Abstract: The present disclosure relates generally to the field of medical devices and establishing fluid communication between body lumens. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for establishing a controlled flow or access passage between body lumens.

Abstract: A stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medical device, a stent selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft, and a coupling mechanism for selectively coupling the stent to the elongate shaft by inserting a tab on one of the stent or the elongate shaft into an opening in the other of the stent or the elongate shaft. The tab may be deflected from a first position to a second position to disengage the tab from the opening.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and devices for processing lipoaspirate that include mechanically-processing harvested lipoaspirate in a liposuction filter canister. In some embodiments, the devices are liposuction devices that include a lipoaspirate processing unit for mechanically-processing lipoaspirate. The mechanical processing reduces the average size of adipose tissue pieces in the lipoaspirate without substantially rupturing lipocytes therein.

Abstract: An ostomy output diversion device is used to cover and seal closely around a patient's stoma, to divert stoma effluent output through the device, into a container or reservoir, temporarily eliminating the need of an adhesive-based ostomy pouching system. The ostomy output diversion device is placed over the person's stoma, with the base ring surrounding the peristomal skin, the adjustable inner tube is retracted until the base ring is centered over the stoma, the body support strap is then placed over the device to secure it to the patient's body, the inner tube is then extended over the stoma, the patient applies the desired pressure against the skin, then secures the inner tube in place with the pressure adjustment lock. The device may also include an ostomy pouch mounting ring for attachment to an ostomy pouch, and a disposable receptacle.

Abstract: An exhaust collection bag for cryogenic treatment is described herein and may generally comprise a first layer and a second layer attached along a periphery and forming an enclosed volume. The periphery defines four radiused corners and an extension member. A tubing connector may be positioned along the first layer and extend through the first layer and may also be located along a centerline of the first layer and in proximity to a bottom edge of the first layer. A drain closure may also be positioned along the first layer and located away from the centerline and in proximity to the bottom edge.

Abstract: A wound therapy system includes a dressing sealable over a wound and defining a wound space between the dressing and the wound, tubing fluidly communicable with the wound space, and a canister fluidly communicable with the tubing. The canister, the tubing, and the dressing define a sealed space that includes the wound space. The wound therapy system also includes a therapy unit coupled to the canister. The therapy unit includes a sensor configured to measure a pressure in the sealed space, a valve positioned between the sealed space and a surrounding environment and controllable between an open position and a closed position, and a control circuit. The control circuit is configured to control the valve to alternate between the open position and the closed position to allow airflow through the valve, receive measurements from the sensor, and determine a volume of the wound space based on the measurements.

Abstract: A waste collection system for collecting medical/surgical waste. A mobile rover includes at least one waste container supported on the mobile rover for storing the medical/surgical waste. A chassis is separate from and configured be removably coupled with the mobile rover. The chassis supports a chassis controller and a vacuum pump configured to draw a vacuum on the waste container. A rover controller is supported on the mobile rover and configured to receive a pressure signal representative of a level of the vacuum. The chassis controller is configured to be in communication with the rover controller and to regulate the level of the vacuum drawn based on the pressure signal. A transmitter may be supported on the mobile rover and in communication with the rover controller, and a receiver may be supported on the chassis to be in communication with the transmitter to establish a communication circuit for data transfer.

Abstract: A reconstitution device includes a body, a first piercing member located at a first end of the body, and a receptacle located at the second end of the body. The receptacle includes a collar configured to engage a vial, and a cap extending from the collar and holding a second piercing member. The second piercing member is disposed within the collar. The reconstitution device includes a first fluid pathway formed within and extending from the first piercing member to the second piercing member. The reconstitution device includes a second fluid pathway formed within and extending from the second piercing member to a portion of the body between the first piercing member and the second piercing member.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a top sheet, a back sheet, and an absorbent assembly positioned between the back sheet and the top sheet. The absorbent article includes a fluid intake layer positioned between the absorbent assembly and the top sheet. The fluid intake layer has a rearward-facing arch located in a back portion of the fluid intake layer. The fluid intake layer has an opening. The absorbent article includes a first lateral stiffener and a second lateral stiffener extending along a majority of the longitudinal side edges of the fluid intake layer. The absorbent article includes a first flexure, a second flexure, and a third flexure in a rear portion of the absorbent article.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods and articles are described to prepare and track medications and medication containers as they are prepared, administered to patients and, in some cases, disposed of. Information such as medication type, concentration, and volume are associated with medication containers during preparation and this information can later be consumed/utilized when administering the medication from a container to a patient. Disposing of any remaining medication can also be tracked.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for generating and applying biomimicry tear film layers to a cornea surface. An example method includes forming a multiple layered tear film that are optically transparent, ultra-thin, and smoothly conforming to cornea surface. The multiple layered tear film can include a biomimicry adhesive layer, a biomimicry aqueous layer, and a biomimicry lipid layer. An atomizer/nebulizer/micronizer can be used to generate and applying the biomimicry tear film layers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for facilitating introduction of a urinary drainage catheter (UDC) into the urinary tract (UT). One embodiment provides a UDC including electrodes for delivering high frequency current to a patient's pudendal nerves to relax the urinary sphincter (US) before passing the UDC therethrough so as reduce the resistance force on the UDC and discomfort to the patient. The electrodes can comprise at least one pair of bipolar electrodes and may be flexible so as to bend and flex within the urethra. The UDC includes one or more lumens including a drainage lumen and an inflation lumen for inflating an anchoring device on the UDC. The UDC can include a pressure sensor to assess relaxation of the US. The UDC may include a second set of electrodes and irrigation lumen for relaxing the US and flushing the urethra with the UDC in place.

