Abstract: In one form, the invention is directed to a method for forming a porous implant suitable for a cavity from which tissue has been removed, including mixing soluble alginate and a radiopaque imaging agent with water; incorporating a gas or a pore forming agent into the alginate-water mixture; transferring the alginate-water mixture with the gas or the pore forming agent into a mold to form the mixture into a solid body of desired shape; removing the water from the body; and converting at least part of the soluble alginate to a less soluble alginate. In another form, the invention includes forming a mixture by mixing about 0.5 percent to about 4 percent by weight chitosan into an acidified aqueous solution containing 1 percent to 25 percent by weight acetic acid, along with about 0.5 percent to about 5 percent by weight of a powdered radiopaque imaging agent.

Abstract: An implantable medical electrical lead is connectable to an electrical header of an implantable pulse generator. The lead includes a lead body, at least one electrode, a lead terminal, and a lead boot. The lead body extends from a proximal end to a distal end. The at least one electrode is disposed at the distal end of the lead body. The lead terminal is disposed at the proximal end of the lead body and configured to connect the lead to the electrical header. The lead boot is formed of an elastic polymer infused with at least one antibiotic drug. A portion of the lead boot is configured to be disposed within the electrical header when the lead is connected to the electrical header.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the coating of a range of functional heparins onto the surface of a substrate for which hemocompatibility is a key functional characteristic, such that the functionality of the functional heparin is maintained. The approach employs a metal coordination complex to bind to the substrate with the functional heparin binding to the metal coordination complex to thereby impart hemocompatibility.

Abstract: Illustrative embodiments of new and useful systems and methods for reduced-pressure therapy are described. One example embodiment is a manually-actuated pump for applying reduced-pressure therapy. The pump generally comprises a charging chamber, a regulated chamber, and a regulator passage between the charging chamber and the regulated chamber. A valve body controls fluid communication through the regulator passage, and a regulator spring may be engaged with the valve body to bias the valve body against a differential between a pressure in the regulated chamber and an ambient pressure. The regulator passage may have a bore size adapted deflect the valve body to cause an audible indication of a leak.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for instilling a solution to a tissue site are disclosed. In some embodiments, an instillation regulator may be fluidly coupled to a solution source and to a dressing, and the instillation regulator may draw a solution from the solution source during a negative-pressure interval may instill the solution to the dressing during a venting interval.

Abstract: An implantable device for improving the pump function of the heart of a human patient by applying an external force on a first position of the heart muscle following the heart's contractions. The implantable device comprising a first pump device adapted to assist the pump function of the heart. The pump device comprises a first reservoir having a first volume and adapted to varying said first volume, a second reservoir having a second volume and adapted to varying said second volume, a fluid connection adapted to fluidly connect said first reservoir with said second reservoir, such that fluid can flow between said first reservoir and said second reservoir.

Abstract: A catheter pump assembly is provided that includes a proximal a distal portion, a catheter body, an impeller, and a flow modifying structure. The catheter body has a lumen that extends along a longitudinal axis between the proximal and distal portions. The impeller is disposed at the distal portion. The impeller includes a blade with a trailing edge. The flow modifying structure is disposed downstream of the impeller. The flow modifying structure has a plurality of blades having a leading edge substantially parallel to and in close proximity to the trailing edge of the blade of the impeller and an expanse extending downstream from the leading edge. In some embodiments, the expanse has a first region with higher curvature and a second region with lower curvature. The first region is between the leading edge and the second region.

Abstract: A blood pump with an integrated flow sensor is provided. The blood pump may include an implantable pump for pumping blood having a housing, a flow path extending within the housing and at least one movable element within the housing for impelling blood along the flow path and a sensor for measuring the flow rate of blood through the pump. According to one embodiment, the sensor may be mounted to the housing of the pump. In accordance with a further embodiment, the housing may have an exterior surface defining a cavity, and the sensor may be located within the cavity.

Abstract: A driveline for an implantable blood pump including a percutaneous connector including an outer tube, the outer tube defining an exterior surface and having a proximal portion and a distal portion opposite the proximal portion, the proximal portion being couplable to the implantable blood pump disposed within a body of a patient and the distal portion being couplable to a controller outside of the body of the patient and at least one electronic instrument coupled to the outer tube and fluidically sealed from the exterior surface.

