Abstract: The present application relates to a vehicle whose shell material is modified with at least one additional secondary phase that acts as a cork. In the presence of an energy source (preferably ultrasound), the corks embedded in the shell are either removed from the shell to create permanent pores or perturbed within the shell to create transient pores that can control transport in or out of the vehicle.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for administering a nanoparticle or microparticle and a therapeutic agent to the suprachoroidal space in the eye.

Abstract: A chitosan film including ternary metal oxides. In an embodiment, the ternary metal oxides can include tungsten oxide nanoparticles (WO3 NPs), magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO NPs), and a graphene oxide (GO) layer. In an embodiment the chitosan film is porous. The chitosan film including ternary metal oxides can be used as a wound dressing for the clinical management of bacterially infected wounds.

Abstract: Methods and systems for treating a biological fluid with light are disclosed. The methods and systems provide for determining a target light dose for the biological fluid; loading a treatment container holding the biological fluid into an irradiation chamber of an irradiation device comprising: with the treatment container being supported in the irradiation device in between a first array of light sources and first light energy sensors and a second light energy sensor. The first array of light sources is activated, and a first light intensity is measured with the first light energy sensors. A second light intensity is measured with the second light energy sensor, and the first light intensity is compared to the second light intensity to determine an attenuation factor. The attenuation factor is applied to the first light intensity to determine a time to achieve the target light dose, with the first array of multiple light sources being deactivated after the time to achieve the target light dose has elapsed.

Abstract: Electronic devices for treating a biological fluid and methods of operating the devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a plurality of non-safety critical components, a first controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of non-safety critical components, a plurality of safety critical components, and a second controller communicatively coupled to the plurality of safety critical components. In some embodiments, the electronic device includes a treatment interface.

Abstract: A portable sanitizing system and method includes a sanitizing head including an ultraviolet (UV) lamp. The UV lamp is configured to emit UV light having a wavelength between 200 nm-230 nm to disinfect a surface.

Abstract: A luminaire includes a luminaire control circuit and a disinfection light source to emit a disinfection light in an ultraviolet (UV) band for disinfecting a vicinity of a space of a target pathogen that is exposed to the disinfection light. The UV band is 200 nanometers (nm) to 230 nm wavelength. The luminaire initiates a dose cycle of a vicinity in which the disinfection light source emits the disinfection light continuously or during a plurality of periods of a dose cycle from the disinfection light source by recording a beginning time of the dose cycle. The luminaire controls, via a driver circuit, the disinfection light source over the dose cycle to emit the disinfection light continuously or during the plurality of periods for disinfecting the vicinity to substantially obtain a target pathogen UV radiation level and restrict a total UV radiation threshold exposure level by a UV radiation threshold limit.

Abstract: A paper money sanitation apparatus for preventing the transmission of viruses includes a housing having an input slot and an output slot extending through to a housing cavity. A plurality of roller pairs is coupled within the housing cavity. Each roller pair has an upper roller bar and a lower roller bar positioned to have sufficient space to receive a banknote. A drive system is coupled to the plurality of roller pairs and powered by a motor to pull the banknote from the input slot and out the output slot. A battery is coupled to the housing and is in operational communication with the motor. A plurality of ultraviolet lights is coupled within the housing cavity to disinfect the banknote as it passes through.

Abstract: The display device with an ultraviolet (UV) germicidal lamp includes a display device, an UV germicidal lamp, a power electrically connected to the UV germicidal lamp, a control circuit electrically connected to the UV germicidal lamp, and a fixture member detachably fixing the UV germicidal lamp to a circumferential rim of the display device. The fixture member includes a base, a first clamp piece, and a second clamp piece. The base is joined to the UV germicidal lamp. The first and second clamp pieces are mounted at interval on the base, forming a clamp interval in between. An elastic element is provided between the second clamp piece and the base for forcing the second clamp piece towards the first clamp piece. Therefore, by adjusting the clamp interval, the UV germicidal lamp may be reliably clamped to the display device.

