Abstract: A respiratory apparatus includes components to permit different operations of the apparatus with different power supplies. For example, a respiratory therapy apparatus for controlling a respiratory therapy may include a power input circuit to receive a first power or a second power. The first power may be provided by a connectable low-power power supply and the second power by a connectable high-power power supply. A controller of the respiratory apparatus coupled to the power input circuit may be configured to detect one of the power supplies, and based on the detection, selectively activate one of a first mode of operation and a second mode of operation. The first mode of operation may be a non-therapy mode with the first power such as for a data setup or data transfer with the respiratory therapy apparatus and the second mode of operation may be a therapy mode with the second power.

Abstract: An anesthesia machine, an anesthetic output concentration monitoring method, system, a device, and a storage medium are disclosed. The method includes respectively monitoring a flow of a fresh gas flowing into a breathing circuit and a flow of an inhaled gas of an anesthetized object. The method further includes when the inhaled gas flow is greater than a fresh gas flow, respectively monitoring a concentration of anesthetic in the inhaled gas and an exhaled gas of the anesthetized object. The method also includes using the exhaled gas anesthetic concentration and a concentration of carbon dioxide in the exhaled gas to calculate a concentration of anesthetic in a gas, reflowing into an inspiratory branch, in the exhaled gas, thereby obtaining a re-inhaled gas anesthetic concentration.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask airway device includes a flexible tube set and an annular mask. The flexible tube set has an airway tube and an air guide tube that are juxtaposed. The annular mask has an outer membrane surrounding an outer periphery of one end of the airway tube and an elastic filler disposed inside the outer membrane. The outer membrane is in communication with one end of the air guide tube. When in use, the outer membrane is first squeezed to compress the elastic filler, and then the other end of the air guide tube is closed. The inside of the outer membrane forms a negative pressure to maintain the elastic filler in a small volume, so that one end having the annular mask of the flexible tube set can be placed and positioned in a patient's throat.

Abstract: An adjustable tracheostoma valve is disclosed. The adjustable tracheostoma valve includes a passageway for connecting the trachea with the surroundings. A valve disk is provided in the passageway. The disk is moveable to allow for inhalation and exhalation through the passageway and is configured to close in response to pressure to direct air to the patient's pharynx, esophagus, sinuses, and mouth for speech following surgical removal of the larynx.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly and a headgear assembly. The mask assembly comprises a mask seal that is adapted to underlie the nose. The mask seal extends up the lateral sides of the nose. The mask seal has a primary seal below the nose and a secondary seal alongside the nose.

Abstract: Patient interfaces for respiratory therapy in the form of nasal interfaces or nasal masks include features that enhance or provide lateral stability of the interface. At least some of the embodiments provide multiple facial contact points or areas located in the general areas of the user's cheeks and/or upper lip. Some embodiments of the nasal interfaces provide advantageous sealing characteristics. The nasal interfaces may provide a controlled expiratory flow to reduce noise. Some embodiments include nasal pillows instead of or in addition to nasal prongs. The nasal pillows can have exhaust vents or can change in length in response to a pressure level within the nasal pillow.

Abstract: An oxygen battery calibration system can include a breathing circuit that includes an inspiratory branch, an expiratory branch, an absorption tank branch, an inspiratory one-way valve, a connection pipeline and an expiratory one-way valve. The inspiratory and expiratory branches can communicate via the connection pipeline. The inspiratory and expiratory one-way valves can be arranged respectively in the inspiratory and expiratory branches, one end of the absorption tank branch can communicate with the inspiratory branch and can be located at a front end of the inspiratory one-way valve, and the other end of the absorption tank branch can communicate with the expiratory branch and can be located at a rear end of the expiratory one-way valve. The system can also include an oxygen battery connected to the inspiratory branch, with a joint being located at a rear end of the inspiratory one-way valve, and a calibration management controller.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment system has a delivery device is adapted to deliver a cooled breathing gas mixture to a patient and an injection device positioned near a distal end of the delivery device. The injection device is coupled to a source of liquid. The treatment system also includes a control system coupled to the delivery device and the injection device. Alternatively, the control system is adapted to control the injection device to release a fluid into the cooled breathing gas mixture to form a frozen mist of fine ice particles in the cooled breathing gas mixture.