Abstract: An apparatus and process for extracorporeal treatment of blood (1) comprising a treatment unit (2), a blood withdrawal line (6), a blood return line (7), a preparation line (19) and a spent dialysate line (13). A control unit (10) is configured to calculate values of a parameter relating to treatment effectiveness based on measures of lactate or citrate or acetate concentration in the spent dialysate line (13).

Abstract: A method for filtering blood is disclosed that in one embodiment includes the steps of depositing unfiltered blood along at least one side of a semi-permeable surface having multiple pores, depositing target tissue along at least an opposing side of the semi-permeable surface, and permitting the unfiltered blood to flow at least partially along the semi-permeable surface to filter the unfiltered blood. Embodiments of the invention can remove self-directed autoantibodies from the blood while reducing the complications of conventional treatments such as plasmaphoresis, and return the patient's own blood cells and its plasma components, less the disease-causing self-directed antibodies. A blood filter and a blood bag are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices are disclosed for the treatment of a subject suffering from drug intoxication by cleansing a contaminated sample from the subject with adsorption media. The adsorption media composition is selected for its antithrombogenic properties and for its ability to adhere to one or more drug targets to be reduced or eliminated. The media can further be held in a cartridge for use in extracorporeal treatments such as those of hemoperfusion. Contacting the contaminated sample from the subject with the absorption medium allows for the separation of a portion of the drug target from the sample, producing a cleansed sample that can be infused into the subject.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a portable dialysis system comprising a mechanism that allows the user to accurately position an air bubble in a venous line, so that it can be safely removed. When an air bubble is detected, the system automatically runs the blood pump in a direction such that the air bubble is placed close to the extraction point on the venous line, from where it can safely be removed using a needleless syringe.

Abstract: The preset invention discloses an artificial heart and lung apparatus (100) including a roller pump (120); a blood removal line (101); a first blood transfer line (104); a blood removal rate sensor (111) and a control unit (140) that performs linked control of the roller pump (120) in correspondence with a blood removal rate. The control unit (140) is capable of detecting that the blood removal rate deviates from a blood removal condition set in advance, and out-of-set condition blood removal is performed.

Abstract: The example systems, apparatus and methods use a local perfusion extracorporeal circuit (LPEC) for perfusing a local target region of a body, with a systemic perfusion extracorporeal circuit (SPEC) coupled to the core region of the vasculature using a peripheral placed loop to the body, and a control procedure to cause the local target region of the body to be at a specified pattern of temperature values that are different than the temperature of the core of the body.

Abstract: A hysteroscopic fluid management system includes a saline source with an electrolyte concentration, at least one pressure mechanism for circulating saline to and from a targeted site and through a filter having filter characteristics back to the source, and a controller. The controller provides a saline inflow in a first flow path to the site and a saline outflow in a second flow path from the site through the filter and back to the source at a controlled flow rate. A diagnostic or therapeutic procedure is performed at the site in the presence of the saline. The filter characteristics and the controlled flow rate are selected to (1) cause substantially no change in the electrolyte concentration in the saline, (2) to prevent hemolysis of greater than 5% of filtered red blood cells exposed to the saline, and/or (3) to minimize effect on prothrombin time of plasma exposed to the filter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a connection interface between a reservoir or syringe, infusion set tubing, and an infusion pump is provided. The reservoir, a base and a cap are connected to form an integrated unit that is capable of being inserted and secured in an infusion pump housing. The cap and the infusion pump are each provided with at least one sensor or at least one detectable feature, arranged to interact with at least one corresponding detectable feature or sensor on the other of the cap and infusion pump device, to detect one or more of the presence, position or other characteristic of the cap when the cap is aligned or coupled with the infusion pump housing. The detectable feature and sensor may be magnetic, RF, mechanical, optical or any combination.

