Abstract: Blood pump devices having improved rotary seals for sealing a bearing assembly supporting a rotor provided herein. Such rotary seals are particularly suited for use in blood pump devices that include rotors having cantilevered supported through a sealed mechanical bearing disposed outside a blood flow path of the device to avoid thrombus formation caused by blood contact with the bearing. The rotary seal can include a first and second face seal that are preloaded with a deflectable compliance member incorporated into the pump housing or a pair of magnets. Such rotary seals can instead or further utilize tight fitment between components or a bio-absorbable fill material to seal an interface between the rotor shaft and pump housing to seal the bearing assembly from fluid flowing through the pump.

Abstract: A minimally invasive circulatory support platform that utilizes an aortic stent pump or pumps. The platform uses a low profile catheter-based techniques and provides temporary and chronic circulatory support depending on the needs of the patient. Also described is a catheter-based temporary assist pump to treat patients with acute decompensated heart failure and provide circulatory support to subjects undergoing high risk percutaneous coronary intervention (“PCI”). Further described is a wirelessly powered circulatory assist pump for providing chronic circulatory support for heart failure patients. The platform and system are relatively easy to place, have higher flow rates than existing systems, and provide improvements in the patient's renal function.

Abstract: A circulatory support device includes a flexible cannula having a fluid outlet at a proximal end; and a pump assembly disposed at a distal end of the flexible cannula. The pump assembly includes a pump housing having a fluid inlet defined therein; a motor disposed within a distal end of the housing; and an impeller, driven to rotate by the motor, and configured to push blood toward the fluid outlet.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring patient parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters include identifying those system parameters that result in improved patient parameters or in worsened patient parameters. By comparing the patient's past responses to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session.

Abstract: A process for removing Co2+, Pb2+, Cd2+ and Cr3+ toxins from bodily fluids is disclosed. The process involves contacting the bodily fluid with an ion exchange composition to remove the metal toxins in the bodily fluid, including blood and gastrointestinal fluid. Alternatively, blood can be contacted with a dialysis solution which is then contacted with the ion exchange composition. The ion exchange compositions are represented by the following empirical formula: AmZraTibSncMdSixOy. A composition comprising the above ion exchange compositions in combination with bodily fluids or dialysis solution is also disclosed. The ion exchange compositions may be supported by porous networks of biocompatible polymers such as carbohydrates or proteins.

Abstract: A process for removing Sr2+ toxins from bodily fluids is disclosed. The process involves contacting the bodily fluid with an ion exchanger to remove the metal toxins in the bodily fluid, including blood and gastrointestinal fluid. Alternatively, blood can be contacted with a dialysis solution which is then contacted with the ion exchanger. The ion exchangers are represented by the following empirical formula: AmZraTibSncMdSixOy. A composition comprising the above ion exchange compositions in combination with bodily fluids or dialysis solution is also disclosed. The ion exchange compositions may be supported by porous networks of biocompatible polymers such as carbohydrates or proteins.

Abstract: System and methods are provided for harvesting one or more organs, e.g., a lung from a donor body. In one embodiment, a distal end of a tubular member is introduced into the donor body's vasculature via a percutaneous access site, and the tubular member is manipulated until the distal end of the tubular member is disposed within the thoracic duct. Fluid is removed from the thoracic duct through the tubular member to a location exterior to the patient's body, and one or more organs are removed from the donor body. Optionally, one or more parameters within the thoracic duct or other parameters of the donor body may be monitored and fluid removal may be adjusted to reduce fluid accumulation within the one or more organs.

