Abstract: The present invention is directed to a digital aroma system that provides a scented air on demand in a room or a vehicle. Fragrance cartridges are held in a fragrance module having a manifold and valves that are controlled by a processor. A user can select a specific fragrance and the processor can open valves to direct airflow through the fragrance cartridge associated with the requested fragrance.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatuses for increasing liquid absorption are described. Some embodiments may include a dressing having an absorbent layer containing super-absorbent material as well as ionic-exchange media (IEM). In some embodiments, the absorbent layer may include absorbent fibers. The absorbent fibers may each include a super-absorbent core surrounded by a water-permeable layer onto which ionic-exchange media (IEM) may be grafted. As liquid comes into contact with the IEM, its ionic nature may be reduced, therefore protecting the absorbent qualities of the super-absorbent material.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite material, which is of particular use in wound treatment, and to a method for producing the same composite material. Said composite material comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane foam material comprising a first polyurethane polymer; a hydrophilic fiber material comprising a second polymer, wherein said second polymer is not a polyurethane polymer and wherein said fiber material is capable of absorbing and retaining a fluid. In the composite material according to the present invention, said first polymer is covalently bonded to said second polymer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are wound healing products and methods of making and using the same. The wound healing product comprises a porous scaffold and collagen bound thereon. The scaffold may comprise a poly(L-lactide-co-?-caprolactone) polymer (PLCL) substrate. In some embodiments, the PLCL substrate comprises a mixture of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(?-caprolactone) (PLC) and wherein the PLA and PLC are present in a ratio of about 60:40 to about 40:60. In some embodiments, the collagen is collagen I or collagen III. The scaffold may also have a thickness of at least 0.2 mm.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides fibrous composition comprising a soluble or a dispersible N-halamine, for example 1-chloro-2,2,5,5-tetramethyl-4-imidazolidinone (i.e., compound I). Additionally, the disclosure provides methods for producing the fibrous compositions comprising a soluble or a dispersible N-halamine as well as methods for protecting a person from an infection using the fibrous compositions comprising a soluble or a dispersible N-halamine. The compositions and methods according to the present disclosure provide several advantages, such as stability, less time to provide sufficient antimicrobial inactivation, and are inexpensive and require lower amount of active concentrations to be effective.

Abstract: Provided herein are therapeutic and cosmetic methods that utilize an in situ gelling agaroid composition in the form of a water reactive agaroid. The composition described herein is applicable in the fields of wound healing, tissue bulking, bone grafting, and drug delivery.

Abstract: A chemically strengthened bioactive glass-ceramic composition as defined herein. Also disclosed are methods of making and using the disclosed compositions.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for forming a hyaluronan hydrogel, comprising the steps of a. providing a hyaluronan donor peptide conjugate and a hyaluronan acceptor peptide conjugate each represented by a general formula I, wherein 10% of R1 moieties are represented by a general formula II, wherein L is a 2 to 6 atom linker moiety and Pep is a transglutaminase donor or acceptor peptide, and the rest of R1 moieties are represented by —COOH. b. adding a factor XIII polypeptide and a thrombin polypeptide, or a factor XIIIa polypeptide. The invention further relates to compositions and hydrogels characterized by the depicted chemistry.

Abstract: The present invention relates to use of hydrogel based on RGD-conjugated alginate with and without addition of nanocellulose and/or fibrin as a novel bioink for 3D Bioprinting of human skin, particularly dermis. RGD-conjugated alginate provides adhesion sites for the human fibroblasts which result in cell adhesion and stretching which contribute to upregulation of genes producing Collagen I. In this invention, RGD-conjugated alginate is used as one of the components of the bioink for 3D bioprinting. Another innovation described herewith is use of coaxial needle when 3D bioprinting with alginate and RGD-modified alginate bioinks. A coaxial needle makes it possible to crosslink the bioink upon 3D bioprinting operation and thus achieve high printing fidelity which is required for high cell viability, proliferation and production of extracellular matrix.

Abstract: This disclosure describes engineered tissues having structural components embedded therein and methods of making and using such engineered tissues having structural components embedded therein.

