Abstract: An infusion set, comprising a base, and an inserter pivotally connected to said base, said inserter including a catheter movable from a first catheter position to a second catheter position, an introducer needle located within said catheter and movable between a first and second introducer needle positions, and an activation button, wherein when said button is moved from a first button position to a second button position, said catheter is moved from said first toward said second catheter position, said introducer needle is moved from said first toward said second introducer needle position, and said introducer needle is thereafter moved back toward said first introducer needle position, wherein in the second button position, the inserter is configured to fold substantially entirely within said base in the second inserter position.

Abstract: The disclosed device, systems and methods relate to a novel catheter, system and methods. The various catheter implementations are for use in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and other medical or surgical conditions that require emergency restoration of cerebral and cardiac blood supply. The catheter or catheters have one or more lumens and balloons. Two catheters connected to a control unit can be disposed within the body to occlude and perfuse a region of the circulatory system.

Abstract: A method of preparing 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 a coating substantially covers the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve, attaching it to the balloon.

Abstract: A system for bypassing an anastomosis site in a hollow organ is provided. The system includes a sleeve configured for spanning the anastomosis site at an internal surface of the hollow organ and a band configured for attachment to an external surface of the hollow organ and limiting migration of the sleeve beyond the anastomosis site.

Abstract: Computerized oral prescription administration (COPA) devices, systems, and methods are provided. In one embodiment, a method of assembling a substance dispensing device includes forming a mouthpiece including a recess customized to match with an intended user's unique dentition; coupling a sensing element to the recess of the mouthpiece, the sensing element configured to determine if the intended user's unique dentition is positioned within the recess of the mouthpiece; and coupling a substance dispensing unit to the mouthpiece, wherein the substance dispensing unit is in communication with the sensing element and configured to dispense a substance to the intended user in response to the sensing element determining that the intended user's unique dentition is positioned within the recess.

Abstract: A capsule-type microrobot is provided. A capsule-type microrobot according to the present invention comprises a motor including a receptacle having an internal space, with one portion thereof being open, a body extending from the receptacle, and a magnetic layer disposed on an outer surface of the body. A cap is coupled to a predetermined portion of the receptacle to close the internal space such that contents are contained in the receptacle. The motor separates the cap therefrom by rotating with respect to the cap through an interaction between a rotating magnetic force applied from an external source and the magnetic layer, whereby the contents are discharged from the receptacle.

Abstract: A device used for applying an antiseptic preparation to a surgical site of a patient prior to surgery outside of an operating theater. A loose-fitting bag is provided which encloses the surgical site by securing the open end(s) to the patient by closing means. A high friction scrub surface is provided in the bag. A method and apparatus are also provided for releasing antiseptic into the interior of the bag. The method provides that the surgical site can be scrubbed within the bag so as to properly prepare the skin for surgery. A temperature indicator for the antiseptic preparation is also provided.

Abstract: The present disclosure described methods, systems, and techniques for applying contrast-enhanced ultrasound to locate areas of blockage within retinal vessels and to break up clots that are causing damage. In addition to identifying the damaged area, the researchers anticipate that the initial image may serve as a baseline for monitoring the effect of treatment on the vessel, which may be achieved in multiple ways. The vibration effect of the ultrasound itself may suffice to dislodge clots. The microbubbles may also be coated or filled with medication, with ultrasonic shock waves activating the coating or causing mini explosions to release the medicine. Loading the microbubbles with a therapeutic agent, visualizing their presence at the diseased site using the ultrasound diagnostic mode, and then activating the microbubbles to release their contents at the targeted lesion could be a powerful and effective way to reverse occlusion without harming other areas of the eye or body.

Abstract: A medical device comprising an access port locator configured to locate a subcutaneous access port located beneath a skin surface of a host, the access port locator including at least one annular ring having first and second opposing ends and a longitudinal access, the annular ring positionable on the skin surface of the host with the first end of the annular ring in contact with the skin surface and the longitudinal axis of the annular ring substantially perpendicular to the skin surface; at least one stabilizing flange configured to stabilize the access port locator on the skin surface, the stabilizing flange extending outward from the annular ring substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal access of the annular ring; and at least one need needle guard configured to shield a hand of a user of the access port locator when the hand is positioned on the stabilizing flange.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve assembly includes a housing and a valve member. The housing includes a central bore. The valve member is positioned within the housing and includes opposed first and second primary surfaces, a thickness, an opening, and first and second slits. The valve thickness is defined between the first and second primary surfaces. The opening is formed in the first primary surface. The first and second slits intersect each other and extend through a portion of the valve thickness. At least one of the first and second slits is accessible within the opening.

