Abstract: A syringe adapter includes a housing having a first end and a second end with the first end configured to be secured to a first container, a cannula having a first end and a second end with the second end of the cannula positioned within the housing, and a collet having a first end and a second end. At least a portion of the collet is received within the housing. The collet includes a body defining a passageway, a membrane received by the passageway, and a locking member connected to the body of the collet. The membrane has a body with a first end and a second end. The body of the membrane defines a passageway. The collet is movable from a first position where the locking member is open to receive a mating connector to a second position where radially outward movement of the locking member is restricted.

Abstract: A syringe includes a syringe cylinder and a distal end designed as a syringe cone. The distal end comprises a region set back in a radial direction such that an edge extending in the circumferential direction is formed. The edge has a first chamfer, and comprises an attachment piece having a clamping region. Holding forces are introduced from the attachment piece via the clamping region in the region of the syringe set back in a radial direction. The clamping region comprises a distal edge. The the distal edge of the clamping region has a second chamfer.

Abstract: An injector cartridge is configured for sterile storage and transfer of a fluid in a pre-filled syringe. The injector cartridge includes a first housing section and a second housing section and is configured to move the pre-filled syringe from a sterile storage position to a fluid transfer position upon linear displacement of the first housing section relative to the second housing section.

Abstract: A system for filtering vaporized medicinal compounds includes a vaporizer configured to release one or more volatilized medicinal compounds in gaseous form, together with solid or semi-solid particulate byproducts, and one or more removable filters for efficiently removing at least a portion of the particulate byproducts while allowing passage of medicinally active volatilized compounds. The vaporizer includes a mouthpiece through which one or more volatilized medicinal compounds may be drawn. The filter is made of a chemically inert material (e.g., polypropylene or other polyolefin) and may be configured to detachably interface with an exposed surface of a vaporizer mouthpiece. The filter acts to remove solid or semi-solid particulate matter passing through the mouthpiece with minimal chemical and/or physical interference with volatilized medicinal compounds, which pass through the filter. The removable filter can also prevent cross-contamination by multiple users of the vaporizer.

Abstract: The invention provides a description of a method and a device suitable for producing a cell suspension spray with living cells, and the produced cell preparation, suitable for grafting to a patient. In contrast to other methods, the spraying is performed through a disposable needle which is inserted into a disposable air tube; which provides a cell distribution avoiding spray nozzles. Small suspension droplets are provided instead of cell nebulization. By using medical grade sterile Luer-lock disposables from medical routine praxis, biocompatibility and easy application is addressed. In applying the method and/or in using the device, cells suitable for grafting to a patient are dispersed in a solution and sprayed with the device for distribution over the recipient graft site.

Abstract: A Personal Care Vaporizer Device for the Eye Area of the Face. A treatment chamber formed within the device will encircle the user's eyes and surrounding facial area when the device is positioned over the eye area of the face. A soft gel eyemask element provides maximum comfort for the wearer during treatment. The device introduces therapeutic mist or vapor into the treatment chamber. The mist/vapor is generated from an internal reservoir containing plain water or water mixed with other therapeutic additives. An onboard blower can control the flow rate of the mist/vapor into the treatment chamber. One or more onboard heating elements within the device provide direct heat to the treatment chamber wall(s), and/or to heat the mist/vapor prior to its being introduced into the treatment chamber. Onboard vibration generators apply soothing massaging motion to the user's face when activated.

Abstract: Taught herein is a disposable breath actuated dry powder drug inhalation device having a powderized drug storage chamber with integral toroidal geometry and air flow pathways for entraining and breaking up powder aggregates prior to delivery to the patient. The toroidal chamber is fluidly connected by one or more air inlets directed in a non-tangent manner toward the powder to loft and set up an irregular-rotational flow pattern. Also, in fluid connection with the toroidal chamber is a centrally or near centrally located air and powder outlet consisting of one or more holes forming a grid in fluid connection with a channel providing a passageway for powder flow to the patient.