Abstract: The present invention is capable of providing a medical device that not only exhibits superior water-leakage properties and anti-contaminant properties, but also has highly durable lubricity. The present invention also may provide a method of manufacturing the medical device via a simple process without inducing substrate deformation. Specifically, provided is a medical device having a layer containing two or more types of ionic polymer on at least part of the surface of a medical device substrate, at least one of the two or more types of ionic polymer being a block polymer that has a hydrophobic segment.

Abstract: A thermally responsive shape memory polymer (SMP) actuator includes a body having at least one non-linear segment arranged between first and second ends, with the body comprising a plurality of dots, rods, or layers of SMP material. The SMP material my include a linear aliphatic thermoplastic polyester and at least one other polymer. The non-linear segment may have a substantially flat zig-zag shape arranged between first and second substantially straight segments. A prosthetic device may include multiple thermally responsive shape memory actuators and a movable joint arranged between structural members having anchors associated therewith. A first group of SMP actuators provides pivotal movement in a first direction, and a second group of SMP actuators provides pivotal movement in a second direction. Methods for forming SMP actuators include body formation by additive manufacturing, heating the body to a glass transition temperature range while applying tension, and cooling the body.

Abstract: The invention related to therapeutic polymeric materials and medical implants containing additives and/or analgesic agents. The invention also relates to methods of making therapeutic polymeric materials and medical implants containing additives and/or analgesic agents. Methods of spatially controlling additive concentrations and release as well as polymeric material morphology are also provided.

Abstract: The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to applying an armor coating to a graft material. The armor coating is armor, impermeable to fluid, and elastic. The armor coating seals openings within the graft material eliminating passage of fluid through the graft material.

Abstract: Compositions containing chlorhexidine gluconate solubilized in hydrophobic vehicles are described. Resin systems containing such chlorhexidine gluconate compositions, including adhesives and articles incorporating such resin systems, including medical articles such as drapes are also described.

Abstract: A system and method for a vacuum wound device. The system includes a wound vacuum device. The vacuum device includes a compressible sponge, vacuum tubing, and a delivery tube sized to house the wound vacuum device. The wound vacuum device is connected to a vacuum pump which creates and delivers the vacuum.

Abstract: A concealable breast pumping device is provided, including a primary unit, a squeezing unit, a milk collection bag, a stop valve unit, and a driving unit. The primary unit includes a channel, a protruding portion, and a concave portion. The protruding portion has a port. The port communicates with the channel. The inner wall of the concave portion has a spiral convex portion. The squeezing unit is covered on one end of the primary unit. One end of the milk collection bag is connected to the protruding portion, and the other end has an opening. The opening is gripped by a gripping tool. The stop valve unit is positioned in the milk collection bag. One end of the stop valve unit is connected to the protruding portion. The other end has a gap, and the gap is able to opened and closed movably.

Abstract: A cannula assembly is provided, the cannula assembly comprising a cannula, in particular a graft, for forming a flow channel for bodily fluids, in particular for blood, and a protective element for the cannula, wherein the protective element defines a channel for the cannula, wherein the cannula runs through the channel of the protective element at least in sections, wherein the protective element comprises a plurality of segments, wherein the segments are arranged next to one another in a sequence and wherein each segment defines a sub-section of the channel of the protective element. A blood pump assembly and a method for using the cannula assembly and the blood pump assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Systems methods are disclosed for changing one or more characteristics (e.g. flow magnitude via pump speed) of mechanical circulatory assistance provided by an LVAD during specified points in the cardiac cycle, preferably using closed loop control. The system and method may be implemented for dynamically changing ventricular unloading during the cardiac cycle by adjusting the degree of ventricular assistance during systole and/or diastole. The system and methods also include a means to sense the phase of the cardiac cycle to inform the LVAD of timing within the cardiac cycle.

Abstract: In a method for managing a cardiac pump intended to assist the heart of a patient, the cardiac pump sends pressurized blood at a flow rate proportional to the speed of rotation Vrpm of the pump through the aortic valve of the heart. The steps, during a same ventricular systole, include: detecting mitral valve closure, rotational speed Vrpm of the pump being strictly less than a maximum value Vrpm max, increasing Vrpm of the pump such that, at time t2, after the time t corresponding to the closing of the mitral valve, the speed of rotation of the pump is equal, or substantially equal, to the maximum value Vrpm max of the speed of rotation, and keeping the speed of rotation Vrpm of the pump at this maximum value Vrpm max for at least a portion of the time period T during which the aortic valve is open.

