Abstract: A valve assembly comprising a housing and a valve, the valve being disposed within the housing, a first indexed member integral to the housing, the first indexed member adapted to be complementary to a second indexed member, and a radio frequency identification device adapted to communicate with a radio frequency receiver, the valve being configured to align with a canister, seal the canister and open in a single movement. A drug containment device having said valve assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk that a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas will induce an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in pediatric patients, leading to pulmonary edema. The methods include avoiding or discontinuing administration of inhaled nitric oxide to a pediatric patient determined to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction but who otherwise is a candidate for inhaled nitric oxide treatment (e.g., for pulmonary hypertension), and administering inhaled nitric oxide to pediatric patients who are candidates for such treatment and who are determined not to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction.

Abstract: This invention relates to a solution formulation containing a tiotropium salt, 12-20% ethanol, 0.1-1.5% of water, 0.05-0.10% citric acid (or other organic acid) and an HFA propellant, wherein the percentages are percentages by weight based on the total weight of the formulation. The invention also provides a pMDI comprising a canister containing the formulation.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of reducing the risk that a medical treatment comprising inhalation of nitric oxide gas will induce an increase in pulmonary capillary wedge pressure in pediatric patients, leading to pulmonary edema. The methods include avoiding or discontinuing administration of inhaled nitric oxide to a pediatric patient determined to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction but who otherwise is a candidate for inhaled nitric oxide treatment (e.g., for pulmonary hypertension), and administering inhaled nitric oxide to pediatric patients who are candidates for such treatment and who are determined not to have pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction.

Abstract: Devices disclosed herein relate to humidification systems for making humidified ventilator air. The humidification system provides an elongated air path that increases both the surface area and time for air-water interaction, and thus increases efficiency of humidification. The humidification system also enables even distribution of heat and inhibition of bacterial growth within the system, thus improves comfort and safety for patients receiving respiratory therapy. Device disclosed herein also relates to tubing for delivering humidified ventilator air. The tubing includes an air passage and a heat blanket that envelops and warms up the air passage. The tubing thus prevents or decreases water condensation and loss of humidity of humidified air.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for preventing or reducing vasoconstriction in a mammal following administration of an artificial oxygen carrier (e.g., a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier) are disclosed. The methods include administering to a mammal a composition containing an artificial oxygen carrier in combination with one or more of a nitric oxide-releasing compound, a therapeutic gas containing gaseous nitric oxide, a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, and/or a soluble guanylate cyclase sensitizer.

Abstract: An oxygen sensor seat assembly, an oxygen sensor assembly, and an anesthesia machine are disclosed.

Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane.

Abstract: A humidifier has a base unit with an engagement face that is configured to interface with a flow generator. The humidifier also has a tank configured to be removably received by the base unit and hold a volume of liquid. The tank has a side wall with an air inlet. The humidifier further has an air flow passage configured to receive an air connector of the flow generator at the engagement face of the base unit. The air flow passage is axially offset from a tank inlet. In addition, a cross-section of the airflow passage inlet and a cross-section of the tank air inlet are substantially perpendicular to a horizontal plane. In addition, a flexible face seal is positioned at an end of the air flow passage. An end of the face seal is configured to abut a side wall of the tank that includes the tank inlet when the tank is received in the base unit.

Abstract: A nanoparticle aerosol generator, comprised of a vibrating fluidized bed with a baffle, a vibrating Venturi disperser and a cyclone separator. To generate nanoparticle aerosols, the nanoparticle aerosol generator uses the multiple impaction, vibrating air flow and vibrating high speed air flow to break up larger agglomerates, and multiple dilution to minimize the re-agglomeration of the particles.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the invention may provide a breathing and/or anesthetic unit that is portable, compact, inexpensive, and convenient, and which may expedite medical procedures by allowing a health care provider to quickly sedate a patient. Such a unit may be ideal for minor medical procedures needing mild or moderate analgesia/sedation (e.g., <30 minutes) in various fields. Such a unit may include (i) a handheld gas supply container including a therapeutic amount of anesthetic gas; (ii) a mask; (iii) a single-use, uninterruptable flow coupler to couple the mask to the supply container; and (iv) a handheld, self-contained, recovery gas container, including a negative pressure, coupled to the mask.

