Abstract: [Problem] Provided are: an ultrasound-guided puncture assist device that is capable of preventing occurrence of operational mistakes or the like when a nerve block or vascular puncture is performed under ultrasonography, an ultrasound-guided puncture method using the ultrasound-guided puncture assist device, and the like. [Solution] An ultrasound-guided puncture assist device with an object of preventing narrowing or the like of a puncture target site for a nerve block or vascular puncture under ultrasonography to thereby assist the puncture by comprising a pulling mechanism for pulling the surface of the puncture target site, such as skin. The use of the ultrasound-guided puncture assist device of the invention can increase the width of the target site tissue where a nerve block or vascular puncture is performed, and thus occurrence of mispuncture is preventable.

Abstract: Apparatus is described for administering a substance to a subject. A vial contains the substance and a stopper is disposed within the vial and is slidably coupled to the vial. A first threaded element is (a) rotatable with respect to the vial and (b) substantially immobile proximally with respect to the vial during rotation of the first threaded element. A second threaded element is threadedly coupled to the first threaded element. At least a distal end of the second threaded element is substantially non-rotatable with respect to the vial, and the distal end of the second threaded element defines a coupling portion that couples the second threaded element to the stopper. The first threaded element, by rotating, linearly advances the stopper and at least the distal end of the second threaded element toward a distal end of the vial. Other embodiments are also described.

Abstract: A medical device has a base having an internally tapered wall mounted to a neck of a tube holder that has a reverse taper, so that rotation of the base relative to the neck may be effected with a controlled drag to provide a smooth and secure relative rotation. The base may be rotated relative to the holder by rotationally moving a needle protection housing hingedly attached to the base. The housing may be rotated to any orientation relative to the tube holder so long as a torsional force greater than the predetermined friction between the tapered surfaces is applied thereto. The base is designed to have a ring at its base that biases against the base of the neck in a self-adjustable manner. Other devices may also be fitted with reverse tapered complementary connection fittings to securely couple to each other.

Abstract: A catheter delivery system package includes a tray, an extension tube coupled to the tray, an end cap sealing an end of the extension tube, and a lid coupled to the tray. The sealed rigid tray provides a highly robust sterile barrier, free of folds and abrasions. By eliminating compound folds, the possibility of failure of the catheter delivery system package is minimized. In addition, the catheter delivery system package has a reduced package volume. Further, the catheter delivery system package is 100% recyclable.

Abstract: A pen needle (521) for a drug delivery device (100) includes a hub (511) and a needle (502) fixedly connected to the hub (511). An outer cover (501) removably receives the hub (511) and the needle (502). A locking member (505) locks the hub (511) and the needle (502) in the outer cover (501). The hub (625) may have a colored portion (629) visible to the user to indicate that the needle (623) has been used.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system can include a tray and a vacuum-fitted cover covering at least a portion of the tray. The surgical system can comprise a tray and a drape at least partially vacuum-fitted to the tray. A surgical drape is also disclosed. The surgical drape can comprise a cover including an opening and an interior cavity defined by a flexible wall which is configured to receive a support surface. The surgical drape can further comprise a closable portion configured to close the opening and seal at least a portion of the support surface within the interior cavity. The surgical drape can further include a valve in fluid communication with the interior cavity, wherein the valve is configured to enable the suction of air from the interior cavity and draw the flexible wall inwardly to closely envelop at least a portion of the support surface.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an endoscopic surgical device is provided. The surgical device includes a handle assembly including a drive mechanism actuatable by a trigger; and an endoscopic assembly including a proximal end portion extending from the handle assembly; a distal end portion pivotably connected to the proximal end portion of the endoscopic assembly; and a rotatable inner actuation shaft extending from the handle assembly and into the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly, the inner actuation shaft including a flexible portion extending across the pivot connection. The surgical device includes an end effector selectively connectable to the distal end portion of the endoscopic assembly and to a distal portion of the rotatable inner actuation shaft. The surgical device includes a shipping wedge to support an end effector.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing and dispensing a pen needle for an injection device, including a packaging assembly including a pliable outer cover, the outer cover having a hub portion, a needle portion disposed at a distal end of the hub portion, and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the hub portion, the hub portion having internally protruding splines or other structures for engaging a hub of a pen needle. The hub portion is sufficiently pliable for a user to press gripping portions of the hub portion so that corresponding internal portions of the hub portion between the splines contacts the pen needle hub to increase a surface area contact between the outer cover and a pen needle therein.