Abstract: To provide a blood treatment filter device capable of efficiently utilizing a blood treatment filter. A blood treatment filter device 20 has a filter sheet 26 through which a specific component among components forming blood is harder to pass than other components and a spacer sheet 27 through which the specific component is easier to pass than through the filter sheet 26. The filter sheet 26 has filter through-holes 39 disposed at intervals. The filter sheet 26 and the spacer sheet 27 are spirally wound in an overlapped state. The filter device 20 has seals 31 sealing both end portions in the longitudinal direction of a wound body 25 formed by the filter sheet 26 and the spacer sheet 27 which are spirally wound in a fluid-tight manner. The outer peripheral surface of the wound body 25 is formed by the filter sheet 26.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus comprises a blood treatment device (2), an extracorporeal blood circuit, a blood pump (8) configured to be coupled to a blood withdrawal line (6) of the extracorporeal blood circuit. A closed fluid line (10) is connected to an inlet port (4a) and to an outlet port (4b) of a fluid chamber (4) of the blood treatment device (2), wherein the closed fluid line (10) together with the fluid chamber (4) forms a recirculation loop. An evacuation line (15) departs from the closed fluid line (10). A warming device (13) and a recirculation pump (17) are coupled or configured to be coupled to the closed fluid line (10). At least one temperature sensor (22) is operative on the extracorporeal blood circuit and it is configured to sense a blood temperature (Tb).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas exchange unit for use in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) or extracorporeal live support (ECLS) according to a method for producing such a gas exchange unit as well as a kit with a gas exchange unit and a humidifying and heating device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine having an extracorporeal blood circuit; a dialyzer; and a dialysate circuit, wherein a blood pump is arranged in the extracorporeal blood circuit; wherein the dialyzer has a dialysate membrane which separates its blood side from its dialysate side; wherein the dialysis machine has a control unit which is configured to carry out a conditioning cycle which comprises a conditioning phase in which an ultrafiltration rate exceeds the blood flow through the dialyzer conveyed by the blood pump.

Abstract: Apparatus for intravascular access device displacement detection, where an intravascular access device is inserted into a blood vessel through the skin at an access site. The apparatus comprises electrodes located on either side of the intravascular access device which electrodes are mobile with the intravascular access device and attachable to the skin about the access site. The electrodes have a micro-current flow therebetween, which is sufficient to induce a current through the skin between the electrodes and the current persists as long as the electrodes are connected. If the device moves then one or more of the electrodes are disconnected and the micro-current is interrupted. A displacement alert device issues an alert signal upon interruption of the micro-current.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for detecting the disconnection of a vascular access device such as a needle, cannula or catheter from a blood vessel or vascular graft segment. A pair of electrodes is placed in direct contact with fluid or blood in fluid communication with the vascular segment. In one embodiment, the electrodes are incorporated into a pair of connectors connecting arterial and venous catheters to arterial and venous tubes leading to and from an extracorporeal blood flow apparatus. Wires leading from the electrodes to a detecting circuit can be incorporated into a pair of double lumen arterial and venous tubes connecting the blood flow apparatus to the blood vessel or vascular graft. The detecting circuit is configured to provide a low-voltage alternating current signal to the electrodes to measure the electrical resistance between the electrodes, minimizing both the duration and amount of current being delivered.

Abstract: An irrigation system is disclosed that can be uses in, for example, rectal irrigation. The system comprises a reservoir for an irrigating liquid and a probe for arrangement in a user. The probe includes an inflatable balloon for fixing the catheter in a body cavity. A first pump is provided to pump irrigation liquid from the reservoir to the probe, and a second pump is provided to pump a fluid to the balloon for inflation. A control unit controls the transfer of the irrigation liquid and the fluid, and includes a valve for releasing fluid from the balloon for deflation. Tubing provides fluid communication between the reservoir, control unit and probe. The control unit and the first and second pumps are further arranged as an integrated unitary component, and the manually operable balloon control element is arranged in the vicinity of the second pump.