Abstract: Ultraviolet (UV) light emission devices and related methods of use. The UV light emission devices disclosed herein are particularly suited for use in disinfecting surfaces and air. The UV light emission devices disclosed herein can be provided in the form factor of a handheld device that is easily held and manipulated by a human user. The human user can manipulate the handheld UV light emission device to decontaminate surfaces, air, and other areas by orienting the handheld UV light emission device so that the UV light emitted from its light source is directed to the area of interest to be decontaminated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for decontaminating substantially enclosed environments by using ultrasonic cavitation of a cleaning fluid to produce a low pressure, low air flow mist that can be activated by a nonthermal plasma actuator to create a cloud of activated hydroxyl species with the capacity to decontaminate articles, open surfaces or substantially enclosed spaces of pathogens, including bacteria, and other pathogenic microorganisms. An automated system and related non-transitory computer medium are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sterilization system may include an ozone generator, a buffer chamber, an ozone concentration monitor or cuvette, a treatment chamber, one or more valves, and a controller. The ozone generator generates a flow of ozone. The buffer chamber stores the flow of ozone. The ozone cuvette monitors a concentration of ozone from the buffer chamber. The treatment chamber receives a material for sterilization, and receives a flow of air/ozone. The controller selectively and independently controls each of the valves. The sterilization system including first and second operating modes. In the first operating mode, the treatment chamber is isolated from the ozone generator and the buffer chamber such that ozone is not being supplied to the treatment chamber. In the second operating mode, the treatment chamber is in communication with the ozone generator and the buffer chamber such that ozone is being supplied to the treatment chamber.

Abstract: A method is provided for operating a system to automatically conduct hygiene cycles for a confined space such an interior space of a box suitable for storing and/or carrying packaged food. The system may include a hygiene device that can be attached to the box to conduct the hygiene cycles and a mobile device that can wirelessly communicate with the hygiene device to control the conduction of the hygiene cycles. The method may include automatically collecting information related to the hygiene cycles using the hygiene device and transmitting the collected information to a network directly or through the mobile device.

Abstract: Seal integrity indicators for sterilization containers are provided. For example, a seal indicator may indicate whether the container is sufficiently sealed to prevent an ingress of contaminants into the container. If the container is sufficiently sealed, the seal indicator is visible, but if not, the seal indicator is not visible. Thus, the seal indicator undergoes a change in state when the sterilization container transitions from unsealed to sealed, or vice versa, such that a user may ascertain whether the container is properly sealed to maintain the container's sterility. An exemplary seal indicator includes an invertible projection formed with the container gasket that is not visible from outside the container until inverted, due to force applied by the lid, to extend through an opening in the container body. Closure mechanisms for sterilization containers also are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hemostatic semi-solid paste material comprising a bioabsorbable carrier hemostatic material; and a supplemental hemostatic agent; wherein the paste material has an elongated form extending along a lengthwise axis with an aspect ratio of at least 3; wherein the paste is self-supporting and syringe extrudable; and wherein the supplemental hemostatic agent has a non-homogenous distribution profile across a cross-section taken across the lengthwise axis. In another aspect, the present invention relates to devices for forming and expressing the hemostatic material.

Abstract: Disclosed are: a composition for hard tissue repair with excellent penetrability to an adherend such as a cancellous bone and excellent adhesion to an adherend, which comprises a monomer (A), a polymer (B), a polymerization initiator (C) and a contrast medium (X) having a volume mean particle diameter of 3 ?m or more; and a kit for hard tissue repair having members in which the components of the monomer (A), the polymer (B), the polymerization initiator (C) and the contrast medium (X) contained in this composition for hard tissue repair are encased in three or more divided groups in an optional combination.

Abstract: A biocompatible metal implant is provided with a treated surface subject to abrasive mechanical treatment, acid treatment, and sodium treatment, where the biocampatible metal implant treated surface has a macroporosity in the form of cells having dimensions of the order of 50 ?m to 250 ?m, the cells having pores of from 1 ?m to 50 ?m, and pores with a size of less than a micrometer, homogeneously over the whole of the treated surface, the treated surface having a surface roughness Ra of greater than or equal to 1.90 ?m.

Abstract: A process forms an implantable product including poly(glycerol sebacate) urethane (PGSU) loaded with an active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The process includes homogeneously mixing a flowable poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS) resin with the API and a catalyst to form a resin blend. The process also includes homogeneously combining the resin blend with an isocyanate to form a reaction mixture and injecting the reaction mixture to form the PGSU loaded with the API. An implantable product includes a PGSU loaded with an API. In some embodiments, the implantable product includes at least 40% w/w of the API, and the implantable product releases the API by surface degradation of the PGSU at a predetermined release rate for at least three months under physiological conditions. In some embodiments, the PGSU is formed from a PGS reacted with an isocyanate at an isocyanate-to-hydroxyl stoichiometric (crosslinking) ratio in the range of 1:0.25 to 1:1.25.