Abstract: A chilled-air inhaler device for the alleviation of respiratory symptoms includes a body containing a hollow chamber through which air is forced or drawn past at least an air-chilling surface. In an embodiment the air-chilling surface may include water ice. Connected to the body and hollow chamber at one end is a mouthpiece including an opening that connects from environmental air outside of the hollow chamber to the hollow chamber. Connected to the hollow chamber at a second end is an inlet which connects to a source of air. In an embodiment, the inlet may connect to an external device such blower or nebulizer.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides systems and method for electric plasma synthesis of nitric oxide. In particular, the present disclosure provides a nitric oxide (NO) generation system configured to produce a controllable output of therapeutic NO gas at the point of care.

Abstract: An anesthesia machine exhaust emission control system detects a gas flow in a connection pipeline by an electronic flow detector and displays same by a display, and a controller controls, according to an operating state of the anesthesia machine, a switch so same turns on or turns off the connection pipeline. The method for controlling the connection exhaust emission control system comprises, directly displaying a gas flow value in the connection pipeline by the electronic flow detector, the controller and the display, so that the user can conveniently and accurately read the gas flow value in the connection pipeline. The connection pipeline is turned off when an anesthesia machine is in a standby status, thereby greatly saving exhaust gas recovery resources of a hospital.

Abstract: An anesthetic evaporator locking structure for detachably connecting an anesthetic evaporator to an anesthesia main machine is disclosed. The anesthetic evaporator includes a main body and a securing member provided on the main body. The anesthesia main machine includes a driving element and a mating member provided on the anesthesia main machine. The securing member and the mating member mate with each other to form a primary locking mechanism, and when the anesthetic evaporator is in an activated state, the driving element limits the primary locking mechanism to realize secondary locking. The anesthetic evaporator further includes a handle provided on the main body and an unlocking device provided on the handle, and the unlocking device is used for unlocking the primary locking mechanism. The anesthetic evaporator locking structure can realize the double locking and has relatively high safety, and both the locking and unlocking processes can be operated by one hand, which is convenient and quick.

Abstract: A ventilator console includes an inhalation port, an exhalation port, a console sampler to sample pressure or flow at the exhalation port and at least one sensor to sense at least one of pressure and flow velocity. The ventilator console additionally includes at least one external control port that provides an interface for flow or pressure communication between the at least one sensor and a tube connected to a patient circuit and a three-way valve integrated into the at least one external control port. The three-way valve is connected to the at least one sensor via a common port and toggles between establishing flow or pressure communication to the console sampler and establishing flow or pressure communication to the external control port.

Abstract: A therapeutic blanket including first and second outer layers that are attached together, and an internal matrix of generally equal sized cells. Each cell containing a measured weighted mass, the mass being held within the respective cell. The matrix being secured to the first and second outer layers along an outer perimeter of the blanket.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein to reduce sound sensitivities, improve state regulation, and/or reduce auditory processing and social engagement deficits in individuals with such deficiencies by recruiting the anti-masking functions of the middle ear muscles in order to optimize the transfer function of the middle ear for the processing of human speech. In certain embodiments, an individual may be subjected to a training protocol comprising one or more training sessions. During each training session, acoustic stimuli are provided to a subject for a period of time, with or without accompanying visual stimulation. A user response may be determined, for example, before beginning the protocol, during a session, after a session, and/or upon completion of the protocol. Such user response may be employed to adjust the acoustic stimulation, and the adjusted acoustic stimulation may be provided to the subject during a subsequent training session (or at a subsequent time within the same training session).

