Abstract: A mouthpiece for interfacing a subject to a respiratory measurement apparatus incorporates bite blocks and a tongue depressor such that when the bite blocks are clamped between teeth of the user's upper and lower jaws, the tongue depressor forces the user's tongue downward so as not to inhibit gas flow through a lumen of the mouthpiece. Also disclosed are cheek supports that can be coupled to the mouthpiece and where the space between adjacent cheek supports is selectively adjustable to fit the subject involved.

Abstract: An oral appliance for increasing oxygenation including: an upper component configured to fit onto at least a portion of upper teeth of a user and including an upper locking mechanism; and a lower component configured to fit onto at least a portion of lower teeth of the user and including a lower locking mechanism configured to engage the upper locking mechanism in at least one position of the lower component relative to the upper component corresponding to at least one protrusion position of a mandible of the user of 50% of maximum protrusion to set an oxygenation capacity of the user; wherein the upper locking mechanism and the lower locking mechanism are configured to be lockable or unlockable or both by a pressure of a tongue the user or the mandible or both.

Abstract: A mask is disclosed that has a gas outlet which is quiet and provides for a diffused outlet flow of gases. The outlet is preferably a slot formed between a hollow body and cover over said hollow body. The mask also preferably extends and seals under a user's chin in use.

Abstract: A nasal cannula device includes a cannula body. The cannula body includes an accommodating chamber inside and includes two nasal joint tube extended outwardly and communicating with the accommodating chamber. A junction ring is formed between the cannula body and each nasal joint tube. At least one of the cannula body and each nasal joint tube includes a recessed annular section recessed at one side of each junction ring. The recessed annular section has a thickness smaller than a thickness of the cannula body, a thickness of each nasal joint tube, and a thickness of each junction ring. Accordingly, the nasal cannula device can deliver a therapeutic gas smoothly.

Abstract: A delivery device for and a method of delivering gases to the nasal airway, in particular therapeutic gases and gases in combination with active substances, either as powders or liquids, for enhanced uptake of the active substances.

Abstract: A headgear or headgear segments are manufactured to shape thereby producing little or no waste material. Such headgear or headgear segments (components) may comprise a unitary, substantially seamless structure. Techniques such as knitting, braiding, crocheting, and 3D printing may be used to produce the headgear. As a result, the manufacturing process may have reduced steps, the amount of material waste may be reduced, and there are virtually no seams in the headgear between adjoining sections, thereby resulting in headgear with enhanced comfort.

Abstract: A sensor adaptor couples a face mask to a gas sampling tube connected to a device detecting end-tidal carbon dioxide. The sensor adaptor includes a shaft and connector. The shaft includes a channel providing a pathway for the carbon dioxide to travel toward the gas sampling tube. One end of the shaft includes an adaptor tip which extends through an exit port of the face mask. A connector is attached to the other end of the shaft and couples the sensor adaptor to the gas sampling line. A gripper may surround the shaft and prevent improper advancement of the shaft into the face mask. The sensor adaptor can be designed for use with any gas sampling tube and any face mask including exit ports.

Abstract: A closed-circuit heliox delivery system and methods for alleviating symptoms of COPD and related disorders are provided. The system is self-monitoring and can be used outside of a hospital environment. The system contains a gas supply fluidly connected to a breathing circuit. The breathing circuit contains an upper airway device, such as a mask. The system contains a sensor(s) and controller. The sensors measure parameters in the system, the ambient environment, or related to the physiological state of the user. The controller can adjust the system to maintain parameters within the device, i.e. pressure, temperature, humidity, within predetermined ranges. The controller can adjust the system to maintain a target physiological state of the user, i.e. target blood oxygen levels or Work of Breathing (WOB).

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for treating memory impairment, and more specifically to customized visual presentation for treating memory-related disorders and diseases. The disclosed systems and methods can predict clinical status of patients based on platform user behavior, such as those of patients. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention.

Abstract: A virtual sleep environment with customized multimedia and climate controls is presented. The invention is mainly comprised of six parts. A first part being a sealed pod with resting bed. A second part being a digital multimedia system that includes a wraparound video screen and surround sound. A third part being a cloud service with proprietary website to manage custom user video and sound content across pods. A fourth part being a biofeedback recording system with sensors and interpretation software. A fifth part being a climate control system that regulates pod temperature according to user preferences. And a sixth part being interconnectivity for local and wide area networks. An object of the invention is to enhance rest effectiveness in busy environments. For example, such resting pods can be stationed in corporate lounges, hospitals, athletic locker rooms, study hall, rest stops and airports.

