Abstract: An autoinjector having a body (1) and an actuator sleeve (10) having a first projecting position before actuation and a second projecting position after actuation. The actuator sleeve or the body has a flexible tab (110) that deforms laterally when the actuator sleeve moves from its first projecting position to its actuated position, then from its actuated position to return to its second projecting position. The other of the actuator sleeve and the body has an initial zone (102), an intermediate zone (105), and a final reception zone (106) co-operating with the flexible tab in the first projecting position, actuated position, and second projecting position, respectively. The final reception zone is offset laterally from the initial zone. A deformable axial wall (1020) deforms allowing the flexible tab to pass from the initial zone to the intermediate zone and guides it from the intermediate zone to the final reception zone.

Abstract: An autoinjector includes a body (1; 1010), a reservoir containing fluid product, a piston, a needle, a piston rod (5 5; 1005) that is displaceable between a loaded position and an injection position, and an injection spring (8; 1008) to stress 10 the piston rod towards the injection position. The autoinjector also includes an injection lock having a control sleeve (4; 1004) containing the piston rod and the injection spring. The piston rod includes a radial recess (50; 1050) receiving a substantially spherical blocking element (7; 1007) mobile between a blocking position and an unblocking position, stressed radially towards the exterior by the piston rod, and held in the blocking position by a blocking member (23; 1004) that is displaceable relative to the piston rod to release the blocking element.

Abstract: A housing and a cap for a drug delivery device is provided, comprising a metal element (150, 132) and a plastic element (131, 133) which together form a functional unit. The metal element (150, 132) and the plastic element (131, 133) are fixedly coupled to each other, and the metal element (150, 132) provides an outer surface of the assembly which is configured to be handled by a user. Furthermore, a drug delivery device (1) is provided comprising the housing or cap, and having a weight less than 30 g. Furthermore, a method of producing a housing or a cap is provided, wherein the metal element (150, 132) is slid over the plastic element (131, 133) in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A finger grip arranged to be connected to a syringe barrel having a plunger and a plunger rod for driving said plunger. The finger grip includes a body having a lower side with finger supporting surfaces for supporting fingers of a user during handling and an engagement member being moveable between an inactive position where the engagement member is arranged not to engage with the plunger rod of the syringe barrel and an active position where the engagement member is arranged to engage with a grooved surface on the plunger rod of the syringe such that feedback is given to a user as the plunger is moved relative to the finger grip. An activation member for moving the engagement member from said inactive position to said active position is built-in into the finger grip.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device is presented having a housing that is arranged to accommodate a medicament container, a drive unit operably arranged to act on the medicament container upon activation, an activation mechanism operably arranged to be operated by a user, an activation preventing mechanism operably arranged to prevent the activation mechanism to be activated, an usage management module arranged to be operated by a user, which usage management module is designed as an attachable unit to the medicament delivery device. First keying elements are arranged on the device and on the usage management module designed to interact with each other when attaching said usage management module, such as to cause a deactivation of the activation preventing mechanism to allow operation of the activation mechanism. The usage management module can include a monitoring circuit arranged to monitor the use of the medicament delivery device.

Abstract: A plunger cover for use with a syringe includes a sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the syringe and a central portion adapted to contact fluid within the syringe. The central portion can, for example, be more rigid than the sealing portion. The sealing portion and the central portion are connected in an overmolding process. The sealing portion can, for example, be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic polyurethane. The central portion can, for example, be formed from polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate or copolymers thereof.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided comprising a screw member comprising a thread, the thread including at least two consecutive portions, the portions having different leads. The device further includes a nut member. The assembly is configured such that, in a first portion of the thread, the nut member includes a first position with respect to an axis transversal to the rotational axis and in a second portion of the thread, the nut member includes a second position with respect to the axis transversal to the rotational axis. The nut member is configured to perform a tilting movement from the first position into the second position when the nut member passes from the first portion to the second portion. Furthermore, a drug delivery device comprising the assembly is described.

