Abstract: A nebulizer capable of connecting with a mouthpiece is provided. The nebulizer includes a container, a nebulizing part, a first tube and a second tube. The container is configured to accommodate a liquid. The nebulizing part includes a chamber and a nebulizing element communicating with the container and nebulizing the liquid in the chamber. The first tube connected with the nebulizing part includes a first channel communicating with the chamber and introducing an outside airflow. The second tube is connected with the nebulizing part and the mouthpiece. A second channel of the second tube communicates with the chamber and the mouthpiece. The second tube has an expanding part at a junction of the second channel and the chamber.

Abstract: An inhaler article includes a body (110) extending along a longitudinal axis from a mouthpiece (112) end to a distal end with an endpiece element at the distal end (114). A capsule cavity is defined within the body. An air inlet region is between the endpiece element (120) and the capsule cavity (116). A composite porous support element (140) defines a downstream end of the capsule cavity. The composite porous support element is formed of a first porous material concentrically disposed about a second porous material. The first porous material has a first resistance to draw and the second porous material having a second resistance to draw. The first resistance to draw is different than the second resistance to draw. A mouthpiece air channel (113) extends from the capsule cavity, through the composite porous element to the mouthpiece end.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a mouthpiece of a nebulizer, comprising an aerosol inflow port, and an aerosol outflow port; wherein an aerosol passage is formed between the aerosol inflow port and the aerosol outflow port, such that in a normal spraying state, the aerosol enters the aerosol passage from the aerosol inflow port and is discharged from the aerosol outflow port; and at least one temporary liquid reservoir is provided inside the mouthpiece, such that when condensation of the aerosol reversely flows back towards the aerosol inflow port, at least part of the condensation of the aerosol flows back into the temporary liquid reservoir. Besides, the present disclosure further discloses a portable nebulizer adopting the mouthpiece. The present disclosure provides an advantage of causing the nebulizer to produce a better anti-backflow effect.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system is provided, including an aerosol-generating device including a heater element, and an aerosol-generating article configured to engage with the aerosol-generating device, the aerosol-generating article including a medicament source, a volatile delivery enhancing compound source, and at least one frangible barrier sealing the medicament source and the volatile delivery enhancing compound source, the aerosol-generating system further including a rupturing portion forming part of the aerosol-generating device or the aerosol-generating article, the aerosol-generating system being configured to allow relative sliding movement between the rupturing portion and the at least one frangible barrier to rupture the at least one frangible barrier.

Abstract: Provided is an aerosol generating device including a heater configured to generate an aerosol by heating an aerosol generating substance; and a controller configured to control power supplied to the heater, wherein the controller distinguishes a first section, a second section, and a third section and controls power supplied to the heater, and calculates a control reference ratio by using at least two from among the first section, the second section, and the third section and controls power supplied to the heater based on the calculated control reference ratio.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments are directed to an apparatus for manipulating one or more characteristics of air to be inhaled. The apparatus includes an outer housing including an outer surface, a hollow interior, and at least one opening formed in the outer housing and extending between the outer surface and the hollow interior. The apparatus includes a manipulation enclosure disposed within the hollow interior of the outer housing, the manipulation enclosure capable of receiving therein an air characteristic manipulation component. A substantially continuous channel is formed between the manipulation enclosure and the outer housing.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device having an inlet configured to receive exhaled air into the device, an outlet configured to permit exhaled air to exit the device, a valve moveable in response to a threshold exhalation pressure at the inlet between a closed position where the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet is restricted, and an open exhalation position where the flow of air from the inlet to the outlet is less restricted, and a valve brace configured to support the valve, wherein a position of the valve brace relative to the valve is selectively adjustable to increase or decrease the threshold exhalation pressure.

