Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for the isolation, modification and re-administration of a molecule or biomolecule, or a class of biomolecules, from the body fluid of a mammal via an extracorporeal closed circuit device. The device is able to capture and modify the biomolecule by the covalent or non-covalent attachment of a secondary molecule or protein, by cross-linking the captured molecule, or by altering the structure of the molecule (for example, by deglycosylation, peptide cleavage, or aggregation). The apparatus can be used to return the modified molecule or biomolecule to the mammalian subject. The device and methods may be utilized for the patient-specific diagnosis and/or treatment of a disease state which presents an associated molecule or protein in plasma or any other fluidized physiological system.

Abstract: A device for transporting waste gases and liquid exudates from a wound. The device may include a multi lumen tubing and a connector for securing the multi lumen tubing to a fitting. The multi lumen tubing may include a double wall containment structure with a first lumen and a second lumen. The connector may include a body with a first cavity on one side, a second cavity on another side, and an interior wall located between the first cavity and the second cavity. The interior wall may form a projection in the second cavity. The projection may include an outer surface and a ledge adjacent the outer surface. The projection may cooperate with the multi lumen tubing to form a liquid-gas separator. The ledge may include a bore extending between the first cavity and the second cavity. The bore may house a gas permeable and a liquid impermeable barrier.

Abstract: A method for temporarily interrupting an extracorporeal treatment of blood of a patient by use of a blood treatment apparatus includes activating or controlling a control device which is provided and configured to bring the blood treatment apparatus into a state in which the blood treatment session of the patient can be interrupted with the intention to continue the blood treatment session. The present invention further provides a control device, a blood treatment apparatus, a digital storage means, a computer program product as well as a computer program.

Abstract: An easily applied and replaced flexible container pouch applied to the penis end and including a restricted opening collar to grasp the penis shaft. The container pouch comprises a plurality of walls having a fluid absorbent layer between at least 2 walls, the inner wall (proximal to the penis) include apertures allowing the fluid emitted by the penis to be received into the absorbent layer(s). In one embodiment, the inner layer(s) comprise fluid barriers (e.g. fluid impermeable or a thick member providing a mechanical spacing) between the fluid-filled absorbent layer(s) and the penis. The resulting device provides comfort and protection from unnecessary fluid immersion and ease of use, application and replacement.

Abstract: A medical container includes: a container body, a mouth section through which liquid can enter and exit, a proximal-end opening, and a proximal-end edge portion surrounding the proximal-end opening; a plug body that seals the mouth section; a bag body having a bag-like shape and including an edge portion that is tightly fixed to the proximal-end edge portion and seals the proximal-end opening, and a reversing part which is surrounded by the edge portion, has flexibility, and is reversed inside/outside; and a space surrounded by the container body, the plug body and the bag body. The reversing part is reversed inside/outside when the liquid enters and exits the space through the mouth section, whereby the reversing part can take a first state in which the reversing part expands toward a distal end side, and a second state in which the reversing part expands toward the proximal end side.

Abstract: Apparatuses, tools and kits are directed to fluid manipulations in relation to a paranasal sinus through a paranasal sinus access implant device (906) that provides fluid communication between the lacrimal apparatus in the orbit and a paranasal sinus. An implant device has a proximal head and a conduit distal of the head, with the conduit having a first longitudinal portion having a larger minimum wall thickness than a minimum wall thickness of a second a second longitudinal portion of the conduit located distal of the first longitudinal portion. A paranasal sinus fluid manipulation tool (900) has an engagement structure (904) insertable into the palpebral fissure to engage a head of the implant device.

Abstract: An intraocular pressure compensating and regulating valve installed inside the eye's cornea includes: a valve body having a valve seat at an end; a mobile element connected to the valve seat under normal intraocular pressure conditions inside the eye, the mobile element being configured such that it can be separated from the valve seat when the intraocular pressure exceeds the intraocular pressure limit; and an element to keep the mobile element in contact with the valve seat.

Abstract: An aspiration device can be used to aspirate an obstruction from a blood vessel. The aspiration device is configured to allow controlled one-handed aspiration yet maintain a syringe plunger feel of vacuum. The aspiration device also allows one-handed injection to empty the device when needed. Furthermore, mechanisms enable one-handed locking of a plunger position of the device to maintain vacuum when the user releases the device.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve surrounding the inner sleeve, the inner and the outer sleeves being longitudinally displaceable relative to one another to enable the catheter to move from an open state to a closed state, each sleeve having a distal portion and a proximal portion, the catheter further comprising a retainer which is open in the open state, and closed in the closed state, the catheter further comprising a lock mechanism comprising lock formed in a lock portion of the catheter for locking the catheter in the open state, and a releaser for releasing the lock, the releaser being adapted to remove at least a part of the lock portion from the catheter.

