Abstract: A blood pump comprises a pump casing having a blood flow inlet and a blood flow outlet connected by a passage, and an impeller arranged in said pump casing so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The impeller is provided with blades sized and shaped for conveying blood along the passage from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet, and is rotatably supported in the pump casing by a first bearing at a first axial end of the impeller and a second bearing axially spaced apart from the first bearing. The first bearing comprises a projection extending along the axis of rotation and connected to one of the impeller and the pump casing and a cavity in the other one of the impeller and the pump casing, the projection comprising an enlarged portion that engages the cavity such that the first bearing and the second bearing are arranged to bear axial forces in the same axial direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container (1, 1?, 1?) for a heart pump device (4, 8, 12, 17, 18, 19, 26) with a first receiving space (3) for a compressible and expandable heart pump (4), wherein the first receiving space is delimited on several sides, in particular on all sides, by one or more closure elements (5, 5?, 6, 6? 6?) and is closed off to the outside for preventing a contacting of the heart pump, wherein the closure elements (5, 5?, 6, 6? 6?) leave free an opening (7) for the passage of a catheter (8) from the outside into the first receiving space (3), wherein the diameter of the opening (7) is dimensioned such that the heart pump can pass this exclusively in a condition which is at least partly compressed compared to the expanded condition. For implantation, the heart pump in the container (1, 1?, 1?) can firstly be operated by trial in the container (1, 1?, 1?) whilst feeding a rinsing fluid and can then be pulled through the opening (7) amid simultaneous compression, into a sheath element (11).

Abstract: A dialysis machine comprising: a first sensor for detecting motion of a patient; a second sensor for detecting a health condition of the patient; a processing module for: controlling dialysis functions of a dialysis treatment; receiving information related to a status of the dialysis treatment in which toxins are removed from blood of the patient; receiving, from the first sensor, information related to the motion of the patient; receiving, from the second sensor, information related to the health condition of the patient; and identifying an emergency condition based at least in part on the information related to the motion of the patient, the information related to the health condition of the patient, and the information related to the status of the dialysis treatment; and a transceiver for: in response to identifying an emergency condition, sending a notification that includes patient information to one or more remote entities.

Abstract: The application refers to a medical treatment device a medical treatment system and a method for operating the medical treatment device and medical treatment system for treatment of a patient, comprising a sensor interface for receiving sensor data from a plurality of different external and internal peripheral sensors, a controller for processing the received sensor data in order to calculate control data and for providing the calculated control data for controlling medical treatment-related devices or for controlling a configuration of medical treatment-related apparatuses and an output interface for providing the control data.

Abstract: The present technology provides micro fabricated filtration devices, methods of making such devices, and uses for microfabricated filtration devices. The devices may allow diffusion to occur between two fluids with improved transport resistance characteristics as compared to conventional filtration devices. The devices may include a compound structure that includes a porous membrane overlying a support structure. The support structure may define a cavity and a plurality of recesses formed in a way that can allow modified convective flow of a first fluid to provide improved diffusive transport between the first fluid and a second fluid through the membrane.

Abstract: A method comprising: receiving patient assessment information concerning one or more subjective characteristics of a patient; determining a patient assessment score based on the received patient assessment information; and modifying operation of a medical fluid treatment machine based on the patient assessment score.

Abstract: A blood treatment filter comprising a filter element, an inlet-side flexible container and an outlet-side flexible container, an inlet port, and a tubular outlet port, further comprises: an outlet-side frame sheet disposed between the filter element and the outlet-side flexible container; a first seal portion provided by sealing at least the filter element and the outlet-side frame sheet in a belt-shaped manner; and an annular second seal portion provided to surround the first seal portion, wherein on an outlet side of the filter element, a valley portion is formed at the first seal portion, the outlet port includes a protruding portion that protrudes to an inside of the container, and the protruding portion is provided with an opening at least a part of which overlaps with the first seal portion and which can communicate with a gap region formed by the valley portion.

