Abstract: A protective dental needle includes a sheath having a cylindrical body with a channel along the cylindrical body. A needle assembly includes a hypodermic needle extending through a hub. The needle assembly is retained within the sheath and movable within the sheath between a retracted position and an extended position. A needle cap is positioned external to the sheath. The needle cap includes a plurality of longitudinal ribs that extend from an interior surface of the needle cap.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device is presented having a housing, a medicament container holder arranged to accommodate a medicament container provided with a medicament delivery member, a power unit arranged to act on the medicament container for expelling a dose of medicament when activated, an activation mechanism operably connected to the power unit. The activation mechanism is capable of activating said power unit and includes a medicament delivery member guard movable in a longitudinal direction in relation to the housing. The activation mechanism also has a force element arranged to bias said medicament delivery member guard to a proximal extended position wherein said medicament delivery member is covered and has a locking mechanism operably arranged to lock the medicament delivery member guard in the extended position, where the locking mechanism has a number of locking elements connected to the medicament delivery member guard and flexible in a generally radial direction.

Abstract: A system for facilitating exchange of needles on syringes may include a needle exchange device forming a pair of needle sheaths with each needle sheath defining an insertion opening and a channel in communication with the insertion opening to receive at least a portion of a needle device. One of the needle sheaths may be a dispensing needle sheath for dispensing a needle device to be used for the syringe, another one of the needle sheaths being a disposal needle sheath for receiving a needle device to be disposed. The needle exchange device may be elongated along a longitudinal axis with opposite first and second ends. The system may also include a needle device removably positioned in the dispensing needle sheath. The disposal needle sheath and the dispensing needle sheath may be substantially oppositely oriented on the exchange device.

Abstract: Provided is a cap for an injector comprising a syringe with a needle cover. The cap comprises a first cap body part in the form of a sleeve having forward and rear openings; a second cap body part in the form of a plug arranged for receipt by said forward opening of said sleeve form first cap body part, wherein said plug form second body part defines a plug top and an inner plug body, and wherein said inner plug body defines a protruding pocket; and arranged for receipt within said protruding pocket of the inner plug body, a metal connector defining plural needle cover gripping elements arranged around a central hub, wherein each gripping element is provided with one or more barbs for gripping the needle cover. The first cap body part, second cap body part and connector are provided as separate parts.

Abstract: An injector includes a housing, a needle hub movably mounted within the housing and an injection needle supported by the hub. The hub and the needle are axially translatable between retracted and injection positions. A needle shield, having an aperture, is movably connected to the housing between first and second positions. The needle extends through the needle shield aperture in the injection position of the needle and the first position of the needle shield, and the needle is blocked from extending through the needle shield aperture in the second position of the needle shield. When the needle shield is in the second position and the hub and the needle are in the injection position, the needle shield covers the tip of the needle and subsequent movement of the needle shield toward the first position axially translates the hub and the needle back toward the retracted position.

Abstract: A device for assisting a subcutaneous injection is disclosed. The device includes features which prevent an unwanted needle stick and assist the gripping of tissue for performing a safe and effective subcutaneous injection.

