Abstract: The present invention provides a method for producing condensation aerosols for the treatment of disease and/or chronic, intermittent or acute conditions. These condensation aerosols are produced from drugs including temperature sensitive drugs and small molecule drugs that are coated onto a foil substrate which is heated via electrical resistance heating at precisely controlled temperature profiles with controllable ramp-up and heating rates to vaporize the coated drug which subsequently condenses to form aerosol particles. These condensation aerosols have little or no degradation products. Kits comprising a drug and a device for producing a condensation aerosol are also provided. Also disclosed, are methods for using these aerosols and kits and methods of making the aerosols.

Abstract: Provided is a system for determining a probability of a respiratory disease exacerbation in a subject. The system comprises an inhaler arrangement for delivering a medicament to the subject. The medicament may be a rescue medicament and/or a maintenance medicament. The inhaler arrangement has a use-detection system configured to determine an inhalation performed by the subject using the inhaler arrangement. A sensor system is configured to measure a parameter relating to airflow during the inhalation. A user interface enables user-input of an indication of a status of the respiratory disease being experienced by the subject. A processor is configured to determine the probability of the respiratory disease exacerbation based on the recorded inhalation(s) from the use-detection system, the parameter(s) received from the sensor system, and the indication received from the user interface. Further provided is a method for determining the probability of a respiratory disease exacerbation in a subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assistance device (10) for assisting in the use of an axially activated dispensing device (12) for dispensing a product contained in a tank (14), the dispensing being activated by the user following pressure exerted by the user on a bearing area (20) mounted so as to be able to move with respect to the tank (14) between a rest position and an activated dispensing position, the assistance device (10) comprising: means for connecting it to the dispensing device (12), means for quantifying a physical value linked to the force exerted by the user on the bearing area (20) between the rest position and the activated position, an information processing system for processing the quantified physical value and providing information on the dispensed product dose. The invention also relates to a method for monitoring the dispensing of a complete dose during the activation of a product dispensing device (12), by means of such an assistance device (10).

Abstract: An improved spacer connects at one end to metered-dose inhalers with a connector configured to accept the mouth of the inhaler. Additionally, the spacer has a mouthpiece at its opposite end and a collapsible body made of a nonrigid material that maintains it shape with a resilient frame. The mouthpiece and body compress and nest within a cavity of the connector when the spacer is not in use. The spacer can further include a cover, a case, a vent to improve airflow, and/or a valve to cover the spacer to a valved holding chamber.

Abstract: A respiratory device includes a blower having an inlet and an outlet, a patient interface, and a valve including a valve member that is rotatable through a first angular displacement in a first direction from a first position to a second position. The outlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that positive pressure is provided to a patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the first position. The inlet of the blower is coupled to the patient interface so that negative pressure is provided to the patient's airway via the patient interface when the valve member is in the second position. The valve member is rotatably oscillated back and forth when the valve member is in the first position and when the valve member is in the second position so that oscillations in the positive pressure and negative pressure, respectively, are provided to the patient's airway.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a housing and a cushion or seal that seals on a user's face in use. An upper portion of the seal that is disposed on a user's nasal bridge in use can roll toward and/or over the outer surface of the housing to form a rolling bridge feature that adjusts to different nose sizes. As the rolling bridge rolls, an apex of the seal moves away from the user's face to adjust to larger nose sizes. The apex does not move downward and can move upward relative to a location of the apex in a neutral position of the seal.

Abstract: A moisture removal apparatus for a breathing circuit may include a breathing gas conduit configured to receive a flow of breathing gas having a first humidity level. The apparatus may include a dry gas conduit adjacent to at least a portion of the breathing gas conduit, the dry gas conduit configured to receive a flow of dry gas having a second humidity level lower than the first humidity level. The apparatus may also include a feeding conduit extending through at least a portion of the dry gas conduit, the feeding conduit configured to introduce the dry gas into the dry gas conduit. The apparatus may further include a moisture transmission pathway configured to enable transfer of moisture from the breathing gas to the dry gas based on the humidity differential.

Abstract: Breathable medical circuit components and materials and methods for forming these components incorporate breathable foamed materials that are permeable to water vapor and substantially impermeable to liquid water and the bulk flow of gases. The materials and methods can be incorporated into a variety of components, including tubes, Y-connectors, catheter mounts, and patient interfaces and are suitable for use in a variety of medical circuits, including insufflation, anesthesia, and breathing circuits.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cover for a massage table face cradle. Specifically, the invention is a fitted face cover for a massage table that further adds an immediate essential oil decongestant element for its user, providing a protective sanitary barrier, and an easy essential oil breathing experience while said user is in a prone (lying face down) position while receiving massage.

