Abstract: A valve assembly for a medical device that includes an enclosure for storing an agent and a funnel downstream of the enclosure for receiving the agent. The enclosure including a first end and the funnel including a second end positioned adjacent to the first end. The valve assembly including a first plate coupled to the enclosure at the first end, and a second plate coupled to the funnel at the second end. The first plate including at least one opening, and the second plate including at least one opening that is in fluid communication with the opening of the first plate. The first and second plates are positioned against one another, and an exterior surface of the first or second plate includes textured surface elements configured to displace the agent stored in the enclosure in response to the first or second plate moving relative to one another.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods are disclosed. An example medical device for accessing a body lumen along a biliary and/or pancreatic tract may include an elongated member having a distal end and a proximal end. The medical device may be in communication with a system configured to provide pressurized fluid to the medical device. The system configured to provide pressurized fluid to the medical device may be configured to provide the pressurized fluid at an initial first rate, which decays to a second rate to facilitate cannulation of one or more of a bile duct and a pancreatic duct, while mitigating fluid provided during a procedure.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a medical insufflation device for use on a patient body. The device includes a chamber, an ozone generator, an instrument, and a controller. The chamber is configured to receive a medical gas at least including oxygen. The ozone generator is in communication with the medical gas and configured to generate an ozonated medical gas by converting at least a portion of the oxygen in the medical gas into ozone. The instrument is configured to be introduced into the patient body. Further, the instrument is also configured to receive the ozonated medical gas from the chamber and convey the ozonated medical gas into the patient body. The controller is configured to control the device such that the ozonated medical gas conveyed to the patient body by the instrument is at a targeted amount of ozone.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nozzle for a device for dispensing product in powder form, having a dispensing duct, with a dispensing opening configured to open freely into an airway of a user, a grid arranged transversally across the dispensing duct, a solid wall arranged in the dispensing duct around the grid forming a dispensing restriction, the dispensing restriction having a flow section smaller than a minimum flow section of the dispensing duct. The invention also relates to a device for dispensing product in powder form by inhalation comprising such nozzle.

Abstract: Described herein are interactive apparatus and methods for sensing and measuring real-time characteristic patterns of a subject's use of a dry powder inhalation system. The devices can be used in a wired or wireless communication mode to communicate with a display to assess the subject's usage of the inhalation system, to evaluate the performance of the inhalation system and/or to detect the characteristics profile of a dry powder formulation emitted from the inhalation system in use.

Abstract: An electronic aerosol provision system can include an airflow sensor operable to measure an airflow parameter; a profile recall unit operable to recall one or more inhalation airflow profiles, describing at least one of a velocity or an amount of air inhaled through the electronic aerosol provision system over a course of a puff by a user; and a comparison processing unit operable to compare a measured airflow parameter with at least a first inhalation airflow profile while providing aerosol to the user.

Abstract: A vaporizing assembly for an aerosol-generating system may comprise a delivery device and a heater assembly. The heater assembly may comprise a heat resistive substrate and a heating element. The delivery device is configured to deliver an aerosol-forming substrate to at least a surface of the heat resistive substrate, wherein the heating element is isolated or separated from the aerosol-forming substrate by the heat resistive substrate. The present disclosure is also directed to a method for generating an aerosol.

Abstract: Supplying therapeutic gas. At least one example is a method of providing therapeutic gas to a patient, the method comprising: sensing a signal indicative of an exhalation airflow from the patient, the exhalation airflow is non-zero and an airflow rate trending toward zero; sensing, during the exhalation airflow, a change in the airflow rate prior to a contiguous inhalation; and delivering a bolus of therapeutic gas to the proximal end of nasal cannula responsive to the change in the airflow rate.

Abstract: A humidifier (12) of a heated pass-over type for use in a respiratory therapy device (54) comprises a heater plate (70), a water reservoir (62), one or more sensors (86), and a controller (88). The water reservoir (62) houses a volume of water (66) and includes one surface for contacting the heater plate (70). The sensors (86) generate output signals conveying information about an operating status of the humidifier (54) and ambient conditions. The controller (88) controls an evaporation rate of the volume of water housed in the water reservoir (62) with a power control according to a power control algorithm for humidifying the flow of breathable gas (60) received at the breathable gas inlet (72) of the water reservoir (62) into a flow of humidified breathable gas (78) at the humidified breathable gas outlet (74) of the water reservoir (62).

