heart at one or more locations on the epicardial surface. The epicardial pacing catheter may include at least one electrode whereby the electrode is insulated on at least one side to allow pacing of the heart without damage to adjacent anatomical structures.

Abstract: In various embodiments, non-invasive methods to induce motor control in a mammal subject to spinal cord or other neurological injuries are provided. In some embodiments the methods involve administering transcutaneous electrical spinal cord stimulation (tSCS) to the mammal at a frequency and intensity that induces locomotor activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes systems and methods for providing temporary induced dyssynchrony (TID) therapy. An implantable cardiac device includes a pulse generator coupled to a plurality of electrodes, and a controller communicatively coupled to the pulse generator. The controller is configured to receive a signal and determine whether to cause the pulse generator to apply TID therapy to a patient's heart based at least in part upon the received signal.

Abstract: Transvascular diaphragm pacing systems (TDPS) and methods are disclosed for providing respiratory therapy to a patient. The TDPS can provide rapid insertion and deployment of endovascular pacing electrodes in critically ill patients who require intubation and invasive PPMV in order to support the physiological requirements of the human ventilatory system. The systems and methods make best use of the contractile properties of the diaphragm muscle and prevent muscle disuse and muscle atrophy. This can be carried out by engaging the phrenic nerves using patterned functional electrical stimulation applied to endovascular electrodes that are temporarily and reversibly inserted in central veins of the patient, such as the left subclavian vein and the superior vena cava.