Abstract: Systems and methods of removably providing a functional ornament on a garment. The garment, which may be a shirt, includes a body configured to cover at least a portion of a center portion of an individual wearing the garment. The body has openings configured to receive different appendages of the individual passing therethrough. An anchor segment is attached to the body such that the anchor segment lies substantially flat against the body adjacent to the anchor segment. The ornament, which includes at least one of an aromatic compound, a crystal, a medicinal doser or a wellness insight technology is replaceably attached to the anchor segment.

Abstract: A catheter that includes an inner layer forming the inner surface of a tubular catheter main body having a lumen, an outer layer forming the outer surface of the catheter main body, and multiple reinforcements embedded between the inner surface and the outer surface. The inner diameter of the catheter main body is D1, the outer diameter is D2, the wall thickness is T1, a thickness of each reinforcement is T2, an effective width of each reinforcement is W, and a total number of the multiple reinforcements is N. The catheter satisfies Expressions (1), (2), and (3): 0.050 mm?T1?0.100 mm??Expression (1) T2/T1?0.25??Expression (2) 60,000?(D1×D2×W×N)/(T12×T2)<1,000,000??Expression (3).

Abstract: An insertion device for delivering media inside a patient includes an outer guide tube having a side port. An inner guide tube is nested within the outer guide tube and movable axially within the outer guide tube. The inner guide tube includes a deflector at an end within the outer guide tube. The device also includes a catheter nested within the inner guide tube and movable axially within the inner guide tube. The deflector of the inner guide tube is positionable such that it deflects the dispensing end of the catheter outward through the opening in the outer guide tube when the catheter is advanced axially within the inner guide tube. A therapeutic delivery cannula may be nested within the catheter, such that the deflected end of the catheter determines the direction of travel of the therapeutic delivery cannula into patient tissue when the cannula emerges from the catheter.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing tubing suitable for use as a component of a medical device, such as a catheter body, and the real-time adjustment of characteristics of the tubing as it passes from one reel to another reel during manufacture. Thus, a length of tubing is manufactured that includes a plurality of segments of different flexibilities and the length of tubing is then cut into a plurality of sub-lengths of tubing that are suitable for use as a component of a medical device. In one embodiment, a method of manufacturing a length of catheter tubing comprises: extruding a base layer; overlaying a braided layer on the base layer; overlaying a sub-jacket layer over the braided layer; overlaying an outer jacket on the jacket sub-layer; and heating at least a portion the jacket sub-layer to change a characteristic of the length of catheter tubing.

Abstract: A percutaneous nephrostomy catheter system includes a nephrostomy catheter lumen, an extension tubing and a collection bag. The extension tubing is inserted into the nephrostomy catheter lumen. The collection bag is fluidly coupled to the extension tubing. A percutaneous nephrostomy catheter system also includes a catheter hub which employs a Luer valve in order to facilitate nephrostomy care so that when the percutaneous nephrostomy system is in place urine flows from the renal pelvis into the nephrostomy catheter lumen, the extension tubing and the collection bag. The Luer valve employs a scalloped Luer-style male connector which, when screwed into the catheter hub allows flow.

Abstract: A medical device system may include an elongate shaft having a lumen extending to a distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein a proximal portion of the elongate shaft is configured to disengage from a distal portion of the elongate shaft; a medical device disposed proximate the distal end of the elongate shaft; a release wire disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft, wherein the release wire releasably attaches the medical device to the distal end of the elongate shaft; and an introducer sheath slidably disposed over the elongate shaft, wherein the introducer sheath is configured to disengage the proximal portion of the elongate shaft from the distal portion of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A catheter for a hepatic artery introduced from an arm of a patient includes a first bent portion, a second bent portion distal of the first bent portion and bent to the same side as the first bent portion, a third bent portion disposed on a distal side of the second bent portion and bent to an opposite side from the second bent portion, and a most distal end portion disposed distal of the third bent portion, in which a minimum radius of curvature of the first bent portion is larger than a minimum radius of curvature of the second bent portion. The most distal end portion is directed to a common hepatic artery and the first bent portion comes into contact with an aorta wall on an opposite side from a celiac artery when the second bent portion contacts a blood vessel wall of the celiac artery.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide strain relief members for a medical device delivery system, methods of use, and methods of manufacturing. In one embodiment, a medical device delivery system may include a body member with a first end having a first outer diameter, a second end having a second outer diameter, an inner surface facing a lumen that extends axially through the body member along a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. The embodiment also includes a threaded first connector at the first end of the body member. The outer surface of the body member may include a plurality of depressions. The body member may include a first material. The first connector may include a second material. The first material is more flexible than the second material. A portion of the outer surface of the body member may cover a portion of the first connector.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide strain relief members for a medical device delivery system, methods of use thereof, and methods of manufacturing. In one embodiment a strain relief member may include a support having a first end with a first outer diameter, a second end having a second outer diameter, an inner surface facing a support lumen that extends axially through the support along a longitudinal axis, and an outer surface opposite to the inner surface. An embodiment may also include an overlay coupled to a portion of the outer surface of the support, where the overlay comprises a first material and the support comprises a second material, and the first material is more flexible than the second material. A liner may be disposed in a portion of the support lumen and a first connector disposed over a portion of the support.

