Abstract: New and useful systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing negative-pressure therapy with instillation of topical treatment solutions are described. An apparatus may comprise an exudate container, a solution source, and a pneumatically-actuated instillation regulator. The instillation regulator may be coupled to the exudate container and to the solution source, and negative pressure from a negative-pressure source can actuate the instillation regulator. In some embodiments, a negative-pressure source may be configured for a negative-pressure interval and a venting interval, and the instillation regulator can be configured to draw instillation solution from the solution source during a negative-pressure interval and to instill the solution to a dressing during a venting interval.

Abstract: A cartridge and a nebulizer for nebulizing a fluid as well as a method for fluidically connecting the cartridge to the nebulizer are proposed. The cartridge comprises a closure with a valve, wherein the valve displaces fluid into the nebulizer when opened. Further, the cartridge forms two axially spaced sealings with the nebulizer when connected.

Abstract: A dispensing apparatus is for use by users to take a chamber, fill the chamber with an aerosolized vaccine or other medicament, and dispose of used chambers. A display provides instructions to encourage prompt inhalation by the user from a dispensed and filled chamber. The apparatus allows very fast administration of vaccines to large numbers of people. The aerosol dispenser apparatus detects the chamber is in correct position and delivers a pre-determined dose of aerosol. Once the dose is delivered a visual and/or audible indicator informs the user that the chamber is filled and that they can take the inhalation. The single dose aerosol chamber is optimized for efficient administration of an aerosol.

Abstract: Drug supply units are disclosed which comprise substrates having a plurality of holes formed therein.

Abstract: A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

Abstract: An inhalation system including a fluid transfer member, a valve member, a cartridge assembly, and a mouthpiece, and a method of use thereof are provided. The valve member connects to an open end of the fluid transfer member. The cartridge assembly, positioned within the valve member, includes a substance holder and an absorbent member accommodated within a cartridge for containing and absorbing an inhaling substance. When the valve member connects to a vaporizer, the vaporizer heats the absorbent member to vaporize and release an inhaling fluid into the fluid transfer member. When the valve member connects to the mouthpiece, the valve member receives and transfers the inhaling fluid vapor from the fluid transfer member to a user's mouth via the mouthpiece. The locking mouthpiece assembly allows authentication of the user prior to releasing the inhaling fluid to the user's mouth.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a shell and a mouthpiece. The external wall of the shell has an air inlet. An atomizer and a liquid-supply are in contact with each other. The air inlet, atomizer, and an aerosol passage are interconnected.

Abstract: Provided is a system for determining a probability of a respiratory disease exacerbation in a subject. The system comprises an inhaler arrangement for delivering a medicament to the subject. The medicament may be a rescue medicament and/or a maintenance medicament. The inhaler arrangement has a use-detection system configured to determine an inhalation performed by the subject using the inhaler arrangement. A sensor system is configured to measure a parameter relating to airflow during the inhalation. A user interface enables user-input of an indication of a status of the respiratory disease being experienced by the subject. A processor is configured to determine the probability of the respiratory disease exacerbation based on the recorded inhalation(s) from the use-detection system, the parameter(s) received from the sensor system, and the indication received from the user interface. Further provided is a method for determining the probability of a respiratory disease exacerbation in a subject.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment device includes a housing enclosing a chamber, a chamber inlet configured to receive a flow of air into the chamber, a first chamber outlet configured to permit the flow of air to exit the chamber, and a second chamber outlet configured to permit the flow of air to exit the chamber. A vane mounted within the chamber is configured to rotate between a first position where the flow of air is directed to exit the chamber through the first chamber outlet, and a second position where the flow of air is directed to exit the chamber through the second chamber outlet. A blocking member disposed on the vane is moveable relative to the chamber inlet between a closed position where the flow of air through the chamber inlet is restricted, and an open position where the flow of air through the chamber inlet is less restricted.

Abstract: Manual resuscitators, ventilation control assemblies, and methods suitable for delivering a volume-controlled tidal volume of air to a patient's lungs. Such a resuscitator has a piston that pushes a selected volume of air out of a ventilation chamber of a cylinder in response to pressurized gases being introduced into an actuation chamber of the cylinder. A volume adjuster adjusts the maximum tidal volume of patient air that the piston pushes out of the ventilation chamber by adjusting the maximum length of the piston stroke in the cylinder. The volume adjuster may have a bypass mode that allows the manual resuscitator to operate without volume control. The manual adjuster may also be pressure regulated by one or more pressure regulation valves.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning and maintaining artificial airways sized for insertion within pediatric or neonatal patients (e.g., external diameters of less than 5 mm) are disclosed. The system includes a multi-port ventilator manifold configured to couple to a ventilation source, thereby forming a ventilator circuit with the patient. The manifold includes an occluder configured to advantageously reduce an amount of dead space in the manifold so as to prevent less of positive end expiratory pressure of the ventilator circuit and reduce the likelihood of broncho-pulmonary dysplasia of the patient, or even premature death.

