Abstract: An applicator insertable into a living body includes a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head on a front end side of the nozzle main body and through which a liquid together with a gas is expelled, with the nozzle main body including a flexible curved section. The applicator also includes an outer tube in which is positioned a portion of the nozzle main body so as to be movable along a longitudinal direction. The angle or degree of curvature of the curved section is changed by inserting the curved section into the outer tube to thereby adjust a direction of the nozzle head relative to a axis of the nozzle main body. In addition, a longitudinally extending gap exists between the outer tube and the nozzle. The gap functions as a discharge path for discharging gas within the body cavity.

Abstract: A device, system and method is provided for dispersing an aerosol formulation comprising a medicament. The device may be useful in administering inhaleable vaccines and the like. The device designed for low cost and applicability to a multitude of patient populations. The device has a spacer (10) is suitable for use with a wide range of aerosolized formulations, particularly powders. The spacer (10) may be an expandable volume spacer (10). The spacer (10) may also be used with other inhalation aids (80). The spacer (10) may include a multi-purpose outlet (40) for use with different groups within the target patient population.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for protecting a patient from surgical site infection from airborne microbes during surgery. A sterile gas flow conditioning emitter for affixation onto an anatomical surface of a patient adjacent a site of incision is anatomically shape conforming for attaching a unidirectional coherent non-turbulent flow field of sterile gas substantially anatomically levelly on that anatomical surface and flowing the flow field in the direction of that site while essentially preventing ambient airborne particles from entering the interior of the flow field under the emitter to maintain the gas essentially sterile during passage over the site.

Abstract: Circulation of blood in an ischemic region can be improved or promoted, and furthermore ischemic disease in a living organism can be prevented, improved or cured through either direct contact of, or contact through clothing of carbon dioxide gas with the skin or mucous membrane of the living organism.

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: This invention relates to apparatus used to alter the temperature and humidity of gases. The apparatus of the present invention comprises an insufflator, humidifier and transportation means connected to delivery means to deliver humidified and heated gases to a body cavity prior to and during a medical procedure. In one form of the present invention the insufflator and humidifier are contained in the one housing, while in another form the humidifier is located proximal and external to the insufflator. The transportation means that delivers the humidified gases to the body cavity comprises a flexible tubing having located within, throughout or around it heating means. The heating means may be a heat conductive wire, a ribbon of PTC material, or a conducting wire extruded into the walls of tubing, where the tubing may be made from a PTC material or flexible plastics.

Abstract: Carbon dioxide is contacted to a skin and mucous membrane of a living organism directly or through clothing, thereby to improve or promote circulation of the blood in a myocardial region, and furthermore to prevent, improve or cure myocardial infarction.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for the delivery of treatment agents simultaneously with capnic gases. Specifically, the treatment agents and capnic gases may be delivered to a mucosal membrane at a controlled flow rate to treat rhinitis. Exemplary capnic gases include carbon dioxide, nitric oxide, nitrous oxide, and dilute acid gases.

Abstract: Inhalant anesthetics are developed with a number of properties including rapid onset and recovery, controllability, and, ideally, a broad safety profile. The efficacy of these agents is measured by their ability to create anesthesia within the framework of the other desirable properties. The instant invention focuses on the dosage level where analgesia occurs but amnesia or lack of consciousness does not. In addition to identifying the dosage level where pain is sharply reduced or eliminated but awareness remains, a delivery system for safe and effective delivery of the agent is described.

Abstract: Delivery devices, methods and systems are provided for the delivery of particles into a biological tissue. The device includes a gas source comprising a gas or capable of selectively producing a gas; a first particle source comprising a first plurality of particles; a first collimator fluidly connected with the gas source and adapted to form a collimated stream of the first plurality of particles entrained in the gas. The device also includes a tissue-interfacing surface adapted to interface with a surface of the tissue and orient the first collimator with the tissue such that the collimated stream of the first plurality of particles will penetrate the tissue in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the tissue.

Abstract: Chronic sinusitis is treated by the application of cold plasma or plasma-activated species to the infected mucosal surfaces through use of an endoscope having a steerable end which may be projected into the sinus cavities through the nasal cavity. The cold plasma is generated at either the distal end of the endoscope with a power source by application of a power, or at the distal end by gas and electrical connections extending through the endoscope. The cold plasma or plasma-activated species act to destroy bacterial cells but not eukaryotic cells.