Abstract: All-in-one formulations for preparing repellent coatings on surfaces of substrates include (i) one or more reactive components that can form a bonded layer on a surface in which the bonded layer comprises an array of compound each compound having one end bound to a surface and an opposite end extending away from the surface; (ii) an optional catalyst; (iii) a solvent; and (iv) a lubricant. A repellent coating can be formed from such formulations on substrate surfaces by drying the formulation on the surface to substantially remove the solvent and to form a bonded layer on the surface with the lubricant stably adhered to the bonded layer. The formulations can be applied to surfaces of ceramics, glasses, metals, alloys, composites, polymers or combinations thereof such as ceramic or metal plumbing fixtures, surfaces of glass substrates including mirrors, windshields, windows, surfaces composed of one or more polymers, medical devices such as ostomy appliances, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a built-in bio-sleeve and preparation method and use thereof. In order to provide a suitable built-in bio-sleeve material for dorsal nerve isolation surgery and penis enlargement surgery, a novel acellular allogeneic dermal matrix material is prepared in the present invention, which is manufactured into a built-in bio-sleeve for the treatment of premature ejaculation and short and small penis. The acellular allogeneic dermal matrix or the built-in bio-sleeve of the present invention is used for dorsal nerve isolation surgery, penis enlargement or lengthening surgery without cutting off the dorsal nerve, thereby avoiding the probability of psychological erectile dysfunction caused by the patient's worry about cutting off the dorsal nerve.

Abstract: An intervertebral fusion device includes a structural ceramic body. The structural ceramic body has a bottom surface, a top surface, a peripheral surface connected between the bottom surface and the top surface, and at least one pore channel penetrating the bottom surface and the top surface. The inner surface of the pore channel is either a convex curved surface or a funnel-shaped surface. For the pore channel having the convex curved surface, the pore diameter of the pore channel gradually expands from the center of the pore channel to the top surface and the bottom surface. The pore diameter can also gradually expand from the bottom surface to the top surface. The peripheral surface of the structural ceramic body is wavy or zigzag.

Abstract: A method for making a therapeutic agent-eluting temporary medical implant. In various embodiments, the method includes normalizing a quantity of therapeutic agent particles to attain a size distribution of 0.1-100 microns; creating a non-solid blend of a polymer and at least one therapeutic agent including between about 0.1 and about 20.0 weight percent of at least one therapeutic agent to a total weight of the non-solid blend; vat polymerizing the non-solid polymer blend to produce a therapeutic-eluting implant including at least one therapeutic agent homogenously distributed throughout; and cleaning and curing the therapeutic agent-eluting implant to produce a final device that supports physiologic loads when implanted within the patient. In at least one embodiment, the method includes of using a therapeutic agent that includes of one or more antibiotic, antifungal, analgesic, and/or chemotherapeutic.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bioactive hydrogels derived from human blood plasma. More particularly, the disclosure relates to multifunctional materials for cell encapsulation, cell culture platforms, medical treatment apparatus and methods, more particularly, hydrogels derived from human blood components and technologies for use of such materials in research, biomedical treatment, biotech and pharmaceutical industry. The disclosure further relates to 3D printable scaffolds, sponges, foams, fibers, particles, capsules, membranes and injectable systems comprising said hydrogel. Additionally, this disclosure allows for the controlled placement of biologically active components that may be delivered by the hydrogel compositions.

Abstract: A resin composition for a medical device to be subjected to gas low-temperature sterilization includes a resin and an ion exchanger.

Abstract: Described are coatings for medical devices and methods of forming same.

Abstract: Provided is a ureteral stent comprising certain amount of ethylene-vinyl acetate polymer and a certain amount of an additive selected from barium sulfate, bismuth subcarbonate, bismuth oxychloride, a polyolefin elastomer, a thermoplastics elastomer, and a mixture thereof. The provided stent may have multiple layers such as inner layer and outer layer with each layer having different elastic modulus. Also provided is a method of making the aforementioned ureteral stent and a method of using the ureteral stent in treating kidney or bladder related diseases.