Abstract: A powder inhaler includes: a housing having a port; a storage member located in the housing for storing a powder medicament; and a medicament-delivery member provided in the housing. The medicament-delivery member includes at least one concave portion for receiving medicament, and is capable of taking, relative to the storage member, a receiving position wherein the concave portion receives a predetermined amount of powder medicament from the storage member, and an inhalation position wherein the powder medicament can be inhaled through the admission port; and a stirring member for stirring the powder medicament stored in the storage member. An operation button is provided in the housing and is capable of moving between the initial position and a depressed position, while the operation button reciprocates between the initial position and the depressed position, the concave portion in the medicament-delivery member moves from the receiving position to the inhalation position and the stirring member operates.

Abstract: A device to be used with a medical administration device includes administration driver for administrating a prescribed dose of medicament; and a mechanical dose setter for setting a prescribed dose of medicament to be administered, including a mechanical indicating member fixedly connected to the administration driver for indicating the prescribed set dose. The device includes a mechanical dose information device for registering the prescribed dose of medicament to be administered including a mechanical information member adjustable to display that the prescribed dose to be administered is correct and inter-connected to said mechanical indicating member such that when the prescribed dose is set, this is indicated positively by indications on the mechanical information member.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a dispenser device for dispensing a medicament, the device including at least one metallic component having at least one non-metallic surface which comes into contact with the medicament during storage or use of the device, in which said non-metallic surface has an interface with the underlying metallic component which substantially comprises metal-fluoride and/or metal carbide moieties.

Abstract: A gas delivery conduit adapted for fluidly connecting to a respiratory gases delivery system in a high flow therapy system. In one embodiment, a nasal cannula includes a base portion defining a first therapeutic gas passageway, a nozzle disposed adjacent said base portion and defining a second therapeutic gas passageway, the first therapeutic gas passageway being in gaseous communication with the second therapeutic gas passageway and a conduit configured to facilitate sensing that has an inlet side that is independent of and axially spaced apart from an outlet side of the nozzle. The conduit inlet side can extend beyond the nozzle outlet side of the nasal cannula. Additionally, the nasal cannula has a feature that is adapted to prevent one of the conduit and the nozzle from creating a seal with a user's nare and a feature that is adapted to prevent one of the conduit and the nozzle from creating a seal with a user's nare.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a toroidal shaped housing defining an interior chamber and a central open space. The housing includes an input port communicating with the interior chamber and a delivery port positioned on an inner periphery of the housing. The delivery port is in fluid communication between the interior chamber and the central open space. The delivery port is spaced from the input port, which is adapted to receive an aerosolized medicament. In another aspect, a kit includes an outer ring-like housing component and a plurality of differently configured inner ring-like housing components mateable with the outer ring-like housing to form a holding chamber. A method of delivering an inhalable substance includes positioning a nose and a mouth of a user in a central opening defined by a ring-like housing, inhaling through the nose, and orally soothing the user with a soothing device located in the central opening.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an aerosolizer with (i) means sized for intranasal or paranasal insertion that produces an aerosol from a material for delivery in close proximity to the upper airways, and (ii) the material comprising one or more proinflammatory cytokine inhibitor(s).

Abstract: An assembly for the inhalation of a powdery substance is described, wherein the assembly comprises a storage chamber configured to hold a plurality of doses of the substance and an organizing member rotatably arranged within the storage chamber for agitating the substance when the organizing member is rotated with respect to the storage chamber. The organizing member comprises a main body and a cut-out, wherein the main body comprises a solid section of the organizing member, and wherein the angular dimension of the cut-out is smaller than the angular dimension of the main body. Furthermore, the use of an organizing member for agitating a substance is provided. Furthermore, an inhalation device for the inhalation of a powdery substance is described.

Abstract: An anesthetic vaporizer system is disclosed herein. The anesthetic vaporizer system may include a sump adapted to retain an anesthetic agent. The anesthetic vaporizer system may also include a level sensor disposed at least partially within the sump. The level sensor is configured to generate an optical beam, and to estimate the amount of anesthetic agent within the sump based on a measured characteristic of the optical beam.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises an airway (1) along which, in use, air is drawn from an upstream, inlet end (2) to a downstream, outlet end (3). The airway (1) includes a medicament presentation region (4) at which, in use, a dose of medicament is presented to the airway (1), a primary air inlet (10), and a barrel (5) extending from the medicament presentation region (4) to the outlet end (3) of the airway (1). The inlet end of the barrel (5) is of reduced internal dimension relative to the medicament presentation region (4) and relative to the outlet end of the barrel (5), such that the inlet end of the barrel (5) constitutes a constriction of the airway (1). At least one secondary air inlet (11) is disposed such that, in use, air enters the airway (1) from the secondary air inlet (11) in a direction that is substantially orthogonal to the direction of flow of air along said barrel (5).

