Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a continuum manipulator that can be used, for example, as a steerable catheter tip. The manipulator of the embodiments comprises a plurality of segments arranged in a stack, which is then able to bend in a range of directions away from the long axis of the stack. In one embodiment the segments include a helical portion which winds in the direction of the long axis of the stack, and can thus bend away from the long axis in any direction. In some embodiments a carbon fiber rod is included as a backbone for the stack, to minimize hysteresis and improve repeatability of bending. In addition, in embodiments of the invention tendon control channels are provided formed within the segments, through which tendon control wires extend to apply compression and/or bending forces to the stack.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed toward a semi-compliant to non-compliant, conformable balloon useful in medical applications. Conformable balloons of the present disclosure exhibit a low or insignificant straightening force when in a curved configuration and at inflation pressures greater than 4 atm. Balloons of the present disclosure are constructed of material that can compress along an inner length when the balloon is in a curved configuration. In further embodiments, balloons of the present disclosure can be constructed of material that sufficiently elongates along an outer arc when the balloon is in a curved configuration. As a result, medical balloons, in accordance with the present disclosure, when inflated in a curved configuration, exhibit kink-free configurations and do not cause a significant degree of vessel straightening.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin without the use of sutures or skin tapes. In particular embodiments, the anchor device can be adjusted to a folded condition so that subcutaneous anchors are partially rotated prior to removal from the skin penetration point.

Abstract: An infusion management system includes an infusion management server configured for providing an order to an infusion device to administer an infusion and the infusion device. The infusion device may be configured for receiving the order, associating the order with a patient, and adjusting at least one setting according to the order. A method for administering an infusion, an interface for an infusion device and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: An internal dry powder delivery system through a working channel of an endoscopic cannula for directly applying the powder form medication to an internal tissue/organ site, includes an elongated tubular delivery channel and a powder supply device for producing pressurized gas mixing with the dry powder for feeding to form a mixture of dry powder and pressurized gas delivering to an internal tissue/organ site through the delivery channel via endoscopic cannula. It ensures a smooth powder release by preventing liquid from accumulation at the tip of the delivery channel and offers physicians a new powder form drug delivery method via endoscope. Also, it offers new minimal invasive application by directly and precisely applying the powder format drug to the internal sites of human gastrointestinal organ via endoscope to achieve hemostasis, anti-inflammation, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor treatment, etc.

Abstract: Medical devices which are adapted to be implanted into a patient for a limited period of time using minimally invasive insertion procedures for dilating a stenotic opening, such as a stenotic sinus opening, are provided. The devices and methods can be used for treating sinusitis and other nasal and/or sinus disorders.

Abstract: A valve assembly and method are provided for selectively controlling a flow of pressurized fluid from a fluid source to trocar assemblies. The valve assembly includes a first coupling for a primary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid thereto, a second coupling for a secondary trocar assembly for directing pressurized fluid thereto, a third coupling for a source of pressurized fluid for directing pressurized fluid from the source to the first and second couplings; and at least one valve member to be operable in at least first and second operating positions, the first operating position directing pressurized fluid from the source to a coupled primary trocar assembly while preventing pressurized fluid from the source from flowing to at least a coupled secondary trocar assembly, and the second operating position directing pressurized fluid from the source to the coupled primary trocar assembly and to at least the coupled secondary trocar assembly.

Abstract: Methods, system and devices for monitoring control parameters in a closed loop control operation including continuously monitoring glucose level and automatic administration of a medication, detecting a condition associated with hypoglycemia, determining whether a probability of the detected condition associated with hypoglycemia exceeding a threshold level, and outputting a notification based upon the determination are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems, devices, and methods for transdermal delivery of a therapeutic agent (for example, a molecule or molecules) to a therapy site. The systems, devices, and methods described herein are flexible and able to conform to the contours of a therapy site, such as the shape of a user's face. In certain approaches, the devices and systems described herein include an integrated power supply for standalone application to the therapy site. The devices, systems, and methods include flexible electrodes with integrated conductance layers and interface layers for improved stability and current distribution. In practice, the device includes at least two electrodes which are coupled to the therapy site. When the electrodes are placed at the therapy site, they are electrically coupled, thereby drawing a current from the power supply to deliver the therapeutic agent to the therapy site.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical applicator and applicator tip configured to attach in fluid communication, for the delivery of beneficial fluids. The applicator tip may also be configured to reversibly attach, in fluid communication, with a pledget. For example, the applicator tip may include male or female threads, and the pledget has threads that are complementary to the thread configuration of the tip. The applicator tip may further comprise at least one fluid transfer lumen for transfer of a fluid from the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment of the invention, the tip includes male threads and the pledget includes a pledget attachment portion. There are also provided methods for connecting the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment, a tip comprising male threads is attached to the pledget, comprising a pledget attachment portion, by tapping or pressing the tip into the pledget attachment portion.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for controlled drug delivery within the bladder, or other body vesicle. The device may include at least one drug reservoir component comprising a drug; and a vesicle retention frame which comprises an elastic wire having a first end, an opposing second end, and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the drug reservoir component is attached to the intermediate region of the vesicle retention frame. The retention frame prevents accidental voiding of the device from the bladder, and it preferably has a spring constant selected for the device to effectively stay in the bladder during urination while minimizing the irritation of the bladder.

