Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing pathogens near an implant are discussed. In some cases, the methods include reducing contaminants in a portion of a patient that has an implant and that is disposed interior to a closed surface of skin of the patient. The method can further include placing a conduit in the closed surface of skin and flowing an antimicrobial fluid into that portion of the patient to contact the antimicrobial fluid with a surface of the implant and tissue adjacent to the implant. In some cases, the antimicrobial fluid is then removed from the portion of the patient having the implant. As part of this method, biofilm near the implant can be mechanically, ultrasonically, electrically, chemically, enzymatically, or otherwise disrupted. Other implementations are described.

Abstract: A system and method for a salt holding integratable pillow having wool infused with different types of salts, particularly Pharmaceutical grade salt ground into a powder and essential oils that may be integrated into masks, scrubbing sleeves used by athletes and other people for performance, baby toys, cat toys for asthmatic felines, small pillows, pillow cases acting as a salt holding device, feed bag styles having salt holding devices for horses and other animals.

Abstract: A dose delivery device with a mouthpiece having an inlet, an outlet, and an air path extending between the inlet and the outlet. A dose chamber having an opening may hold a dose, e.g., for inhalation by a user. One or more bypass inlets, two or more dispersion chambers, and/or flow arrangements in which incoming and outgoing flow in a dispersion chamber are transverse may be used to disperse a dose for delivery to a user.

Abstract: An atomizer comprises an outer tube, a liquid storing member received in the outer tube, and an atomizing head located at the lower portion of the liquid storing member. A liquid storing cavity is formed in the liquid storing member. An air outlet channel is formed between the outer tube inner wall and the liquid storing member outer wall. An atomizing cavity communicating with the liquid storing cavity and the air outlet channel is formed in the atomizing head. When the liquid tobacco absorbed by the atomizing head is insufficiently atomized, the liquid storing member above the atomizer head acts as a stopper, small smoke droplets can only be released from both sides of the atomizing head, preventing user inhalation of non-atomized liquid. An electronic cigarette having the atomizer is also provided.

Abstract: Methods and/or apparatus automate setting of a pressure ramp to permit pressure to gradually arrive at a treatment pressure such as in the initial or pre-sleep stages of use of a respiratory therapy pressure device for treatment of a respiratory disorder during sleep (e.g., sleep disordered breathing). In an example, apparatus for treating a respiratory disorder may include a breathable gas pressure generating device. The apparatus may include a controller, including a processor(s). The controller may be configured to collect historic sleep onset parameter(s) concerning timing of a patient falling asleep. The apparatus may determine, based on the historic sleep onset parameter(s), a pre-sleep limit. The apparatus may determine a pre-sleep profile of pressure versus time having a duration spanning the pre-sleep limit and having a plurality of ramping sub-therapeutic pressures. The apparatus may control, upon initiation of treatment, setting of the pressure generating device according to the pre-sleep profile.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cover for a housing of a moisture-heat exchanger for laryngectomized and tracheostomized patients, comprising a cover edge and a number of recesses passing through the cover.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present disclosure relate to systems and apparatus for oral interfaces. According to particular embodiments, an oral interface comprises a body comprising a flow channel extending through the body from a first opening to a second opening. A lip commissure hook extends from a first end of the body in a curved configuration, and an intraoral portion extends from the lip commissure hook to form a gap between the intraoral portion and the body. An outer mandibular contact extends from the body. The flow channel extends through the lip commissure hook and the intraoral portion to the first opening and to a second opening located at a second end of the body. The intraoral portion and the outer mandibular contact are configured to apply frictional forces against the user's mandible and cheek to stabilize the oral interface upon the user.