Abstract: According to the present invention, it is possible to provide a catheter capable of measuring the magnitude and direction of an external force applied to the front end of the catheter with a precise sensitivity by using information regarding the amount of change in the amount of light received by the optical fiber inside the catheter body.

Abstract: A number of easy-to-manipulate sterile intermittent urinary catheters have loop-shaped handles attached to proximal funnels, or a sliding sleeve with a loop-shaped handle, or both. In one embodiment, the intermittent urinary catheter may be stored in an easy-to-tear sterile package with finger holes to facilitate grasping and tearing. Sliding sleeves with one-way locking features may also have easy-to-grasp handles.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular inner layer, a reinforcement body disposed around the outer periphery of the inner layer, a protective layer covering the outer periphery of an end of the reinforcement body, and an outer layer covering at least the outer periphery of the protective layer. The protective layer covers the outer periphery of at least one end of reinforcement body, and the end of the reinforcement body covered with the protective layer is buried deeper in a side of the inner layer relative to a portion of the reinforcement body not covered with protective layer. The reinforcement body is prevented from lifting away from the inner layer when the catheter is bent even without increasing the outer diameter of the reinforcement body.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for injecting a lipolysis composition, the apparatus including a lipolysis composition storage, a pump, and at least one nozzle-type needle.

Abstract: The present invention is advantageous in that the shape of the catheter can be sensed by detecting the position of bending of the catheter body, the direction thereof, the angle thereof, and the curvature thereof through a triplet calculation of information regarding three wavelengths that have undergone a transition along respective FBGs provided on three optical cores.

Abstract: A catheter port adapted to be selectively secured to a patient's scalp about a site at which a catheter is to be selectively inserted into, and removed from of the patient's head. The port includes a cushion adapted to be secured to the patient's scalp at its bottom surface about the site and at its top surface to a member, an inner tube having one portion mounted on the member and having another portion that is adapted to extend into the patient's head about the site for guiding movement of a catheter relative to the site and for reducing exposure of the catheter from the patient's scalp, an outer tube having a proximal end mounted on one of the member and inner tube, an intermediate portion extending away from the one of the member and the inner tube in a distal end and a septum mounted on the outer tube.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steerable guidewire and a method for manufacturing the same, and a steerable catheter and a method for manufacturing the same. According to an aspect of the present invention, a steerable guidewire, which is inserted into a catheter and guides the catheter to a desired blood vessel, may include: a steerable tip part that can be bent in at least two stages due to a stimulus from the outside and that is steered in a predetermined direction; and a non-steerable tip part that is not steerable. The steerable tip part may include: a first steerable tip part having a first length and bent in a first angle with respect to the non-steerable tip part; and a second steerable tip part having one end connected to the first steerable tip part, having a second length, and bent and steered into a second angle with respect to the non-steerable tip part. The first steerable tip part may be positioned farther from the non-steerable tip part than the second steerable tip part.

Abstract: A guide wire of the present disclosure includes a core shaft having a distal end portion decreasing in diameter, a coil body wound to cover the distal end portion, and a distal end fixing portion fixing the core shaft and the coil body to each other. The distal end portion includes a small diameter portion, a large diameter portion, and a tapered portion between the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion. The core shaft and the coil body are fixed at a portion excluding the tapered portion. A first bending rigidity FR1 of the large diameter portion, a second bending rigidity FR2 of the small diameter portion, and a length L of the tapered portion satisfy the following expressions (1) and (2). In the following expressions (1) and (2), the unit of L is mm (millimeter).

Abstract: A guide wire includes a core shaft having a distal end portion stepwisely decreasing in diameter, an inner coil body covering at least a part of an outer periphery of the distal end portion, an outer coil body covering an outer periphery of the inner coil body, and a distal end fixing portion that fixes distal ends of the core shaft. The distal end portion includes a small diameter portion, a large diameter portion inside the inner coil body and the outer coil body further in the proximal end direction than the small diameter portion and having a larger diameter than that of the small diameter portion, and a tapered portion that increases in diameter from the small diameter portion toward the large diameter portion. A radiopaque marker is on an outer peripheral surface of the tapered portion. A gap is between the radiopaque marker and the inner coil body.