Abstract: Restenosis or neointimal formation may occur following angioplasty or other trauma to an artery such as by-pass surgery. This presents a major clinical problem which narrows the artery. The invention provides a balloon catheter with a particular electrode configuration. Also provided is a method whereby vascular cells in the area of the artery subjected to the trauma are subjected to irreversible electroporation which is a non-thermal, non-pharmaceutical method of applying electrical pulses to the cells so that substantially all of the cells in the area are ablated while leaving the structure of the vessel in place and substantially unharmed due to the non-thermal nature of the procedure.

Abstract: A pneumatic vibrational injection apparatus suitable for use in a system for removal, delivery and/or transplantation of body tissues and other substances in medical procedures may include an apparatus housing having an air inlet chamber, an air outlet chamber, a connecting chamber connecting the air outlet chamber and the air inlet chamber and an injection chamber disposed between the air inlet chamber and the air outlet chamber. An injection nozzle may be disposed in fluid communication with the injection chamber. An injection cannula may be disposed in fluid communication with the injection nozzle. An inlet transducer wheel and an outlet transducer wheel may be mounted for rotation in the air inlet chamber and the air outlet chamber, respectively, of the apparatus housing. A vibration transducer may be disposed in physical contact with the inlet transducer wheel and the outlet transducer wheel. The injection nozzle may be disposed in physical contact with the vibration transducer.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may be configured to detect when at least one component of the pump system is exposed to an impact above a threshold level. In particular embodiments, the infusion pump system can be equipped with a drive system detection system configured to detect when one or more components of the drive system are damaged or inoperable.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device comprises a needle configured to move between a retracted position and an inserted position; an insertion mechanism to move the needle from the retracted position to the inserted position when activated; a locking arm which, in a locked position, is engaged with the insertion mechanism to prevent activation of the insertion mechanism and, in an unlocked position, is disengaged from the insertion mechanism; a retraction mechanism to move the needle from the inserted position to the retracted position when activated; and a trigger configured to move between a disengaged position and an engaged position. On moving from the disengaged position to the engaged position, the trigger is configured to move the locking arm from the locked position to the unlocked position. On moving from the engaged position to the disengaged position, the trigger is configured to activate the retraction mechanism.

Abstract: An infusion device system includes a base (12) for removably coupling to a delivery device, a needle hub (22) supporting an insertion needle (20) and a catheter (18) for delivering a substance to a patient. The infusion device includes a needle shield (24) for covering the insertion needle (20) after inserting the catheter (18) into the patient. The needle hub (22) includes a least one leg (70) extending from the needle shield (24) to stabilize the needle shield (24) and needle hub (12) relative to the base. In one embodiment, the legs (70) can include a latching tab (74) to couple to the needle hub (22) to resist separation of the needle hub from the base (12) until the legs are deflected outward to release the needle hub (22).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems, and methods that control liquid in intravenous (IV) infusion, providing a high flow state to deliver a fluid bolus and a low flow state to provide an uninterrupted flow of liquid to the subject. As described herein, there are situations where it is advantageous to provide a bolus of fluid, corresponding to a relatively high flow rate, and when a bolus is not being delivered it is desirable to provide an uninterrupted low flow. Accordingly, the devices and methods are directed to providing an uninterrupted low flow in the IV line to keep the line open and a device (e.g., a valve) to control flow at a higher targeted rate for bolus delivery.

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

Abstract: Medication delivery devices, sensing systems, and methods are disclosed for determining the relative axial and rotational movements of its members to determine the amount of a dose set and/or delivered by the medication delivery device. A sensing system comprises a barrel sensor system (100), a drive sleeve sensor system (130), and/or an axial sensor system (140). The barrel sensor system (100) is for detecting the absolute relative angular position of the barrel relative to the housing during dose setting. The drive sleeve sensor system (130) is for detecting the absolute relative angular position of the drive sleeve relative to the housing during dose delivery. The axial sensor system (140) is for detecting the relative axial positions of the dose dial relative to the housing during dose setting and delivery. A controller receives outputs from the sensor systems corresponding to the absolute relative positions to determine the actual amounts of dose set and delivered.

Abstract: In some embodiments a system and method are described for safeguarding a hazard, the hazard, for example a needle point, may be moved between a protected retracted position, an active extended position and/or an intermediate position. Optionally in the retracted position, the hazard may be protected inside a housing. Optionally in the extended position, the hazard may be exposed. Optionally, in the intermediate position the hazard may be partially protected and/or concealed, for example by a shield and/or in an indentation. In some embodiments, compromising a shield causes the hazard to be retracted to the retracted position.