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for supplying therapeutic gas, notably NO/N2 or O2/N2O mixtures, comprising an internal passage (2) with valve means (5) for conveying and controlling the flow of therapeutic gas in the internal passage (2), control means (6) controlling the valve means (5), a graphic display (7) for displaying choices (9a-9d) that can be selected by a user, and selection means (8), such as touch-sensitive keys displayed on the graphic display (7) for making a selection from among the selectable choices (9a-9d) displayed on the graphic display (7). The control means (6) are configured to count a total number (N) of patients treated by administration of the therapeutic gas from the selection, by a user, via the selection means (8), of a first given choice (9a) corresponding to the start of a treatment by administering the therapeutic gas to a patient concerned.

Abstract: A device is used to improve the standard of care for patients with physiologic or pathologic differences between regions of the lungs. Regional variations can occur between the left and right lungs, upper and lower lungs, different lobes in the lungs, or diffuse variation that does not follow a strict pattern. The device includes a method to quantify the differences between regions of the lungs. Quantification of regional variations in lung pathophysiology can be performed with a sensor, such as a pressure or gas concentration sensor, imaging scans, or alternative technology. This quantified parameter is used to regulate the gas flow to each lung region. One embodiment does this with a novel flow regulation mechanism for a double lumen endotracheal tube for compartmentalized lung ventilation where either the flow or pressure to the left and right lung can be varied with a flow regulation mechanism.

Abstract: A 3D data collection method with privacy protection includes obtaining a 3D scan of at least a portion of a patient, receiving an avatar template and control point registration data, identifying control points on the 3D scan based on the control point registration data, adjusting the avatar template to coincide control points on the avatar template with control points on the 3D scan, and transmitting the adjusted avatar template.

Abstract: An airway assist device and methods of making and using an airway assist device to assist in opening an airway or removing fluid or material obstructing an airway of a subject.

Abstract: A headgear and a related headgear assembly, includes a backstrap portion, first and second adjustable ear loops, and first and second top strap portions. The first and second top strap portions are configured to selectively connect to one another. The first and second adjustable ear loops define first and second adjustable ear openings that can be made larger or smaller by engaging with the first and second adjustable ear loops. For example, the headgear can include attachment zones that are configured to removably connect with the first and second adjustable ear loops. Optionally, the headgear assembly can include a removable forehead securement member configured to provide horizontal stability to the headgear.

Abstract: A gas humidifier can have a gas channel comprising an inlet and an outlet. A portion of the gas channel can have a region having a reduction in cross-sectional area relative to the portions of the gas channel outside of the region. A water conduit can extend from the region to a water reservoir. A heating element can heat water entering the region from the water conduit. Water vaporized using the heating element can join the flow of gases passing through the gas channel in use.

Abstract: An apparatus for the supply of humidified gases to a patient is disclosed that comprises a gases supply passage downstream of a humidified gases supply, and upstream of a patient in use, where at least one sensor is embedded in or located on the outside of the wall of the passage. In preferred forms the wall of the passage divides the sensor(s) from a flow of gases in the passage. In use, a controller receives an output of the sensor(s) and derives from the output of the sensor(s) an estimation of a property of gases flowing through the passage or provides a control output to the humidified gases supply according to the output of the sensor(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to attention bias modification treatment. In order to improve the treatment effect, an ABM system is proposed with a neural brain response monitoring device, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and/or electroencephalography (EEG), to provide real-time information regarding neural brain responses in order to personalize and optimize the ABM treatment.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatuses for adjusting a mood of a subject, the method including applying one or more sensory stimuli to a subject, obtaining one or more biosignals from the subject, the one or more biosignals being indicative or correlative of a mood of the subject, generating a stimuli signal to adjust the sensory stimuli applied to the subject, and adjusting the one or more sensory stimuli applied to the subject based on stimuli signal to obtain a desired mood in the subject.