Abstract: A medical device for the intracellular delivery of a therapeutic formulation to a predetermined site within a patient is disclosed. The medical device comprising a needle hub assembly such that the needle hub assembly is attached to a distal end of a syringe, the needle hub assembly comprising a hollow body; a platform; and a needle hub, wherein the needle hub comprising a plurality of needles disposed on the platform arranged in a predefined needle array, wherein the plurality of needles are injected into the predetermined site within the patients' skin and/or scalp for delivering the therapeutic formulation.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device is presented having an elongated body having a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end that is provided with a distal surface. The distal surface is arranged and configured such that the elongated body of the medicament delivery device can steadily stand on the distal surface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing pathogens near an implant are discussed. In some cases, the methods include reducing contaminants in a portion of a patient that has an implant and that is disposed interior to a closed surface of skin of the patient. The method can further include placing a conduit in the closed surface of skin and flowing an antimicrobial fluid into that portion of the patient to contact the antimicrobial fluid with a surface of the implant and tissue adjacent to the implant. In some cases, the antimicrobial fluid is then removed from the portion of the patient having the implant. As part of this method, biofilm near the implant can be mechanically, ultrasonically, electrically, chemically, enzymatically, or otherwise disrupted. Other implementations are described.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately and reliably determining and recording the time, date and location where a medication is used, and a system and method for transmitting, collecting, and using that data to improve clinical care, disease management, and public health surveillance. The device allows information concerning drug usage, including the time, date and location of use, to be transmitted to a remote network computer system so that the data can be evaluated to determine current impairment and future risk, and to identify changes in the frequency, timing, or location of medication usage indicative of change in disease control or management, and to examine spatial, temporal or demographic patterns of medication use or absence of use among individuals and groups. In addition, the device may further be configured to transmit signals indicative of its status, condition or other results to the remote network computer system.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for use with a vaporizer that vaporizes at least one active ingredient of a plant material. In response to receiving a first input to the vaporizer, the plant material is heated, in a first heating step. An indication of the temperature of the plant material is detected, and, in response to detecting an indication that the temperature of the plant material is at a first temperature, the first heating step is terminated, by withholding causing further temperature increase of the plant material. The first temperature is less than 95 percent of the vaporization temperature of the active ingredient. Subsequently, a second input is received at the vaporizer. In response thereto, the plant material is heated to the vaporization temperature, in a second heating step. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: A breathing apparatus (1) is disclosed comprising an inspiratory channel (3), an expiratory channel (4), a patient interface (5), an oxygen valve (13) and a blower (7) comprising blower driving means (9). The blower (7) is arranged to produce a flow of air to the inspiratory channel (3). The oxygen valve (13) is configured to selectively deliver a flow of oxygen to the inspiratory channel (3). The breathing apparatus further comprises a control unit (19) configured to control the blower driving means (9) so that the blower (7) produces substantially no flow of air to the inspiratory channel (3) during a time period (tp). The present disclosure further relates to a method (100) of controlling operation of a breathing apparatus (1), a computer program and a computer program product (300) for performing a method (100) of controlling operation of a breathing apparatus (1).

Abstract: Apparatus for providing air at positive pressure for respiratory therapy to a patient includes a pneumatic block including at least first and second blower sub-assemblies and a common chassis assembly configured to support each of the at least first and second blower sub-assemblies. The at least first and second blower sub-assemblies are different structurally from one another in at least one aspect. Each of the at least first and second blower sub-assemblies includes a corresponding blower configured to produce a flow of air at a therapeutic pressure. The common chassis assembly and the first blower sub-assembly form a first configuration of the pneumatic block, and the common chassis assembly and the second blower sub-assembly form a second configuration of the pneumatic block. The air flow path and the chamber arrangement of the first configuration is different than the air flow path and the chamber arrangement of the second configuration.

Abstract: A method of controlled delivery of breathing gases is described, during a first mode: the breathing gas inflow is predominantly through the first naris during inhalation; and the gas outflow is predominantly through the second naris during exhalation; and during a second mode that occurs after the first mode the breathing gas inflow is predominantly through the second naris during inhalation and the gas outflow is predominantly through the first naris during exhalation. The first mode and second modes are repeated. Also described is a system and apparatus implementing the method.

Abstract: A control system, for controlling a closed-circuit respirator breathing gas circuit, includes a temperature sensor, a temperature-reading unit and with a control unit. The temperature sensor is configured to send a temperature signal in the presence of a corresponding temperature polling. The temperature signal indicates the temperature currently present in an area surrounding the temperature sensor. The temperature-reading unit is arranged in the closed-circuit respirator at a spaced location from the breathing gas circuit and the temperature sensor, and is configured to trigger the temperature polling at the temperature sensor by sending a polling signal, and to receive the temperature signal sent by the temperature sensor. The control unit is signal connected to the temperature-reading unit and is configured to determine the temperature indicated by the temperature signal in the area surrounding the temperature sensor and to output a control signal as a function of this temperature.

Abstract: The hiccup relieving apparatus includes a body with a first end having a mouthpiece, a second end having a restriction in the body between the first end and the second end. The restriction makes it difficult to draw fluid through the body to the user's mouth. The fluid can be air or the body can be immersed in water or other potable liquid in a container. The restriction requires an adult user, using the mouthpiece, to produce a threshold suction of for example water before water can flow from the water in the water container, through the body, through the mouthpiece, and to the user.