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: A blood purification device includes a porous molded body containing an inorganic ion-adsorbing material and is characterized by the following: the concentrations of Mg, Al, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Mo, Ru, Ag, Cd, Sn, Cs, La, Pr, Sm, Gd, Tb, Ta, Au, Tl, Co, In, and Bi are each 0.1 ppb or less and the concentrations of Ba, Nd, Pb, And Ce are each 1 ppb or less in a physiological saline solution for injection both three months and six months after said physiological saline solution for injection is sealed in the blood purification device; and the number of fine particles having a size of 10 ?m or more is 25 or less and the number of fine particles having a size of 25 ?m or more is 3 or less in 1 mL of the physiological saline solution for injection.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the extracorporeal removal of pathogens and/or an excess of components from a cell sample of a human or animal patient suffering from an illness. The method comprises the steps: a) determination of at least one protein cluster (CMP) that is characteristic of the illness of the patient; b) preparation of the cell sample of the patient; and c) extracorporeal removal of components having the at least one determined protein cluster from the cell sample. The invention further relates to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A plasmapheresis system and a method for operating a plasmapheresis system are provided by which the volume/weight of anticoagulated plasma that is collected is optimized. In one example, a nomogram is provided that utilizes the donor's hematocrit to calculate the volume/weight of raw plasma within a plasma product having the maximum volume permitted by the FDA nomogram. In a plasmapheresis procedure having multiple collection phases followed by a reinfusion cycle in which concentrated red blood cells are returned to the donor, the volume of plasma product to be collected is calculated prior to the start of each collection cycle to account for the donor's increasing hematocrit, thus resulting in a greater total volume of plasma product to be collected during the plasmapheresis procedure.

Abstract: A drug solution administration device can prevent deformation resulting in bending of a plunger and a drug solution container during delivery of a drug solution. The drug solution administration device includes: a drug solution container having a cylindrical main body filled with drug solution; a housing that holds the drug solution container; a plunger that expels the drug solution in the drug solution container; and a fixing member that fixes the drug solution container to the housing. The housing includes a chassis having a support surface that supports the bottom surface of the main body of the drug solution container, and the fixing member includes a guide part mounted along the main body of the drug solution container from a side opposite the bottom surface of the main body of the drug solution container in a circumferential direction, and an engagement part engageable with the chassis of the housing.

Abstract: A drug solution administration device is able to prevent liquid supply of a drug solution from ending in a state where some of the drug solution remains in a drug solution container. The drug solution administration device includes a drug solution container filled with a drug solution and having a distal end opening, a housing that holds the drug solution container, a plunger that pushes out the drug solution in the drug solution container, a drive mechanism that advances the pusher toward the distal end opening of the drug solution container, a detection unit that detects a detection target part of the plunger to detect liquid supply completion of the drug solution based on a detection result, and a control unit that controls an operation of the drive mechanism. The control unit further advances the pusher after the detection unit detects the liquid supply completion.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe is disclosed, which includes: a liquid medicine; a barrel including a cylindrical body section containing the liquid medicine, and a nozzle section provided on a distal end side of the body section that discharges the liquid medicine; a cap sealing a distal end opening; a gasket sliding on an inner circumferential surface of the body section; a plunger that can be mounted to the gasket; and an RFID tag having a fixed location with respect to the outer circumferential surface and has an antenna and a memory, the antenna being structured from an antenna wire wound in a rectangle, an outer diameter of the body section being 14 mm to 33 mm, the maximum circumferential length of the antenna is 9 mm to 25 mm, and the circumferential length of the outer circumferential surface is 2.0 times to 7.0 times the maximum circumferential length of the antenna.

Abstract: An administering instrument is disclosed, which is capable of preventing a needle tube from coming out of a living body during administration of a drug solution and a drug solution administering system including the administering instrument and a medicinal solution administering device. The administering instrument includes a puncture part that has a contact surface contacting a body surface H of a user, a needle holding part for holding a needle tube, and a communication passage communicating with a lumen of the needle tube. The puncture part includes a fixing part that is disposed above the contact surface and fixes the first end part of the tube to the puncture part in a state where the first end part of the tube is inclined toward the contact surface of the puncture part.

Abstract: An administering instrument is disclosed, which is capable of preventing a needle tube from coming out of a living body during administration of a drug solution and a drug solution administering system including the administering instrument and a drug solution administering device. The administering instrument includes a first end part connected to a puncture part holding the needle tube, a second end part connected to a connector connectable to the drug solution administering device, and a tube body communicating from the first end part to the second end part, a tube configured to supply the drug solution from a lumen of a drug solution container to the needle tube via a communication part of the connector and a communication passage of the puncture part, and the tube body has a total length longer than a straight-line distance between the first end part and the second end part.

Abstract: An infusion base for attachment to a user of an infusion set comprises an adapter having a lower portion, an inner wall portion, and a gap between the lower portion and the inner wall portion. At least one of the lower portion and the inner wall portion is configured to receive an attachment.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a cannula assembly, a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing includes an inlet port removably coupled to the cannula assembly and defines an inner volume. The fluid reservoir is fluidically coupled to the housing and configured to receive and isolate a volume of bodily fluid from a patient. The flow control mechanism is at least partially disposed in the inner volume. The actuator is operably coupled to the flow control mechanism and is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which bodily fluid can flow, via a fluid flow path defined by the flow control mechanism, from the cannula assembly, through the inlet port and into the fluid reservoir, to a second configuration, in which the fluid reservoir is fluidically isolated from the cannula assembly.