Abstract: An intubation apparatus configured to operably couple with an endotracheal tube so as to provide assistance in the insertion process of the endotracheal tube. The intubation apparatus of the present invention includes an elongated cylindrical body having an angular insertion tip on one end thereof. The body has an exterior surface wherein the first embodiment of the tube anchors is secured thereto. A second embodiment of a tube anchor is present within the scope of the invention and includes an air bladder integrally formed with the body wall. The two embodiments of the tube anchors function to apply a bias force against an inner wall of the endotracheal tube so as to maintain a position therewith. For the second embodiment of the tube anchor a syringe adapter is present that is configured to operably couple a syringe to the body and further provide a sealable connection with the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring element which is suitable for use with a patient interface and in the form of an elongated body and has an axis along which the spring element is compressed. Arranged in a direction of the axis, the spring element comprises a first region and a second region, at least one characteristic of the spring element in the first region having a value which is different from a value of the at least one characteristic in the second region.

Abstract: A ventilator system includes a ventilator and a host. The ventilator comprises a ventilation drive configured to drive ventilation gas from a gas source to a patient and a patient interface section configured to guide inspiratory gas along an inspiratory path from the ventilation drive to a patient connection, and guide expiratory gas along an expiratory path from the patient connection out of the ventilator. The patient interface section is configured to releasably connect to the ventilation drive. The ventilator is configured to removably connect to the host such that at least one of the inspiratory path and the expiratory path are diverted through the host when the ventilator is removably connected to the host.

Abstract: An HME device, used in a closed breathing circuit of a ventilation system, has a housing with an inlet opening and with an outlet opening, an HME chamber (50a; 50b; 50c; 50d; 50e; 50f; 50g; 50h; 50i) arranged between the inlet opening and the outlet opening for receiving an HME medium and a switching mechanism (70a; 70b; 70c; 70d; 70e; 70f; 70g; 70h; 70i). The HME device can be switched over between an HME mode (M1), in which an HME fluid passage is provided from the inlet opening through the HME chamber to the outlet opening, and a bypass mode (M2), in which a fluid bypass passage is provided from the inlet opening past the HME chamber through a bypass channel (80a; 80b; 80d; 80e; 80f; 80h) in the housing to the outlet opening. The bypass channel is blocked with respect to the HME chamber in the bypass mode (M2).

Abstract: A heat and moisture exchanger, comprises a rigid monolithic body (101). The rigid monolithic body (101) comprises a circumferential wall (102); and a structure of interconnected elements (106) surrounded by the circumferential wall (102). The structure (106) is open to fluid communication through the structure (106) between a first side (114) of the structure and a second side (115) of the structure (106) opposite the first side (114) of the structure (106). The circumferential wall (102) extends from the first side (114) to the second side (115) of the structure (106). The heat and moisture exchanger (100) is open on both of the first side (114) and the second side (115) of the structure (106), to allow fluid communication between the structure (106) and an exterior of the heat and moisture exchanger (100) on both sides (114, 115).

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein such apparatus comprises a display that provides a visual and/or numeric indication of the calculated dose of nitric oxide. Also described is a method of monitoring nitric oxide delivery, wherein the breathing gas flow rate and therapeutic gas flow rate are measured and used to determine the calculated dose of nitric oxide, which is then displayed. In some embodiments, an alert is provided when the calculated dose rises above or falls below a predetermined level or range.

Abstract: This invention relates to a humidifier for a respiratory assistance device, a respiratory assistance device comprising a humidifier and related methods and apparatus. The invention particularly provides arrangements for generating vapour by impinging light on metallic and/or carbon based material, particularly in the form of nanoparticles.

Abstract: A method includes administering a non-invasive stimulus to a subject having a frequency of about 35 Hz to about 45 Hz to induce synchronized gamma oscillations in at least one brain region of the subject.