Abstract: An opening element for opening an ampoule in an aerosol generation device includes a first member which has a conduit extending therethrough for guiding a fluid contained in the ampoule through the first member and a second member which is arranged at least partly inside or on the conduit. Further, an aerosol generation device includes such an opening element.

Abstract: The disclosure describes powder inhalers and dry powder inhaler storage cassettes that include a compartment housing an elongate carrier preloaded with a plurality of doses of finely divided powder comprising a biologically active substance. The compartment is configured such that the preloaded doses are sealed within the compartment and such that the carrier may be advanced from the compartment to the chamber through an exit provided with a moisture barrier sealing system. The moisture barrier sealing system is configured and arranged such that it is relaxable during advancement of the carrier. The sealing system is in sealing configuration prior to an advancement of the carrier, is relaxed upon an advancement of the carrier and is returned to its sealing configuration at the latest after release of the powder associated with the area of the carrier.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a system for quantifying timing discrepancies between inspiratory effort and ventilatory assist. A trigger error is determined by comparing a start time of neural inspiration with a start time of the ventilatory assist. A cycling-off error is determined by comparing an end time of the neural inspiration with an end time of the ventilatory assist. The ventilatory assist is synchronized when the trigger error is lower than a first threshold and the cycling-off error is lower than a second threshold. The ventilatory assist may also be characterized in terms of early or late trigger and of early or late cycling-off. A trigger of a ventilator may be adjusted according to the trigger error and a cycling-off of a ventilator may be adjusted according to the cycling-off error.

Abstract: An artificial airway sputum scab cleaner including a connection hub, a display window, a detection tube, a sputum suction tube, a sputum suction device, a probe head a hooking device, a light beam device and a camera device; the hooking device includes a hooking channel, a hooking spoon, a push rod and a permanent magnet, an iron sheet, a first coil.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing catheter including an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and defining a passage between the proximal and distal portions, and a plug having a proximal section positioned within the passage in the distal portion of the elongate body to partially occlude the passage, the plug being substantially cylindrical and having a flat parallel to and offset from a longitudinal axis of the plug, the flat defining a gap with the elongate body.

Abstract: Breathing assistance apparatus for treating sleep apnoea are described. More specifically, nasal interface for the supply of respiratory gases, but most particularly positive pressure gases are described. The nasal interfaces may include various forms of nasal pillows or nasal plugs. Associated elements such as manifolds or housings to hold or secure the pillows or plugs, or headgear are also disclosed.

Abstract: An intranasal device having a first cannula for insertion into a first nostril of a user and a second cannula for insertion into a second nostril of a user. Each cannula has an interior surface defining a generally cylindrical lumen. On the exterior surface of each cannula is a first protrusion in the shape of an anteromedial concavity of a nostril of the user and second, separate and distinct protrusion in the shape of a posterolateral concavity of the nostril of the user.

Abstract: A flow of air is directed at the face and into the nose and mouth so as to decrease taste and inhibit appetite.

Abstract: A CPAP or other ventilation system includes a mask, a flow generator, a positive or high pressure line to provide positive or high pressure air from the flow generator to the mask and a vacuum or return line provided to actively extract exhaled gas from the breathing chamber and/or the air delivery conduit of the mask. The vacuum or return line includes a vent outlet preferably positioned remote from the mask.

Abstract: A processing system includes methods to promote sleep. The system may include a monitor such as a non-contact motion sensor from which sleep information may be determined. User sleep information, such as sleep stages, hypnograms, sleep scores, mind recharge scores and body scores, may be recorded, evaluated and/or displayed for a user. The system may further monitor ambient and/or environmental conditions corresponding to sleep sessions. Sleep advice may be generated based on the sleep information, user queries and/or environmental conditions from one or more sleep sessions. Communicated sleep advice may include content to promote good sleep habits and/or detect risky sleep conditions. In some versions of the system, any one or more of a bedside unit 3000 sensor module, a smart processing device, such as a smart phone or smart device 3002, and network servers may be implemented to perform the methodologies of the system.