Abstract: A system for noninvasive measurement of body temperature during ventilation, comprising a temperature sensor, a ventilator, an interface between ventilator and temperature sensor, a processing unit, a data storage unit, a user interface, an interface to a remote alarm, a remote alarm, a ventilation tube having a patient interface, and a respiratory gas sensor. The ventilator is configured to identify phases of inspiration and expiration by means of the respiratory gas sensor and to convey respiratory gas during inspiration and expiration. The system is configured to ascertain a sensor signal by means of the temperature sensor and the processing unit and to check whether the sensor signal is representative of body temperature and to process and/or to save such body temperature signals and to compare them with saved rules or threshold values.

Abstract: Systems and methods for monitoring delivered interface pressure comprise measuring inhalation and exhalation data to determine a virtual delivered interface pressure by a ventilator. While air pressure delivered to a patient through NIV or HFO therapy is important to patient comfort, ventilators only directly measure inhalation and exhalation data without direct measurements of delivered interface pressure. Knowledge of the delivered interface pressure may allow clinicians to more quickly titrate inhalation flow and exhalation pressure without sacrificing patient comfort. Additionally, knowledge of the delivered interface pressure in breathing circuits with high leak rates may reduce nuisance alarms that often sound when a delivered interface pressure is unknown.

Abstract: A tracheal tube inserted through the trachea and bronchi of a subject, comprising: a tube body having a through hole on an outer circumferential surface thereof, a bronchial cuff provided on an outer circumferential surface of the tube body and pressing an inner circumferential surface of the bronchus; wherein the bronchial cuff is spaced apart in the axial direction of the tube body and forms a plurality of ventilation spaces; wherein the ventilation spaces are in communication with each other; wherein the through hole communicate with the ventilation space.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments of an endotracheal tube (ETT) guard system help to hinder self-extubation of the ETT of an awake patient who may reflexively attempt removal, but also allow early mobilization and exercise necessary for preservation of muscle strength. Embodiments may include an ETT holder, which may be generic ETT holders offered by various medical device companies, or a specially configured ETT holder as described herein. Embodiments also may include a sensor that alarms when the ETT guard is moved beyond pre-set motion thresholds.

Abstract: An NO generating system for nasal inhalation includes a nose vent plug, which includes a nitric oxide (NO) impermeable housing and a receptacle. The NO impermeable housing has integrally formed walls that define a partially enclosed interior portion; two nasal protrusions extending from one of the integrally formed walls and in fluid communication with the partially enclosed interior portion; and an air vent defined in another of the integrally formed walls to introduce air flow into the partially enclosed interior portion. The receptacle is in the partially enclosed interior portion, and contains an NO generating formulation or is to receive an NO generating formulation.

Abstract: The present utility model relates to a connector, a seal used therefor, and an anesthesia machine using the connector. The connector comprises first and second connection ports detachably communicating with an input port and an output port of an absorber canister respectively, and a seal. The seal comprises an annular ring and at least one lip. The annular ring is positioned on an inner sidewall of at least one connection port of the first and second connection ports. The at least one lip is annular and extends from an inner side of the annular ring in a direction away from the annular ring. When the absorber canister is in communication with the connector, a lower surface of the at least one lip of the seal contacts an outer sidewall of at least one port of the input port and the output port to form an annular contact surface, the width of the annular contact surface being greater than the thickness of a root portion of the at least one lip.

Abstract: An apparatus for oxygenation and/or CO2 clearance of a patient. The apparatus comprising: a flow source or a connection for a flow source for providing a gas flow, a gas flow modulator, a controller to control the gas flow. The controller is operable to: receive input relating to heart activity and/or trachea gas flow of the patient, and control the gas flow modulator to provide a varying gas flow with at least two oscillating components. One oscillating component has a frequency based on the heart activity and/or trachea flow of the patient. One oscillating component has a frequency to: promote bulk gas flow movement, or promote mixing.

Abstract: A haptic stimulator includes a multilayer sheet with a piezoelectric or electroactive polymer layer adapted to mechanically deform upon application of voltage, the multilayer sheet secured to a substrate, and a source of electrical stimulation coupled to drive electrodes on the polymer layer with an AC signal to vibrate the polymer layer. In particular embodiments, the polymer contains polyvinylidene fluoride, and electrodes are patterned to control local electric fields. Another haptic stimulator has first and second electrodes with an air gap and an insulating sheet between first and second electrodes, with an AC voltage driver connecting to the electrodes. In a method of providing haptic stimulation to skin an alternating current supply drives first and second electrodes, the electrodes disposed upon either a piezoelectric or electroactive polymer sheet, vibrating the polymer layer by driving the electrodes; and coupling vibrations of the polymer layer to the sensate skin.