Abstract: A sensor assembly includes a carrier having a base wall and a pair of side walls extending from the base wall, and a sensor mounted on the base wall between the side walls. Each of the side walls has a side step between a first side section and a second side section extending from the first side section along a longitudinal direction of the carrier. A sensor die of the sensor is spaced in a width direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction by a first lateral gap distance from the first side section and by a second lateral gap distance from the second side section. The second lateral gap distance is greater than the first lateral gap distance.

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: The present invention relates to an image processing system for a catheter operation. One embodiment comprises: a storage unit for at least temporarily storing a plurality of candidate routes on which a guide wire can proceed on a changing route caused by vascular bifurcations while proceeding from a first point by using a blood vessel image; and a processor for selecting, from an image inputted while an operation proceeds, at least one route corresponding to the current shape of the guide wire on the basis of a similarity comparison between the current shape of the guide wire and each of the plurality of candidate routes.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer, and an actuator. A distal end portion of the introducer is configured to couple to an indwelling peripheral intravenous line. The actuator is movably coupled to the introducer and is configured to move the catheter between a first position, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, and a second position, in which a distal end portion of the catheter is distal to the introducer. A first portion of the actuator is disposed outside of the introducer and in contact with an outer surface of the introducer such that (1) a longitudinal axis defined by a second portion of the actuator is nonparallel to a longitudinal axis defined by the introducer and (2) the second portion of the actuator exerts a force on a proximal end portion of the catheter operable to increase an internal stress within a portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A device and system for providing a centered lumen within a catheter body. A coiled guide lumen (CGL) is composed of a length of wire forming a plurality of coils about the longitudinal axis of the CGL, the CGL including one or more first sections having a first diameter and one or more sections having a second diameter, the second diameter being greater than the first diameter, and a secondary guide lumen extending through the first sections. The CGL may include at least one pull wire extending through the secondary guide lumen and attached at the distal portion of the catheter body. A band may be coupled to an interior of the catheter body distal portion, each of the pull wires being coupled to the annular band. Alternatively, the system may further include a shim coupled to the band, each of the pulls wire being coupled to the shim.

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: Disclosed herein are rapidly insertable central catheters (“RICCs”), RICC assemblies, and methods thereof. For example, a RICC can include a catheter tube, a suture wing disposed over a medial portion of the catheter tube, a hub coupled to a proximal portion of the catheter tube, and a number of extension legs extending from the hub. The catheter tube can include a first section in a distal portion of the catheter tube and a second section proximal of the first section. The suture wing can include a projection opposite a patient-facing side of the suture wing and a needle through hole through the projection. The needle through hole can be configured to accept a needle therethrough for insertion of the needle into a primary lumen of the catheter tube, which passes through a catheter-tube through hole through the suture wing. A method of the RICC can include using the RICC.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes: a catheter including a distal end portion, and a body portion that is continuous with a proximal end of the distal end portion and extends along an axial direction; a hollow inner needle that has a needle tip and is removably inserted into the catheter; and a guide wire that is inserted into the inner needle so as to be movable back and forth and that is deliverable from the needle tip. The distal end portion of the catheter includes a constituent portion that is harder than, has a higher lubricity than, or has a higher elasticity than the body portion at at least a part of a surface of the distal end portion.

Abstract: A short length flexible catheter with hollow guide wire and flushing port for convection enhanced delivery may be provided. The short length CED catheter may include a catheter body made of silicone or plastic. The short length catheter may further include an attachment port connected to a first end of the flexible, hollow guide wire contained within the catheter body. The hollow catheter guide wire may extend beyond the catheter body on one end for both enhanced tunneling and simultaneous use of flushing.

Abstract: A fluid displacement and pressurizing device which includes a housing, a first piston in the housing, a plunger which extends from the housing and has a second piston thereon, and an actuator that works to selectively lock the piston to either the housing or the plunger depending on the position of the second piston in the housing. Effectively, the actuator includes a first locking mechanism that locks and unlocks the first piston relative to the housing and a second locking mechanism that locks and unlocks the plunger relative to the piston. As such, the first locking mechanism is not only a locking mechanism but is also an actuating mechanism with regard to actuating the second locking mechanism.

