Abstract: An integrated circuit includes circuitry to control a process. The process includes adjusting fuzzy-logic control parameters based on received and retrieved blood glucose-related data, predicting blood glucose levels based on the received blood-glucose-related data, and generating control signals to control dispensing of insulin based on the received blood glucose-related data and the fuzzy-logic control parameters. The process may include predicting blood glucose levels based on the retrieved blood glucose-related data. The process may include transitioning between a post-meal correction protocol and a fasting protocol. The process may include transitioning from a post-meal correction protocol to a fasting protocol when a fasting criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: In one aspect, an analyte monitoring and insulin delivery system is provided. The system may include an analyte sensor configured to convey sensor data indicative of a measurement of one or more detectable properties based on an amount or concentration of an analyte. The system may include a transceiver configured to receive the sensor data and calculate an analyte level based on the sensor data. The system may include a display device configured to receive calculate an adjusted insulin delivery rate for an insulin pump and display the received analyte level and/or the adjusted insulin delivery rate. The system may include the insulin pump configured to increase, decrease or maintain a first insulin delivery rate based on the adjusted insulin delivery rate. The display device may further display icons corresponding to the system components and an operational status indicator for each icon.

Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary method of providing site rotation feedback pertaining to a sensing arrangement providing sensed measurements of a physiological condition in a body of a user involves obtaining one or more reference measurements of the physiological condition in the body of the user, determining a lag associated with the sensing arrangement based on a relationship between the one or more reference measurements and one or more of the sensed measurements, identifying a current site location on the body of the user associated with the sensing arrangement from among a plurality of site locations based on the lag, determining one or more performance metrics associated with the current site location, and providing sensor site feedback in a manner that is influenced by the one or more performance metrics.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and methods for processing small volumes of tissue. The systems and methods include an interior fill volume and an exterior wash volume separated by a filter. Waste and fluids pass through the filter during tissue washing and transfer and can be absorbed or removed by application of negative pressure. The systems and methods are more portable and require fewer transfer steps than conventional methods, thus simplifying tissue processing procedures.

Abstract: An electronic system (200) connectable to a medication delivery pen (4) and a needle assembly (2, 100), the electronic system (200) exchanging data regarding a medicament traveling from the medication delivery pen (4) to the needle assembly (2,100), the electronic system (200) comprising a hub (214) having a spike (216) that is configured to engage the medication delivery pen (4) and pierce a reservoir septum (6) of the medication delivery pen (4), a flow sensor (220) that is in fluid communication with the hub (214) to measure flow data of the medicament, one or more circuit boards (250, 260) electrically contacting the flow sensor (220) to process and transmit the flow data, the one or more circuit hoards (250, 260) include one or more fluid path holes (256, 264) to route a flow of medicament, and a septum (270, 284) that is configured to provide fluid communication between the flow sensor (220) and one of a plurality of needles (40, 124) of the needle assembly (2, 100) to administer the medicament to a pat

Abstract: A combination needleless injector device for delivering a therapeutic effective amount of a fluid agent subcutaneously and a cover sheet for facilitating delivery of residual fluid not delivered by the needleless injector. The needleless injector has a discharge end and a drive end. The discharge end has a relatively small nozzle for fluid to discharge therethrough for delivery subcutaneously to a patient without a needle and the drive end has a piston held by a trigger and wherein a spring is pushed against the piston to drive the piston to then drive a plunger through the ampule to discharge the fluid medicament. The cover sheet has a liquid impermeable layer and an adhesive layer for surrounding an injection site.