Abstract: Devices and methods for providing an internal balloon sheath are disclosed. One device includes a sheath for insertion through an arteriotomy of a patient. The sheath comprises a tubular sheath body having a longitudinal axis, an open proximal end, an open distal end, an outer surface and an inner surface, the inner surface defining a lumen between the proximal and distal ends for passage of a catheter device. The sheath also comprises an inflatable balloon disposed within the lumen. The inflatable balloon is configured to occupy a longitudinal space in the lumen between the inner surface of the sheath body and the catheter device when the catheter device is disposed within the sheath and the balloon is inflated, and fluidically seal the lumen.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a balloon, an outer tube connected to a proximal end of the balloon, an inner tube disposed inside the outer tube and having a distal end attached to a distal end of the balloon, a protruded-depressed portion formed on an outer periphery of the inner tube, and a core wire disposed between the outer tube and the inner tube. The core wire has a bulged portion sandwiched between the outer tube and a depressed portion of the protruded-depressed portion. The balloon catheter can transmit a force from the core wire to both the outer tube and the inner tube regardless of whether the force is generated by pushing or pulling a proximal end portion of the balloon catheter. Additionally, the core wire can move appropriately to maintain the flexibility of the balloon catheter even when the balloon catheter bends.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to magnetic puncture access and delivery systems and methods, including creating a passageway, such as a fistula, between two vessels or segments of a vessel. A system can include two catheters, each carrying a plurality of magnets along a longitudinal axis of each catheter.

Abstract: An interatrial shunt device includes an opening main body. The opening main body includes an opening component for penetrating the atrial septum and expanding the atrial septal tissue to form an opening. An ablation mechanism that may damage the tissue activity at the opening of the atrial septum is disposed where the opening component contacts the atrial septal tissue. An interatrial shunt system includes the interatrial shunt device, a control mechanism of the interatrial shunt device, and an ablation power source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and an associated method for draining a biological liquid and detecting obstructions. The device for controlling the flow of a biological liquid comprises: a first tube; a first pressure sensor connected to the first tube; a second tube; a second pressure sensor connected to the second tube; an electromechanical actuator connected to the first tube and to the second tube; and a control unit connected to the electromechanical actuator, to the first pressure sensor and to the second pressure sensor, wherein the control unit controls the electromechanical actuator and determines the pressure differential between the first pressure sensor and the second pressure sensor. This pressure variation allows obstructions to be determined. The method for draining a biological liquid and detecting obstructions compares the measurements of the pressure of the first sensor with a value entered by a user (set point) to actuate the electromechanical actuator.

Abstract: The invention includes a shunt for at least partial implantation into a patient that includes an elongated conduit having at least one lumen therethrough, that includes a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids for flow through the shunt and a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids from the shunt, and a long term source of at least one occlusion resistant agent, wherein said at least a portion of the at least one occlusion resistant agent can permeate through at least a portion of the elongated conduit. The invention also includes kits and systems.

Abstract: A prosthesis including a device configured to deliver a therapeutic substance from outside a cochlea to inside the cochlea and configured to evoke a mechanically based hearing percept. In an exemplary embodiment, the device is configured to drive fluid into and out of the cochlea, thereby evoking a hearing percept.

Abstract: The present invention provides an automatic drug delivery device. The automatic drug delivery device includes an enclosure and a first piston disposed in the enclosure. The first piston partitions the enclosure to a first drug delivery chamber and a first expansion chamber. A first through hole and a second through hole are formed in the wall of the enclosure, the first through-hole communicates with the first drug delivery chamber, and the second through-hole communicates with the first expansion chamber. A first targeted dissolution membrane covers the first through hole and the second through hole, and dissolves at a first targeted region. A drug is filled in the first drug delivery chamber, and an expandable material is included in the first expansion chamber. The expandable material in the first expansion chamber can expand after absorbing liquid.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.

