Abstract: A biological component adhesion-suppressing material includes a substrate provided with a functional layer having, fixed on a surface thereof that comes into contact with a biological component, a polymer including a saturated aliphatic monocarboxylic acid vinyl ester unit, wherein: when compositional analysis is performed on the surface of the functional layer using a TOF-SIMS device, the number of carbon atoms in an aliphatic chain representing an ion signal detected for saturated aliphatic carboxylic acid is 2-20; and an XPS measurement taken of the surface of the functional layer shows a peak derived from an ester group.

Abstract: A removable manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. The manifold is dimensioned to be mounted to a receiver integral with the system. The manifold includes at least one tube through which waste is drawn into a manifold cage. The tube extends through an inlet port into a void space internal to the manifold cage at an angle. The tube exits the manifold cage and centered along an axis that is off center to the longitudinal axis of the manifold cage where it engages a complementary valve internal to the receiver. The valve regulates flow between the receiver and the down line components of the waste collection system. The valve is normally closed. When the manifold is fitted to the receiver the tube engages the valve and rotation of the manifold moves the valve to the open position allowing fluid flow from the manifold and receiver to the downstream components of the system.

Abstract: Various irrigation fluid containment systems and components are disclosed. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a medical kit and/or an irrigation kit. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a medical basin and/or an irrigation basin. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises an irrigation shield. In some embodiments, the irrigation fluid containment system comprises a suction hose.

Abstract: An incontinence aid may include a pad body. The pad body may include a liquid receiving area. The incontinence aid may further include a liquid passage connected to the pad body. The liquid passage may form a boundary about a majority of the liquid receiving area. The liquid passage may include at least one lateral opening facing the liquid receiving area.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing blood are disclosed in which one variation generally comprises a tube defining a channel and an access tube extending into the channel. An open cell matrix configured to entrap red blood cells may be positioned within at least a portion of the channel. Another variation generally comprises a cylindrical tube and a plunger slidably positioned within the channel. The plunger also has a funnel positioned upon the plunger and is movable therewith. Both the plunger and funnel define a fluid channel through and in communication with the cylindrical tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a milk management system comprising a first device, wherein the first device includes a non-transitory storage medium; and a processor communicatively coupled to the non-transitory storage medium. The processor is configured to: receive first data from a second device, the first data describing milk disposed in a first container, the first container having a first identifier associated therewith; and associate the first data with a first feeding order in a data structure store in a database, the first feeding order describing a first nutrition regimen.

Abstract: A cardiac pump having a turbine with internal blades, includes a pump designed to circulate a fluid, including a housing, and a turbine which is arranged in the housing and is designed to move rotationally relative to the housing. The turbine includes a body designed to move rotationally, a hollow central part which extends through the body from one side to the other and is intended to allow the fluid to pass through the turbine, and at least one blade that is positioned on the inner wall of the body, in the hollow central part, and is designed to circulate the fluid.

Abstract: There is provided herein, a method for adjusting a VAD device parameters using a wearable device placed on the patient's hand, the method includes the steps of acquiring a set of signals from sensors in the wearable device, computing at least one quality metric, and adjusting at least one VAD operational parameter so as to optimize at least the one quality metric.

Abstract: A method of operating a counterpulsation device (CPD) in a human or animal subject is disclosed, the method including: receiving a heart beat signal indicative of the heart beat of the subject; providing counterpulsation therapy by controlling the pressure supplied to a CPD drive line in pneumatic communication with the CPD to cause the CPD to alternately fill with blood and eject blood with a timing that is determined at least in part based on the heart beat signal; while providing counterpulsation therapy, receiving a CPD drive line pressure signal indicative of the pressure in the CPD drive line; and adjusting the pressure supplied to the drive line based at least in part on the drive line pressure signal.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system including remote machine updating and control is disclosed. An example medical fluid delivery system includes a first fluid delivery device for a first patient and a second fluid delivery device for a second patient. The medical fluid delivery system also includes a server in communication with the first and second fluid delivery devices and a software application for a mobile device. The software application causes a first icon to be displayed representing the first fluid delivery device and a second icon to be simultaneously displayed representing the second fluid delivery device. The medical fluid delivery system further includes a first communication link between the first and second fluid delivery devices and the server, and a second communication link between the server and the software application. The software application receives status updates from the fluid delivery devices via the server and the first and second links.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of loading a medical device, in particular to a dialysis device, and preferably a peritoneal dialysis device, which comprises a device control and a user interface, wherein at least one fluid-filled container is connected to a corresponding interface of the device, wherein at least one property of the container is checked by the device before or during its connection and the measured value is compared with least one desired value stored in the device control.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for calculating a bicarbonate concentration in a fluid used in dialysis. The devices, systems, and methods can be used to calculate the bicarbonate concentration in either dialysate or blood. The invention measures the amount of carbon dioxide in both an acidified and non-acidified solution and calculates the bicarbonate concentration based on the difference in carbon dioxide concentrations.

