Abstract: A ventilator system for a patient includes: an intubation tube configured to flow oxygen-enriched humidified air (OHA) toward patient lungs and to evacuate exhaust air exhaled from the lungs, the intubation tube includes: a distal end, configured to be inserted into patient trachea, and a proximal end, configured to be connected to tubes for receiving the OHA and evacuating the exhaust air; a first microgravity sensor, coupled to the intubation tube at a first position, and configured to produce a first signal indicative of a first micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the first position; a second microgravity sensor, coupled to the intubation tube at a second different position, and configured to produce a second signal indicative of a second micro-acceleration of the intubation tube at the second position; and a processor, configured to control the ventilation system to apply a ventilation scheme responsively to the first and second signals.

Abstract: A respiratory mask includes a mask body having a face-engaging portion, and at least one retaining member connected to the mask body and including at least one engaging member for receiving and tethering a liner to the respiratory mask to generally overlie the face-engaging portion. The retaining member may include a flexible elongated body having a central portion and opposing ends, and a bottom surface arranged to be attached to the respiratory mask. The liner may include a liner body constructed from an absorbent material and having an outer edge, an inner edge, and an opening bounded by the inner edge, wherein an extending portion of the liner body is defined which extends outwardly beyond the face-engaging portion and includes at least one aperture for engaging the retaining member. A kit for use with a respiratory mask includes at least one liner and at least one retaining member.

Abstract: A headgear assembly includes a first arm member and a second arm member each having a first end and a second, opposing end. The first end of the first arm member has a structure sized and configured to engage a first rotation-resistant coupling of a frame in a manner which prohibits rotation of the first arm member with respect to the frame in a first plane in which the first arm member is located. The first end of the second arm member has a structure sized and configured to engage a second rotation-resistant coupling of the frame in a manner which prohibits rotation of the second arm member with respect to the frame in a second plane in which the second arm member is located. The assembly further includes a strap member coupled to the first and second arm members.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a nasal prong assembly including a pair of nasal prongs structured to sealingly communicate with nasal passages of a patient's nose in use and headgear to maintain the nasal prong assembly in a desired position on the patient's face. The headgear includes side straps and rigidizers provided to respective side straps. Each rigidizer includes a first end portion that provides a connector structured to engage a respective end of the nasal prong assembly and an inwardly curved protrusion in the form of a cheek support that curves inwardly of the connector. The cheek support is adapted to follow the contour of the patient's cheek and guide a respective end portion of the side strap into engagement with the patient's cheek to provide a stable cheek support.

Abstract: A connection assembly for a respiratory therapy system, comprising: an outlet assembly, said outlet assembly including an outlet housing and a swivelling disc located on said outlet housing, said outlet housing and said swivelling disc defining, at least in part, a recess; an outlet connector located at an end of a tube portion, said outlet connector including an electrical connector; and a cable having a first end to connect to the electrical connector and a second end to connect to at least one electrical component of the respiratory therapy system, said cable having a slack portion, wherein said outlet connector and said swivelling disc are rotatable in unison between a first position and a second position, and wherein the slack portion of the cable extends from the recess and wraps around the swivelling disc as the swivelling disc is rotated from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: A portable oxygen concentrator retrofit system and method in which an existing portable oxygen concentrator may be retrofitted to output an enriched oxygen gas at a flow rate suitable for use in a patient ventilation system without the need for an external source of compressed gas.

Abstract: A reusable respirator including a mask adapted for covering and conforming to the face around the nose and a mouth of a user, a strap configured to secure the mask to a face of the user, and a filter component. All components of the respirator are capable of being cleaned, disinfected and sterilized at temperatures in excess of 50° C. An outer surface of the mask is substantially smooth and wettable for easily disinfecting and is shaped with a pair of outer shield portions for housing particulate air filters. The outer shield portions each include a closeable vent through the outer surface that is adapted to provide a user seal check and direct air flow through the outer surface for filtering by the respective particulate air filter, which is adapted to filter at least 95% of airborne particles.

