Abstract: The invention relates to a dispenser (1) for pulverulent substances (30), in particular medicaments, from a blister pack (25), dome-shaped cavities (26) of which that are disposed on a base layer (28) can, by movement in a dispenser housing (4), be brought step by step into an emptying position, in which they can be opened by means of a needle (31) and can be emptied by a suction air stream (a) leading to a mouthpiece (6). To achieve optimum emptying of the cavities, it is proposed that the needle (31) passes crosswise through both lateral walls of the dome (29) of the cavities (preferably parallel to the base layer 28) in order to form a through path to the mouthpiece for suction air.

Abstract: A nasal dilator is constructed as a single body truss having a resilient member structure comprising a plurality of overlaid, island-placed, or overlapping resilient members. Methods of mass producing dilator devices, individual resilient members, and overlapped, overlaid, and island-placed resilient member structures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk of occurrence of pulmonary edema associated with a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma.

Abstract: A breathing gas supply system for an aircraft includes a plurality of oxygen concentrating apparatus, each of which in use, is operable to supply oxygen enriched gas to a breathing gas supply. Each oxygen concentrating apparatus includes at least two active molecular sieve beds which are operable so that while one sieve bed is adsorbing non-oxygen gas from a pressurized gas supply, the or another bed is being purged of non-oxygen gas by subjecting the bed to lower pressure. Each oxygen concentrating apparatus includes an oxygen enriched gas flow control device which permits the flow of oxygen enriched gas produced by the oxygen concentrating apparatus to the breathing gas supply and permits a restricted flow of oxygen enriched gas from the breathing gas supply to the oxygen concentrating apparatus. Oxygen enriched gas produced by the adsorbing sieve bed flows direct to the bed being purged.

Abstract: A flow generator for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a processor coupled with operation sensors and a user interface. The processor is programmed to generate at least one of time-based or event-based messages relating to at least one of flow generator operation, flow generator service, flow generator use, patient health, peripheral devices and services, patient treatment, and reminders. Time-based messages are generated at predetermined time intervals based on either time of use or elapsed time. The event-based messages are generated based on signals from the operation sensors. The user interface is configured to deliver the messages to at least one of a display, a flow generator service provider, the patient and a physician. By this system, operation of the flow generator is facilitated and enhanced.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a device for acoustically monitoring a subject's airway to determine airway obstruction(s) and their location(s). The device is particularly useful when performing sleep analysis and sleep therapy, but is also highly useful in determining airway obstructions of any subject when the subject is sleeping or otherwise unconscious, and can further be used in certain applications when the subject is awake or conscious. The device, in its simplest form, is comprised of a supporting body (e.g. a mask, mouthpiece, or nasal cannula) used to position at least one acoustic generator and at least one acoustic sensor at a location essentially proximal to a subject's airway, the acoustic generator and acoustic sensor generating and/or sensing sound waves useful in determining obstruction(s) and their location(s) within the airway of a subject.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a removable primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information and a novel method for controlling a ventilator system.

Abstract: This disclosure describes systems and methods for compensating for leakage when during delivery of gas to a patient from a medical ventilator in a pressure regulated volume control (PRVC) ventilation mode. The technology described herein includes systems and methods that compensate the delivery of PRVC ventilation for leakage in the patient circuit by using leak-compensated lung flows as well as respiratory mechanics (lung compliance and lung resistance) estimated in a manner that compensates for elastic and inelastic leaks from the ventilation system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breathing support device for use in the event of a disaster such as a fire in a building or the like. The breathing support device includes: a connection pipe having any length; an induction pipe connected to one end of the connection pipe; and a supply pipe connected to the other end of the connection pipe, wherein an opening provided in the bottom of the induction pipe is combined with a mesh having a plurality of apertures which is fixed by a fastening piece, and a cover plate is combined to an opening of the supply pipe such that the interior of the supply pipe is sealed by the cover plate and one or more intake/exhaust pipes are combined to the cover plate such that the intake/exhaust pipes communicate to the interior of the supply pipe.

Abstract: A patient mask assembly for positive pressure ventilation includes a brace which clips to the mask and provides attachment locations for headgear straps in alternative positions to those attachment locations which may be provided by the mask. The brace may also provide a mask stabilizing portion.