Abstract: A system and method for delivering a medicament including a catheter configured for implantation in different target tissue sites, extending from a proximal end to a distal end, and having a sidewall which defines an internal lumen. The distal end has one or more apertures in the sidewall for the release of the medicament into the target tissue site; the system also comprises a medicament reservoir fluidly communicable with the internal lumen of each catheter, an adhesive member configured to adhere to the skin of the patient around the exit wound and having an opening therein to allow the catheters to pass through the adhesive member and a retaining member configured to be overlaid on the adhesive member and comprising a guide surface configured to receive a length of the two or more catheters and a plurality of retaining portions to retain the catheters against the guide surface.

Abstract: There is provided an introducer system for percutaneously delivering a first and a second medical device to a patient. The system may comprise an introducer sheath having a longitudinal axis and a lumen formed therein. The system may also comprise a bifurcated hub coupled to a proximal end of the sheath. The hub may comprise a first arm having a first lumen and a first hemostasis valve for the passage of the first medical device. The hub may also comprise a second arm coupled to the first arm and having a second lumen and a second hemostasis valve for the passage of the second medical device. Further, the hub may comprise a connection port such that the first lumen and the second lumen are in communication with the lumen of the introducer sheath for the passage of at least one of the first and second medical devices through the introducer sheath for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A medical device system may include a sheath, a pusher wire, and a locking element. The pusher wire may be slidably disposed within a lumen of the sheath. The locking element may have a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate region disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The locking element may have a first inner diameter adjacent to the distal end and a second inner diameter adjacent to the proximal end, the second inner diameter smaller than the first outer diameter. The distal end region of the locking element may be configured to freely slide over the sheath and when a proximal end region of the locking element is disposed over the sheath, the locking element may be configured to depress the sheath radially inwards.

Abstract: A catheter that includes a mechanism for deflecting a distal portion of a catheter is disclosed. The catheter may comprise a deflection knob including a first thread, a rod including a second thread that is coupled to the first thread, and a puller wire that is connected to the rod. The rod may additionally include a pocket to which the puller wire may be connected via a joining feature that may be secured in the pocket and attached to a proximal end of the puller wire. The joining feature may comprise a first ferrule joined, e.g., crimped, to the proximal end of the puller wire and a second ferrule secured, e.g., bonded, in the pocket and joined, e.g., crimped, to the first ferrule.

Abstract: Provided is a two-way clamping catheter stabilization device and a hook-type catheter stabilization device, and the two-way clamping catheter stabilization device includes a base part having a top surface on which a fixing target catheter is mounted, a pin part including a first pin and a second pin protruding upwards from the top surface of the base part, a first coupling part placed on a right side of the base part and coupled to the base part to be slidably moved in two ways along left and right directions of the base part, and a second coupling part placed on a left side of the base part and coupled to the base part to be slidably moved in two ways along the left and right directions of the base part, and when the first coupling part and the second coupling part slide to be closer to each other, they are placed in a locked state in which an upward movement of the mounted fixing target catheter is limited.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a peripheral intravenous (“PIV”) portion that provides expedited vascular access. The catheter assembly includes an elongate catheter body defining a first lumen and includes a CVC portion, a transition portion, and a PIV portion. The PIV portion defines a relatively smaller diameter, a tapered tip, and a lumen configured to receive a needle. The needle extends through a needle access aperture, disposed through a side wall of the catheter body, through the PIV lumen, to a point beyond a distal end of the catheter body. A clinician accesses a vasculature using the needle and the PIV portion. The needle is then removed and a guidewire advanced through the lumen of the catheter body and the PIV portion into the vasculature. The CVC portion is then advanced over the guidewire into the vasculature, self-dilating the insertion site as the transition portion enters the vasculature.