Abstract: Improved means for guiding a user in paced breathing for sleep induction. A processing device controls generating of a cyclically patterned user-perceptible stimulus to guide a user in pacing their breathing. In some embodiments, means are included for aligning a phase of the cyclically patterned first user-perceptible stimulus with a phase of the user's breathing cycle. In some embodiments, means are included for aligning an initial (i.e. starting) phase of the cyclically patterned first user-perceptible stimulus with a phase of the user's breathing cycle at the moment of starting. In some embodiments, means are included for detecting asynchrony between the phase of the guiding stimulus and the phase of the user's breathing cycle, and a response is performed based on the detected asynchrony. The response may be to communicate a synchronization status to the user via a second user-perceptible stimulus or output. The response may be to take steps to correct any asynchrony.

Abstract: Improved means for guiding a user in paced breathing for sleep induction. A processing device controls generating of a cyclically patterned user-perceptible stimulus to guide a user in pacing their breathing. In some embodiments, means are included for controlling a cycle frequency of the first user-perceptible stimulus based on a physiological parameter determined from processing of the physiological sensor signal.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method for controlling paced breathing device. The method comprises determining a flow rate for pumping air into an airbag of the paced breathing device in an exhalation phase of the paced breathing device. The method further comprises pumping, at the determined flow rate, the air into the airbag in the exhalation phase during which the airbag releases the air. In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, the exhalation time length of exhalation phase can be controlled precisely to be aligned with the user's breathing pattern. This can improve user experience and compliance during a paced breathing exercise.

Abstract: A system includes a memory, an optical subsystem, an audio system, a plurality of sensors outputting sensor data, a communication circuitry and a processor. The processor is configured to input to a baby-specific behavioral state detection machine learning model, image data, audio signal data, sensor data, and baby-specific personal data associated with a baby, to receive an output from the baby-specific behavioral state detection machine learning model that the baby is hungry, to transmit instructions that causes a foodstuff preparation controller to prepare at least one foodstuff in preparation to feed the at least one baby based on the determination that the at least one baby is hungry.

Abstract: The present invention is a self-cleaning catheter designed to impede the development of biofilm within the catheter and provide a mechanism for removing biofilm within the catheter during use by a patient. The self-cleaning catheter includes an outer shell enclosing a urine lumen. The urine lumen has the ability to be opened and closed with a urine lumen closure device and is formed with a plurality of micro ports and a plurality of macro wash ports. At least one antimicrobial lumen is affixed to the exterior of and in fluid communication with the urine lumen at the plurality of micro ports. Similarly, at least one wash lumen is affixed to the exterior of and in fluid communication with the urine lumen at the plurality of macro wash ports. Antimicrobial solutions and wash solutions are introduced into the urine lumen by the antimicrobial lumen and wash lumen respectively, even during use.

Abstract: A medical tube includes a tubular core layer and an outer layer arranged at an outer periphery of the core layer and having an outer peripheral surface substantially parallel to an axial direction of the medical tube. The core layer has a tubular inner core layer composed of a fluorine-based resin, and an outer core layer composed of a resin having a Young's modulus higher than that of the fluorine-based resin and arranged at an outer periphery of the inner core layer. The core layer has a specific configuration in which crest portions protruding toward a radially outer side of the medical tube and valley portions protruding toward a radially inner side of the medical tube are arranged repeatedly in the axial direction of the medical tube.

Abstract: Kidney stone removal system is disclosed having components including a handle mechanism. The handle mechanism employs a trigger mechanism that enables control of irrigation and vacuum/suction. Operation of a trigger of the trigger mechanism conveys status of vacuum/suction and irrigation to a user by providing increased resistance at different points of operation. When the trigger is in a home position, irrigation and vacuum/suction are turned off. When the trigger is in a fully activated position, irrigation and vacuum/suction are turned on. When the trigger is in an intermediate position, irrigation may be turned on, while vacuum/suction remains turned off. The handle mechanism can be of a single trigger design with modes including: an active irrigation mode only (i.e., active irrigation on/vacuum off) and an active irrigation mode in combination with a vacuum mode (i.e., active irrigation on/vacuum on).