Abstract: A safety system and method of an air distribution system of a tunnel structure is disclosed. In one embodiment, the air distribution includes a supply unit installed on a particular wall of the first set of walls to facilitate delivery of breathable air from a source of compressed air to an emergency support system of the tunnel structure, a fill site interior to the tunnel structure to provide the breathable air to a breathable air apparatus at multiple locations of the tunnel structure, a secure chamber of the fill site as a safety shield that confines a possible rupture of an over-pressurized breathable air apparatus within the secure chamber, a distribution structure that is compatible with use with compressed air that facilitates dissemination of the breathable air of the source of compressed air to multiple locations of the tunnel structure.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, there is provided a medical monitoring device that includes one or more sensors, wherein a sensor is adapted to sense a parameter of a patient and computator adapted to receive an output of at least one sensor and to compute a condition-index-value directly related to a condition of the patient.

Abstract: A CPAP apparatus has a variable rise time (iii) from a base level of positive air pressure during expiration (EPAP) to a higher level during inspiration (IPAP). The rise time is adjusted in order to reduce obstruction, resistance or instability in the upper airway.

Abstract: A method of intercepting controlled quantities of air exhaled from at least one of two nostrils on an individual's nose to permit inhalation of the intercepted air, including the steps of: providing an air flow intercepting apparatus; and placing the air flow intercepting apparatus in an operative position relative to the individual's nostrils so that as the individual inhales and exhales during repeating breathing cycles: a) a first quantity of exhaled air flows past the air flow intercepting apparatus; and b) a second quantity of exhaled air impinges upon the air flow intercepting apparatus so as to at least one of: i) stagnate; and ii) be redirected by the air flow intercepting apparatus so that at least a portion of the second quantity of exhaled air is drawn into the individual's nostrils as the individual inhales.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to methods and devices for delivering an active agent formulation to the lung of a human patient. The active agent formulation may be in dry powder form, it may be nebulized, or it may be in admixture with a propellant. The active agent formulation is delivered to a patient at a low inspiratory flow rate for an initial period of time to increase bioavailability of the active agent.

Abstract: Methods, systems and devices are provided for performing lung volume reduction in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or other conditions where isolation of a lung segment or reduction of lung volume is desired. The methods are minimally invasive with instruments being introduced through the mouth (endotracheally) and rely on isolating the target lung tissue segment from other regions of the lung and occluding various lung passageways with the use of occlusal stents. The occlusal stents are delivered with the use of an occlusal stent delivery system which is loaded with the occlusal stent with the use of an occlusal stent loading system.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention provides a medical method for treating a person and comprises repeatedly compressing the person's chest. While repeatedly compressing the person's chest, the method further includes repeatedly delivering a positive pressure breath to the person and extracting respiratory gases from the person's airway using a vacuum following the positive pressure breath to create an intrathoracic vacuum to lower pressures in the thorax and to enhance blood flow back to the heart.

Abstract: System and methods for ventilating a patient are provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises steps of placing a ventilator in a mode capable of delivering respiratory gas based on at least one fixed parameter and at least one variable parameter, the fixed parameters being tidal volume and peak airway pressure and the variable parameter being PEEP, identifying a first level for the PEEP, configuring the ventilator to deliver the respiratory gas at the peak airway pressure and the PEEP to achieve the tidal volume, monitoring respiratory gas flow over time to measure tidal volume, setting a second level for the PEEP based on the measured tidal volume, automatically adjusting the PEEP to the second level relative to the peak airway pressure and repeating the steps of configuring, monitoring, setting and automatically adjusting to achieve the ventilation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for controlling a patient's body temperature and in particular for inducing therapeutic hypothermia. Various embodiments of the system are described. The system includes: a source of breathing gas, which may be in the form of a compressed breathing gas mixture; a heat exchanger or other heating and/or cooling device; and a breathing interface, such as a breathing mask or tracheal tube. Optionally, the system may include additional features, such as a mechanical respirator, a nebulizer for introducing medication into the breathing gas, a body temperature probe and a feedback controller. The system can use air or a specialized breathing gas mixture, such as He/O.sub.2 or SF/O.sub.2 to increase the heat transfer rate. In addition, the system may include an ice particle generator for introducing fine ice particles into the flow of breathing gas to further increase the heat transfer rate.

Abstract: A neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector has a colorimetric carbon dioxide detector membrane having a pH-sensitive chemical indicator that undergoes colorimetric change in the presence of carbon dioxide. The detector has a patient orifice in fluid communication with the baby's airway and a respiration equipment orifice connected to a breathing system. The patient orifice is connected to a breathing tube and when the breathing tube is inserted correctly into the trachea, as the baby exhales, carbon dioxide interacts with the colorimetric membrane which changes color based upon the concentration of carbon dioxide. The internal volume of the neonatal colorimetric carbon dioxide detector is reduced to properly function with low-birth-weight (neonatal) infants.