Abstract: A medicine-holding body is disposed in a flow path of a nozzle portion of an adapter for blood dispensing. The medicine-holding body is formed of a plurality of fibers which is made of polyester and is bundled by aligning a longitudinal direction thereof in a flowing direction which is a direction in which blood flows. The medicine-holding body holds an anticoagulant for suppressing coagulation of blood, as a medicine to be mixed into blood. The surface area of the medicine-holding body is greater than or equal to 10 mm2 and less than 600 mm2. In a case where the surface area of the medicine-holding body is greater than or equal to 10 mm2, the concentration of the anticoagulant becomes greater than or equal to a lower limit value of 10 U/mL even under most severe conditions such as a dispensing speed of 500 ?L/second. In a case where the surface area of the medicine-holding body is less than 600 mm2, it is possible to maintain the occurrence rate of hemolysis to be less than or equal to 10%.

Abstract: A cassette holder includes an actuator assembly and a cassette plate. The actuator assembly includes an actuator (e.g., a valve actuator or a sensing actuator) and a shaft, with the shaft including a head, a base, and a perimeter groove defined between the head and the base. The cassette plate includes an opening aligned with the actuator and a keyhole at least partially aligned with the shaft. The keyhole is associated with a channel of the cassette plate, which is configured to receive at least a portion of a lever. The lever is movable between a locked position (in which the lever is primarily positioned within the channel) preventing removal of the shaft from the keyhole and an unlocked position (in which the lever is primarily positioned outside of the channel) allowing for removal of the shaft from the keyhole.

Abstract: Device (11) for infusing a fluid substance into the body of a living being, comprising a hollow duct body (13) in which a rectilinear distal portion (15), a middle portion (17) and a proximal portion (19) are defined, wherein the distal portion (15) terminates with a pointed end (21) and extends along an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the middle portion (17) extends, characterized in that the middle portion (17) comprises a curved section (23).

Abstract: Occlusion of a vein during IV fluid treatment, in some embodiments, may be detecting by delivering predetermined flow patterns (e.g., flow frequencies and/or amplitudes) of fluid to the subject and monitoring the flow of the fluid downstream vein. A deviation of the flow pattern downstream from the vein from the predetermined flow pattern may be used to determine if an occlusion has occurred. A system for monitoring fluid delivery to a subject includes, in some embodiments, a pump system capable of delivering flow with predetermined flow rates and one or more flow detectors capable of detecting downstream peripheral venous flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the titration and delivery of anesthetic and sedative medications to a subject. Further, the present invention relates to a device and methods for titrating and delivering such medications in a semi-automated or fully automated manner and which can be monitoring and controlled remotely. Even still further, the present invention relates to such a device that can perform the titration and delivery of medication in a manner that minimalizes occlusion and prevents back flow of the medication. More particularly, the present invention relates to a device for titration and delivery of medication using a non-concentric pumping mechanism that gradual or progressively increases and decreases occlusion in the medication delivery line within the pump to minimize and/or prevent sudden formation and release of occlusion in order to provide more steady and continuous flow of the medication through the device to the subject.

Abstract: A system allows for collection and re-use of a fluid medium derived from diverting at least some of the fluid medium of an injection. The system comprises a sterile container, an injector, a delivery catheter, a flow diverter assembly and a diversion reservoir assembly. The delivery catheter is in communication with a selected site within a patient's body. The flow diverter assembly is disposed in a flow path between the injector and the delivery catheter and is configured to divert at least a portion of a medium of the injection from the flow path. The diversion reservoir assembly has a reservoir chamber fluidly coupled to the flow diverter assembly. The reservoir chamber is configured to receive the diverted portion of the fluid medium to allow re-use by the medium injector of the diverted portion.

Abstract: A glucose control system employs adaptation of a glucose target (set-point) control variable in controlling delivery of insulin to a subject to maintain euglycemia. The glucose target adapts based on trends in actual glucose level (e.g., measured blood glucose in the subject), and/or computed doses of a counter-regulatory agent such as glucagon. An adaptation region with upper and lower bounds for the glucose target may be imposed. Generally the disclosed techniques can provide for robust and safe glucose level control. Adaptation may be based on computed doses of a counter-regulatory agent whether or not such agent is actually delivered to the subject, and may be used for example to adjust operation in a bihormonal system during periods in which the counter-regulatory agent is not available for delivery.

