Abstract: An anesthetic circuit is provided for treating a patient. The anesthetic circuit includes a membrane having a plurality of hollow fibers. Also provided is a fluid separation apparatus connectable to an anesthetic circuit. In a further embodiment, a method is provided for anesthetic treatment of a patient.

Abstract: Oral airway securing devices can have multifunction adapters located at the airway tube distal end. Airway tubes provide clear airways that passes through patients' mouths and, usually, to the trachea where a cuff seals the airway tube inside the patient's airway. The multifunction adapter is fixed to the end of the airway tube outside of the patient and provides an attachment point for attaching ventilation devices that can help a patient breath through the airway tube. The multifunction adapter also provides attachment points for the pilot cuff and air syringe to thereby reliably secure them. An angled hole in the multifunction adapter can hold a syringe adapter such that the pilot cuff is held in place. An air syringe attached to the syringe adapter can be held in position at an angle avoiding interference with ventilation devices such as air bags and ventilators.

Abstract: An intubation aid (10) for insertion into an endotracheal tube (30) has a cross-sectional shape having at least one vertex defining a longitudinally extending edge. The intubation aid (10) is supported within the endotracheal tube (30), in use, by the longitudinally extending edge.

Abstract: A method for guiding suction of an obstruction may comprise emitting sound waves from a sound generator into a tube, detecting returning acoustic reflections with at least one sound receiver, analyzing, using a processor, timings and amplitudes of the returning acoustic reflections to determine a location and size of an obstruction within the tube and a location of a tip of a suction catheter, and guiding the suction catheter to the obstruction.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an oxygen mask comprising: a mask body defining a cavity configured to be positioned over the mouth and nose of a patient, an oxygen port formed on the upper half of the mask body, an annular aperture formed on the mask body, and at least one vent port formed on the mask body, wherein each vent port is formed on the bottom half of the mask body in a manner that patient's exhaled gases are directed towards the vent port.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering a pharmaceutical gas to a patient. The methods and systems provide a known desired quantity of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient independent of the respiratory pattern of the patient over a plurality of breaths every nth breath, where n is greater than or equal to 1. The pharmaceutical gases include CO and NO, both of which are provided as a concentration in a carrier gas. The gas control system determines the delivery of the pharmaceutical gas to the patient to result in the known desired quantity (e.g. in molecules, milligrams or other quantified units) of the pharmaceutical gas being delivered. Upon completion of that known desired quantity of pharmaceutical gas over a plurality of breaths, the system can either terminate, continue, activate and alarm, etc.

Abstract: A CPAP device includes a humidifier tub including a heat conducting base plate. The CPAP device also includes a cradle to support the humidifier tub in an operative position. The cradle includes a heater plate in communication with the heat conducting base plate of the humidifier tub in use. The cradle further includes a retaining mechanism to retain the humidifier tub in the cradle. The retaining mechanism is structured to force the base plate into engagement with the heater plate.

Abstract: A breathable gas inlet control device permits flow regulation at the inlet of a flow generator for a respiratory treatment apparatus such as a ventilator or continuous positive airway pressure device. The device may implement a variable inlet aperture size based on flow conditions. In one embodiment, an inlet flow seal opens or closes the inlet to a blower in accordance with changes in pressure within a seal activation chamber near the seal. The seal may be formed by a flexible membrane. A controller selectively changes the pressure of the seal activation chamber by controlling a set of one or more flow control valves to selectively stop forward flow, prevent back flow or lock open the seal to permit either back flow or forward flow. The controller may set the flow control valves as a function of detected respiratory conditions based on data from pressure and/or flow sensors.

Abstract: Individual wake-up alarm patch. In some embodiments, a wearable patch can include a patch substrate configured to support a plurality of components, and to allow the patch to be attached to a skin of a user. The wearable patch can further include an alert component implemented at least partially within the patch substrate and configured to alert the user based on an alarm control signal. The wearable patch can further include a receiver circuit in communication with the alert component and configured to receive the alarm control signal and induce the alerting of the user by the alert component.