Abstract: This relates to a method to generate a mixture of Hydrogen Peroxide gas and a Carrier gas, consisting in passing a dry Carrier gas through a solution of Hydrogen Peroxide.

Abstract: Dispersing a gas in a liquid to provide a mixture of saturated, supersaturated or hypersaturated solution to provide a suspension of bubbles containing gas therein into which human tissue is immersed for treating same. A two-phase mixture is provided having a dissolved gas and a suspension of microbubbles in a liquid. Methods for making, maintaining, and using the two-phase mixture are provided. The gas molecules may be introduced into the liquid at high velocity under elevated pressure to form a supersaturated solution that retains the dissolved gas concentration in solution when exposed to ambient conditions.

Abstract: Visceral fat may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered in pulses, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the visceral fat to soften, liquefy, or gellify, without damaging the subject's internal organs that are in the vicinity of the visceral fat. The visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to applicators designed for controlled in situ delivery of therapeutic films or depots during a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A gas-assisted fluid-dispensing device (10) for delivering an aerosol. The gas-assisted fluid-dispensing device (10) includes a syringe (14) that contains a fluid and includes a distal end (18), a proximal end (20), and a plunger (24) extending proximally from the proximal end (20). A spray nozzle tip (26) is configured to generate the aerosol and is coupled to the distal end (18) of the syringe (14). The gas-assisted fluid-dispensing device (10) further includes a housing (44) having first and second housing portions (52, 54). The first housing portion (52) includes a docking port (42) for receiving the syringe (14); the second housing portion (54) is configured as a handle. A trigger (50), coupled to the housing (44), is operably coupled to an actuating member (58) that is configured to apply a force onto the plunger (24) of the syringe (14) and discharge the fluid from the syringe (14) and into the spray nozzle tip (26).

Abstract: A compound for the manufacturing of a medicament for reducing or preventing mesothelial cell damage includes a mixture of a carrier gas and between 1 volume percent and 29 volume percent of nitrous oxide gas (N2O) and can be used for prevention of adhesion formation, pain reduction, reducing or preventing acute inflammation, reducing or preventing CO2 resorbtion or reducing tumor cell implantation upon surgery.

Abstract: A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe transurethrally. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.

Abstract: Methods and systems for accessing an operating cavity when performing endoscopic surgery comprising. The systems and methods include at least one obturator-free cannula unit and a trocar assembly. The trocar assembly includes a single dedicated functional obturator independent of the cannula unit and an endoscopic cannula. The invention also provides a system and methods for providing continuous flow of carbon dioxide during a laparoscopic procedure.

Abstract: Systems and methods for deoxygenating ophthalmic fluid are disclosed. The systems include an infusion system having a valve having an inlet in fluid communication with a source of gas, a first outlet in fluid communication with a container of ophthalmic fluid, and a second outlet in fluid communication with an infusion line of the system. The valve directs gas into the fluid disposed in the container to deoxygenate the fluid, and the deoxygenated fluid is then injected into the eye.

Abstract: A drug pressuring and delivering system has an internal quantitative pusher for providing stable and precise drug delivery, and a drug pressuring and delivering device for introducing a compression gas for pressuring and ejecting a drug into an atomized drug. The quantitative pusher adopts a bidirectional motor for driving a screw rod to rotate forward or reversely to push the push rod forward or backward, such that the drug is delivered through a solenoid and a drug delivering needle in a cylinder drug delivering pipe and then quantitatively delivered to a drug delivery pressuring tube. In addition, an introduced mainstream gas in the drug delivery pressuring tube forms a gas-liquid mixing and pressuring action to achieve the precisely quantitative and uniform atomization high speed ejection function. Also, all members of the invention can be assembled/disassembled, so that the damaged or contaminated members can be detached, cleaned or replaced.

Abstract: In various embodiments, provided are topical gas delivery systems and methods for promoting wound healing. A provided gas delivery system comprises a gas reservoir comprising at least one chamber adapted to contain one or more therapeutic gases selected from NO, CO, O2, air, or combinations thereof, and at least one gas permeable membrane operably coupled to the reservoir. A provided method comprises using a provided gas delivery system to deliver the one or more therapeutic gases to a wound site such that a NO/ONOO? ratio suitable for promoting wound healing is achieved at the wound site.