Abstract: In example methods and systems described, insulin therapy for a patient can be determined. At least one of a short-acting subcutaneous insulin dosage recommendation, a correction subcutaneous insulin dosage recommendation, an intravenous insulin dosage recommendation, a recommended amount of carbohydrates to be administered to the patient, or combinations thereof, can be determined. In addition, information indicating a confirmation of a nutrition intake for the patient, and a long-acting insulin-on-board for the patient can be received, and based on this information, a required long-acting subcutaneous or intravenous insulin dosage for the patient can be determined. The short-acting subcutaneous or intravenous insulin dosage recommendation can be adjusted based, at least in part, on a difference between the long-acting insulin-on-board and the required long-acting subcutaneous or intravenous insulin dosage.

Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary method of operating an infusion device involves obtaining one or more measurement values of a physiological condition in the body of a user during an initial monitoring period and determining a fasting reference value for a metric based on the one or more measurement values. After the initial monitoring period, the method continues by obtaining an updated measurement value during a fasting period, determining a current value for the metric based at least in part on the updated measurement value, and generating a notification in response to a deviation between the current value and the fasting reference value exceeding a threshold indicative of insertion site loss or other loss of effectiveness.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device is provided. The medicament delivery device may include, among other features, a cartridge holder mounted in a housing and configured to receive a cartridge containing a medicament. The device may also include an outer cap detachably connected to the housing, and a coupling mechanism configured to connect the outer cap to an injection needle holder to which an injection needle is fixed. The coupling mechanism may include a rotatable member configured to be connected to an injection needle holder. The coupling mechanism may also be threadedly engaged with, and rotatable to, the outer cap. The configuration of the device may allow for quicker and more efficient delivery of medicament.

Abstract: A method of delivering epinephrine includes placing a distal end surface of a medical injector into contact with a target location of a patient. The medical injector includes a housing, an energy storage member, and a medicament container containing a dose of epinephrine effective for administration to the patient experiencing anaphylaxis and having a weight of less than 15 kg. The medicament container is coupled to a needle. The medical injector is actuated such that the energy storage member produces a force to move the needle from a first needle position to a second needle position. A distal tip of the needle extends from the distal end surface by a distance of between 7 millimeters and 8 millimeters when the needle is in the second needle position. A portion of the force is exerted to expel the dose of epinephrine when the needle is in the second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a portable pressure container for driving a medical device. The container includes a pressure housing confining an interior volume and a pressure outlet extending through the pressure housing. The interior volume comprises a liquid storage portion and a gas storage portion. The liquid storage portion and the gas storage portion are in flow connection with each other. The liquid storage portion is configured to store a liquid phase of a driving medium. The gas storage portion is configured to store a gas phase of the driving medium. The pressure outlet is only in flow connection with the gas storage portion.

Abstract: An adhesive thumb ring for a syringe is provided including a ring body and an adhesive surface on the ring body. The adhesive surface is configured to adhere to a plunger head on a syringe barrel of a syringe. For instance, the adhesive thumb ring can be rapidly and securely attached to a curved, T-shaped plunger head of a typically pre-filled, pre-packaged dermal filler syringe. The adhesive thumb ring is particularly suitable for facilitating one-handed pushing and pulling operation of the syringe in the injection of dermal filler into the skin of a patient, significantly assisting the syringe operator in preventing vascular occlusion.

Abstract: A syringe adapter having a syringe holder and an actuator are disclosed. The syringe holder may include a fixed portion that may receive a barrel of a syringe and an adjustable portion adjustably positioned relative to the fixed portion, where the adjustable portion may receive a plunger of the syringe. To facilitate aspirating fluid to and/or dispensing fluid from the syringe, the actuator may be selectively actuated with one or more digits or a palm of a user's hand to adjust a position of the adjustable portion. The selective actuation of the actuator may be performed with one or more digits of the user while two or more other digits are engaging a portion of the adapter adjacent a dispensing end of the syringe. The adapter may include a gear system translating movement of the actuator to movement of the adjustable portion of the syringe holder.