Abstract: Improvements in an infusion unit are disclosed. The infusion unit is a portable pump that can be used with patient that have wrist access or decubital PICC/MID-LINES without the risk of line accidently getting pulled. The infusion unit is in the shape of a conveniently shell that has an appearance of an arm cast. There are no hoses that extend beyond the body of the infusion unit and any vein penetration is completely covered under the body of the infusion unit. The secure enclosed unit prevents unauthorized tampering and entry into the unit. The medication dosing can be remotely monitored, fusion resumed, changed by nursing and the patient. The infusion unit has a wireless connection to a network to adjust medication and monitor vital signs, namely heart rate, O2 level and blood pressure that can be monitored and recorded for review.

Abstract: Provided herein is a load spring washer configured for use with a medical injection device, having a main body having a proximal surface and a distal surface and one or more protrusions extending proximally away from the proximal surface of the main body.

Abstract: Syringe tip caps are described herein. Such syringe tip caps may include a cup, a cap, a locking feature, a peelable seal and an absorbent material. The cap having locking features and a chamber appropriately sized to adapt to and interlock with an annular wall of the cup.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pre-filled syringe containing a VEGF antagonist and comprising a plastic barrel which is silicone-free, kits comprising this syringe and the use of the syringe for the administration of a VEGF antagonist in the treatment of ocular diseases.

Abstract: A syringe of a syringe assembly is provided with a body portion capable of being filled with a drug solution and a female port nozzle portion which extends from a distal end of the body portion and includes a communication port on a proximal end of the female port nozzle. The body portion includes a distal end wall surface and a side wall surface to which a liquid lubricant is applied. The distal end wall surface includes a concave portion arranged radially outside an inner edge portion adjacent to the communication port and concave in a distal end direction more than at least a part of the inner edge portion, and the concave portion is arranged to fully surround the communication port and may store the liquid lubricant.

Abstract: A recording device for injection device includes a housing, a viewing window, a photographic module, a light splitting element and a signal transmission device. The housing is removably mounted on a dose scale window of an injection device. The viewing window is formed on a surface of the housing, and a viewing path is formed from the viewing window to the dose scale window. The photographic module is located on the housing, and provided with an image-capturing optical axis which is perpendicular to the viewing path. The light splitting element is located at an intersection of the viewing path and the image-capturing optical axis for guiding information located in the dose scale window to the photographic module and the viewing window, respectively. The signal transmission device is electrically connected to the photographic module for transmitting signals of the photographic module to an external device.

Abstract: A data collection device comprises an attachment assembly for attaching the data collection device to a dose setting dial of a medicament administration device and a sensor configured to detected an identifier provided on a surface of an internal component of the medicament administration device, the sensor comprising an ultrasound sensor configured to detect a geometric identifier formed on the surface of the internal component of the medicament administration device. A system comprises the data collection device and the medicament administration device.

Abstract: A flexible and reliable delivery state estimator or evaluator is provided for a drug delivery device. The proposed delivery status estimation architecture includes a position sensor that provides a continuous position sensor signal indicative of a current position of a component of the delivery device movable continuously from a first to a second component position, as well as a position discriminator that redefines the continuous position sensor signal to generate an approximate binary input signal on behalf of a state estimator. The discriminator absorbs any difficulty that may arise from a limited reproducibility or enhanced variability of the original continuous sensor signal, specifically including a user-originated signal spread in a movement of a needle protection sleeve of the delivery device.

