Abstract: An aerosol-generating system may include an electrical power supply, an electrical heater connected to the electrical power supply, and a substrate container. The substrate container may define a blind cavity containing an aerosol-forming substrate in the form of a gel that is a solid at room temperature. The electrical heater is external to the substrate container and configured to heat the substrate container to generate a vapor without contacting the aerosol-forming substrate. As result, the possibility of unwanted materials building up on the electrical heater can be reduced, thereby providing a more reliable and consistent performance.

Abstract: A hand-held detection device for use in detection of a leakage in an anatomical conduit within a cavity of a body part filled with a gas mixture, the detection device including: an access element configured to penetrate the body part, and a housing, both configured to be held by hand of a user; and a detection module including: a sensor configured to measure at least one gas mixture parameter related to the gas mixture within the cavity; and a sub-computational module arranged in the housing and connected to the at least one sensor, and being configured to compute the gas mixture parameter to provide a gas information, a user interface being configured to communicate the gas information.

Abstract: An aerosol-generating system includes an aerosol-generating device and at least two consumables. Each consumable includes an aerosol-forming substrate. The aerosol-generating device further includes a device housing comprising at least two receiving chambers, wherein each consumable is accommodated in a separate receiving chamber of the at least two receiving chambers. The aerosol-generating device further includes at least two mouthpieces, wherein each mouthpiece of the at least two mouthpieces is aligned with a separate consumable of the at least two consumables and wherein the aerosol-generating device is configured to isolate airflows through separate, respective mouthpieces of the at least two mouthpieces.

Abstract: A method of assembling an inhaler article holder having an oriented piercing element, includes inserting an inner housing into a jig. The inner housing extends along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end an inner housing length. The distal end includes a piercing element aperture. The inner housing length mates with a jig opening. The jig includes a jig angled planar surface coaxial with the piercing element aperture. The method includes mating a piercing element cutting plane with the jig angled planar surface. The piercing element extends from a proximal cutting end to the piercing element distal end defining a cutting plane. The piercing element distal end is received in the inner housing piercing element aperture, and then fixing the piercing element distal end to the inner housing. The piercing element cutting plane is orientated relative to the inner housing longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A cavity authentication system for verifying a feature of a user using at least one acoustic signal, including an orifice element, including at least a signal opening and a reflection opening, an acoustic wave generator (AWG), an acoustic wave sensor (AWS), at least one output waveguide, at least one input waveguide, a processor and a memory, the AWG for producing at least one acoustic signal, the AWS for receiving at least one reflection of the acoustic signal, the output waveguide for transmitting the acoustic signal to the user, the input waveguide for receiving the reflection of the acoustic signal, wherein the processor is configured to analyze the reflection and to compare the analyzed reflection with the retrievable cavity authentication data and to generate an indication whether the analyzed reflection matches the retrievable cavity authentication data above a pre determined threshold.

Abstract: Nonpathogenic microorganism preparations for delivery to the intranasal system, kits including nonpathogenic microorganism preparations for delivery to the intranasal system, and devices for administering nonpathogenic microorganism preparations to the intranasal system are provided. Vehicles for intranasal delivery of nonpathogenic microorganisms are provided. Ammonia oxidizing microorganism preparations for delivery to the intranasal system, kits including ammonia oxidizing preparations for delivery to the intranasal system, and devices for administering ammonia oxidizing preparations to the intranasal system are provided. Vehicles for intranasal delivery of ammonia oxidizing microorganisms are provided.