Abstract: A drug solution injection device is provided with a barrel, a gasket, and a plunger mechanism. The plunger mechanism is provided with a rotation member, a first moving member, and a second moving member. The plunger mechanism is configured to perform a first extension operation and a second extension operation. In the first extension operation, the first moving member advances to a predetermined position with respect to the rotation member and the second moving member in conjunction with rotation of the rotation member. In the second extension operation, the second moving member advances with respect to the rotation member together with the first moving member after the first extension operation, in conjunction with rotation of the rotation member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure present systems, methods and devices related to the tracking of drugs injected by injection devices. For example, in some embodiments, a drug dispensing-tracking device for use in combination with a drug-injection device is provided, where the device comprises a sleeve configured to connect with at least one mechanical feature provided on the injection device, a battery, at least one sensor, an electrical circuit for analog or digital short range communication, and a transmission element. In some embodiments, for each injection, the sensor is configured to automatically detect at least one of an auditory signal, movement, and optical signal, and an auditory signal is generated by at least one of the setting of the injection device for dispensing a drug, the dispensing action of the injection device, and the flow of the drug out of the injection device.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for an injection device includes an inner body fixable inside a housing. An elongated shaft of the inner body extends in an axial direction. The shaft includes an outer thread and a blocking structure on an outer circumference. A tubular-shaped display member has an inner thread engaged with the outer thread of the inner body (20). A dose member is axially displaceable between a dose setting position and a dose dispensing position relative to the display member. The dose member includes at least one blocking element displaceable, pivotable or bendable in radial direction between a blocking position and a release position and engageable with the blocking structure for inducing a radial displacement of the blocking element. In the blocking position, the blocking element axially abuts with the blocking structure and with the display member to block an axial displacement of the dose member from the dose setting position towards the dose dispensing position.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided having a housing, a lead screw that is rotatably fixed with respect to the housing during dose setting and during dose delivery and that is axially moveable in a delivery direction relative to the housing for dose delivery, a number sleeve threadedly engaged with the housing to be screwable relative to the housing, and a dial link which is axially moveable and rotatable with respect to the housing for dose setting and which is prevented from rotation with respect to the housing for dose delivery. The dial link is rotatably fixed with the number sleeve when the dial link and the number sleeve are in a first arrangement, and the number sleeve and the dial link are rotatable with respect to one another when the dial link and the number sleeve are in a second arrangement.

Abstract: An injection device comprising: a housing arranged to contain a liquid medicament or a medicament cartridge; an electrical coil arranged around an inner surface or an outer surface of the housing; an electricity storage apparatus electrically connected to the electrical coil; and a magnet arranged to be movable axially within a defined space with respect to the electrical coil, such that electrical voltage is induced in the electrical coil and a current is generated to charge the electricity storage apparatus.

Abstract: A medicament injection device includes a main body having a cartridge receiving part configured to hold a medicament cartridge; a needle holder holding a needle; a needle sleeve at least partially surrounding the needle holder and needle and axially movable relative to the main body; a removable transverse blocking member separating the cartridge receiving part and the needle holder; and a compressed spring arranged between the needle holder and a distal end of the needle sleeve so that, upon removal of the blocking member, the spring is released, thereby causing the needle carrier to move axially towards cartridge receiving part.

Abstract: An auto-retractable syringe having a barrel and a plunger wherein engagement of said plunger with an otherwise immobilised needle hub allows a biasing member to push the needle hub into a cavity in the plunger.

Abstract: Auto-injectors can deliver many different types of medicines into people. One failure mode of auto-injectors is failing to insert the needle into the patient while the medicine is propelled from the auto-injector. This error results in the medicine not entering the patient's body. An auto-injector can include a syringe and probes to prevent medicine from being propelled if the person administering the injection does not position the auto-injector correctly.

Abstract: A method, including ejecting irrigation fluid from a distal end of a probe so as to irrigate tissue, and receiving, over a period of time, initial signals indicative of respective temperatures of the distal end, from a temperature sensor in the distal end. The method also includes formulating from the initial signals a temperature range between upper and lower temperature thresholds and, when a further signal from the temperature sensor, received subsequent to the period of time, is indicative of a further temperature above the upper temperature threshold, raising an alarm that a bubble is present in the irrigation fluid.