Abstract: A control apparatus includes: an acquisition unit configure to acquire first information from a first sensor, the first information including biological information of a user of a bed, the bed including a back section, and a controller configured to determine a timing when the user is to wake up based on the first information. If the user is to wake up, the controller performs at least one of an operation of increasing lightness at the location of the bed and an operation of sending wind toward the bed after increasing an angle of the back section.

Abstract: An anchor system for securing a vascular access device to a patient may include an anchor pad, which may include a lower surface, an upper surface, and a window extending through the anchor pad. The system may also include the vascular access device, which may include a body and a stabilization platform extending from the body. The anchor pad may be coupled to and extend distally from the stabilization platform.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the diagnosis and treatment of urinary incontinence. Th diagnosis and treatment involves the use of a multiple sensor-enabled catheter capable of providing real-time data regarding the patient's physiology, such as urinary flow and muscular function of the bladder sphincter, as well as the position and movement of the catheter within the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments relate to devices and related methods for delivering a composition to a subject. In some embodiments, a device may include a catheter coupled to a handle. The handle may include proximal and distal handle portions that are moveable relative to one another to selectively expose a needle at a distal end of the catheter. The proximal handle portion may include a container coupling and a grip extending proximally from the container coupling.

Abstract: A device includes a base and a tube clamp. The tube clamp is coupled to an upper surface of the base. The assembled tube clamp and base are positioned around a tube and moved into engagement with a surface of a patient, at which point a lower surface of the base is adhered to the surface of the patient to anchor the tube relative to the surface of the patient.

Abstract: A catheter interface protection device can include a shield. The shield can include an open bottom, a transparent upper surface, sidewalls, and a cavity at least partially defined by the bottom, the upper surface, and the sidewalls. The device can include a vent. The device can include a clip, a tether, and a latch. A non-therapeutic method of protecting a catheter interface can include extending a catheter in the subject through a slot in a catheter interface protection device, wrapping the catheter at least partially around a clip of the catheter interface protection device, and securing a latch of the catheter interface protection device around the clip. A device for positioning a subject in a prone position can include a padded area including an opening configured to accommodate a catheter interface protection device.

Abstract: A guide wire configured for use in medical magnetic resonance applications includes a multi-lumen wire composed of an electrically nonconductive plastic material. The wire extends continuously from a proximal end region to a distal end region of the guide wire and has at least two separate, axially extending hollow channels, and/or at least two coaxial wires arranged coaxially one inside another and extending continuously from a proximal end region to a distal end region of the guide wire. An axially alternating sequence of rod-shaped, elastic stiffening pieces composed of an electrically conductive, nonmagnetic material having higher bending stiffness than the plastic material of the multi-lumen wire, and electrically nonconductive spacer pieces, is arranged in at least one of the hollow channels.

Abstract: In accordance with some implementations, various embodiments of a guidewire or catheter having an elongate core wire are provided. The guidewire includes a core wire having a proximal end, a distal end and is defined by an outer surface between the proximal end and the distal end of the core wire. The core wire has a centerline that traverses the length of the core wire from the proximal end to the distal end of the core wire. The core wire includes a proximal region having a first cross sectional dimension and a distal region having a plurality of sections of different cross-sectional dimension that are smaller than the first cross-sectional dimension. The guidewire further includes a coil wrapped around a distal end portion of the core wire.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are medical instrument and medical method for localized drug delivery. The medical instrument can comprise a catheter shaft assembly, a hub coupled to the proximal end of the catheter shaft assembly, an inflatable component at the distal end of the catheter shaft assembly, a tissue penetrating member coupled to the inflatable component in an orientation transverse to the longitudinal axis of the catheter shaft assembly, and at least one protective element coupled to the inflatable component in proximity to the tissue penetrating member. The protective element can be configured to prevent any damage of the inflatable body during a placement of the medical instrument and an actuation of the inflatable component.

Abstract: A dialysis catheter includes a first tubular member having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and an inflation lumen extending at least partially through the first tubular member. The catheter has a balloon at the distal portion of the first tubular member, the balloon being in fluid communication with the inflation lumen. A second tubular member has a proximal portion connected to an outer surface of the first tubular member. The second tubular member has a second lumen extending therethrough, with a second opening connected to the second lumen. A third tubular member has a proximal portion connected to the outer surface of the first tubular member and a distal portion partially detached from the rest of the catheter (e.g., a catheter body) over a first detachment length. The third tubular member has a third lumen extending therethrough with a third opening connected to the third lumen.