Abstract: The present specification provides a reservoir bag for containing a dialysate during a dialysis treatment. The bag has four walls and a membrane extending from a first wall to a second opposing wall which divides the bag into a first and a second sub-reservoir having changeable volumes. The maximum volume of each sub-reservoir is between 80 to 100% of the entire volume of the bag. The bag further includes at least an inlet and an outlet positioned in at least one of the walls for enabling fluid entry into and exit out of the first sub-reservoir and at least an inlet and an outlet positioned in at least one of the walls for enabling fluid entry into and exit out of the second sub-reservoir.

Abstract: A method for delivering a target volume of fluid to a destination is provided. The method includes delivering a first volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a first incremental volume, the first volume of fluid being less than the target volume and delivering a second volume of fluid to the destination in increments each having approximately a second incremental volume, the second incremental volume being less than the first incremental volume, such that the sum of the first volume and the second volume is approximately equal to the target volume.

Abstract: An objective of the present disclosure is to provide an adsorption material that can selectively adsorb immunosuppressive leukocyte. The present disclosure provides an adsorption material for immunosuppressive leukocyte. The adsorption material includes a water-insoluble carrier to which at least one nitrogen-containing compound selected from a polyamine represented by a predetermined formula and aliphatic amines represented by predetermined formulae are bound. A form of the water-insoluble carrier is a fiber or a particle, a diameter of the fiber or the particle is 15 to 50 ?m, and an arithmetic mean roughness of a surface of the water-insoluble carrier is 0.1 to 3.0 ?m.

Abstract: A system for obtaining plasma enriched in platelets is disclosed which is closed to the atmosphere. The system includes: a collection tube containing an anticoagulant portion and a separation gel; a first collection syringe adapted to collect a portion of fluid relatively depleted in platelets from said collection tube after centrifugation; and a second collection syringe adapted to collect plasma enriched in platelets from said collection tube after centrifugation, said second collection syringe further comprising a filter unit adapted to filter cells included in said plasma enriched in platelets.

Abstract: Devices, systems, or methods are disclosed herein for treatment of disease in a vertebrate subject. The device can include a quasi-planar substrate; and one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types at least partially embedded within the quasi-planar substrate, wherein the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types is configured to interact with one or more cell types. The device can further include one or more sensors configured to detect at least one aspect of an interaction between the at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types and the one or more cell types; and a controller in communication with the one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to responsively initiate modification of at least one of the one or more laterally-mobile effector molecule types, the quasi-planar substrate, and the one or more cell types.

Abstract: A collapsible liquid reservoir has a flexible side wall having a lower step, a middle step and an upper step. Each of the steps includes a riser segment and a tread segment. The riser and tread segments are pivotably connected to one another at an external hinge. When the step is collapsed its segments define an acute step angle between them of about 23°. When the step is expanded its segments define an obtuse step angle between them of about 115°. The tread of at least one step is pivotably connected to the riser of an adjacent step at an internal hinge. The step segments joined to the internal hinge are symmetrical about a bisector of that hinge. The reservoir has a truncated pyramid shape defined by a generally square base and four trapezoidal side panels joined to one another at corners.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an enema device (1;1?) comprising a delivery container (2) and an applicator nozzle (3), and wherein said delivery container (2) comprises two cavities (6,8;6?,8?), an outer cavity (6;6?) defined by an squeezable external body (7;7?), and an inner cavity (8;8?) defined by an inner flexible bladder (9;9?), and wherein one of said cavities (6;8?) is communicating with an outlet (10) for dispersing the enema though the applicator nozzle (3) and the other cavity (8;6?) is communicating with the surroundings via an air inlet (12). Thereby is provided a simple, inexpensive and essentially maintenance free enema device (1;1?) which can be used for self-administrating of an enema. The device (1;1?) will not only effectively prevent air from being mixed with the enema, but also ensure that the user easily can expel the enema, as the device (1;1?) will be perceived as full of enema at all times.