Abstract: The present invention relates to dispensers, in particular to dispensers for dispensing a dose of a gaseous, gas borne or droplet substance from a substance source and dispensers comprising dosage counters.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device for dispensing a fluid form medicament formulation having a viscosity of from 10 to 2000 mPa·s. is disclosed and comprises a housing and a fluid discharge device. The fluid discharge device is arranged to be actuated by one or more levers so as to apply a force to the fluid discharge device which is used to move a container forming part of the fluid discharge device along a longitudinal axis of the fluid discharge device to cause actuation of a pump forming part of the fluid discharge device. A pre-load means is used to prevent actuation of the pump until a pre-determined force is applied to each lever of sufficient magnitude to guarantee the production of a well developed efficient spray from the fluid dispensing device.

Abstract: An example of a nitric oxide delivery device includes a medium, a working electrode in contact with the medium, and a reference/counter electrode in contact with the medium and electrically isolated from the working electrode. The medium includes a source of nitrite ions and a Cu(II)-ligand complex. A nitric oxide permeable material separates the medium from an external environment that is to contain blood.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide systems, methods and apparatus for to using crude neon with oxygen and nitrogen as a hyperbaric intervention breathing mixture. Embodiments include providing a work environment under pressure; performing work operations within the pressurized work environment; and providing a breathing mixture created from crude neon and oxygen as a hyperbaric intervention breathing gas. Numerous additional aspects are disclosed.

Abstract: A nebulizer for efficiently and reliably delivering aerosolized fluid to an inhaling patient is disclosed. The nebulizer includes a fluid channel air inlet and fluid channel air inlet valve responsive to either a manual force external of the nebulizer, or a patient's breathing, to begin the nebulization process. Also provided is a method of providing nebulization including the steps of moving a fluid channel air inlet valve against a fluid channel air inlet so that a negative pressure may build up over the fluid in the fluid channel to draw fluid from the fluid reservoir and begin nebulization during inhalation.

Abstract: A method and a composition for treatment of pulmonary bacterial infections caused by gram-negative bacteria suitable for treatment of infection caused by Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Klebsiella oxytoca, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Haemophilus influenzae, Proteus mirabilis, Enterobacter species, Serratia marcescens as well as those caused by Burkholderia cepacia, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, Alcaligenes xylosoxidans, and multidrug resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa, using a concentrated formulation of aztreonam lysinate delivered as an aerosol or dry powder formulation.

Abstract: A ventilator system (110) includes: an inhalation filter (120) configured to receive and filter a gas; a humidifier (130) connected to the inhalation filter and configured to adjust a humidity of the filtered gas; a dual-limb patient circuit connected to a patient and configured to supply ventilation to the patient, the dual limb patient circuit including an inspiratory limb connected to the humidifier and configured to supply the filtered gas to the patient and an expiratory limb configured to receive an exhaled gas from the patient; a condenser (140) connected to the expiratory limb, the condenser being configured to cool and remove moisture from the gas from the patient; and an expiratory filter (150) connected to the condenser and configured to filter the cooled gas from the condenser.

Abstract: An improved ear-mounted oral-nasal respiratory device for delivering oxygen and other therapy gases for respiratory treatments of patients. The device comprises an anchoring system for affixing the device to one of the patient's ears and a support arm for placing a gas-conveying nebulizer in the vicinity of the patient's mouth or nostrils.

Abstract: An ejection liquid capable of being stably ejected based on a system using thermal energy even if the liquid contains at least one selected from the group consisting of proteins and peptides, and a method and an apparatus for ejecting the liquid containing at least one selected from the group consisting of proteins and peptides using this system are provided. The applicability of the liquid for use in an inkjet system using thermal energy is improved by adding at least one selected from the group consisting of amino acids and salts thereof and a surfactant to an aqueous solution containing at least one selected from the group consisting of proteins and peptides.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol in an intermittent and inhalation- or pull-synchronous manner, the inhaler component including: a housing; a chamber arranged in the housing; an air inlet opening for the supply of air from the surroundings to the chamber; an electrical heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material; and a wick having a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite structure with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with fresh liquid material after evaporation.

Abstract: The present application relates to a liquid-evaporate delivery device which relies on the efficient use of air currents to deliver liquid evaporate to airspace around the device. Efficient air currents may be provided by rotating the air currents around the wick, by providing a helical channel for the air to flow around the wick, and/or by aligning a fan with the longitudinal axis of the wick.