Abstract: Systems and methods permit generation of a digital scan of a user's face such as for obtaining of a patient respiratory mask, or component(s) thereof, based on the digital scan. The method may include: receiving video data comprising a plurality of video frames of the user's face taken from a plurality of angles relative to the user's face, generating a three-dimensional representation of a surface of the user's face based on the plurality of video frames, receiving scale estimation data associated with the received video data, the scale estimation data indicative of a relative size of the user's face, and scaling the digital three-dimensional representation of the user's face based on the scale estimation data. In some aspects, the scale estimation data may be derived from motion information collected by the same device that collects the scan of the user's face.

Abstract: There is provided a respiratory apparatus. The respiratory apparatus comprises a respiratory interface configured to aid a user in respiration and an attachment configured to hold the respiratory interface in position on the face of the user. The respiratory apparatus also comprises at least one electrode configured to provide electrical stimulation to one or more facial muscles of the user.

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

Abstract: A system for reducing airway obstructions of a patient may include a ventilator, a control unit, a gas delivery circuit with a proximal end in fluid communication with the ventilator and a distal end in fluid communication with a nasal interface, and a nasal interface. The nasal interface may include at least one jet nozzle, and at least one spontaneous respiration sensor in communication with the control unit for detecting a respiration effort pattern and a need for supporting airway patency. The system may be open to ambient. The control unit may determine more than one gas output velocities. The more than one gas output velocities may be synchronized with different parts of a spontaneous breath effort cycle, and a gas output velocity may be determined by a need for supporting airway patency.

Abstract: A self-contained re-humidification mask that can be supported in an operative position on a user is provided. The mask has a wall shaped as a moulded domed mask configured to cover the face of a user from the nose to the chin. An endless peripheral edge is shaped and configured to generally anatomically follow the contours of a face of a user to define, with the face of a user, an air pocket. The mask has a single inlet-outlet aperture located generally opposite a position occupied in use by a mouth of a user, and at least one re-humidification assembly located in the inlet-outlet aperture such that it substantially fills the aperture. The re-humidification assembly includes a coil of corrugated hygroscopic paper having an axis of the coil extending in the direction of fluid flow through the inlet-outlet aperture. The re-humidification mask preferably has a wall formed from a non-woven synthetic fibre sheet that is press moulded and heat set to the domed shape.

Abstract: A method for delivering nitric oxide therapy to a subject can include administering a composition including a nitric-oxide releasing agent and silica to the subject and releasing a therapeutic amount of nitric oxide from the composition.

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: Disclosed herein are portable gas delivery systems and therapeutic methods of use. More specifically, the portable gas delivery systems herein include a regulator having an inhalation device, such as a mouthpiece, and is configured to operably couple with removable sealed gas cartridges that comprise a therapeutic gas mixture of either one or more noble gases or nitrous oxide.

Abstract: An inspiratory resistor valve system (IRV) to regulate intrathoracic pressure during positive pressure breathing, spontaneous inspirations, and CPR may include an inspiratory port. The IRV system may include patient port. The IRV system may include a separate expiratory port. The IRV may include a plurality of atmospheric pressure sensitive valves. The plurality of atmospheric pressure sensitive valves may isolate the expiratory port and the inspiratory port from one another.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a sleep mode of a massage chair, which is capable of implementing a sleep mode according to progressive muscle relaxation, and a massage chair for the method is also provided.

Abstract: A method for performing a medical procedure in an intestine of a patient is provided. The method comprises providing a system comprising: a catheter for insertion into the intestine, the catheter comprising: an elongate shaft comprising a distal portion; and a functional assembly positioned on the shaft distal portion and comprising at least one treatment element. The catheter is introduced into the patient, and target tissue is treated with the at least one treatment element. The target tissue comprises mucosal tissue of the small intestine, and the medical procedure can be configured to treat polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Abstract: The invention relates to urinary catheters having a catheter tube with a first connection on the distal end and at least one catheter eye to be positioned in the urinary bladder. The urinary catheters are distinguished in particular in that they may be used problem-free as indwelling catheters. To this end, disposed in the urinary bladder is a reservoir container that is connected via a channel running parallel to the catheter tube to a second connection as distal end of the channel. In addition, the channel is connected to the urethra via at least one opening of the channel wall.

