Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods for collecting samples of bodily fluid that may be substantially free of contamination, even where an initial amount of contamination may be present in a collection device, such as a urethral catheter. In the disclosed device and methods, the sample may be collected mid-stream, after an initial amount of fluid has flushed away the initial contamination. The disclosed devices may include a diverter device comprising a fluid control valve that may manually be moved between a first position and a second position that, respectively, direct fluid to two different channels and/or receptacles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to wall box for hemodialysis interface having two isolated zones. The first zone is a clean interface zone having sources of purified water and dialysis fluids. The second zone is a waste interface zone comprising waste connectors and a waste drain.

Abstract: A urinary catheter is readily removed and replaced with a second urinary catheter without introducing foreign matter or contaminants into the bladder. The first urinary catheter includes an extra lumen that houses a sheath therein to seal an opening or third hole at or near the tip of the catheter so that fluids do not enter the extra lumen. After the sheath seal is broken and the sheath is extracted from the catheter, a guidewire is threaded through the extra lumen and into the patient's bladder. The first urinary catheter is withdrawn from the patient, leaving the guidewire in the patient. A second urinary catheter is inserted into the patient over the guidewire, with the guidewire present in the urine lumen of the second urinary catheter. The guidewire then is extracted from the patient.

Abstract: A wearable article includes a front and back elastic belts, a crotch region, a waist opening, and leg openings. Each elastic belt is a laminate having an inner sheet, an outer sheet, and an elastic member. Elastic adhesive bonding continuously bonds the elastic member for at least about 10 mm in the direction of stretch adjacent the side edges of the belts. A discrete patterned adhesive bonding is applied to at least one of the inner and outer sheets to intermittently bond the inner and outer sheets. The discrete patterned adhesive bonding extends substantially along the transverse direction between the elastic adhesive bonding, and substantially along the longitudinal direction between the distal and proximal edges of the elastic belts. The same adhesive agent provides the elastic adhesive and discrete patterned adhesive bonding. Heat bonds form side seams, and the remainder of the laminate is free of heat bonds.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a system for determining and signalling moisture propagation in an adhesive material layer of a base plate and/or a sensor assembly part for an ostomy appliance. The disclosure further relates to aspects of a base plate and/or a sensor assembly part for an ostomy appliance and its use in such a system.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system are described. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by utilizing a stabilizing structure that preferentially contracts to provide for movement of the tissue. Some embodiments may utilize a protective layer, such as a mesh or net layer, attached to a top surface of the stabilizing structure. The protective layer prevents a drape positioned over the stabilizing structure from being drawn into cells of the stabilizing structure, and permits visualization of the collapse of the cells.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a negative pressure apparatus includes a negative pressure source configured to provide negative pressure via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing placed to create a seal over a wound, a pressure sensor, and a controller. The controller can be configured to operate the negative pressure source in a first mode and determine a change in pressure in the fluid flow path over a period of time based on a plurality of measurements by the pressure sensor. In response to a determination that pressure in the fluid flow path is decreasing, the controller can operate the negative pressure source in a second mode in which greater amount of negative pressure is provided than in the first mode. In response to a determination that pressure in the fluid flow path is not decreasing, the controller can provide an indication of a first leak in the seal.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for the treatment of ophthalmological conditions such as dry eye. Among the devices provided are punctal plugs and devices for inserting punctal plugs. The punctal plugs may be shaped for insertion in the punctum and/or the canaliculus. They may also be coated with a bioadhesive. Methods for inserting the punctal plugs are provided, as well as methods for preparing bioadhesive-coated punctal plugs. A method is also provided to treat dry-eye using a bioadhesive without use of a punctal plug.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a tissue site includes a dressing, an oxygen source, a valve, and a negative-pressure source. The dressing is configured to be sealed around the tissue site. The oxygen source is fluidly coupled to the dressing and configured to provide a low flow of oxygen. A first port of the valve is fluidly coupled to the dressing and the valve moves between a closed position preventing flow through the valve and an open position permitting flow through the valve. The negative-pressure source is fluidly coupled to a second port of the valve and provides negative pressure to the second port of the valve at a non-therapeutic level. The valve separates the negative-pressure source from the dressing and selectively opens when a positive pressure is applied on an upstream side of the valve.

Abstract: A micro-negative pressure foam dressing and a manufacturing method thereof is disclosed, the dressing comprises a exothermic agent layer, an isolation component covering on the exothermic agent layer, an elastic memory piece disposed under the exothermic agent layer, a liquid absorbing negative pressure pad disposed under the elastic memory piece, a contact layer disposed under the liquid absorbing negative pressure pad, a sealing film disposed between the liquid absorbing negative pressure pad and the contact layer, and a bottom release film disposed under the contact layer; and in this invention, heat generated by a exothermic agent layer causes an elastic memory piece to expand downward to compress a foam layer, and after the heat dissipates completely, a micro-negative pressure is generated since a sealed environment is formed by a sealing film, a contact layer and a wound surface without a need for the VSD negative pressure technology.

