Abstract: The system allows optimizing the dispensing of aerosol medicaments. In particular the system allows the administration of an exogenous pulmonary surfactant to very young patients (e.g. preterm neonates). A catheter (101) conveys atomized surfactant directly to the retropharyngeal region in order to increase efficiency of the medicament administration without being invasive: this is particularly important for very young patients, such as pre-term born neonates suffering from neonatal Respiratory Distress Syndrome (nRDS). The catheter is made of biocompatible flexible material (e.g. plastic material). It is possible to couple the catheter with a rigid scaffolding (e.g. metallic) to increase stiffness of the device and to improve easiness of positioning operations. The delivery of the atomized medicament is done by means of an air blasting technique.

Abstract: A humidifier is configured to humidify a flow of pressurized respiratory gas. The humidifier includes a tub base configured to retain a body of water and a tub lid configured to cover the tub base. The humidifier also includes an inlet passage configured to receive the flow of pressurized respiratory gas and deliver the pressurized respiratory gas to an interior of the humidifier. At least a portion of the inlet passage is configured to float on the body of water retained in the tub base.

Abstract: A flow generator includes a blower, a flow generator outlet configured to receive an end of a gas delivery tube, and a controller. The flow generator outlet includes electrical connectors configured to contact corresponding electrical connectors associated with the breathable gas delivery tube when the breathable gas delivery tube is received by the flow generator outlet. The controller includes a tube-type detect circuit and is configured to receive signals from the breathable gas delivery tube by way of the electrical connectors of the flow generator outlet. The tube-type detect circuit is configured so that when the breathable gas delivery tube is received by the flow generator outlet, the tube-type detect circuit determines the type of breathable gas delivery tube based on signals from the electrical connectors of the flow generator outlet that are indicative of a condition of a resistor associated with the breathable gas delivery tube.

Abstract: A method for generating a continuous carrier gas/vapour mixture stream containing a carrier gas, and a vapour of a liquid. The method includes provision of a first metered carrier gas stream, provision of a second metered carrier gas stream, provision of a metered, vapour-saturated carrier gas/vapour mixture stream, mixing of the second stream and the metered stream to provide a first gaseous mixture stream; and provision of a metered liquid stream fed to an evaporation/mixing device for evaporating the liquid and mixing with the first gaseous mixture stream to provide a second gaseous mixture stream.

Abstract: A packaging system for storing a prosthetic valve and an elongated delivery system in a non-fluid environment. The packaging system includes a tray for securing both a prosthetic valve and an elongated delivery system. The tray includes a cavity sized and shaped to house a valve cover containing the prosthetic valve and at least part of the distal portion of the elongated delivery system. A mounting surface removably couples the valve cover to the cavity floor and to prevent the valve cover from moving. An engaging surface is disposed peripherally of the cavity and is elevated above the cavity floor. A ramp extends downwardly from the engaging surface and into the cavity through an opening defined in the peripheral side wall and adjacent the floor of the cavity. The engaging surface and ramp are configured to secure at least part of the elongated delivery system externally of the cavity.

Abstract: A lighting device for a respiratory humidifier (1) is provided, the humidifier comprising a liquid container (3) with a bottom plate and a housing (2) with a heating plate (8), wherein the heating plate (8) can be heated for heating the liquid in the liquid container (3), and wherein the bottom plate can be brought into contact with the heating plate (8), wherein the housing (2) comprises a light source (20) and a light exit portion (22), and the liquid container (3) comprises a light entrance portion (21), wherein the light proceeding from the light source (20) proceeds in a lighting direction through the light exit portion (22) and the light entrance portion (21) and thus arrives in the liquid container (3).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of determining water level in a humidifier chamber that is part of a humidified gases delivery apparatus and system. The method comprising the steps of delivering power to a heater plate, varying the power delivered to the heater plate, measuring the rate of change of temperature and determining the level of water based on the heating characteristics of the volume of water within the chamber, in particular determining the level of water within the chamber based on the rate of change of temperature and the supplied power.

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

Abstract: Humidifier apparatus for a respiratory apparatus includes a housing providing a gas flow path, a heater apparatus, and a water supply distribution member configured and arranged to deliver water vapor to the gas flow path. The water distribution member is provided to the housing and in thermal communication with the heater apparatus.