Abstract: An adjustable tracheostoma valve includes a housing having a first opening that is adapted to open to a tracheostoma and a second opening that opens to ambient. The housing includes a lower housing portion defining the first opening and an upper housing portion movably attached to the lower housing portion and defining the second opening. A closure member is disposed in the housing and adapted to close the second opening. A flexible membrane includes a first region connected to the closure member and a plurality of spiral shaped legs extending from the first region and connected to the housing. The upper and lower housings are axially adjustable relative to one another to adjust an amount of air flow through the valve that would cause closure of the closure member. A heat and moisture exchanger is disposed in the housing between the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved dual lumen endobronchial tube devices. The dual lumen endobronchial tube devices feature a universal design for left or right mainstem bronchus insertion. The dual lumen endobronchial tube devices also feature enhanced balloon cuff designs to minimize dislodgement while maintaining proper airway sealing. The present invention also includes water activated lubricious coating inside the shaft to reduce friction during insertion of a bronchoscope into the airway. The present invention also provides improved double clamps that prevent the accidental clamping of both tubes of a Y-adapter.

Abstract: The present invention provides an oral device that is inserted into the mouth of a patient during sedation to minimize the risk of airway obstruction and method of use. The oral device comprises a mouthpiece. A gas inlet conduit, a gas outlet conduit, and a fluid outlet conduit are adjacent to the vestibular portion of the mouthpiece. The gas inlet conduit may be used to provide oxygen to the mouth of a patient. The gas outlet conduit may be used to remove end-tidal carbon dioxide from the mouth of a patient. The fluid outlet conduit may be used to remove fluid from the mouth of a patient. The oral device may also include a tongue stabilizer to minimize movement of the tongue. The mouthpiece may include fluid outlet ports to remove fluid from the mouth of a patient and an instrument passage to allow medical instruments to pass through the oral device.

Abstract: A disposable nasal air moisturizing device is removably attached to a nasal cannula to release a moisturizing liquid into a breathing gas and a patient's nasal airway. The intranasal sponges and moisturizing liquid prevents and treats both abrasions from the nasal cannula and excessive drying of the mucosa. This reduces the incidence of nosebleeds in patients using supplemental nasal oxygen.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for controlling a supply of medical gas to a gas delivery system, such as an anesthesia machine, via a medical gas delivery module. In one example, a method includes supplying a medical gas from a pipeline gas supply source to a gas delivery system via a first conduit, measuring a quality of the medical gas in the first conduit, comparing the measured quality to an allowable range, switching to an alternative gas supply source for supplying the medical gas to the gas delivery system and communicating a pipeline gas supply fault in response to the measured quality being outside of the allowable range, and continuing supplying the medical gas to the gas delivery system from the pipeline gas supply source in response to the measured quality being inside of the allowable range.

Abstract: A cooling device for a closed-circuit respirator includes a device housing and a coolant arrangement. The device housing has a gas inlet, which is configured to admit a gas to be cooled into the device housing, and has a gas outlet, which is configured to let the gas admitted through the gas inlet into the device housing out of the device housing. The coolant arrangement is arranged in the device housing and the coolant arrangement has a first coolant with a first melting point T1 and a second coolant with a second melting point T2. The first coolant and the second coolant are arranged in the coolant arrangement such that no direct contact is possible between the first or second coolant and the gas being cooled. The first melting point T1 is different from the second melting point T2.

Abstract: A cooling element for use within a cooling device of a closed-circuit respirator, includes an element housing, which has a liquid-tight cap and is filled with a coolant, which has a melting point below 50° C., especially below 45° C., preferably below 40° C. A sensor element is arranged in contact with the coolant within the element housing such that the sensor element can be moved in a direction of the gravity acting on the sensor element in the liquid state of the coolant during the use of the closed-circuit respirator by a user of the closed-circuit respirator.