Abstract: An injection device (1) for an injectable solution (S) includes one tubular body (3) inside which at least one containment chamber (8,9) for the injectable solution is defined; one dosing reservoir (20) for one fraction of injectable solution (S); at least one plug (6,7) sliding into the tubular body (3) and including a protruding appendix (16) suitable for entering in the dosing reservoir (20) to eject said fraction of solution; one vent outlet (23) to eject said second fraction of solution. The device (100) includes an accessory (260) with one storing cannula (261) engageable with the vent opening (23), and provided with a first end (266) and a second end (267) between which a storing reservoir (261?) for the second fraction of solution is defined. The device (100), that is particularly suitable for injecting very precise and reduced doses of an injectable solution, is for example of the single-chamber or double-chamber pre-filled type.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for injecting, comprising a syringe body defining an interior medicine chamber; a stopper member configured to be inserted into the interior medicine chamber to contain medicine within the medicine chamber; a plunger member configured to be manually manipulated to insert the stopper member relative to the syringe body; and a needle having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end comprising an anchoring geometry configured to be at least partially inserted into the stopper member such that upon retraction of the stopper member, the needle is pulled proximally along with the stopper to be at least partially contained within the interior medicine chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed are plunger assemblies including various convertible plungers and methods of making the same. Each plunger assembly is configured for disposition within a barrel of a medical container, e.g., a syringe, and displaced within the barrel from an engagement position to a release position. The engagement position is configured to provide a compression seal between a storage sealing section of the plunger and an inner wall of the syringe barrel. In the release position, the compression seal is reduced or eliminated. Also disclosed are methods for making convertible plungers and assembling them into syringes, e.g., pre-filled syringes.

Abstract: A prefilled injection pen for injecting insulin, the prefilled injection pen including: a screw rod, a memory connection barrel, a fixed barrel and a rotating barrel. A plurality of first one-way teeth is evenly distributed on an end surface of the rotating barrel. The memory connection barrel is disposed inside the rotating barrel. The inner wall of the memory connection barrel is provided with a protrusion matching a thread of the screw rod. An end face of one end of the fixed barrel is provided with a ratchet pawl matching the first one-way teeth. The fixed barrel is also provided with a first inner thread matching the screw rod. The screw rod is provided with two machined plane surfaces. A plunger is disposed at one end of the screw rod and a stopper is disposed in a thread groove at the other end of the screw rod.

Abstract: A needle protection assembly, adapted to protect a tip of a hypodermic needle, comprising a shield adapted, in a protected operative orientation of the needle protection assembly, to shield the tip of the hypodermic needle, a locking element including at least one slot, the slot including at least three surfaces corresponding to three operative orientations of the shield, at least one slot engaging element, functionally associated with the shield, the slot engaging element being disposed within the slot of the locking element and movable relative thereto, between the surfaces, so as to transition the shield between the three operative orientations, and at least one biasing element, adapted for axial biasing of the shield, wherein the three operative orientations include a storage operative orientation, an injection operative orientation, and a needle protection operative orientation.

Abstract: A safety syringe has at least two angled lock extensions on opposing sides of a plunger shaft. A plunger tip integral with the shaft has at least a pair of locking lugs. A syringe barrel has a needle assembly housing end securing the needle assembly in place for injections. The needle assembly has a needle secured in a needle housing and at least two locking ledges formed as an integral part. The end cap further comprises an opening sized to receive the shaft to fit and move back and forth, and at least two locking edges. The locking edges engage with the angled lock extensions to lock the plunger in place when fully withdrawn. The locking ledges on the needle housing engage with the locking lugs when the plunger tip is pushed into the needle housing, so as to use to retract the needle into the barrel.

Abstract: A frontal attachment for a conventional aspirating dental syringe comprising a barrel connector housing releasably attachable to the front end of the barrel of an aspirating dental syringe, an injection needle guide attached to the barrel connector housing, an injection needle attached to and supported by a needle holder assembly reciprocatably disposed in a needle guide slot between the injection needle guide and the barrel connector housing in oblique relation to the longitudinal axis of the aspirating dental syringe, and a second needle projecting rearwardly from the barrel connector housing to establish fluid communication with a carpule disposed in the conventional aspirating dental syringe.