Abstract: A medical device system is disclosed. The medical device system includes a first medical device and a second medical device. A remote interface including a touch screen is also included. The remote interface is in wireless communication with the first medical device and the second medical device. The remote interface is configured to provide a user interface to the first medical device and the second medical device. The remote interface is configured to receive user input through a touch screen. Also, a charging device is included. The charging device is configured to receive at least the first medical device and the remote interface and the charging device is configured to recharge a first medical device battery and the charging device is configured to recharge an interface battery in the remote interface. The charging device is connected to a personal computer wherein the personal computer provides information to the remote interface.

Abstract: Provided is a liquid medicine injection device having a needle holder slid immediately by using the elasticity of a spring such that a needle installed at the needle holder may be instantly inserted into a patient.

Abstract: The disclosed technology generally relates to medical devices, and more particularly to a chemical fluid injection device. In an aspect, a chemical fluid injection device is configured to recognize whether a needle attached to a needle holder is inserted into a patient by sliding the needle holder and sensing whether the needle holder is adjacent to a needle penetration hole.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the volume of fluid dispensed. The apparatus has an acoustic volume sensor that acoustically excites a reference volume and a measurement chamber with a loudspeaker and measures the acoustic response with microphones acoustically coupled to the reference and the measurement chamber. The loudspeaker and sensing microphones are connected to the measurement chamber by separate ports. A detachable dispensing chamber is coupled to the acoustic volume sensor. The volume of the fluid dispensed is determined by a processor based on the acoustic response of the microphones to acoustic excitement by the loudspeaker.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a movement disorder monitor with high sensitivity, and a method of measuring the severity of a subject's movement disorder. The present invention additionally relates to a drug delivery system for dosing a subject in response to the increased severity of a subject's symptoms. The present invention provides for a system and method, which can accurately and repeatably quantify symptoms of movements disorders, accurately quantifies symptoms utilizing both kinetic information and/or electromyography (EMG) data, that can be worn continuously to provide continuous information to be analyzed as needed by the clinician, that can provide analysis in real-time, that allows for home monitoring of symptoms in subject's with these movement disorders to capture the complex fluctuation patterns of the disease over the course of days, weeks or months, that maximizes subject safety, and that provides substantially real-time remote access to data by the clinician or physician.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include measuring at least one effect of a combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an individual and/or modifying at least one of the bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least partially based on the at least one effect.

Abstract: Apparatus configured to assist a user in correctly positioning the apparatus on a drug delivery device, the apparatus comprising: attachment means for attaching the apparatus to the drug delivery device; an imaging arrangement for capturing at least one image of a portion of a delivery device; a processor for processing the captured at least one image to determine a position of the apparatus relative to the drug delivery device and to determine a manner in which the apparatus should be moved in order to correctly position the apparatus on the drug delivery device; and a display for displaying an indication of the manner in which the apparatus should be moved in order to correctly position the apparatus on the drug delivery device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a piston washer (1, 51) for a drug delivery device, the piston washer (1, 51) comprising a central portion (2, 72) arranged about a centre axis, a peripheral portion (3, 73), and an axially pliable structure (8, 78) connecting the central portion (2, 72) and the peripheral portion (3, 73). The axially pliable structure (8, 78) is preconfigured to undergo permanent deformation in response to a difference between a first resultant force acting on the peripheral portion (3, 73) and a second resultant force acting on the central portion (2, 72) exceeding a threshold level.

Abstract: A cassette for use with an injector has a housing, and a cassette identification arrangement (cassette ID) defining a code containing information about the cassette that is detectable and decipherable by an injector. The cassette may further have a sleeve movably disposed within the housing, for holding a drug container, and a locking arrangement for interlocking the sleeve with the housing. The cassette may further have an aperture in the housing, and a cassette cap for removing a needle shield of the drug container. The cassette may have an anti-bending structure to prevent bending or flexing of the cassette cap. The injector may have a processor for controlling operational parameters of the injector and a detector communicatively coupled with the processor for detecting and communicating the cassette ID to the microprocessor to decipher the code defined therein. Also, a method of injecting a drug into a patient with an injector, wherein the sequence of actions performed by the user are controlled.