Abstract: A portable gas delivery system includes a mouthpiece or nosepiece, a gas delivery pack and a medical cannula tubing assembly. The mouthpiece has an upper region with a one nose port and a lower region with a mouth port. The nosepiece conceals the cannula and includes at least one nose port. The gas delivery pack has a gas storage region, a gas compression region, a gas filtration region or a combination thereof. The nosepiece, allows the cannula to provide a snug fit into the nostrils forming a medical airtight delivery of oxygen to the nose. The system is adapted for use with a wireless transceiver for use with a cellular telephone or a personal music system and connected headphones. A single-sided, hollow modular sleeve conceals the mouthpiece or nosepiece and tubing assembly while attaching to a hat, helmet, eyeglass frame, telecommunications headset, or ear of a user.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable inhalator device is disclosed. The device has a mouthpiece with a chamber operatively coupled to a medication inlet and a fluid outlet. A valve is disposed about the fluid outlet and is configured to open when subjected to a first threshold level of positive pressure permitting egress of fluid from the chamber. A trigger is configured to dispense medication from a medication source through the medication inlet and into the chamber after a second threshold level of positive pressure is achieved within the chamber of the mouthpiece and maintained for a threshold period of time.

Abstract: An entrainment port regulates the flow of gas and/or medicine into an inspiratory limb of a high frequency oscillatory ventilator (H0FOV) to improve the oxygen content of the air entering a patient. The entrainment port is connected to an oxygen source and uses entrained oxygen therefrom to enter the inspiratory limb. Medication and/or admixtures of medication, gas and/or humidification can be introduced through the entrainment port. The flow of entrained oxygen and the mean airway pressure is regulated by a plug valve. A check valve is calibrated to a pre-defined cracking pressure to open and allow the entrained oxygen into the inspiratory limb when negative pressure is asserted in the HFOV circuit by operation of the expiratory cycle of the HFOV.

Abstract: A respiratory face mask is provided suitably sized and configured to engage the nose portion, mouth portion and chin portion of a patient's face. The face mask is characterized by a cup-like shell or receptacle member defining a peripheral flange and a flexible inflatable hollow sealing cushion on the shell member flange. Headstrap fastener projections extending upright on the flange are adapted to accommodate an elastic headstrap that adjustably may be removably slidingly coupled to the projections to hold the mask in place on a patient's face and head.

Abstract: A disposable breathing circuit is adapted to be connected between a disposable face mask and a vacuum source for delivering fresh gas to the face mask and for scavenging waste gas exhaled from the face mask. The breathing circuit includes a fresh gas supply tube, a flexible flow-through exhalation bag, an exhalation tube disposed between the face mask and an entry port of the exhalation bag, and a scavenging tube disposed between an exit or of the exhalation bag and the vacuum source. The exhalation tube includes a one-way valve to prevent re-breathing.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system, which includes a gas bottle having nitrogen dioxide in air, converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide and employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid. A nitric oxide delivery system may be used to generate therapeutic gas including nitric oxide for use in delivering the therapeutic gas to a mammal.

Abstract: A dry powder inhaler comprises two parts (2, 4) connected by an integrally molded, e.g. living hinge (6), so as to be moveable from an open position to a closed position. At least one of the parts (2, 4) defines at least part of a circulating airflow chamber (12), wherein when said parts (2, 4) are in said closed position, the inhaler comprises an airflow path including the circulating airflow chamber (12).

Abstract: A medical inhalation device or a component thereof having a diamond-like glass coating comprising hydrogen and on a hydrogen free basis about 20 to about 40 atomic percent of silicon, greater than 39 atomic percent of carbon, and less than 33 down to and including zero atomic percent of oxygen.

Abstract: An atomizer for the delivery, and in particular, the atomization of a formulation, particularly, a powder. A simple construction and simple intuitive operation are made possible, in particular, by the fact that the atomizer has a mouthpiece with an associated cover, so that opening and/or closing of the cover causes a delivery medium, in particular air, to be taken in and/or put under pressure by a delivery device, a spring store is put under tension and/or a preferably annular reservoir containing a plurality of doses of the formulation is further rotated.

Abstract: An inhaler is provided that includes a controller, a driver, an atomizer and one or more sensors for detecting information about a velocity of inhalation of a user of the inhaler. The controller is configured to dispense an inhalant from the inhaler during an inhalation of the user based on information about the velocity of inhalation of the user. Such information can include a duration of maximum inhalation velocity or an increase or maximum in the acceleration in inhalation velocity. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to enhance the delivery of drugs and therapeutic agents for those patients having a weakened respiratory system who are unable to take a deep or full breadth, e.g., patients having asthma or COPD. Embodiments of the inhaler can be used to deliver a variety of drugs and therapeutic agents including agents for the treatment of asthma, diabetes, epilepsy and heart disease.