Abstract: A gasket pressing tool includes a syringe attachment member attached to an outer tube, a gasket pressing member that presses a gasket of a syringe, a pressing member biasing body accommodated in the gasket pressing member, a biasing body pressing tubular member that accommodates a rear end portion of the pressing member biasing body and has side portions provided with opening portions, and movement restriction members of the pressing member held by the tubular member and having engagement protrusions that enter through the opening portions of the tubular member. The pressing tool has an engaged state maintaining function for the engagement protrusion of the movement restriction member and the pressing member-side engagement portion of the pressing member, and an operation function for the engagement protrusion for releasing the engagement therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fat suction and graft syringe, and more specifically, to a fat suction and graft syringe having a negative pressure adjustment means, wherein a negative pressure state in a barrel can be maintained during a procedure only by pulling and releasing a plunger, and only by slightly rotating the plunger, the plunger can be pushed inside the barrel without being constrained by a multi-level holding plate and a single-surface rotation clip, whereby the syringe has enhanced convenience in the use and production thereof so that many practitioners accustomed to using a normal syringe can easily use the syringe without separately learning how to manipulate the syringe.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention provide syringes calibrated for use with a predetermined liquid medication having an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) at a particular weight per unit volume (w/v) concentration. Such syringes comprising a plunger and a barrel are configured such that the plunger, and/or an end portion of the plunger, is sealingly receivable through an opening at one end the barrel and within the barrel and slidingly moveable lengthwise within the barrel. This configuration allows formation of a reservoir inside the barrel into which the liquid medication may be loaded through an intake opening for the liquid medication at the other end of the barrel. Syringe barrels according to this invention possess line increments that form two or more graduated scales of API weight dosages extending lengthwise along the barrels. The increment lines provide for highly precise and accurate measurement of fine-increment weight dosages of the API.

Abstract: An adjustable dosage limiting device includes a member that interfaces to a plunger flange of a syringe and a barrel loop that slides along a barrel of the syringe. A locking mechanism, when engaged, fixes a distance between the member that interfaces to a plunger flange and the barrel loop, and hence, locks the barrel loop in place with respect to the plunger flange. Once locked in place, the adjustable dosage limiting device limits a dosage provided by the syringe based upon a distance between the member that interfaces to a plunger flange and the barrel loop as set by the locking mechanism.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for preparing a dose of medicament on demand, comprising at least one receptacle (10), at least one cartridge (12) of a medicinal composition intended to enter said at least one receptacle, the medicinal composition being in liquid or solid powder form, as well as dosing means (14) for dosing said medicinal composition, monitoring means (16) for monitoring the dose of the medicinal composition delivered and control means (18) for controlling the at least one cartridge (12), the dosing means (14) and the monitoring means (16).

Abstract: A space-saving, autonomous power supply enables a monitoring unit to monitor a minimum number of delivery events of a drug delivery device. The monitoring unit has delivery status sensing means for monitoring a device delivery status, a status indicator with an indicator element such as an LED controllable to indicate delivery or module status to a user, and a power supply supplying power to the status sensing means and status indicator of the monitoring unit. The power supply has a peak current source, in particular a rechargeable battery or accumulator, providing a load current for operating the status sensing means and status indicator of the monitoring unit. The power supply has a recharge circuit with a converter and a charging resistor for providing a limited recharge current to the peak current source, plus a recharge source for repeatedly providing an optimized recharge source current to the recharge circuit.

Abstract: The prefilled syringe according to the present disclosure includes: a liquid medicine; a barrel including a cylindrical barrel body section that contains the liquid medicine, and a nozzle section that is provided on a distal end side of the barrel body section and configured to discharge the liquid medicine, the barrel being provided with a proximal end opening on a proximal end section of the barrel body section; a cap configured to seal a distal end opening provided on a distal end section of the nozzle section; a gasket configured to slide on an inner circumferential surface of the barrel body section; a syringe plunger configured to be mounted to the gasket and has an insertion section that can be inserted into the barrel body section; and an RFID tag mounted on the insertion section and including an antenna for communication and a memory.

Abstract: The present invention provides an injection device (1, 101, 201) comprising a housing (2, 102, 202), a cartridge (30, 130, 230) holding a medical substance and comprising an outlet and a piston (31, 131, 231), a dose expelling mechanism comprising a piston rod system (10, 50, 110, 150, 210, 250) adapted to be moved relative to the housing (2, 102, 202) during a dose expelling action to thereby advance the piston (31, 131, 231) in the cartridge (30, 130, 230), and a ratchet arm (12) operatively coupled with the piston rod system (10, 50, 110, 150, 210, 250) and configured to undergo a deflecting motion relative to the housing (2, 102, 202) during a particular movement of the piston rod system (10, 50, 110, 150, 210, 250) which corresponds to a predetermined volume of the medical substance being expelled from the cartridge (30, 130, 230), the deflecting motion comprising a first part motion which decelerates the piston rod system (10, 50, 110, 150, 210, 250) followed by a second part motion which accelerates th