Abstract: A drug or agent coated balloon having a length which is adjustable in vivo is described herein. The balloon is configured to be coated or coatable with one or more drugs where the coating may be applied prior to advancement into a patient body or prior to balloon expansion within the patient body. The length of the expandable portion of the balloon is adjustable to approximate a length of the tissue region to be treated. Moreover, the drug-coated balloon may be used alone or it may be utilized to deploy luminal prostheses having one or more linked or otherwise coupled segments.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a medical procedure includes a balloon comprising an inflatable body. A first releasable or frangible connection is provided to maintain the body at a first diameter up to a first inflation pressure, and to release, such as by disconnecting, and thus allow the body to assume a second diameter, such as at a second inflation pressure greater than the first inflation pressure or upon a manual release of the connection by a clinician. Multiple releasable or frangible connections may be provided, including between portions (folds) of the inflatable body of the balloon. This disclosure also pertains to a non-compliant or semi-compliant balloon having a first inflation diameter corresponding to a first range of inflation pressures and a second inflation diameter corresponding to a second inflation pressure greater than the first range of inflation pressures.

Abstract: Described herein are methods and devices for delivering a drug to the frontal sinus system. An inflatable implant is positioned within the frontal sinus system using an anchoring means secured within the frontal sinus cavity. A drug-containing fluid is released directly into the frontal sinus drainage system.

Abstract: A device and system for thermally affecting tissue that includes a balloon catheter with a reduced distal length for ease of navigation and that also includes a balloon that is more resistant to bursting and delamination. The balloon may include a proximal neck generally attached to an elongate body and a distal neck generally attached to a shaft disposed within the elongate body. The distal neck is turned inward to extend within the balloon chamber and the proximal neck may either extend within the chamber or extend proximally away from the balloon chamber. Alternatively, the device may include an inner balloon and an outer balloon, the distal necks of both being turned inward and extending within the inner balloon chamber. The proximal necks may both also be turned inward to extend within the chamber or the proximal neck of the outer balloon may extend away from the balloon chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a gastroretentive drug delivery device having an expandable structure. The drug delivery device includes: a capsule body; an arm moving part movable within the capsule body; an elastic body positioned between one end of the capsule body and the arm moving part and acting to move the arm moving part toward the other end of the capsule body; an arm support part movable within the capsule body; a capsule cap configured to engage the other end of the capsule body; a rail formed within the capsule body; and an arm configured to be unfolded by longitudinal movement of the arm moving part and move along the rail. A disintegrable immediate-release formulation is positioned between the arm moving part and the arm support part. A disintegrable sustained-release formulation is positioned between the arm support part and the capsule cap.

Abstract: The invention provides a composition that more effectively and simply realizes lightening and plumping of lips. Provided is a microneedle array for lips applied locally to lips in order to lighten and/or plump the lips, the microneedle array including a water-soluble polymer, in which a microneedle has a height of 50 ?m to 300 ?m, and a tip of the microneedle is a circle having a diameter of 5 to 150 ?m or a plane having the same area.

Abstract: A tattoo machine is disclosed herein. The tattoo machine comprises at least one brace for supporting the machine on a body part. A base carriage is supported on the brace and is displaceable along a length of the brace. A top carrier is hingeably coupled to the base carriage. A holder plate is displaceably coupled to the top carrier, wherein the displacement of the holder plate within the top carriage is facilitated in a direction along the length of the holder plate. A tattoo applicator is supported at a free end of the holder plate, wherein the tattoo applicator comprises a ball for housing a tip of a needle. One aspect of the tattoo machine is that the depth at which the tattoo applicator operated on a body part is manually adjustable.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a breast nipple areola complex tattoo stencil comprising first, second and third stencil sections. The first stencil section defines an areola area. The second stencil section defines a nipple area and tubercle areas. One or more registration elements on the first and/or second stencil sections enable registration of the second stencil section to the first stencil section. The third stencil section defines one or both of a nipple shading area and a nipple highlight area. One or more registration elements on the third and/or second stencil sections enable registration of the third stencil section to the second stencil section.

