Abstract: A device and a process for controlling a respirator with inclusion of an oxygen saturation value (34) for compensating a device-dependent time response (15), a physiological time response (16) and a measuring method-dependent time response (17) are described. The device-dependent time response (15), the physiological time response (16) and the measuring method-dependent time response (17) are determined in a continuous sequence and a run time of a change in the oxygen concentration from the metering means (9) in the respirator to the patient (4) is determined and taken into account in regulating the oxygen concentration.

Abstract: The invention is to offer a gas mist inhaler which makes only one part of the gas mist inhaler disposable for ensuring hygiene as well as realizing economization.

Abstract: An anesthetic container includes a receptacle for holding the anesthetic and having a wall defining an interior space and a passage in fluid communication with the interior space. The container also includes a valve assembly that is attachable or is attached to the receptacle to control flow of anesthetic through the passage in the receptacle to a vaporizer. The valve assembly has a closed configuration when the flow of anesthetic from the receptacle is limited and an open configuration when the flow of anesthetic is enabled. The valve assembly is constructed so that at least the surface of any component of the assembly that will come into contact with the anesthetic on its storage or passage from the receptacle to the vaporizer is made of a metal or low-density polyethylene, and provides a fluid-tight seal to prevent the escape of the anesthetic without the use of a gasket in the closed configuration.

Abstract: A device is provided for increasing humidity for respirating patients, especially for a respiration humidifier or an anesthesia reflector. The device includes a gas channel for passing through breathing air, a control and/or regulating device, a temperature sensor and a dew sensor for measuring the humidity present in the breathing air by electromagnetic radiation with a generating device and with a detection device for electromagnetic radiation. The humidity of the breathing air is determined at a low cost and in a reliable manner and condensation is avoided in the respiration system without any additional effort for sterilization. Humidity in the breathing air is determined by the a dew sensor by the change in the reflection of the electromagnetic radiation as a function of dew formation at a condensation-fogged and condensation-free boundary surface between breathing air and a medium having an optical density higher than that of breathing air.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inhalation therapy to deliver and embed (deposit) particles less than about 1 ?m in diameter in the lung. High humidity treatment of the lungs causes condensational growth in particle size upon entering the lungs. Increased particle size is conducive to particle embedment (deposition) in deep lung tissue or at a specific targeted lung region.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, a tracheal tube may include an integral humidification system. The tracheal tube may be formed at least partially from a material that is permeable to water vapor but substantially impermeable to respiratory gases. The water vapor may be actively provided to the tracheal tube or may be passively transferred from a patient's surrounding airway space.

Abstract: An apparatus configured to provide positive airway pressure in a respiratory circuit comprises a container configured to be filled to a preselected level with liquids; a drop tube assembly comprising a hollow gas tube rotatably mounted in said container having an upper end extending a static distance outwardly of the container and connected to a respiratory circuit downstream of a user, and a hollow drop tube reciprocally movable upwardly and downwardly in the liquid in response to rotational movement of the gas tube. The container is provided with a gas vent and a liquid fill port.

Abstract: The present invention concerns methods, compositions and apparatus for administering active agents to the lungs of a subject.

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: Heating units, drug supply units and drug delivery articles capable of rapid heating are disclosed. Heating units comprising a substrate and a solid fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic metal oxidation reaction disposed within the substrate are disclosed. These heating units can be actuated by electrical resistance, by optical ignition or by percussion. Drug supply units and drug delivery articles wherein a solid fuel is configured to heat a substrate to a temperature sufficient to rapidly thermally vaporize a drug disposed thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: A respiration moistener (1) has an inlet (3), into which incoming gas (2) to be moistened can be fed. Vapor (21) is mixed with the incoming gas (2) in a mixing chamber (4). Moistened outgoing gas (5) flows out of an outlet (6). In cases in which the temperature of the incoming gas (2) becomes so high that the temperature of the outgoing gas (5) is above a desired value, the internal desired value is adjusted. The outgoing gas (5) can then cool to the desired value on its way through the inspiration tube (7).