Abstract: A liquid medicine ejection tool includes a syringe and a gasket pressing tool. The gasket pressing tool includes a gasket pressing member that can enter a gasket in the syringe. The gasket has an original lumen portion axial length, and a gasket-mounting portion of the gasket pressing member has an axial length longer than the original lumen portion axial length. When the gasket pressing member is mounted on the barrel of the gasket, a mounting portion distal surface of the gasket-mounting portion abuts on a lumen distal surface of a lumen portion of the gasket, and a gasket proximal surface pressing portion of the gasket pressing member becomes close to or abuts on a proximal surface of the gasket.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of inhalation devices for liquids. In particular, the invention relates to a fixture for a nebulizing nozzle to be used in such an inhalation device. A nozzle fixing assembly (1) for an inhalation device, comprising an elastically deformable seal element (2), having a continuous opening (3) capable of receiving a nozzle body (4), said seal element (2) and said nozzle body (4) each having a high pressure side (2A, 4A) and an outlet side (2B, 4B); and a pressure element (5) with a high pressure side (5A), said side being arranged to face the high pressure side (2A) of the seal element (2); wherein (i) the high pressure side (2A) of the seal element (2) is substantially flat, and (ii) the high pressure side (5A) of the pressure element (5) is chamfered in a way that, in the assembled state, the distance between these high pressure sides (2A, 5A) is higher in a central region (C) than in a peripheral region (P).

Abstract: A dermo-epidermal suspension spray device, said device comprising: a refill capsule (H) to contain skin pieces, said refill capsule (H) placed inside a sample loader (B); a stirrer mechanism to be connected to said refill capsule (H/14/24) so that a solution of skin pieces and saline is continuously stirred to maintain a uniformly suspended solution or skin pieces and saline in a non-homogenous stirred manner; a nozzle (A) to spray said uniformly suspended solution from said refill capsule (H/14/24) onto a portion of a body where grafting is required; an actuator (D) to enable spraying of said uniformly suspended solution; and air container (G) to store compressed air, said air container (G) connected to said refill capsule (H) so that said compressed air is used for spraying said uniformly suspended solution of skin pieces and saline through said nozzle (A).

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: Various implementations include an insufflation system for use with an endoscope. The insufflation system includes a housing, CO2 system, water system, foot pedal, control system, aromatic dispersion system, audio system, and water tubing valve. Various implementations also include a more visible foot pedal, which is useful in low-lighting or difficult-to-see environments. In some implementations, a valve couples conduits from two water containers to an endoscope. The valve allows for more than one water container to be connected to the endoscope simultaneously. In the first position, water flows only from the first water container. In the second position, water flows only from the second water container. The valve prevents water-flow from both of the water containers to happen simultaneously. The valve allows for the operator to quickly switch the source of the water, thereby facilitating the continuation of a procedure in the case that the first water container is fully depleted.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivery of a medicament by inhalation is disclosed. The inhaler comprises the following components. An inhaler body for receiving a canister having a dispensing valve. A drive mechanism comprising a biasing means such as a spring and a moving component such as a yoke, the drive mechanism for driving the canister, when received in the inhaler body, from a rest position in which the valve is closed to at least an actuating position in which the valve is open. The drive mechanism drives the canister when the biasing means is released from a loaded configuration to move the moving component from a first position to a second position. A resetting mechanism, for example a mouthpiece cap arrangement for pushing upwardly on the yoke, for resetting the drive mechanism by moving the moving component from the second position to the first position and reloading the biasing means to the loaded configuration.

Abstract: A vapor blending device is provided, generally having a base, a carrier removably couplable to the base for carrying a first and second vapor generating system. The first and second vapor generating systems including airflow generators and controllers configured to vary voltage to each of the first and second vapor generating devices and the airflow generators. A container is positioned in fluid communication with the first and second vapor generating systems and configured to retain a quantity of vapor. In some examples, one controller is configured to cause the first vapor generating system to generate a quantity of a first vapor, and another controller is configured to cause the second vapor generating system to generate a quantity of a second vapor in a predetermined ratio to the quantity of the first vapor. The vapor in the predetermined ratio is stored in the container for later removal.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an add-on device for a metered dose inhaler, an observance improvement system, and a method for improving observance of use in metered dose inhalers, the add-on device comprising an observance system housing component comprising an observance system with at least one pressure sensor; a mouthpiece component configured to fit, surround and removably engage with an exterior surface of a mouthpiece outlet provided on the metered dose inhaler; wherein said observance system housing is configured to fit and removably engage with said mouthpiece component; and said mouthpiece component is specifically adapted to conform to the exterior surface of the mouthpiece outlet of the metered dose inhaler without obstructing delivery of a dose of drug through said outlet.