Abstract: A gas delivery device includes a nitric oxide generating system. The system has a medium including a source of nitrite ions. A working electrode is in contact with the medium. A Cu(II)-ligand complex is in contact with the working electrode. A reference/counter electrode is, or a reference electrode and a counter electrode are in contact with the medium and separated from the working electrode. An inlet conduit is to deliver nitrogen gas to the medium, and an outlet conduit is to transport a stream of nitrogen gas and nitric oxide from the medium. An inspiratory gas conduit is operatively connected to the outlet conduit to introduce an oxygen-containing gas and form an output gas stream of the gas delivery device.

Abstract: A gas washout vent, and a patient interface with the gas washout vent, configured to allow patient-exhaled CO2 to flow to an exterior of the plenum chamber to minimise rebreathing of exhaled CO2 by the patient, the gas washout vent including at least one outlet orifice; a diffusing member at least partly covering the outlet orifice; and a blocking member having an air-impermeable material, the blocking member preventing gas exiting from the outlet orifice from flowing straight through the diffusing member.

Abstract: An emotional enhancement system for music and film that uses audio and video input to select or generate a stimulation pattern which stimulates the user's face using lights and electrical stimulation directed to certain points on the user's face and head which are believed to induce certain emotions. Using the system, a user's emotional experience of the music or film can be enhanced by inducing emotions in the user coordinated with portions of the music or film. In some embodiments, biometric sensors or cameras and facial tracking software may be used to monitor the emotions displayed by a user while listening to music or watching films, and adjust the stimulation accordingly.

Abstract: A catheter (100) includes a resin-made distal tip (80) linked to a distal end of a catheter body (10), and the distal tip (80) has a distal lumen (81) having an open distal end. The distal lumen (81) communicates with a lumen (31). The catheter (100) is an inactive type microcatheter in which an outer diameter of the distal end of the catheter body (10) is 0.6 mm or smaller and a maximum outer diameter of the distal tip (80) is 0.6 nun or smaller. A dimension of a marker (70) in an axial direction of the catheter body (10) is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the distal tip (80), and the length of the distal tip (80) in the axial direction of the distal tip (80) is 3 times to 18 times the maximum outer diameter of the distal tip (80).

Abstract: A protective sleeve for a urinary catheter includes a sleeve configured to extend over an outer surface of the urinary catheter shaft from a proximal insertion end of the catheter shaft to a distal end of the catheter shaft. The protective sleeve includes a protective sleeve tip defining the proximal end portion of the sleeve. The sleeve and the protective sleeve tip are of a single unitary construction and the sleeve and protective sleeve tip are formed of the same thin, flexible film.

Abstract: A catheter may include a catheter body, which may include a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen formed by an inner wall of the catheter body that extends between the proximal end and the distal end along a longitudinal axis. The distal end of the catheter body may include a distal lumen opening disposed on the longitudinal axis. The distal end may also include a leading edge. The leading edge may form the distal lumen opening and may include an upper and a lower portion. The lower portion of the leading edge may be disposed distally to the upper portion of the leading edge.

Abstract: Cut-pattern designs creating a frame structure from a solid tube, which may be used as a portion of medical device, such as a catheter. The tube includes a plurality of units of cutout segments which are distributed in band around a circumference of the tube. A tube can have multiple different zones, each having units with varying cutout segments. The cutout segments can have varying cutout surface area allowing the flexibility of the tube to be modified at any point along the tube by altering the cutout surface area with zones having greater cutout surface areas as compared to another zone are more flexible. The tube can be incorporated into a catheter.

Abstract: Needle devices having a component that provides the function of fixing a valve in a standard diameter sized catheter hub, the valve and/or the component provide or provides a proximally directed axial force for returning the valve opener from a distal position within the catheter hub to a proximal position within the catheter hub when a male Luer is disconnected from the catheter hub. Various components can be located inside a single hub body catheter hub that can restrict fluid flow, allow actuation to permit fluid flow, prevent needlestick injuries, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: User interface devices, systems, and methods can be used for selectively bending of, altering the bend characteristics of, and/or altering the lengths of catheter bodies, guidewires, steerable trocars, and other flexible structures inserted into a patient during use. Optionally, a housing is coupled to a proximal end of a catheter, and movement of the housing by a hand of a system user is sensed and used as a movement command for articulation of the catheter. Alternatively, a sensor can be coupled to an elongate flexible body flexing outside of the patient so as to alter bending of a catheter within the patient. Movements generated through a combination of manual manipulation and powered articulations are facilitated.