Abstract: A presentation control device includes a processor. The processor is configured to perform first control for presenting a first respiratory cycle longer than a natural respiratory cycle for a respiratory cycle presentation device in a case of preferentially increasing a degree of relaxation, the respiratory cycle presentation device being a device that presents a respiratory cycle, and perform second control for presenting a second respiratory cycle for the respiratory cycle presentation device in a case of preferentially decreasing a degree of physical-mental activity, the second respiratory cycle being a cycle for which a difference between the second respiratory cycle and the natural respiratory cycle is smaller than a difference between the first respiratory cycle and the natural respiratory cycle.

Abstract: An innovative medical device that permits rapid, minimally invasive restoration of blood flow across a vascular blockage. A method employing said device, allowing for lysis or removal of said blockage. Said device creates a temporary bypass using longitudinal structure configured for insertion into the blood vessel and adapted to deliver a side hole to a target area. The side hole defines a distal first segment and a proximal second segment with a lumen to allow blood flow therethrough to the distal end hole. In an alternate embodiment, a slidable outer sheath can cover the side hole to permit reversal of blood flow from the distal end hole to a proximal end hole located outside a patient's body by means of an aspiration controller. Alternate embodiments include an optional anchoring balloon, a macerating stent or wires, perforations for fluid delivery, and a backflow valve.

Abstract: A catheter system that includes a proximal hub having a body with a first end, a second end, and a first internal communication lumen. The catheter system includes an introducer apparatus connected to the proximal hub, the apparatus having a distal end and a second internal communication lumen in communication with the first internal communication lumen. A portion of the introducer apparatus extends from the second end of the proximal hub. The catheter system includes a distal hub having a body with a first end, a second end, and a third internal communication lumen in communication with the first internal communication lumen. The catheter system includes a catheter having a fourth internal communication lumen, the catheter extends through the first, second, and third internal communication lumens and a portion of the catheter extends from the distal end of the introducer apparatus. The introducer apparatus may be a non-splitting thin-walled sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are reinforced expandable introducer sheaths and methods of using the same. The sheaths minimize trauma to the patient's vasculature by including a reinforcing member to improve the push force of the sheath while reducing the chances of kinking during delivery of a prosthetic device. The sheath can include a plurality of expandable rings aligned along the longitudinal axis of the sheath and coupled together to form an elongated tubular structure. The sheath can also include a plurality of radial members circumferentially arranged to form a tubular support structure. The radial members slidingly interconnected around the circumference of the tubular structure to facilitate radial expansion of the sheath.

Abstract: A catheter may include a distal side and a proximal side comprising a shaft having an outer tubular member, and an insertion member. The catheter may have at least a part of the insertion member in an axial direction disposed in the outer tubular member. At least one outer tubular member or insertion member is a multilayer tube having a first layer and a second layer laminated with the first layer. In a cross-section perpendicular to an axial direction of the multilayer tube, a ratio of cross-sectional areas of the second layer to the first layer is 0.7 or less.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a catheter, and an actuator. The housing has a first port and a second port that is coupleable to an indwelling vascular access device. The catheter is at least partially disposed in the housing such that the first port of the housing receives a proximal end portion of the catheter. The actuator is partially disposed in the housing to selectively engage a portion of the catheter in the housing. The actuator is configured to be rotated an angular distance relative to the housing to move a distal end portion of the catheter a linear distance from a first position inside the housing, to a second position in which the catheter extends through the second port and distal to the indwelling vascular access device when the second port is coupled thereto. The linear distance is greater than the angular distance.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to facilitate self-catheterization of a urethra. In an exemplary embodiment, the device includes an elongate anchor member comprising a proximal end and a rounded distal end to facilitate insertion into a user's vagina, a bridge extending laterally from an intermediate location of the anchor member, a guide on the bridge spaced apart from the anchor member such that the guide is aligned with the user's urethra, the guide including a passage therethrough sized to receive a urinary catheter therethrough, and a handle on the proximal end of the anchor member to facilitate manipulation by the user and consistent, accurate alignment of the guide.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a housing; a catheter shaft and an actuator coupled to the catheter shaft and configured to move longitudinally relative to the housing and longitudinally move the catheter shaft in response to force imparted by a user. The apparatuses, systems, and methods may also include a piston assembly arranged within the housing and configured to receive the actuator and allow longitudinal movement of the actuator relative to the housing.

