A method includes obtaining a first physiological parameter indicative of a non-invasively measured airway pressure of a subject, obtaining a second physiological parameter indicative of a non-invasively measured air flow into the lungs of the subject, and estimating a third physiological parameter indicative of an intra-pleural pressure of the subject based on the first and second physiological parameters and generating a signal indicative thereof. An other method includes obtaining a first physiological parameter indicative of a non-invasively estimated intra-pleural pressure of a subject, determining a second physiological parameter indicative of a lung volume of the subject that is based on a third physiological parameter indicative of a non-invasively measured air flow into the lungs of the subject, and determining a work of breathing based on the first and second physiological parameters and generating a signal indicative thereof.

Various embodiments disclosed relate to drug-coated balloon catheters for treating strictures in body lumens and methods of using the same. A drug-coated balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a body lumen stricture includes an elongated balloon having a main diameter. The balloon catheter includes a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the balloon. The coating layer includes one or more water-soluble additives and an initial drug load of a therapeutic agent.

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.

A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction opening associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

Described here are devices, systems, and methods for treating conditions or diseases of the nose, ear, or throat with an expandable device having a drug coating. The expandable devices may be delivered to a body cavity in a low-profile configuration and expanded to contact surrounding tissue. The expandable devices may deliver or release the drug coating to the tissue. Multiple expansions of a single device may be employed during treatment. Various coating excipients and manufacturing parameters for the expandable devices may also be adjusted to enhance or slow transfer of the drug coating and/or release of the drug to the target tissue site. The drug transferred to the tissue may act as an in situ depot that enables maintenance of a therapeutic level of locally delivered drug for a desired time period after removal of the expandable devices.

Various embodiments disclosed relate to drug-coated balloon catheters for treating strictures in body lumens and methods of using the same. A drug-coated balloon catheter for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site of a body lumen stricture includes an elongated balloon having a main diameter. The balloon catheter includes a coating layer overlying an exterior surface of the balloon. The coating layer includes one or more water-soluble additives and an initial drug load of a therapeutic agent.

A multi-purpose balloon intra-cavity catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction opening associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.

A simulated trachea for a tracheostomy simulator assembly includes a first conduit defining a trachea and a first aperture penetrating the sidewall of the trachea. The trachea is clear and surrounded by anatomically functional elements to provide efficient and thorough tracheostomy training for medical professionals.

An intubation assistance device facilitates insertion of an endotracheal tube or a guide wire into a patient's trachea without requiring a laryngoscope. The device includes a curved flexible tubular member that has a proximal portion having a proximal end, a distal portion having a distal end, and a curved portion between the proximal portion and the distal portion. A lumen extends from the proximal end of the tubular member and terminates in the curved portion of the tubular member. The lumen is sized and shaped so that an endotracheal tube and/or a guide wire is axially moveable through the lumen. A ramp is disposed at a distal end of the lumen, and is angled to facilitate insertion of the endotracheal tube and/or guide wire into the patient's trachea. The distal portion of the tubular member includes an esophageal protrusion that is configured to be inserted in the patient's esophagus.

The invention relates to a suction stent for introduction into a hollow organ of the human or animal body, preferably into the gastrointestinal tract, in particular the intestine, comprising a tubular hollow body which is open in the longitudinal direction and made of biocompatible material, the tubular hollow body having a fixed diameter at least in its central portion; and a porous shapeable material, preferably a sponge material, which is biocompatible and shapeable in the radial direction, the porous shapeable material radially sheathing the tubular hollow body at least in a section of the tubular hollow body. Further, the invention relates to a method for sealing a leakage, especially an anastomosis, of the hollow organ.