Abstract: An intraluminal guide wire may include an elongated shaft extending between a distal and a proximal end. The guide wire may include a user actuation segment positioned proximal to the proximal end of the shaft and configured for movement relative to the shaft. The guide wire may include a core wire affixed to the user actuation segment and the distal end of the shaft. The guide wire may also include an inner member having a proximal end situated at least partially within and fixed relative to the user actuation segment and a distal end situated partially within the shaft, the core wire passing through the inner member. The guide wire may be configured with a distal segment of the inner member within the shaft exhibiting a friction-based restraint on movement within the shaft. The friction-based restraint on movement may be a frictional force between the inner member and the shaft.

Abstract: A dilation apparatus includes a handle assembly, a dilator, a guidewire, and a steering assembly. The dilator is connected to the handle assembly and is configured to transition between an unexpanded state and an expanded state. The guidewire is longitudinally fixed relative to the dilator. The steering assembly is configured to laterally deflect at least a portion of the guidewire relative to the handle assembly. The steering assembly includes an actuator coupled with the handle assembly and a pull wire extending between the actuator and guidewire. A portion of the pull wire is attached to the guidewire. The actuator is configured to move the pull wire relative to the handle assembly in order to laterally deflect the at least a portion of the guidewire.

Abstract: A guide wire holder includes a sheath having a lumen, an operation wire inserted into the lumen and configured to be able to advance and retract in the lumen, and a hook continuous with a distal end of the operation wire, being formed to be bent in a convex shape toward a distal side, and protrudes from a distal end of the sheath. The sheath has a side surface extending from the distal end of the sheath to a proximal end side in a direction of the longitudinal axis. The hook intersects a ridge line of the side surface and forms a closed region closed by the hook and the ridge line in a front view. The guide wire holder is configured to hold the guide wire located outside the sheath in the closed region in a state that the hook is disposed at a retracted position at which the hook is retracted.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to catheter system comprising a balloon and an infusion basket designed to be deployed in complex vasculature to optimally treat vascular and arterial disease conditions such as blood clots, blood emboli, and deep vein thrombosis. The basket may comprise a shaft with a plurality of cuts along a portion of its length to form a plurality of tines that provide support for a plurality of porous tubes to form the limbs of the basket. The limbs of the basket expand radially away from the longitudinal axis of the basket when the longitudinal length of the basket is reduced. The limbs may also be connected to a drug delivery system, and in this manner, baskets of the present disclosure allow for the use of both mechanical and pharmaceutical means of thrombolysis and thrombectomy.

Abstract: A reperfusion catheter for controlled reperfusion in an occluded artery is disclosed. A tubular perfusion catheter (12) has a proximal a distal end and a lumen defined in between said ends. The catheter (12) has a dilatator (13) which is sized and shaped to move telescopically in its lumen. The tubular perfusion catheter (12) has at least one perfusion port (16) which, in use, allows, antegrade blood flow to enter the lumen of the perfusion catheter (12). The at least one perfusion port (16) extends in the longitudinal direction of the perfusion catheter (12) such that, in use, full or partial withdrawal of the dilatator (13) out of the lumen of the perfusion catheter (12) permits controlled flow of blood through said perfusion port (16) and out of the distal end of the tubular perfusion catheter.

Abstract: An inflation device including a handle mechanism configured to selectively engage and disengage threads within the device. In some instances, the threads are configured to couple a plunger to a syringe body. The handle mechanism may be configured to (1) provide a mechanical advantage and (2) change the location and direction of the input force.

Abstract: Systems and methods and devices are provided for treating conditions such as heart failure and/or pulmonary hypertension by at least partially occluding flow through the superior vena cava for an interval spanning multiple cardiac cycles. A catheter with an occlusion device is provided along with a controller that actuates a drive mechanism to provide at least partial occlusion of the patient's superior vena cava, which reduces cardiac filling pressures, and induces a favorable shift in the patient's Frank-Starling curve towards healthy heart functionality and improved cardiac performance. The occlusion device may include a lumen obstructed by a relief valve that may permit fluid flow through the occlusion device to release an excessive build-up of pressure.