Abstract: Medical apparatus and processes controllably generate medically useful micro or nano bubbles of medically desirable and controllably selectable size, size distribution, homogeneity and concentration (and/or other key bubble parameters) for patient infusion, and/or which may incorporate therapeutic or other agents for patient infusion and/or may be combined with therapeutic or other agents prior to infusion into patients. The bubble generation apparatus and processes controllably permit the adjustment and selection of key bubble parameters through bubble generation actuation and orientation techniques and through selection of bubble fluid compositions in order to facilitate medical research and/or to optimize treatment for imaging, therapy, sonoporation, inertial and non-inertial cavitation, and acoustic activation, among other medical uses. Disposable cartridges containing such bubbles are provided and may include means for patient infusion.

Abstract: A device for treating living cells by plasmaporation contains, in addition to devices for generating plasma and generating a field, devices for mixing and transporting active substances, predominantly in the form of nano and microparticles, for affecting the metabolism of the cells.

Abstract: A portable topical oxygen therapy system includes a miniature gas cylinder containing compressed oxygen, a miniature regulator or having an inlet and an outlet and a wound dressing having an interior configured to cover or enclose an exterior portion of a patient's body. The inlet of the regulator is connected to the gas cylinder. The interior of the wound dressing is connected to the outlet of the regulator. The portable topical oxygen therapy system is sized and configured to be wearable by the patient without interfering with normal ambulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides a topical oxygen therapy system for treating chronic non-healing wounds. The system is configured to be extremely portable, allowing patients to be completely ambulatory during treatment. The topical oxygen therapy system includes an oxygen source and a wound dressing capsule. The oxygen source includes a miniature compressed oxygen cylinder and a miniature pressure regulator that delivers oxygen through an outlet tube to the interior of the wound dressing capsule. The oxygen source may be attached directly to or integrated into the wound dressing capsule. Alternatively, the oxygen source and wound dressing capsule may be separate modules connected by a flexible tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for applying a spray to a selected site on a patient includes a sheath having a through bore extending from a first end to a second end. A flexible multi-lumen tube is secured within the sheath and has a distal portion that extends beyond the second end of the sheath. A malleable wire is positioned within at least the distal portion of the multi-lumen tube wherein manual force is exerted upon the distal portion to position the distal end in a selected position by bending the malleable wire. A housing is attached to the rigid outer sheath and has a plurality of ports for engaging a multi-tube syringe and a port for injecting a gas into the selected site wherein each port is in communication with at least one lumen. A spray nozzle is removably attached to the distal end of the multi-lumen tube wherein the at least one liquid and the gas are discharged from the multi-lumen tube and into the spray nozzle such that the aerosol exiting the spray nozzle is effective in treating the selected site.

Abstract: A free radical sterilization system having a chamber defining a region, and a generator for generating free radical reach effluent from a free radical electric generator and/or a vaporizer. A closed loop circulating system without a free-radical destroyer is provided for supplying the mixture of free radicals from the electric generator mixed with the hydrogen peroxide solution in the form of the effluent to the chamber. The free-radical sterilization system is used in sterilizing items in the chamber and, with an open-bottomed wound chamber, in treating wounds on a body.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices and methods are provided for delivering a substance into a human or animal tissue. The device includes a gas source comprising a gas or capable of selectively producing a gas. The device also includes a drug source positioned and configured to release a drug into the gas. The drug source includes a release-activatable tape having the drug disposed thereon. The device also includes a first collimator fluidly connected with the gas source. The first collimator, which has an inlet end and an outlet end, is adapted to form a collimated gas stream comprising the drug in the gas.

Abstract: Delivery devices, methods and systems are provided for the delivery of particles into a biological tissue. The device includes a gas source comprising a gas or capable of selectively producing a gas; a first particle source comprising a first plurality of particles; a first collimator fluidly connected with the gas source and adapted to form a collimated stream of the first plurality of particles entrained in the gas. The device also includes a tissue-interfacing surface adapted to interface with a surface of the tissue and orient the first collimator with the tissue such that the collimated stream of the first plurality of particles will penetrate the tissue in a direction substantially perpendicular to the surface of the tissue.

Abstract: Drug delivery device and methods are provided for transdermal drug delivery through a skin. The device includes a gas source comprising a gas or capable of selectively producing a gas. The device also includes a first collimator fluidly connected with the gas source adapted to form a first plurality of collimated gas streams comprising the gas. The first collimator has an inlet end and an outlet end. The device further includes a first drug source comprising a drug. The first drug source is configured to release the drug into the first plurality of collimated gas streams between the inlet end and outlet end of the first collimator.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for depositing a film on a biological substrate are provided. A plasma generation device includes a dielectric conduit and a high voltage electrode. The plasma generation device is placed in proximity to the biological substrate and a gas supply that includes a precursor material is directed through the dielectric conduit. An electric field generated by the potential difference between the high voltage electrode and the biological substrate ionizes at least a portion of the gas supply and causes plasma to emanate from the dielectric conduit and contact the biological substrate. The plasma induces a reaction of the precursor material to form a film that is deposited on the biological substrate.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering energy to lung tissue, for example to cause lung volume reduction by generating a flow of vapor and introducing the flow of vapor into the lung where the vapor delivers thermal energy sufficient to modify lung tissue.