Abstract: A rigid package or container for a catheter having catheter tube with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being provided with a catheter outlet which may be used as a funnel or a connector. A main body is provided for holding the catheter, and a cap closes off the main body. A gel receptacle is positioned inside the main body, the gel receptacle being provided with a cavity for holding an amount of a lubricating agent. The gel receptacle includes a distal opening at a distal end thereof, and a proximal opening at a proximal end thereof, with the catheter tube extending therethrough. The gel receptacle is configured such that as the catheter is withdrawn therethrough a leading tip of the catheter is displaced so as to be immersed in the lubricating agent, thus automatically coating the leading tip.

Abstract: A method and a kit for the prevention of venous stenosis associated with the use of hemodialysis AV shunts. The kit may use a bifurcated needle for providing access to the shunt or blood vessel. One of the arms is used for returning the blood to the subject after dialysis treatment, while the other arm is used for inserting a device for cleaning the vein, the device being either an autonomous crawling device, or a passive tethered device moved down the vein by the blood flow. The autonomous crawling device may be a series of sequentially inflatable chambers, the stenosis being cleared by pressure from the outer walls of the chambers when inflated and moved. The passive device may be an element having a flexible disc-like structure, whose flexible peripheral edge slides along the inner walls of the blood vessel, compressing or clearing the material attached thereto.

Abstract: A system for noninvasively monitoring cancerous cells within bodily fluid accumulated due to ascites, pleural effusion or pericardial effusion is provided including an implantable pump having control circuitry; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge and communicate with the implantable pump to retrieve performance data; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable pump and charging and communication system. The implantable pump is configured to move fluid containing cancerous cells from a body cavity to the bladder such that the fluid may be excreted during urination, collected and analyzed with an analysis station to assess progress of the cancer or efficacy of a cancer treatment program.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allow for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device.

Abstract: An implant device for placement within a salivary gland duct having a first end adjacent a parotid gland and a second end adjacent a submandibular gland. The implant device comprises an elongate body having a lumen, and a first and a second plate offset from the proximal end of the elongate body. The first plate is located on one side of the elongate body and the second plate is located on the other side of the elongate body. The first plate includes a first and a second hole operable to suture the first plate to a location adjacent the parotid gland. The second plate includes a first and a second hole operable to suture the second plate to a location adjacent the submandibular gland.

Abstract: Generally described herein are apparatus, systems and methods related to a novel esophageal device implantable in the patient's body and designed to replicate the restrictive and satiety mechanism associated with gastric banding systems known in the art. The device can be a compliant and tubular-shaped and fixated within the gastro-esophageal lumen using tissue anchors.

Abstract: An ocular drainage system is provided for treating diseases that produce elevated intraocular pressures, such as glaucoma, wherein the system includes an implantable device and an external control unit. The implantable device includes a non-invasively adjustable valve featuring at least one deformable tube and a disk rotatably mounted within a housing, such that rotation of the disk using the external control unit causes the disk to apply a selected amount of compression to the deformable tube, thereby adjusting the fluidic resistance of the deformable tube and regulating the intraocular pressure.

Abstract: A nasal aspirator is adapted to remove fluid or tissue from a nasal passageway. The aspirator includes an aspirator tube sized to fit in a nasal passageway.

Abstract: A shunt including an implantable housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A pressure sensitive valve is contained within the housing at a position between the proximal end and the distal end, and the pressure sensitive valve is capable of controlling a flow of fluid between the fluid inlet port and the fluid outlet port. The shunt further including a sensor assembly fluidly coupled to the pressure sensitive valve, wherein the sensor assembly is mechanically actuated and capable of detecting the flow of fluid through the pressure sensitive valve. A condition of the shunt can be detected by detecting a flow of fluid through the shunt and generating a signal indicative of a period of fluid flow through the implantable shunt based on the detecting. The signal can be output to an external device capable of determining, from the signal, whether the shunt is malfunctioning.

Abstract: There is provided a disposable ostomy bag assembly (1) comprising a bag (3) for receiving bodily waste materials; a compactable sheath (2) for closing and sealing the bag (3) after use; and a flange (4) for securing the assembly to the body of a patent and provided with an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the bag (3). The ostomy assembly (1) solves the problem of escaping malodor and bodily waste when the patient detaches the ostomy bag from the body (face plate (5)). The compactable sheath (2) can be stretched to acquire a cylindrical sheath (2) extending from the flange (4), whereby the sheath (2) may be closed in order to seal the contents of the bag (3). Closing the sheath (2) may simply be done by tying a knot (6).

Abstract: A tubing set suitable for use in co-operation with a medical liquid delivery device includes a delivery tube configured to supply a medical liquid or blood to a patient, and a vial gate for the connection of vials containing drugs to be delivered into the medical liquid or blood. The vial gate includes a delivery lumen configured to deliver the drug from the vial to the delivery tube, and a vent lumen configured to deliver a replacement fluid from a location inside the tubing set to the inside of the vial in order to replace the delivered drug. The vial gate also includes at least one one-way valve placed along the vent lumen or the delivery lumen.