Abstract: A cannula tubing having a series of apertures at its distal end, so that the end of the tube is not the only egress point for the payload of the cannula. The cannula tubing is affixed to a base, which is configured to accept an input connector on the end opposing the cannula. The base is configured so that input medication from the connector flows down the cannula. The base is affixed to the patient via adhesive. The perforated cannula distributes the dose of the medication across a wider area. This has been demonstrated to increase uptake rate of some medications (reducing the time to peak absorption rate). Administering medication (such as insulin) over a greater area may lessen unwanted side effects of subcutaneous injecting, such as lipohypertrophy, scarring, or localized drug resistance.

Abstract: Medical connectors, including connectors for fluidly coupling fluid lines are disclosed. Some connectors may be configured for coupling fluid lines together including keying features to enable coupling of connector pairs having corresponding keying features and prevent coupling of connector pairs having non-corresponding keying features.

Abstract: A therapeutic delivery device for medical connectors and tubing can be used to perform an antimicrobial lock procedure. The therapeutic delivery device can include a head portion configured to attach to a medical fluid connector and a distally extending projection configured to be inserted into the medical fluid connector. At least a portion of the projection or an entire surface of the therapeutic delivery device can be coated with antimicrobial material(s), such as chlorhexidine gluconate, and can be in contact with a fluid in a catheter coupled to the medical fluid connector to form an antimicrobial locking solution.

Abstract: Flow stop assemblies are described herein. A flow stop assembly configured to control flow through a tubing includes a flow stop base and a pincher. The flow stop base includes a base wall, at least one pincher guard, a tubing guide, a pincher recess, a pincher protrusion, and a base extension. The pincher is movable relative to the base extension and is configured to move between a flow position and an occlusion position, wherein in the flow position the pincher surface is spaced apart from the pincher protrusion and in the occlusion position, the pincher surface is disposed adjacent to the pincher protrusion and is configured to obstruct flow through the tubing.

Abstract: This document relates to materials and methods for circulatory bypass of a ventricle in the heart of a mammal. For example, materials and methods for bypassing a permanently or temporarily impaired left ventricle in the heart of a mammal (e.g., a human) are provided.

Abstract: A device for circulatory support of the heart with holding means implanted intracardially in the left or right ventricular outflow of the hea by catheter, using an endovascular method, through a femoral access or a percutaneous transventricular, transseptal, transapical or transvenous access, the holding means comprises anchoring means fixed in the subcommissural triangle underneath the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve, in the flow direction of the blood on the ventricular side of the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve, a pump fixed in the holding means by a catheter, using an endovascular method, through a femoral access or a percutaneous transventricular, transseptal, trrulsapical or transvenous access, the pump crulbe inserted releasably into the holding means after the holding means has been fixed by the anchoring means in the subcommissural triangles underneath the aortic valve and the pulmonary valve, or is connected to the collapsible and expandable anchoring means.

Abstract: A device, a kit and a method are presented for permanently augmenting the pump function of the left heart. The basis for the presented innovation is an augmentation of the physiologically up and down movement of the mitral valve during each heart cycle. By means of catheter technique, minimal surgery, or open-heart surgery implants are inserted into the left ventricle, the mitral valve annulus, the left atrium and adjacent tissue in order to augment the natural up and down movement of the mitral valve and thereby increasing the left ventricular diastolic filling and the piston effect of the closed mitral valve when moving towards the apex of said heart in systole and/or away from said apex in diastole.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: A therapeutic electrode component includes a base plate having a first side and a second side having a conductive surface. A repository having an internal volume to releasably retain a conductive fluid is disposed on the first side of the base plate. A rupturable membrane is disposed between the internal volume of the repository and the conductive surface of the base plate. A coupling is disposed on the base plate that is configured to detachably engage a gas charge, whereby the gas charge is detachable from the coupling without causing destruction of the gas charge, to provide a hermetic seal with an outlet of the gas charge, and to provide fluid communication between the internal volume of the repository and the outlet of gas charge when the gas charge is engaged by the coupling. A retainer is configured to detachably secure the gas charge to the base plate.

Abstract: A method for using beauty instrument with mask is provided. The method comprises providing a beauty instrument with mask, the beauty instrument with mask comprises a flexible mask and a controller, the flexible mask includes a plurality of functional layers, each of the plurality of functional layers includes a graphene layer. The method further comprises applying the flexible mask on a user's face, and turning on the controller and selecting a function button on the controller, inputting a current to the plurality of functional layers in the flexible mask, and stimulating face skin with the current.