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/O2 or SF/O2 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: An apparatus and method for clearing of a surgical site during the performance of a medical procedure where a single phase wash fluid, which has been conditioned, is directed at the surgical site to inhibit or prevent harm to the body tissue as unwanted debris is blown away from the surgical site thereby permitting a surgeon to safely perform a medical procedure without the presence of unwanted liquids or unwanted debris at the surgical site.

Abstract: A charged hydration device and a method of filling the hydration device so the charged hydration that can be mounted to a medical apparatus that provides insufflation fluid to a body cavity either immediately prior to the medical procedure or during a medical procedure with the charged hydration device including an inlet and outlet for an inline connection with the medical apparatus so that an insufflation gas delivered through the charged hydration device is hydrated to prevent tissue damage to a person receiving the insufflation gas.

Abstract: The present invention is to offer an oxygen bath system, which supplies a mist of liquid at a predetermined pressure value together with highly concentrated oxygen into a chamber of accommodating a human organism and being foldable, thereby enabling to efficiently cause oxygen and the mist to be absorbed into the skin and the mucous membrane of a human organism. The oxygen bath system comprises a chamber (51) of accommodating the human organism therein; a gas supply means (11, 41) of pressurizing and supplying air gas containing oxygen gas of 25 to 40% by adding oxygen gas to air into the chamber; a liquid supply means (21) of supplying a liquid; and a mist generating means (31) of generating a mist of the liquid; and supplies the generated mist into the chamber. Herein, the chamber (51) is structured with a vinyl chloride material having flexibility, and can withstand against internal pressure of at least 1.4 air pressure.

Abstract: The present invention is to offer an oxygen bath system, which supplies highly concentrated oxygen and a mist of liquid at a predetermined pressure value into a chamber, thereby enabling to efficiently cause oxygen and the mist to be absorbed into the skin and the mucous membrane of a human organism.

Abstract: An aerosol generator is positioned adjacent to a patient as an attachment to a trocar. The trocar has an entry port for insufflation gas. Aerosol generated by a vibrating element is entrained in the insufflation gas and the mixture is delivered through the trocar. The aerosol may contain a medicament. The trocar may be a conventional trocar. Such trocars are typically used for a camera. The delivery of the aerosolized medicament can occur at the start of the procedure and be delivered in bolus. At the start of the procedure, the peritoneum is being inflated by means of the flow of insufflator gas. This gas flow will help to entrain the aerosolized medicament to the pneumoperitoneum regions. The surgeon can temporarily remove the camera from the trocar port to facilitate insertion and positioning of the aerosolizing unit.

Abstract: A device for achieving high vacuum stability during phacoemulsification surgery includes a main aspiration line connected to a vacuum source which enables a fluid flow from a phacoemulsification handpiece tip to a drainage reservoir. A first tubing segment is provided in the main aspiration line along with a second tubing segment generally parallel to the first tubing section and a valve disposed in the second tubing segment regulates fluid flow through the second tubing segment in order to limit vacuum surge in the main aspiration line upon clearing of an occlusion in the phacoemulsification handpiece tip.

Abstract: A device and a method for generating therapeutic foam from a sclerosing solution such as polidocanol and a gas which is absorbable or dissolvable in the body comprises a disposable cassette including a liquid container and a flexible chamber containing gas, chamber being formed as a loop. Located in the loop chamber is a foam generating mesh. In use, liquid is introduced into the chamber and then the cassette is inserted into a pumping machine where it is engaged by a peristaltic pump which circulates the contents of the loop chamber through the mesh, thus creating foam. When a steady state is reached, foam may be withdrawn using a syringe via either a port or septum.