Abstract: A package for a medical device such as an intermittent catheter has a case which is closed at one end and open at the other end. A cap is connected to the case by a hinge to permit selectable movement of the cap between an open position, wherein access is provided to the open end of the case, and a closed position, wherein the cap prevents access to the open end of the case. A seal is connected to one of the cap and case. The seal is engageable with the other of the cap and case when the cap is closed to form a barrier that maintains a sterile environment inside the package. The seal can be repeatedly made and broken whenever the user closes or opens the cap, respectively. The case includes a pair of slots at the open end. A pair of latches are formed in the cap. The latches fit into the slots to prevent lateral forces from distorting the cap when the cap is closed.

Abstract: A coaxial draining tube, particularly for chest draining systems, includes an inner tube, which has a first opening, and an outer tube, which has a second opening. The inner tube is enclosed within the outer tube and has a smaller diameter than the second opening of the outer tube. The first and second tubes are mutually coupled by way of a supporting component and include one or more holes adapted to allow the passage of air from the chest cavity to the first opening of the inner tube and one or more holes adapted to allow the passage of liquids from the chest cavity to the second opening of the outer tube. The one or more holes are provided in the portion of the coaxial draining tube that is intended to be inserted in the chest cavity of a patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a lung are disclosed. The method may include deploying a catheter into an airway of the lung, and discharging a media into the airway through the catheter. The media may be configured to increase elasticity of lung tissue in the vicinity of the airway or occlude the airway.

Abstract: Deflectable apparatus and methods for performing a procedure within a patient's body using such apparatus are provided. Generally, the apparatus includes an elongate tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the proximal and distal ends, a deflectable distal portion including first and second lumens spaced apart from one another on generally opposite sides of the longitudinal axis, and a handle coupled to the proximal end of the tubular member. A pull wire includes a loop disposed within the handle and first and second segments extending from the loop and slidably received in the first and second lumens, respectively, and coupled to the distal end. An actuator is provided on the handle for applying tension to either the first or the second segment to cause a distal portion of the tubular member to deflect, e.g., in opposite directions.

Abstract: Manual insertion device has retraction spring (202) and hollow septum configuration (224) implemented using barrel-shaped guides (108, 110) and a guiding boss (210) in insertion device housing (106), and provides a fluid path through alignment of septum openings, side-port openings and catheter openings upon complete catheter insertion. Button (200) causes manual insertion of introducer needle (204) and catheter (220) of a first barrel (108) into a skin surface, and loading of retraction spring (202) disposed in an adjacent second barrel (110). Once introducer needle (204) and catheter (220) are fully inserted, the introducer needle hub (206) is released and automatically retracted by release of the retraction spring (202), leaving the catheter (220) in the user's body. Septums (218, 224) and side-port openings (216, 228) in the button (200) and introducer needle (204) are thus aligned, creating an uninterrupted fluid path between a reservoir or pump and catheter (220).

Abstract: Needle assemblies are disclosed having a multi-purpose protective cap. The needle assemblies can embody a catheter assembly having a catheter hub and a catheter tube or a hypodermic needle mounted on a needle hub. The multi-purpose cap includes a first section covering the needle and a second section having a base portion for covering a hub, such as a needle hub or a catheter hub. The first section and the second section are separable from one another along a detachment line and the second section is re-useable as a securement device.

Abstract: A safety balloon catheter includes a catheter having a stretch valve, a connector, a balloon inflated with an inflation fluid, a hollow inflation lumen extending through the catheter to the balloon and conveying inflation fluid thereto and therefrom, a hollow second lumen, and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon to the second lumen. The stretch valve has a hollow base fixed in the second lumen at a proximal catheter end and shaped to permit a fluid therethrough and a hollow plug slidably positioned in the second lumen at a given distance from the base to, in a steady state, prevent inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port and, when actuated, slide within the second lumen to permit inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the second lumen. The connector connects the base and the plug and has a length greater than the given distance.