Abstract: A dose indicating mechanism for a drug delivery device for displaying of a dose of a medicament to be dispensed by the drug delivery device includes an elongated housing extending in an axial direction and having at least a first window and a second window that are spaced apart from each other in axial direction. The dose indicating mechanism further includes a dose indicating sleeve movably disposed in the housing and having at least one dose indication coinciding with the first window to display the size of a dose actually set, and an indicator operably engaged with the dose indicating sleeve and axially displaceable relative to the housing to coincide with the second window for indicating an operational status of the dose indicating mechanism.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device is presented having a housing arranged to accommodate a medicament container, a drive mechanism capable of, upon activation, act on the medicament container, a communication unit arranged in the housing, a switch operably connectable to the drive mechanism and connected to the communication unit for activating the communication unit when operated, wherein the switch is operated by the drive mechanism at the end of a dose delivery sequence.

Abstract: According to the invention a safety device for a pre-filled syringe comprises a substantially cylindrical and hollow support body and a hollow needle shield slideably arranged relative to the support body. The support body comprises at least one resilient arm and the hollow needle shield or a needle shield assembly comprises at least one curved actuation ramp. The curved actuation ramp protrudes in a lateral direction (L) perpendicular to a central axis (A) of the safety device. The curved actuation ramp comprises a first lateral dimension (L1) at a proximal end of the needle shield and a second lateral dimension (L2) exceeding the first lateral dimension (L1) at a distal end of the needle shield. The resilient arm engages the curved actuation ramp when the needle shield is slid relative to the support body.

Abstract: A flow sensor is provided to enable volumetric dose data to be acquired automatically by sampling flow rates of insulin measured by a flow sensor exposed to a flow manifold though which the insulin flows. The flow sensor preferably connects to a standard insulin pen on one end, and to a standard pen needle on the other end. Particular geometries and algorithms are utilized to accommodate the unique requirements of insulin flow determination during an injection event.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device including at least one contact sensor configured to output a signal representing a state of partial detachment of the device from an injection site, and an alert output module configured to output an alert based on the signal received from the at least one contact sensor.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device having a body (10), a reservoir (20), a dispenser head (100) and a dispenser member (30) mounted on the reservoir by a fastener ring (60). Also provided is a lateral actuator system (40) including an actuator element (41) movable between a rest position and an actuated position. The body (10) includes a guide surface (50) that is stationary relative to the head and substantially parallel to the central axis of the dispenser member (30). The actuator element (41) co-operates with the guide surface (50). The guide surface (50) includes a resistance element (55) that modifies the co-operation between the actuator element (41) and the guide surface (50). In order to be passed over, the resistance element (55) require the user to act on the lateral actuator system (40) with an actuation force that is different.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a housing having a chamber for holding an aerosol, an air outlet communicating with the chamber for permitting the aerosol to be withdrawn from the chamber, and a reservoir for holding a liquid to be aerosolized. The nebulizer also includes a liquid orifice located in the chamber, one or more liquid channels defined between the reservoir and the liquid orifice, the one or more liquid channels having a liquid volume, and a pressurized gas outlet located in the chamber adjacent to the liquid orifice. A baffle is located in the chamber and positioned relative to the pressurized gas outlet and the liquid outlet so as to divert pressurized gas from the pressurized gas outlet and over the liquid orifice. The baffle has a diverter surface area. The liquid volume is at least 80 mm3. The diverter surface area is less than 5.0 mm2.

