Abstract: In part, the disclosure relates to an aspirator having a handle that includes a suction connector extending from a proximal end face, a substantially cylindrical sleeve mount having an outer surface and a shoulder. A tubular member defining a bore and having flared end disposed in a suction head having one or more cantilevered protuberances can extend from the sleeve mount. The substantially cylindrical sleeve mount is in relief with respect to the shoulder and extends distally therefrom. The substantially cylindrical sleeve mount defines an aperture. The suction connector bore, bore of tubular member, inner cavity of handle and suction head bore define a fluid flow path or cavity. The aspirator can include a sleeve that receives the suction head. The sleeve engages and interferes with the sleeve mount. The suction head and sleeve's inner wall have one or more engineered clearances between them to enhance assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In one embodiment, a negative pressure source can provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing comprising a stabilizing structure. The stabilizing structure can be inserted into a wound and collapse upon application of negative pressure to the wound when the stabilizing structure is positioned in the wound. A controller can in turn determine a measure of collapse of the stabilizing structure from a pressure in the fluid flow path while the negative pressure source maintains a magnitude of the pressure in the fluid flow path within a negative pressure range. The controller can output an indication responsive to the measure of collapse.

Abstract: This invention discloses a method, device and kit for the preparation of PRP. There is provided a medical device comprising a first blood bag for collection of whole blood from a patient and a second blood bag for separation of a platelet rich plasma (PRP) fraction, wherein; a whole blood inlet is provided at a first end of the first blood bag and a first blood bag outlet is provided at a second end of the first blood bag and a packed cells outlet and a plasma outlet are connected to the first blood bag outlet and a flexible plastic tube connects the plasma outlet to a plasma inlet of the third blood bag.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided herein for exchange between a first agent and a second agent. The device includes a first chamber having a first inlet and a first outlet with a first flow passageway extending between the first inlet and the first outlet for flowing a first agent through the first chamber. The device also includes a second chamber having a second inlet and a second outlet with a second flow passageway extending between the second inlet and the second outlet for flowing a second agent through the second chamber and a membrane positioned between the first flow passageway and the second flow passageway to allow exchange through the membrane of the first agent with the second agent. Methods of nitrosylating blood and methods of manufacturing the device are also provided.

Abstract: An integrated chest evacuation tube that is specifically configured for being a closed system when inserted and retained inside of a chest cavity provides enhanced benefits over the state of the art. The integrated chest evacuation tube generally includes a valve that is made up of a hollow elastomeric housing having a collar at an output end of the housing which provides an aperture into the housing, a valve input end at an input end of the housing, and an elongated slit at the valve input end. The slit is configured to close together in a spring-like manner when in a closed position. The valve is integrated and at least partially inside of a chest evacuation tube that has a tube inlet port and a tube outlet port. The tube inlet port is adapted to drain fluid and/or air from a human chest cavity.

Abstract: A fluid driving device includes: a pipe flow system configured to provide a fluid flow channel; a power system configured to provide power for the fluid to flow into and out of the pipe flow system; and a control system, configured to control the operation of the fluid driving device.

Abstract: A securing assembly for connecting a drive assembly to a driven assembly of a catheter pump includes a motor housing, a flow diverter housing, and a flow diverter positioned within the flow diverter housing, wherein one of the flow diverter or the flow diverter housing includes a securement device. The securing assembly also includes a cap coupled between the motor housing and the flow diverter housing. The cap includes a central opening and a locking recess extending circumferentially about the central opening. Insertion of the flow diverter into the central opening causes securement device to engage the locking recess.

Abstract: A catheter pump assembly is provided that includes an elongate body, an elongate flexible shaft disposed in the elongate body, and an impeller coupled with the distal end of the elongate flexible shaft. The drive system includes a drive component, a motor and a tension member. The tension member is coupled with the motor and the drive component and to cause the drive component to rotate, and thereby to cause the impeller to rotate.