Abstract: A ventilation system including a ventilator having a cooling fan configured reduce an internal temperature of the ventilator. The ventilator also includes a controller configured to control operation of the ventilator. A detector is configured to generate a detection signal when the ventilator is connected to a cold passover humidification (CPH) device. In response to the detection signal, the ventilator reduces or eliminates operation of the cooling fan in comparison to a default mode of operation. A method of providing increasing a temperature of a flow of air to a CPH device is also included.

Abstract: A tub is configured to contain a supply of water and is configured to be inserted into a chamber of a humidifier. The tub includes a tub base configured to contain the supply of water. The tub also includes a tub lid and a flow plate provided between the tub base and the tub lid. The flow plate includes a water level indicator configured to indicate a level of the supply of water in the tub base. In addition, the water level indicator includes a generally rectangular portion and a generally triangular portion.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel compositions, devices, patches, systems and methods that are useful for estimating, determining, modulating and/or improving the sleep/wake and/or circadian phase of a subject (e.g., a human subject) by the dispensing of measured quantities of agents to a subject or into an environment of the subject and the continuous monitoring and/or tracking of the subject's consciousness (e.g., sleep/wake) patterns. In certain aspects, the compositions, devices, patches, systems and methods disclosed herein are capable of delivering one or more agents to a subject in response to measured consciousness patterns estimations and circadian phase estimations, thereby aligning the subject's circadian biology to the external environment and improving the quality and duration of sleep.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for a vibration-masking device for use in the bed emits sufficient vibration to mask ambient vibrations and aid in sleep and relaxation. Low frequency vibrations also help reduce the risk of deep vein thrombosis, also referred to as DVT. The apparatus is designed to be cooled so as to avoid overheating when used in the bed or in upholstered furniture.

Abstract: A female urinary catheter deployment device includes a housing, an inner tip, an outer tip, a catheter, and an actuator. The outer tip is moved into the vicinity of the urethral opening of a female urethra. The outer tip is then moved from a closed condition to an open condition so as to expose a proximal end of the inner tip and position the proximal end of the inner tip within the urethra. The actuator is then moved with respect to the housing so as to proximally advance a proximal end of the catheter through and out of the proximal end of the inner tip and into the urethra. The proximal end of the catheter is further advanced through the urethra and into the bladder so as to drain urine from the bladder, through the catheter, and out of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a steerable guidewire and a method for manufacturing the same, and a steerable catheter and a method for manufacturing the same. According to an aspect of the present invention, a steerable guidewire, which is inserted into a catheter and guides the catheter to a desired blood vessel, may include: a steerable tip part that can be bent in at least two stages due to a stimulus from the outside and that is steered in a predetermined direction; and a non-steerable tip part that is not steerable. The steerable tip part may include: a first steerable tip part having a first length and bent in a first angle with respect to the non-steerable tip part; and a second steerable tip part having one end connected to the first steerable tip part, having a second length, and bent and steered into a second angle with respect to the non-steerable tip part. The first steerable tip part may be positioned farther from the non-steerable tip part than the second steerable tip part.

Abstract: User interface devices, systems, and methods can be used for selectively bending of, altering the bend characteristics of, and/or altering the lengths of catheter bodies, guidewires, steerable trocars, and other flexible structures inserted into a patient during use. Optionally, a housing is coupled to a proximal end of a catheter, and movement of the housing by a hand of a system user is sensed and used as a movement command for articulation of the catheter. Alternatively, a sensor can be coupled to an elongate flexible body flexing outside of the patient so as to alter bending of a catheter within the patient. Movements generated through a combination of manual manipulation and powered articulations are facilitated.

Abstract: The teachings herein relate to devices for insertion into a cavity, opening or other passageway that requires the bending of the device to conform to a curved or even tortuous shape of the path. The devices include axial support components for translating forces for moving the device forward in the path. The axial support components preferably include adjacent components capable of rocking for tilting the device in one or more directions. The device preferably includes one or more lateral support components for limiting any lateral motion of an axial support component relative to an adjacent axial support component.

Abstract: A catheter includes a handle and an elongate member extending from the handle. The catheter may also include steering system coupled to the handle. The steering system may be configured to deflect at least a portion of the elongate member in at least one direction. The catheter may also include a locking mechanism configured to lock the portion of the elongate member in a deflected configuration, and a lever coupled to the handle. The lever may be configured to move from a first position to a second position to engage the locking mechanism. The lever may also be configured to be separably retained at least at one of the first position or the second position to prevent movement therebetween.

