Exemplary embodiments provide wearable automatic injection devices for subcutaneously injecting a therapeutic agent into a patient's body at controlled rates, for example, in a single bolus. Exemplary embodiments provide methods for assembling wearable automatic injection devices for subcutaneously injecting a therapeutic agent into a patient's body at controlled rates. Exemplary embodiments provide methods for using wearable automatic injection devices for subcutaneously injecting a therapeutic agent into a patient's body at controlled rates.

The invention includes an alarm assembly configured to engage a tube that is capable of extending into a patient. The alarm assembly comprises alarm circuitry, a wound dressing configured to releasably attach to the patient that includes at least one actuator, and a sensor holder. The sensor holder is configured to be releasably coupled to the tube and includes at least one sensor. The at least one sensor is configured to transmit a signal to the alarm circuitry when the at least one actuator actuates the at least one sensor, and the alarm circuitry is configured to produce an alert in response to receiving the signal. The invention also includes a method of detecting a tube dislodging from a patient, as well as a kit comprising a tube, alarm circuitry, a wound dressing, and a sensor holder.

A skin-patch type medicament delivery device (10, 30, 50) comprises a housing (11) containing a medicament delivery mechanism (12) including an injection needle (13). An adhesive surface (19) is provided for securing the housing (11) to a patient's skin during a medicament delivery process. A sterilizing mechanism is connected to the housing (11) and thus integrated into the device, and comprises a pad (18) impregnated with sterilizing agent which contacts the skin once the housing (11) is secured to a patient, and which can, respectively has to be moved in a swiping action across the injection site to sterilize the latter before the needle insertion and drug administration can be performed.

The present invention relates to an apparatus for monitoring a vascular access device, including at least one signal generator for generating vibrations in order to stimulate the vascular access device or a portion thereof to vibrate, at least one signal receiver for detecting vibrations of the vascular access device or of said portion thereof, and at least one evaluation device for evaluating the detected vibrations. Moreover a method for monitoring the vascular access device by using the apparatus of the invention is specified.

The present invention is directed to a spray applicator for spraying a tissue treatment medicant onto a tissue that has a container containing the medicant and is positioned at a proximal end of the spray applicator; a spray tip positioned at a distal end of the spray applicator; a cannula connecting the container with the spray tip; an actuatable dispensing mechanism at a proximal end of the applicator to express the medicant from the container through the cannula and through the spray tip toward the tissue; an optional pressurized gas source discharging a gas through the cannula in the vicinity of the spray tip or inside the spray tip; and a distance indicator that provides indicia of the distance between the spray tip and the tissue but does not prevent positioning the spray tip closer to the tissue than a defined distance for the distance indicator.

A skin sensing system for a drug delivery device includes a control unit and a skin sensor comprising one or more electrodes. The skin sensor may be configured to store a threshold value associated with skin sensing, receive one or more sensed signal values .sup..from the one or more electrodes, compare the one or more sensed signal values with the threshold value, and based on the comparison, transmit a resultant signal to the control unit, The resultant signal is used by the control unit to determine whether a skin surface of a user is substantially proximate to the skin sensor upon receiving the resultant signal. A drug delivery device for sensing contact with the skin includes the skin sensing system. When the skin sensor senses that the drug delivery device is in contact with a patient's skin surface, drug delivery from the device may he permitted.

There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a device and a method for controlled extraction of at least one active substance from at least one type of plant matter by application of heat, the device comprising: a heating element adapted to apply heat to an area of the plant matter to extract the substance; and a mechanism adapted for moving the plant matter relative to the heating element. Optionally, the active substance is a restricted substance. There is also provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of monitoring and controlling inhalation of a restricted substance. There is provided in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, a method of manufacturing a tape of plant matter comprising an active substance.

Features for assessing patient compliance with therapeutic usage of an inhaler, such as a nebulizer, are disclosed. Nebulizer therapy accessories include mouthpiece, mask and adaptor (i.e. an attachment to a mouthpiece or mask) that may be coupled with the nebulizer. The nebulizer therapy accessory includes at least one sensor that detects a physical parameter generated by a user's body and generates a signal. The signal is used to determine therapy compliance, which may be communicated to the patient and/or the patient's physician.

A personal vapor inhaling unit including a microprocessor, memory, and a wireless communication interface is disclosed. An application may control aspects of the personal vapor via the wireless interface. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.

A body-worn medication delivery pump having a patch form factor is provided that includes an integrated plethysmographic module that employs a photoplethysmographic multi-chip package disposed in a frame designed to maintain contact with a wearer's skin during motion, and reduces cross-talk and ingress of stray light, a controller of the pump programmed to adjust its medication delivery algorithms responsive to outputs of the plethysmographic module.