Abstract: Liquid formulations of insulin that contain physically and chemically stable insulin but do not contain preservatives or stabilizers are provided. The formulations also lack surfactants. The formulations are useful for various modes of delivery including pulmonary delivery.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inhaler which is appropriate for delivery of medicament in dry powder form used in respiratory diseases, particularly in asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). In addition, the present invention relates to an inhaler which includes a blister package appropriate for carrying the medicament in dry powder form and used to realize an effective inhalation.

Abstract: An improved medicant delivery system is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes a cartridge and an aerosol-generating device configured to receive the cartridge. The cartridge includes a cartridge housing and a cartridge aerosol-forming substrate within the cartridge housing. The cartridge housing has a first end, a second end, a first side between the first end and the second end, and at least one aperture on the first side. The aerosol-generating device includes a device housing, a liquid aerosol-forming substrate, an electric heater, a power supply, and a controller. The device housing defines a cavity, a cavity air inlet, and a cavity air outlet. The cavity is configured to receive the cartridge such that an airflow from the cavity air inlet to the cavity outlet flows through the cartridge via the at least one aperture during an operation of the aerosol-generating system.

Abstract: An interface for positive pressure therapy includes a mask assembly, a headgear assembly and a connection port assembly. The mask assembly comprises a seal member that has an upper portion movably connected to an integrated lower portion, wherein the upper portion rolls during hinging movement of the upper portion relative to the lower portion. The headgear assembly allows connection to the mask assembly in a direction substantially normal to a direction of strap tension. The connection port assembly includes a swivel elbow with a valve member that controls flow through a port that opens toward the user.

Abstract: A respiratory apparatus comprising a base and removable chamber, wherein the chamber is configured to hold a supply of water and include a blower arrangement adapted to provide a supply of pressurized air or gas to the supply of water. In certain embodiments the respiratory apparatus includes a split motor, wherein the stationary components are located within a base and the rotating portions are located within a chamber.

Abstract: A nasal assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having an integrally formed first connector portion. A nozzle assembly includes a gusset or base portion and a pair of nozzles. At least one inlet conduit is structured to deliver breathable gas into the frame and nozzle assembly for breathing by the patient. A pair of second connector portions are removably and rotatably connected to respective first connector portions of the frame and are in communication with respective inlet conduits, e.g., directly or via angle connectors. A headgear assembly is removably connected to the pair of second connector portions and/or the angle connectors so as to maintain the frame and the nozzle assembly in a desired adjusted position on the patient's face.

Abstract: A system and method for providing ventilatory support to a patient suffering from sleep disordered breathing (SDB), in particular, non-obstructive SDB, such as Cheyne Stokes respiration and hypoventilation, including obesity hypoventilation syndrome. The system and method monitor obtain data corresponding to a breathing pattern of a patient and determine when the patient experiences oscillating breathing or low spontaneous ventilation. In particular, the system and method determine when the patient's real-time breathing patterns fall below a predetermined baseline threshold, and subsequently initiate a short series of mechanical breaths to be delivered to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to an ergonomic foot pedal and to apparatuses for manual ventilation. In an embodiment, the invention provides a compact and integrated foot pedal that enables a care provider to provide positive pressure ventilation to a subject's airways and lungs, and to optionally apply suction for the purpose of aspirating mucous, secretions, meconium, blood, fluids or other such materials from a patient—specifically from airways.

Abstract: A breathing gas delivery system comprising a gas flow controller, at least one breathing apparatus, and at least one first length of tubing coupling the breathing apparatus to the gas flow controller. The gas flow controller has a body having an on/off switch, at least one gas input, at least one gas output, and at least one control mechanism for controlling flow of gas to the gas output. The breathing apparatus comprises a T-shaped gas input, a breathing bag coupled to the T-shaped gas input, a second length of tubing having two opposed ends, wherein one end is coupled to the other arm of the T-shaped gas input, a filter coupled the second length of tubing, and a nasal assembly coupled to the filter.