Abstract: Disclosed are a multi-guidewire balloon dilatation catheter structure, a dilatation catheter mechanism and a medical device. The multi-guidewire balloon dilatation catheter comprises a balloon, a first guidewire channel, a second guidewire channel and a third guidewire channel. The first guidewire channel is at least partially passed through the balloon. The second guidewire channel is at least partially located at the distal end of the balloon. The third guidewire channel is at least partially located at the proximal end of the balloon. In the multi-guidewire balloon dilatation catheter structure of this embodiment, each guidewire channel can be used for accommodating the guidewire by providing the first guidewire channel and the second/third guidewire channel to assemble various devices on the single catheter of the present invention, thereby realizing simultaneous execution of device guidance, plaque cutting, guidewire anchoring, etc. The structure is simple and good in use effect.

Abstract: Aspects of this disclosure relate to catheter assemblies, that include an inner tube component, an outer tube component that fits over the inner tube component, and a disposable layer of film that isolates the otherwise fluid-exposed portions of the catheter from the fluid it drains. This disposable film can be removed at regular intervals and obviates the need for catheter exchanges as the isolating disposable film, rather than the catheter itself, is removed. The principal characteristic of the disposable film is that it is relatively impermeable to fluid, for example, bodily fluids.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon catheter, in particular for the widening of stents in fenestrations and for T-branch protheses, being provided with a balloon (4), a supply line in the catheter (2) leading to the balloon (4), which allows the balloon (4) to be pressurized, and a central lumen (3) for a guidewire, with the balloon (4) in the expanded state having at least two areas (P, D, M) of different diameter, with these areas merging into one another by forming a step.

Abstract: The subject guide catheter extension/pre-dilatation system includes an outer delivery sheath, an inner member extending within the sheath, and a mechanism for engagement/disengagement of the inner member to/from the sheath. The inner member is configured with a tapered distal tip having a delivery micro-catheter and a pre-dilatation balloon member attached to the tapered distal tip in proximity to the micro-catheter. The outer delivery sheath and the inner member are modified for different engagement/disengagement mechanisms operation. The delivery micro-catheter provides for an improved crossability for the balloon member to the treatment site in an atraumatic, expedited and convenient fashion. During the cardiac procedure, a guidewire and a guide catheter are advanced to the vicinity of the treatment site within a blood vessel.

Abstract: Implantable gas delivery device and methods, systems, and devices including same. According to one embodiment, the implantable gas delivery device includes a porous core that permits facile transport of gas throughout its open volume. The porous core has sufficiently high tensile strength to withstand pressurization without significant deformation. The porous core is generally planar and is shaped to include a pair of opposing surfaces and a periphery. Diffusion membranes are fixed to the two opposing surfaces of the porous core. A gas supply tube has one end inserted into the porous core and another end connectable to a gas source. The periphery of the porous core is sealed gas-tight, either with a gasket or by sealing the porous core and/or diffusion membranes. The device may be used to deliver a gas to an implanted cell capsule or to native cells or tissues or may be used to expel waste gas.

Abstract: A delivery vehicle for a silver ion source such as silver nitrate and the like, suitable for use in the treatment of menorrhagia, comprises a plurality of beads bearing a tissue cauterizing amount of a silver ion source. In some embodiments, the silver ion source is silver nitrate, in combination with a binder of hydroxy propyl cellulose and a diluent of potassium nitrate. In some embodiments, the plurality of beads is useful in treating menorrhagia of a mammalian uterus. Silver ions are delivered in a sufficient amount to the endometrium to cause necrosis of the endometrial tissue.

Abstract: The method for a skin treatment using a first snail on a human patient includes placing the first snail on a first surface to allow the first snail to attach itself to the first surface. The method further includes projecting a first predetermined amount of a first agent onto the first snail with to cause the first snail to secrete a liquid on the first surface. The method further includes administering the secreted liquid over a surface of a skin of a portion of a body of the human patient.