Abstract: A spacer for an inhaler includes a housing defining a chamber. The housing has an ambient port in fluid communication with ambient air, an inhaler port configured for attachment of an inhaler, and an outlet. The spacer further includes a fan for generating a flow of air through the chamber from the ambient port to the outlet. The fan may be powered by way of a spring such that the fan generates the flow of air as stored energy is released from a spring. Embodiments of the spacer may have an actuator for triggering a release of stored energy from the spring thereby actuating the fan. A mask or mouthpiece may be provided at the outlet.

Abstract: An inhaler article includes a body extending from a mouthpiece end to a distal end with an endpiece element at the distal end. A capsule cavity is defined within the body and extends a cavity length. An air inlet region is between the endpiece element and the capsule cavity. The air inlet region has an air inlet and an air passageway extending from the air inlet to the capsule cavity. The air passageway has an inner diameter less than an inner diameter of the capsule cavity. A porous support element defines a downstream end of the capsule cavity. The porous support element includes one or more apertures extending the length of the porous support element.

Abstract: An inhaler article includes a body extending along a longitudinal axis from a mouthpiece end to a distal end with an endpiece element at the distal end. A capsule cavity is defined within the body and extends along the longitudinal axis a cavity length. The capsule cavity includes a helical feature on or in an inner surface of the capsule cavity. The helical feature extends along the cavity length. An air inlet region is between the endpiece element and the capsule cavity. The air inlet region has an air inlet and an Nair passageway extending from the air inlet to the capsule cavity. A porous element defines a downstream end of the capsule cavity. A mouthpiece air channel extends from the capsule cavity, through the porous element to the mouthpiece end.

Abstract: A method of acclimatizing a patient to provide continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy, including operating a device for treating sleep disordered breathing (SDB). The device provides continuous positive airway pressure to the patient during sleep via a mask configured to provide a seal with respect to airways of the patient. The method comprises applying full therapeutic pressure during a first session, monitoring a mask pressure during application of the full therapeutic pressure, calculating a difference between the full therapeutic pressure and the mask pressure, comparing the difference to a threshold representing an acceptable level of leak, generating a first signal in response to said comparing, and in response to said first signal indicating a fault in the seal, decreasing an applied pressure to below the full therapeutic pressure during the first session in order to improve the seal of the mask against the patient's face.

Abstract: A combination respiratory therapy management system creates a combined respiratory therapy prescription that can be executed by a combined respiratory therapy device to provide multiple coordinated respiratory therapies to a patient. The system can update the combined respiratory therapy prescription and implement the updates while the combined respiratory therapy device is in use. An integrated graphical user interface provides the patient and clinician with customization options and quick access to preselected operations of the combined respiratory therapy device. Additional features of the system enable remote access and control of the combination respiratory therapy device by remote clinicians.

Abstract: A CPAP device includes a housing. A suction port is provided in a top plate portion of a casing of the air blower. The air blower chamber has a facing wall portion facing the top plate portion with a distance therebetween. A wall portion defining the air blower chamber is provided with an introduction port for introducing external air. In a space between the facing wall portion and the top plate portion, a flow adjustment portion that partitions the space into flow paths arranged side by side around a rotation axis is provided. An outer end portion and an inner end portion of each of the flow paths in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis are respectively constituted of a first open end and a second open end, the first open end and the second open end being open along the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A ventilator that delivers air at different pressures to a patient during inspiratory and expiratory cycles of breathing and that cycles from inspiratory to expiratory operation when the patient's respiratory flow passes a threshold level. The threshold generally increases from the beginning of inspiration to the end of inspiration. The increase can be linear over all or only a portion of the inspiratory cycle, and the threshold can be adjusted so that cycling is prevented during the initial portion of an inspiratory cycle. The minimum and maximum levels may both be functions of peak flow and the threshold may increase as a function of elapsed inspiratory time. The rate at which the threshold increases from a minimum level to a maximum level may be adjustable for individual patient needs and may be determined from previous breaths.