Abstract: An integrated ventilation system is presented. The integrated ventilation system includes a high frequency ventilation module configured to be operationally coupled to a ventilation system, where the high frequency ventilation module is configured to aid the ventilation system in performing high frequency ventilation. A method for providing high frequency ventilation via use of a high frequency ventilation module, where the high frequency ventilation module is configured to be operationally coupled to a ventilation system, and where the high frequency ventilation module is configured to aid the ventilation system in performing high frequency ventilation, is presented. The method includes creating a vacuum effect at an outlet port of the ventilation system to aid in active exhalation of gas from a patient.

Abstract: A filter mask includes an oronasal cup, an inhalation directional cover, and an exhalation diverter body. The oronasal cup encloses a nose and mouth of a user. The oronasal cup is fluidly coupled with a filter. The inhalation directional cover is configured to be joined to the filter. The inhalation directional cover includes an elongated wing portion that is oriented in an inhalation direction that is angled with respect to the center axis of the filter. The exhalation diverter body is fluidly coupled with the oronasal cup. The exhalation diverter body defines an exhalation duct that directs exhaled air out of the oronasal cup along an exhalation direction. The inhalation direction and the exhalation direction are oriented away from a plane of interaction between the user and another person.

Abstract: A pressure support system (10) comprises a humidifier (20) adapted to increase the amount of water vapor entrained in a supply of breathing gas, and a positive air pressure device (30) fluidly coupled downstream of the humidifier. The positive air pressure device is structured to generate a positive pressure flow of breathing gas from the supply of breathing gas received from the outlet of the humidifier.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting the occurrence of a potential or actual overpressure during assisted ventilation are described. A blower (10) supplies pressurized gas to a conduit (12), and in turn to a patient mask (11) for connection with the entrance of a patient's airways. A pressure sensor (17, 18) detects the delivered pressure in the mask (11), which is provided to a controller (16). The controller (16) has operation over the blower (10) by way of a servo (19) and motor (20). The controller (16) determines a relatively longterm average of the pressure signal, and compares it against a threshold value (40). If the threshold value is approached or exceeded, the controller (16) controls the blower (10) and thus the supplied pressure to the patient. The effect of the control can be to limit or reduce the supplied gas pressure. The relatively longterm average can be of the order of minutes, or taken over ten or more breaths.

Abstract: Operating a respirator with an inspiration pressure-vs.-time curve (1), which has an airway target pressure (paw—target) and a PEEP (3), in which the inspiration pressure-vs.-time curve (1) reaches the airway target pressure (paw—target) on a ramp-like curve (17) starting from a starting airway pressure (paw—Start), which is greater than the PEEP (3).

Abstract: An inhaler which comprises a base having at least one sealed cavity containing medicament and a foil portion comprising two sides, one side being attached to the base for sealing the medicament within the cavity. A separating element is attached to the other side of the foil portion for separating the foil portion from the cavity, the separating element having a first end and an opposite second end, wherein the separating element is movable to an intermediate tilted position in which said first end is moved-away from the cavity. The separating element is further movable from the intermediate tilted position to a removed position in which also said second end is moved-away from the cavity so that the foil portion is removed from the cavity which is thereby uncovered so that medicament contained therein is enabled to become entrained in a fluid flow.

Abstract: A double-ended blower includes a blower motor assembly supporting opposed first and second shaft ends. The first and second shaft ends have respective first and second impellers attached thereto and enclosed within first and second volutes, respectively. The first volute is connected to an inlet and the second volute is connected to an outlet. The blower motor assembly is at least partially enclosed within a flexible sleeve, with a radially outer inter-stage gas path extending between the first and second volute, and radially inward of the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: An inhaler which comprises a base having a plurality of consecutive sealed cavities containing medicament. Foil portions are on one side attached to the base for sealing the medicament within respective associated cavities. A plurality of separating elements are attached to the other side of the foil portions, each separating element being associated with a respective cavity for separating a foil portion from that cavity. Each separating element can be moved-away from its associated cavity so that the sealing foil portion is separated from the cavity which is thereby uncovered so that medicament contained therein is enabled to become entrained in a fluid flow, and then returned with the attached foil portion to cover its associated cavity. A method of operating an inhaler is also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical stabilization device that directs medical tubing onto a compressible foam block where it is attached and stabilized to the patient's body allowing it to be secured against excessive movement, tube dislodgement and positioned in a time efficient manner to prevent obstruction of patient treatment.