Abstract: An improved bi-directional steerable catheter is provided. The catheter generally comprises a catheter body, tip section and control handle. The catheter further comprises first and second puller wires extending from the control handle, through the catheter body and into the tip section. The control handle has deflection means for each puller wire that include a gear, and a carrier to which the proximal end of a puller wire is anchored. The gear is rotatably coupled to a lever controlled by an operator and the gear engages the carrier such that rotation of the gear by the lever results in longitudinal movement of the carrier, which results in deflection of the tip section.

Abstract: A device includes a medusa wire group with at least three separate wires slidably received in a vascular catheter. The multiple wires of the medusa wire group maximize the chances of at least one wire entering a target branch vessel during an attempt to achieve access. Entry into the branch vessel may then be gained by advancing the vascular catheter over the at least one wire that successfully entered the branch passageway.

Abstract: In general, medical sheath systems that include a curved support sheath are described. In one embodiment, the support sheath includes a curved tube includes a distal portion fixed in an orientation perpendicular to the proximal end during advancement of an interventional tool through the support sheath.

Abstract: In an embodiment, an intraluminal device is disclosed. One embodiment of the intraluminal device comprises a flexible elongate body comprising a distal portion configured to be positioned within a body lumen of a patient and a functional device disposed at the distal portion of the flexible elongate body, the functional device configured to obtain physiological data or perform a treatment within the body lumen. The intraluminal device further comprises a stiffening member moveably disposed within and along a longitudinal length of the flexible elongate body without extending beyond a distal end of the flexible elongate body, the stiffening member being moveable during an intraluminal procedure to selectively vary a stiffness of the intraluminal device.

Abstract: An instrument includes a handle assembly, a shaft, a dilation catheter, and a position sensor. The shaft extends distally from the handle assembly. The shaft includes a distal end that is configured to be introduced into an anatomical passageway within a head of a human. The dilation catheter includes an expandable dilator and is configured to advance distally relative to the shaft. The position sensor is configured to generate signals indicating a position of the position sensor within the head. The position sensor is configured to advance distally between at least first and second positions. The position sensor is disposed adjacent the distal end of the shaft in the first position, and is configured to be carried further distally by the dilation catheter to the second position. In the second position, the position sensor is separated a distance from the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A cage can be positioned around a medical balloon, such as an angioplasty balloon, to assist in a medical procedure. The cage can include a plurality of strips, each extending between a set of rings including first and second rings. As the balloon expands, the first and second rings move closer together and allow the strips to expand outward. The cage may have wedge dissectors on the strips.

Abstract: An angioplasty device may comprise a catheter, a balloon disposed on the catheter, and a scaffold disposed over the balloon. The scaffold may comprise an electrospun polymer fiber and an agent dispersed within the fiber. A method of making such an angioplasty device may comprise obtaining a catheter having a balloon disposed on it, contracting the balloon, and electrospinning a polymer solution onto the surface of the catheter having the balloon, thereby forming a scaffold disposed over the balloon. The polymer solution may comprise a polymer, a solvent, and an agent. A method of performing an angioplasty procedure may comprise inserting such an angioplasty device into a blood vessel, placing the angioplasty device near a lesion within the blood vessel, expanding the balloon, thereby contacting the lesion with the scaffold, contracting the balloon, and removing the angioplasty device from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A drug coating layer that prevents breakage of elongated drug crystals on a balloon surface while maintaining the drug crystals in an appropriate shape to act on the living body includes plural elongated bodies which are crystals of a water-insoluble drug each extending from the surface of the balloon at various lengths and angles, and a water-soluble additive layer provided in a space between an outer surface of an aggregate of the elongated bodies and the balloon surface to fill a space between the elongated bodies. The outer surface of the additive layer being located outside the aggregate, being uneven connecting a plurality of tip ends and side surfaces of the elongated bodies to each other. The tip ends of the elongated bodies slightly protrude from the additive layer, and the side surfaces and/or tip surfaces of the elongated body are exposed on the surface of the additive layer.