Abstract: A catheter having a head with a head orifice and a head channel connected to the head orifice, a primary lumen wall that defines an internal primary lumen volume, an adjustable neck that connects the head channel to the internal primary lumen volume, an adjustment system partially enclosed in the primary lumen wall that provides an articulation of the adjustable neck between an extended position to a contracted positon, wherein the articulation from the extended position to the contracted position provides a flexible tip catheter while the articulation from the contracted position to the extended position provides an ability to angulate toward a target.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a body, a first shaft, an actuation assembly, and a dilation catheter. The first shaft includes a malleable distal portion. The actuation assembly includes a second shaft and an actuator. The second shaft is coaxially positioned about the first shaft. The actuator is operable to selectively bend the malleable distal portion of the first shaft. The dilation catheter is coaxially interposed between the first shaft and the second shaft. The dilation catheter includes an expandable dilator. The dilation catheter is operable to translate along the malleable distal portion of the first shaft.

Abstract: A method for inflating an inflatable balloon of a catheter for a bowel irrigation system includes initiating an inflation process in response to inputs provided by a user including inflating the inflatable balloon with a predefined volume of the liquid, assessing a static pressure inside the inflatable balloon, generating an output from the processor based on the static pressure, and controlling a feedback loop based on a difference between two consecutively assessed static pressures.

Abstract: A micro-robot operating system using an ultrasonic transducer according to an embodiment of the present invention may comprise: a micro-robot moving in an inspection object; and a micro-robot operating device for controlling the location of the micro-robot. A micro-robot operating device using an ultrasonic transducer may comprise: an ultrasonic transducer unit including a plurality of ultrasonic transducers; and a control unit for controlling the plurality of ultrasonic transducers, wherein the plurality of ultrasonic transducers are arranged to form a curved surface toward a particular location in a space.

Abstract: An intrathecal drug delivery system configured to monitor one or more physiological conditions of the patient to look for opportunities to time medicament delivery to coincide with patient activity inferring heightened cerebrospinal fluid oscillations, thereby improving dispersion of the medicament within the intrathecal space of the patient. The intrathecal drug delivery system includes an implantable medical pump, one or more physiological sensors, and an external programmer configured to program the implantable medical pump with a treatment protocol specifying at least one period of time during which a specified quantity of medicament is to be administered during which the implantable medical pump utilizes data from the one or more physiological sensors to time delivery of the medicament.

Abstract: A face mask or body cover assembly, including for lips, can include a band and a lip-contacting portion comprising a plurality of plastic liners, a skin healing formulation, and an ice pack gel solution filling. The face mask assembly can self-adhere to a patient's face. The skin healing formulation can include a first active botanical compound and a second active botanical compound that can function as an analgesic, an antimicrobial, an activity, an anti-inflammatory and/or an antioxidant.

Abstract: A method for delivering a bioactive agent to the cardiovascular system is described. The method delivers the agent at a high bioavailability and with little loss of agent to the natural defense mechanisms of the body. For instance, little or none of the bioactive agent will be sequestered in lymph tissue and prevented from circulation in the cardiovascular system. The method includes utilization of a transdermal delivery device including microneedles with structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices and methods are provided for delivering one or more drugs into a biological tissue. The devices include microneedles that may be separable from the drug delivery devices, control drug release rate and/or direction, or a combination thereof. When the microneedles are separable, a force applied to the drug delivery devices may be effective to penetrate a biological tissue with the microneedles and then to separate the microneedles from the drug delivery devices. The drug delivery devices may be capable of achieving discrete periods of drug release. Methods for delivery drug with microneedles also are provided.

Abstract: A workpiece carrier for transporting and/or storing components of a drug delivery device. The workpiece carrier includes a body including a planar-shaped bottom area. The planar-shaped bottom area includes an upper side and a bottom side opposite to the upper side. The bottom area includes a number of longitudinally extending hollow protuberances protruding from the bottom side and forming longitudinally extending cavities in the upper side. A longitudinal end of at least one of the protuberances or cavities faces away from the bottom side comprises an aperture.

Abstract: An implantable infusate spread promoting system configured to enable improved dispersion of delivered infusate. The system including an implantable device configured to enable infusate delivery within a body of a patient, and an implantable manually actuatable flushing pump configured to remove and re-inject a quantity of fluid with each actuation to promote improved dispersion of the delivered infusate.

Abstract: A perfusion container for directly administering to patients a dose of an antineoplastic drug calculated according to a patient's parameter, wherein the first perfusion container comprises a solution of antineoplastic drug at a concentration and volume such that the amount of antineoplastic drug in the container is equal to the calculated dose for one patient but less than the calculated dose for a second patient, the calculated dose is provided to first patient within 5% variance by directly administering the full volume of the solution of antineoplastic drug from the first perfusion container, further the first perfusion container is accompanied by a second top-up perfusion container comprising a solution of antineoplastic drug at a concentration and volume such that the calculated dose is provided within 5% variance by directly administering the full volume of the solution of antineoplastic drug from the first perfusion container and the second top-up container to the second patient.