Abstract: A gas elimination apparatus and a method for use in an intravenous delivery system are provided. The apparatus includes a fluid inlet coupling a fluid flow into a liquid chamber, a fluid outlet protruding into the liquid chamber, and a flow diversion member proximal to the fluid outlet. The flow diversion member configured to block a direct flow between the fluid inlet and the fluid outlet. The apparatus includes a membrane separating a portion of the liquid chamber from an outer chamber and a gas venting valve fluidically coupling the outer chamber with the atmosphere. The flow diversion member may be mechanically supported by at least one strut or elongate member extending along a flow direction into the liquid chamber.

Abstract: A vein stabilizing device including a wire having a U-shaped bend forming a hook. An indicator disposed on the wire at a central portion of the U-shaped bend. The vein stabilizing device is used to quickly stabilized veins, eliminating the need for a tourniquet, decreasing the possibility of a blown vein and tissue death, and reducing the time required to start intravenous infusion.

Abstract: A nebulizer utilizing a nozzle assembly includes a main conduit and an air pressure duct. The main conduit is disposed on the nebulizer and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The main conduit has an atomizing opening. The air pressure duct is disposed on one of the inner surface and the outer surface of the main conduit, and has a connecting opening connected to the sensor and a detecting opening that is exposed and adjacent to the atomizing opening. The sensor is disposed inside the nebulizer and determines a pressure change of the atomizing opening by detecting the pressure of the detecting opening. The nebulizer includes an atomizing module and a controlling module electrically connected to the atomizing module and the sensor, and the controlling module determines whether the atomizing module should be turned on based on the pressure change of the atomizing opening detected by the sensor.

Abstract: An atomizer for an inhaler includes a housing, a gasket, a liquid absorbing sheet, a wick, and an atomizing element. The housing includes a first housing and a second housing, the first housing and the second housing form a liquid reservoir therebetween for storing liquid. The gasket is sleeved on the first housing, the gasket defines a liquid conducting hole in communication with the liquid reservoir. The liquid absorbing sheet is sleeved on the first housing in contact with the gasket, the liquid absorbing sheet is configured to absorb the liquid in the liquid reservoir via the liquid conducting hole. The wick is in contact with the liquid absorbing sheet and configured to draw the liquid from the liquid absorbing sheet. The atomizing element is fixed to the wick and configured to atomize the liquid in the wick.

Abstract: A heating unit comprising an electrically conductive substrate. A solid fuel layer comprising a metal reducing agent, a metal containing oxidizing agent and a binder is coated on a surface of the substrate, the solid fuel layer having a solid fuel surface spaced from the substrate. A first electrode coupled to the substrate. A second electrode coupled to the solid fuel surface. A power supply is configured to be selectively coupled to the first and second electrodes to provide a voltage between the metallic substrate and the solid fuel surface. The voltage acts to propagate an exothermic metal oxidation-reduction reaction without the use of an igniter.

Abstract: The disclosure discloses an atomizing device for an electronic cigarette and an electronic cigarette having the same. The atomizing device includes: an atomizing sleeve defining an e-liquid hole; an atomizing core removably arranged in the atomizing sleeve; and a sealing mechanism including a return spring and a liquid stopper, the liquid stopper connected to the atomizing sleeve via the return spring and configured to seal the e-liquid hole. When the atomizing core is received in the atomizing sleeve, the liquid stopper overcomes an elastic force of the return spring to open the e-liquid hole; and when the atomizing core is removed from the atomizing sleeve, the liquid stopper seals the e-liquid hole under the elastic force of the return spring.

Abstract: A delivery device is provided having a container containing a dose of greater than 40 mg of a powder and having at least one exit orifice for dispensing the dose from the container, a chamber adapted to receive the container in an operative configuration, at least one gas inlet by which gas may enter the chamber and at least one gas outlet by which gas and entrained powder may exit the chamber. The delivery device is operable to generate a gas flow through the chamber between the at least one gas inlet and the at least one gas outlet, which brings about orbital motion of the container within the chamber in that at least a central region of the container orbits a central axis of the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing a nebula or aerosol to a patient is described. In one aspect, the nebulizer is composed of a minimum number of parts to reduce complexity for automated or human assembly. The nebulizer may include an inhalation valve, exhalation valve and biasing member integrated into a single diaphragm structure that may be connected with an actuator and inserted into a housing for controlling nebulization of a medicine to a patient in response to the patient's breathing or in a continuous nebulization mode.