Abstract: Disclosed are a safety system and method of an underground mine. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a mine structure includes expediting an air extraction process from an emergency support system by including a RIC (rapid interventions company/crew)/UAC (universal air connection) fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus. The method may include ensuring that a prescribed pressure of the emergency support system maintains within a threshold range of the prescribed pressure by including a valve of the emergency support system to prevent leakage of breathable air from the emergency support system. The method may also include maintaining the prescribed pressure of the emergency support system such that a system pressure is compatible with a breathable air apparatus through a distribution structure that is rated for use with compressed air.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device, capable of operating according to several respiratory modes forming a list of possible modes. The device is equipped with a mechanism for selecting a desired mode from a group of modes that can be selected. The device also includes a mechanism for realizing a configuration diagnostic of the device, a mechanism for associating with authorization level with each possible mode, according to the results of the diagnostic, with the lowest authorization level corresponding to unauthorized modes, a mechanism for authorizing only the selection of authorized modes, in such a way that selecting unauthorized modes is impossible.

Abstract: A nasal interface device and a method of use are disclosed. The device includes a facial adaptor configured to be secured to the nose of a user and having two nostril pads having open channels configured to be inserted into nostrils of the user and a piercing/swivel adaptor configured to interact with the facial adaptor through the two nostril prongs. The piercing/swivel adaptor is further configured to be coupled to an airway tube, the airway tube is configured to supply air/gas to the user.

Abstract: A training device for diaphragmal breathing exercises, the device including (a) a beaker having a substantially cylindrical shape, with a bottom on one end and an opening on the other end; (b) an inner chamber within the beaker, the inner chamber having a bottom end and an open end on the same side as the open end of the beaker; (c) a lid having inner and outer circumferential ridges, wherein the lid fittingly mounts over the open end of beaker using an outer ridge and fittingly mounts over the inner chamber using the inner ridge; and (d) the lid further having a tubular coupling portion. A breathing tube is fittingly coupled to the tubular coupling portion on one end. A mouthpiece mounted on the other end of the breathing tube. The bottom end of the inner chamber has a stepped shape with a plurality of openings on each step. The lid has a plurality of openings.

Abstract: It has been discovered that high amplitude, low frequency, broadband spectrum pressure oscillations of sufficient time duration can help stabilize lung volumes and improve gas exchange in a patient receiving ventilation assistance by helping to recruit and stabilize alveoli. A novel device is presented which can produce pressure oscillations having high amplitudes, a low broad-band frequency spectrum and long time duration. Additionally, the device can maintain a patient's mean airway pressure at one or more controlled levels. The device can control the oscillatory amplitude, frequency range and composition, time duration, and mean airway pressure levels by adjusting certain device parameters, such as the angle and depth of the device in a fluid. A device and mechanical system for remotely adjusting and measuring the angle of the device in a fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler includes a dose container assembly having a dose container disk with opposing upper and lower surfaces, a first row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a first radius and a second row of circumferentially spaced apart dose containers at a second radius. The dose containers have dry powder therein and are sealed via a first flexible sealant over apertures in the upper surface and a second flexible sealant over apertures in the lower surface. A piercing mechanism includes two reciprocating piercers that serially alternate between the two rows of dose containers in the dose container disk. A rotatable ramp disk includes first and second sets of circumferentially spaced-apart ramp elements in staggered, concentric relationship that are configured to move the first and second piercing members between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: Systems and methods involve automatic activation, de-activation or modification of therapies or other medical processes based on brain state. A medical system includes a sensor system having one or more sensors configured to sense signals related to the brain state of the patient. A brain state analyzer detects various brain states, including sleep stage and/or brain seizures. A controller uses the brain state detection information to control a medical system configured to perform at least one respiratory or cardiac process. Methods involve sensing signals related to brain state and determining the brain state of a patient based on the sensed signals. At least one respiratory or cardiac medical process is controlled based on the patient's brain state.

Abstract: Several methods and a system of air extraction process from an emergency support system are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of safety of a structure includes expediting an air extraction process from an emergency support system by including a RIC (rapid interventions company/crew)/UAC (universal air connection) fitting to a fill panel to fill a breathable air apparatus. The method may include ensuring that a prescribed pressure of the emergency support system maintains within a threshold range of the prescribed pressure by including a valve of the emergency support system to prevent leakage of breathable air from the emergency support system.

Abstract: The present invention includes a transient method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The present invention includes a steady state method of delivering a biological agent in a breathable liquid to a lung of a patient. The steps of both the transient delivery method and the steady state delivery method can be controlled by a servo-control unit. A supplementary biological agent delivery step can be performed in both the transient method of delivering a biological agent and the steady state method of delivering a biological agent.

Abstract: The invention relates to new method of treatment of respiratory diseases, in particular the treatment of asthmatic children.

