The invention relates to an aerosol delivery device comprising an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol in the aerosol delivery device, a sensor configured to detect a use of the aerosol delivery device for aerosol treatment, and a controller configured to deactivate the aerosol generator if no use of the aerosol delivery device for aerosol treatment is detected by the sensor. Further, the invention relates to a method for operating an aerosol delivery device, comprising the steps of operating an aerosol generator for generating an aerosol in the aerosol delivery device, detecting a use of the aerosol delivery device for aerosol treatment by means of a sensor, and deactivating the aerosol generator by means of a controller if no use of the aerosol delivery device for aerosol treatment is detected by the sensor.

A method for operating a breastpump unit for expression of human breastmilk and various breast shields for use in this method allow a maximum pumping performance and a minimum pumping duration per pumping session. The breast shield has an inner chamber for receiving a nipple (W) of the breast and also at least one outer chamber which at least partially surrounds the nipple. The inner chamber is subjected to a constant pressure and the at least one outer chamber is subjected to a pulsating pressure.

An improved device delivers a fluid medicament to the subcutaneous tissue of a user. The device is better suited for patients with Parkinson's Disease and other central nervous system disorders, than conventional infusion devices. The device can include a reusable part including a drive component (e.g., motor) and control electronics and a disposable part including a medicament reservoir. Medicament can be evacuated from the medicament reservoir by a plunger assembly that includes a plunger attached to a lead screw that is rotated by a nut, all within the disposable part. The device can be fluidically coupled with the tissue via a flexible cannula. Various embodiments relate to an improved cannula insertion mechanism that delivers the cannula under a force applied by a spring. Various embodiments relate to improved filling of the device, for example, using a vial adapter and an automated filling station.

A fluid handling cassette, such as that useable with an automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) cycler device or other infusion apparatus, may include a generally planar body having at least one pump chamber formed as a depression in a first side of the body and a plurality of flowpaths for a fluid that includes a channel. A patient line port may be arranged for connection to a patient line and be in fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber via at least a first one of said flowpaths, and an optional membrane may be attached to the first side of the body over the at least one pump chamber. In one embodiment, the membrane may have a pump chamber portion with an unstressed shape that generally conforms to the depression of the at least one pump chamber in the body and is arranged to be movable for movement of the fluid in a useable space of the at least one pump chamber. One or more spacers may be provided in the at least one pump chamber to prevent the membrane from contacting an inner wall of the at least one pump chamber. The patient line, a drain line, and/or a heater bag line may be positioned to be separately occludable in relation to one or more solution lines that are connectable to the cassette.

Disclosed embodiments of an endotracheal tube (ETT) guard system help to hinder self-extubation of the ETT of an awake patient who may reflexively attempt removal, but also allow early mobilization and exercise necessary for preservation of muscle strength. Embodiments may include an ETT holder, which may be generic ETT holders offered by various medical device companies, or a specially configured ETT holder as described herein. Embodiments also may include a sensor that alarms when the ETT guard is moved beyond pre-set motion thresholds.

An inhaler configured and adapted for inhaling an inhalation medium, enriched with active ingredients and/or flavouring substances, includes a cartridge carrier, a storage tank which contains the inhalation medium, a mouthpiece which is associated with the cartridge carrier, and an actuating mechanism for releasing the inhalation medium out of the storage tank in the direction of the mouthpiece. The inhaler has at least one sensor associated with the mouthpiece. The sensor is configured and adapted to detect characteristics of lips of the person using the inhaler and to provide a data signal formed from the characteristics. The sensor is connected to an electronic control unit associated with the inhaler, to which the actuating mechanism is also connected, in such a manner that the inhalation medium is released on the basis of the data signal. A corresponding arrangement and a corresponding method are disclosed.

An apparatus for treatment of a respiratory condition, the apparatus comprising: a pressure generator configured to generate a flow of breathable gas; an intermediate component pneumatically connected to an air delivery tube, the intermediate component comprising a port configured to facilitate propagation of sound outside of the intermediate component; a sensor attached externally to the intermediate component and located adjacent to the port of the intermediate component, the sensor configured to sense sound propagated through the air delivery tube; and a controller. The controller can be configured to: receive a sound signal generated by the sensor as a result of sensing sound during operation of the apparatus, analyse the received sound signal, and effect a response based at least in part on the analysing.

A dialysis fluid system includes a dialysis fluid inlet; a dialysis fluid outlet; a pump positioned and arranged to pump dialysis fluid through the dialysis fluid inlet and the dialysis fluid outlet; and an inductive heater located between the dialysis fluid inlet and the dialysis fluid outlet, the inductive heater including a fluid flowpath positioned and arranged to receive non-heated dialysis fluid from the dialysis fluid inlet and to output heated dialysis fluid to the a dialysis fluid outlet, a conductive heater element located within the fluid flowpath so as to be or act as a secondary coil of a transformer, and a primary coil of the transformer located outside of the fluid flowpath and positioned so as to magnetically induce a current into the conductive heater element, causing the conductive heater element and surrounding fluid to heat.

Aspects and embodiments of the present invention generally include a device for patient self-administration of a prescribed medication. The device makes available for administration the precise quantity of medication constituting a dose at times designated by a health care provider (HCP). Preferably, the device also detects and transmits information to a remote management system accessible to the HCP, including detected attempts to tamper with the device. Advantageously, HCPs may render oversight and control over the device and its use to mitigate risks associated with patients self-administering medication without in-person supervision. This control may include establishing prerequisites the patient must meet prior to a dose being made available, or remote deactivation of the device. This oversight by the HCP may include patient-specific and aggregate data analysis for optimization of treatment or evaluation of the safety and efficacy of a treatment. Furthermore, this oversight may be conducted via a web-based interface.

Drug delivery devices and related methods of assembly are disclosed. The drug delivery device may include a main housing having an exterior surface releasably attachable to a patient, a container disposed in an enclosed space defined by an interior surface of the main housing, and a drive assembly. The container may include a reservoir containing a drug and a stopper. The drive assembly may include drive housing and a tether which slidably engages and is pulled taut against a guide surface of the drive housing. A first end of the tether may be wound around a capstan which is mounted rotatably relative to the drive housing. A second end of the tether may be operably connected to a stopper biasing member. The tether may initially retain the stopper biasing member in an energized state. When released, the stopper biasing member may expand to move the stopper through the reservoir.