Abstract: A nebulizer and a method of breathing using the nebulizer is described. The nebulizer and breathing techniques are capable of delivering medicament into the sinus cavity of a user.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device useful for facilitating delivery of drugs or medicaments to the respiratory system of a user. The device comprising a mechanism for interrupting the airflow during inhalation or exhalation performed by the user through the device by generating pressure pulses within the respiratory system of the user, such that the delivery of the drugs to the user is facilitated; the pressure pulses are selected from the group consisting of: inspiratory Negative Pressure (NP) pulses, inspiratory Positive Pressure (PP) pulses, expiratory Negative Pressure (NP) pulses, expiratory Positive Pressure (PP) pulses into the respiratory system, and any combination thereof.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a device for monitoring patient usage of a medicament inhaler, being adapted to deliver doses of medicament. The device includes a housing, for releasable attachment to the medicament inhaler, and a sensor configured to determine when a dose of medicament has been dispensed from the medicament inhaler. The device is attachable to the medicament inhaler, and is subsequently operable without any modifications being required to be made to the medicament inhaler. The device may also include an electronic control module which is in communication with the sensor, the electronic control module being adapted to monitor and/or store data relating to patient usage of the medicament inhaler.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a flavor cartridge for a flavor inhalator, the method comprising the steps of filling a predetermined amount of a flavor generating material capable of emitting a flavor component in a frame compressing the flavor generating material in the frame by applying pressure thereto by a pusher and fixing a lid to the frame, wherein the flavor generating material contains a tobacco material obtained by shredding or pulverizing tobacco leaf, and the lid has air permeability.

Abstract: A tool for use in conjunction with a pressure support system that is structured to provide therapy to a patient to treat a condition of the patient by delivering a flow of breathing gas to the patient. The tool may be implemented on a portable electronic device or a PC and is configured to, among other things, provide customized/personalized education and feedback to the patient based, at least in part, on data that is measured by the pressure support system during the provision of therapy to the patient. The tool utilizes certain patient/therapy metrics, wherein each patient/therapy metric comprises raw data that was measured by the pressure support system and that has been processed (e.g., summarized and/or otherwise manipulated) to form the patient/therapy metric.

Abstract: An oscillating positive respiratory pressure apparatus and a method of performing oscillating positive respiratory pressure therapy. The apparatus includes a housing having an interior chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, an exhalation flow path defined between the inlet and the outlet, and a restrictor member rotatably mounted within the interior chamber. The restrictor member has an axis of rotation that is substantially perpendicular to the flow path at the inlet, and includes at least one blocking segment. Rotation of the restrictor member moves the at least one blocking segment between an open position and a closed position. Respiratory pressure at the chamber inlet oscillates between a minimum when the at least one blocking segment is in the open position and a maximum when the at least one blocking segment is in the closed position. By exhaling into the apparatus, oscillating positive expiratory pressure therapy is administered.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing respiratory therapy overcome various effects of transport delay within tubing of a respiratory therapy device by virtue of estimating and compensating for, e.g., a pressure drop in such tubing.

Abstract: An apparatus to generate pressure support ventilation and a method to control pressure support ventilation. The apparatus comprises: at least one sensor adapted to measure at least one respiratory parameter; a flow generator adapted for coupling with a patient respiratory interface; and a controller, coupled to the at least one sensor and the flow generator. The flow generator is configured to provide a flow of breathable gas for pressure support ventilation to the patient respiratory interface. The controller is configured to control the pressure support ventilation with the flow generator. The controller is further configured with a rest mode and an exercise mode. The rest mode comprises a first value set of control parameters for the pressure support ventilation and the exercise mode comprises a second value set of control parameters for the pressure support ventilation.

Abstract: An oscillating positive expiratory pressure apparatus having a housing defining a chamber, a chamber inlet, a chamber outlet, a deformable restrictor member positioned in an exhalation flow path between the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet, and an oscillation member disposed within the chamber. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member are moveable between an engaged position, where the oscillation member is in contact with the deformable restrictor member and an disengaged position, where the oscillation member is not in contact with the deformable restrictor member. The deformable restrictor member and the oscillation member move from the engaged position to the disengaged position in response to a first exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet, and move from the disengaged position to an engaged position in response to a second exhalation pressure at the chamber inlet.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for providing drive pressure ventilation of a patient. The disclosure describes a novel breath type that provides a spontaneous breath type that allows for the calculation of drive pressure that does not require invasive monitoring, where drive pressure is the pressure applied to the lungs that causes them to inflate during mechanical ventilation.