Abstract: A catheter, comprising: a flexible tubular member having at least one lumen therethrough and a proximal end and a distal end; a plurality of conductive cables extending through at least one of the at least one lumen; and at least one electrically operated component, attached at the distal end and powered by at least one electrical current driven on at least one of the plurality of conductive cables. Some of the plurality of conductive cables are attached to the distal end such that the flexible tubular member is deformed by exerting at the proximal end a tensile force on one of the some of the plurality of conductive cables and a compressive force on another of the some of the plurality of conductive cables, while the at least one electrical current is driven on the some of the plurality of conductive cables.

Abstract: A needle catheter for injecting a drug is provided, the needle catheter includes a needle assembly for discharging a drug, a drug supply tube for supplying the drug to the needle assembly, and a drug regulation handle for regulating an amount of the drug to be supplied through the drug supply tube, wherein the needle assembly includes a first needle communicatively coupled to the drug supply tube and a second needle coupled to the drug supply tube in parallel with the first needle, and the first needle and the second needle are contact-coupled to each other by a partition wall.

Abstract: An activator attachment that can be attached to the proximal end of a catheter adapter and can activate a blood control valve within the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A system by which resource information relating to an insertable medical device, such as an intravascular catheter, can be identified by its source so as to be accessed by a practitioner, caregiver, or patient, is disclosed. A resource information key is included at a predetermined key location on or proximate to the medical device, the resource information key indicating the source of the resource information. The resource information key may be positioned on an insertable medical device for establishing intravascular access to a patient, such as a peripherally inserted central catheter (“PICC”) having an internal portion configured for intravascular insertion into the patient, and an external portion. The external portion of the PICC may include the resource information key positioned at a predetermined key location. The resource information key may provide a website where a user can acquire the resource information relating to the medical device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a module including: a base; a first drive member; and a second drive member. The second drive member is also mounted so as to be movable relative to the first drive member, in a degree of freedom other than rotational about the second axis, between a first and a second configuration. A motion transmission system transmits the driving movement generated by the drive motor to the second drive member in order to rotate the second drive member about the second axis between the first and second configurations.

Abstract: A steering assembly for an intravascular catheter system includes first and second pull wires, a steering knob, and first and second movers. The intravascular catheter system includes a handle assembly having a longitudinal axis and a balloon catheter having a catheter shaft with a distal end. The first and second pull wires extend between the handle assembly and the distal end of the catheter shaft. The first mover includes a knob engager that engages an internal thread of the steering knob so that rotation of the steering knob about the longitudinal axis moves the first mover in a first direction. The second mover is coupled to the first mover so that the second mover moves in a second direction. Movement of the first and second movers moves the first and second pull wires to articulate a portion of the balloon catheter near the distal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: A guidewire including a thin elongated structure and an outer shell around at least a portion of the thin elongated structure. The outer shell includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion and the second portion of the outer shell are each coupled to the thin elongated structure. The first portion is spaced from the second portion by a gap. The guidewire is configured to move between a flexible state and a rigid state. The gap has a first distance when the guidewire is in the flexible state and the gap has a second distance greater than the first distance when the guidewire is in the rigid state.

Abstract: In general, medical sheath systems that can employ retainer devices having a plurality of channels configured to retain a sheath assembly in one or more curved configurations are described. In one embodiment, a retainer device may releasably retain a curvable tube of the sheath assembly in any of multiple curved configurations that range, for example, in selectable increments between 0° to 180°.

Abstract: A needle is provided that can be used for introducing or aspirating fluids to a patient or as an introducer needle for positioning and inserting a catheter, such as a peripheral IV catheter into a patient. The needle can be an introducer needle that extends from the distal end of the catheter during insertion. The needle has an insertion tip with a configuration to assist penetration into a vein with a reduced incidence of injuring the inner surface of the vein or inadvertently passing through side wall of the vein. The needle tip can be farmed with a curved distal end surface where the pointed tip is spaced radially inward relative to the outer surface of the needle. In another embodiment the needle tip can have a reverse beveled surface having an axial length, angle, and curvature to assist in penetrating the vein with a reduced incidence of transfixing the vein.