Abstract: Disclosed is a base plate for an ostomy appliance and a method for manufacturing a base plate. The base plate comprising: a top layer; a first adhesive layer; an electrode assembly comprising a plurality of electrodes, the electrode assembly having a first part and a second part, the first part comprising connection parts of the plurality of electrodes, the second part being arranged between the first adhesive layer and the top layer; and a monitor interface configured for connecting the base plate to a monitor device, the monitor interface comprising a plurality of terminals configured to form electrical connections with respective terminals of the monitor device. The top layer comprises a top layer opening configured to allow for connection between the plurality of electrodes of the electrode assembly and terminals of the monitor device.

Abstract: A bridge for facilitating delivery of reduced pressure to a wound site includes a reduced pressure lumen configured to be fluidly coupled to a reduced pressure source, a secondary pressure lumen configured to be fluidly coupled to a secondary pressure source, and one or more fluid adapters operable to be connected to a wound dressing disposed at the wound site. The one or more fluid adapters are positioned and configured with respect to the reduced pressure lumen to apply reduced pressure from the reduced pressure lumen to the wound site through the wound dressing and deliver exudate removed from the wound site through the reduced pressure lumen to the reduced pressure tubing. The secondary pressure lumen is fluidly coupled to the reduced pressure lumen to facilitate flow of the exudate removed from the wound site by the reduced pressure source using the secondary pressure source.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a catheter coupler and methods of exchanging catheters within a patient with a replacement catheter. The catheter coupler is configured to couple to a first catheter that has been disposed within a patient and coupled to a second or replacement catheter. Once the coupler is coupled to the first and second catheter, the first catheter may be withdrawn from the patient, which simultaneously advances the second or replacement catheter into the previous position of the first catheter. The coupler may include a body with a first end and a second end. The coupler may have a plurality of barbs disposed on both ends of the body of the coupler, wherein the barbs are configured to couple the coupler to the lumen of the catheters.

Abstract: A mechanical vacuum dressing comprising: a first valve layer comprising a first one-way valve; a second valve layer comprising a second one-way valve; the first valve layer being joined to the second valve layer so as to define a chamber therebetween; the first one-way valve being configured to admit fluid into the chamber through the first one-way valve but prevent fluid from exiting the chamber through the first one-way valve; the second one-way valve being configured to exhaust fluid from the chamber through the second one-way valve but prevent fluid from entering the chamber through the second one-way valve; and the second valve layer comprising an elastomeric material such that (i) when the second valve layer is moved away from the first valve layer, the volume of the chamber is increased, and (ii) when the second valve layer is thereafter released, the second valve layer moves back towards the first valve layer and the volume of the chamber is decreased.

Abstract: A fluid removal device is provided for removing fluid from pleural space that includes a flexible, open tube with a slight resting curve. A first channel along a greater curvature of the tube contains a plurality of cannulas that can be extended into the pleural space to infuse medications. A second channel along a lesser curvature of the tube contains a line attached to the outer portion of the tube and tension placed on the line will increase the curve of the tube to assist in the placement of the tip of the tube in a desired location in the pleural space. The tube may be connected to a portable suction/fusion device via a click connect device. The tube may also include an improved tip and a tab for extending the cannulas maintains the corridor of stability.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices and methods for the treatment of ophthalmological conditions such as dry eye. Among the devices provided are punctal plugs and devices for inserting punctal plugs. The punctal plugs may be shaped for insertion in the punctum and/or the canaliculus. They may also be coated with a bioadhesive. Methods for inserting the punctal plugs are provided, as well as methods for preparing bioadhesive-coated punctal plugs. A method is also provided to treat dryeye using a bioadhesive without use of a punctal plug.

Abstract: Dressings for closing an opening through a surface of a tissue site are described. The dressing includes a cover adapted to form a sealed space over the opening and a bolster. The bolster is adapted to be positioned adjacent the opening and includes a first plurality of holes. The holes have an average width to length ratio causing the plurality of holes to collapse in a direction substantially perpendicular to the opening. Systems, apparatuses, kits and methods including and/or using the dressing for closing the opening are also described.

Abstract: A wound care device for debriding a wound, said device is in the form of a foam pad with two layers of different foams. At one surface of the device is provided a pattern of grooved at the central portion. The grooves improve the ability of removing and collecting debris from a wound during cleaning of such.

Abstract: A system for providing instillation fluid to a deep abdominal wound includes an instillation module and a connection structure. The instillation module defines a first surface and a second, abdominal contents-facing surface. The instillation module includes a distribution hub configured to receive instillation fluid from an instillation fluid source. The connection structure includes a first surface, a second, abdominal contents-facing surface; and a flow path extending between the first surface and the second surface. The flow path includes an inlet configured to receive an instillation fluid conduit engaged with the instillation fluid source and an outlet in fluid communication with the instillation module. The flow path defines an axis extending between the inlet and the outlet. The flow path is configured to compress in a direction defined by the axis.

Abstract: A device and method for treatment of post-operative surgical site wounds. Device includes an elongated hollow shaft that spans from the wound closure to the deep wound area, the internal end abutting a wound dressing and the external end connecting to a device that can provide negative-pressure suction and irrigation. Device providing one or more of irrigation, suction, and/or local antibiotic delivery to deep infections through a closed-wound. The method for removal includes narrowing a removal element relative to the long axis, collapsing the wound dressing; removing the wound dressing through the elongated shaft; and removing the device through a closed wound, avoiding a second removal surgery.