Abstract: Systems and methods suitable for extracorporeal lung support are provided that expose blood, across a semipermeable membrane, to a dialysis liquid. The dialysis liquid features a buffering agent and has a high buffering capacity for H+ ions. Carbon dioxide, bicarbonate and hydrogen cations are transported across a semipermeable membrane into the dialysis liquid. The dialysis fluid may be recycled and repeatedly used, and its pH may be adjusted, and other fluids added to it. Certain substances may be removed from the blood, and the amount of these substances removed from the blood may be substantially automatically or substantially continuously monitored or quantified. The systems and methods are suitable for treating or preventing respiratory acidosis, metabolic acidosis, and diseases featuring lung malfunction, kidney malfunction, or liver malfunction.

Abstract: Methods, sorbent cartridges and cleaning devices are disclosed for refurbishing sorbent materials. In one implementation among multiple implementations, a medical fluid delivery method includes: providing a sorbent cartridge including H+ZP within a casing for a treatment; and after the treatment, refurbishing the H+ZP while maintained within the casing via (i) regenerating the non-disinfected H+ZP by flowing an acid solution through the casing, (ii) rinsing the regenerated H+ZP while maintained within the casing, (iii) disinfecting the regenerated and rinsed H+ZP by flowing a disinfecting agent through the casing, and (iv) rinsing the regenerated and disinfected H+ZP while maintained within the casing. Multiple batch sorbent refubishing implementations are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dialysis device comprising a dialysis circuit for providing dialysis fluid and returning purified fluid to the dialysis circuit. The device comprises an evaporator/condenser device, provided with an evaporator bag and a condenser bag. The evaporator bag receives dialysis fluid from the dialysis bag and produces steam, whereby a concentrated dialysis fluid is left and drained to a drain bag. The condenser bag receives the steam produced in the evaporation bag and condenses the steam for producing pure water for being returned to said dialysis circuit. The evaporation and condensation takes place at a subatmospheric pressure, such as between 30 and 70 mmHg at a temperature of about 30 to 44° C. Heat energy is provided to the evaporation bag and the condenser bag is cooled. The cooled energy may be absorbed by a heat pump for delivery of heat to the evaporator bag.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a peritoneal dialysis machine for the carrying out of a peritoneal dialysis treatment having recurring cycles, the cycles comprising an inflow phase, a dwell period and a drainage phase for the dialysis fluid, wherein the machine has a control unit and a measurement apparatus for determining the inflow and/or drainage rate of the dialysis fluid to and from a patient, wherein the control unit is configured to carry out a comparison between a time progression curve of the inflow rate and/or of the drainage rate determined by the measurement apparatus during an inflow phase and/or a drainage phase and a corresponding reference curve and to recognize on the basis of this comparison a disturbance in the inflow and/or drainage of the dialysis fluid to and from the patient.

Abstract: A method for generating treatment regimens includes: receiving a therapy target and a therapy restriction input; receiving a patient characteristics input; generating a plurality of peritoneal dialysis treatment regimens, each peritoneal dialysis treatment regimen being defined by a succession of first exchange cycles and second exchange cycles and by a corresponding number of first exchange cycles and a number of second exchange cycles; simulating a peritoneal dialysis treatment outcome for each of the plurality of peritoneal dialysis treatment regimens based at least in part on the patient characteristics to generate a simulated treatment outcome; and providing for selection a peritoneal dialysis treatment regimen to be applied for a specific treatment based on the simulated treatment outcome and the therapy target and restrictions.

Abstract: A fluid flow sensing and bubble detecting apparatus includes a housing comprising a channel configured to receive a tube through which fluid flows; a sensor apparatus disposed within the housing, which includes a first sensor operable to measure flow rate of fluid and to detect bubbles in flowing fluid; and a temperature sensor operable to detect temperature of the flowing fluid; and a processor connected to receive fluid flow rate data obtained by the first sensor, to receive bubble detection data obtained by the first sensor, and to receive fluid temperature data obtained by the temperature sensor, wherein when a tube through which fluid flows is disposed in the channel of the housing, the first sensor measures the flow rate of the flowing fluid and detects bubbles therein, and the temperature sensor measures the temperature of the flowing fluid, and the processor calculates in a short period of time a fluid flow rate corrected for temperature.