Abstract: A medical puncture needle includes an end portion including a needle tip; and a main body portion contiguous with the end portion, having a substantially circular cross-sectional outer shape. The end portion includes a first bevel formed by a curved surface, the bevel having an angle that gradually decreases toward the needle tip in an axial direction, in a cross-section orthogonal to the axial direction, relative to an imaginary plane that extends along an axis of the main body portion.

Abstract: A magazine (16) that stores a plurality of needles (56) configured to engage a medication pen (2) for medication delivery, the magazine (16) comprising a magazine housing (32, 70) enclosing a removable array (26) that is rotatable in the magazine housing (32, 70), the removable array (26) supporting a plurality of hub chambers (22) each enclosing one of a plurality of needle hubs (50), the plurality of hub chambers (22) being radially disposed, a connector (28) in each of the plurality of hub chambers (22), each connector (28) engages one of the plurality of needle hubs (50), and a plurality of closures (30) each sealing the plurality of needle hubs (50), wherein a selected closure of the plurality of closures (30) is pierced by the medication pen (2) to engage a selected needle hub (52) of the plurality of needle hubs (50), the selected needle hub (52) disengages from the hub chamber (24), and the selected needle hub (52) is removed from the magazine housing (32, 70) to prepare the medication pen (2) for med

Abstract: A method for distracting an individual from a treatment event comprises providing a distraction tool; positioning the distraction tool at a contact location on an individual, the contact location being substantially adjacent a location of a treatment event; activating an oscillation device to induce vibrations in the distraction tool; and subsequently initiating the treatment event at the treatment event location. The distraction tool comprises a stimulation apparatus comprising a housing and a plurality of projections extending from the housing. The oscillation device is in communication with the distraction tool to induce vibrations specifically in the stimulation apparatus. Activating the oscillation device to induce vibrations causes the plurality of projections to oscillate against the individual at the contact location, thereby shifting attention from the treatment event to the vibrations, wherein the shift in attention causes the individual to discount pain caused by the treatment event.

Abstract: A needle delivery device (10) comprises a needle assembly (4, 5), a drive mechanism (2, 3) and a contact member (6). The drive mechanism (2, 3) includes a drive member (2) which is linearly moveable upon rotation of the drive member (2). The contact member (6) is positioned between and abutting the needle assembly (4, 5) and the drive member (2). The contact member (6) is configured to provide only linear motion to the needle assembly (4, 5) upon rotation of the drive member (2) so as to drive movement of the needle assembly (4, 5) between a distal and proximal direction relative to the needle delivery device (10).

Abstract: A droplet delivery device and related methods for delivering precise and repeatable dosages to a subject for pulmonary use is disclosed. The droplet delivery device includes a housing, a reservoir, and ejector mechanism, and at least one differential pressure sensor. The droplet delivery device is automatically breath actuated by the user when the differential pressure sensor senses a predetermined pressure change within housing. The droplet delivery device is then actuated to generate a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter within the respirable size range, e.g, less than about 5 ?m, so as to target the pulmonary system of the user.

Abstract: A droplet delivery device and related methods for delivering precise and repeatable dosages to a subject for pulmonary use is disclosed. The droplet delivery device includes a housing, a reservoir, and ejector mechanism, and at least one differential pressure sensor. The droplet delivery device is automatically breath actuated by the user when the differential pressure sensor senses a predetermined pressure change within housing. The droplet delivery device is then actuated to generate a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter within the respirable size range, e.g, less than about 5 ?m, so as to target the pulmonary system of the user.

Abstract: A droplet delivery device and related methods for delivering precise and repeatable dosages to a subject for pulmonary use is disclosed. The droplet delivery device includes a housing, a reservoir, and ejector mechanism, and at least one differential pressure sensor. The droplet delivery device is automatically breath actuated by the user when the differential pressure sensor senses a predetermined pressure change within housing. The droplet delivery device is then actuated to generate a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter within the respirable size range, e.g, less than about 5 ?m, so as to target the pulmonary system of the user.