Abstract: A medical tube having improved lubricity is disclosed. The medical tube is produced by extruding a polymer material blended with a lubricity enhancing additive through a resilient die. The polymer material can be medical-grade high-density polyethylene, and the lubricity enhancing additive can be a silicone-based or alloy-based material. The medical tube can include one or more internal elongated protuberances so as to reduce the internal surface area of the medical tube available to generate friction on a guide wire inserted or withdrawn through the medical tube.

Abstract: A robotic instrument driver for elongate members includes a first carriage positionable on a bed and beside a patient access site for manipulating a first elongate member, and a second carriage positionable proximate the bed, the second carriage configured to articulate the first elongate member, wherein the second carriage is movable independent from the first carriage.

Abstract: A steerable guide catheter includes a tip ring at a distal end and one or more pullwires configured to engage with the tip ring when put in tension, the pullwire(s) thereby subjecting the steerable guide catheter to a curving or turning force. The tip ring includes a saddle and one or more pullwire channels allowing the pullwire to be looped over the saddle such that when the pullwire is placed under tension, it abuts against the saddle of the tip ring. Some embodiments include additional catheters axially aligned within or outside of the steerable guide catheter, and include a keying feature aligning the rotation of the multiple catheters. The keys of the keying feature can be formed of a polyamide with a glass microsphere filler, and can be thermally welded to the catheter.

Abstract: Novel systems for and methods of delivering therapeutic agents to target tissues are disclosed. The method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a target tissue involves identifying a target tissue via an imaging modality and then using a guidewire capable of anchoring in tissue to advance a cannula to the target tissue. The guidewire and novel cannula configurations enable rapid and repeated treatments of the target tissue without the need for subsequent imaging. The cannula is coupled to a source of ultrasound, radiation, radiofrequency energy, or chemotherapeutic agents which can then be delivered to from the cannula the target tissue. The system and method can be used to treat tumors that are small or surgically inoperable. In addition, the system can be used to treat lymphatic tissue that may contain metastases from the tumors.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly for rapid vascular insertion including a catheter configured for receipt of a needle and a guidewire; a catheter assembly comprising an integrated assembly comprising a catheter, needle, and guidewire; and a method of rapidly inserting a catheter to obtain vascular access. The catheter includes a central lumen for receiving the needle and guidewire. The lumen includes a distal port and a transverse side port adjacent an intermediate portion thereof which provide open vascular communication from two ports between the central lumen and the vasculature. The needle and guidewire, when integrated with the catheter, extend through the transverse side port wherein a proximal end of the needle extends contiguous to and exterior of a proximal portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle support portion that supports an inner needle through a catheter on the leading end side beyond a catheter hub. The needle support portion has a pair of support arms openable and closeable in a left and right direction, and a restraining portion capable of restraining the pair of arms in a closed state and releasing the restraint. A needle hub has an extension portion extending in a leading end direction beyond the catheter hub. A coupling portion between each of the pair of support arms and the extension portion is positioned on the leading end side beyond a base end of the catheter hub.

Abstract: Needle assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needle assemblies having a tip protector with a plurality of wall surfaces for preventing contact with the needle tip from a side. Aspects of the tip protectors discussed herein include a first protector body having an arm for blocking a needle tip surrounded by a second protector body having a plurality of wall surfaces.

Abstract: A system for controlling reperfusion in a blood vessel of a patient including a flexible elongated member configured and dimensioned for insertion in the vessel of the patient, the elongated member having a proximal portion and a distal portion, the elongated member configured for insertion so the distal portion extends distal of a clot in the blood vessel. A sensor is positioned at the distal portion of the elongated member for positioning distal of the blood clot, the sensor measuring a parameter of blood downstream of the clot. An indicator communicates with the sensor, the indicator indicating a measured parameter for insertion of an instrument for controlling blood flow.