Abstract: The method and system of the present invention detects cellular electrical activity and/or temperature continuously in real time to indicate the level of cellular arrest in the myocardial and conductive cells, allowing for the adjustment of cardioplegia, temperature, and/or increasing or decreasing the ratio of blood to electrolytes (cardioplegia) in order to eliminate or minimize myocardial ischemia that occurs when cellular arrest is not obtained or maintained during cardiac surgery. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a conductive wire and/or a thermistor are imbedded in or on the walls of a retrograde and/or other cannula to detect low amplitude electrical activity and/or temperature, respectively. In an alternate preferred embodiment of the present invention sensors for electrolyte, pO2, pCO2, or cardiac enzymes could also be added or used in replacement of other sensors.

Abstract: A bi-directional perfusion cannula comprising a flexible elongated tube 1 for insertion into an artery having a first aperture 3 at a distal end and a second aperture 4 formed rearward of the first aperture, the elongated tube can be bent in correspondence of the second aperture to orient it in a direction opposite to the insertion direction. The cannula is provided with a tape 5 having a first end portion shaped as a ring, fixed on an outer surface of the elongated tube, and a second end portion opposite to the first end portion either coupled to or being integral with a belt 7 defining a strap 11 with holes 12 and at least a prong 13 integral with the strap and configured to engage a respective hole, wherein the belt is configured to be tightened around an outer surface of the artery.

Abstract: A centrifugal separation device of a blood component collection system comprises a data acquisition unit that acquires initial data A, an estimated data calculation unit that calculates estimated data B on the basis of the initial data A, a reaction force calculation unit which calculates a reaction force of a first applied load measurement unit on the basis of the estimated data B, and an internal pressure calculation unit that calculates an internal pressure of the first applied load measurement unit, based on the reaction force and a load detected by a first load detecting unit.

Abstract: A biological component collection system and a circuit internal pressure acquisition method are provided, which are capable of accurately measuring the circuit internal pressure. A centrifugal separation device of a blood component collection system comprises an estimated data calculation unit that calculates estimated data B on the basis of initial data A, and a correction unit that corrects the estimated data B in a manner so that the internal pressure calculated by a first internal pressure calculation unit becomes equivalent to the internal pressure calculated by a second internal pressure calculation unit.

Abstract: A biological component collection system and a circuit internal pressure acquisition method are provided, which are capable of accurately measuring the circuit internal pressure. A centrifugal separation device of a blood component collection system has a first load detecting unit an internal pressure calculation unit that calculates an internal pressure using the load detected by the first load detecting unit and internal pressure calculation data. The internal pressure calculation unit performs a calculation reflecting a change in the internal pressure calculation data depending on temperature.

Abstract: A transport lock assembly for a medicament delivery device, wherein the transport lock assembly comprises a powerpack (30) having a locking member (50, 50?, 50?) configured to interact with a control member (60), which locking member (50, 50?, 50?) is movable, relative to the control member (60), from a first state in which the control member (60) is immobilized, to a second state in which the control member (60) is free to move; wherein the transport lock assembly further comprises a housing part (20) having a key member (22), such that assembly of the powerpack (30) with the housing part (20) causes the key member (22) to move the locking member (50, 50?, 50?) from the first state to the second state.

Abstract: A system for controlled neuromodulation procedures is disclosed. A system for controlled micro ablation procedures is disclosed. Systems and methods for imaging, monitoring, stimulating, and/or ablating neurological structures coupled to one or more organs of the lower urinary tract (LUT) are disclosed. Such processes may be used to alter the hormonal secretions from one or more organs, to modulate the growth of an organ, alter the growth rate or rate of perineural invasion of a tumor, or the like. In particular such processes may be used to slow, halt and/or reverse the growth of a prostate gland or a prostate tumor.