Abstract: A ventilation therapy device comprising: a main machine used for producing a therapeutic gas and comprising a main machine air inlet and a main machine air outlet; and a disinfection apparatus, the disinfection apparatus used for producing a high-temperature disinfecting gas, the disinfection apparatus communicated with the main machine air inlet or the main machine air outlet so as to introduce the high-temperature disinfecting gas into the main machine. By providing the disinfection apparatus communicated with the main machine, the ventilation therapy device can perform all-around disinfection on the entire air passage of the main machine by means of the high-temperature disinfecting gas produced by the disinfection apparatus, the disinfection is dead-corner-free, residue-free, high in safety, and low in cost, so that the problem of a risk of a germ presenting inside the ventilation therapy device when the ventilation therapy device is used by a patient can be thoroughly solved.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus includes a conduit connecting a flow generator and an outlet. The conduit includes a venture formation. The apparatus further includes an oxygen inlet in fluid communication or selective fluid communication with an oxygen outlet. The oxygen outlet is directed into the conduit and toward a mouth of the venture formation. The flow generator provides a flow path for air to enter the conduit when the flow generator is not operating.

Abstract: This present disclosure relates to a system and method for providing a flow of respiratory gases to a patient. The system includes a controller, a flow modulator, and one or more sensors, wherein the controller is configured to control the flow modulator to modulate the flow of respiratory gases in response to determined pressure in the system exceeding or not exceeding a pressure threshold value.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for categorizing and/or characterizing a user interface. The systems and methods include generating acoustic data associated with an acoustic reflection of an acoustic signal, the acoustic reflection being indicative of, at least in part, one or more features of a user interface coupled to a respiratory therapy device via a conduit. The systems and methods further include analyzing the generated acoustic data. The systems and methods further include categorizing and/or characterizing the user interface based, at least in part, on the analyzed acoustic data.

Abstract: Described herein is a respiratory therapy system comprising: a primary power supply, a secondary power supply, and a breathing apparatus configured to provide respiratory therapy. The breathing apparatus comprises a controller. There is a connection between the primary power supply and the breathing apparatus configured to facilitate transmission of power and data between the primary power supply and the breathing apparatus. The controller is configured to monitor a parameter of the primary power supply, and disengage the primary power supply if the parameter differs from a parameter threshold. The controller is configured to engage the secondary power supply on disconnection of the primary power supply such that the breathing apparatus can continue operation without interruption.

Abstract: A method of detecting rainout in a respiratory therapy system that includes a conduit fluidly coupled to a user interface comprises generating, via at least one microphone, acoustic data representative of noise associated with the respiratory therapy system. The method further comprises analyzing the acoustic data to detect a presence of liquid in the respiratory therapy system. The method further comprises causing an action to be performed, based on the detected presence of the liquid.

Abstract: A device for controlling air flow out of a patient's mouth while receiving a flow of pressurized air through the patient's nares is disclosed. The device may include: a flexible portion configured to leave the patient's nose uncovered during use; a support portion; a pair of connectors; and a positioning and stabilizing structure including a strap configured to be connected to each of the connectors. The device may also include a valve to allow the patient to orally inhale ambient air in the absence of the flow of pressurized air and a vent configured to allow a flow of air to pass to ambient continuously, or the device may also include a porous structure covering the air flow hole to restrict air flow into and out of the device during use, the flexible portion having a thickness to offset the porous structure from the contacting surface in an anterior direction.

Abstract: A headgear portion or assembly for use in combination with a breathing apparatus in some configurations is at least substantially inelastic and is three dimensional in shape. The headgear portion or assembly can comprise a plastic core, a substrate and a textile casing. The substrate and textile casing have retaining structures to attach the textile casings to the substrates and the substrates to each other.

Abstract: A port assembly for the addition of more than one drug solution to a jet nebulizer without disassembling the nebulizer or disconnecting the nebulizer from a ventilation circuit is provided. In an embodiment the port assembly has a sleeve with a branch and a compression nut adapted to mate with a port adapter of the nebulizer to form a channel for adding a drug solution to a nebulizer. A tube through the channel allows for the addition of a first drug. The branch on the sleeve provides a port and channel for the addition of a second solution into the nebulizer. This port assembly allows a clinician to administer a plurality of drugs to a patient using a nebulizer on a mechanical ventilator without interrupting the integrity of the breathing circuit to add an additional drug solution to the nebulizer.