Abstract: A steering device and navigation system for interventional procedures. Included are devices, systems, and methods that incorporate a steering device which consists of an expandable structure that can be controlled to spread out within the vessel lumen, or cardiac chamber, and may apply circumferential force to the tissue. This structure, once spread out, can anchor relative to the anatomy and provides support for an internal catheter through a set of strings connected to the internal catheter. The internal catheter is configured to allow an interventional device, such as a guidewire or catheter, to pass through it. Using the strings that are connected to actuation mechanisms within the device's handle, the internal catheter can be manipulated to allow controlling the position of a device that runs within it or is connected to it and can be used for the purpose of navigation of devices and obtaining measurements from known positions.

Abstract: An insertion and retraction device is described for delivery and removal of a microparticle from target tissue. The device comprises a magnetic or magnetizable needle or cannula having a distal end, a proximal end and a lumen adapted to convey microparticles; a tubular catheter receiving the needle or cannula; a pressure device adapted for delivery of microparticles through the needle or cannula lumen by pressure; a magnetic field modulator adapted to move the needle or cannula by modulation of a magnetic field; and a magnetic sensor positioned toward the distal end of the tubular catheter responsive to a magnetic moment of the microparticle.

Abstract: An elongate shaft management device has an upper plate and a lower plate. The lower plate has at least one groove that is sized to receive the elongate shaft. The at least one groove in the lower plate cooperates with the upper plate to capture the elongate shaft and prevent movement of the elongate shaft. The upper plate is releasably coupled to the lower plate to provide access to the elongate shaft and allow it to be manipulated.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device, a tether, and an adapter for securing a medical instrument (such as a catheter or the like) in place relative to a skin penetration point using subcutaneous anchors.

Abstract: A catheter insertion device is provided for positioning and inserting a catheter, particularly a midline catheter into a patient. The insertion device includes an actuator assembly movable with respect to a housing for deploying the catheter over a needle. A step-wise movement of the actuator advances a catheter assembly, including the catheter, in stages over the introducer needle. An indexing finger of the catheter assembly engages the actuator body during distal advancement of the actuator, and deflects as the actuator is moved proximally. The device further includes a lockout device such as a button, collar, slider, or tab, which allows movement of the catheter relative to the needle but prevents advancement of the catheter to the first stage of the step-wise movement.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly having a first hub attached to a flexible tube and a second hub attached to a needle projecting through the flexible tube. A needle guard is positioned in an interior cavity of the first hub. The needle guard has a proximal wall having an opening and two arms each with an end and wherein the two ends spaced from and biased toward the needle in a ready position. In a particular example, a support is located inside the cavity of the first hub and wherein the two ends of the two arms on the needle guard rest on the support in the ready position.

Abstract: A guide wire configured for use with existing catheter mapping and navigation systems. The guide wire is made of electrically conductive material and coated in an electrically insulating material. An uncoated region is provided near the guide wire's distal tip. This uncoated region forms a conductive path between the metallic components of the guide wire and the surrounding tissue. The uncoated region effectively becomes an electrode for use in prior art mapping and navigation systems. The mapping and navigation system determines the position of the uncoated region.