Abstract: A medical infusion device including a chamber characterized by an upper body joined to a lower body via a reversibly collapsible sidewall. The upper body has a first channel fluidly coupled to a needle and a second channel fluidly coupled to an interior of the chamber. The chamber transitions from a collapsed state to the expanded state to retract the needle by introducing fluid into the interior of the chamber through the second channel.

Abstract: A cassette for use with a pumping apparatus having a pumping system for engaging a pump set includes a cassette body configured for releasable attachment to the pumping apparatus to mount the cassette on the pumping apparatus. The cassette body has at least one mounting formation. At least one identification member is mounted on the cassette body by the mounting formation of the cassette body. The identification member and mounting formation are formed to mount the identification member in any one of a plurality of predetermined orientations. Each predetermined orientation indicates a different functional configuration of the pump set.

Abstract: A device and method for controlling operation of an ambulatory infusion device drive. The drive may have a spindle drive with a stepper motor, a drive member operatively coupled to a rotary encoder, and a driver controller that executes several steps, including actuating the stepper motor to execute a requested number of steps in a current drive control sequence, receiving a drive member position that indicates an actual position of a drive member following the actuation, computing an executed steps number from the drive member position, computing a missed steps number for the current drive control sequence, which is the difference between the requested number of steps and the executed steps number, determining when the ambulatory infusion device drive is blocked based on a statistical evaluation of a time-distribution of the missed steps number over a history of drive control sequences, and generating a blockage alarm signal.

Abstract: A multiple pulse volume shuttle pump powered by a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire is disclosed. In some embodiments, a shuttle pump system may include a pump chamber, a valve operable with the pump chamber, and a wire coupled to a valve shaft of the valve for controlling a position of the valve. The shuttle pump system may further include a pin disposed within an inset pathway of a cam, wherein the pin is moveable between multiple positions of the inset pathway in response to actuation of the valve shaft.

Abstract: A barrel is provided having open proximal end and a closed distal end, and at least one groove in an interior wall thereof. The groove(s) define a length extending a distance from the open end of the barrel toward the distal end of the barrel and defining a substantially constant depth and width along the length thereof. A piston is in sealing engagement with the interior wall of the barrel. The groove(s) permits fluid to bypass the piston when positioned along the groove(s). At least a portion of the piston is positioned distally from the groove(s), thereby sealing substance within the barrel.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a housing, a drug delivery assembly disposed within the housing along a longitudinal axis, and a cap defining a shell. At least one electronic component, a power source, and a switch assembly are at least partially disposed in and coupled to the cap. The switch assembly is movable along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the drug delivery assembly to cause the power source to provide power to the electronic component. The device further includes an activation mechanism at least partially disposed in the cap. Upon urging the cap along the longitudinal axis in a direction away from the housing, the activation mechanism engages the switch assembly and causes the switch assembly to move, thereby causing the power source to provide power to the at least one electronic component.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and corresponding apparatus for just in time mixing of a solid or powdered formulation and its subsequent delivery to a biological body. In some embodiments, a powdered formulation is maintained in a first chamber of a plurality of chambers. A plurality of electromagnetic actuators are in communication with the plurality of chambers. The actuators, when activated, generate a pressure within at least the first chamber. The pressure results in mixing of the powdered formulation and a diluent in time for delivering into the biological body.

Abstract: A syringe barrel including a cylindrical main body including an injection section and an insertion section, in which the cylindrical main body includes a layered structure, and a surface roughness of an inner surface of the cylindrical main body is 4 nm to 25 nm in terms of arithmetic average roughness (Ra).

Abstract: A syringe assembly having a barrel for storing a medication and a stopper positioned within the barrel and having an opening, the stopper separating the proximal and distal sections of the barrel. A plunger is movable axially within the barrel. A cover extends radially from the plunger, the cover movable within the barrel from an open position to a closed position, wherein in the open position the cover exposes the opening in the stopper to enable the medication to flow within the barrel from the proximal section to the distal section and in the closed position the cover covers the opening to prevent the flow of medication from the proximal to the distal section.

