Abstract: A sensor for use in a canister for fluid collection, the canister having a canister top and defining a fluid collection chamber. The sensor includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the first electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the first electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The second electrode includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the second electrode is supported by the canister top, and the second portion of the second electrode is configured to extend into the fluid collection chamber. The sensor also includes an electric circuit configured to detect an electrical property associated with the first and second electrodes.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure apparatus for use with a reduced-pressure system for treating tissue at a tissue site includes a flexible, collapsible member that is operable to move between a compressed position and an extended position. The collapsible member may be disposed between a carrier member and a slider member that move between a compressed position and an extended position. The carrier member and slider member are urged away from each other by a constant-force biasing member, e.g., a constant force coil spring. As the apparatus moves from the compressed position to the extended position, a constant reduced-pressure is generated and delivered to a reduced-pressure port. Methods of manufacturing a manually-actuated, constant reduced-pressure apparatus and methods of treating a tissue site are also provided.

Abstract: An aspiration control device may include a conduit having a distal end and a proximal end and defining a conduit lumen, wherein the conduit defines a vent that is open to the conduit lumen, a coupling configured to couple the proximal end of the conduit with a vacuum source and an inner cannula such that a vacuum is supplied to each of the conduit lumen and the inner cannula, a sleeve movably disposed about the conduit and configured to move relative to the vent to achieve a desired level of vacuum delivered to the inner cannula.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed that provides an improved immobilization of absorbent polymer material when the article is fully or partially urine loaded. This absorbent core is useful for providing an absorbent article of increased wearing comfort. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer and absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising absorbent fibrous material, the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20% of the weight of absorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent material is immobilized when wet such that the absorbent core achieves a wet immobilization of more than 50%, preferably of more than 60%, 70%, 80% or 90% according to the Wet Immobilization Test described herein.

Abstract: A compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter having a longitudinally elongated intermittent urinary catheter retained within a longitudinally compacted elastic package. A method of using the catheter wherein at least a portion of the package is used as a drainage tube for the catheter. A package for an intermittent urinary catheter including a longitudinally compacted elastic package having a longitudinally extending receiving chamber containing a lubricating medium. The package having two longitudinal ends that may be removed to open the package and enable conversion of the package from a compacted state to an extended state. A method of using the package as a clean handling sleeve through which an intermittent urinary catheter may be passed to coat it with a lubricating medium.

Abstract: A tissue sampling, processing and collection device for connection in-line to a hand-held power-assisted tissue aspiration instrument and a vacuum source. The tissue sampling, processing and collection device includes a suction plate, mounted within a collection chamber, and having multiple hollow projections for supporting the open proximal ends of a plurality of tissue collection and processing tubes. Each of these tissue collection and processing tubes has micro-pores formed in the side walls thereof and its distal end opening is capped, thereby allowing fluid to flow and filter therethrough while the tissue collection and processing tube is mounted on the suction plate during tissue aspiration operations. The in-line tissue sampling, processing and collection device is provided with a knob for manually selecting the tissue collection and processing tube, into which a sampled of aspirated fat tissue to is be collected and processed in situ during tissue aspiration operations.

Abstract: A suction device is shown and described. The suction device includes a body, an input port configured to receive a flow of matter, a suction port, and a suction lumen that couples the suction port to the input port. In some embodiments the suction device is configured to couple with a surgical instrument for use in a surgical procedure.

Abstract: Methods of collecting fat tissue samples in tissue collection syringes mounted in an in-line fat sampling device connected to a hand-held power-assisted tissue aspiration instrument.

Abstract: A system, apparatus, and method for treating a tissue site with reduced pressure includes a connector having a connector body. The connector body includes a cavity and a cavity aperture. The connector also includes a conduit port fluidly coupling a conduit to the cavity. The connector further includes a base adjacent the cavity aperture that is configured to be positioned adjacent a drape. The cavity is configured to be fluidly coupled to a manifold through an aperture of the drape. The connector also includes a sensing probe having a proximal end configured to be fluidly coupled to the conduit and a distal end extending to the cavity aperture. The distal end is configured to be positioned adjacent to and in fluid communication with a manifold.

Abstract: A system for treating a linear wound on a patient has a closing dressing bolster for placing on the patient's epidermis over the linear wound, a sealing subsystem for providing a seal over the closing dressing bolster and the patient, and a reduced-pressure subsystem for delivering reduced pressure to the sealing subsystem. The sealing subsystem and reduced pressure subsystem are operable to deliver reduced pressure to the closing dressing bolster. The closing dressing bolster is operable under reduced pressure to develop a inward closing. The closing dressing bolster may include one or more closing members on each side of a center wound area to create the inward closing when under reduced pressure. A compressive force may also be developed. Other systems and methods are presented.