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 present invention is antibiotic compositions, ventilator based systems and methods relating to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) and ventilator-associated tracheal (VAT) bronchitis. Antibiotic combinations of fosfomycin and an aminoglycoside, preferably amikacin, are administered via an in-line nebulizer within the airway of the ventilator. Humidified conditions create an improved aerosol mist to treat VAP and VAT.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes a piezoelectric transducer for aerosolizing a drug solution in a disposable cup module disposed above the transducer. Acoustic waves generated by the transducer propagate sequentially through transmitting medium, a first barrier, coupling medium, and a second barrier that forms part of the cup module, and into the interior of the cup module. The transducer at least partially comprises silver. The silver fluidly contacts the transmitting medium to discourage bacteria growth in the transmitting medium. The device includes electronics components that drive the transducer and measure an electrical characteristic associated with the transducer during operation. The electronics components measure changes in the electrical characteristic to determine when the drug solution level falls below a predetermined threshold, and deactivates the device accordingly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a liquid ejection method and a liquid ejection apparatus which enables small droplets each of diameter at most 10 ?m to be stably ejected and which allows a sufficient number of droplets to be ejected per unit time. A heater is allowed to generate heat to eject a main droplet and a liquid column from an ejection port; the liquid column is to be separated into a plurality of sub-droplets. A relationship (L2/L1)?0.9 is set for the length L1 of the liquid column observed immediately after the liquid column has been separated from the main droplet and from a liquid in the ejection port and the length L2 of the liquid column observed immediately before the liquid column is separated into the plurality of droplets.

Abstract: A membrane oxygen humidifier including at least one water permeable membrane, an enclosure having an air inlet port and an air outlet port and a fan. The at least one water permeable membrane extends through the enclosure. The fan is positioned proximate at least one of the air inlet port and the air outlet port.

Abstract: A method of providing a source of breathable humidified oxygen gas. A membrane oxygen humidifier is provided that includes at least one water permeable membrane and an enclosure. The at least one water permeable membrane has a first membrane side and a second membrane side that are in communication through the water permeable membrane. The enclosure extends over the second membrane side and wherein the enclosure has an air inlet port and an air outlet port. A first gas containing oxygen is directed past the first membrane side. The second gas is directed past the second membrane side with a fan. The first gas is humidified by transferring moisture through the at least one water permeable membrane from the second gas to the first gas.

Abstract: The apparatus is equipped with cover unit (1) fixed to a head portion of worker so as to cover at least the regions of nose and mouth of the worker, the cover unit capable of trapping the worker's breath. The cover unit has an exhaust opening and an air supply opening. Further, the apparatus is equipped with moisture recycle unit (2) fitted to the worker so as to simultaneously carry out the two processes consisting of the adsorption process of introducing moist air, effecting adsorption of the water contained in the air on an adsorbent and emitting dry air and the regeneration process of introducing dry air, effecting evaporation of the water adsorbed on the adsorbent into the dry air and emitting moist air. Still further, the apparatus is equipped with exhaust hose (3) connecting the exhaust opening of the cover unit to the moisture recycle unit and with air supply hose (4) connecting the moisture recycle unit to the air supply opening of the cover unit.

Abstract: A therapy utilizing inhaled anesthetic agents (such as desflurane, sevoflurane, isoflurane, or xenon) for the sedation of patients outside of the immediate perioperative space such as in the medical intensive care unit (MICU) and the surgical intensive care unit (SICU). The therapy includes controlled delivery of volatile anesthetic agents to patients undergoing ventilatory support on an ICU ventilator over extended periods of time. A system which provides for the delivery of anesthetic agents includes an anesthetic agent vaporizer element, an anesthetic agent reflector, and a plug-in cassette which contains both a cartridge housing liquid phase volatile anesthetic agent and an anesthetic vapor scrubbing medium.

Abstract: A respiration humidifier with a base unit (2), at least one sensor (3), which is connected to the base unit (2), and a mixing chamber (4), which is designed as a mixing chamber detachable from the base unit (2), with a gas-carrying area (5), wherein the mixing chamber (4) has at least one opening (6), through which the at least one sensor (3) is in connection with the gas-carrying area (5).