Abstract: A protective cover for a nasal cannula completely encloses the two prongs of the nasal cannula when properly installed. This protective cover will keep the nasal cannula from contacting potentially unclean surfaces when the nasal cannula is not in use. An optional UV light may be present in the protective cover to provide UV cleaning of the nasal cannula prongs when the cover is closed.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a reversible airway device. The reversible airway device (10) can include: a supra-glottic airway support (12) comprising a multi-lumen tubular guide (14) and an optional sealing member (16); an endotracheal tube (26); and at least one seal (42). The multi-lumen tubular guide has a distal end portion (18), a proximal end portion (22), a first passageway (20) extending between the distal and proximal end portions, and a second passageway (24) that is non-concentric with the first passageway and also extends between the distal and proximal end portions. The at least one seal is disposed within the first passageway, the second passageway, or both, so as to occlude the flow of a gas through the first passageway and/or the second passageway. The endotracheal tube can be inserted into the first or second passageway and can traverse the seal.

Abstract: The medical tube securing device is a fastener that is further adapted for use with a first and second catheter. The medical tube securing device fastens the first catheter to the second catheter. The medical tube securing device comprises an intubation strap, a gastric clip, and a latch. The intubation strap and the gastric clip are attached to the latch. The intubation strap and the latch attach the first catheter to the medical tube securing device. The gastric clip attaches the second catheter to the medical tube securing device thereby securing the first catheter to the second catheter. The first catheter is an endotracheal device and the second catheter is a gastric catheter. The medical tube securing device further comprises a bite guard that prevents the patient from biting one or more devices selected from the group consisting of the endotracheal device or the gastric catheter.

Abstract: Component of a patient interface, particularly a cushion, comprising a first part and a second part, wherein the second part is made of a foamed material which is foamed-on the first part. A Method and tool for manufacturing a component of a patient interface, particularly a cushion, comprising the steps molding a first part of the component and foaming a second part on the first part.

Abstract: A patient interface comprises a frame, a headgear, a manifold and two nasal prongs. The frame may be recessed from the face of the patient, and preferably from the manifold so that the manifold may deform or move with respect to the face of the patient. The manifold may be further configured to be compliant in the direction of engagement with the patient's face, such as in the anterior direction. These features may allow the manifold to engage with the face of the patient, such as the upper lip, without exerting a significant pressure which may lead to patient discomfort. The manifold may also be configured to be rotatable with respect to the frame, for example by a grip feature which may be configured to be held in one hand for rotation.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator designed for medical use where the sieve beds, adsorbers, are designed to be replaced by a patient. The concentrator is designed so that the beds are at least partially exposed to the outside of the system and can be easily released by a simple user-friendly mechanism. Replacement beds may be installed easily by patients, and all gas seals will function properly after installation.

Abstract: A capnography system (100, 400), comprising: a controller (110, 410) configured to obtain a sample gas flow from a physical interface (107) for a patient (101); determine a change in a characteristic of the sample gas flow during a sampling time interval; determine whether the change in the characteristic of the sample gas flow during the sampling time interval is equal to or greater than a corresponding threshold value; determine that supplemental oxygen is provided when it is determined that the change in the characteristic of the sample gas flow is equal to or greater than the threshold value; and determine that supplemental oxygen is not provided when it is determined that the change in the characteristic of the sample gas flow is less than the threshold value.

Abstract: A humidification canister for humidifying a breathing gas, the humidification canister includes a fluid supply configured to supply a fluid and a first gas flow path in fluid communication with the fluid supply. A first gas flow path is configured to humidify the breathing gas with the fluid. A second gas flow path at least partially surrounds the first gas flow path. A method of insulating a breathing gas in a humidification canister using a gas is also disclosed.