Abstract: A two-way retractable medical tubing system is described. The system includes a housing, a reel located in the housing and a tube wrapped around the reel. The reel is attached to a track that prevents the tube from kinking. The tube has a proximal end and a distal end and exits the housing at a proximal aperture and a distal aperture. Pulling on either the proximal or distal end of the tube causes the tube to partially unwind from the reel so that a longer segment of the tube is located outside the housing as compared when the system is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A medical device which absorbs a difference in dimension between the members, can be applied to an existing device without generating a dead space in a flow path of a therapeutic substance when administrating the therapeutic substance, and is high in versatility. The medical device includes a feeding member, a connected member and a joint member, and the joint member includes an inner tapered portion and an outer tapered portion, the joint member is configured so that the tip end of the joint member is located on the inner tapered connecting portion when the joint member is connected to the hub.

Abstract: A disinfecting and pre-opening device is disclosed for use with a female needleless connector. The disinfecting and pre-opening device includes a housing comprising a chamber having a distal opening and configured to fit over the female needleless connector, and an elongated finger attached to the housing and disposed within the chamber such that the elongated finger opens the fluid path through the female needleless connector when the distal opening of the disinfecting and pre-opening device is placed proximally adjacent to the septum and the disinfecting and pre-opening device is advanced in the distal direction.

Abstract: An example of a method of enabling medical fluid transfer between a source container and a destination container can comprise the steps of providing a closed-system fluid transfer module comprising a first closeable, resealable medical connector and a second closeable, resealable medical connector, a multidirectional fluid control valve with a driving interface configured to interface with an electromechanical driver of an electronic medical fluid transfer device, and an intermediate container or an intermediate pumping region; and instructing a user to couple the closed-system fluid transfer module to the electronic medical fluid transfer device.

Abstract: Methods and devices for monitoring and/or controlling delivery of a fluid to a patient monitor a level of the fluid and generate an alarm and/or block flow of the fluid through a flexible delivery tube to the patient in response to detecting that the fluid level has dropped below a predetermined level. A device for monitoring and/or controlling delivery of the fluid to a patient is removeably mountable to a fluid delivery assembly having the delivery tube. When the device is configured to control delivery of the fluid, the device automatically reconfigures from a first configuration in which fluid is allowed to flow through the delivery tube to a second configuration in which the delivery tube is in a deformed state via the device to block flow of fluid through the delivery tube upon the device detecting that the fluid level is below the predetermined level.

Abstract: When electrodes are used to impose an electric field in target tissue within an anatomic volume (e.g., to apply TTFields to treat a tumor), the position of the electrodes can be optimized by obtaining electrical conductivity measurements in an anatomic volume and generating a 3D map of the conductivity directly from the obtained electrical conductivity or resistivity measurements, without segmenting the anatomic volume into tissue types. A location of the target tissue is identified within the anatomic volume, and the positions for the electrodes are determined based on the 3D map of electrical conductivity and the position of the target tissue.

Abstract: Provided is a patch able to produce micro-current to be applied on human skin including a support for electrodes spaced from each other and apt to create voltages typical of galvanic piles, connection means between the electrodes, an adhesive layer applied on one side of the support and apt to adhere to the skin and a protection liner applied on the adhesive layer, the support being a membrane permeable to the moisture inside the electrodes, and the connection means being defined by a material that is avid of moisture, such as silica impregnating the membrane.

Abstract: The present invention is a flexible circuit electrode array with a polymer base layer, metal traces deposited on the polymer base layer, including electrodes suitable to stimulate neural tissue, a polymer top layer deposited on the polymer base layer and the metal traces, and a soft polymer filling a void through both the polymer base layer and polymer top layer, the soft polymer forming drum stress relief around an attachment point.