Abstract: A medical balloon comprises a first end, a second end spaced apart from the first, and a generally cylindrical balloon wall extending therebetween to define an inflation chamber. The balloon wall is adapted for inflation from a first folded configuration having a first plurality of pleats to an expanded, unpleated configuration, and deflation therefrom to a second folded configuration having a second plurality of pleats. The balloon wall includes a first layer formed of a polymer and having a substantially constant radial thickness. A second layer is firmly attached to the first layer and has a plurality of first regions of greater radial thickness interleaved with a plurality of second regions of reduced radial thickness. During deflation from the expanded, unpleated configuration to the second folded configuration, the balloon wall folds along the regions of reduced radial thickness of the second layer to form the second plurality of pleats.

Abstract: Devices and methods for treating heart disease by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal are disclosed. Devices may include an adjustable hydraulic diameter and/or a removable and/or replaceable shunt portion. Devices may include absorbable materials, the absorption of which directly or indirectly causes alterations of the fluid flow capacities the devices.

Abstract: A compliance restoration device includes a compliance balloon lumen, a chamber support structure disposed in the compliance balloon lumen and configured to expand to support an expanded volume of the compliance balloon lumen, and a spring assembly configured to cause the chamber support structure to expand by applying a force on a first end of the chamber support structure.

Abstract: Implantable pressure-actuated systems to deliver a drug and/or other substance in response to a pressure difference between a system cavity and an exterior environment, and methods of fabrication and use. A pressure-rupturable membrane diaphragm may be tuned to rupture at a desired rupture threshold, rupture site, with a desired rupture pattern, and/or within a desired rupture time. Tuning may include material selection, thickness control, surface patterning, substrate support patterning. The cavity may be pressurized above or evacuated below the rupture threshold, and a diaphragm-protective layer may be provided to prevent premature rupture in an ambient environment and to dissipate within an implant environment. A drug delivery system may be implemented within a stent to release a substance upon a decrease in blood pressure. The cavity may include a thrombolytic drug to or other substance to treat a blood clot.

Abstract: A catheter system for delivery of a ureteral catheter in a ureter includes a ureteral catheter, a pusher catheter to deliver the ureteral catheter at a desired location, a connection device, to connect, in an assembled state a distal end of the pusher catheter to a proximal end of the ureteral catheter, where, in the assembled state, the catheter system is configured and to deliver, when desired, fluid contrast agent near a proximal end of the ureteral catheter. The catheter system is also configured to deliver, when desired, fluid contrast agent near a distal end of the ureteral catheter.

Abstract: A medical port includes a hub having a body forming a hub chamber for containing a fluid, and a proximal opening to the hub chamber for receiving a medical implement. The port also has a valve member, a first radial fluid channel, and a second radial fluid channel. The valve member is located within the hub chamber, has a radial portion, and closes the proximal opening when the medical port is in a closed mode. The first and second radial fluid channels are in fluid communication with the hub chamber when the medical port is in the closed mode. The radial portion of the valve member restricts fluid communication between the first radial fluid channel and the hub chamber when the medical port is in an open mode.

Abstract: A thrombus detection device comprising an elongate tube having at least one opening at a distal end of the elongate tube. A coupling is attached or formed at the proximal end of the elongate tube. The detection of the presence of a thrombus is performed by using a syringe to withdraw blood through the at least one thrombus detection opening at the distal end of the elongate tube. If little or no blood is withdrawn, or if the withdrawal of blood is more difficult than expected, the presence of a thrombus obstructing the openings is indicated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cap for a medical connector. More specifically, the present invention related to an antimicrobial cap for placement over a connector, wherein various features of the antimicrobial cap maintain the connector in an antiseptic state.

Abstract: A valve apparatus for a medical injection system includes a pinching member and at least one spring-loaded anvil. A tubing line of the injection system may be positioned between the pinching member and the anvil, such that when the pinching member is moved into a pinching position adjacent to the anvil, for example, by rotation of a shaft to which the member is coupled, the pinching member compresses the tubing line against the spring-loaded anvil. The pinching member is preferably rotatable about an auxiliary axis, which is eccentric, or offset from a central axis of the shaft. A spring member of the spring-loaded anvil is preferably pre-loaded. In certain applications, the pinching member, when moved into the pinching position, applies a pinching force of greater than approximately 45 pounds, for example, to prevent flow through the tubing line at an injection pressure of up to approximately 1200 psi.