Abstract: A device and method for vaporizing phyto material. The vaporization device has a body that includes a heating chamber and a heating element usable to selectively heat different regions within the heating chamber. The heating chamber has perforated walls that define a chamber cavity. A lid is movably mounted to the body. The lid is moveable between open and closed positions. The lid has a cooling element positioned therein and an inhalation aperture that is fluidly coupled to the air cooler. In the open position, phyto material is loadable into the chamber cavity. In the closed position, the heating element is energizable to heat and vaporize the phyto material. In some embodiments, the chamber cavity is divided into a plurality of segments along the length of the heating chamber and the heating element is movable to heat and vaporize the phyto material in a specific segment.

Abstract: According to the invention there is disclosed a dispenser device for dispensing a medicament, the device comprising at least one component having a coating that comes into contact with the medicament during storage or use of the device on at least one surface thereof, the coating comprising a cross-linked non-diamond like carbon layer comprising 50 At % hydrogen or less and having an interface with the underlying surface of the component.

Abstract: A usage recording smart label and inhaler, and methods for detecting, verifying and recording actuation events of the inhaler, are disclosed. The usage recording smart label comprises a capacitive touch sensing plate to detect the presence of an activating body organ such as a hand or finger. The smart label, which may be in the form of a sticker or sticker-like, is attached to a grasping or actuation surface of the inhaler. The smart label may comprise text printed thereon, used as a replacement for an existing printed label. A usage recording method comprises (a) the usage recording smart label detecting an event of proximity of a finger for a given minimal time duration; (b) recording a timestamp of the event in memory of the smart label; (c) communicating stored timestamp data from the memory to an external device; the external device can be configured to display the actuation history.

Abstract: The invention relates to a valveless spacer device for a metered dose inhaler (MDI), the spacer device comprising a body having an inlet and an outlet opposed from the inlet, a demountable, flexible bag attached to the body, the bag and body together defining a chamber, such that the inlet and outlet are in fluid flow communication with an interior of the chamber, wherein the inlet is configured to be connected to an MDI containing a drug to be inhaled and wherein the flexible bag, following actuation of the MDI, serves as a reservoir allowing for the formation of a cloud or mist of the drug therewithin which is then ready for inhalation, the flexible bag being configured to be at least partially deflatable and at least partially inflatable commensurate with a single breath and/or rebreathing.

Abstract: Intranasal administration of proteins, such as insulin and insulin analogues, in particular immunogenic proteins to the upper posterior region of a nasal cavity of a subject, and in particular the olfactory bulb region.

Abstract: This invention relates to a breath indicator that is receivable by a part of a breathing assistance apparatus that supplies gas to a patient. The indicator comprises an elongate body having a gas sampling end and an attachment end. The attachment end is adapted to attach to a part of a breathing assistance apparatus and for locating the gas sampling end. The gas sampling end is to be located in a region where gas from the patient is to be exhaled. The gas sampling end being in communication with a sensor comprising a detector material changeable between a first visual indicator state relating to an inhalation phase of the patient, and a second visual indicator state relating to an exhalation phase of the patient. The detector material is capable of changing between the visual indicator states at a sufficient rate to substantially correspond with the inhalation and exhalation phases of the patient.

Abstract: Examples described herein include systems and ventilators for performing automated ventilation procedures. The automated ventilation procedure may automatically adjust ventilator parameters (e.g., PEEP) to perform a procedure such as a recruitment maneuver, PEEP titration, a recruitability assessment, or combinations thereof.