Abstract: A catheter assembly and method for introducing a needle to positioning a catheter, such as a peripheral IV catheter into a patient includes piercing a vein with a needle that extends from the distal end of the catheter. The needle has a distal tip with a configuration that pierces the vein at an angle to penetrate a vein with a reduced incidence of transfixing, injury of the inner surface of the vein or inadvertently passing through side wall of the vein. The distal tip of the needle is introduced into the lumen of the vein at an incline where the distal tip is spaced from an inner surface of the vein and a bevel surface of the distal tip faces the inner surface of the vein opposite the entry point of the needle into the vein. A catheter on the needle is advanced from the distal tip of the needle into the lumen of the vein.

Abstract: A male coupler for a guidewire, the guidewire having a hollow walled tube, the male coupler comprising a connector section, coupled with the guidewire, a portion of the connector section having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the hollow tube, at least one conducting ring coupled with the connector section where the diameter of the connector section is smaller the diameter of the guidewire, wherein the diameter of connecter section and the at least one conducting ring substantially equals the diameter of the guidewire.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a corewire, sensor core, and coupler is presented. A portion of the corewire is disposed within a first end of the coupler, and a portion of the sensor core is disposed within a second end. Alternatively, the device comprises a corewire and a sensor assembly comprising a sensor core having first and second ends and a bore in the first end. A portion of the corewire is disposed within the bore. A method of manufacture comprises providing a corewire, sensor core, and coupler. The method further comprises inserting a portion of the corewire into a first end of the coupler, and a portion of the sensor core into a second end. Alternatively, the method comprises providing a sensor core having first and second ends, and a corewire. The method further comprises forming a bore in the first end, and inserting the corewire into the bore.

Abstract: A composite wire, such as a guide wire, may include a principal section with a relatively large outer diameter, as well as one or more reduced sections with smaller outer diameters. The relatively small outer diameter of each reduced section may be defined by an inner element of the composite wire, while the relatively large outer diameter of the principal section may be defined by one or more outer elements that reside on, and may surround, the inner element. The inner and outer elements may be formed from materials that impart the composite wire with one or more desired characteristics, such as a stiffness, hardness and flexibility. In specific embodiments, the inner element may comprise a standard, small diameter guide wire, while the outer element comprises a polymer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a device and a method for treating at least one of hypertension, pulmonary arteries, diabetes, obesity, heart failure, end-stage renal disease, digestive disease, urological disease, cancers, tumors, pain, asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by delivering an effective amount of a formulation to a tissue. In embodiments of the present invention, the formulation may include at least one of a gas, a vapor, a liquid, a solution, an emulsion, or a suspensions of one or more ingredients. In embodiments of the present invention, amounts of the formulation and/or energy are effective to injure or damage tissue, nerves, and nerve endings in order to relieve disease symptoms.

Abstract: A medical device for dilating urethral strictures comprises a urethral catheter disposed inside a slidable sheath. The device includes a localizing balloon and one or more dilating balloons capable of expanding radially outward to mechanically expand the urethral stricture. In certain embodiments, the device is adjustable in order to position the location of the one or more dilating balloons of the device relative to the urethral stricture of a patient.

Abstract: Implantable drug delivery devices are provided to have a deployment shape for implantation in the body and a retention shape for retention in the body. The device may have one or more elongated drug reservoirs containing a drug, and the drug reservoir may be formed from a deformable material. In one case, a first filament is attached to the first end of the drug reservoir and second filament is attached to the second end of the drug reservoir, wherein a fastener is positioned about the first and second filaments to permit shortening and prevent lengthening of the filaments with reference to the ends of the drug reservoir, as a means for transforming the device from the implantation shape to the retention shape.