Abstract: An apparatus for acoustically detecting the location of a distal end of a tube relative to a body conduit into which the tube is being inserted is provided. The apparatus including a speaker positioned to generate a sound pulse in the tube and a sensor for detecting a sound pulse in the tube at a distal position relative to the speaker, and for generating a signal corresponding to the detected sound pulse.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame and a cushion. The cushion has a non-face contacting portion structured to be connected to the frame, a face-contacting portion structured to engage the patient's face, and a central portion that interconnects the non-face contacting portion and the face contacting portion. The frame may be structured to allow a forehead support to assume multiple positions, to compensate for replacement cushions that may have a different profile, shape or size. The cushion is structured to compensate for variations in strap tension, treatment pressure and/or movement of the patient. Headgear may be provided with a strap assembly in which one or more straps is provided with selectively adjustable elasticity or extensibility that may be automatically changed in dependence of treatment pressure and/or treatment type.

Abstract: An interface assembly includes an interface, such as a mask, that is secured to a head using a headgear assembly. The headgear assembly can include at least one halo portion and a plurality of straps. The headgear assembly can include both a front halo portion and a rear halo portion. In some arrangements, the headgear and mask define an adjustable closed loop. In some arrangements, the headgear can include one or more rigid portions that contact the user's face to at least partially isolate a seal of the mask from tightening forces applied to the headgear. In some arrangements, the mask is an oral-nasal mask and the headgear applies a force to the mask including an upward force component. In some arrangements, the headgear can be contoured to the user's head.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing liquid is described herein. The system may include a liquid reservoir and a pump coupled to the liquid reservoir, the pump to draw liquid from the liquid reservoir. A compliant volume coupled to the pump receives liquid from pump. The compliant volume is composed of an elastic material to increase pressure of the liquid. A valve coupled to the compliant volume receives pressurized liquid from the compliant volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for use in treating tinnitus, employs a sound processing unit, a tactile unit, and an interface therebetween. The tactile unit comprises an array of stimulators each of which can be independently actuated to apply a tactile stimulus to a subject, and an input for receiving a plurality of actuation signals from the interface and directing individual actuation signals to individual stimulators. The sound processing unit receives an audio signal at an input, analyses the signal with a digital signal processor to generate the actuation signals which are representative of the audio signal, and provides the plurality of actuation signals to the interface. In a preferred embodiment the digital signal processor divides the audio signal into a series of frames in the time domain, performs a transform on each frame to generate a set of coefficients representing said frame, and maps the set of coefficients to a set of actuation signals to be applied to the array.

Abstract: A catheter and a manufacturing method thereof are disclosed, which can restrain a guide wire lumen and a dilation lumen from communicating with each other during thermal fusion-bonding while suppressing an increase in an outer diameter of a catheter shaft. A catheter has a catheter shaft in which a distal side shaft, an inner tube shaft, and a proximal side shaft are integrated with each other in a fusion region. The inner tube shaft has an opening portion which, opens outward and an arc-shaped portion which extends from the opening portion to a proximal side and which has only a portion of an entire circumference in a circumferential direction of the inner tube shaft. The fusion region includes the opening portion located on a distal side of a proximal end of the distal side shaft.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter including: a first lumen adapted for draining a first fluid from a subject; a second lumen adapted for passing a second fluid through the second lumen; and a third lumen adapted for passing a third fluid through the third lumen such that the third fluid can exit the third lumen to bathe at least a part of an outside surface of the catheter. The invention further provides a kit and/or system including said catheter and method of use for said catheter.

Abstract: A method of delivering a drug to a patient using a therapy specific, pre-programmed auto-injection device includes positioning the hand-held device proximate to an infusion and aspiration location of the patient, and receiving, at a controller disposed within the housing, an infusion and aspiration profile. The infusion and aspiration profile including an infusion and aspiration protocol for controlling at least one of a plurality of syringes partially disposed within the housing. The method also includes operating at least one actuator coupled to the plurality of syringes according to the infusion and aspiration protocol, causing the syringes to expel a fluid from a respective barrel of the plurality of syringe into the infusion and aspiration location or causing the syringes to draw a fluid from the infusion and aspiration location into a respective barrel of the plurality of syringes.

