Described herein are an interactive apparatus and methods for sensing and measuring real-time characteristic patterns of a subject's use of a dry powder inhalation system. The inhaler device can be used in a wireless communication mode to communicate with a display to assess the subject's usage of the inhalation system concurrently as the inhalation is performed and thus the subject's inhalation can be evaluated as well as the performance of the inhalation system. The system can also detect the identity of the medicament, its dosage, lot, expiration, etc. and the characteristics profile of a dry powder formulation emitted from the inhalation system in use.

A respiratory therapy device, which may include a flow generator, is provided. The RPT device includes a touch screen display that displays user interface screens to a user and accepts input from users to control parameters and functionality of the RPT device (e.g., a flow generator).

An airway device includes an outertube and a scope channel partially enclosed by the outertube. An intraluminal space in the outertube, not occupied by the scope channel, provides a passageway for air flow to the patient. An esophageal cuff is disposed distally on the scope channel. When inflated, the esophageal cuff secures the airway device in the proximal esophagus of the patient and helps to prevent gastric reflux by mechanically blocking gastric content from entering into the larynx. An inflatable bladder is attached at an anterior surface of the scope channel between the esophageal cuff and a distal opening of the outertube. When inflated, the bladder forms a tubular ring that pushes against the epiglottis and/or other soft tissue towards a wall of the hypopharynx to produce an unhindered air passage into the patient's trachea.

A fluid pump system having a first fluid pump for pumping fluid from a source to a surgical site and a second fluid pump for removing fluid from the surgical site at a first predetermined rate, wherein said fluid pump system intermittently operates in conjunction with a surgical tool which, when operational, removes fluid from the surgical site at a second predetermined rate greater than said first predetermined rate, the improvement including a sensor for sensing a predetermined parameter of the surgical tool and providing an output signal indicating that the surgical tool is operating; and an actuating means responsive to said output signal to actuate said second fluid pump to remove fluid from the surgical site at second predetermined rate.

Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a negative pressure source, a sensor, and a controller. The negative pressure source can provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to the wound dressing. The sensor can monitor pressure in the fluid flow path. The controller can determine whether the wound dressing is coupled to a wound from a change in magnitude of pressure in the fluid flow path over time being more indicative of a steady state condition than a chaotic condition while the negative pressure source maintains negative pressure in the fluid flow path within a pressure range. In addition, the controller can output a first indication denoting that the wound dressing is coupled to the wound and a second indication denoting that the wound dressing is not coupled to the wound.

A Direct Sodium Removal method, apparatus and solution for treating patients in heart failure, and having a glomerular filtration rate greater than 15 mL/min/1.73 m.sup.2, or residual kidney function corresponding to normal to CKD Stage 4, is provided in which a no or low sodium DSR infusate is administered to the peritoneal cavity for a predetermined dwell period and then removed, thereby removing sodium from the body. The resulting elimination of fluid from the patient by i) functioning of the kidneys through urination and ii) direct removal of osmotic ultrafiltrate from the peritoneal cavity, restores serum sodium concentrations to healthy levels and thereby reduces fluid overload in the patient.

A control device for a heart pump, comprising a device for establishing the end-diastolic filling pressure in a ventricle and a device for associating a delivery rate of the pump, in particular a pump speed or an electric pump capacity, with the established end-diastolic filling pressure. By taking into account the end-diastolic filling pressure, a robust operating option of the heart pump, similar to the physio-logical control, is created.

A nasal droplet delivery device and related methods for delivering precise and repeatable dosages to a subject via the nasal passageways and sinus cavities.

A stool management system having a tubular body including a first end section disposable in a rectum of a patient and a second end section including a first connector which detachably mates with a second connector coupled to a collection container which receives waste matter passed through the tubular body from the bowel of the patient.

A system for delivery of gas to a tissue, comprises: a first container containing the gas, an applicator having a distal end arranged to deliver the gas to the tissue, a second container containing a purging gas; and a flow control system for controlling flow of gas. The system also comprises a three-port valve having a first port for receiving the gas from the first container, a second port for receiving the purging gas from the second container, and a third port in fluid communication with the applicator. The valve is switchable between a first state at which the first port fluidly connects to the third port, and a second state at which the second port fluidly connects to the third port.