Abstract: A device (100, 200, 300) for identifying an arterial location includes a housing (110, 210, 310) with a tactile pressure sensor array (150, 250, 350) configured to detect pulsations of an artery once positioned over the presumed location of an artery. One of several LED lights (132, 232, 332) is energized to guide a clinician towards a preferred location of needle 10 insertion. The method of the invention comprises steps of positioning the device over the artery, reading pressure signals from individual pressure sensors, identifying peaks of pulsations and selecting the individual pressure sensor with the highest pulsation peaks as the closest to the artery located underneath. A corresponding LED light (132, 232, 332) is then activated to facilitate percutaneous access to the artery.

Abstract: A system and a method for generating a respirable dry powder aerosol from a liquid solution or liquid suspension at a respirable dry powder aerosol volume flow. A liquid aerosol generating nozzle generates from the liquid solution or liquid suspension a liquid aerosol that is diluted by dilution gas and dried in a cylindrical evaporation chamber to generate a dry powder aerosol. The system and method include heliox as a gas, specifically dilution gas, for enhancing the drying process in the cylindrical evaporation chamber, but also as a nozzle gas for enhancing generating the liquid aerosol from the liquid solution or liquid suspension.

Abstract: A method of increasing eustachian tube patency in human patients is disclosed wherein a eustachian tube targeting nasal administration device is utilized to deliver a surfactant/propellant mixture to the nasopharyngeal stoma of the auditory tube. The targeting capability of the administration device obviates the need for a spreading agent that would otherwise be required to enable at least a portion of surfactant to reach the eustachian tube orifice. More specifically, the non-targeting, indiscriminate delivery provided by nasal administration devices of the past required surfactant to spread over non-targeted tissue it was inadvertently applied to in order to reach the eustachian tube stoma. In addition, a method for treatment of otitis media is disclosed utilizing, in some preferred embodiments, a therapeutically active agent.

Abstract: A portable heated mist inhaler has a body, a supply tank of liquid, an atomizer for atomizing the liquid, and a thermostatically controlled heated nozzle. The supply tank feeds liquid to the atomizer. The atomizer creates a stream of mist from the liquid and entrained surrounding air. The mist is heated inside the nozzle so that it will be comfortable for the user. The portable heated mist inhaler has a battery which powers the atomizer and the heated nozzle.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed intended to expose a structure within a cavity of the human body for therapeutic and/or surgical treatment. The apparatus comprises an insufflator, comprising a gas output and an insufflator input mechanism adapted to input the gas from the gas output into the cavity of the human body, further comprising an insufflator controller for enlarging the cavity part by insufflation of gas from the gas output into the cavity; and a breathing rate detector; wherein the insufflator controller is arranged to real time adapt an insufflation frequency rate and flow in accordance with a detected or set breathing rate of the human body.

Abstract: An aerosol generator is positioned adjacent to a patient as an attachment to a trocar. The trocar has an entry port for insufflation gas. Aerosol generated by a vibrating element is entrained in the insufflation gas and the mixture is delivered through the trocar. The aerosol may contain a medicament. The trocar may be a conventional trocar. Such trocars are typically used for a camera. The delivery of the aerosolized medicament can occur at the start of the procedure and be delivered in bolus. At the start of the procedure, the peritoneum is being inflated by means of the flow of insufflator gas. This gas flow will help to entrain the aerosolized medicament to the pneumoperitoneum regions. The surgeon can temporarily remove the camera from the trocar port to facilitate insertion and positioning of the aerosolizing unit.