Abstract: A grip accessory for a manual injection device comprises a housing comprising a generally hollow body configured to support a manual injection device therein. The housing comprises a distal portion comprising a first opening into which a manual injection device can be inserted, a proximal portion having a second opening through which the needle of the manual injection device extends. The proximal portion comprises a skin contacting surface at a proximal end of the device that can be placed against an injection site. An intermediate portion extends between the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: An assembly (47) for a medication delivery device (1) has a body (2), a dose setting part (8) configured to be operated by a user for selecting a size of a dose, a piston rod (13) configured to be moved axially without rotating for dispensing a medication, and a drive member (12) being directly coupled to the piston rod (13) for driving the piston rod (13) in a dose dispensing operation, wherein the drive member (12) moves in a proximal direction in the dose setting operation. The medication delivery device (1) into which the assembly is incorporated may be a single-shot, variable-dose injection device, e.g., a syringe.

Abstract: An injection assembly includes a housing with a barrel positioned within the housing. The barrel includes an axis extending from a proximal end to a distal end thereof and a chamber for storing medicine. An elongate anti-rotation shaft is rotationally fixed to the housing and has a non-circular cross-section. The injection assembly includes an inner screw having an inner screw opening to complementarily receive the anti-rotation shaft to prevent rotation of the inner screw with respect to the anti-rotation shaft but allow respective linear translation along the axis. An outer screw is positioned within, and rotatable with respect to, the housing and has an outer screw opening to threadably receive the inner screw, wherein rotation of the outer screw translates the inner screw along the axis and along the anti-rotation shaft. A plunger is coupled to the distal end of the inner screw and is moveable with respect to the chamber to push the medicine out of the chamber when the outer screw is rotated.

Abstract: An injector for delivery of a pharmaceutical composition. The injector includes a cylinder extending along a longitudinal axis, the cylinder having an inner wall, an outer wall, and an outlet at an outlet end opposite an actuating end, a piston assembly comprising a compressible section between an actuating piston element and a passive piston element, which piston elements abut the inner wall of the cylinder at abutting interfaces thereby sealing the compressible section when the piston assembly is inserted in the cylinder, the compressible section comprising a compressible fluid and a resilient frame linking the actuating piston element to the passive piston element. The injector is suited for pre-filled injectors allowing long term storage of protein based pharmaceutical compositions.

Abstract: An assembly for a medication delivery device includes a body, a piston rod, rotatable with respect to the body, for setting a dose of a medication, and axially movable in a distal direction for delivering the set dose, wherein, in cross-section, the piston rod includes a plurality of ratchet teeth to enable rotation of the piston rod during setting of a dose, and a stop member secured against axial and rotational movement, wherein the stop member mechanically cooperates with the piston rod, wherein, when setting the dose, the piston rod becomes aligned with the stop member, and wherein, when delivering the set dose, the piston rod is moved in the distal direction towards the stop member such that the piston rod and the stop member abut at the end of the dose delivery operation and further distal movement of the piston rod is prevented after dose delivery.

Abstract: An injection device includes a cartridge configured to hold a volume of fluid, the cartridge having a proximal end and a distal end through which the fluid is dispensed; a stopper disposed in the cartridge and configured to move from the proximal end toward the distal end to cause the fluid to be dispensed through the distal end of the cartridge; and an electronic device disposed at the distal end of the cartridge, the electronic device including an emitter configured to transmit a signal toward the stopper, a receiver configured to receive reflections of the signal from the stopper, and a controller configured to wirelessly transmit data related to a position of the stopper in the cartridge.