Abstract: An apparatus (1) for use humidified gases delivery treatment comprising a housing, a humidifier, and a chamber heating base connected to said housing, said housing includes a pressurized gases supply, a humidifier engagement (17), a pressurized gases outlet (4), a humidified gases return (7), and a patient outlet (9), said humidifier includes a humidification chamber (2) having a base, a humidifier inlet (5), a humidifier outlet (6) and said chamber is engagable with said humidifier engagement (17) via a single motion, and said single motion of engagement urges the base of said humidification chamber adjacent and in contact with said chamber heating base and makes a first fluid connection between said pressurized gases outlet (4) and said humidifier inlet (5), and makes a second fluid connection between said humidified gases return (7) and said humidifier outlet (6), with said first and second fluid connections being made in the direction of said single motion.

Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a water dissipation device to remove water vapor from a humidified gas traveling through a breathing circuit between a patient and a ventilator, or a ventilator and a patient. The present invention includes a water dissipation device having a housing defining entry and exit ports for coupling to the breathing circuit and a breathable medium permeable to water vapor and impermeable to liquid water bacteria, viruses and other gases enclosed within said housing.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are formulations of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compounds for aerosolization and use of such formulations for aerosol administration of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compounds for the prevention or treatment of various fibrotic and inflammatory diseases, including disease associated with the lung, heart, kidney, liver, eye and central nervous system. In some embodiments, pirfenidone or pyridone analog compound formulations and delivery options described herein allow for efficacious local delivery of pirfenidone or pyridone analog compound. Compositions include all formulations, kits, and device combinations described herein. Methods include inhalation procedures, indications and manufacturing processes for production and use of the compositions described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for humidifying ventilation gas. Systems and methods may include a nasal interface apparatus for receiving ventilation gas from gas delivery tubing and for humidifying ventilation gas. The nasal interface apparatus may have one or more channels within the nasal interface to deliver gas from a gas delivery circuit to a patient's nose; one or more structures in fluid communication with the one or more channels to direct ventilation gas to the patient's nose; and a hygroscopic material within the nasal interface in the flow path of the ventilation gas.

Abstract: A nasal cannula for administering respiratory therapy is disclosed. The nasal cannula comprises first and second supply tubes, a cannula body, first and second nasal prongs, and first and second flow paths. Each supply tube has an inlet to receive a flow from a flow source and an outlet. The cannula body has first and second ends. The first end is coupled to the first outlet and the second end is coupled to the second outlet. The first and second nasal prongs extend from the cannula body. The first flow path extends from the first supply tube through the cannula body to the first nasal prong. The second flow path extends from the second supply tube through the cannula body to the second nasal prong. Systems and methods for using the above-described nasal cannula are also disclosed.

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 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: The invention relates to use of certain quinuclidine carbonate derivatives as cough suppressants, particularly for treating patients with upper respiratory tract infections or asthma.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an interface for delivering salt or other medicament to a patient. The interface has a receptacle for medicament in solid form and an inlet adapted to couple directly or indirectly to a source of a heated and humidified flow of gas. The inlet is arranged to direct an incoming heated and humidified flow of gas to the receptacle. An outlet is arranged to receive and deliver a heated and humidified flow of gas from the receptacle to the patient's airway.

Abstract: A breathing circuit includes inspiratory and expiratory limbs, each having a respective electrically energizable heating circuit. The heating circuits are independently and selectively electrically energized through separate power circuits such as to control the temperature in each limb in a desired fashion so as to reduce rainout in the breathing circuit and particularly in the expiratory limb.

Abstract: An anti-condensation arrangement for catheters including a heated air generator, a sheath covering a catheter such as to create a cavity with it, and a device for the input of heated air produced by the generator into the cavity wherein the sheath has a venting opening to allow the exit of heated air from the cavity and therefore continuous exchange of air.

Abstract: A method of humidifying a gas that includes supplying a gas to a surface of a humidification material that readily absorbs moisture and readily releases moisture when exposed to a dry environment and generating turbulence in the gas as it passes over the surface of the humidification material.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering humidified gases has a connection manifold adapted to connect with inlet and outlet ports of a slide on water chamber in a single slide on motion. Connection of the gases inlet and gases outlet ports as well as any additional electrical and/or pneumatic connections are all made in the same slide on motion. The water chamber may include inwardly extending elongate extension tubes with one of the extension tubes having an air bleed aperture to aid filling of the chamber.

