Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for assessing collateral ventilation. An illustrative embodiment includes an occlusion device insertable into a bronchial passageway to selectively seal the bronchial passageway to occlude a lobe of a lung. A flow lumen sealably extends through the occlusion device to a distal end and has a proximal end receptive of a positive pressure flow. A check valve is coupleable with the flow lumen to permit the positive pressure flow to pass to the distal end of the flow lumen and prevent a backflow of pressure from the flow lumen. A flow meter is couplable with the flow lumen to measure the positive pressure flow through the flow lumen. The occlusion device is insertable into the passageway to the isolated lobe. Measurements of the flow meter of the positive pressure flow into the occluded lobe are monitorable to assess collateral ventilation from the occluded lobe.

Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for assessing collateral ventilation. An illustrative embodiment includes a flow meter input communicatively coupleable with an electronic flow meter positionable to monitor a positive pressure flow into a selectively occluded lobe of a lung. A processing logic circuit is communicatively coupled with the flow meter input to process measurements of the positive pressure flow and to generate a digital representation of the positive pressure flow into the occluded lobe over time. A display device is configured to receive the digital representation and visually present the positive pressure flow over time, a continual decrease over time of the positive pressure flow into the occluded lobe indicating a lack of collateral ventilation from the occluded lobe and a stabilization over time of the positive pressure flow into the occluded lobe indicating a presence of collateral ventilation from the occluded lobe.

Disclosed are methods and devices for regulating fluid flow to and from a region of a patient's lung, such as to achieve a desired fluid flow dynamic to a lung region during respiration and/or to induce collapse in one or more lung regions. Pursuant to an exemplary procedure, an identified region of the lung is targeted for treatment. The targeted lung region is then bronchially isolated to regulate airflow into and/or out of the targeted lung region through one or more bronchial passageways that feed air to the targeted lung region. An exemplary flow control device is configured to block fluid flow in the inspiratory direction and the expiratory direction at normal breathing pressures and allow fluid flow in the expiratory direction at higher than normal breathing pressures.

We describe a Tracheal Tube insertion facilitator (modified bougie) with superior ventilating capability to enable medical/paramedical personnel to place tracheal/bronchial tubes reliably in trachea/bronchus of the patients under anaesthesia or patients in respiratory distress, and provide respiratory support. This device is particularly useful in situations where the conventional tracheal intubation technique using a laryngoscope is difficult or near impossible. This device has a outer cylindrical member, inner hollow stylet and a dynamic cuff which inflates during Positive Pressure Ventilation/Jet ventilation, and hence enabling oxygenation in patients with respiratory distress even before the tracheal tube is inserted into the patient's airway.

Provided is a treatment method of being able to improve the obstruction of a biological lumen caused by stenosis of the biological lumen and the stagnation of a secretion. The treatment method includes a disposition step of disposing a dilation portion that can be dilated and deflated, and a collection portion, which is capable of removing a secretion S secreted from a biological lumen from a living body, in a stenosed site occurring in the biological lumen; a dilation step of widening the stenosed site after the disposition step by dilating the dilation portion in the stenosed site after the disposition step; and a removal step of removing the secretion from the living body by a removal portion.

The volume of a hyperinflated lung compartment is reduced by sealing a distal end of the catheter in an airway feeding the lung compartment. Air passes out of the lung compartment through a passage in the catheter while the patient exhales. A one-way flow element associated with the catheter prevents air from re-entering the lung compartment as the patient inhales. Over time, the pressure of regions surrounding the lung compartment cause it to collapse as the volume of air diminishes. Residual volume reduction effectively results in functional lung volume expansion. Optionally, the lung compartment may be sealed in order to permanently prevent air from re-entering the lung compartment.

Devices, systems for localized delivery of a chemotherapy, hormonal therapy or targeted drug/biologic therapy to a target tissue area of an internal body organ of a patient. A catheter 10 forms a sealed treatment chamber in a natural lumen extending through the target tissue area. Air is purged from the chamber, which is then filled with a liquid drug solution for an adequate treatment session time, solution volume and drug concentration to saturate the target tissue area, thereby providing the treatment. The liquid drug solution may be circulated or recirculated through the chamber or maintained stationary therewithin. The drug may saturate the target tissue area and pass therethrough into the lymphatic system or interstitial space, which may serve as a reservoir of the drug for continued therapeutic treatment after withdrawal of the catheter. The chamber is evacuated at the end of the treatment session.

Disclosed are apparatus and methods for producing and delivering vapour medicament. An exemplary apparatus disclosed comprises: a gas inlet for receiving a gas from a source of pressurized gas; a chamber for receiving a liquid medicament therein, the chamber being in communication with the gas inlet for permitting entrance and expansion of the gas in the chamber in the presence of the liquid medicament to produce the vapour medicament; and a vapour outlet in communication with the chamber for delivering the vapour medicament.

Methods and apparatus are provided for applying an fragment of a neurotoxin such as the active light chain (LC) of the botulinum toxin (BoNT), such as one of the serotype A, B, C, D, E, F or G botulinum toxins, via permeabilization of targeted cell membranes to enable translocation of the botulinum neurotoxin light chain (BoNT-LC) molecule across the targeted cell membrane to the cell cytosol where a therapeutic response is produced in a mammalian system. The methods and apparatus include use of catheter based delivery systems, non-invasive delivery systems, and transdermal delivery systems.