Abstract: A tracheostoma prosthesis having inner and outer cannulas is provided with a lockable connection for releasably locking the inner cannula to the outer cannula under the influence only of compressive force for locking and tensile force for unlocking. Surfaces on a proximal part of the inner cannula for gripping by a thumb and forefinger are exposed by recesses provided in a proximal part of the outer cannula. These surfaces permit manual application of sufficient compressive and tensile force to respectively lock and unlock the lockable connection.

Abstract: An artificial airway device is provided to facilitate lung ventilation of a patient, having an airway tube, a gastric drain tube and a mask at one end of the airway tube, the mask including a backplate and having a peripheral formation capable of forming a seal around the circumference of the laryngeal inlet, the peripheral formation surrounding a hollow interior space or lumen of the mask and the airway tube opening into the lumen of the mask, wherein the mask includes an atrium for passage to the gastric drain tube of gastric matter leaving the oesophagus.

Abstract: A manually articulated stylet assembly for placing an endotracheal tube. The stylet assembly has a steering shaft that carries a flexible distal tip at one end and is attached to a handle at the other end. The distal tip is manipulated via sheathed cables controlled by a remote actuator in the handle. A biasing member inside the remote actuator maintains continuous tension on the cables to improve control. A video camera is carried in a recessed lens pocket in the steering shaft but spaced from the distal tip. The camera FOV captures movement of the distal tip with foreshortened perspective. A collar seat in the handle receives the collar connector of a standard endotracheal tube, providing quick disconnect when removing the stylet assembly upon placement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.

Abstract: An interconnect assembly (100, 300, 400) is for a support assembly (2) that includes a retention member (4) and a strap member (6). The interconnect assembly includes a number of female interconnect members (110, 210, 310, 410) with a first body member (112, 212, 312) and a first magnet (116, 216, 316, 416) coupled to the first body member. The first body member is connected to the retention member and has an aperture (114, 214, 314, 414). The interconnect assembly also includes a number of male interconnect members (150, 250, 350, 450) with a second body member (152, 252, 352) and a second magnet (160, 260, 360, 460) coupled to the second body member. The second body member is connected to the strap member and includes a protrusion (154, 254, 354, 452, 454) structured to be located within the aperture. When the protrusion is located within the aperture, the first magnet is attracted to the second magnet, thereby removably connecting the first body member to the second body member.

Abstract: A system (5, 405) for infusing medication into a subject is provided. The system (5, 405) includes an injection system (50, 450) for controlling fluid flow from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor (20) detects a characteristic indicative of fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system (50, 450) controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor (20), which continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system may include a light assembly (100) connected with the injection system. The light assembly (100) may provide a continuously variable signal indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The system (5, 405) may further provide a mechanism that provides cues to the operator to insert the needle at a particular rate. The system may further include a conductive element (334) for providing electric nerve stimulation.

Abstract: Methods and systems for using augmented reality (AR) technology in the mental health/developmental disorder treatment field. More particularly, methods and systems for providing a mental health/developmental disorder treatment service, process and system that introduces an input of a licensed healthcare professional into a patient's field of vision while he or she is utilizing a wearable medical device or wearable device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus comprising to utilize local data to improve sleep is described. The method includes identifying local data relevant to a user's sleep quality, evaluating a user's sleep environment and sleep settings, and changing the user's sleep environment and/or sleep settings based on the local data.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for maintaining patency in a bronchus of a patient are presented. A catheter is positioned within the bronchus. A target region of one or more of a bronchial wall, submucosa, media, and adventitia is punctured with an injection needle disposed on a distal end of the catheter. Such puncturing is achieved by expanding a balloon disposed on the distal end of the catheter. The balloon may be comprised of at least two materials of different elastic modulus, which allows for a flexible but relatively non-distensible, unfolding component of the balloon as well as an elastomeric, inflatable component of the balloon. Through the injection needle, an amount of one or more crosslinking agents is delivered to the target region. The delivered amount is effective to provide structural support for the bronchial wall, substituting for the bronchial cartilage thereby treating bronchomalacia.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly and method of use is disclosed. The surgical access assembly comprises an outer sheath and an obturator. The outer sheath and obturator are configured to be delivered to an area of interest within the brain. Either the outer sheath or the obturator may be configured to operate with a navigational system to track the location of either device within the brain.