Abstract: In various examples, an apparatus includes a neurostimulation interconnection apparatus including an elongate lead body including a lead proximal end and a lead distal end. The lead proximal end includes a first connector portion. A stimulation device includes a header. The header includes a second connector portion including a shape complementary to a shape of the first connector portion. The first connector portion is mateably engageable with the second connector portion, wherein one of the first connector portion and the second connector portion includes a plurality of pins and the other of the first connector portion and the second connector portion includes a plurality of sockets. There are an equal number of sockets and pins, wherein, with the first connector portion mateably engaged with the second connector portion, the pins align and electrically couple with the sockets.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to extraforaminal electrical stimulation systems and leads for electrical stimulation of the dorsal root and dorsal root ganglion (DRG), minimally invasive implantation methods therefore, and related methods of providing extraforaminal electrical stimulation of the dorsal root and DRG for the treatment of a medical condition. In accordance with certain aspects, the extraforaminal electrical stimulation leads and methods are particularly suited for stimulation of dorsal roots and DRG of the cervical and thoracic spine.

Abstract: A fixation member component, for example, employed by a relatively compact implantable medical device, includes a plurality of fingers; each finger includes a first segment extending from a fixed end of the corresponding finger, and a second segment extending from the corresponding first segment to a free end of the corresponding finger. Each first segment is elastically deformable from a relaxed to an extended condition, and from the relaxed to a compressed condition, and includes a peripheral portion and a central cut-out portion, framed by the peripheral portion. In the compressed condition, a free tip of the cut-out portion of some or all of the fingers may lodge against opposing tissue surfaces, via a spring force of the compressed fingers. Each second segment and cut-out portion is preferably configured to prevent penetration thereof within tissue at the implant site.

Abstract: An electrode system for treating dry eye, including at least one electrode having a portion intended to be applied in contact with the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them that respectively imitates the shape of the eye surface, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them or wherein the portion of the intended to be applied in contact with the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them has a flexible and adaptable shape so that a form-fit is achievable between the portion of the electrode and the surface shape of the eye, the eye orbit, the temple, the eyelid areas or a part of them. The portion of the electrode is fed with an electromagnetic wave of distorted sinusoidal current with a resonance frequency which includes the related harmonics.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for injecting a fluid into body tissue, the apparatus comprising: a hollow needle; and fluid delivery means, wherein the apparatus is adapted to actuate the fluid delivery means in use so as to automatically inject fluid into body tissue during insertion of the needle into the said body tissue.

Abstract: A high-frequency cosmetic treatment apparatus capable of preventing local heating of a skin is provided. The high-frequency cosmetic treatment apparatus includes: a portable casing; side-by-side electrodes disposed at a tip portion of the casing with a predetermined interval provided therebetween, and having treatment surfaces to be contacted with a skin of a user; and a first power supply disposed in the casing, and to supply a high-frequency current to the pair of side-by-side electrodes.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating a gastrointestinal condition. In some embodiments, the method generally includes administering a chemical or electrical stimulus to an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, a nerve supplying an artery of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, and/or a nerve supplying a vein of the gastrointestinal vasculature of the subject, wherein the chemical or electrical stimulus is effective for treating a gastrointestinal condition.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache and trigeminal neuralgia and the like, by noninvasive electrical stimulation of nerves of the head, particularly supraorbital, supratrochlear, infraorbital, and mental nerves in the vicinity of their foramen or notch. The system comprises a handheld mobile device, such as a smartphone, that is applied to the surface of the patient's head. One or more electrodes on the mobile device apply electrical impulses transcutaneously through the patient's skin to the targeted nerve to treat the medical condition. The system is designed to address problems that arise particularly during self-treatment, when a medical professional is not present.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed that allow a patient to self-treat a medical condition, such as migraine headache, by electrical noninvasive stimulation of a vagus nerve. The system comprises a stimulator that is applied to the surface of the patient's neck. The device housing transmits data to a patient interface device such as a mobile phone or computer relating to the status of a stimulation session. The interface device in turn may communicate with a database contained within other computers, via a network or the internet. The system is designed to address problems that arise particularly during self-treatment, when a medical professional is not present.