Abstract: Separable microneedle arrays and microneedle patches are provided that may achieve sustained release of drug. The microneedle arrays may include one or more features that facilitate separation of the microneedles, such as a bubble structure. The microneedle arrays may include an effervescent material.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating microneedle arrays capable of delivering a suitable drug dosages to subjects are provided. In one aspect, a method comprises creating at least one forming mold using laser ablation in a cross-over line pattern. The method further comprises casting a first material onto the at least one forming mold to create at least one microneedle mold. The method further comprises casting a second material onto the at least one microneedle mold to create at least one hollow microneedle.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the injection of implants are provided, allowing for single-hand user implementation and activation. An implantation device comprises a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a barrel extending therethrough. A needle extends through the distal end of the body and is in fluid communication with the barrel. An implant is positioned within the barrel for delivery to a subject, and a plunger, also positioned within the barrel, moves toward the distal end of the body so as to push against the implant and cause the implant to move in the distal direction, through the needle.

Abstract: A transparent tubing is provided comprising a longitudinal axis having a center; an inner circumferential surface defining a fluid pathway therethrough for delivering a first medium having a first index of refraction m; an outer circumferential surface; at least one visual marker; and, at least one integrated lens disposed opposite from the at least one visual marker, the at least one integrated lens configured to direct light from the at least one visual marker for detecting a presence or an absence in the fluid pathway of a second medium having a second index of refraction n2, where n2 is different from the first index of refraction n1. A method of making transparent tubing having at least one integrated lens is also provided.

Abstract: A connector includes an elastic valve body that includes a top face on which a slit is formed and a bottom face opposite the top face; and a holding section that is in contact with the top face and the bottom face of the elastic valve body and holds the elastic valve body. The holding section surrounds the slit, and the elastic valve body includes a peripheral section that is positioned outward of a portion of the elastic valve body that is held by the holding section. The elastic valve body and the holding section are configured such that a volume of the peripheral section in a state in which the elastic valve body is held by the holding section is larger than a volume of the peripheral section in a state in which the elastic valve body is not held by the holding section.

Abstract: A cap is described for connection to a medical connector, the cap includes a housing having a top wall and sidewall forming a cavity, and an integrally formed protrusion. The protrusion includes an inner thread on an inner surface, the inner thread being sufficient to interlock with a mating feature of a female needleless connector. The inner surface of the protrusion defines a second cavity. The outer surface of the sidewall of the protrusion is tapered and adapted to engage a male luer connector in a press-fit connection. The second cavity configured to define a chamber to contain an absorbent material and disinfectant or antimicrobial agent. The cap may also include a peel seal to prevent the disinfectant or the antimicrobial agent from exiting the second cavity. An exterior sidewall surface of the housing may include a plurality of grip members.

Abstract: The present invention relates, in some embodiments thereof, to connectors having cavities and systems comprising same for allowing an engagement and fluid passageway between medical vessels. In some embodiments, the connectors allow repeatable fluid transfer between vessels. In some embodiments, the connectors configured to connect between a plurality of medical vessels.

Abstract: A neck massaging device includes a carrying body, a hollow flexible sleeve tensioned over the carrying body, an electrode assembly disposed on the flexible sleeve, a pair of handles connected to each end of the carrying body, and an electric pulse generating device electrically connected with the electrode assembly, and arranged in one of the handles.

Abstract: This invention addresses the need for efficient dry skin electrodes. Robust, flexible Mixed Ionic Electronic Conductor (MIEC) electrodes were prepared by an aqueous solution route resulting in electrically conductive networks of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and ionically conductive elastic matrix. The flexible electrode was characterized in terms of conductivity, ionic charge transfer resistance, and water uptake. The flexible electrode maintained low resistance even after multiple cycles of 50% extension and contraction.