Abstract: A medical microelectrode includes an elongate electrode body including a tip section, a main body section and, optionally, a coupling section. The tip section, the main body section and, optionally, the coupling section are embedded in a first electrode matrix element, which is substantially rigid, biocompatible and soluble or biodegradable in a body fluid. Additionally the microelectrode includes a dissolution retarding layer on the first electrode matrix element and/or a second electrode matrix element disposed between the first electrode matrix element and the electrode. Upon dissolution or biodegradation of the first electrode matrix element a drug comprised by the first electrode matrix element or the second electrode matrix element is released into the tissue. Also disclosed are bundles and arrays of the electrodes and their use, which may be positioned on a face of a solid support.

Abstract: A lead fixation device for securing a medical lead in a human patient includes: a single-piece structure comprising: a top surface; a bottom surface; an outer perimeter; and an inner perimeter, the inner perimeter comprising: a diameter approximately equal to or smaller than a diameter of a burr hole into which the lead fixation device is designed to be deployed; a central bore extending longitudinally from the top surface through to the bottom surface, a portion of the central bore being located in approximately a center of the lead fixation device and comprising a central bore diameter; and at least one retention tract formed in the top surface of a cap of the lead fixation device, the retention tract configured for retaining, with an interference fit, a portion of a body of the medical lead in the lead fixation device.

Abstract: An implantable device for providing electrical stimulation of cervical vagus nerves for treatment of chronic cardiac dysfunction is provided. A stimulation therapy lead includes helical electrodes configured to conform to an outer diameter of a cervical vagus nerve sheath, and a set of connector pins electrically connected to the helical electrodes. A neurostimulator includes an electrical receptacle into which the connector pins are securely and electrically coupled. The neurostimulator also includes a pulse generator configured to therapeutically stimulate the vagus nerve through the helical electrodes in alternating cycles of stimuli application and stimuli inhibition that are tuned to both efferently activate the heart's intrinsic nervous system and afferently activate the patient's central reflexes by triggering bi-directional action potentials.

Abstract: In some examples, a lead identification system includes a first set of first lead indicators and a second set of second lead indicators. Each of the first lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a first therapy delivery element, a first epidural needle, or a first connector to uniquely identify at least one of the first therapy delivery element, the first epidural needle, or the first connector during implantation of the first therapy delivery element in the patient. Each of the second lead indicators is configured to removably attach to at least one of a second therapy delivery element, a second epidural needle, or a second connector to uniquely identify at least one of the second therapy delivery element, the second epidural needle, or the second connector during implantation of the second therapy delivery element in the patient.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a tissue with a high frequency electric field to activate MAPK/ERK pathways, induce angiogenesis, induce angionenic factos such as NO and VEGF, or promote wound healing. Aspects of the invention are directed to methods of treating chronic wounds such as diabetic ulcers and hypoxia induced wounds. Aspects utilize high frequency electric field having a frequency in the GHz range, and preferably between about 1 GHz and about 10 GHz.

Abstract: A portable one-piece therapeutical apparatus with dual heating and low-frequency treatment functions includes a main unit having an accommodating space and a patch portion; a control means installed in the accommodating space and including a printed circuit board assembly with an operating component for controlling low-frequency pulses and a heating operation, an electrical connector installed at the front of the printed circuit board assembly for charging a battery and reading, writing and transmitting data; at least one heating means installed at the main unit and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board assembly for producing a heating effect; at least one low-frequency electrode layer disposed under the patch portion and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board assembly for transmitting low-frequency pulses; and a battery installed in the accommodating space and directly and electrically coupled to the printed circuit board assembly for supplying power to the patch therapeutical apparatu

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems induce neuromodulation by focusing a source of stimulation through a skull/brain interface in the form of an aperture formed in the skull, a naturally occurring fenestration in the skull, or a transcranial channel. Methods, devices, and systems identify where to locate skull/brain interfaces, accessories that can be used with the interfaces, and features for controlling stimulation delivered through the interfaces. Multiple indications for the skull/brain interfaces include diagnosis and treatment of neurological disorders and conditions such as epilepsy, movement disorders, depression, Alzheimer's disease, autism, coma, and pain.