Abstract: A nerve stimulating trocar assembly (500) for insertion into tissue of a patient is disclosed, the nerve stimulating trocar assembly including an elongate trocar body (510) and a nerve stimulator (550). The trocar body (510) extends from a proximal end (511) to a distal end (512) and has an elongate open channel (520), which extends along a length of the trocar body (510). The nerve stimulator (550) has a shaft (560) extending from a proximal end (561) to a distal end (562), and at least one electrode (570) at or adjacent to the distal end (562) of the shaft (560). The open channel (520) of the trocar body (510) is configured to receive both a catheter tube and the shaft (560) of the nerve stimulator (550) such that the catheter is releasably secured between the trocar body (510) and the nerve stimulator (550) in an assembled configuration. Also disclosed are trocar assemblies and a method for positioning a catheter in a target tissue site.

Abstract: A bedtime setting unit 13 setting a target bedtime, on the basis of a sleep efficiency of a user, and a compliance status index value calculation unit 14 calculating a compliance status index value representing a compliance status with the set target bedtime are provided, and in a case where the sleep efficiency is less than a first predetermined value and the compliance status index value is a threshold value or more, a time later than the previous set bedtime is set as the next bedtime, in a case where the sleep efficiency is less than the first predetermined value and the compliance status index value is less than the threshold value, a time identical to the previous set bedtime is set as the next bedtime such that even in a state where it is necessary to set the bedtime to be later than the previous set bedtime since the sleep efficiency is less than the first predetermined value, a time identical to the previous set bedtime is set as the next bedtime in a case where the compliance status index value is l

Abstract: A device is provided that includes a microprocessor and a transformer. The microprocessor includes a plurality of pins, the microprocessor configured to simultaneously produce a first drive signal at a first of the plurality of pins and a second drive signal at a second of the plurality of pins, the first and the drive signals having different frequencies. The transformer includes a plurality of coils, each of the plurality of coils coupled to one of the first or second pins of the microprocessor to receive one of the plurality of drive signals, the transformer therewith producing a plurality of electromagnetic fields simultaneously.

Abstract: A facial wearable device for providing external stimuli to a user comprises a foldable frame, a flexible layer, an airbag layer, a plurality of heating pads, a plurality of vibrating motors, and a sensor. The flexible layer may couple to a proximal side of the foldable frame and be configured to couple to a facial area of the user. The airbag layer may be disposed between the foldable frame and the flexible layer and comprise a plurality of inflatable bladders configured to provide pressure to the facial area of the user. The plurality of heating pads may couple to the flexible layer and be configured to provide heat to the facial area of the user. The plurality of vibrating motors may couple to the flexible layer and be configured to provide vibration to the facial area of the user. The sensor may couple to the flexible layer and be configured to detect biometric data of the user.

Abstract: A catheter and a method of making a device having an outer member, a primer, and an inner liner laminated to the outer member. The primer is provided between the outer member and the inner liner and annealed to secure the inner liner to the outer member.

Abstract: A drainage catheter configured for draining bodily fluid from a patient is disclosed. The drainage catheter may comprise a catheter tube with a drainage lumen. A tension member of the drainage catheter may be disposed within the drainage lumen. The tension member may be coupled to a distal end of the catheter tube and extend proximally through a hub disposed at the proximal end of the catheter tube.

Abstract: Polymeric tubing, for use with catheters or other medical devices, where the polymeric tubing can have regions of customized properties including, but not limited to, durometer, torque control, flexibility, axial strength, stiffness, etc. One variation of the device allows for transitions between regions to be configured such that there can be gradual or customized transitions between various regions such that the structural characteristics differential between the regions selectively designed. Additional variations include outer layers having a plurality of material sections extending in a spiral direction along the axial length to form a continuous wall of the outer layer. In certain variations, the structural characteristic differential is minimized or eliminated as compared to conventional catheters.

Abstract: Elongate medical devices with an expandable structure including elongated splines and a distal hub.

Abstract: A dual lumen coaxial cannula assembly including a first infusion tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending circumferentially therebetween, as well as a second drainage tube co-axially aligned with the first infusion tube, the second drainage tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending circumferentially therebetween. The assembly also includes a connector assembly, which has an inlet portion through which a portion of the first infusion tube is configured to extend and an outlet portion through which a portion of the second drainage tube is configured to extend. The connector assembly is configured to enable selective axial displacement of the first infusion tube through the second drainage tube.