Abstract: A device for monitoring adherence of a patient to a prescribed regimen is provided. The device has a pulmonary delivery device fluid, an adapter in communication with the delivery device and a dispenser in fluid communication with the adapter. A pressurized drug, contained in the pulmonary delivery device, can be delivered from the pulmonary delivery device to the patient through the adapter and the dispenser. A sensor is mounted to the adapter or the dispenser for detecting a temperature or pressure change caused by the movement of the drug from the pulmonary delivery device to the patient and generating a feedback signal based on the change. The feedback signal is further processed for generating a signal indicating a successful deliver of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: The nasal sprayer with multiple applicators is a liquid dispensing device with two separate applicators. A first applicator is in the form of a spray nozzle, similar to that of a conventional nasal sprayer, which is provided for atomized liquid dispensing to the nasal passages. A second applicator is in the form of a flexible tube, which is adapted for dispensing liquid to deeper regions, such as the Eustachian tube or the adenoid or sinus regions. The nasal sprayer with multiple applicators includes a receptacle for receiving a volume of a liquid medicament for intranasal treatment. A pump assembly selectively transfers a metered dose of the liquid medicament to a dispensing assembly for dispensing through a selected one of first and second ports. A spray nozzle is in fluid communication with the first port and a flexible spray tube is in fluid communication with the second port.

Abstract: A head-mounted respiratory assistance apparatus configured to provide a respiratory gases stream to a user. The head-mounted respiratory assistance has a main body securable to the head of a user and a blower unit that is operable to generate a pressurised gases stream from a supply of gases from the surrounding atmosphere. A patient interface is provided on the main body that has a gases inlet which is fluidly connected to the blower unit and which is configured to deliver the pressurised gases to the user's nose and/or mouth.

Abstract: A respiratory system comprises a dual outlet blower. One of a first and a second outlet of the blower provides a flow of gases to one of a pair of nasal outlets of a nasal interface and the other one of the first and second outlets provides a flow of gases to the other one of the pair of nasal outlets of the nasal interface. In an alternative embodiment, one of the first and second outlets provides a flow of gases to a nasal outlet of an oro-nasal interface and the other one of the first and second outlets provides a flow of gases to an oral outlet of the oro-nasal interface.

Abstract: The specification describes an artificial resuscitation bag (5) having (i) a deformable bag (54) with a gas inlet (54A) and a gas outlet (54B), (ii) a pneumatic control valve (50) comprising an exhaust port (50c) adapted for controlling the flow of gas exiting to the atmosphere through said exhaust port (50c), and (iii) a monitoring module (60), operably connected to the pneumatic control valve (50) and having an absolute pressure sensor (60d) for measuring at least an absolute pressure (Pabs) in the inner compartment (50f) of the pneumatic control valve (50) and for transmitting at least an absolute pressure signal to a central processing unit (60c) and an ambient pressure sensor (60b) for measuring at least an atmospheric pressure (Patm) and for transmitting at least an atmospheric pressure signal to the central processing unit (60c).

Abstract: Disclosed is a respiratory gas supply system comprising a respiratory gas source, a control unit, a pressure control module, a flow control module, a pressure sensor device, a flow sensor device and a user interface for the specification of respiratory gas supply parameters or for the exchange of data. The control unit alternately activates the pressure control module and the flow control module, with the pressure control module controlling the respiratory gas source to specify a respiratory gas pressure in the range of 0-90 mbar and the flow control module controlling the respiratory gas source to specify a respiratory gas flow in the range of 0-90 l/min.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway (LMA) device is provided, which includes an inflatable annular cuff, a backplate attached to the cuff, and an airway tube. The cuff, when disposed in free space, is characterized by a pressure-volume curve that represents the pressure in the cuff when inflated to different volumes of the cuff that include a low-pressure volume corresponding to a low pressure of 10 cm H2O. The pressure-volume curve includes (a) a local maximum pressure at a medium volume of the cuff between 1.25 and 2.4 times the low-pressure volume, wherein the local maximum pressure is between 15 and 120 cm H2O, and (b) respective high-volume medium pressures corresponding to all high volumes of the cuff that are between 2.5 and 3 times the low-pressure volume. Each of the high-volume medium pressures is between 15 cm H2O and 99% of the local maximum pressure. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A bronchoscope includes a main shaft extending from a proximal end to a distal end having an aperture. The proximal end of the bronchoscope includes a plurality of ports. One port is a ventilation port in fluid communication with the main shaft via a ventilation tube. The ventilation tube includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion extends from the first portion to the main shaft. The second portion is disposed at angle of approximately 60-70 degrees relative to the first portion. Another port may be configured to receive an adapter that includes a first member and a second member, wherein the second member is rotatable relative to the first member to relocate a tool received by the adapter within the main shaft.