Abstract: An intravascular therapy device (10) includes a treatment catheter (12) having a guidewire lumen (14) extending between a guidewire port (16) of the treatment catheter and a distal end (18) of the treatment catheter, a length of the guidewire lumen being less than a length of the treatment catheter; and a plurality of eyelets (24) disposed on an exterior of the treatment catheter and configured to secure an associated guidewire (20) to the treatment catheter.

Abstract: In one aspect, a playback device includes a command-keyword engine having a local natural language unit (NLU). The playback device detects, via the command-keyword engine, a first command keyword in voice input of sound detected by one or more microphones of the playback device. The playback device determines whether the sound input data includes a keyword from a first predetermined library of keywords via a local natural language unit (NLU). The playback device transmits the input sound data to a second playback device over a local area network, the second playback device employing a second local NLU with a second predetermined library of keywords. The playback device receives a response from the second playback device and performs an action based on an intent determined by at least one of the first NLU or the second NLU according to the keywords in the voice input.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a delivery catheter for implanting a leadless biostimulator. The delivery catheter includes a shaft and a tubular body having a lumen and an atraumatic end. The atraumatic end includes at least one of a braided, woven or mesh construction configured to facilitate the atraumatic end changing diameter. When a distal portion of the shaft is coupled to a proximal region of the leadless biostimulator, at least one of distally displacing the tubular body relative to the shaft or proximally displacing the shaft relative to the tubular body causes the leadless biostimulator to be received in the volume of the atraumatic end and the atraumatic end to encompass the leadless biostimulator. Conversely, at least one of proximally displacing the tubular body relative to the shaft or distally displacing the shaft relative to the tubular body causes the leadless biostimulator to exit the volume of the atraumatic end.

Abstract: A catheter assembly configured for use with a male luer is provided herein. The catheter assembly can comprise a catheter hub having an interior chamber and a valve located in the interior chamber. The valve can comprise a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a sidewall extending therebetween to define a valve interior. The valve can include a barrier layer having a concave shape that extends in the valve interior from the sidewall at the distal portion. The barrier layer can have at least one slit extending therethrough that is in a normally closed configuration to prevent a fluid from passing through the barrier layer. The catheter assembly can further comprise a sealing ring located circumferentially at a distal end of the valve distally to the barrier layer. The sealing ring can form a seal between the valve and the interior chamber at the distal end.

Abstract: A medical probe, including a flexible insertion tube having a proximal segment and a deflectable distal segment, and containing first and second proximal tubular structures, first and second distal lumens, and first and second wires. The first and second proximal tubular structures are twisted around each other in the proximal segment. The first and lumens are parallel to each other in the deflectable distal segment. The first and second wires run respectively through the first and second proximal tubular structures and the first and second distal lumens. The first and second wires have respective first and second proximal ends which deflect the deflectable distal segment when the respective proximal ends are pulled.

Abstract: A catheter with a variable circular loop is responsive to a contraction wire for increasing the coiling of the circular loop. The shape of the loop is supported by an elongated member, wherein a radially constrictive sleeve confines the contraction wire to extends immediately alongside the length of elongated member so as to improve uniformity and minimize misshaping of the loop during contraction.

Abstract: A fixing structure comprises a driveline, a fixing member, through which the driveline is inserted, and a holding mechanism to hold the driveline. The holding mechanism comprises a chuck member to grasp the driveline, a sealing member, and a screw member to press the chuck member and the sealing member. The sealing member has a main body portion, and an annular protruding portion projecting from an end of the main body portion, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the annular protruding portion gradually decreases in diameter toward the projecting direction. The annular protruding portion is configured to be bent and deformed to the inner side of the sealing member in the radial direction by contacting an end face of the chuck member.