Abstract: A wound treatment system comprises a wound-treatment apparatus and a wound dressing coupled to the apparatus. The wound dressing includes a foam structure wound insert having pores with a greater cross-sectional area when viewed from a first direction and a smaller cross-sectional area when viewed from an orthogonal direction. Methods for making such wound inserts may include compressing foam structure material having pores with a substantially uniform cross-sectional area. Methods for treating a wound using a wound insert.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for extended release drug delivery including a refillable reservoir configured to receive a therapeutic agent and having an outlet for delivery of the therapeutic agent to a patient from the reservoir over an extended period. A porous structure is coupled near the outlet of the reservoir, the porous structure formed of sintered material. A barrier layer is coupled to the reservoir on or adjacent a surface of the porous structure such that the therapeutic agent passes through both the porous structure and the barrier layer upon delivery from the reservoir through the outlet. The porous structure is tuned to deliver the therapeutic agent at a diffusion rate and the barrier layer is adapted to block passage of particles having an average particle size within an average particle size range that is outside an average particle size range blocked by the porous structure. Related methods and systems are provided.

Abstract: A wound therapy system includes a negative pressure circuit, a pump, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The negative pressure circuit applies negative pressure to a wound. The pump is fluidly coupled to the negative pressure circuit and produces a negative pressure at the wound or within the negative pressure circuit. The pressure sensor measures the negative pressure within the negative pressure circuit or the wound. The controller performs a testing procedure including a first drawdown period, a leak rate determination period, a vent period, and a second drawdown period. The controller is configured to receive one or more pressure measurements of the pressure sensor over the leak rate determination period to determine a leak rate parameter, monitor an amount of elapsed time over the second drawdown period to determine a drawdown parameter, and estimate a volume of the wound based on the leak rate parameter and the drawdown parameter.

Abstract: A system and related method are provided for draining cerebrospinal fluid from a bodily cavity of a patient, such as a ventricle in the brain in one application. The system includes a reservoir which may be a collapsible container configured for fluidic connection to a shunt located in the bodily cavity. The collapsible container may be an elastically deformable bladder in one embodiment. A pump is fluidly connected to the collapsible container and draws cerebrospinal fluid therefrom. A programmable controller directs the pump to repeatedly activate and deactivate at a predetermined time interval. A plurality of sensors may be provided which are communicably coupled to the controller for monitoring pump motor current draw, tension in the resilient body of the container, pressure, and orientation of the patient. The controller is configurable to deactivate the pump when abnormal operating conditions are detected by the sensors.

Abstract: A package or container for a catheter having a catheter tube with a proximal end provided with a catheter outlet and a distal opening at a distal end thereof. A gel receptacle is provided with a cavity for holding an amount of a lubricating agent, and the catheter tube extends therethrough. The gel receptacle is configured such that as the catheter is withdrawn from a stored position therein, a leading tip of the catheter is immersed in the lubricating agent, thus automatically coating the leading tip. The gel receptacle may be held within a rigid body or may be a standalone item packaged in a sterile bag solely with the catheter. A side wall of the gel receptacle is deformable so that as the catheter is withdrawn proximally the side wall is collapsed inward to displace the lubricating agent gel and coat an exterior surface of the catheter tube.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy systems, apparatuses, and methods for operating the systems and apparatuses are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a negative pressure source, a connector port, at least one switch, and a controller. The negative pressure source is connected through the connector port to either (i) a wound dressing having a canister configured to store fluid aspirated from the wound or (ii) a wound dressing without a canister between the connector port and the wound dressing. The controller determines, based on a signal received from the at least one switch, whether the canister is positioned in the fluid flow path and adjusts one or more operational parameters of negative pressure wound therapy based on the determination. The switch is activated by the connection of either the canister or canisterless wound dressing to the apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical collection assembly for filtering material from liquid obtained during surgery has a distal plunger plate that is used to compress collected material that is filtered from liquid and entrained materials gathered during surgery. The distal plunger plate needs to be maintained above the collection jar inlet during collection of the liquid and entrained material. This disclosure teaches several ways to reversibly retain the distal plunger plate above the collection jar inlet. Also taught is a drape clamp that can affix the assembly and related tubing to a drape.

Abstract: Provided herein are medical drainage systems comprising structures to prevent blockages within drainage tubing, especially medical drainage tubing, for example caused by debris or airlocks. The novel systems of the invention employ, in some embodiments, elements of the Archimedian screw. The Archimedian screw elements comprise a rotating conveyer present in the tubing which promotes continuous flow of material through the tubing and prevents the formation of dependent loops and other blockages. The systems of the invention may be employed in diverse contexts, including urinary catheter drainage systems and thoracostamy systems. The systems of the invention, being gravity independent, may also be employed for the drainage or a movement of materials in space and other low gravity environments.