Abstract: The sheet mask includes multiple battery parts arranged such that electric currents flow along mimic muscles or flows of lymph. This allows an active ingredient to penetrate into in-body tissues more effectively and also allows the mimic muscles and the lymphatic vessels to be electrically stimulated. Forming the battery parts by using materials with low environmental load allows easy disposal of the sheet mask in everyday life.

Abstract: An application kit according to one embodiment includes: a cartridge including a sheet member; and an applicator being connectable to the cartridge. The cartridge includes a bending portion configured to bend the sheet member and a cartridge-side connector configured to be detachably connected to the applicator. The applicator includes: an applicator body; an applicator-side connector provided to a bottom portion of the applicator body; a cap provided above the applicator body and being movable along a height direction of the applicator body; and an elastic member extending along the height direction between the applicator body and the cap and configured to apply, to the cap, an elastic force that acts in a direction away from the bottom portion.

Abstract: Provided is a microneedle patch comprising a substrate part and multiple needle parts protruding from the substrate part. The substrate part consists of a diffusion-proof layer and a base, and each needle part consists of a needle tip, a diffusion-proof layer and a base. The diffusion-proof layer of each needle part is formed between the needle tip and the base of the corresponding needle part. The diffusion-proof layer of the substrate part and the diffusion-proof layer of needle part are one-piece structures, and so are the base of the substrate part and the base of the needle part. The diffusion-proof layer of the microneedle patch can prevent the active ingredients from diffusing to the base, limit the active ingredients to the needle tip and control the carrying quantity thereof.

Abstract: Needle modules and associated methods. A needle module includes a module housing and a needle assembly operatively supported within the module housing. The module housing extends along a housing axis and includes a housing tip with a tip outlet. The needle assembly includes a drive bar extending at least partially along a drive bar axis and a needle grouping extending from the drive bar at least partially along a needle grouping axis and contacting the housing tip at a needle grouping contact location and at an angle relative to the housing tip at the needle grouping contact location. In examples, a method of assembling a needle module includes preparing a needle assembly that includes a needle grouping and a drive bar and installing the needle assembly within a module housing such that the needle grouping contacts the module housing at a needle grouping contact location.

Abstract: A method for thrombus detection comprising employing an elongate tube having at least one opening at a distal end of the elongate tube. A coupling is attached or formed at the proximal end of the elongate tube. The detection of the presence of a thrombus is performed by using a syringe to withdraw blood through the at least one thrombus detection opening at the distal end of the elongate tube. If little or no blood is withdrawn, or if the withdrawal of blood is more difficult than expected, the presence of a thrombus obstructing the openings is indicated.

Abstract: A cleaning device is configured access and remove fluid from and dry a moat region defined by a hub of a medical connector, thereby minimizing the potential for bacterial growth in the hub. The cleaning device takes the form of an absorbent block which can be inserted into the moat by extending about a central male fitting and into a gap between the male fitting and the inner wall of a female hub of the medical connector. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the block takes the form of a tubular cylinder particularly configured for use on ENFit medical connectors wherein the absorptive feature of the cleaning device can be employed alone or in combination with another cleaning tool used to first remove any existing dried and caked solution in the hub before removing residual cleaning fluid from the moat.

Abstract: A pumping system comprising a pump comprising a door for access within a housing of the pump, a pump segment configured for conveying a fluid based on compression of the pump segment, a pump segment frame for preventing said pump segment from stretching, a visual placement indicator configured for facilitating in a proper placement of the pump segment frame in the housing, and a non-pinching valve configured to be disposed in the housing and to control a flow of the fluid without requiring pinching of a tube.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for long-term assisting the left ventricle of a heart to pump blood is disclosed which includes at least one transluminally deliverable pump and a transluminally deliverable support structure which secures the at least one pump within the aorta for long-term use.

Abstract: An external power transmitter of an implanted medical device system such as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) system and a method therefore are provided. According to one aspect, a method includes transitioning from applying a first external coil current limit to applying a second external coil current limit to limit current of an external coil coupled to the external power transmitter, the transitioning being based on at least one of an intent to enter a free mode of operation of the implanted medical device system, an existence of an alarm condition, and an existence of transcutaneous energy transfer system (TETS) power transfer.