Abstract: Methods and devices related to fluid delivery catheters and more particularly relates to catheters used to deliver fluid to medical devices and/or position medical devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an expandable medical device and outer sheath combination. The outer sheath is capable of being split to form multiple sheath sections that may be peeled back to expose a portion or all of the expandable medical device. The medical device, as well as the outer sheath, may include one or more therapeutic agents for delivery to a treatment area within a patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for systems and methods for focal cooling of the brain and spinal cord are disclosed. Some embodiments may be directed to a neuroprotection system that includes a cerebrospinal fluid processing platform. Embodiments may provide rapid and selective spinal cord hypothermia and drainage. Embodiments may be tailored to selective spinal cord cooling, pressure monitoring and automated drainage. Embodiments may enable local hypothermic neuroprotection, limit the stress of systemic cooling, minimize secondary neuronal damage and achieve maximal neuroprotection while at the same time improving workflow as a result of automated drainage. Embodiments may to include a multi-lumen catheter, a drainage collection reservoir bag, a pump to circulate coolant, sensor hardware and controllers to modulate the flow of a heat transfer fluid for cooling to modulate therapeutic hypothermia and re-warming. Certain embodiments may include extracorporeal cooling of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Abstract: Provided herein is a non-invasive transportation method, relating to the field of transdermal transportation, which is capable of improving absorption of active ingredients by skin. The non-invasive transportation method comprises: applying needlelike crystals onto the skin, wherein the needlelike crystals form a micro-channel array in epidermis. The method is applicable to transdermal transportation of active ingredients, and more commonly used in cosmetic methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medicament delivery device comprising at least one microneedle for delivering a medicament to a patient, and a system configured to enhance the penetration of the medicament into skin of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an applicator system comprising a microneedle array and to the use thereof for the intradermal delivery of active ingredients, and in particular of medicinal drugs, wherein this microneedle array is suitable for penetrating the skin of humans or animals and includes at least one active ingredient for wound healing.

Abstract: A novel seal is provided along with a valve for implementing the seal in the form of a hemostatic catheterization valve. A pressure-sensing form of the hemostatic valve is also provided. The novel seal includes a pair of cooperating conical gaskets divided through their apexes into a plurality of edge-abutting semi-conical flaps. The seals are angularly fixed in orientation relative to each other using registering structures such as complementary tabs and sockets. More specifically, the seams where the semi-conical flaps abut are angularly off-set between the two conical gaskets by a predetermined amount.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, for example medical tubing, and methods of making and using such a connector system, whereby the connector system includes a female coupler having a first passageway, a male coupler having a second passageway, a catch movably coupled to the female coupler, and a catch-receiving element coupled to the male coupler. The connector system further includes a release element movably coupled to the female coupler, whereby travel of the release element along or over a female coupler outer surface of the female coupler disengages the catch from the catch-receiving element to achieve a disconnected condition of the connector system. Further disclosed herein are embodiments of a connector system for releasably connecting together tubes, whereby the connector system includes at least one valve biased by a valve-biasing member disposed external to or outside of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A system for providing electrical stimulation comprises a garment, wherein the garment includes a base material that is nonconductive and elastic. The garment may include a plurality of conductive electrodes secured to the base material, and at least one conductive path secured to the base material, wherein the at least one conductive path is configured to couple at least one conductive electrode of the plurality of conductive electrodes. The garment may include an intermediate layer disposed between at least one conductive electrode of the plurality of conductive electrodes and the base material.

Abstract: The method is for treating a patient. A garment worn by the patient is provided. The garment has a first sub-control unit or master unit electrically connected to a first electrode and a second electrode placed at a first muscle or first nerve of the patient and a third electrode and a fourth electrode placed at a second muscle or second nerve. The garment has sensors attached to the garment and electrically connected to the first sub-control unit or master unit. The sensors measure position, electrical signals or movement of the patient wearing the garment. The first sub-control or the master unit receives information about the position or movement and comparing the position, electrical signals or movement to an interval of pre-stored desirable positions, electrical signals levels or movement.