Abstract: A bone growth simulator system. A bioabsorbable electric circuit is encapsulated in a modified alginate known-time dissolving capsule having a rate of dissolving proportional to the thickness of the capsule. The electronic circuit is powered by a power source. The power source can be inside the capsule or outside the capsule, and can be bioabsorbable or at least biocompatible. An operational amplifier maintains constant current through the circuit. The current stimulates bone growth in bones adjacent to the circuit. The capsule and electric circuit dissolve after completion of the therapy.

Abstract: A method and system is described for ensuring a state of an active implantable medical device based on the presence and persistence of a magnetic field. The output of a magnetic field sensor is monitored. The active implantable medical device is maintained in a first state, for so long as the presence of a magnetic field is detected by the magnetic field sensor, until a first interval is surpassed. If the first interval is surpassed, then a determination is made as to whether a second interval has been surpassed. If it is determined that the second interval has not been surpassed, then the active implantable medical device is transitioned into a second state. If it is determined that the second interval has been surpassed, then it is ensured that the active implantable medical device is in a predetermined one of the first and second states.

Abstract: In some examples, a processor of a system evaluates a therapy program based on a score determined based on a volume of tissue expected to be activated (“VTA”) by therapy delivery according to the therapy program. The score may be determined using a three-dimensional (3D) grid comprising a plurality of voxels that are each assigned a value. The processor may register the VTA with the 3D grid and determine the score for the therapy program based on the values assigned to voxels with which the VTA overlaps. One or more therapy programs for electrical stimulation therapy (e.g., deep brain stimulation) may be selected based on the scores determined based on the 3D grid.

Abstract: Stimulation treatments for various medical disorders, such as neurological disorders, comprise novel systems, strategies, and methods for providing TMS, electrical, magnetic, optical and other stimulation. Some stimulation methods comprise varying the stimulation parameters to improve the therapeutic efficacy of stimulation, and decrease risk of habituation and side-effects such as interference with normal brain, sensory, motor, and cognitive processes. The creation, and subsequent variation, of stimulation parameters can use sensed data in order to match, adjust, or avoid matching characteristics of the stimulation therapy relative to certain endogenous brain activities. Novel methods are described for choosing, creating and subsequently stimulating with partial signals which summate to produce therapeutic vector fields having unique temporal patterns and low- or high-frequency spectral content.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for combining tonic deep brain stimulation (DBS) and random DBS. A system includes a stimulation lead including a plurality of contacts, and an implantable pulse generator (IPG) communicatively coupled to the stimulation lead and configured to cause tonic stimulation to be delivered using one contact of the plurality of contacts, and cause random stimulation to be delivered using a subset of the remaining contacts of the plurality of contacts.

Abstract: Methods and devices for tying management of an implantable medical device to the activities of a primary care physician are described, including access control, simplified parameter optimization, support for tuning a device in response to the effects of other treatments in parallel, and support for helping a primary physician and a patient work together to tune device configuration to the activity and performance needs of the patient. In some embodiments, a medical device is self-configuring in a device parameter domain, based on inputs provided in a patient performance domain. The self-configuring of the medical device is based, for example, on an automatically applied transformation of inputs derived from patient performance domain observations into changes in the configuration of the medical device which affect technical parameters of its operation.

Abstract: A method and medical device for generating a template that includes sensing a cardiac signal from a plurality of electrodes, determining a plurality of beats in response to the sensed cardiac signal, determining whether to store a beat of the plurality of beats in a subgroup of a plurality of subgroups for storing beats, determining whether a number of beats stored in one of the plurality of subgroups exceeds a subgroup threshold, and generating a template in response to beats stored in the one of the plurality of subgroups that exceeds the subgroup threshold.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an apparatus, comprising a first arm configured to accept a device, the first arm comprising a first counterweight arrangement, a second arm supporting the first arm by a coupling, and a base defining a curve and having the second arm mounted thereon, wherein the second arm is movable along the curve, the base configured to be mounted on a chair. The second arm may be furnished with a second counterweight arrangement.