Abstract: An implantable intracranial pulse pressure modulator for treating hydrocephalus in patients of all ages is disclosed as well as a system and method for use of the same. In one embodiment of the implantable intracranial pulse pressure modulator, two one-way valves are interposed in parallel, opposing orientations between a vestibule and a chamber. One of the one-way valves, in response to systole, provides fluid communication from the vestibule to the chamber such that a small aliquot of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is displaced from a cerebral ventricle into a ventricular catheter, thereby reducing intraventricular systolic pressure. The other one-way valve, in response to diastole, provides fluid communication from the chamber to the vestibule such that the same volume of CSF is reintroduced into a cerebral ventricle, thereby increasing intraventricular diastolic pressure. Together, both processes work synergistically to reduce intraventricular pulse pressure in order to treat hydrocephalus.

Abstract: A medication delivery device for treatment of a pulmonary disorder in a patient includes an elongate member, an expandable member is coupled to a distal end of the elongate member, and an agent delivery portion coupled to an external surface of the expandable member. The agent delivery portion includes an agent that disrupts nerve activity.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to apparatus, assemblies, combinations, and methods for infusing fluids by hollow microneedles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for creating microneedle arrays capable of delivering a suitable drug dosages to subjects are provided. In one aspect, a method comprises creating at least one forming mold using laser ablation in a cross-over line pattern. The method further comprises casting a first material onto the at least one forming mold to create at least one microneedle mold. The method further comprises casting a second material onto the at least one microneedle mold to create at least one hollow microneedle.

Abstract: The invention includes catheters that have therapeutic agent- and therapeutic energy-delivery capability. In particular embodiments, the catheters include only a single therapeutic energy transducer that is configured to deliver energy to over half of the circumference of the catheter. The therapeutic catheters of the invention allow for faster and more effective thrombus removal because of the simultaneous delivery of therapeutic agents and energy.

Abstract: Provided is a tube joining apparatus that allows a user to easily and properly set tubes to be joined, and can prevent occurrence of joining failures due to tube setting errors. A tube joining apparatus 1 includes a housing 10, a lid 22 relatively movable toward and away from the housing, a tube holding part 23 that holds a first tube T1 and a second tube T2 individually in a state of being placed side by side in an oblique direction D1 with respect to a height direction Z of the housing, and a tube pressing part 25 that presses the first tube and the second tube against each other as the lid relatively moves toward the housing.

Abstract: A blood pump (1) comprises a pump casing (2) having a blood flow inlet (5) and a blood flow outlet (6) connected by a passage (7), and an impeller (3) arranged in said pump casing (2) so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation (9). The impeller (2) is provided with blades (4) sized and shaped for conveying blood along the passage (7) from the blood flow inlet (5) to the blood flow outlet (6), the impeller (3) being rotatably supported in the pump casing (2) by at least one bearing (10, 20). A surface of the impeller (3) faces a surface of the pump casing (2) spaced from said surface of the impeller (3) by a clearance (31), the clearance (31) being in fluid connection with the passage (7) at a clearance transition point (36). In order to wash out the clearance, at least one wash out channel (30) extends through the impeller (3) and is in fluid connection with the passage (7) via a first opening (34) and with the clearance (31) via a second opening (35).