Abstract: A catheter assembly configured for use with a male luer is provided herein. The catheter assembly can comprise a catheter hub having an interior chamber and a valve located in the interior chamber. The valve can comprise a distal portion, a proximal portion, and a sidewall extending therebetween to define a valve interior. The valve can include a barrier layer having a concave shape that extends in the valve interior from the sidewall at the distal portion. The barrier layer can have at least one slit extending therethrough that is in a normally closed configuration to prevent a fluid from passing through the barrier layer. The catheter assembly can further comprise a sealing ring located circumferentially at a distal end of the valve distally to the barrier layer. The sealing ring can form a seal between the valve and the interior chamber at the distal end.

Abstract: A catheter insertion system includes a housing extending along a longitudinal axis. A needle extends distally from a distal end of the housing. The needle has a longitudinal passage coaxially aligned with the housing. A catheter has a length and is sized and shaped to be advanced from a retracted position within the longitudinal passage of the needle to an extended position with at least a portion of the catheter length extending beyond a distal tip of the needle. The needle is typically configured to be retracted back into the housing after the catheter has been advanced thus providing an integrated catheter and catheter insertion apparatus. After needle retraction, the housing may be taped to the patient's skin while the needle remains protected within the housing. A luer on the catheter may then be connected to a fluid or other source in an otherwise conventional manner.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the treatment of chronic total occlusions are provided. One disclosed embodiment comprises a method of facilitating treatment via a vascular wall defining a vascular lumen containing an occlusion therein. The method includes providing an intravascular device having a distal portion with a lumen extending therein; inserting the device into the vascular lumen; positioning the distal portion in the vascular wall; and directing the distal portion within the vascular wall.

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: Infusion balloon catheter with fortified proximal infusion outlet port, and manufacturing thereof. Infusion balloon catheter includes: inflatable balloon member; shaft having distal end attached to balloon member, and shaft wall enclosing: first lumen providing passage to balloon inflation fluid, and second lumen providing passage to infusion fluid and guidewire; and bending-resistant insert member housed in second lumen and located proximally to balloon member, insert member is affixed to, and conforms to shape of, shaft inner wall surface, and includes one or more opening(s). Shaft wall has infusion outlet port located along, and providing opening to, second lumen proximally to balloon member. Insert opening(s) is/are in direct fluid communication with infusion outlet port whose cross-sectional area is larger than that of infusion inlet opening. Bending-resistant insert member provides fortifying structural support to shaft wall portion surrounding infusion outlet port.

Abstract: A cage can be positioned around a medical balloon, such as an angioplasty balloon, to assist in a medical procedure. The cage can include a plurality of strips, each extending between a set of rings including first and second rings. As the balloon expands, the first and second rings move closer together and allow the strips to expand outward. The cage may have wedge dissectors on the strips.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon catheter including a tubular component and a balloon. The tubular component includes an inner tube and an outer tube. The balloon is secured to the tubular component and has an expanded configuration and a contracted configuration. The outer tube is sleeved over the inner tube. A first lumen is formed between the outer tube and the inner tube. The outer tube includes an outer tube main segment and a first recess. The first recess is located at a distal end of the outer tube main segment. An outer diameter of the first recess is smaller than an outer diameter of the outer tube main segment, and an inner diameter of the first recess is smaller than an inner diameter of the outer tube main segment. A proximal end of the balloon is fixedly connected to the first recess. The inner tube includes an inner tube main segment and a second recess.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular component (100) and a functional component. The tubular component (100) includes an outer tube (101) and an inner tube (102). The outer tube (101) is sleeved over the inner tube (102), and a first lumen is formed between the outer tube (101) and the inner tube (102). The outer tube (101) includes an outer tube main segment (1011) and a first recess (1012). The first recess (1012) is located at a distal end of the outer tube main segment (1011). The functional component is disposed on the tubular component (100) and is at least partially connected to the first recess (1012). This arrangement imparts increased compatibility and higher accessibility to the catheter with the functional component.