Abstract: An implantable system includes cells that produce and release a therapeutic agent, or agents, to a host in need. The system can include cells capable of eluting therapeutic agents in response to changing physiological conditions within a host. The system may comprise naked cells, encapsulated cells, or a mixture of non-encapsulating and encapsulated cells. The system may also comprise cells, and/or cell groups, of different origins. The implantable device may be placed intra-vascular, within bone marrow, within soft tissue, in the peritoneal cavity, or intra-hepatic, etc. The system can be comprised of a stent, or like devices. Such stents and like devices may optionally include port(s), catheter(s), and containment envelope systems for holding the above cells.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a container-receiving unit comprising a container chamber for receiving a substance-containing container which contains substance to be delivered to the nasal cavity of the subject, the container chamber including an inlet and an outlet; a nosepiece unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nasal cavity of the subject and being in fluid communication with the outlet of the container chamber; a mouthpiece unit including a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet of the container chamber and through which the subject in use exhales, such as to entrain substance from the container and deliver the same through the nosepiece; and moisture-mitigation means for mitigating an effect of moisture in an exhaled breath on the entrainment of substance from the container, which means are provided, for example, by providing the container in a replaceable container-containing member, by a p

Abstract: A bottle includes a bottle main body having a bottle mouth portion at an upper part, and a dip tube dipped into a liquid stored in the bottle main body. An upper end of the dip tube is arranged on an inner side of a peripheral wall of the bottle mouth portion with a void part that communicates inside and outside of the bottle main body provided through the bottle mouth portion.

Abstract: A combination suction regulator for medical use which comprises a cover, a vacuum gauge, a regulating module, an integrated flow channel module having a plurality of board surface flow channels, an intermittent timer module, a mode select switch, a vacuum relief and an air buffer. The air buffer is disposed inside the cover and integrally formed as a whole with the integrated flow channel module. A flow channel board and a bottom board coupled with each other to form the integrated flow channel module. The intermittent timer module comprises a diaphragm piston disposed on one side and the change valve disposed on another side of the middle part of the front side of the flow channel board.

Abstract: A vapor inhalation device includes a first body portion defining a first chamber and a second body portion defining a second chamber provided at least partially within the first chamber, where the second body portion has at least one aperture placing the second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. An intake conduit defines a first air passageway from an exterior of the first body portion to within the second chamber. An output conduit has a proximal end located within the first chamber, a distal end opposite the proximal end and located at the exterior of the first body portion, is physically coupled to the first body portion at a location different from the proximal end of the output conduit, and defines a second air passageway extending from within the first chamber to the exterior of the body portion.

Abstract: Methods, devices and compositions for treatment of severe and uncontrolled asthma are provided by which high amounts of an inhaled corticosteroid are directed to the small airways of the lower lungs. The invention provides for a substantial decrease in the dose of concurrently administered oral corticosteroids. A particular advantage of the invention is the significant reduction in corticosteroid-related adverse effects.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and method of delivering substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a container-receiving unit comprising a container chamber for receiving a substance-containing container which contains substance to be delivered to the nasal cavity of the subject, the container chamber including an inlet and an outlet; a nosepiece unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nasal cavity of the subject and being in fluid communication with the outlet of the container chamber; a mouthpiece unit including a mouthpiece in fluid communication with the inlet of the container chamber and through which the subject in use exhales, such as to entrain substance from the container and deliver the same through the nosepiece; and moisture-mitigation means for mitigating an effect of moisture in an exhaled breath on the entrainment of substance from the container.

Abstract: A semiconductor laser blood oxygen therapeutic apparatus comprising a host (32); a terminal being an oxygen output terminal, a laser irradiating terminal and an ozone output terminal (48), a laser generator located in a therapeutic terminal (34); the oxygen output terminal includes an oxygen absorbing device (25) and a laser-oxygen two-in-one therapeutic device (27); the laser-oxygen two-in-one therapeutic device (27) is provided with a two-in-one nasal clip (31); the oxygen absorbing device (25) is provided with a detachable atomization pressure decreasing device (24), while the host (32) is provided with a security identifying device which identifies the external atomization pressure decreasing device automatically; and an ozone generating cabin (36) is connected between a relief pressure valve (20) and a humidifying bottle (9).