Abstract: A wearable drug delivery device includes a housing, a needle assembly at least partially disposed in the housing, and a drive assembly at least partially disposed in the housing and coupled to the needle assembly. The needle assembly includes a needle or cannula and a sterile barrier disposed proximal to the needle or cannula in a first configuration where the sterile barrier is intact. The drive assembly includes a container that contains a medicament to be administered, a first plunger disposed in the container, and a drive mechanism that forces the first plunger to urge the medicament through the container. Upon engaging the drive mechanism, the needle or cannula and the sterile barrier move relative to each other from the first configuration to a second configuration where the needle or cannula breaks the sterile barrier, thereby allowing the medicament to be administered via the needle or cannula.

Abstract: An autoinjector includes a case, a syringe carrier slidably disposed within the case and adapted to hold a syringe including a stopper, a plunger slidably disposed within the syringe carrier and adapted to apply a force on the stopper, and a drive spring disposed within the plunger and biasing the plunger relative to the syringe carrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of a retractable syringe assembly are provided that include a dual syringe barrel configuration. One or more embodiments include reuse prevention features and features that prevent premature activation of the retraction mechanism. Methods for aspirating and expelling liquid from medical devices are also provided.

Abstract: A conical needle includes a hollow needle body has a distal end and a proximal end. The needle body has a substantially consistent cross-sectional diameter along the entire length of a central longitudinal axis of the needle body between the proximal end and the distal end of the needle body. The interior of the needle body defines a fluid pathway extending along the longitudinal axis. A conical portion is located at the distal end of the needle body. The conical portion has a sidewall, a distal end, and a proximal end. The conical portion forms a sharp tip located at the distal end of the conical portion. A lateral opening is located fully within the sidewall of the conical portion. The lateral opening is in fluid communication with the fluid pathway.

Abstract: A fluid infusion device includes a housing having a reservoir chamber that receives a fluid reservoir. The fluid reservoir has a first end and a second end. The fluid infusion device includes a connector system having a first body section coupled to a second body section. The first body section defines a bore in communication with a chamber and a counterbore of the second body section to define a fluid flow path. The chamber of the second body section is in fluid communication with a vent subsystem defined through the second body section. The vent subsystem terminates in an outlet, and the vent subsystem is to direct gas in the fluid flow path through the second body section to the outlet. The fluid infusion device includes at least one ring disposed within the reservoir chamber that cooperates with the connector system to securely couple the connector system to the housing.

Abstract: A packaging assembly comprises a case configured to contain at least one injection device for delivering a medicament; a cooling unit configured to lower an internal temperature of the case; a processing arrangement; a device sensor configured to detect at least one injection device contained within the case, and to receive device storage information from the at least one detected injection device; and a data storage device. The processing arrangement is configured to record an injection history on the data storage device. The processor arrangement is configured to control the cooling unit to set an internal temperature of the case according to the received device storage information.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a syringe assembly including a syringe including a Luer connection and a tip, a plunger, a tip cap, a tamper evident cap disposed over the tip cap, and a film including a frangible connection. The film secures the tamper evident cap to the Luer connection, where the frangible connection can break under a force applied to the tamper evident cap such that the tamper evident cap disengages from the Luer connection when the frangible connection breaks.

Abstract: A personal vaporizer has a vaporizer case defining a vaporizer interior, a vaporization chamber within the vaporizer interior, an air flow passage from one or more air intake openings in the case to the vaporization chamber, a vaporization mixture flow passage extending from the vaporization chamber to an exit port, and a heating arrangement having at least one heating element disposed within the vaporization chamber. The heating arrangement is connected to a power source for selective activation by a user. A first fluid reservoir is configured for retaining a first vaporizable fluid within a first reservoir interior and a second fluid reservoir is configured for retaining a second vaporizable fluid within a second reservoir interior. A fluid transport arrangement is configured for transporting the first and second vaporizable fluids from the first and second fluid reservoirs into the vaporization chamber.