Abstract: Medical devices that are formed from a polymeric matrix including a first polymer and a functionalized polymer are provided. The medical devices may include a functionalized polymer such as maleic anhydride functionalized polymer. The burst strength and/or the hoop strength of the medical devices including the functionalized polymer may be greater than the burst strength and/or the hoop strength of control medical devices. However, the durometer of the medical devices may be substantially equal to the durometer of the control medical devices. Methods of manufacturing medical devices including a functionalized polymer are also provided.

Abstract: Provided herein is a photocatalytic device that is easy to maintain. A photocatalytic device is provided that includes a cabinet, a photocatalytic unit disposed inside the cabinet and including a photocatalyst, a light configured to provide light to the photocatalyst, and a fan configured to send airflow to a surface of the photocatalyst. The photocatalytic unit is configured to be detachable from the cabinet.

Abstract: A plunger head for a fluid injection device includes a transducer disposed in the plunger head to measure a compressive force when applied to the plunger head. The plunger head also includes a power source and a microcontroller disposed in the plunger head. The microcontroller is coupled to the power source and the transducer, and the microcontroller is coupled to enter a high-power mode in response to sensing application of the compressive force to the plunger head.

Abstract: A blood component collection cassette has a flow path in the interior thereof through which blood flows, and a cassette main body composed of a resin that possesses flexibility. The cassette main body includes a first constituent part in which a plurality of concavities and convexities are formed. Furthermore, a resin sheet includes a second constituent part, which is provided on one portion of an outer surface of the flow path wall portion that constitutes the flow path, and in which the plurality of concavities and convexities do not exist.

Abstract: In a blood transfusion system (a blood transfusion kit, a blood transfusion kit for emergency blood transfusion, or a method of using a blood transfusion kit), a flow path through which blood flows is formed using a tube having a channel therein. The flow path includes: a first path that connects an upstream path and a downstream path and has a leukocyte removal filter removing leukocytes at an intermediate position of the channel; and a second path that connects the upstream path and the downstream path and bypasses the leukocyte removal filter.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus includes a filtration unit (2) connected to a blood circuit (17) and a dialysate circuit (32), a preparation device (9) for preparing and regulating the composition of the dialysis fluid, and a sensor (11) for measuring conductivity of the dialysate (i.e. spent dialysis fluid); a control unit (12) configured for setting a sodium concentration in the dialysis fluid and after setting the dialysis fluid at the initial set point, circulating the dialysis fluid and blood through the filtration unit (2), measuring an initial conductivity value of the dialysate at the beginning of the treatment, and calculating, based on the measured initial conductivity value and on the corresponding conductivity value of the dialysis fluid, the value of the initial plasma conductivity, said circulating of the dialysis fluid up to the calculating of the initial plasma conductivity performed by maintaining the dialysis fluid conductivity substantially constant.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dialysis machine that is configured to be equipped with an extracorporeal blood system comprising a dialysis solution system that is configured to be equipped with a dialyzer, wherein a mixing region, in particular a mixing chamber, is provided in which the fresh dialysis solution or a component thereof is located in the operation of the dialysis machine, with a concentrate line being in fluid communication with the mixing region, through which concentrate line concentrate can be conducted from a concentrate container into the mixing region, wherein at least two electrically conductive elements are arranged spaced apart from one another in or at the concentrate line or lines; that a measuring device is provided which is electrically connected to the conductive elements and which is configured to measure the conductance or a value correlated therewith between them; and that a control unit is provided which is configured to compare the measured value with a desired value, with

Abstract: A renal failure therapy system includes a dialysis fluid circuit including a dialysis fluid pump; a source of physiological cleaning, disinfecting, and/or decalcifying substance in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid circuit; a source of purified water in fluid communication with the dialysis fluid circuit; and a logic implementer in operable communication with the dialysis fluid pump, the logic implementer causing the physiological cleaning, disinfecting, and/or decalcifying substance from its source to be added to purified water from the purified water source to form a mixture and to circulate the mixture within the dialysis fluid circuit using the dialysis fluid pump to at least one of clean, disinfect or decalcify at least a portion of the dialysis fluid circuit without a subsequent rinse.