Abstract: Described is a system for automatic adjustment of neurostimulation. The system controls stimulation of specific neural regions through a neural device positioned on a human subject, while simultaneously performing recordings from the neural device using a targeted arrangement of stimulating electrodes and distinct types of recording electrodes and sensors of the neural device. Stimulation of the specific neural regions is adjusted in real-time based on the recordings from the neural device.

Abstract: An exemplary sound processor included in a cochlear implant system associated with a patient 1) receives, from a fitting system while the sound processor is communicatively coupled to the fitting system, a command that sets a control parameter associated with the cochlear implant system to an initial value and data representative of a target value associated with the control parameter, 2) detects a decoupling of the sound processor from the fitting system, the decoupling resulting in the sound processor being in a non-fitting state, and 3) gradually adjusts, while the sound processor is in the non-fitting state, the control parameter from the initial value towards the target value in accordance with an adaption time course associated with the control parameter. Corresponding systems and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An example includes machine-implemented method of providing therapy to a patient using a plurality of electrodes implanted within the patient that includes receiving, via a programmer for an electrical stimulator, user input that at least partially defines a neuromodulation field to provide the therapy, based on the received user input, determining a subset of the plurality of electrodes and current distributions for the subset to generate the field, comparing an electrode limit to a number of electrodes in the determined subset and eliminating at least one of the number of electrodes in the determined subset based on the comparison to provide a reduced subset of the electrodes, and redistributing current associated with the at least one eliminated electrode to at least one of the electrodes in the reduced subset of electrodes.

Abstract: A neurostimulation system provides for capture verification and stimulation intensity adjustment to ensure effectiveness of vagus nerve stimulation in modulating one or more target functions in a patient. In various embodiments, stimulation is applied to the vagus nerve, and evoked responses are detected to verify that the stimulation captures the vagus nerve and to adjust one or more stimulation parameters that control the stimulation intensity.

Abstract: One or more virtual objects are displayed on an electronic programmer. The virtual objects represent initiating and terminating a delivery of a medical therapy to a patient. An actuation of the one or more virtual objects is sensed. The delivery of the medical therapy is terminated immediately if the actuation of the one or more virtual objects corresponds to terminating the delivery of the medical therapy. The delivery of the medical therapy is initiated in a delayed manner if the actuation of the one or more virtual objects corresponds to starting the delivery of the medical therapy. A battery level of the electronic programmer is monitored. At least one of the following tasks is performed if the battery level is lower than a target battery level: disallowing programming of the electronic programmer; terminating the delivery of an existing medical therapy; and precluding the delivery of a prospective medical therapy.

Abstract: Techniques for determining the location of a physiological midline are disclosed. A first technique evaluates the response to stimulation of spinal electrodes at peripheral electrodes on different sides of the body. In this technique, a spinal electrode's position relative to a physiological midline is determined based on a relationship between responses to its stimulation observed on different sides of the body. A second technique evaluates the response of spinal electrodes to stimulation of peripheral electrodes on different sides of the body. In this technique, a spinal electrode's position relative to a physiological midline is determined based on the different responses that it observes to stimulation on different sides of the body.

Abstract: An electrical feedthrough assembly for an implantable medical device includes an outer ferrule of metallic material having an outer surface hermetically sealed to an implantable device housing. There is an inner feedthrough assembly which is hermetically sealed within the ferrule and which has a structure of sintered layers that include: i. an electrical insulator of ceramic insulator material, ii. one or more electrically conductive vias of metallized conductive material embedded within and extending through the electrical insulator, and iii. a transition interface region around each of the conductive vias comprising a gradient mixture of the ceramic insulator material and the metallized conductive material forming a gradual transition and a mechanical bond between the electrical insulator and the conductive via.