Abstract: A tremor suppression device includes a garment wearable on an anatomical region and including electrodes contacting the anatomical region when the garment is worn on the anatomical region, and an electronic controller configured to: detect electromyography (EMG) signals as a function of anatomical location and time using the electrodes; identify tremors as a function of anatomical location and time based on the EMG signals; and apply neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) at one or more anatomical locations as a function of time using the electrodes to suppress the identified tremors.

Abstract: When electrodes are used to impose an electric field in target tissue within an anatomic volume (e.g., to apply TTFields to treat a tumor), the position of the electrodes can be optimized by generating a 3D map of electrical conductivity or resistivity of the anatomic volume. A location of the target tissue within the anatomic volume is identified, and a dipole is added to the 3D map at a location that corresponds to the target tissue. positions for the electrodes that maximize a potential attributable to the dipole are determined based on the 3D map of electrical conductivity or resistivity and the location of the dipole.

Abstract: A sensing and stimulation system includes a central hub, and a plurality of flexible arms extending from the central hub. Each of the arms includes at least one electrode and at least one sensor. Each of the arms is configured to perform sensing and stimulation including electrically stimulating biological material, and sensing biological responses and changes. The system includes a port configured to be alternatively connected to a remote control module for wireless operation of the system and a leaded connector for wired operation of the system.

Abstract: Systems and methods for stimulating the sensory cortex of an individual by obtaining a neuronal stimulation signal adapted to provide a movement cue for the individual and transmitting the neuronal stimulation signal to an electric contact of a neuronal stimulation electrode that is already implanted into the brain of the individual for a purpose different from providing the movement cue. Proprioceptive information is communicated to the individual by obtaining information about the body posture of the individual and applying a neuronal stimulation signal to an afferent axon targeting a sensory neuron in the cortex of the individual. The neuronal stimulation signal is determined based on the obtained body posture information and corresponds to the proprioceptive information. A first neuronal stimulation signal providing the movement cue and a second neuronal stimulation signal providing the proprioceptive information may be applied together to the cortex of the individual.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a clinician programmer device for controlling a deep brain stimulation (DBS) system is adapted to assist a clinician to conduct an electrode screening review for the DBS system including screening of segmented electrodes. The clinician programmer stores software code for conducting a screening review in memory. The software code may comprise: code for providing one or more interface screens for guiding the user of the device through testing of electrode configurations of the implantable stimulation lead, wherein the code for providing applies at least one testing progression for guiding the user of the device through a defined testing order.

Abstract: A temporary pacing lead has an atraumatic curled distal region with multiple cathodes and distal pressure measurement to allow positioning and repositioning within the heart chamber without fluoroscopic or echo guidance. The curled distal region provides definite contact with two opposing walls of the ventricular chamber to ensure electrical signal capture without trauma to the endocardial surface. A stylet located in the pacing lead lumen assists in introducing, placing, and removing the pacing lead from the heart. The flexible distal region provides safe removal of the temporary lead following completion of use.

Abstract: A medical electrical lead having a conductor assembly covered by an insulating layer, and a shield covering positioned adjacent or proximate to at least a portion of the insulating layer in order to shield the conductor assembly from one or more electromagnetic fields. The shield covering is formed of a polymer-matrix composite. The polymer-matrix composite includes a polymeric resin having discontinuous conductive fillers provided therein. The discontinuous conductive fillers include one or more of nano-sized metal structures and nano-sized non-metallic conductive structures. The nano-sized non-metallic conductive structures can have a coating formed of one or more metals. The nano-sized non-metallic conductive structures can be formed of carbon. In turn, the nano-sized non-metallic conductive structures can include one or more of carbon nanofibers, carbon filaments, carbon nanotubes, and carbon nanoflakes.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and apparatuses for an Electronic skin rejuvenating device.