Abstract: A continuous infusion device with a housing, in which an infusion device can be inserted. The infusion device includes at least one infusion liquid container which can be pressed out; an actuating device for pressing out the infusion device; a drive for moving the actuating device, the drive having a mechanical energy storage device; and a mechanical control arrangement, wherein a speed of the actuating device can be adjusted. The control arrangement has a brake device that provides at least one brake element, which can be braked and is motion-coupled to the drive, and a magnetic member wherein a magnetic field can be generated that applies a brake force to the brake element.

Abstract: A medical port assembly having a body assembly with a top wall, a bottom wall, first and second walls, and an interior wall. The body assembly further has an exterior wall and an interior adhesive wall. The interior adhesive wall has adhesive means. A permeable wall comprises a slit protected by an overlapping flap. The interior wall and the permeable wall define a cavity. A protective cover covers the interior adhesive wall and/or the cavity. The protective cover adheres to the adhesive. A feeding tube is positioned through the slit. The feeding tube has a distal end, an external retention ring, and at least one port defined as a feeding port, a medication port, or a fluid port. When not utilized, the feeding tube is stored within the cavity.

Abstract: A method of ablating a tissue site includes at least two stages. A first stage involves conducting bipolar ablation between a first pair of electrodes situated in an opposing arrangement on opposing sides of the tissue site to form a pair of opposing first stage ablation regions extending from respective sides of the tissue towards the center. A second stage involves conducting bipolar ablation between a second pair of electrodes situated in a diametrical arrangement with respect to the first stage ablation regions, which forms a second stage ablation region intermediate the pair of first stage ablation regions. The second stage completes the ablation through the entire depth of the tissue site. Since the overall process can accommodate incomplete ablation during the first stage, lower power, reduced ablation times or both may be used during the first stage, avoiding overheating and with a decrease in ablated tissue volume.

Abstract: A medical device and method for the treatment of a sinus opening includes a handle, a guide catheter, a guide wire, a balloon catheter, a guide wire movement mechanism and a balloon catheter movement mechanism. The guide wire and balloon catheter are both disposed at least partially in the handle and catheter lumen. The guide wire movement mechanism is configured for advancement and retraction of the guide wire through the handle and catheter lumen by user operation of the guide wire movement mechanism. The guide wire movement mechanism includes an integrated guide wire locking and rotation mechanism configured for rotation of the guide wire and for securely locking and unlocking the guide wire to the guide wire movement mechanism. The balloon catheter movement mechanism is configured for advancement and retraction of the balloon catheter through the handle and catheter lumen by user operation of the balloon catheter movement mechanism.

Abstract: A tip protector for a safety catheter includes an outer member releasably engaged with the interior cavity of the catheter hub. The outer member includes a generally fixed radially outwardly projecting portion to provide a holding force, and an inner member axially shiftably received within the outer member. A needle cannula received in the inner and outer members is operable to axially shift the inner member between a distal position wherein the distal tip extends distally of the tip protector, and a proximal position wherein the distal tip is within the outer member. The holding force of the outer member to the interior wall of the catheter hub remains substantially constant irrespective of the position of the inner member between the distal and proximal positions.

Abstract: This disclosure relates generally to methods and devices for use in treating eye conditions with implantable drug delivery devices. One method includes introducing an implant into the suprachoroidal space, wherein the interior volume of the implant is plugged with a drug-release material comprising at least one active agent that elutes through at least one opening in the implant, wherein the drug-release material degrades from the interior volume of the implant over a period time.

Abstract: A protective cover or patch for covering and securing a catheter at the site of insertion of the needle into the patient's skin includes a single piece cover having a portion disposed about the perimeter of the patch bearing an adhesive coating and adapted for securement to a patients skin in the vicinity of the site of insertion, a bulbous chamber disposed inwardly of the perimeter portion, and a connecting portion disposed between the first portion and the chamber portion, the chamber portion defining a chamber for receiving one end of the catheter and extending substantially diametrically from one side of the perimeter to the other, and resilient tubing engagement elements positioned on opposite sides of the chamber. The chamber of the protective patch includes a roof portion raised above the plane defined by said perimeter of the patch.

Abstract: A medical injector has a body with a displaceable plunger. The plunger includes a plurality of spaced-apart ratchet teeth disposed along the length thereof. At least one indexer is provided to engage the plunger, wherein the indexer is configured to allow the plunger to displace distally toward a distal end of the body but not proximally toward a proximal end of the body. The medical injector also includes an actuator having an engagement portion formed to engage one or more of the ratchet teeth. The actuator is displaceable to a ready state, the engagement portion being displaced proximally relative to the plunger with the actuator being displaced to the ready state. The indexer prevents proximal movement of the plunger, thereby allowing the engagement portion to bypass one or more of the ratchet teeth with the actuator being displaced to the ready state. In addition, the actuator is displaceable from the ready state to cause actuation of the medical injector.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a suppository including a tube, having a first end adapted to receive the suppository and a second end, a plunger disposed in the tube and moveable therein to eject the suppository from the first end by causing an action of pushing the suppository from behind. Retaining tongues are splayed outwards for ejection of the suppository in response to movement of the plunger in the tube, via contacting cooperation between at least one part of the plunger and at least one part of the tube. Securement mechanism secure the plunger in the tube at first position in which the suppository is retained in the first end of the tube, while allowing a user to move the plunger to actuate the instrument, and to secure the plunger in the tube at a second position which is only achievable after the plunger has been moved to eject the suppository.