Abstract: An improved hiatal hernia treatment enhances recovery after surgery by reducing a patient's pain at an area of treatment. The area of treatment contains a hiatal hernia and must be extensively divided before the hiatal hernia can be treated. The improved hiatal hernia treatment reinforces, repairs, or otherwise treats the hiatal hernia and reduces pain through directed application of anesthetic via an applicator positioned within the area of treatment. Reduction of pain increases patient comfort reduces the need for pain medication, and lowers patient blood pressure to enhance recovery.

Abstract: The newly discovered retinal ganglion cell photoreceptor melanopsin absent in the central fovea of the eye but distributed throughout the remaining human retinal body provides both non-visual biological/physiological input inducing circadian entrainment, and visual input affecting perceived brightness; this perceived brightness is not the object brightness commonly associated with luminance and perceived color of an object in central view, but the perception of brightness of a whole space or task background.

Abstract: A restorative health and wellness system that provides an immersive environment is provided herein. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more sensors configured to measure physiological properties of an individual and/or the properties of the individual's surroundings, one or more actuators configured to create the immersive environment for the individual, a control loop module configured to receive and analyze input from the one or more sensors, and to provide information to the actuators to create the immersive environment for the individual, wherein the one or more actuators dynamically create or adjust the immersive environment based on at least one of (A) the physiological properties measured or (B) the properties of the individual's surroundings, and at least one of (A) a pre-determined individual priority balance set for the individual or (B) an optimized set of parameters determined through advanced analytic techniques.

Abstract: A vascular access device is disclosed including a catheter, a catheter adapter having a distal end and a proximal end, an overall length extending from the distal end to the proximal end, an internal cavity, an upper portion, a lower portion and a tip having a distal opening having a circumference through which the catheter extends, an introducer needle extending through the catheter; and a needle hub connected to the proximal end of the introducer needle. The catheter adapter being connected to the proximal end of the catheter and at least a majority of the catheter adapter is made from a first material and at least a portion of the tip is made from a second material that is more flexible than the first material.

Abstract: A flexible guide tube having a deflectable distal end is disclosed with at least first and second tensioning lines coupled to a deflectable distal end of the flexible guide tube. The first tensioning line is configured to deflect the distal end of the flexible guide tube in a first direction and the second tensioning line is configured to deflect the distal end of the flexible guide tube in a second direction that is opposite the first direction. A handle is coupled to flexible tube, the handle having a medial portion with a longitudinal axis substantially parallel with at least a portion of the flexible guide tube, a first actuator disposed proximal the medial section, and a second actuator disposed distal the medial section.

Abstract: Described herein are support devices, which may include medical support devices. In particular, three-dimensional medical (and non-medical) devices from a single layer of material, typically by stamping or pressing (including cold pressing) a sheet of the material to form rigid and complex 3D shapes capable of use for a variety of medical and non-medical purposes. These support devices typically also include an adhesive material allowing the device to be attached to a subject's skin and/or mounted on a surface (e.g., wall, etc.). In particular, described herein are methods of manufacturing, assembling, and using adhesive support devices.

Abstract: A catheter assembly with segmented or step-wise deployment stabilization system includes a base or handle, puncture needle extending from the handle, and a deployment mechanism or mechanisms to selectively extend from the distal end of the needle for first length a hollow stabilizing component and as a second step to a second further length a stabilizing guide wire element. The needle will gain sub-dermal access to the patient to the intended position for deployment of a catheter. Hollow stabilizing component provides for a first additional guide and support for a catheter sheath from the distal end of the needle. The stabilizing wire element provides additional length, guide and support for the catheter sheath. The hollow stabilizing component has some degree of flexibility as does the guide wire to minimize chance of damage to surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A needle assembly can include a needle and a proximal compartment forming a reservoir for collecting blood that flows through an inner lumen of needle. The needle assembly may also include a needle tip shield for capturing a sharpened distal tip of the needle. The needle tip shield can form a fluid pathway through which blood contained within the reservoir is expelled. The volume of the reservoir can be reduced to cause blood to be expelled from the needle tip shield such as by compressing the proximal compartment or a plunger connected to the proximal compartment or by moving a plunger into the reservoir. The fluid pathway of the needle tip shield can either be the same pathway through which the sharpened distal tip is withdrawn into the needle tip shield, or can be a separate pathway.