Abstract: A catheter is provided including a first lumen and a second lumen. A first member is disposed for relative movement within the first lumen and defines a cavity. A second member is disposed for relative movement within the second lumen. The cavity of the first member is configured for disposal of the second member. The catheter may include an elongated tubular body that includes the first lumen and the second lumen. The first member may have a distal portion that extends beyond the distal end of the body. The distal portion may include the cavity. The cavity may be defined by a member lumen. The first and second members may include tubular stylettes. The second member may include a guidewire.

Abstract: A catheter is provided with a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a plurality of drainage eyes disposed at a junction between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The distal portion includes a tip, a plurality of elongated ribs, and a plurality of external flow paths. The proximal portion includes an internal lumen and a proximal end. The plurality of drainage eyes communicate with the plurality of external flow paths and the internal lumen.

Abstract: An embodiment of a handle assembly for an elongate medical device that may reduce the weight and/or expense of traditional handle may include an exterior adjusting knob extending along a longitudinal axis and configured to rotate about the axis, an insert, and a dowel pin. The insert may be configured to engage the adjusting knob and to rotate about the axis responsive to rotation of the adjusting knob. The insert may comprise an annular groove configured to engage a dowel pin, the annular groove comprising a sidewall comprising a chamfer. The dowel pin may be configured to engage the annular groove to resist rotation of the insert. In an embodiment, the insert may comprise plastic or polymer.

Abstract: The invention provides a deflectable catheter capable of forming many variable radius spiral forms from a single, flexible, distal end section. In one aspect, the catheter employs a variable radius control wire to extend or deform a pre-formed loop structure into a three dimensional spiral-like form or geometry. The ability of a single catheter to create a multitude of shapes and sizes allows users to access to a number of anatomical areas without changing the catheter during a procedure or treatment. In another aspect, the invention encompasses methods of producing deflectable variable radius catheters, where two or more regions of the catheter having common control wires are fused or formed onto one another.

Abstract: An integrated vascular delivery system having a frame configured to receive a catheter insertable in a patient to deliver fluid at an insertion site. The frame includes a first hub, a second hub, and a pair of flexible lateral members extending between the hubs and including a tubular lateral member. The system also includes a fluidic channel that fluidically communicates with the catheter, wherein the fluidic channel passes through the tubular lateral member and at least one of the hubs, and includes a fixed turnabout portion in which fluid flows in a direction different from that within the catheter. The first and second hubs provide anchoring points on the patient distributed around the insertion site and on opposite ends of the catheter, thereby anchoring the frame to the patient and stabilizing the catheter. A method is provided for using an integrated vascular delivery system.

Abstract: A method for replacing a first sheath, whose distal end is positioned inside a vessel and whose proximal end is positioned outside the skin of a patient, with a second sheath may involve inserting a dilator over a guidewire and into the first sheath until a distal end of the dilator and a distal end of the guidewire are positioned inside the vessel. The dilator may be hubless or include a removable hub, and may define an external channel configured to receive a second guidewire. The method may further involve removing the first sheath, thereby leaving the dilator and the guidewire in place. After removing the first sheath, a second sheath may be passed over the dilator and the guidewire until the distal end of the second sheath is positioned inside the vessel. The method may further involve removing the dilator and the guidewire, leaving the second sheath in place.

Abstract: A coaxial stabilizing and sealing catheter provides increased support to a guide catheter that is seated in an ostium of a branch artery by extending through and out of a distal end of the guide catheter and anchoring in position within the vessel that is being treated. The stabilizing and sealing catheter includes, as part of a relatively flexible distal section, a balloon that locks the distal end of the stabilizing and sealing catheter in place to provide support to the therapeutic devices that are introduced and further seals the artery to prevent blood from entering the artery. A sealing cuff at a proximal end of the stabilizing and sealing catheter provides a seal between the exterior of the stabilizing and sealing catheter and the interior of the guide catheter. In addition, a fixing mechanism it utilized to lock the guide catheter in place to exchange therapeutic devices.