Abstract: The invention provides an oral airway device that comprises three channels, which extend from the proximal to the distal end. The first channel is for supplying oxygen, the second is for the suctioning of fluids, and the third is for measuring carbon dioxide. The device allows for the patient's spontaneous respirations and provides other utility. The device is placed through the patient's mouth until the proximal end contacts the outside surface of the patient's lips, so that the distal end of the device reaches an area in the patient's throat above the trachea and the epiglottis. The device reduces the possibility for nasal mucosa inflammation, the risk of infection, and other medical complications. The device also allows the healthcare provider to insert it without first using a lubricant or spray. The device remains firmly in the correct position without the use of a strap.

Abstract: A seal-forming structure for a patient interface may include a patient-contacting surface configured to engage the patient's facial skin to form a seal; a posterior opening formed in the patient-contacting surface, the posterior opening configured to provide the flow of air at said therapeutic pressure to the patient's nares; and a support structure extending from the patient contacting surface to an interior surface of the seal-forming structure, the support structure and the interior surface forming a continuous loop, wherein the patient interface is configured to allow the patient to breath from ambient through their mouth in the absence of a flow of pressurised air through the plenum chamber inlet port, or the patient interface is configured to leave the patient's mouth uncovered.

Abstract: A sealing interface forms part of an apparatus for supplying a flow of respiratory gases to a user. The sealing interface comprises a foam or gel inner cushion and a thin resilient rubber outer sheath. A face side of the inner cushion resiliently supports the outer sheath. The inner cushion has a toothed profile formed on the face side of the inner cushion. The toothed profile consists of at least one tooth having an apex on the perimeter of the inner cushion. The apex is positioned between two valleys in the perimeter of the inner cushion. In use the apex of each tooth of the toothed profile is in supporting contact with the outer sheath.

Abstract: A sealing arrangement (20) for use in a patient interface device (18). The assembly includes a flexible member (30) having a sealing surface (30A) structured to engage a surface of the patient at or about the airway, a first magnetic material disposed in or on the flexible member, and a second magnetic material (36) positioned in one or more of a carrier member structured to be removably positioned on, in, or about the patient, and a portion of the patient interface device. The first and second magnetic materials are positioned and structured to magnetically interact in a manner which urges the sealing surface toward the surface of the patient when the flexible member is disposed at or about the airway and the second magnetic material is disposed at a corresponding position.

Abstract: A system (100) and method for delivering oxygen to, and preventing hypercapnic respiratory failure in, a patient (1) include an oxygen dosing unit (10) and a sensor arrangement (40), the oxygen dosing unit adapted to provide an oxygen flow (12) to a port (13) fluidly connectable to an oxygen delivery unit (30) attached to the patient, the oxygen dosing unit further adapted to regulate parameters of the oxygen flow based upon a first input signal indicating an oxygen status of the patient and a second input signal indicating a carbon dioxide status of the patient, wherein the sensor arrangement includes sensing means (42, 43) adapted to obtain a first sensor value corresponding to the oxygen status via a non-invasive transcutaneous measurement and a second sensor value corresponding to the carbon dioxide status via a non-invasive transcutaneous measurement, the sensor arrangement adapted to provide the first and second input signals on the basis of the first and second sensor values, and the oxygen dosing unit

Abstract: Sleep environment control systems adjust sleep environments independently for individual users. A sleep environment control system delivers multiple environment adjustments via one opening to a user supported by a mattress. The environment adjustments include airflow, water vapor, light, and sound. The sleep environment control system can be placed in adjacent to the mattress thereby to deliver the environment adjustments to the user. The environment adjustments are delivered to the user in a localized fashion such that they do not disrupt other users. The sleep environment control system further generates the one or more environment adjustments.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the technical field of articles for infants, and particularly discloses a soothing apparatus for promoting infant sleep, including a first dioptric lens, a reflector assembly and an LED lamp successively from top to bottom, and further including: a rotating assembly located between the LED lamp and the reflector assembly. A plurality of light transmission pieces are arranged in the rotating assembly. Positions of the light transmission pieces are changed with rotation of the rotating assembly. Light rays emitted by the LED lamp penetrate through the rotating assembly and the light transmission pieces and then enter the first dioptric lens through reflection of the reflector assembly.