Abstract: The device of the present invention comprises an intervening release liner as a common special feature, and the intervening release liner covers a part of an adhesive surface of a patch. The intervening release liner gets away from the patch, and is fixed to a patch application support (or porator tab). Due to such constitution, under a situation in use where the first part of the adhesive area of the patch adheres to a skin surface, the patch application support is slidable along the skin surface while peeling the intervening release liner from said part of the adhesive area of the patch to adhere to the skin surface.

Abstract: A device (1) for the application of liquid medical substances (100) comprises a main body (2) extending around a longitudinal axis (X) and comprising a housing portion (3) at a first open end (4) and a delivery portion (5) at a second open end (6) which is opposite the first (4); a hermetically sealed cartridge reservoir (7) containing a liquid medical substance (100); a perforating element (8) disposed inside the main body (2) in a position falling between the housing portion (3) and the delivery portion (5) and such as to achieve the perforation of one end of the cartridge reservoir (7). The perforating element (8) has a tubular shape and comprises, in a central portion thereof, a cylindrical conduit (12) having a cutting edge (14) faced towards the housing portion (3).

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a luer connector comprising a housing having a hollow bore therethrough, a first end, and a second end, a male luer tip supported by the housing configured to rotate with respect to the housing, the luer tip having a first open end and a passageway through the luer tip in fluid communication with the first open end, and a substantially rigid internal member extending into the passageway of the luer tip toward the first open end of the luer tip. In some embodiments, at least one of the luer tip and the internal member can be axially moveable between a first closed position and a second open position relative to the other of the luer tip and the internal member. Further, the luer tip and the internal member can cooperate such that rotation of the luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing increases an axial displacement between the first open end of the luer tip and an end portion of the internal member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical drain unit comprising: a drain port installed in an infusion solution container; and a drip chamber detachably coupled to the drain port and discharging an infusion solution stored in the infusion solution container. More specifically, the present invention relates to a medical drain unit having a luer-lock connection structure, in which a rubber stopper having a cut incision and a first coupling pipe exposing the incision are installed in the drain port; and a second coupling pipe coupled to the first coupling pipe and a luer-lock connector including an insertion tube which is inserted into the incision to discharge the infusion solution are installed in the drip chamber, whereby a spike that is forcedly inserted into the rubber stopper is not required.

Abstract: A syringe assembly includes (1) a syringe barrel defining a chamber; (2) a plunger mounted in the chamber and moveable with respect to the barrel; and (3) a cap assembly containing a cap and an absorbent material is removably attached to the plunger. A strip package includes at least two cap assemblies. Each of the cap assemblies includes a cap holder and an antiseptic cap positioned in the cap holder. The antiseptic cap includes a sidewall defining a chamber and an antiseptic substance within the chamber. A strip extends over at least two cap assemblies. The strip includes a first seal engaged to the cap holder and a second seal engaged to the antiseptic cap.

Abstract: The anti-back-flow devices and methods prevent fluid from leaking proximally from a catheter, but allow ready access to the catheter using any male luer device. The devices include proximal surfaces that urge open a valve in response to force from a male luer tip. The valves are associated a female luer hub and adapted to function with standard and typical non-standard male luer fittings.

Abstract: A method of operating an extracorporeal blood treatment system to infuse blood into a patient at an end of an extracorporeal blood treatment includes clamping an access line of an arterial line set. The method further includes, after clamping the access line, initiating an operation to generate negative pressure in the arterial line set. The method further includes, after generating the negative pressure in the arterial line set, unclamping the access line to draw fluid in the access line further into the arterial line set in a direction away from an end of the access line that is connectable to an arterial access of the patient. The method further includes initiating an operation of a fluid pump engaged with the arterial line set such that the fluid in the arterial line set is infused into the patient through a venous line set.