Abstract: A method for variable electrostimulative behavior modification includes sensing placement of a first anatomical portion of a body in contact to a surface of a target object adapted for behavior modification with a multiplicity of electrostimulative end points coupled to an energy source. The method additionally includes delivering an electrical neurostimulus through one of the end points nearest to the placement of the first anatomical portion in proximity to the surface the electrical neurostimulus including a waveform promoting a modification of behavior associated with the placement of the first anatomical portion in proximity to the surface. Thereafter, an anomalous characteristic of the sensed placement indicating a failure to modify the behavior may be detected and a profile of the waveform of the electrical neurostimulus changes to a different waveform in response to the anomalous characteristic of the sensed placement.

Abstract: An access control unit having a novel structure and arrangement, including a first layer comprising an electrostimulation contact interface, a second layer including a biometric sensor coupled to the electrostimulation contact interface, and a third layer including a microprocessor unit in communication with the electrostimulation contact interface. The second layer is sandwiched between the first layer and the third layer. The electrostimulation contact interface comprises one or more anode/cathode arrays configured to deliver neurostimulative excitations to the electrostimulation contact interface to elicit behavior modification.

Abstract: A sinus treatment device and methods of operating the sinus treatment device that include an enhanced conductive tip and at least one return electrode are disclosed.

Abstract: An electrical stimulation system that provides for transtympanic stimulation of the inner ear that can be used for safely and effectively treating tinnitus. The electrical stimulation system of the present invention may be fully implantable or partially implantable. The system features an electrode placed on the round window membrane. An external portion provides the power to the electrode, which can stimulate the inner ear via the round window as needed by the patient. The present invention also features methods of treating tinnitus using the electrical stimulation system described herein.

Abstract: An exemplary scalar translocation detection system detects a first evoked response occurring in response to acoustic stimulation applied to a cochlear implant patient. The system detects the first evoked response by way of an electrode configuration disposed on an electrode lead while the electrode configuration is positioned at a first location along an insertion path of the electrode lead into a cochlea of the patient. The system further detects, by way of the electrode configuration while it is positioned at a second location along the insertion path, a second evoked response occurring in response to additional acoustic stimulation applied to the patient. The system further determines an amplitude change and/or a phase change between the first and second evoked responses, and then determines whether a scalar translocation of the electrode lead from one scala of the cochlea to another has occurred based on the amplitude change and/or the phase change.

Abstract: A system and method for applying stimulation therapy to a patient, the system including a first stimulation strip that includes a first elongated portion configured to be placed on the upper eyelid of the first eye of the patient and a second elongated portion configured to be placed on the lower eyelid of the first eye of the patient, wherein the first stimulation strip includes: a first plurality of individually controlled electrodes configured to deliver a microcurrent stimulation therapy to the patient, a first plurality of individually controlled light emitters configured to deliver light stimulation therapy to the patient, and a first plurality of individually controlled heat sources configured to deliver heat therapy to the patient; and a controller operatively coupled to the first stimulation strip and configured to control delivery of the microcurrent stimulation therapy, the light stimulation therapy, and the heat therapy.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems for treating epilepsy by stimulating a main trunk of a vagus nerve, or a left vagus nerve, when the patient has had no seizure or a seizure that is not characterized by cardiac changes such as an increase in heart rate, and stimulating a cardiac branch of a vagus nerve, or a right vagus nerve, when the patient has had a seizure characterized by cardiac changes such as a heart rate increase.

Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, methods, apparatus, and systems useful for ameliorating impulse control disorders known to be extremely disabling and common to many neurological and psychiatric conditions using closed-loop (responsive) neuro stimulation.

Abstract: An electrode lead comprises an electrically insulative cuff body and at least three axially aligned electrode contacts circumferentially disposed along the inner surface of the cuff body when in the furled state. The electrode contacts may be circumferentially disposed around a nerve, and an electrical pulse train may be delivered to the electrode contacts thereby stimulating the nerve to treat obstructive sleep apnea. The electrical pulse train may be one that pre-conditions peripherally located nerve fascicles to not be stimulated, while stimulating centrally located nerve fascicles. A feedback mechanism can be used to titrate electrode contacts and electrical pulse train to the patient. A sensor that is affixed to the case of a neurostimulator can be used to measure physiological artifacts of respiration, and a motion detector can be used to sense tapping of the neurostimulator to toggle the neurostimulator between an ON position and an OFF position.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for modulating the plasticity and/or memory of the autonomic nervous system.