Abstract: According to one specific embodiment, an oxygen humidifier includes a container that defines an interior space. The oxygen humidifier also includes a top portion that is permanently coupled to the container. The top portion includes an opening for accessing the interior space of the container. The humidifier further includes a lid portion that is movably coupled to the top portion. The lid portion is configured to move between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the closed configuration, the lid portion seals the opening, and in the open configuration, the lid portion allows access to the interior space through the opening. The oxygen humidifier additionally includes an oxygen diffuser positioned within the interior space.

Abstract: An aerosol inhalation system includes a first conduit member for delivering medication in the form of aerosol particles to a patient. The system also includes a first device in fluid communication with the first holding chamber for producing the aerosol particles and being sealingly yet releasably received within an adapter that forms an entrance into a first holding chamber. The adapter has a compressible material disposed thereon which is at least partially compressed by insertion of the first device to form the seal between the first device and the adapter, thereby creating a closed system that is therefore capable of delivering a fixed concentration of the medication to the patient due to a valve of the valve mechanism being closed when the patient inhales and the medication is delivered to the patient.

Abstract: A sound dampening apparatus to be disposed in pneumatic connection with a respiratory support system. The respiratory support system may comprise a source of medical gas, a plurality of pneumatic connections and a patient interface. The sound dampening apparatus comprises an inlet, an outlet, and an outer case which forms a sound dampening chamber. As the medical gas flows through the sound dampening apparatus, the noise energy associated with the flow of medical gas is reduced.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance, in particular one of a liquid, as a suspension or solution, or a powder containing a medicament, especially systemic or topical pharmaceuticals, or a vaccine to the nasal airway of a subject.

Abstract: A portable medical device for communication of medical data information has a medical device part that includes a first processor and first storage means, and means for executing one or more medical related functions, a communication device part comprising a second processor, second storage means, and communication means. The medical device part and the communication device part are connected allowing for exchange of data information according to a predetermined protocol. The exchange of communication may be under the control of the medical device part, but the functionalities of each device part otherwise is separated providing for easy interchangeability of the communication device part or the medical device part. Also disclosed is a method for communication of medical data information.

Abstract: A metal oxide layer is disposed on the lower potential side when an electric field in a predetermined direction is applied to the piezoelectric body which is deformed by an applied electric field, and compensates for the oxygen vacancies which are generated in the piezoelectric body by applying the electric field. A second metal oxide layer is disposed on the higher potential side of the electric field applied to the piezoelectric body, and by applying an electric field in the direction reverse to the electric field, compensates for the oxygen vacancies which are accumulated in the piezoelectric body, thus degradation of the piezoelectric characteristic of a piezoelectric element can be repaired.

Abstract: An aerosol generation device comprising an oscillatable membrane (1) for the nebulization of a liquid, having a first curved region (11), and an oscillation generating device (2, 3) by which the membrane can be caused to oscillate such that a liquid disposed on one side of the membrane is nebulized through the oscillating membrane and is present on the other side of the membrane as an aerosol. The membrane has at least a second region (12) which is surrounded by the first region (11). The first region (11) and the second region (12) have different curvatures (1/r1, 1/r2).

Abstract: A medicament ejector is provided which includes an ejection mechanism and a service mechanism. The ejection mechanism includes at least one ejection port configured to eject a medicament-containing fluid. The service mechanism is selectively deployable to service the at least one ejection port.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a liquid bag that makes bubbling possible with a simple structure without increasing the number of parts. The liquid bag according to the present invention includes: a bag main body for containing a liquid, the bag main body constructed of a flexible thermoplastic resin sheet; and a mouth member constructed of a thermoplastic resin, the mouth member sealingly bonded to a part of a periphery of the bag main body. The mouth member has a sleeve-like seal portion sealingly bonded to the bag main body, the seal portion including a first flow path and a second flow path. The first flow path opens and extends along the periphery of the bag main body and the second flow path opens at a bottom surface of the seal portion to an inside of the bag main body.