Abstract: A hippocampal prosthesis for bypassing a damaged portion of a subject's hippocampus and restoring the subject's ability to form long-term memories. The hippocampal prosthesis includes a first set of hippocampal electrodes configured to receive an input signal from at least one of the subject's hippocampus or surrounding cortical region. The hippocampal prosthesis includes a processing device having a memory and one or more processors operatively coupled to the memory and to the first set of hippocampal electrodes. The processing device being configured to generate an output signal based on the input signal received from the first set of hippocampal electrodes. The hippocampal prosthesis includes a second set of hippocampal electrodes operatively coupled to the one or more processors and configured to receive and transmit the output signal to the subject's hippocampus.

Abstract: Cochlear implant systems can include a cochlear electrode, a stimulator in electrical communication with the cochlear electrode, a signal processor in communication with the stimulator, and an implantable battery and/or communication module. The signal processor can receive an input signal from an input source and output a stimulation signal to the stimulator based on the received input signal and a transfer function of the signal processor. The implantable battery and/or communication module may be configured to provide electrical power to the signal processor. The signal processor may include circuitry and a can surrounding and housing the circuitry as well as a first impedance between the circuitry and the can to reduce unintended electrical communication. The implantable battery and/or communication module may include circuitry and a can surrounding and housing the circuitry as well as a second impedance between the circuitry and the can to reduce unintended electrical communication.

Abstract: Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating one or more conditions (such as dry eye) or improving ocular health by providing stimulation to nasal or sinus tissue. Generally, the devices may be handheld or implantable. In some variations, the handheld devices may have a stimulator body and a stimulator probe having one or more nasal insertion prongs. When the devices and systems are used to treat dry eye, nasal or sinus tissue may be stimulated to increase tear production, reduce the symptoms of dry eye, and/or improve ocular surface health.

Abstract: A system and method for improving limb function through the use of percutaneous mechanical and neural interfaces. The system generally uses a hollow long bone axial rod that is inserted into the long bone medullary cavity. A transfer rod with a central channel is mounted to the long bone axial rod. An exterior body attachment is connected to the transfer rod and attachment rings attach muscle groups, fascia layers and dermal layers to the transfer rod. Additionally, the system is configured to collect and transmit nerve signaling data to an external processor and additionally configured to transmit data from the external processor to the plurality of nerves.

Abstract: A nerve cuff for establishing a nerve block on a nerve can have a cuff body with a channel for receiving a nerve, a reservoir for holding a drug, and an elongate opening slit extending the length of the cuff body that can be opened to provide access to the channel and can be closed to enclose the cuff body around the nerve. The nerve cuff can also include an electrode for detecting and measuring electrical signals generated by the nerve. A controller can be used to control delivery of the drug based on the electrical signals generated by the nerve.

Abstract: A low-frequency treatment device and a treatment system with enhanced user convenience. An acquisition unit acquires an atmospheric pressure of a position where the low-frequency treatment device is located (step S102), a determination unit determines whether the atmospheric pressure is less than a threshold (step S104), and a treatment portion increases an intensity of low frequency treatment if the atmospheric pressure is less than the threshold (step S108).

Abstract: A neck massaging device includes an elastic support, a silicone rubber base arranged on the elastic support. An electrode plate disposed on a side of the silicone rubber base facing away from the elastic support massages a neck of a wearer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems, and devices for oral drug delivery. The method generally involves orally administering a drug delivery device to the subject in need of treatment and triggering iontophoresis. The drug delivery device includes one or more active agents for delivery to the subject. The method can include the step of delivering the active agent to the intestinal mucosa after iontophoresis is triggered at the site, or simultaneously as iontophoresis is applied at the site. After the active agent(s) are delivered, the drug delivery device can be released from the intestinal mucosa. The iontophoresis can be performed for a period of time and at an electrical current that is effective to improve permeability of the one or more active agents across the intestine compared to orally administering the same drug delivery device in the absence of iontophoresis.