Abstract: A medical carbon monoxide generator provides for a solid carbon material that may be heated at substantially normal atmospheric pressure to provide a source of medical quality carbon monoxide. The heating source may be an electrical filament or laser controllable by a microcontroller to provide accurate delivery rates and amounts. In one embodiment, a replaceable cartridge holding the carbon material may be used.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for monitoring a patient's compliance with an asthma inhaler treatment regimen. The device may monitor an inhaler's motion to determine whether the motion is characteristic of typical inhaler use. Additionally, the device may monitor a temperature of the inhaler or in proximity to the mouthpiece to determine whether a patient has used the inhaler. The devices and methods may incorporate a smart phone application that provides notifications and alerts to aid in compliance with the asthma medication regimen.

Abstract: Medicinal inhalation devices and components having a non-metal coating and a fluorine-containing coating bonded to the non-metal coating wherein the fluorine-containing coating comprises an at least partially fluorinated compound comprising at least one functional group which shares at least one covalent bond with the non-metal coating are provided. In some embodiments, the partially fluorinated compound comprises a polyfluoropolyether silane of Formula Ia: Rf[Q-[C(R)2—Si(Y)3-x(R1a)x]y]z??Ia wherein: Rf is a monovalent or multivalent polyfluoropolyether segment; Q is an organic divalent or trivalent linking group; each R is independently hydrogen or a C1-4 alkyl group; each Y is independently a hydrolysable group; R1a is a C1-8 alkyl or phenyl group; x is 0 or 1 or 2; y is 1 or 2; and z is 1, 2, 3, or 4. Methods of making the devices and components are also provided.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy device in accordance with this disclosure includes a blower box and a patient circuit. The blower box is configured to provide aerosol and pressurized gas for delivery to a patient airway. The patient circuit is configured to deliver the aerosol and pressurized gas from the blower box to the patient airway.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an Breath actuated inhaler (BAI) actuator, comprising: a loading element capable of being loaded with an actuation force, a breath actuated trigger mechanism arranged to counteract the actuation force of the loading element, and to fire the actuator by releasing the actuation force of the loading element in response to an inhalation breath, and actuation locking device moveable between a locked position wherein it relieves the actuation force from the trigger mechanism setting the trigger mechanism in a neutral position, and an armed position wherein the trigger mechanism is set in an armed position.

Abstract: A respirator or anesthesia apparatus for the artificial respiration of a patient is provided with a gas delivery device, at least one gas line for forming a breathing air line system, at least one device for measuring a volume flow of a gas according to the differential pressure method with a flow channel, a first pressure-measuring point and a second pressure-measuring point. The second pressure-measuring point is arranged in the direction of flow of the gas to be measured after the first pressure-measuring point at the flow channel. Furthermore, the flow channel is split into at least two separate partial flow channels in the direction of flow of the gas to be measured between the first pressure-measuring point and the second pressure-measuring point.

Abstract: A delivery device for and method of delivering a substance, the delivery device having an outlet member through which substance is in use delivered in an entraining gas flow, and a substance supply unit for supplying substance to be entrained by an entraining gas flow as one or both of a vapor or a fine aerosol mist, wherein the substance supply unit has a flow channel which is fluidly connected to the outlet member, and a substance supporting element for supporting substance, at least a surface of which is in use disposed in the flow channel.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering a dose, such as a medicament, for inhalation. A dose may be stored by a delivery device and dispersed and delivered in a metered fashion to a subject, such as by the subject inhaling via a mouthpiece of the delivery device. One or more chambers of the device may have a toroidal shape and may be arranged to be selectively opened for fluid communication with a flow path of the delivery device, such as by sliding the chamber relative to a portion of the flow path. The flow path may include a restriction that permits air to bypass the chamber, and/or the chamber may be arranged so that fluid entering the chamber interacts with fluid exiting the chamber so as to enhance dispersion of the dose.

Abstract: Systems and methods for mixing at least two gases for delivery to the airway of a subject use a gas mixing circuit having a diffusion portion. The diffusion portion may be configured to elongate the shape of the cross-section of the path through the gas mixing circuit in a particular direction and/or orientation. As a result, the gas concentration profile of the gas mixture after the gas mixing circuit is more uniform than the gas concentration profile after the merging of multiple gases.