Abstract: A system (20) including a heater/cooler module (22) to heat/cool a first fluid in a primary circuit (28), a heat transfer fluid circuit (24) to provide a second fluid to a target device (38) to heat/cool the target device (38), and a heat exchanger (26) including at least part of the primary circuit (28) and at least part of a secondary circuit (36) through which the second fluid flows to facilitate heat transfer between the first fluid and the second fluid. The primary circuit (28) and the secondary circuit (36) are separate circuits and the first fluid and the second fluid remain separated in the system. Also, the system is modular, such that the elements can be stacked to increase heating/cooling capability and/or to increase the number of heating/cooling channels, and the system is compatible with portable applications, such as ambulance, aircraft, and helicopter applications, and with battery operation and/or the use of uninterruptible power supplies.

Abstract: A cell processing system includes at least one processor connectable to a source container filled with a biological fluid, the processor including a spinning membrane configured to receive and separate target cells from the biological fluid, the target cells exiting at a first outlet, first and second containers selectively connected to the first outlet; and a magnet. The system also includes a controller configured to operate the spinning membrane to receive biological fluid and to direct the target cells to the first container, to pause to permit magnetic particles to be associated with the target cells in the first container, to operate the spinning membrane to receive the contents of the first container with the magnet applied to the target cells associated with the magnetic particles, to remove or deactivate the magnet, and to transfer the target cells to the second container.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for making intracycle adjustments to an osmotic agent concentration of peritoneal dialysate inside the peritoneal cavity of a patient. The systems and methods include osmotic agent sources, flow paths, and processors to adjust the osmotic agent concentration of dialysate in the peritoneal cavity of the patient. The method can include infusing peritoneal dialysate containing an osmotic agent into the peritoneal cavity of a patient; monitoring one or more patient parameters; and adjusting the osmotic agent concentration of the peritoneal dialysate in the peritoneal cavity of the patient by infusing a concentrated osmotic agent solution or by infusing sterile fluid into the peritoneal cavity of the patient using an on-line peritoneal dialysis machine. The system can include a peritoneal dialysis cycler.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for use in negative pressure wound therapy. The fluid collection apparatus includes a flexible bag having a first opening and a second opening. The bag includes a structure defining a fluid pathway connecting the first opening and the second opening. The pathway is circulative and contributes to orientation independence of the bag in use. The bag further includes a load-bearing component.

Abstract: Systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing negative pressure to a tissue site are disclosed. Illustrative embodiments may include an apparatus or system for delivering negative-pressure to a tissue site, which can be used in conjunction with low-profile distribution components for wound therapy. Such apparatus may include a low-profile dressing interface or connector comprising at least two side-by-side fluid pathways fluidly coupled to a recessed space of the connector, one for providing negative pressure to a tissue interface or manifold and the other for sensing the negative pressure within the recessed space adjacent the tissue interface. In some embodiments, for example, the apparatus may comprise a first layer of polymeric film having an outer surface, an inner surface, and a plurality of features extending from the inner surface, and a second layer of polymeric film coupled to the first layer.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device is provided that includes at least one housing, a nozzle, a piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material, a control component, and a transport element. The at least one housing may enclose a reservoir configured to retain an aerosol precursor composition. The nozzle may be coupled to the housing to discharge aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir. The control component may include a microprocessor coupled to and configured to drive the piezoelectric or piezomagnetic material to vibrate and cause a discharge of components of the aerosol precursor composition and thereby produce an aerosol for inhalation by a user. And the transport element may be configured to control an amount of aerosol precursor composition delivered from the reservoir.

Abstract: A nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid from a cartridge and a cartridge for such a nebulizer is proposed. The cartridge comprises a container containing the fluid to be nebulized and is fluidically connected to the nebulizer by inserting a connecting element of the nebulizer for conveying the fluid out of the container. The cartridge is preferably adapted to sealingly receive the connecting element and can optionally comprise a membrane or sealing wall which seals the cartridge initially and is piercable or breakable by the connecting element upon insertion. The cartridge can further comprise an at least partially flexible and/or bendable tube for conveying the fluid out of the container. The tube is preferably wettable with the fluid and/or comprises an at least partially hydrophilic and/or polar surface. Further, the tube can at least partially be shaped as a helix.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system for heating a liquid aerosol-forming substrate is provided, the aerosol-generating system including an aerosol-forming chamber; and leakage prevention cavity configured to prevent or reduce leakage of liquid aerosol condensate from the aerosol-generating system, the cavity being in a wall of the aerosol-forming chamber and being configured to collect liquid condensate formed from the aerosol-forming substrate, and in which the cavity is in a form of an annular groove.