Abstract: A system for treating a patient with music, including an audio playback, a speaker operationally connected to the audio playback, a controller operationally connected to the audio playback, a plurality of respective personalized playlists operationally connected to the audio playback, and a sensor array operationally connected to the controller for providing a combination of sensor signals thereto. Each respective personalized playlist is associated with a respective predetermined patient state, and the controller is programmed to associate respective predetermined combinations of sensor signals with respective predetermined patient states. The controller actuates the audio playback to play music from a respective personalized playlist upon detection of the predetermined patient state associated with the respective personalized playlist.

Abstract: The invention encompasses methods and compositions for treating and preventing emotionally based dysregulation in various mental health and emotional disorders by among other things applying deep pressure to assist in feeling grounded (relaxed, present and with a strong sense of self) and decrease anxiety in the subject. The methods and compositions include a wearable device constructed for covering at least a portion of the torso of a subject. The wearable device includes individually expandable units for applying pressure to a specific body region of the individual when expanded and an expandable support unit for expanding and countering the pressure applied to the specific body region by each individual expandable pressure unit.

Abstract: A package for a medical device such as an intermittent catheter has a case and a cap connected by threads. The case includes a hollow tube which is closed at one end and open at the other. A shoulder is formed near one end of the case. Above the shoulder is a cylindrical ferrule that includes external threads. The cap has internal threads selectably engageable with the threads on the ferrule to form a liquid-tight seal between the cap and case when the cap is installed on the case.

Abstract: A microcatheter includes an inner polymeric tube defining an inner lumen. It includes a proximal section with an inner wire layer helically wound in a constricted state over the inner polymeric tube and includes an outer wire layer helically wound over the inner wire layer in a constricted state within the proximal section. It includes a distal section with a distal wire layer helically wound in a constricted state and having an outer diameter. The proximal and distal sections are joined. The outer diameter of the outer wire layer is substantially the same as the outer diameter of distal wire layer at the location where the proximal and distal sections are joined.

Abstract: A drainage system comprising: (a) a catheter including a sensor; (b) a first valve in fluid communication with an interior of the catheter; (c) a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, the controller including logic configured to direct at least one of opening and closing of the first valve using at least one of an elapsed time and a presence of a predetermined condition; and, (d) a venturi pump in fluid communication with the interior of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly 10 comprises a catheter 12 including a longitudinally extending wall 16 with inner and outer surfaces. The inner surface of the wall defines a bore 22 extending longitudinally through the catheter defining a first lumen 52 and a second lumen 54. At least one of the first and second lumens communicates with an opening in the outer surface of the wall at a distal end of the catheter. An elongated separator 14 includes a longitudinally extending surface that at least partially defines the second lumen. The longitudinally extending surface of the separator is disposed asymmetrically relative to the bore when viewed in cross-section taken transverse to the longitudinal extent of the separator adjacent to a distal end of the separator. At least a portion of the separator is movable relative to the bore and the inner surface of the catheter wall.

Abstract: A method is for determining a vessel puncture position including reception of a first image dataset of a region of interest via an interface, the first image dataset mapping the vessel. The method further includes determination of a vessel line of the vessel based on the first image dataset via a computing unit. The method further includes determination of a gradient measure based on the vessel line. Finally, the method includes a determination of the vessel puncture position based on the gradient measure. A position-determining unit, a computer program product and a computer-readable storage medium are for determining a vessel puncture position.

Abstract: A steering assembly for an intravascular catheter system includes a steering mechanism, a steering anchor and a first pull wire. The intravascular catheter system includes an inflatable balloon and a guidewire lumen that extends through the inflatable balloon. The guidewire lumen has a distal region. The steering mechanism is positioned away from the inflatable balloon. The steering anchor can be secured to the distal region of the guidewire lumen. The first pull wire is secured to the steering anchor and coupled to the steering mechanism so that actuation of the steering mechanism articulates the distal region of the guidewire lumen. The steering assembly can further include a second pull wire that is also secured to the steering anchor and coupled to the steering mechanism.