Abstract: An irrigation function-equipped suction device including a suction device body, a suction path, an irrigation path and a flexible tube. With communication or closing of the suction path and the flexible tube by a first switch mechanism, the irrigation path and the flexible tube are caused to be closed off from each other or to communicate with each other by a second switch mechanism. The first switch mechanism is provided in a first section inside the suction device body, and the second switch mechanism is provided inside the irrigation path between the conversion mechanism and the flexible tube. The closing valve included in the second switch mechanism is disposed at a position on a side opposite to the flexible tube relative to the first switch mechanism and the conversion mechanism.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for injecting one or more agents into tissue within a patient's body. In one embodiment, an injection device includes a substantially axially incompressible elongate member including a lumen extending between proximal and distal ends thereof. A distal stop is provided on the distal end and a needle tip extends distally beyond the distal stop, the needle tip having a cross-section smaller than the distal end. The needle tip includes a passage communicating between the lumen and an outlet in the distal tip that has having a cross-section smaller than the lumen. In an exemplary embodiment, the elongate member includes a coil extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a sleeve disposed within an interior region of the coil extending between the proximal and distal ends. The sleeve defines the lumen and may be free-floating within at least a portion of the coil.

Abstract: A spacer for separating multiple IV lines. The spacer includes a generally planar body having spaced apart holes formed through the body. Each hole has a diameter approximating an outer diameter of an IV line. The holes are operative to space apart at least two IV lines extending through at least two holes. Slits are formed through the body. The slits have a diameter that is smaller than the outer diameter of the IV line. Each slit extends from an outer edge of the body to a hole. The body is formed from a material that is sufficiently rigid to maintain an IV line in each hole and yet sufficiently resilient to move the IV line through the slit.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed, which includes: an operation reception unit; a position acquisition unit capable of acquiring position information of a detection target that is in contact with or proximity to the operation reception unit, the position information being based on a position on the operation reception unit; and a control unit that identifies an operation input by the detection target based on a change in the acquired position information.

Abstract: A feeding device according to the present invention includes a tubular body which has an a female screw portion, a movable shaft which has a male screw portion and is movable between a start position and an end position according to a rotation of the tubular body, a final gear which is provided in the tubular body, a drive unit which has the driving gear, a power transmission mechanism which transmits a driving force from the driving gear to the final gear via a plurality of intermediate gears, and a biasing mechanism which is configured to apply a biasing force to the movable shaft. At least one of the plurality of intermediate gears is a two-stage gear. The biasing mechanism is configured to apply the biasing force from the end position toward the start position and presses the male screw portion against the female screw portion to the start position side.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a controlled amount of a fluid from a syringe, the syringe having a plunger extending along a linear axis through a syringe flange and into a syringe barrel. The device includes a housing to accommodate at least a portion of the syringe, and a drive wheel attached to the housing to contact a side of the plunger, the housing to press the drive wheel into the side of the plunger between the syringe flange and an end of the plunger.

Abstract: An infusion system comprises an infusion set (30) with one or more advanced features including tube set strain relief (10), infusion pumps having heat exchange abilities and two-direction pumping abilities (100), Piezo pump devices (200), reservoirs (220, 240) made from expanded tubing, and oil impregnated pump plungers (302). An exemplary strain relief (10) includes an adhesive layer (12) such as pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA) secured to a base (14). The base (14) rotatably receives a pin (18) of a tube holder (16). The pin (18) is captured within an opening (22) of the base (14) to allow 360 degree rotation of the tube holder (16).