Abstract: The present inventions provide respiratory therapy apparatus that introduce water into the pressurized air delivered to a user during various positive airway pressure therapies and corresponding methods. The respiratory therapy apparatus may be configured to administer one or more positive airway pressure therapies, including: continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP), bi-level positive airway pressure therapy (BPAP), auto positive airway pressure therapy (autoPAP), proportional positive airway pressure therapy (PPAP), and/or other positive airway pressure therapies. The respiratory therapy apparatus may include a user interface that defines an interface passage to communicate pressurized air to the user for inhalation and a humidifier that introduces water into the pressurized air generally at the interface passage. Methods according to the present inventions may include introducing water into the interface passage at one or more humidifier ports disposed about the interface passage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the inhalation delivery of aerosols containing small particles. Specifically, it relates to a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy. In a method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug at a rate greater than 1000° C./s, thereby forming an vapor; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy. In another method aspect of the present invention, a method of forming an aerosol for use in inhalation therapy is provided. The method involves the following steps: (a) heating a substrate coated with a composition comprising a drug to form a vapor, wherein the coated composition is in the form of a film less than 10? thick; and, (b) allowing the vapor to cool, thereby forming an aerosol, which is used in inhalation therapy.

Abstract: A conduit for a breathing circuit includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a hydrophilic layer. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic layer. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: A liquid evaporator includes a liquid reservoir (3) with a liquid to be evaporated, a heater (9) and an evaporator tube (12). The evaporator tube (12) has a first porous element (1) having a first porosity and with an area in contact with the liquid in the liquid reservoir (3) and a second porous element (2) with a second porosity and with an area present on an evaporator side (50) used to dispense the evaporated liquid, and an area outside the liquid reservoir heated by the heater (9) which is not directly in connection with the liquid. The first porous element and the second porous element are in contact in contact areas with the first porous element forming a wick delivering liquid from the reservoir to the contact area.

Abstract: A method of conveying humid breathing gases from a patient through a breathable breathing tube. The breathing tube includes a heater associated, at least in part, with a portion of hydrophilic material. The purpose of the heater is to evaporate any condensed liquid collecting in the conduit, which is first sucked up by the hydrophilic material. The heated wick reduces the risk of collected water being passed to the patient and causing choking fits or discomfit. It is preferred that the heated wick lies freely in the conduit to settle at low points in the conduit where condensation may collect.

Abstract: A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs.

Abstract: A ventilator with integrated breathing air humidifier has at least two defined air pathways provided in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the breathing air humidifier is installed and fixed on a horizontal surface of the ventilator. The ventilator with integratable breathing air humidifier has a breathing air humidifier with at least a top part and a bottom part, wherein a water reservoir is provided in the bottom part, and wherein the top part cannot be removed from the bottom part when the unit is in at least one operating mode. The ventilator may have an air humidifier with at least one water reservoir, and at least one filing device for the water reservoir in the breathing air humidifier, wherein the filing device can be operated with one hand and/or opened with one hand.

Abstract: The sleep apnea adapter has many different usages. The usages include medications like nebulizers and “Vicks” to be inhaled. It can also be used with aroma therapies. I.E, Peppermint, lavender, cedar, and many other soothing oils or pastes. The application for this will sooth the patient whatever the case may be. With the ability to distribute through multiple passage ways the patient is able to control the amount of vapor they desire. The air control can be a valve that can be twisted multiple different ways for the amount of vapor to air inhaled.

Abstract: Methods and devices for inhalation therapy to deliver and embed (deposit) particles less than about 1 ?m in diameter in the lung. High humidity treatment of the lungs causes condensational growth in particle size upon entering the lungs. Increased particle size is conducive to particle embedment (deposition) in deep lung tissue or at a specific targeted lung region.

Abstract: In a method and system of regulating multiple anesthetic agents in a breathing circuit of an anesthetic breathing apparatus is disclosed, a primary anesthetic agent added to the breathing circuit is regulated to a set desired value of the amount of the primary anesthetic agent, and a secondary anesthetic agent in the breathing circuit is regulated to an amount of said secondary anesthetic agent that it is equal to or less than a defined threshold level, e.g. of the concentration, of the secondary anesthetic agent.