Abstract: In one embodiment of the invention, a robotic surgical system is provided including a master control console and a surgical manipulator. The master control console generates control signals to cause one or more fluids to flow into or out of a surgical site. The surgical manipulator is coupled to the console to receive the control signals and includes at least one robotic arm and a surgical instrument coupled thereto. The surgical manipulator controls the surgical instrument in response to the control signals to control the flow of the one or more fluids into or out of the surgical site. The surgical instrument has a first robotically controlled valve that is responsive to the surgical manipulator and a hollow tube having a first end coupled to the first robotically controlled valve with an opening at a second end to direct the flow of one or more fluids.

Abstract: A system for treatment of a wound area of a patient including a first treatment pad comprising a plurality of Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs) for cleaning and exposing a wound area to ultraviolet light, a second treatment pad comprising removal ports for exposing the wound area to a negative pressure, and a control unit interoperably connected to the first and second treatment pads for providing a negative pressure and the ultraviolet light to the wound area.

Abstract: This invention provides articles of manufacture and bandages comprising compartments and layers comprising oxygen and other therapeutic gas storage forms and perfluorocarbons. This invention also provides for methods of delivering oxygen and other therapeutic gases to a tissue in a subject comprising a administering to the tissue a composition comprising a perfluorocarbon and a oxygen or therapeutic gas storage form, so as to thereby deliver oxygen or the therapeutic gas to the tissue.

Abstract: Air management control systems and methods maintain and manage an intra-abdominal gas environment during laparoscopic surgery. The systems and methods locate a plurality of in vivo sensors to monitor different environmental conditions within the operative space insufflated with pressurized CO2, e.g., CO2 insufflation airflow velocity, CO2 pressure, aspiration airflow velocity, and at least one of humidity level, temperature, density of smoke/particulates, odors, and sound within the operative space. The systems and methods couple the plurality of in vivo sensors to a master controller. The master controller implements pre-programmed rules to generate control commands that govern the delivery of pressurized CO2 and aspiration pressure into and out of the operative space in response, at least in part, to the different environmental conditions monitored by the in vivo sensors.

Abstract: A gas supply source for supplying gas and a channel along which the gas is supplied can be easily switched by providing an instrument channel for passing an endoscope treating tool, a gas and water supply channel for supplying carbon dioxide etc. to the inside of a body, a gas supply source for a visceral cavity capable of supplying gas at a predetermined pressure, a gas supply source for a lumen capable of supplying gas at an optional pressure, and a switch device for switching from any of and an instrument channel and a gas and water supply channel to any of the gas supply source for a visceral cavity and the gas supply source for a lumen.

Abstract: A mobile treatment apparatus for use in treating a user of the apparatus with medical or therapeutic gases, comprising a mixing unit for containing water and having a motionless mixing means; a gas cartridge unit removably mounted to the mixing unit via a cartridge piercing module, wherein a pressure-regulating valve regulates a flow rate of a gas from the cartridge through the mixing means, to achieve a specified gas-water mixture that is effective for transdermal delivery of the gas to the user; and a wearable receiver suit for forming a space around at least an area of the user's body to be treated, wherein the suit is connected to the mixing unit, for delivery of the gas to treat the area via the transdermal delivery.

Abstract: An anti-carbonisation device (1) is proposed to prevent the carbonisation of tissue upon plasma coagulation by means of a suitable surgical instrument (3), wherein the surgical instrument (3) has a feed line for an oxidising agent (7), a feed line for a gas (5) and an electrode (9) for generation of a plasma, and wherein a gas-oxidising agent mixture for generation of a gas-oxidising agent plasma is provided by the anti-carbonisation device (1).

Abstract: An insufflation gas warmer and humidifier apparatus and methods are provided. Insufflation gas is received from a bulky insufflation tubing. Insufflation gas received travels through, in one aspect, a channel or winding flow path, in a passage. The configuration of the passage ensures that the insufflation gas, which travels through the passage, receives sufficient heat and moisture. A humidifying reservoir humidifies the insufflation gas as the insufflation gas is passed to the passage. In one aspect, an oxygenator introduces slight amounts of oxygen into the insufflation gas. A warmer connected to the passage warms the gas in the passage. The warmer, in one aspect, contains a reactive agent that when exposed to air produces heat that is transferred to the passage to warm the insufflation gas within the passage.

Abstract: A charged hydration device and a method of filling the hydration device so the charged hydration that can be mounted to a medical apparatus that provides insufflation fluid to a body cavity either immediately prior to the medical procedure or during a medical procedure with the charged hydration device including an inlet and outlet for an inline connection with the medical apparatus so that an insufflation gas delivered through the charged hydration device is hydrated to prevent tissue damage to a person receiving the insufflation gas.