Abstract: A device for shielding a user from a patient during an intubation procedure or other procedure comprises a base, a shield, and a flexible drape. The shield is coupled to the base, and extends vertically and horizontally relative to the base. The flexible drape is coupled to or overlaid on the shield, such that an interior space is defined by the shield and the flexible drape. The flexible drape includes at least one opening to allow access into the interior space.

Abstract: A proning device includes a conformable structure that adapts to the shape of a subject, surrounded by a shell that imparts a substantially elliptical cross-sectional shape to an exterior of the device to facilitate rotation of the subject within the device when the device is wrapped around the subject. A low-friction interface may also be provided to further facilitate rotation of the subject. The device advantageously reduces staffing needs for proning a subject while facilitating extended proning and periodic re-orientation of the subject. Also disclosed herein are methods for making and using such a proning device.

Abstract: Needle drivers and methods of the present disclosure are generally directed at intracorporeal suture tying using a winding technique. For example, a needle driver may include an elongate shaft having a magnet section between a proximal section and a distal section. A clamp coupled to the distal section may grasp a first end portion of a suture. A needle coupled to a second end portion of the suture may be magnetically secured to the magnet section, and the magnet section may then be rotated to form a loop in the suture. Forming a knot in the suture may include moving the loop over the first end portion of the suture grasped in the clamp. As compared to other intracorporeal suture tying techniques, intracorporeal knot tying carried out using the needle drivers and methods of the present disclosure may reduce the time and complexity associated with laparoscopic procedures.

Abstract: The fastener assemblies, systems, and methods of the present disclosure are generally directed to a first T-fastener and a second T-fastener securable to one another through the use of a suture extending therebetween and deliverable to an anatomical location using a minimally invasive technique. For example, a cannula of a needle assembly may be percutaneously deliverable to a treatment site and, through actuation of a hub of the needle assembly, the first T-fastener and the second T-fastener may be deliverable relative to biological tissue to be fastened at the treatment site. The suture may intracorporeally fasten the first T-fastener and the second T-fastener relative to one another for robust securement biological tissue therebetween. As compared to securement using external fixation, the fastener assemblies, systems, and methods of the present disclosure may facilitate intracorporeally fastening tissue while reducing or eliminating certain requirements associated with postoperative care.

Abstract: A mechanotransductive bowel extender device that can be used to correct short bowel syndrome by applying tension to the bowel tissue which, via the process of mechanotransduction, grows in length in response to the applied tension. Such a device is placed within the small bowel and applies tension over a period of several days or weeks by attaching to the lumen of the bowel at two different locations and moving those two points apart, stretching the tissue between. The extender device further capable of localized application and/or evacuation of medically relevant liquid and other material within the bowel.

Abstract: A mechanotransductive bowel extender device that can be used to correct short bowel syndrome by applying tension to the bowel tissue which, via the process of mechanotransduction, grows in length in response to the applied tension. Such a device is placed within the small bowel and applies tension over a period of several days or weeks by attaching to the lumen of the bowel at two different locations and moving those two points apart, stretching the tissue between. The extender device further capable of localized application and/or evacuation of medically relevant liquid and other material within the bowel.

Abstract: An attachment system for selectively attaching to an interior surface of a hollow member, which includes an expanding device selectively enlargeable from a first size position to an enlarged second size position, a friction enhancement disposed about the expanding device that is engageable with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the enlarged position, and a fenestrated decoupling system extending between at least a portion of the friction enhancement of the expanding device and the interior surface of the hollow member. The fenestrated decoupling system generally prevents contact of the friction enhancement with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the first size position and permits contact of the friction enhancement with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the enlarged position.

Abstract: An indwelling device for insertion in a biological tubular structure comprising an elongated device having a body and opposing ends. The body has a bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis that is greater than a stiffness of the biological tubular structure. An atraumatic tip member, having a proximal end and a distal end, extends from the end of the elongated device. The proximal end has a first bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis and the distal end has a second bending stiffness transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second bending stiffness being less than the first bending stiffness.

Abstract: An indwelling device for insertion in a biological tubular structure comprising an elongated device having a body and opposing ends. The body has a bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis that is greater than a stiffness of the biological tubular structure. An atraumatic tip member, having a proximal end and a distal end, extends from the end of the elongated device. The proximal end has a first bending stiffness transverse to a longitudinal axis and the distal end has a second bending stiffness transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the second bending stiffness being less than the first bending stiffness.

Abstract: An attachment system for selectively attaching to an interior surface of a hollow member, which includes an expanding device selectively enlargeable from a first size position to an enlarged second size position, a friction enhancement disposed about the expanding device that is engageable with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the enlarged position, and a fenestrated decoupling system extending between at least a portion of the friction enhancement of the expanding device and the interior surface of the hollow member. The fenestrated decoupling system generally prevents contact of the friction enhancement with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the first size position and permits contact of the friction enhancement with the interior surface of the hollow member when the expanding device is in the enlarged position.

Abstract: Bolus materials for use in radiation therapy methods of making such bolus material and methods of providing radiation therapy using such bolus material are provided. The bolus materials can be an oil gel that includes at least one thermoplastic elastomer and an oily substance. The bolus materials are transparent and can have a maximum strain of at least 50%, a Young's Modulus of less than about 0.1 GPa, and a hardness less than about 90 on the Shore A scale.