Abstract: The present invention is comprised in the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacturing of medical supplies, particularly focusing on containers for the artificial feeding of enteral feeding products through a tube. In particular, the present invention relates to a closure cap for a container for supplying enteral feeding products by means of the drive of a drive head, and it also relates to a drive head that can be coupled to the cap for driving the supply of enteral feeding products contained in a container, and in turn to a drive system formed by said cap and drive head.

Abstract: A medication delivery device includes an infusion pump system having a reservoir, a fluid path connected between the reservoir and an insertion mechanism, a plunger arranged inside the reservoir, and a pump drive mechanism coupled with the reservoir. The medication delivery device further includes a processing device configured to determine a user fill volume of a fluid medication by analyzing a location of the plunger inside the reservoir when a fill of the fluid medication is completed. The processing device is configured to determine the user fill volume of the fluid medication by sensing a pressure inside the reservoir.

Abstract: A dosing pump, in particular a microdosing pump, has a pump chamber in which a fluid inlet is provided at a first valve seat and a fluid outlet is provided at a second valve seat. A control element is coupled to an actuator to move the control element in order to vary the pump chamber in terms of volume. The control element is movably mounted by means of a flexure hinge.

Abstract: Systems and method for improving fluid flow during medication delivery procedures, such as infusions or pooling, are provided. A spike is punctured though a seal in a container. A liquid substance is drained from said container through a pathway in the spike. The spike includes a channel which permit sliding movement of a snorkel for elevation above the liquid substance to permit air to enter the container from outside without foaming the liquid substance.

Abstract: A system includes a device having inner and outer catheters, and a filter valve attached to the distal end of the inner and outer catheters. Longitudinal displacement of the inner catheter relative to the outer catheter moves the filter valve from a non-deployed configuration to a deployed configuration. The device has a first configuration in which the distal end of the inner catheter is longitudinally advanced by a first distance relative to the distal end of the outer catheter and the filter valve assumes a stretched configuration, and a second configuration in which the distal end of the inner catheter is longitudinally advanced by a second distance relative to the distal end of the outer catheter to cause the filter valve to assume a diameter larger than in the stretched configuration.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are apparatuses and methods that account for exercise in closed loop insulin delivery systems. Rather than increasing a target insulin on board (IOB) as glucose levels rise, which would increase insulin delivery to address the raised glucose levels, when a user indicates that the user will be exercising raised glucose levels are addressed by reducing the target IOB within the closed loop algorithm. By reducing the target IOB, the algorithm responds less aggressively to pre-exercise food, and does not build up the IOB that can cause dangerously low glucose levels once the exercise also begins lowering glucose levels.

Abstract: Closed-loop systems and methods are described herein for regulating a flow of medication being intermittently infused to a patient based on one or more vital signs. The dosage rate of the medication can be adjusted periodically as needed to ensure the patient's vital sign remains with a target range. Various safeguards can be used to ensure the safety and efficacy of the closed-loop systems and methods.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, a controller module, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Integration may be manual, semi-automated and/or fully automated.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an electronic add-on module configured for attachment to a drug delivery device and to an assembly comprising a drug delivery device and an electronic add-on module. The electronic add-on module may comprise a first portion with a main housing defining a longitudinal axis. The module comprises a gripping mechanism allowing attachment to drug delivery device dose dial user interfaces, e.g., a dial grip, and/or drug delivery device injection user interfaces, e.g., a dose button of varying diameters and shapes. The first portion comprises on an inner side of the main housing at least two elastically deformable arms each having a clamping section which is configured to be elastically deflected radially outwards with respect to the longitudinal axis from a unstressed, nominal position to a strained, deflected position.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a cartridge is described. An injection needle is inserted into a mold that forms a barrel. The barrel defines an open proximal end, an opposing distal end, an internal reservoir therebetween, and an arm projecting distally from the distal end of the barrel and having a portion bent at a fixed angle. The injection needle is positioned within a portion of the mold configured to form the arm of the barrel, and a terminal needle tip is oriented such that a beveled opening of the needle tip is distally facing. The injection needle is stabilized against movement with a gripping device. The mold is filled with resin to form the barrel around the injection needle. The gripping device is separated from the injection needle upon hardening of the resin.