Abstract: An echogenic balloon dilation catheter and a balloon thereof. The balloon includes a balloon body, a balloon cone at each side of the balloon body, and a balloon tip extending from the balloon cone and fixed to the catheter, the balloon body and the balloon cone being formed of a plurality of polymer layers in a radial direction of the balloon. The balloon may be of enhanced echogenicity using a variety of disclosed techniques.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to drug-coated balloon catheters for treating strictures in body lumens and methods of using the same. A drug-coated balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a body lumen stricture includes an elongated balloon having a main diameter. The balloon catheter includes a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the balloon. The coating layer includes one or more water-soluble additives and an initial drug load of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to drug-coated balloon catheters for treating strictures in body lumens and methods of using the same. A drug-coated balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a body lumen stricture includes an elongated balloon having a main diameter. The balloon catheter includes a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the balloon. The coating layer includes one or more water-soluble additives and an initial drug load of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to drug-coated balloon catheters for treating strictures in body lumens and methods of using the same. A drug-coated balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a body lumen stricture includes an elongated balloon having a main diameter. The balloon catheter includes a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the balloon. The coating layer includes one or more water-soluble additives and an initial drug load of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Various embodiments disclosed relate to drug-coated balloon catheters for treating strictures in body lumens and methods of using the same. A drug-coated balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a body lumen stricture includes an elongated balloon having a main diameter. The balloon catheter includes a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the balloon. The coating layer includes one or more water-soluble additives and an initial drug load of a therapeutic agent.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) circulation systems and devices. Also disclosed are methods of using the systems and devices for the processing of CSF and for the treatment of brain or central nervous system diseases, disorders, and injuries. In particular, CSF may be processed to remove various molecules targets, including viruses, bacteria, exosomes, cells, proteins, debris, toxins, and inflammatory mediators. CSF may also be warmed, cooled, and/or oxygenated, and medications or substances may be added to the CSF for targeted treatment of a disease or disorder.

Abstract: Systems for the treatment and prevention of pelvic dysfunction are provided. In one embodiment, a vaginal dilation device includes a handle portion and a shaft portion. The shaft portion is configured to expand from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration. The shaft portion can include a distal tip region, a spine region, and a distal arm region connecting the distal tip region to the spine region. The spine region can extend distally from the handle portion to the distal arm region, and can be generally tubular in shape. The distal arm region can be generally conical in shape and be configured to provide a gradual increase in diameter from the distal tip region to the spine region. Methods of use are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods are described for transporting and delivering a therapeutic substance to an ear of a subject, including a tubular element (216) configured for deployment in a tympanic membrane (TM) and a fluid transport element (230). The fluid transport element can be configured to transport the therapeutic substance from a proximal side to a distal side of the tubular element. Systems, apparatus, and methods further can include a fluid dispenser including a reservoir configured to contain a therapeutic substance, and a tubular element defining a lumen in fluid communication with an outlet in which the lumen and the outlet are configured to deliver the therapeutic substance from the reservoir to a region proximal to the tympanic membrane. Systems, apparatus, and methods further can include an electrode device.

Abstract: The present technology includes systems and methods for treating pain by pulsing heat into a volume of tissue containing thermoreceptors. The pulsed heat may be configured to induce stimulation of thermoreceptors. The pulsed heat may also be applied at a frequency configured to induce desensitization of at least a subset of the thermoreceptors.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure provide a preparation delivery assembly including: a first substrate, a second substrate, and at least two needles of different lengths, each of which is a hollow needle having a hollow structure; wherein two side walls are provided between the first substrate and the second substrate to define a first chamber for containing a preparation by the first substrate, the second substrate, and the two side walls; at least one first channel that is in communication with the first chamber is provided in the second substrate in a direction substantially perpendicular to the second substrate; and the needles are arranged on a surface of the second substrate distal to the first substrate, and each of the needles is in communication with the first chamber through the at least one first channel to deliver the preparation.

Abstract: The present invention concerns delivery of agents through the skin. Methods for delivering agents such as bioactive agents are contemplated by the present invention. Specifically, methods for the targeted delivery of agents to one or more areas of the epidermis and thereby, to one or more cancer tumors are described.