Abstract: A catheter including a cage having a distal and proximal sleeves and filaments running between sleeves and an actuation portion comprises a base part that is movement-coupled with the inner catheter in the axial direction and an actuation part that can be moved relative to the base part in the axial direction and is guided in or on the base part, the outer catheter's proximal end having the actuation part and the outer catheter's distal end having the proximal sleeve are movement-coupled in the axial direction such that when moving the actuation part away from the base part, the proximal sleeve is moved toward the distal sleeve, the actuation part comprises an inlet for irrigation fluid to be transferred to bearing points of the conveying element, and the base part has an outlet for irrigation fluid coming from the bearing points.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient having symptoms of restless legs syndrome (RLS) or Periodic Limb Movement Disorder (PLMD) using high-frequency stimulation by applying a high-frequency pulsed electrostimulation therapy signal to a peroneal nerve or a branch thereof, where the therapy signal is above a motor threshold of a muscle innervated by the peroneal nerve or branch thereof. Surface EMG (sEMG) response to neurostimulation can be used to evaluate patient responsivity to neurostimulation, or to evaluate neurostimulation efficacy, such as to compare various neurostimulation parameter settings and to select between such settings to meet or balance between one or more goals. The sEMG response can be obtained with the muscle at rest, or during muscle activation.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation device where the innervation of the external ear canal is transcutaneously stimulated for treatment of neurological diseases. More particularly, an electrostimulation device having a cylindrical ear insert the surface of which contains at least one electrode being provided with a stimulation end adapted to be transcutaneously attached to the innervation of the external ear canal of a human. The electro-stimulation device is configured to stimulate anterior, superior, posterior or inferior positions of the external ear canal to stimulate simultaneously, sequentially or separately the trigeminal nerve, facial nerve, vagus nerve or glossopharyngeal nerve of the external ear canal.

Abstract: An electrostimulation device comprising an electrode coupler configured as an earbud, the earbud shaped to form fit inside an ear canal of a human ear and composed of a pliable material that conforms to the ear canal when inserted therein, the pliable material forming at least two electrostimulation electrodes, each electrostimulation electrode conductively connected to a conductive lead adapted to receive a nerve electrostimulation signal, and the earbud adapted to transmit the nerve electrostimulation signal through the electrostimulation electrodes from the conductive leads to tissue within the ear canal when disposed therein.

Abstract: A metal ring for installation as an electrode on a microcable includes an elongated ring having an internal lumen, a middle portion partially collapsed into the internal lumen and adapted to puncture a sheath of the microcable when the middle portion is crimped around the microcable, and two end portions surrounding the middle portion.

Abstract: A system and method for implanting devices into biological tissue (e.g., brain tissue). The system may include a biocompatible probe, an integrated circuit (IC) chip tethered to the probe, a cartridge comprising a temporary attachment surface by which the probe is removably coupled to the cartridge and a fastener for removably coupling the IC chip to the cartridge, a needle to reversibly engage with the probe, a robotic arm to hold the needle, a camera, and a microprocessor controller. The microprocessor controller may control the robotic arm and the needle using the to remove the probe from the temporary attachment surface using the needle, pierce the biological tissue with the needle and the probe, withdraw the needle while leaving the probe within the biological tissue; and detach the IC chip from the cartridge, leaving the IC chip with the biological tissue, the IC chip still tethered to the probe.

Abstract: A device for electrical stimulation of one or more components of the periodontal complex and surrounding tissue of a tooth, for uses such as reducing orthodontic pain and encouraging tooth movement, has electrodes of a rigid, electrically conductive material in a fixed spatial relationship configured for application to oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along a periodontal ligament of, a root structure of a single tooth. An electrical circuit is configured for electrical connection to the at least two electrodes. The electrical circuit has an output providing a subsensory electrical stimulus comprising a waveform in accordance with predetermined stimulation parameters. After the electrodes are applied to the oral mucosa and attached gingiva adjacent to, and along the periodontal ligament of, a root structure of the tooth, a switch, when activated, activates the electrical circuit to output the electrical stimulus through the at least two electrodes.

Abstract: An introducing device for locating a tissue region and deploying an electrode is shown and described. The introducing device may include an outer sheath. An inner sheath may be disposed within the outer sheath. The inner sheath may be configured to engage an implantable electrode. In an example, the inner sheath may comprise a stimulation probe having an uninsulated portion at or near a distal end of the delivery sheath. The outer sheath may be coupled to a power source or stimulation signal generating circuitry at a proximal end. A clinician may control application of the stimulation signal to a tissue region via the outer sheath.