Abstract: A system and method for deterring potential illicit use of extended-installations of catheters associated with patient care. A pair of legs are moveably associated together to collectively define a needle-defeating pathway between a pair of scissoring, offset, pinching surfaces disposed on mating surfaces of the legs when the legs are closed and clamped to an indwelling catheter. A single-use tamper evident locking system both maintains the legs closed and provides tamper evidence when opened, such as by disabling the locking system from further locking operation.

Abstract: A method for providing a neural interface system. At least one primary metallization layer is deposited on a substrate. The primary metallization layer has a thickness. A monolayer of nanospheres is deposited in a substantially uniform distribution. The nanospheres contact an upper surface of the primary metallization layer. The upper surface of the primary metallization layer not contacted by the nanospheres is treated to form a plurality of undulating structures having a substantially uniform arrangement. The treating comprises etching recesses part-way through the thickness of exposed portions of the primary metallization layer from the upper surface thereof.

Abstract: A device for positioning an electrode in tissue includes: a lead body having a distal portion; an electrode array coupled to the lead distal portion; an anchoring element having an anchor tip and being operable in a first configuration in which the anchor tip is retracted within the lead and in a second configuration in which the anchor tip is extended outside the lead and configured to fixate within the tissue; and a displacement mechanism that is actuated to bias the electrode array or the anchoring element toward the tissue. A method for positioning an electrode in tissue includes: navigating, to the tissue, a lead with an electrode array, an anchoring element with a distal anchor tip, and a displacement mechanism; biasing the electrode array and anchoring element towards the tissue with the displacement mechanism; and deploying the anchoring element, and verifying fixation of the anchor tip within the tissue.

Abstract: A method may include positioning a catheter, including at least one electrode, within an esophagus such that the electrode is proximate to at least one sympathetic ganglion. The methods may further include recruiting the sympathetic ganglion via an electrical signal, monitoring the recruitment of the sympathetic ganglion, and, based on the monitoring the recruitment of the sympathetic ganglion, adjusting the electrical signal from the at least one electrode.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation lead includes: a lead body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a longitudinal length; electrodes disposed along the distal portion of the lead body; terminals disposed along the proximal portion of the lead body; and conductors electrically coupling the terminals to the electrodes. A sensor assembly is disposed in the lead body in proximity to the electrodes. The sensor assembly is configured and arranged for sensing a magnetic field in three different directions to facilitate determination of a position and orientation of the electrodes based on the sensing. The sensor assembly has a largest transverse dimension of no greater than 0.5 millimeters.

Abstract: A hand-held device for electrically powered skin treatment includes a housing which is adapted to be grasped by a hand of a user, a first outer electrode which is adapted to be in contact with the hand of the user when the device is held in the hand of the user for use, a second outer electrode disposed on a side of the housing where the second outer electrode is placeable on an area of skin to be treated, and an electrically operated vibrator where the electrically operated vibrator is fixed by a socket on a side wall of the housing and is adapted to vibrate the side wall together with the second outer electrode when operated so that during operation of the device, the device produces an intensified massaging effect on the area of skin to be treated.

Abstract: A method for positioning an intravascular catheter may include inserting the intravascular catheter into a venous system of a patient, wherein the catheter includes a plurality of electrodes, and multiple electrodes of the plurality of electrodes are configured to emit electrical signals; positioning a distal portion of the catheter in a first position; using one or more electrodes of the plurality of electrodes to acquire an ECG signal; based on the acquired ECG signal, adjusting the distal portion of the catheter to a second position different from the first position; identifying at least one first electrode of the plurality of electrodes to stimulate a first nerve; identifying at least one second electrode of the plurality of electrodes to stimulate a second nerve; and stimulating at least one of the first and second nerves to cause a contraction of a respiratory muscle.

Abstract: Methods are disclosed for preventing systemic infection or controlling metastases or providing a vaccine adjuvant in a subject, the methods comprising stimulating one or more peripheral nerves innervating one or more lymph nodes of the subject.