Abstract: A flow-guiding element adapted to a nebulizer having a nebulizing module includes a main flow-guiding body having a main flow-guiding channel, and an auxiliary flow-guiding body having at least one auxiliary flow-guiding channel. The at least one auxiliary flow-guiding channel is communicated with the main flow-guiding channel, and a longitudinal axis of the main flow-guiding body crosses a longitudinal axis of the auxiliary flow-guiding body. A nebulizer includes a nebulizing module and a flow-guiding element connected to the nebulizing module. The flow-guiding element includes a main flow-guiding body having a main flow-guiding channel and an auxiliary flow-guiding body having at least one auxiliary flow-guiding channel, in which the at least one auxiliary flow-guiding channel is communicated with the main flow-guiding channel, and the longitudinal axis of the main flow-guiding body crosses a longitudinal axis of the auxiliary flow-guiding body.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device with a main body (10); a reservoir (21) containing a dose of powder; a reservoir opening mechanism (80); a dispenser orifice (5); a movable support mechanism (50) to displace a reservoir (21) against the opening mechanism on actuation and displaceable between a non-dispensing position and a dispensing position, urged towards the dispensing position, and held in the non-dispensing position by a blocking mechanism (100). An inhalation trigger system (60) is provided that has a deformable air chamber (61) and a trigger element (600) that co-operates firstly with the air chamber (61) and secondly with the blocking mechanism. The fluid dispenser device further includes an electronic dose counter or indicator device (300) including a sensor (306) to detect displacement or deformation of a portion of the fluid dispenser device, generated while the user is inhaling or after the user has inhaled.

Abstract: A carrier, apparatus and method for making an aerosol precursor liquid suitable for aerosolized delivery by a device such as an electronic cigarette. A carrier is fluid permeable and comprises a tobacco-derived medium for carrying a functional component, the medium being configured to release the functional component into a fluid to provide an aerosol precursor liquid infused with the functional component. A method for mixing an aerosol precursor liquid for aerosolized delivery of a functional component by an aerosol delivery device comprises bringing the tobacco-derived medium carrying the functional component into contact with fluid and allowing the fluid to saturate the medium to thereby cause the medium to release the functional component into said fluid to form an aerosol precursor liquid infused with the functional component. A receptacle comprising a chamber for the carrier is provided for mixing the aerosol precursor liquid. Example functional components include nicotine and nicotine salts.

Abstract: Apparatus for a ventilator, comprises a control means (108) configured to: receive state information indicative of pressure being above or below at least one predetermined threshold pressure at at least one pressure switch (208), and control an air movement device to repeatedly cause inflation of lungs of the patient and allow deflation, dependent at least on the received state information. In use, the at least one pressure switch is located at a pressure representative of air pressure in lungs (202) of a patient. The state information does not comprise an absolute numerical pressure value at the at least one pressure switch.

Abstract: An introducer for tracheal tube intubation has a proximal section connected to a distal section having an angled bougie tip. The introducer is configurable (i) for use as a bougie in which a tracheal tube is railroaded over the introducer's back end and into a trachea and (ii) for use as a stylet in which a tracheal tube is pre-loaded onto the introducer for insertion into a trachea. In certain embodiments, the introducer has one or more flexible or malleable sections that enable the introducer to bend into different configurations. The flexible/malleable sections have directional bending such that the sections bend in roughly the same plane as the angled bougie tip. This enables an operator always to know the orientation of the bougie tip even after it has been inserted into the trachea. The flexible/malleable sections enable the introducer to be configured with a handle or other type of grip.

Abstract: A face mask (also called full face) for respiratory therapy, in particular for non-invasive mechanical ventilation, has a low value of CO2 rebreathing. The mask includes a shaped shell to cover at least the mouth, the nose and the eyes of a patient when the mask is worn, and includes, on said shaped shell an inlet fitting for the connection to a pipe through which a ventilation apparatus supplies the mask with a mixture of air and oxygen, and an outlet fitting, separate from said inlet fitting, for the discharge of air exhaled by the patient. With this arrangement, the mask allows drastically reducing the phenomenon of carbon dioxide rebreathing, which is very harmful for the patient subjected to ventilation.