Abstract: A method for readying a fluid sensor associated with a medical device includes attaching a flow restrictor to a fluid outlet of the fluid sensor. The fluid sensor includes a fluid channel, a fluid inlet at a first end of the fluid channel configured to couple to an outlet of an administrable fluid source, and the fluid outlet at a second end of the fluid channel. Fluid is delivered from the administrable fluid source to the fluid channel through the fluid inlet. A syringe actuation device including a force limiting device may be used to deliver the fluid. The fluid is pressurized in the fluid channel between the fluid inlet and the flow restrictor to wet an interior surface of the fluid channel with the fluid. The flow restrictor is removed from the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A system may include an input device configured to receive a signal indicative of elevated glucose in a patient, and an electrical stimulator configured to electrically stimulate at least one skeletal muscle. The system may further include a controller operably connected to the electrical stimulator. The controller may be configured for delivering a glucose therapy in response to the signal by controlling the electrical stimulator. The system may be configured to deliver the therapy in combination with other glucose therapies, and the therapy may be titrated based on a sensed parameter or patient feedback.

Abstract: Methods of insulin delivery may include obtaining one or more blood glucose readings from a flash glucose monitor, where the blood glucose readings may be obtained in response to a user invocation of the flash glucose monitor. The method may also include generating multiple insulin delivery profiles of insulin delivery actions over multiple diurnal time segments based on the one or more blood glucose readings. The method may additionally include selecting one of the delivery profiles that is projected to approximate a target blood glucose level, and delivering insulin according to the selected delivery profile. Systems may provide such insulin delivery.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a drug delivery device, comprising: an outer needle sleeve; a cartridge containing a dosage of a medicament and sealed with a sealing element that is arranged across an open distal end of the cartridge; a cartridge carrier adapted to hold the cartridge; a needle hub adapted to hold a double ended hollow needle; an inner needle sleeve arranged between the needle hub and the cartridge carrier; a removable cap coupled to the inner needle sleeve and adapted to cover and seal the needle; and a first locking mechanism adapted to lock the inner needle sleeve against axial movement in the proximal direction with respect to the cartridge carrier in an initial state, wherein in the initial state, the needle is spaced from the cartridge in the distal direction, and wherein the first locking mechanism is releasable by a rotational movement of the cap with respect to the outer needle sleeve.

Abstract: A gasket suitable for a syringe stopping with vacuum is provided. The gasket is compatible with sliding property within the sleeve and water-tightness of the syringe barrel after exiting the sleeve. The gasket includes a gasket body made of a liquid-resistant hard plastic having a tip surface contacting medicinal solution and a concave groove formed on a side surface facing an inner peripheral surface of a syringe barrel and formed continuously to the tip surface contacting medicinal solution; and a sliding contact ring made of an elastic material fitted in the concave groove. Then, an outer diameter D1 of a peripheral end of a tip portion including the tip surface contacting medicinal solution of the gasket body is set to be larger than the outer diameter D4 of the sliding contact ring.

Abstract: A plunger assembly of a drug solution dosage device includes a feed screw including a male thread portion and an extending portion, a first plunger including a first female thread portion, a second plunger including a nut accommodating portion, a nut member including a second female thread portion, and a base portion that guides the second plunger. A nut accommodating portion accommodates the nut member so that the nut member is non-rotatable and movable in the axial direction.

Abstract: A needle shield device may include a needle housing and a needle assembly slideably coupled to the needle housing. The needle housing may include a nose portion configured to be inserted into a catheter adapter and an elongated body having a distal end, a proximal end, and a slot disposed between the distal end and the proximal end of the elongated body. A distal portion of the slot may be sealed to prevent blood from leaking out of the needle housing. The needle assembly may include a needle grip, an introducer needle having a sharp distal tip and a proximal end, and a needle hub having a protuberance coupled to the needle grip and slideably fit within the slot. In response to movement of the needle assembly to a proximal position with respect to the needle housing, the sharp distal tip may be disposed within the needle housing.