Abstract: The present technology is directed to adjustable interatrial shunting systems that selectively control blood flow between the left atrium and the right atrium of a patient. The adjustable interatrial devices include a shunting element having an outer surface configured to engage native tissue and an inner surface defining a lumen that enables blood to flow from the left atrium to the right atrium when the system is deployed across the septal wall. The systems can include an actuation assembly for selectively adjusting a geometry of the lumen and/or a geometry of a lumen orifice to control the flow of blood through the lumen.

Abstract: This application discloses methods and tools for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia and the use of retinal nerve fiber layer thinning as a biomarker for the treatment.

Abstract: A single lumen, multiple entry dilator sheath assembly is provided for delivering medical devices in different parts of cardiovascular system. The multiple holes allow multiple guidewires to enter the dilator-delivery sheath system distally and exit from a single lumen proximally thereby providing extra support to the delivery system while tracking over complex paths. Such a multi guide wire system has a definite advantage even over a two-wire system because, although two wire system may offer better support as compared to single wire, it will not be as good as a four wire system.

Abstract: The invention describes a sinus balloon catheter and methods of use. Specifically a sinus balloon catheter for dilating a sinus cavity lumen is provided with a tip that can be extended. The catheter comprises a guide tube with a proximal and distal end, a sleeve member, a balloon disposed upon the sleeve member and a rounded tip arranged at the distal end and extendable along with the extension of the sleeve member.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of therapeutic substances to cavities of a patient. The system can include a handpiece tool coupled with a pump. The handpiece tool can include a shaft including a first portion of a channel coupled to a multi-input tubing. The handpiece tool can include an angled portion coupled with the shaft. The handpiece tool can include a second portion of the channel, wherein the angled portion positions a tip portion within a cavity, wherein the tip portion projects from the angled portion and includes an outlet and a third portion of the channel. The handpiece tool can include a collar a distance from the outlet, the collar configured to control a distance the tip portion projects. The handpiece tool can include a mixing chamber configured to receive the components of the drug and output the mixed drug via the third portion of the channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical technology, and more particularly to a device for the conservative treatment of nasal and paranasal sinus diseases. The present device comprises obturators for the posterior and anterior nasal openings, each obturator being in the form of an expandable sheath made of a resilient material and provided with a feed tube. The distal end of the tube is in communication with the cavity below the sheath, and the proximal end is provided with an adapter having a valve mechanism. The obturator sheath for the posterior nasal opening is hermetically fastened to the distal portion of its feed tube. The obturator sheath for the anterior nasal opening is hermetically fastened to a cuff. The cuff is provided with two channels, one of which holds the feed tube of the obturator sheath for the posterior nasal opening in such a way that the cuff can move along the entire length of the feed tube.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system for the delivery of therapeutic substances to the cavities of a patient. The system can include a wearable micropump that is fluidically coupled with a handpiece. The handpiece can be inserted, for example, into the middle ear via a surgical tympanotomy approach. The system can enable a controlled injection of a therapeutic substance directly into the patient's cavity.

Abstract: The disclosed applicator includes an activation region having one or more pinch point levers in the cover of the applicator. Within the cover of the applicator is a deformable body and disposed within the deformable body is a frangible ampoule containing a solution. A user activates the pinch point levers to deform the deformable body and crush the frangible ampoule, releasing the solution. The hinging connection of the pinch point lever reduces the break strength needed in order to crush the ampoule, while the deformable body provides a safe barrier to protect the user against glass shards.

Abstract: The present invention provides a microneedle array, a support member, a method of producing a microneedle array, and a microneedle array unit which enable reduction of a drying time during production and prevention of breakage during drying. Provided are a microneedle array 120 including a sheet portion 41, a plurality of needle-like protrusions 44, and a support member 50 formed of a gripping portion 52 and a beam portion 54 having one end that is connected to the gripping portion 52, in which the sheet portion 41 is an integrally molded body which is integrally molded with the support member 50, in which at least a part of the beam portion 54 is buried under the other surface 43 of the sheet portion 41, opposite to the one surface where the needle-like protrusions 44 are provided, the gripping portion 52 is provided on the other surface 43 of the sheet portion 41, and the beam portion 54 is deformable toward a center of the sheet portion 41.