Abstract: A method of cleaning a metered dose spray device, and a cleaning composition for such cleaning, prevent the device from becoming clogged with medication. The method includes removing the aerosol can containing the medication from the actuator, placing an aerosol can containing a cleaning composition in the actuator, and dispensing the cleaning solution through the actuator. The residual medication is thereby removed from the actuator. A sufficiently small quantity of cleaning composition remains in the actuator so that the cleaning composition itself will not clog the actuator. Additionally, the cleaning composition is non-toxic, so that residual cleaning composition remaining in the actuator will not harm the user when a subsequent dose of medication is dispensed.

Abstract: An air filtration system includes a light weight container which stores a quantity of water for filtering contaminants from inhaled air. A coupling assembly is used to connect the container to a flexible hose for delivery of the filtered air to the dust mask worn by the user. The coupling assembly allows a user to interchange one light weight container with another in a quick and convenient manner if one container becomes saturated with contaminants. A user simply pulls downward on the slidable jacket to release the industrial plug and allowing the attachment of another container to the hose via the coupling assembly.

Abstract: A packaged gas-solubilized product is described. The gas-solubilized product contains a first gas with a first pressure. The product is placed into a flexible inner container made of a gas-impermeable material. The inner container is hermetically disposed inside an outer container. A space formed between the inner and the outer containers is charged with a second gas with an initial charging pressure. The initial charging pressure is higher than the pressure of the first gas contained in the product. Additionally, a product dispenser in a fluid connection with the product contained in the internal container is included. The present invention also provides a method of packaging a gas-solubilized product to prevent a change in the concentration of the gas dissolved in the product during its storage and dispensing.

Abstract: A method of applying total liquid ventilation to a patient according to a ventilation cycle including inspiration and expiration profiles, comprises supplying oxygenated liquid to the lungs of the patient, withdrawing liquid from the patient's lungs, and controlling independently supply of oxygenated liquid to the patient's lungs and withdrawal of liquid from the patient's lungs. This supply and withdrawal independent control comprises producing a ventilation cycle having independently controlled inspiration and expiration profiles. To carry out the method, a total liquid ventilator system comprises an inspiration pump for supplying oxygenated liquid to the lungs of the patient, an expiration pump for withdrawing liquid from the patient's lungs, and a ventilation cycle control means.

Abstract: There are many lung diseases and conditions for which the preferred form of treatment involves delivering a medicament of the appropriate sort down the Patient's airways into the lungs themselves. The most effective treatments involve the inhalation as an aerosol of some suitable agent in normally inhaled air, and it will often be the case that it is best to deliver the agent as a “spike” or short pulse at some selected point within the Patient's breathing cycle. The present invention proposes treatment apparatus—specifically and in particular small (pocket-sized) hand-held apparatus—that utilises the “spike” principle.

Abstract: A hand-held compressor nebulizer suitable for vaporizing liquid medication, comprising a casing and a motor-driven air pump. The nebulizer includes a liquid medication supply unit and a vaporizing unit. The vaporizing unit comprises upper and lower vaporizing chambers, the lower chamber including a reservoir for liquid medication from the liquid medication supply unit. The vaporizing unit includes a hollow conical member located within the lower chamber and defining an internal conical passage having a relatively smaller upper end and a relatively larger lower end, the lower end being in communication with the air pump for receiving an upward airflow produced by the air pump. The airflow increases in speed in the upward direction and creates a negative pressure upon exit from the upper end of the conical passage. The vaporizing unit further includes a vaporizing jacket having a tapered interior and disposed around the conical member to form a narrow gap with the conical member.

Abstract: The inhalation therapy assembly and method of use described herein increases the efficiency of metered dose inhalers by allowing delivery of the doses to a collapsible reservoir which can be manually pumped, ensuring that medicants contained therein are properly and completely delivered to the patient. Terminal and proximal valves of the one-way diaphragm type allow flow of the aerosol medicants while preventing improper expulsion. An exhalation valve is adjustable to ensure the patient exhales suitably to permit proper medicant absorption. A conventional metered dosage inhaler having an approved FDA canister provides proper dosage to the patient and is joined to the collapsible reservoir by a connector having a plurality of apertures for receiving the MDI and an accessory T-fitting.