Abstract: An in-situ fenestration device including a fenestration catheter extending along a longitudinal axis and a proximal tip extending from the fenestration catheter. The fenestration catheter includes a first articulating element and a second articulating element. The first articulating element is articulable about the longitudinal axis from a delivery state to a deployment state. The second articulating element articulable about the longitudinal axis from the delivery state to the deployment state. The first articulating element and the second articulating element in the deployment state are configured to form a fenestration in a graft material at a fenestration site of a stent graft.

Abstract: Polymeric inner liner, for use with catheters or other medical devices, where the polymeric inner liner tubing can have regions of customized properties created by slot type patterns in the inner liner.

Abstract: A catheter shaft includes an inner layer defining an innermost circumferential surface of the catheter shaft and defining a lumen of the catheter shaft, and an outer layer defining an outermost circumferential surface of the catheter shaft. The inner layer is formed by a first polymer having a first durometer and a first melting temperature. The outer layer is formed by alternating first and second segments of the first polymer and a second polymer, respectively, that alternate in a circumferential direction. The second polymer has a second durometer softer than the first durometer and a second melting temperature lower than the first melting temperature. Each segment of the alternating first and second segments extend in an axial direction for substantially an entire length of the catheter shaft. A method of forming the catheter shaft via extrusion is also disclosed.

Abstract: An aspiration catheter includes a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and an aspiration lumen therebetween. A distal segment comprising an expandable distal tip of the aspiration catheter comprises a membrane and an expandable supporting structure, such as a scaffold, configured to radially expand the expandable distal tip. The expandable supporting structure may include supporting elements and other features which increase resistance to collapse of the expandable membrane under vacuum or negative pressure applied to aspirate clot through the aspiration lumen in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: Polymeric tubing, for use with catheters or other medical devices, where the polymeric tubing can have regions of customized properties including, but not limited to, durometer, torque control, flexibility, axial strength, stiffness, etc. One variation of the device allows for transitions between regions to be configured such that there can be gradual or customized transitions between various regions such that the structural characteristics differential between the regions selectively designed. Additional variations include outer layers having a plurality of material sections extending in a spiral direction along the axial length to form a continuous wall of the outer layer. In certain variations, the structural characteristic differential is minimized or eliminated as compared to conventional catheters.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for creating a transport tube comprising a plurality of passages configured to deliver an composition from a source into the human subcutaneous space.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter at least partially positioned within a sleeve. The catheter has a coating, which produces a low-friction surface on the catheter when treated with an activating fluid. A protective tip is connected to the sleeve and has proximal and distal internal seals, with the proximal seal at the proximal end of the tip or between proximal and distal ends of the protective tip. A cap of the assembly has a projection, which is removably received within the protective tip for sealing engagement with the proximal and distal seals to define a fluid reservoir within the protective tip. An activating fluid is contained within the fluid reservoir. The projection may be partially hollow to receive a portion of the catheter. The sleeve may be relatively narrow or at least have a narrowed portion for better distribution of activating fluid to the surface of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter-based/intravascular ablation (denervation) system includes a multiplicity of needles which expand open around a central axis to engage the wall of a blood vessel, or the wall of the left atrium, allowing the injection of a cytotoxic or/or neurotoxic solution for ablating conducting tissue, or nerve fibers around the ostium of the pulmonary vein, or circumferentially in or just beyond the outer layer of the renal artery. The expandable needle delivery system is formed with self-expanding materials and include structures, near the end portion of the needles, or using separate guide tubes. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into the tissue of the wall of the targeted blood vessel. The preferred embodiment of the catheter delivered through the vascular system of a patient includes a multiplicity of expandable guide tubes that engage the wall of a blood vessel.