Abstract: Systems that integrate Transcranial Stimulation Biofeedback (TSB) Detector functions and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) functions, as well as methods of manufacturing such systems and methods of performing TSB detection 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 the TSB Detector hardware.

Abstract: Configurations are described for utilizing light-activated proteins within cell membranes and subcellular regions to assist with medical treatment paradigms, such as hypertension treatment via anatomically specific and temporally precise modulation of renal plexus activity. The invention provides for proteins, nucleic acids, vectors and methods for genetically targeted expression of light-sensitive proteins to specific cells or defined cell populations. In particular the invention provides systems, devices, and methods for millisecond-timescale temporal control of certain cell activities using moderate light intensities, such as the generation or inhibition of electrical spikes in nerve cells and other excitable cells.

Abstract: A flat optogenetic cuff interface (FOCI) is configured for functional optical stimulation of axons in a single fascicle of a peripheral nerve bundle in which the axons have been genetically modified to express light sensitive proteins for excitation or inhibition of the nerves. The FOCI is configured to gradually reshape the single fascicle to a final height between 0.2 mm and 0.5 mm by reorganizing the individual axons within the fascicle without reshaping (and damaging) the individual axons. The FOCI facilitates stimulation of axons over the entire cross-section of the reshaped fascicle within the power limitations for pulsed laser energy. An electrical interface may be included to sense nerve activity of either the stimulated axons to provide closed-loop feedback to control the optical sources or stimulated axons of a different modality to record the response.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for irradiating at least a portion of a patient's brain with electromagnetic radiation to treat stroke, Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's Disease, or depression. The apparatus includes a source of the electromagnetic radiation. The apparatus further includes an output optical element including a rigid and substantially thermally conductive material and a surface configured to be in thermal communication with the patient's body. The apparatus further includes a cooler thermally coupled to the output optical element to remove heat from the output optical element. The apparatus further includes a heat sink thermally coupled to the cooler, wherein the heat sink is positioned so that the electromagnetic radiation from the source propagates through the heat sink and through the output optical element.

Abstract: A first dose calculated using a first set of fluence maps and a first (faster) dose prediction model is accessed. A second fluence map is accessed. The second fluence map is projected onto the first set of fluence maps to deter me set of scalars and a residual value. When the residual value satisfies a criterion, a second dose is calculated using the first dose prediction model, the set of scalars, and the second fluence map. When the residual value does not satisfy the criterion, the second dose is calculated using a second (more accurate) dose prediction model and the second fluence map.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods, and computer-readable storage media for segmenting medical image. Embodiments of the present disclosure may locate and track a moving, three-dimensional (3D ) target in a patient undergoing image-guided radiation therapy. For example, an adaptive filter model for a region of interest in the patient may be received, wherein the adaptive filter model is based on the target to be tracked. An image acquisition device may obtain a two-dimensional (2D) slice of a region of interest in the patient. A processor may then apply the adaptive filter model to the 2D slice, wherein the adaptive filter model includes an offset value. The processor may also determine a location of the target in the 2D slice based on the adaptive filter model. The processor may also estimate a potential location of the target based on the offset value. The processor may then repeat one or more of the above steps to track the moving target during image-guided radiation therapy of the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a tumor surface dose enhancing radiotherapy apparatus using a magnetic field, including a radiation beam generating unit that irradiates a radiation beam towards a tumor of a patient, a magnetic field generating unit that forms a magnetic field that is parallel to the radiation beam between the radiation beam generating unit and the tumor of the patient, and a control unit that controls a surface dose of the tumor by adjusting an intensity and an effective area of the magnetic field of the magnetic field generating unit.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system, a method and a filler for measuring a dose of ionizing radiation received by a pre-determined part of the body during radiotherapy while creating a space between the organ to be irradiated and organs to be protected. The invention also relates to uses of such filler. The system comprises an injectable dosimetric filler, which under the influence of ionizing irradiation undergoes measurable physical and/or chemical changes, while preserving its spatial integrity; a detector system for measuring the physical and/or chemical changes within the radiation sensitive filler by sending an energy wave to the radiation sensitive filler and capturing the signal emitted therefrom; and a control unit for processing the signal captured by the detector system and calculating a dose of ionizing radiation previously or simultaneously received by each part of the volume of the radiation sensitive filler on the basis of said signal.