Abstract: A medical device includes a catheter, an expandable balloon on the distal portion of the catheter, and a sheath that is configured to enclose and protect the expandable balloon. The sheath extends within a sheath lumen of the catheter and out from the catheter through a distal opening of the sheath lumen. When in a deployed configuration, the sheath extends proximally to enclose at least a portion of the expandable balloon. The sheath may be axially movable within the sheath lumen of the catheter to actuate from the deployed configuration to a retracted configuration. In moving to the retracted configuration, the sheath may expose the outer surface of the expandable balloon.

Abstract: A balloon dilation assembly for use in balloon valvuloplasty is disclosed, which includes at least three outer balloons arranged around a central balloon and fixed to the central balloon, wherein each balloon has a supply tube for inflation and flow channels are provided between each adjacent pair of outer balloons, whereby at least one of the outer balloons is shorter in length than the remaining outer balloons and the central balloon.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a composite balloon comprising a layer of material having a porous microstructure (e.g., ePTFE or expanded polyethylene) and a thermoplastic polymeric layer useful for medical applications. The layers of the composite balloons become adhered through a stretch blow-molding process. Methods of making and using such composite balloons are also described amongst others.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: Systems and methods for keeping various compounds stable in different ampoules in an applicator. Upon breaking open the ampoules, the compounds are mixed and applied. In one embodiment, the resulting mixture is a long lasting waterproof sunscreen for use on skin. In another embodiment, the resulting mixture applied one or more coatings to an article and may subsequently accomplish sustained release and/or transdermal deliver of a therapeutic.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microneedle patch which can solve the problem that microneedle production is difficult and requires high accuracy, the problem that time and mental burdens on a health professional and a patient are large, and the problem caused by compounding a plurality of drugs. The microneedle patch comprises a large number of drug-carrying microprojections 4 erected on one support sheet, each microprojection 4 having a drug layer 5 soluble in vivo at its top part and having an intermediate layer 6 under the drug layer 5, the intermediate layer 6 containing a polymeric substance for adhesion of the drug layer 5 to the support sheet, the drug layer 5 at the top part of the microprojection 4 containing a single drug, the microprojections 4 holding difference types of drugs being arranged together on the support sheet 2.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sheet-like piece comprising; a base sheet comprising an elastic material; a reservoir layer provided on the surface of said base sheet which contains a physiologically active substance and comprises micro needles; a adhesion layer which is formed in a mesh form on said base sheet and; a adhesion assisting layer which is formed on the surface of opposite side of said base sheet to the surface formed said reservoir layer. As a result, the sheet for promoting hair growth which may restore the state of thin hair to a state before thinning, a whitening and wrinkle ameliorating agent having whitening effect and wrinkle improving effect, and sheet-like piece used for these are provided.

Abstract: Medicinal pellet insertion devices and kits including sterile loading sheaths and scalpels for making predetermined incisions are provided. The devices and kits can be used in the treatment of patients with controlled, sustained release medicinal pellets implanted by subcutaneous insertion.

Abstract: A connector for medical fluid vessels includes a fluid-seal fitting such as a male plug defining a lumen and mating with a cooperating connector, a mechanical fastener such as a screw thread for mating with the cooperating connector, and an outer housing positioned around the plug to form an annular space. Optionally, a cap can be provided with a fluid-seal fitting such as a male plug for mating with the lumen of the connector. The connector includes one or more vent openings for drainage and air-drying of any residual fluid in the annular space when capped, as well as for breaking a vacuum to prevent fluid backflow and thus ensure more accurate dosing. In some embodiments, the vent openings are provided in the outer housing. And in some embodiments, the vent openings are provided in the cap.

Abstract: A delivery adapter which may be used as an interface between a syringe and a catheter hub is described.

Abstract: Some fluid coupling devices described herein are configured for use in fluid systems for purposes of providing a single-use, aseptic disconnection functionality that substantially prevents fluid spillage when being disconnected.