Abstract: Catheter hubs having one or more wings where a front and rear of the wing rotationally offset in a circumferential direction.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are described including a medical device subassembly including a magnetic feature. Systems include such a catheter adapter subassembly or needle subassembly or guidewire introducer subassembly and a wire including a magnetic feature, and relative movement of the catheter adapter subassembly or needle subassembly or guidewire introducer subassembly and the wire can be determined using a magnetometer.

Abstract: Disclosed are a sheath adjustable in multiple directions and a transcatheter interventional system. The sheath that can be adjusted in multiple directions includes: a body section, a bending section, connected with the distal end of the body section, the bending section is a multi-layer composite tube body and includes a plurality of segments, the middle layer of the multi-layer composite tube body is a woven mesh, and the density of the woven mesh of the plurality of segments is gradually reduced in the direction from the proximal end to the distal end; and at least a pair of traction mechanisms, each pair of the traction mechanism respectively passes through the bending section and the body section, to adjust the bending angle of the bending section to different directions.

Abstract: A catheter includes a control handle and a catheter shaft coupled to the control handle and extending from the control handle. The catheter shaft has a proximal end coupled to the control handle and a distal end located opposite the proximal end. The catheter also includes a pull wire band coupled to the catheter shaft. At least a portion of the pull wire band is exposed to an environment outside of the catheter shaft. The catheter also includes a pull wire extending from the control handle and through the catheter shaft to the pull wire band.

Abstract: Described herein are rigidizing apparatuses (e.g., rigidizing apparatuses, and systems including one or more rigidizing apparatus, including, but not limited to overtubes) that are configured to prevent harm or damage to a patient when rigidized.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor sleeve that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) though a working channel of the anchor sleeve. The anchor sleeve may include a first actuator that controls the extension of one or more subcutaneous tines into the subcutaneous region under the skin. The anchor sleeve can also include a second actuator that can cause the anchor sleeve to lock onto an outer portion of the catheter (or other medical instrument) arrange in the working channel.

Abstract: A method of priming an interventional device assembly includes providing the interventional device assembly including a first interventional device coupled to a first hub and a second interventional device coupled to a second hub arranged in a concentric stack, the second interventional device being positioned within a lumen of the first interventional device. The method includes coupling the interventional device assembly to a drive system while arranged in the concentric stack, axially advancing the first interventional device and the first hub relative to the second hub to decrease a depth of insertion of the second interventional device within the lumen of the first interventional device while maintaining a distal end of the second interventional device within the lumen of the first interventional device, and flushing the first interventional device with fluid after decreasing the depth of insertion of the second interventional device within the lumen of the first interventional device.

Abstract: A guidewire configured to reduce the incidence of medical accidents when using guidewires including, but not limited to, the incidence of guidewires accidentally being pushed completely into a patient through a needle in the patient, guidewires accidently being left inside patients after the placement of central venous (and other) catheters, and guidewires accidently being left inside patients after removal of the catheter (at the end of an operation of other medical procedure). In particular, an intermediary portion (in the form of a new shape (referred to herein as “an obstruction portion”), an impeding portion, or an alternate (e.g., more flexible) material) of the guidewire inhibits further advancement into the needle with pushing motion. (The intermediary portion can be implemented as an additional portion connected between the patient-side portion and the doctor-side portion of the guidewire as well.

Abstract: An echogenic balloon dilation catheter and a balloon thereof. The balloon includes a balloon body, a balloon cone at each side of the balloon body, and a balloon tip extending from the balloon cone and fixed to the catheter, the balloon body and the balloon cone being formed of a plurality of polymer layers in a radial direction of the balloon. The balloon may be of enhanced echogenicity using a variety of disclosed techniques.

Abstract: Inflatable devices are disclosed including a surface which has a network of polymer chains and is configured to be inflatable into a therapeutically or diagnostically useful shape, and at least one ultrashort laser pulse-formed modification in the surface. The network can, for example, include a network morphology that is substantially unchanged by modification with the ultrashort pulse laser. Ultrashort laser pulses can be laser pulses equal to or less than 1000 picoseconds in duration. Advantageously, the etching process uses a relatively low-heat laser to avoid significant heating of surrounding polymers while modifying the surface (and other structures) of the device. The process is configured so that the polymer chain morphology adjacent the modification is substantially unaffected by the low-heat laser. The resulting inflatable device has customized surface features while still retaining substantially homogenous polymer network morphology.