Abstract: An adapter includes a base connectable to an anesthetic agent container, a spout that extends from the base and defines at least one flow path therethrough, and a valve assembly disposed within the at least one flow path, the valve assembly being moveable between a first open position and a second closed position. The adapter also includes a radially expandable seal disposed about the spout, the seal having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate region between the first and second ends that expands radially outward relative to a longitudinal axis of the spout. The valve assembly has a surface that cooperates with the seal, wherein the cooperation between the surface and the seal expands the intermediate region radially outward relative to the longitudinal axis with the valve assembly in the first position.

Abstract: A medical breathing assistance apparatus (20) for supplying pressurised gases to a patient is disclosed. The breathing assistance apparatus (20) comprises a heating chamber (29) and a pressure chamber (27) both adapted to contain water, and at least one pressure adjusting means (24,25,26). The pressure chamber (27) is connected to the heating chamber (29) and the pressure adjusting means (24,25,26) is located between the heating chamber (29) and a gases supplying means (23) supplying gas to both the pressure chamber (27) and heating chamber (29). The pressure adjusting means (24,25,26) is adapted to convert pressurised gases from the gases supply means (23) to two different pressures, one to each of the heating chamber (29) and the pressure chamber (27), so that water flows from said pressure chamber (27) to the heating chamber (29).

Abstract: A double-body therapeutics face and tracheostomy mask which functions as both a mask for the nose and mouth of a patient and a mask for the tracheostomy tube area of a patient is disclosed. The mask of the present invention serves as a means for delivering a gaseous medicament or a liquid, such as liquid medication, in the form of a fine spray or mist to the nose, mouth, and trachea of the patient simultaneously. The upper body (1) of the mask fits over the nose and mouth area of the patient and the lower body (5) of the mask fits a patient's tracheostomy tube area. The upper and lower mask bodies may be connected to one another and to a nebulizing apparatus (4) and adjustable-length delivery conduit (17). Therefore, the double-body therapeutics face and tracheostomy mask of the present invention may be adjusted to comfortably fit the face and trachea area of any sized patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved treatment of diseases and disorders of the central nervous system by administration of apomorphine. In particular, the administration is via pulmonary inhalation. The invention provides the means for improving the treatment of a number of conditions, including Parkinson's Disease.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for the treatment of asthma and bronchial inflammation, e.g., as induced by an allergen or toxin. In one aspect, the invention provides inhibitors of “Inducible T Cell Kinase” (ITK) polypeptides and methods of making and using them, e.g., as agents and pharmaceutical compositions to treat asthma. In one aspect, the invention is directed to ITK protein expression and/or activity inhibitors. In one aspect, these ITK protein expression and/or activity inhibitors are used with targeting agents. In one aspect, the ITK protein inhibitors of the invention are used to treat asthma. In one aspect, the invention is directed to ITK protein inhibitors as chimeric proteins comprising fragments or altered or truncated forms of ITK protein, or equivalent. In other aspects ITK protein is joined or fused to another moiety (e.g., a targeting domain) or to an antibiotic.

Abstract: A blister pack for use with inhalation therapy inhalers comprises an elongate bottom element having an overlying top element defining a plurality of spaced top crowned areas containing powder or liquid medications or drugs.

Abstract: A breathing assistance system includes a gas delivery system including a gas flow generation device configured to generate a gas flow; a humidifier system including a liquid water chamber and an outlet, and a microporous filter. The gas delivery system and the humidifier system at least partially define a gas flow path from the gas flow generation device to the outlet of the humidifier system. The microporous filter is located along the gas flow path such that the gas flow generated by the gas flow generation device flows through the microporous filter, subsequently becomes humidified in the liquid water chamber, and subsequently flows through the outlet of the humidifier system. The microporous filter is gas-permeable and liquid water-impermeable, such that the microporous filter prevents liquid water in the liquid water chamber from flowing into the gas flow generation device in any orientation of the gas delivery system and humidifier system.