Abstract: An inhaler includes a medicine cartridge having at least an ejection head and a first electrical connection section for supplying the ejection head with electric power necessary for ejecting medicine, an inhaler body having a medicine cartridge mounting section and an inhalation piece. The inhaler is so constructed that an electric circuit for supplying the ejection head with electric power necessary for ejecting medicine by way of the first electrical connection section is made operable by mounting and rigidly securing the inhalation piece onto the inhaler body. The inhaler can be operated by a user with ease and the ejection head is reliably electrically energized only when the inhaler is operated.

Abstract: Described herein is an apparatus that includes an endotracheal tube or airway device having a proximal end and a distal end and an occlusion cuff. The occlusion cuff includes a sensor for helping determine proper endotracheal or airway device placement.

Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed wherein medicament in a flat-bottomed container is aerosolized with a vibrator piezoelectric transducer. The transducer is driven by a signal that excites multiple harmonic frequencies to create a complex pattern of oscillations. A circuit for generating the drive signal to the transducer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cushion for a patient interface includes two or more bladders arranged in concentric relation. Each of the bladders includes a face-contacting portion adapted to engage the patient's face, and each of the bladders is adapted to be pressurized independently from one another. At least one of the bladders is an active bladder that is pressurized to at least a sealing pressure to form a continuous seal with the patient's face in use.

Abstract: A respiratory mask assembly for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a frame having a front surface and a rear surface, opposite the front surface, and adapted in use to face the patient. The frame defines an inner wall and an outer wall extending from the rear surface, the inner and outer walls being spaced to define a channel therebetween. A cushion is removably attachable to the frame such that the cushion and frame are repeatably engagable with and disengagable from one another. The cushion includes a side wall to be inserted into the channel of the frame, the side wall having a first interlocking surface that engages a second interlocking surface provided in the channel when the cushion and frame are engaged with one another. The first and second interlocking surfaces interlock with one another to removably attach the cushion to the frame.

Abstract: A continuous positive airway pressure system features a housing forming an airway chamber, and an air pressure inlet and an air pressure outlet. The housing further defines internally a pair of tapered air jets, and a pair of tapered air receivers. The air receivers are located downstream of the air supply jets and disposed coaxially with respective ones of the air supply jets. Each receiver has a taper in an opposite direction to the direction of the taper of the air supply jets. A pair of nasal prongs is located downstream of the air receiving jets. Each receiver comprises a hemispherical section that is oriented at an angle off the center line of the supply.

Abstract: A humidifier includes a tub. The tub includes a base plate; a tub base; a seal between the base plate and the tub base; and a latch mechanism that connects the base plate to the tub base so that the base plate is engaged with the seal. The latch mechanism may include an overcenter latch pivotably attached to the tub base and latch tabs formed on the base plate, the overcenter latch engaging the latch tabs in the connected position to connect the base plate to the tub base. The latch mechanism may alternatively include resilient tabs on the tub base, the resilient tabs elastically biasing the base plate toward the tub base upon connection of the base plate to the tub base. The resilient tabs may include tamper evident projections that indicate that the base plate has been disconnected from the tub base. The base plate may be stainless steel and be formed by stamping. The base plate may include a stamped ring. The humidifier further includes a tub lid configured to cover the tub to form a water container.

Abstract: The disclosure describes methods and inhalers that deagglomerate dry powder using inspiratory effort of a user of an inhaler. Inhaler fin and mesh configurations are described that facilitate deagglomeration. At least in steady state conditions, a dry powder and airflow pattern can be generated having turbulence with flow vortices, some of which may have a vortex having an axis of rotation that extends in an inspiratory flow direction while others may have a vortex that is substantially orthogonal to the inspiratory flow direction in an inspiratory airflow path, as an amount of dry powder travels through the inhaler to thereby deagglomerate the dry powder without trapping undue amounts of the dry powder during inhalation.

Abstract: A versatile, multi-port, intubation-permitting oxygen mask is provided including two diaphragms (nasal and oral) each configured with a continuous, flexible, modifiable membrane from which an instrument-access port may be manually constructed, when and if needed. The novel oxygen mask preferably includes a multiple-inlet port having a standard oxygen tube connector and an interchangeable breathing-therapy device connector, a carbon dioxide sampling port, an exhaust port, and a nose clip. The mask can be worn as a standard oxygen mask during traditional oxygen therapy, yet quickly converted into an intubation mask. The clinician manually perforates the nasal and/or oral diaphragm to create a point and size of entry perfectly matched to the requirements for a variety of procedures that may be performed involving nasally or orally introduced scopes or probes—without disturbing the ongoing benefits of increased oxygen saturation and continuous monitoring of expired gases.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch comprises of multiple thin layers of materials and which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange includes a filter, a protective outer layer and an inner hydrocolloid layer. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma.