Abstract: A device for monitoring a physiological parameter of a person includes a sensor device for measuring a physiological parameter associated with the person; a processor for processing measurements of the physiological parameter generated by the sensor device; a transcutaneous member coupled between the sensor device and the processor, including a penetrating member at a distal end thereof for piercing the skin of the person; a housing containing the sensor device, the transcutaneous member and the processor, the housing including an exit port for receiving the distal end of the transcutaneous member upon injection of the distal end into the person and means for securing a first wall of the housing to the skin of the person; and an injection activation device including a driving mechanism contacting the transcutaneous member for driving the penetrating member from a first position within the housing, through the exit port to a second position, external to the housing and into the skin of the person.

Abstract: A disposable device is provided which accurately and reliably delivers an infusable liquid to a patient. The infusion device includes a housing which defines a bladder chamber. A compressible bladder is disposed in the bladder chamber and is compressed by the housing upon filling the bladder with an infusable liquid to create a pressurized bladder. The infusion devices further includes a delivery system for subcutaneously delivering the infusable liquid to a body. The delivery system includes a collapsible member that supports an injection needle and a cannula. The injection needle is used to insert the cannula into the skin of the body being treated. The cannula is in communication with the bladder during delivery of the infusable liquid. The housing includes microfluidic passageways that allow communication between fluid in the bladder and the cannula.

Abstract: A flexible, compressible reservoir draws a substantially constant vacuum to permit uniform removal of fluid from a surgical incision through a wound drain catheter. The reservoir includes a compression spring interposed between a pair of congruent articulated plates. The spring provides biasing force to expand the reservoir and create a vacuum therein. Each of the articulated plates has a central member hinged on opposite sides to wing members. As the reservoir expands, the wing members pivot relative to the central members to decrease the effective area to which the spring force is applied. Such decrease in the effective area permits the spring force per unit of area to remain more nearly constant, and thus, reduces changes in reservoir vacuum.

Abstract: The wound drain catheter of the present invention is comprised of a drain portion connected to an outflow tube portion. The drain portion comprises a central core with plural T-shaped members projecting therefrom to form plural lumens having respective longitudinal grooves for fluid communication with the wound. This drain has a uniform cross-sectional area and is preferably made from a silicone elastomer having a durometer shore between 40 and 70 shore A. Such uniform cross-sectional area provides added strength to prevent the drain from breaking during its removal from the patient's body, and the silicone elastomer provides sufficient elasticity to permit the cross-sectional area of the drain to decrease by at least 30 percent when a pulling force is applied thereto, thereby reducing the gripping force of tissue surrounding the wound.