Abstract: Disclosed is a microneedle, the microneedle including a needle body portion formed using a water-soluble material; an active ingredient coating portion configured to coat the surface of the needle body portion, and including an active ingredient transferred to the biological tissue; and a waterproof coating portion configured to coat at least a portion of the surface of the active ingredient coating portion, and to protect the needle body portion and the active ingredient coating portion from moisture.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a non-invasive transportation method which relates to the field of transdermal transportation and is aimed at improving absorption of active ingredients by skin. The non-invasive transportation method includes: applying needlelike crystals onto the skin, and forming a micro-channel array in epidermis by the needlelike crystals. The present invention is applicable to the transdermal transportation of active ingredients, and more commonly used in cosmetology processes.

Abstract: An implantable access device for accessing the vascular system of a human or animal body, particularly subcutaneously implantable access port, comprising: a port body with at least one outlet opening connected or connectable to a catheter for accessing the vascular system of the human or animal body; a needle entrance with at least one inlet opening for receiving a needle, wherein the needle entrance is connected to the port body and movable relative to the port body between a first, unactuated operating condition and a second, actuated operating condition; and a flexible socket arranged between the port body and the needle entrance and at least covering the area where the needle entrance moves relative to the port body to prevent tissue growth in this area.

Abstract: An interface device for implantation in a subject includes a tissue integration layer and a crowning element. The tissue integration layer has a porous structure adapted for ingress of tissue to anchor the device when implanted. The crowning element is adapted for epidermal attachment when the device is implanted and is configured such that once implanted, part of the crowning element extends through the epidermis and is accessible from outside the subject's body. The porous structure of the tissue integration layer is interconnected for tissue ingress during implantation.

Abstract: A valve assembly for instruments and/or guide wires for use as access/tool port includes a cannula attached to a valve housing with a through hole. Elastic valve members are housed in the valve housing for sealing the through hole either when no device is inserted, or when a specific device with a compatible cross section is inserted. A further sealing arrangement is housed in the valve housing. The further sealing arrangement is extendable within the valve housing to selectively reduce the width of the through hole from a non-sealed configuration where one generic device or a group of generic devices, not necessarily having the same size and/or shape, can be inserted into and/or removed from the through hole, to a sealed configuration where the sealing arrangement seals the through hole with the generic device or the group of generic devices inserted into the through hole.

Abstract: A multi-tubing intravenous (IV) extension set may include an outlet tubing fluidly coupled to a primary multi-tubing connector at one end and fluidly coupled to a vascular device at an opposite end, and a primary inlet tubing having a proximal end with an adapter for connection to a syringe containing a priming or a medicinal fluid, and a distal end coupled to the primary multi-tubing connector. The IV extension set may further include at least one secondary inlet tubing with a proximal end having an adapter for receiving a medicinal fluid and a distal end selectively fluidly coupled to the primary multi-tubing connector. A slide clamp may be positioned on the outlet tubing to restrict flow between the proximal and distal ends of the outlet tubing and cause priming fluid flowing into the outlet tubing via the multi-tubing connector to reverse direction into the at least one secondary inlet tubing.

Abstract: A simply lockable quick coupling for releasably connecting a hose to an implantable apparatus, comprises a first attachment piece that can be connected to the hose and a second attachment piece that can be connected to the apparatus, wherein the attachment pieces can be rotated relative to each other in the locked state.

Abstract: A connecting structure for medical use includes a male assembly 1 and a female connector 2. The male assembly 1 includes a male connector 10 and a threadedly engageable cylinder 20. A male luer portion 11 of the male connector 10 and a female luer portion 2a of the female connector 2 are joined by turning the threadedly engageable cylinder 20 in a tightening direction in a state where a female screw 21a of the threadedly engageable cylinder 20 and an engageable protrusion 2c of the female connector 2 are threadedly engaged with each other. A torque limiting mechanism 50 is disposed between an operation cylinder 30 mounted on an outer periphery of the threadedly engageable cylinder 20 and the threadedly engageable cylinder 20. Engageable teeth 51 are formed in an inner periphery of one end portion of the operation cylinder 30 over an entire periphery. A slit 54 is formed in one end portion of the threadedly engageable cylinder 20.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are inflators and methods of using the inflators for inflating inflatable devices, such as balloons, used in medical procedures. Such procedures include angioplasty and the transcatheter delivery of prosthetic heart valves and stents. The inflators overcome the resistances typically generated during such procedures and reduces the force required to fully inflate the balloon.