Abstract: An inhaler 10 for delivery of a medicament by inhalation. The inhaler 10 has a drive mechanism, a canister drive 22 for receiving a canister 50 of medicament, a spring 20, and a trigger mechanism with a latch 35. The latch 35 has a locked position to prevent linear movement of the canister drive 22 and holds the spring 20 in a loaded configuration; and an unlocked position in which the latch 35 is disengaged from the canister drive 22. The trigger mechanism comprises a blocker 32. The blocker 32 has a blocking position in which it contacts the latch 35 to block movement from the locked position to the unlocked position; and a rotated position in which the blocker 32 is disengaged from the latch 35 to allow it to lock and unlock.

Abstract: A stand-alone chamber or multi-chamber inhalation system has at least two alternative vaporized test liquid supply systems for passive or self-administered delivery of vaporized test fluid and air to one or more test chambers, which can be passive or restraint chambers, based on operator selection of delivery on and off times in a passive mode or actuation of an actuator in the chamber by a test animal in a self-administered mode. In one case, a multiple inhalation chamber system has two or more separate test fluid delivery systems and provides options for selective passive uniform drug delivery to multiple chambers or selective delivery of two or more different drugs to different groups of chambers from different delivery systems so that two different drugs or different concentrations of delivered drugs can be tested simultaneously.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, there is disclosed an aerosol generating device which includes: a main body including a controller and a battery; and a cartridge detachably coupled to the main body, wherein the controller periodically detects whether the cartridge is coupled to the main body while the aerosol generating device operates in a first mode, determines whether a preset period of time has elapsed based on the cartridge being determined to have been separated from the main body, and switches the aerosol generating device from the first mode to a second mode based on whether the cartridge is coupled to the main body before the preset period of time elapses.

Abstract: A component of an electronic vapor provision device with a reservoir for storing source liquid, an atomizer for vaporizing source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapor into an air flow path through the device, and an electrical power supply for providing electrical power to the atomizer comprises an absorbent element to collect source liquid escaped from the reservoir and located so as to be upstream of the atomizer with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the electronic vapor provision device.

Abstract: A component of an electronic vapor provision device with a reservoir for storing source liquid, an atomizer for vaporizing source liquid from the reservoir and delivering vapor into an air flow path through the device, and an electrical power supply for providing electrical power to the atomizer comprises an absorbent element to collect source liquid escaped from the reservoir and located so as to be upstream of the atomizer with respect to an air flow direction along the air flow path when the component is assembled into the electronic vapor provision device.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery device and a substrate tablet for use with an inductively-heated aerosol delivery device are provided. The aerosol delivery device comprises a control body having a housing, a mouthpiece portion located proximate the housing, a resonant transmitter located in the control body, a control component configured to drive the resonant transmitter, and a substrate tablet receivable in the device. The substrate tablet may comprise a granular substrate material and a susceptor component, the substrate material and the susceptor component may be configured to be formed together, and the susceptor component may be configured to be heated by the resonant transmitter.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein describe a drug delivery device and a method of use thereof. The device includes a medicament container, a compressed gas container, an outlet, and a double-sided needle located within the housing. When a user presses an actuation button, the compressed air container is moved towards the medicament container and towards a proximal end of the double-sided needle. The double-sided needle pierces both the compressed gas container and the medicament container, opening fluid flow communication between the two containers, and causing medicament to be expelled out of the medicament container.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube monitor and alerting apparatus includes: (i) a passive humidification device; and (ii) an integrated monitoring assembly fitted in an opening of a rear sidewall of the passive humidification device. The passive humidification device is configured to be connected to a connector of a tracheostomy tube of a patient. Once connected, the monitoring assembly of the apparatus can begin measuring one or more physiological parameters, such as, air flow, oxygen level, carbon dioxide level, pressure, and moisture. The measurements are compared against threshold values that denote blockage or decannulation. When these threshold values are surpassed, an alarm is actuated to alert a caregiver that the patient may be experiencing obstruction or decannulation of the tracheostomy tube.