Abstract: The present invention provides a safer novel opening system with highly broad utility for a blood-brain barrier (BBB), containing nano-bubble water or nano-bubble aqueous solution containing nano-bubbles having an average diameter of not more than 200 nm, and an ultrasound generating apparatus in combination; a method for opening BBB, including using the nano-bubble water or nano-bubble aqueous solution, and an ultrasound; and a method for increasing BBB permeability of a drug, including using the nano-bubble water or nano-bubble aqueous solution, and an ultrasound.

Abstract: A catheter for ultrasonic-driven bladder therapeutic agent delivery, including: a tube having a proximal expandable portion and a distal end, and at least one transducer sleeve accommodating at least one ultrasound transducer mounted on the tube between the proximal expandable portion and the distal end.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ultrasound device for use in implementing therapeutic treatments and transdermal analyte delivery. The device includes a piezoelectric transducer that efficiently and safely converts electrical energy to ultrasonic waves, and has a unique structure including a piezoelectric element positioned between two opposing, flexible concave covers. The device may be used for various therapeutic purposes including wound healing, tissue stimulation and transdermal analyte delivery. The invention is further directed to a novel analyte delivery system including the ultrasound device and an encapsulated analyte.

Abstract: A biodiffusion chamber for performing autologous cell vaccination is provided. The biodiffusion chamber is adapted for insertion into and removal from a subject. In some embodiments, the biodiffusion chamber comprises (i) a chamber body defining a hollow cavity and including a first surface and a second surface, (ii) a first semi-permeable membrane coupled to the first surface, (iii) a second semi-permeable membrane coupled to the second surface, and (iv) an element and/or feature adapted for removing the biodiffusion chamber from the subject. The first semi-permeable membrane and the second semi-permeable membrane are permeable to fluids and soluble factors but are not permeable to cells.

Abstract: A device set designed for PCNL surgery includes a puncture needle, a guidewire, a dilator, a balloon catheter, a sheath, and a drainage catheter which are all placed in a single package. A tip length of the dilator is substantially the same as a tip length of the balloon catheter. The device set may include a puncture needle, a guidewire, a plurality of dilators having different sizes, a sheath, and a drainage catheter, which are all placed in a single package, wherein all the dilators have substantially the same tip length.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve assembly includes a hollow body delimiting an inner passage for inserting a medical material, the inner passage extending between a proximal opening and a distal opening of the hollow body, a distal seal arranged at the distal opening, a proximal seal arranged at the proximal opening, a spacer element arranged between the distal seal and the proximal seal, and an end cap. The distal seal is an elastic valve that is sealed when idle. The end cap has a fixing element engaging a support element of the hollow body to fix a stacked assembly including the distal seal, the spacer element, and the proximal seal inside the hollow body.

Abstract: Aspects herein relate to a low-friction septum for providing a leak-resistant seal for use in a vascular access device. In an embodiment, a device for vascular access hemostasis is included having an enclosure defining a cavity and configured to at least partially receive a medical device. The device can include a first seal portion and a second seal portion, the cavity disposed between the first seal portion and the second seal portion. The device can include a barrel in structural communication with the second seal portion, the second seal portion including a septum seal. The second seal portion can define two or more discrete portions, each separated by one or more split lines. The discrete portions can include a mating surface to interface with mating surfaces of other discrete portions. The mating surface can include a surface topology including raised portions and depressions. Other embodiments are also included herein.

Abstract: A catheter adapter may include a catheter adapter body and a catheter adapter channel formed within the catheter adapter body. The catheter adapter body may include a proximal end, a distal end, an inferior surface, and a superior surface. The inferior surface of the catheter adapter body may be configured to abut against a surface area of a patient's skin, and an angle formed between the surface area of the patient's skin and a longitudinal axis of the catheter adapter channel may be greater than 4 degrees.

Abstract: Connectors for medical devices include visual and tactile features as an indicator of a connection-type of the connector. This allows for differentiation by type of connection under busy and/or low light conditions.