Abstract: A safety needle device is disclosed having a housing configured to couple to a syringe, the housing having a proximal end, a distal end, and a housing body. A first guide path, a second guide path and a third guide path may be disposed on the housing body. A needle hub is disposed on the proximal end of the housing and a needle cannula is attached to the needle hub. The device having a retractable sheath configured to move between an initial position, a retracted position and an extended position with respect to the housing, wherein the initial position partially exposes a distal tip of the needle cannula, the retracted position fully exposes the needle cannula, and the extended position fully covers the distal tip of the needle cannula. The retractable sheath also may have a guide element. The first, second and third guide paths are configured to slidingly receive the guide element.

Abstract: A drug delivery system includes a reservoir and a drug delivery device coupled to the reservoir. The drug delivery device also may include at least one temperature-sensitive component and a lock having locked and unlocked states. The system further includes an output device, and a controller coupled to the lock and the output device. The controller may also include a temperature sensor, or may be coupled to the temperature sensor. The controller is programmed or configured to determine if the temperature of a drug in the reservoir or of the temperature-sensitive component exceeds an upper limit or is below a lower limit, and to activate the lock in either event. The controller is also programmed or configured to determine, directly or indirectly, if the temperature subsequently is between the upper and lower limits, and to unlock lock as a consequence.

Abstract: An aerosol medicament delivery adapter (20) comprises a first conduit (22), second conduit (24) and a diverter element (26). The first conduit (22) encloses a flow path chamber (28) and extends between an upstream first end (34) and a downstream second end (36). The second conduit (24) comprises an aerosol medicament delivery conduit that includes an upstream first end (48) adapted to be fluidly coupled to a particle generator (14), and a downstream second end (50) fluidly coupled to the first conduit at a Y-junction (54) proximate the upstream first end of the first conduit. The diverter element (26) comprises a flow diverter chamber (60) disposed within the first conduit (22) or the second conduit (24). The cylindrical flow diverter chamber (60) includes a transitional flow cross-section (62) and a principal axis (64), extending between a first end (66) and a second end (68) thereof.

Abstract: A nebulizer for nebulizing a liquid from a container includes a fluid pump for withdrawing the liquid in doses from the container and pressurizing the respective doses for nebulization. The nebulizer includes in addition an air pump with a piston/cylinder arrangement for pumping air into the container to pressurize the liquid in the container to help withdrawing the liquid from the container.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an spray device includes assembling at least one spray nozzle plate into a thermoplastic holder, while controlling the temperature of the spray nozzle plate and/or the holder and as a result at least locally plastically deforming the holder permanently. After the thermoplastic deformation of a seat of the holder, a diameter of the seat of the holder upstream of the spray nozzle plate exceeds a diameter of the seat of the holder downstream of the nozzle plate. The thermoplastic holder may have a tapered seat, where the smallest cross section of the tapered seat is smaller than the spray nozzle plate, where a widest side of the tapered seat is pointing towards a supply side of the liquid.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance component is disclosed that changes shape when an electrical charge is provided. The amount of electrical charge that is applied may be based on values, characteristics, or user controlled parameters of the respiratory assistance system. The component may be all or part of a patient interface, a tube, a flow generator, and/or a sleep mat.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a pressure support ventilator or respiratory monitor, provides operations for a patient, such a patient with heart failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or other respiratory insufficiency. In some embodiments, the apparatus may detect a respiratory condition, such as a decompensation event and/or exacerbation event, from respiratory parameters. A clinical alert message may be transmitted or displayed for a physician based on the results of query presented to the patient in response to an analysis of the one or more respiratory parameters. In some embodiments, the apparatus generates a potential relapse indicator that may provide a prediction of a risk of an oncoming clinical event such as for evaluating whether to release the patient from a hospital.

Abstract: Therapy gas delivery systems that provide run-time-to-empty information to a user of the system and methods for administering therapeutic gas to a patient. The therapeutic gas delivery system may include a gas pressure sensor attachable to a therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas pressure data to a therapeutic gas delivery system controller, a gas temperature sensor positioned to measure gas temperature in the therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas temperature data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow controller that communicates therapeutic gas flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow sensor that communicates flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, and at least one display that communicates run-time-to-empty to a user of the therapeutic gas delivery system.

