Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for laparoscopic access and wound closure. The device is in the form of a unitary needle device, which enables performance of several tasks, including penetration or puncture of fascia layers, insufflation of a body cavity with gas, and placing a suture for wound closure. In particular, the device features a blunt-tipped stylet having a hook or notch at the proximal end, which can be used to capture a suture.

Abstract: A connector hub for a needle assembly, the connector hub comprising a first portion located at a first end section of the connector hub, the first portion comprising a first longitudinal axis, a second portion located at a second end section of the connector hub opposite the first end, the second portion comprising a second longitudinal axis, a medial portion located at a middle section of the connector hub between the first and second end sections, the medial portion comprising a medial longitudinal axis arranged at an angle relative to the first longitudinal axis, and arranged at an angle relative to the second longitudinal axis, and at least one insertion port located on the medial portion, wherein the insertion port comprises an insertion port longitudinal axis, wherein the insertion port longitudinal axis is arranged at an angle relative to the medial longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for placement of an introducer needle into the subclavian vein. A needle for subclavian vein penetration includes a straight needle portion, a bent needle portion, and a hub. The bent portion allows for needle placement with minimized chance of complications. The needle and hub form a lumen through which a guide wire can be placed. The bent needle portion has an inner diameter substantially similar to the inner diameter of the straight needle portion to reduce resistance due to movement of the guide wire.

Abstract: A bioactive agent delivery device having a plurality of reservoirs wherein each reservoir houses a solvent provides a means for separable and segregated delivery of bioactive agent(s) to a patient. The device can include a plurality of absorbent materials wherein each absorbent material is pretreated with a bioactive agent and a delivery mechanism operable to deliver to any of the plurality of absorbent materials a controlled portion of solvent from any of a plurality of reservoirs. A diffusion layer interposed between the absorbent materials and an epidermis transfers the bioactive agent from the absorbent materials to the epidermis for delivery of the bioactive agent.

Abstract: Pharmaceutical drugs and formulations suitable for iontophoresis thereof that provide enhanced iontophoretic delivery of an anti-fungal drug to at least one body surface, such as a nail, are described. Also described are pharmaceutical formulations suitable for iontophoresis comprising terbinafine and methods for administering terbinafine to a body surface via iontophoresis. When the drug source is introduced into the nail using a mask, terbinafine concentrations in peripheral areas of nail following iontophoretic treatment are less than drug concentrations directly under the mask. Further, differences in delivered drug concentrations is effectuated by creating drug delivery gradients. Drug can be delivered to dissimilar tissues based on different transfer efficiencies exhibited by the dissimilar tissues, resulting in higher percentage delivery in one tissue vs. another tissue.

Abstract: An electrokinetic apparatus to apply medicament to a treatment site of a mammalian user, the apparatus including: a segmented active electrode; a medicament matrix having one side abutting the segmented active electrode and another side adapted to contact a surface of skin over the treatment site, wherein the matrix includes at least one current direction barrier suppressing transverse current flow through the matrix.

Abstract: An applicator for a device for electrokinetic delivery of medicament to a treatment site includes an applicator head having an active electrode, a matrix, and a medicament or a medicament and an electrically conductive carrier, carried by the matrix in electrical contact with the electrode. The cartridge includes a plurality of raised projections allowing the matrix and head to be ultrasonically welded one to the other. The electrode opens through a face of the head remote from the matrix for connection with an electrical connector carried by the device. A lid overlies the matrix and is releasably attached to a margin of the head. The lid includes layers of different materials with one of the layers formed of a metallic material having a discontinued interface with the lid and a tab carried by the lid.

Abstract: An improved ion-laser system utilizing a cold, perforated-wall hollow-cate electron-beam discharge to produce a high energy, high intensity self-collimated electron-beam to provide a high efficiency, high power continuous wave or pulsed ion-laser oscillations in both visible and ultra-violet ranges.