Abstract: A urinary receptacle includes an elongate, tubular main body having a closed upper end and an open lower end; a tubular port in fluid communication with the main body, the tubular port being configured to receive a user's penis therein in a fluid-tight manner; a urine collection receptacle connectable to the lower end of the main body which receives and stores the urine therein; and a fastener which secures at least one of the main body and the urine collection receptacle to the user or a garment worn by the user. The apparatus is simple to use, and is manually accessible for handling though modified side pockets of a pair of pants or other such conventional garment worn by the user. The main body, tubular port, and storage receptacle are formed of flexible, waterproof material and are configured to collapse flat against a user's body when not in use.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus and method are provided for treating tissue by the application of the time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure. The apparatus includes a cover adapted to cover a wound and adapted to maintain sub-atmospheric pressure the site of the wound. The apparatus further includes a source of suction configured to generate a time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure having a periodic waveform comprising a gradual change in pressure. The suction source cooperates with the cover to supply the time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure under the cover to the wound. The time-varying sub-atmospheric pressure may vary between a first pressure value below the inherent tissue tension of the wound tissue and a second pressure value above the inherent tissue tension of the wound tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of a reduced pressure system and methods for operating the system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system can include one or more processors responsible for various functions associated with various levels of responsiveness, such as interfacing with a user, controlling a vacuum pump, providing network connectivity, etc. The system can present GUI screens for controlling and monitoring its operation. The system can be configured to determine and monitor flow of fluid in the system by utilizing one or more of the following: monitoring the speed of a pump motor, monitoring flow of fluid in a portion of a fluid flow path by using a calibrated fluid flow restrictor, and monitoring one or more characteristics of the pressure pulses. The system can be configured to provide external connectivity for accomplishing various activities, such as location tracking of the system, compliance monitoring, tracking of operational data, remote selection and adjustment of therapy settings, etc.

Abstract: A drainage system that includes a ventricular catheter, a drainage catheter, and a positive displacement pump that can function to actively drain CSF from the ventricles of the brain of a patient. The pump can include, for example, a diaphragm pump, a piston pump, a rotor pump, a peristaltic pump, or a screw pump.

Abstract: An interface device for removing fluid from a surgical site by shaping the interface device in situ to place a set of openings, which are in fluid communication with a connection port adapted for connection to a vacuum source, in contact with at least a portion of the surgical site. This interface device having a connection port with a connection opening for connection to a vacuum source; a multiplicity of openings located on an exterior of the interface device and in fluid communication through the interface device to the connection port so that fluid may be drawn into the openings and removed by vacuum; and the interface device is adapted to allow a set of one or more hands to at least partially conform the interface device to at least a portion of the surgical site to place at least some of the multiplicity of openings in proximity to fluid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, systems and devices to monitor vascular volume status utilizing at least one oximetry/photoplethysmography sensor. The methods, systems and devices provide an alternative to conventional vascular volume monitoring methods while enabling reliable, non-invasive, and automatic monitoring of vascular volume to avert patient hypotension. The methods, systems and devices may be employed in the context of both inpatient and outpatient facilities and may also be incorporated into conventional monitoring devices, techniques and equipment.

Abstract: A medical device includes a tubular member having a distal end residing interiorly of the body of a patient, a proximal end extending exteriorly of the body, and a lumen extending therebetween. A first passageway extends along the tubular member between a distal end in fluid communication with the lumen, and a proximal end extending exteriorly of the body. A second passageway extends along the tubular member between a distal end located distal to the distal end of the first passageway, and a proximal end extending exteriorly of the body. An occlusion member is associated with the distal end of the second passageway. The occlusion member is movable between an occluded configuration and a non-occluded configuration for selectively occluding the lumen of the tubular member. When the lumen is occluded, a flushing fluid may be passed therethrough via the distal end of the first passageway.

Abstract: A portable vacuum device including: a source of liquefied gas; a gas operated vacuum generator having a vacuum inlet; a valve for controlling flow of gas from the source to the vacuum generator; a suction tube having proximal and distal ends; a collection container having an outlet coupled to the vacuum inlet of the vacuum generator and an inlet coupled to the proximal end of the suction tube, the arrangement being such that when said valve is opened the vacuum generator creates a vacuum in the container and at the distal end of the suction tube.

Abstract: A compact packaged intermittent urinary catheter having a longitudinally elongated intermittent urinary catheter retained within a longitudinally compacted elastic package. A method of using the catheter wherein at least a portion of the package is used as a drainage tube for the catheter.