Abstract: Therapy gas delivery systems that provide run-time-to-empty information to a user of the system and methods for administering therapeutic gas to a patient. The therapeutic gas delivery system may include a gas pressure sensor attachable to a therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas pressure data to a therapeutic gas delivery system controller, a gas temperature sensor positioned to measure gas temperature in the therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas temperature data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow controller that communicates therapeutic gas flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow sensor that communicates flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, and at least one display that communicates run-time-to-empty to a user of the therapeutic gas delivery system.

Abstract: An air inhalation device for insertion within the nostrils, comprising: at least one hollow frusto-conical tube member having an air passageway; a fan; a motor; and a power source; wherein the said frusto-conical tube has a forward end which tapers to form a rearward end, and is fitted with a power driven fan for enhancing the inhalation and exhalation of air.

Abstract: A method of a control system controls an inductance motor in a device that may include an impeller using a pressure compensation control system. The control system may be implemented in a respiratory pressure therapy device. The control system may include a sensor configured to provide a pressure signal indicative of the pressure of a flow of fluid produced by the device. A measured pressure may be compared to a set pressure to determine a pressure error. A slip frequency may be adjusted as a function of the pressure error in an attempt to eliminate or minimise the pressure error.

Abstract: A respirator for the at least supportive respiration of living beings includes a connection formation for connection to a breathing gas supply, a breathing gas conduit arrangement, pressure change arrangement for changing the pressure in the breathing gas conduit arrangement a flow sensor, which provides a flow signal representing a breathing gas volume flow in the breathing gas conduit arrangement, and a control unit controlling the operation of the respirator. The control unit is configured to trigger a transition from an expiratory to an inspiratory operation of the respirator whenever an increase in the steepness of a flow signal curve exceeds a steepness change threshold value.

Abstract: An airway device for a subject which has an airway tube having a distal end and a proximal end, and a laryngeal mask disposed surrounding the distal end of the airway tube, wherein the inner part of the laryngeal mask has a hollow body filled with a biocompatible thermosensitive hydrogel, wherein the biocompatible thermosensitive hydrogel is gelified within a temperature range such that the biocompatible thermosensitive hydrogel, upon being gelified, allows the laryngeal mask to fit over the circumference of a laryngeal inlet of the subject.

Abstract: Tracheal tube systems may include first and second tubes and an inflatable balloon. The first tube may be flexible and hollow and have first and second open ends. The inflatable balloon may be affixed to and circumferentially surround a portion of the first tube. The inflatable balloon may include an indentation sized and positioned to accommodate a portion of a second tube positioned therein, when the inflatable balloon is inflated. The second tube may be hollow and have a multiplicity of holes along a sidewall not in contact with the balloon. The second tube may be configured to be coupled to a suction device that creates a negative pressure in the second tube. When the tracheal tube system is inserted in a patient's trachea, the negative pressure in the second tube may act to remove, or suction out, fluids and other matter from the trachea.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a novel endotracheal tube assembly comprising an endotracheal tube and an expander. The endotracheal tube of the present invention comprises a tunnel configured into the wall of the endotracheal tube, wherein the tunnel can be expanded to increase the circumference of the endotracheal tube. The tunnel can replaceably receive the expander of different widths, thus gradually increasing the circumference, and thus the internal diameter, of the endotracheal tube, without removing the endotracheal tube from the trachea.

Abstract: A patient interface face contact element comprises a surface for contacting the face of a patient, and a connection face for coupling the patient interface face contact element to a support using a magnetic coupling. The support is also provided as well as the complete patient interface. Headgear strap clips can also be retained magnetically.

Abstract: A nasal continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device 100 includes a neck region 200 connected to a mask or nasal prong; and an elongated flexible tube 300. The elongated flexible tube 300 comprises co-axial inner 310 and outer 320 tubes. The inner 310 and outer 320 tubes are spaced to define a first lumen 330 within the outer tube 320. A second lumen 340 is defined by the inner tube wall alone. The second lumen 340 is configured to be connected to a breathable gas supply such as air or oxygen at the distal end 304 of the elongated flexible tube 300, and to the neck region 200 at the proximal end 302 of the elongated flexible tube 300. The first lumen 330 is configured to be connected to the neck region 200 at the proximal end 302 of the elongated flexible tube 300.