Abstract: A soft physiotherapy instrument includes a flexible sheet and a controller. The flexible sheet includes a first flexible layer, a second flexible layer, a plurality of functional layers located between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer, and a plurality of electrodes electrically connected with the plurality of functional layers. The functional layer includes a carbon nanotube layer including a plurality of carbon nanotubes uniformly distributed. The flexible sheet is electrically coupled with the controller via the plurality of electrodes. A method for using the soft physiotherapy instrument is further provided.

Abstract: An implantable electrode arrangement includes an electrically insulating carrier structure and an electrically conductive layer including an electrically conductive thin film layer. The electrically conductive thin film layer is structured to form at least one implantable electrode. The at least one implantable electrode has a local fractalization through a self-similar structuring chosen such that a mechanical resonance of the electrode in response to electric excitation with an excitation voltage is minimized.

Abstract: A cochlear implant exomagnet that includes a magnet apparatus and a magnet mount configured to secure the magnet apparatus to a cochlear implant in such a manner that the magnet apparatus is not located within the internal magnet pocket of the cochlear implant.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array from an electrode array blank that includes a flexible body and a plurality of electrically conductive contacts. The method includes the steps of forming a first window in the flexible body that extends through the exterior of the flexible body to a first one of the electrically conductive contacts, the first window defining a first window perimetric center, and forming a second window in the flexible body that extends through the exterior of the flexible body to a second one of the electrically conductive contacts, the second window defining a second window perimetric center that is perimetrically offset from the first window perimetric center when the flexible body is straight and not twisted around the longitudinal axis of the flexible body.

Abstract: A conductive lead apparatus for an implantable medical device includes a first conductor having a first outer diameter and a length, a high-dielectric constant layer having a second outer diameter and disposed around the first outer diameter of the first conductor, and a second conductor disposed around the second outer diameter of the high dielectric constant layer. The first conductor, high dielectric constant layer and the second conductor form a distributed capacitance along the length of the first conductor.

Abstract: A lead (1) for an active implantable medical device comprising: an elongated, biocompatible, electrically non-conductive body (3); a plurality of electrically conductive filaments (5) inside the elongated body (3) to electrically connect electrical connectors (6) to corresponding electrodes (8); and at least one elongated decoy conductor (10) inside the elongated body (3) to electromagnetically couple with the plurality of electrically conductive filaments (5), wherein the at least one decoy conductor (10) has a higher electrical resistance than the plurality of electrical conductive filaments (5) to dissipate energy from currents induced by radio frequencies.

Abstract: A method of treating cancer is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for driving fluid between first and second anatomical sites of a subject is provided, comprising (1) a first electrode, configured to be coupled to the first anatomical site of the subject; (2) a second electrode, configured to be coupled to the second anatomical site of the subject; and (3) a control unit, configured to (i) detect a pressure difference between the first and second anatomical sites, and (ii) in response to the detected pressure difference, drive fluid between the first and second anatomical sites by applying a treatment voltage between the first and second electrodes. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A method for using beauty instrument with mask is provided. The method comprises providing a beauty instrument with mask comprising a flexible mask and a controller, applying the flexible mask of on a user's face, and turning on the controller and selecting a function button on the controller, inputting a current to a plurality of functional layers in the flexible mask, and stimulating face skin with the current.

Abstract: A beauty instrument with mask includes a flexible mask and a controller. The flexible mask includes a first flexible layer, a second flexible layer, a plurality of functional layers located between the first flexible layer and the second flexible layer, and a plurality of electrodes electrically connected with the plurality of functional layers. The functional layer includes a carbon nanotube layer including a plurality of carbon nanotubes uniformly distributed. The flexible mask is electrically coupled with the controller via the plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: The subject matter of the application comprises a method for stimulating a tissue structure by means of an electric field strength. According to the method, an electromagnetic alternating field is generated in an environment of the tissue structure and the electromagnetic alternating field in the tissue structure is concentrated by means of an implanted magnetic structure within the environment. Further examples relate to a system for stimulating a tissue structure by means of an electric field strength with a portable coil device and a magnetic structure implantable on the tissue structure, and a magnetic structure made of a ferrite material for implantation on a tissue structure.

Abstract: A neuromodulation lead that is biased towards a substantially omega shape when fully deployed is provided. The neuromodulation lead includes a left set of electrodes disposed on a left portion of the lead body of the neuromodulation lead and a right set of electrodes disposed on a right portion of the lead body of the neuromodulation lead. The neuromodulation lead can be positioned in the plane between the genioglossus muscle and the geniohyoid muscle.