Abstract: Inflation devices and methods used to inflate a balloon of a balloon catheter are disclosed. The inflation devices include a pressure member to contain a fluid to be pressurized. The pressure member includes a load transfer orifice configured to receive a load transfer member of a threaded insert. The load transfer member can transfer an axial load applied to the threaded insert during pressurization of the fluid to the pressure member. A plunger including a thread rail is slidingly disposed within the pressure member. The thread rail is engaged with the threaded insert when the fluid is pressurized. An actuator disengages the thread rail from the threaded insert to depressurize the fluid.

Abstract: Systems and methods can involve wedge dissectors attached to strips in turn attached to medical balloons, for forming serrations within vascular wall tissue for angioplasty as well reducing vessel recoil, reducing residual stenosis, and increasing volumetric blood flow post angioplasty. The design, methods of use, intended outcomes, and process to build this type of balloon is described herein.

Abstract: An internal drainage catheter for ascites drainage according to an embodiment has an improved structure so as to allow ascites in a peritoneal cavity to be discharged in urine via a bladder and ensure significant fixation force to a bladder wall based on which the peritoneal cavity and the bladder are separated from each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide swallowable devices, preparations and methods for delivering drugs and other therapeutic agents within the GI tract. Many embodiments provide a swallowable device for delivering the agents. Particular embodiments provide a swallowable device such as a capsule for delivering drugs into the intestinal wall or other GI lumen. Embodiments also provide various drug preparations that are configured to be contained within the capsule, advanced from the capsule into the intestinal wall and degrade to release the drug into the bloodstream to produce a therapeutic effect. The preparation can be operably coupled to delivery means having a first configuration where the preparation is contained in the capsule and a second configuration where the preparation is advanced out of the capsule into the intestinal wall. Embodiments of the invention are particularly useful for the delivery of drugs which are poorly absorbed, tolerated and/or degraded within the GI tract.

Abstract: A two-part bioactive agent delivery system includes a disposable part, a reusable part, and a solvent removal element. The disposable part includes an agent reservoir, a transdermal patch communicating with the agent reservoir and adapted to transdermally deliver the bioactive agent to a user. The transdermal patch has a bottom surface adapted to contact skin of the user, a top surface opposite the bottom surface, and a gas permeable membrane disposed over the top surface of the transdermal patch. The reusable part includes a power source and control electronics that are adapted to deliver bioactive agent dissolved in a solvent from the agent reservoir to the transdermal patch. The solvent removal element includes a gap disposed between the disposable part and the reusable part to create a flow path for gaseous solvent to flow from the gas permeable membrane to ambient air around the bioactive agent delivery system.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a multifunctional probe that may be inserted into tissue (e.g. brain tissue) that includes an optical waveguide, a microfluidic channel and a plurality of carbon nanofiber electrodes. In another embodiment, the probe includes a shank onto which carbon nanofiber electrodes are disposed. Also disclosed are methods of making disclosed probes.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sonotrode and its use for transdermal delivery of therapeutic or cosmetic compounds. The sonotrode 10 comprises a tubular neck 14 attached at a proximal end to a solid head 12 and ending at a distal end in a flared foot 16. When coupled to an ultrasonic transducer and applied to skin of a human or animal, the sonotrode enhances the delivery of compounds into the skin.

Abstract: A vascular access device with vessel accommodation includes a top portion and a bottom portion. The top portion includes a top vascular housing for encasing a top portion of a vessel when implanted and at least one hollow male member extending from the top vascular housing. The bottom portion includes a bottom vascular housing for encasing a bottom portion of the vessel when implanted and at least one female member disposed at an upward-facing coupling edge of the bottom vascular housing. The at least one female member receives the at least one hollow male member of the top portion to couple the top portion and the bottom portion together such that the top and bottom portions can move vertically with respect to one another but rotation and movement in the horizontal/longitudinal directions are inhibited.

Abstract: A kink-free tube is provided. The tube has a longitudinally extending support, which is unable to be stretched in a longitudinal direction. Furthermore, it is possible to stretch the tube at an outer curve of a bend and to butt or compress it at an inner curve of a bend.

Abstract: A collapsible valve for use in a needleless access connector to reduce the priming volume of the needleless access connector. A needleless access connector with a small priming volume. A method of connecting a first medical device to a second medical device with a needleless access connector with a small priming volume.