Abstract: Certain substances (e.g., large molecules) that ordinarily cannot traverse the cell membrane of cells can be introduced into cells by applying an alternating electric field to the cell for a period of time, wherein the frequency of the alternating electric field is selected so that application of the alternating electric field increases permeability of the cell membrane. Once the permeability of the cell membrane has been increased, the substance is able to cross the cell membrane. This approach is particularly useful in the context of cancer cells (e.g., glioblastoma).

Abstract: Apparatus for electrical stimulation includes a garment, including an elastic knitted fabric, which is shaped and sized to fit snugly over a part of a body of a human subject, and at least one electrode, which includes an electrically-conductive yarn interknitted with the elastic knitted fabric in a predefined location so as to make electrical contact with a skin surface of the human subject when the garment is worn on the body. Stimulation circuitry is configured to apply an alternating electrical current to the at least one electrode.

Abstract: A stimulation probe includes a proximal end connector and a flexible wire coupled to the end connector. A handle is coupled to the wire and a needle extends from the handle and terminates at a conductive tip.

Abstract: A method for operating an external component of a cochlear implant hearing system. The external component includes a speech processor module operable in a stand-alone mode of operation and a body-worn mode of operation, and a protective case. The method includes operating the speech processor module in the stand-alone mode, determining when the speech processor module is mounted in the case, and operating the speech processor module in the body-worn mode in response to determining that the speech processor module is mounted in the case.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method implementing a speech strategy based on zero crossing behavior of speech time waveforms; the zero crossing containing both spectral and temporal speech information. This method uses temporal information of speech to activate electrodes instead of spectral information; maps temporal segment durations to spatial durations along the basilar membrane inside the cochlea; and provides instantaneous, continuous information about speech to electrodes that stimulate the auditory nerve. Timing of oval window mechanical motion is represented by zero crossings which are used to activate electrodes implanted inside the cochlea. Motion of the tympanic membrane, and the oval and round windows, follow the speech signal temporal waveform. Positive segments of the temporal waveform cause inward displacement of the oval membrane from its stationary position and negative segments causes outward retraction of the membranes.

Abstract: A method of forming an electrode array includes the steps of positioning a workpiece on a mold part, compressing the workpiece into the mold part to form a contact, and introducing resilient material into the mold part to form a flexible body.

Abstract: A cochlear including a housing, an antenna, a stimulation processor operably connected to the antenna, and an electrode array, operably connected to the stimulation processor, including a flexible body defining a longitudinal axis, a proximal region and a distal region, a plurality of electrically conductive contacts on the flexible body, and at least one stiffener within the flexible body.

Abstract: Devices and methods to deliver microcurrent stimulation therapy to the human body, when connected to a micro-stimulation current-generating apparatus. The method of applying microcurrent stimulation therapy to key points around the eye for treatment of problems such as macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa, glaucoma, optic neuritis and other eye-related or nerve-related conditions, as well as other diseases, such as Bell's Palsy, requiring localized stimulation to the eyes and/or on other body parts.

Abstract: A method for enhancing muscle function of skeletal muscles in connection with a planned spine surgery intervention in a patient's back is provided. The method includes implanting one or more electrodes in or adjacent to tissue associated with one or more skeletal muscles within a back of a patient, the one or more electrodes in electrical communication with a pulse generator programmed for enhancing muscle function of the one or more skeletal muscles. Electrical stimulation is delivered, according to the programming during a time period associated with the planned spine surgery intervention, from the pulse generator to the tissue associated with the one or more skeletal muscles via the one or more electrodes, thereby improving neuromuscular control system performance of the one or more spine stabilizing muscles in connection with the planned spine surgery intervention to reduce the patient's recovery time associated with the planned spine surgery intervention.