Abstract: A system for delivering one or more substances into a Fallopian tube of a patient may include a balloon catheter including a tube having a distal end, a balloon having a first end coupled to the distal end of the tube, and a push wire having a distal end coupled to a second end of the balloon, which may be hollow. The balloon may be movable between an inverted position and an everted position. The balloon catheter may be configured to receive the one or more substances such that the one or more substances may be retained by the balloon, or delivered through the push wire, or both. During eversion, or in the everted position, or both, the one or more substances may be delivered into the Fallopian tube.

Abstract: An exoskeleton device is capable of being positioned over an expandable instrument, such as a balloon catheter. The exoskeleton device may include an expandable section that receives an expander of the expandable instrument. Expansion of the expander may cause the expandable section of the exoskeleton device to expand and force the expandable section of the exoskeleton device against a surface to be treated. The expandable section may be capable of scoring the surface against which it is forced.

Abstract: For treatment of a patient who has a lesion in each of left lower limb artery and right lower limb artery, lesions at both sides can be rather easily and completely treated. A catheter is introduced from an artery of an arm of the patient, and an atherectomy catheter is used for a lesion at one side and continuously used for a lesion at the other side without being extracted to the outside of a human body, and thus damage of an excision portion of the atherectomy catheter and an unexpected situation such as no passage through twisted blood vessels are avoided so that a burden on the patient can be reduced, the treatment can be completed within a short time, and cost reduction can be achieved by reducing the number of catheter to be used.

Abstract: A method may include inflating a first balloon within an internal carotid artery so as to block antegrade flow of blood into an ophthalmic artery. Additionally, the method may include maintaining antegrade flow of blood in the internal carotid artery via a perfusion lumen in the first balloon. Further, the method may include inserting a device into the ophthalmic artery via a lumen extending through a portion of the first balloon to a side opening in the first balloon.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for treating conditions such as heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava for an interval spanning multiple cardiac cycles. A catheter with an occlusion device is provided along with a controller that actuates a drive mechanism to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, which reduces cardiac filling pressures, and induces a favorable shift in the patient's Frank-Starling curve towards healthy heart functionality and improved cardiac performance. The occlusion device may include a lumen obstructed by a relief valve that may permit fluid flow through the occlusion device to release an excessive build-up of pressure.

Abstract: A medical tube fixing device and a skin stapler for securing a medical tube to an incised surgical site are disclosed. First and second fixing members of a body unit of the medical tube fixing device are loaded into the skin stapler, and can be closed by a pressure successively applied by the skin stapler to enclose and hold the medical tube. Simultaneously, a pair of fixing pins fixed to the body unit can be further bent to penetrate into and be fixed to the skin. Fixing the medical tube to the skin can be carried out by loading the medical tube fixing device on the skin stapler and pressurizing the skin stapler in a single-sequence pressing operation, which allows simple and quick fixing of the medical tube.

Abstract: A drainage catheter may include a polymeric tubular member and a braided reinforcement that is disposed about the polymeric tubular member. The braided reinforcement may include a repeating braid pattern that extends over a first portion of a length of the drainage catheter and a modified braid pattern that extends over a second portion of the length of the drainage catheter, the modified braid pattern providing a region without any braid filaments. The drainage catheter may include a drainage hole that extends through the polymeric tubular member within the region without any braid filaments.

Abstract: Reinforcing sleeves for medical device lumens are disclosed. In some embodiments reinforcing sleeves may provide resistance to crushing, kinking, or other deformation of the lumen. Reinforcing sleeves within the scope of this disclosure may be displaceable along an outer diameter of a reinforced lumen. Some reinforcing sleeves within the scope of this disclosure comprise metal alloys.