Abstract: The invention comprises a fiducial marker—fiducial detector based treatment room position determination/positioning system apparatus and method of use thereof. A set of fiducial markers and fiducial detectors are used to mark/determine relative position of static and/or moveable objects in a treatment room using photons passing from the markers to the detectors. Further, position and orientation of at least one of the objects is calibrated to a reference line, such as a zero-offset beam treatment line passing through an exit nozzle, which yields a relative position of each fiducially marked object in the treatment room. Treatment calculations are subsequently determined using the reference line and/or points thereon. The treatment calculations are optionally and preferably performed without use of an isocenter point, such as a central point about which a treatment room gantry rotates, which eliminates mechanical errors associated with the isocenter point being an isocenter volume in practice.

Abstract: A radiotherapy system comprising an X-ray tube operating at 100 to 800 kVp for providing X-ray beams of 30 mm diameter or less and configured to move the entrance beam footprint on the body during irradiation to any arbitrary sequential position set that has been predetermined to limit the intervening tissue dose rate at any one location to a safe level, such that the sum of the skin area traversed during treatment is 20 to 100 times the beam area.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory circuit appliance with a respiratory line, a CO2 absorber (6) in the respiratory line, and a cooling device for cooling the respiratory gas after it exits the CO2 absorber. Provision is made that the cooling device cools a heating pump with a compressor (33) for compressing/condensing a cooling medium, a condenser (30), which receives the condensed cooling medium, and in so doing releases heat to the surroundings, and with a heat exchanger body (8) which receives the cooled cooling medium and is in heat-conducting contact with a section of the respiratory line.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a breathing apparatus, such as a powered air purifying respirator. The filter assembly includes a frame for receiving and retaining a filter element, a cover connected to the frame and dimensioned to cover the aperture, a filter element, and an indicator for indicating when the filter element is retained in the filter frame and the cover is arranged across the aperture. A powered breathing apparatus including the filter assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: A receptacle with at least one oxygen mask of an emergency oxygen supply device of an aircraft, said oxygen mask being located in the receptacle and said receptacle comprising an opening, through which the at least one oxygen mask can be led. The receptacle comprises at least one cover for covering the opening at least in sections, and a release device actuated by pull means for the release of the cover.

Abstract: A component for fitting to a safety harness for a human user, for at least partially preventing obstruction of the femoral vein of the user. The component includes a support structure; two leg harness pads fitted to the support structure at such a distance from one another that, when the component is fitted to the safety harness, a section of the support structure arranged between the two leg harness pads, in particular a section without a leg harness pad, at least partially prevents obstruction of the femoral vein of the user, if the user has put on the safety harness; and a detachable fastening mechanism, that is fitted or can be fitted to the support structure, for detachably fastening the component to the safety harness.

Abstract: Process to stop and/or prevent the spreading of peat fires consisting of: digging a trench in the periphery of the area of outbreak of fire or potential fire, filling the trench at least partially with a superabsorbent (co)polymer (SAP).

Abstract: A nozzle access device is configured to be installed in a structural element and to accept connection by a fire hose nozzle to introduce firefighting fluid into an enclosed space. The device has a housing configured to be inserted in a hole formed in the structural element. The housing has a cylindrical body and a first face with an opening surrounded by an inwardly extending cylindrical socket. The housing has a second face, with an opening, which is attached to the cylindrical body. A movable nozzle connector in the housing has a connection portion configured to receive an inserted fire hose nozzle in a locking connection and a cylindrical nozzle stop portion extending from the connection portion. The nozzle stop portion is movably coupled within an interior of the socket of the first face.

Abstract: A wet pipe fire protection sprinkler system and method of operating a wet pipe fire sprinkler system includes providing a sprinkler system having a pipe network, a source of water for the pipe network, at least one sprinkler head connected with the pipe network and a drain valve for draining the pipe network. An inert gas source, such as a nitrogen gas source, is connected with the pipe network. Inert gas is supplied from the inert gas source to the pipe network. Water is supplied to the pipe network thereby substantially filling the pipe network with water and compressing the inert gas in the pipe network.