Abstract: A wireless implant and associated system for motor function recovery after spinal cord injury, and more particularly a multi-channel wireless implant with small package size. The wireless implant can further be used in various medical applications, such as retinal prostheses, gastrointestinal implant, vagus nerve stimulation, and cortical neuromodulation. The system also includes a method and its implementation to acquire the impedance model of the electrode-tissue interface of the implant.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for installing a magnet into a cochlear implant.

Abstract: An example of a system may include an electrode arrangement and a neuromodulation device configured to use electrodes in the electrode arrangement to generate a neuromodulation field. The neuromodulation device may include a neuromodulation generator, a neuromodulation control circuit and a storage. The storage may include a stochastically-modulated neuromodulation parameter set and the stochastically-modulated neuromodulation parameter set may include at least one stochastically-modulated parameter. The controller may be configured to control the neuromodulation generator using the stochastically-modulation parameter set to generate the neuromodulation field.

Abstract: A medical device may receive sensor data from sensing sources, and determine confidence levels for sensor data received from each of the plurality of sensing sources. Each of the confidence levels of the sensor data from each of the sensing sources is a measure of accuracy of the sensor data received from respective sensing sources. The medical device may also determine one or more therapy parameter values based on the determined confidence levels, and cause delivery of therapy based on the determined one or more therapy parameter values.

Abstract: A method is provided to deliver C tactile fiber stimulation to nervous tissue of a patient. The method comprises delivering a first tactile stimulation waveform to a first electrode combination within an array of electrodes located proximate to nervous tissue of interest. The method further provides sequentially delivering successive tactile stimulation waveforms to successive electrode combinations within the array of electrodes. The first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms include at least one series of pulses having a pulse amplitude and pulse frequency. Delaying delivery of the successive tactile stimulation waveforms by a firing delay, the pulse amplitude, pulse frequency and firing delay represent therapy parameters. The method manages at least one of the therapy parameters of the first and successive tactile stimulation waveforms to excite C tactile fibers of the nervous tissue of interest.

Abstract: A connection pin of a feedthrough of an implantable medical electronic device has a primarily cylindrical pin body and at least one flattened end section. The flattened end section has at least one planar connecting surface formed on it, especially for connection by material bonding of a band-shaped conductor.

Abstract: A hybrid system forming an active implantable medical device includes a subcutaneous autonomous capsule and at least one intracorporeal autonomous leadless capsule. The subcutaneous capsule is a hybrid capsule having a seal body of dimensions comparable to those of a leadless capsule, but extended by a detection/stimulation microlead, without any intermediate connector. The leadless capsule includes a seal body, anchoring means in a wall of an organ and a detection/stimulation electrode. The hybrid capsule and the leadless capsules each include transmitter/receiver means for intracorporeal mutual wireless communication so as to constitute a network wherein the hybrid capsule is the master and leadless capsules are the slaves. The hybrid capsule further includes means for centralizing data transmitted by the leadless capsules and for exchanging data with remote external equipment.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods for delivering implantable leadless pacing devices are disclosed. An example delivery device may include an outer tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof and an intermediate tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. A distal holding section may be coupled to the intermediate tubular member and define a cavity therein for receiving a proximal implantable leadless pacing device and a distal implantable leadless pacing device in a linear arrangement. The distal holding section may have a proximal body portion and a distal body portion. The proximal body portion may be more flexible than the distal body portion. An inner tubular member including a lumen extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof may be slidably disposed within the lumen of the intermediate tubular member.

Abstract: An automated external defibrillator (AED) is described which spends an increased proportion of a rescue in a CPR mode. This is accomplished by use of a single shock protocol which causes the AED to spend less time in shock analysis and delivery activities as compared with the typical multiple shock protocol. An AED of the present invention preferably is configured such that the rescue protocol can be modified or changed easily without the need to remove the battery or use specialized hardware or software. Preferably the shock waveform of the single shock is a biphasic waveform delivering at least 150 Joules of energy and more preferably at least 200 Joules of energy.

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.