Abstract: A device for generating nitric oxide is disclosed. The device is configured for applying to either a body cavity or a surface of a subject in need thereof. Also disclosed is a method for the treatment of diseases or conditions with the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating skin has a console with a user input device and a handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly is configured to treat skin. A fluid line provides fluid communication between the console and the handpiece assembly. A manifold system is coupled to the console and controlled by the user input device. The manifold system is configured to hold releasably a plurality of fluid sources and deliver fluid from at least one of the plurality of fluid sources to the handpiece assembly.

Abstract: A layered microneedle device can have successively stacked layers that each include microneedles and perforations positioned between the microneedles. The layers can be stacked to permit microneedles of a lower layer to extend through the perforations of an upper layer. Thus, microneedles of successively stacked layers can extend away from individual layers in a common direction.

Abstract: A hydraulically actuated valve device includes a valve body having an inner cavity, an inlet channel extending to the inner cavity, an outlet channel extending from the inner cavity, and an open end that opens to the inner cavity. A septum is located in the inner cavity to seal the open end of the valve body and to receive a needle through which an operating fluid may be selectively injected into or withdrawn from the inner cavity to increase or reduce a fluid pressure in the inner cavity. A valve closing member has an unactuated state to enable a first fluid to flow from the inlet channel to the outlet channel when the fluid pressure of operating fluid in the inner cavity of the valve body is below a closing pressure, and inhibits the first fluid from flowing out of the inner cavity through the outlet channel when the operating fluid in the inner cavity of the valve body is at or above the closing pressure.

Abstract: An electrical connector clamp for attaching to a distal end of a wire of a Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) including a first plate having a first side, a second side, a first edge, and a second edge. A second plate also is included having a third side, a fourth side, a third edge, and a fourth edge, wherein the first edge and the third edge are connected by a hinge that enables the first and second plates to pivot relative to each other, and the hinge enables the first side and the third side to come in contact. A latch holds the first side of the first plate against the third side of the second plate in a closed position. An electrically conductive material is on the first side of the first plate, and an electrical connector is on the second side of the first plate that is electrically connected to the electrically conductive material on the first side of the first plate.

Abstract: A luer connection device is disclosed having a housing including a side wall having an inside surface defining a lumen with a central axis, an proximal end, and a distal end including a male luer tip within the lumen having a central flow diverter extending outwardly from the central axis to direct a fluid to a circumferential dead space distal to the male luer tip. A luer connection device is also disclosed having a flow expansion channel disposed in the lumen tapering outward from the wall of tubular housing and partially extending along a longitudinal axis from the tip opening toward the base opening for increasing mixing and flow through a circumferential dead space in the fluid path distal to the male luer tip.

Abstract: A cap for coupling to a medical adapter may include a housing with a closed top end and an open bottom end with legs that extend from the housing away from the bottom end. Members may extend from an inner surface of the legs to engage and secure the cap to a medical adapter or an insert configured to mate with a medical adapter. A cap may include angular ridges between a cap housing and an insert to permit rotation of the cap in single direction and prevent removal of the cap from a medical adapter. A cap may include hinged legs to permit the cap to be secured to a medical adapter by rotating the legs toward each other until a portion of a collar on each leg may be matingly joined around the medical adapter.

Abstract: Present invention relates to a connector (330) for a coupling assembly (300, 600) for connecting a medical device (120) and a controller device (110) in a medical device control system (100). The controller device (110) is configured to control the operation of the medical device (120), the connector (330) having a connector body (331) being connectable to a connecting member (310) of the coupling assembly for forming a connection. The connector (330) comprises at least one parameter indicating element (390) provided on the connector body (331), said at least one parameter indicating element (390) being adjustable relative the connector body (331) for providing an indication of a use parameter of the medical device control system (100) to a user.