Abstract: Syringes and methods of using are described which protect materials within the syringe barrel cavity from contaminants and photo-chemical degradation. A syringe is provided having an inspection window for viewing medications or other materials within the cavity of a syringe barrel. The syringe barrel and other syringe components may be colored, opaque, darkened, amber, tinted; or the syringe barrel may have applied thereto polarizing filters; or materials having light polarizing properties can be used to manufacture the syringe barrel and other syringe components of the syringe to cancel particular components of light.

Abstract: A medical instrument holding apparatus and related methods are disclosed. The apparatus includes a medical instrument container. A medical instrument holding platform is positioned within the medical instrument container, wherein the medical instrument holding platform has a textured surface. At least one marking is positioned on the textured surface. When a quantity of light emitted from a lighting fixture is applied to the textured surface, a reflection from the quantity of light may be prevented.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preparing a pharmaceutical for transient application includes a tray having a sealed compartment, a vial of an ophthalmic formulation of mitomycin-C, a diluent carrier containing sterilized water, and a syringe that are all contained together in a single package. The component parts of the apparatus are used together to reconstitute the contents of the vial with the water in the diluent carrier, and then draw the reconstituted drug into the scaled compartment of the tray by a suction force produced by the syringe. In the tray compartment, the reconstituted drug is absorbed in at least one absorbent pad. The absorbent pads may come in multiple shapes and or/sizes. The tray is opened to remove the pad and the absorbed drug from the tray compartment for use of the pad in transient application of the drug.

Abstract: A lock mechanism for a motor vehicle ignition switch includes a housing defining a barrel and a locking cylinder fitted for rotation in the barrel. A cap is fitted over one end of the housing capturing a frangible lock insert between the housing and cap. The frangible lock insert includes an electrically conductive pathway between radially displaced connection points on the rim of the insert. A circuit includes the electrically conductive pathway which is interrupted by disintegration of the frangible lock insert. Such disintegration occurs upon efforts to tamper with the lock mechanism or application of brute force to the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a needle from a needle holder, including a grasping unit for selectively grasping the needle; a receiving unit for receiving the needle holder, displaceably disposed relative to the grasping unit; a biasing member biasing the receiving unit in a first direction; and separating means for separating the entire needle from the needle holder. Preferably, the needle is heated to melt, soften, or otherwise weaken a material and/or adhesive connecting the needle with the needle holder. Preferably the heating is electrical heating, including completing an electrical circuit through the needle and passing current through the needle, and/or passing current through a heating element.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, an IV cannula projecting distally from the housing, and an IV shield having an engagement. The housing has a shield seat and the IV cannula has a distal tip. The IV shield has a pre-use position where the IV shield covers the distal tip of the IV cannula and the engagement is disengaged from the shield seat, and a use position where the engagement is engaged with the shield seat and the IV shield is adapted to move between a non-shielded position, in which the distal tip is exposed, and a shielded position, in which the distal tip is shielded by the IV shield.

Abstract: A syringe measurement marking system for use with a syringe that includes a barrel and a plunger is marked with patient-based numerical measuring indicia on the plunger. The patient-based numerical measuring indicia is non-volumetric in nature and instead indicates patient dosing criteria such as weight, age, height, blood sugar level, or any other patient criteria by which dosing is determined. The plunger may contain more than one set of patient-based numerical measuring indicia, such as one set for adults or one set for pediatrics, or one set for a first dose of a medication and one set for a second dose, or one set based on weight in pounds and one set based on weight in kilograms. The syringe barrel will contain one or more measurement lines.

Abstract: Packaging is disclosed for a medical needle, such as a pen needle, having a hub with a patient end of the needle protruding from a distal end thereof. The packaging includes a tube having a first closed end into which the patient end of the needle is inserted so that the hub contacts an interior of the tube, a second closed end enclosing a proximal end of the hub, and a circumferential region disposed between the proximal end of the hub and the second closed end for opening the package to expose the proximal end of the hub.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing and dispensing a pen needle for an injection device, including a packaging assembly including a pliable outer cover, the outer cover having a hub portion, a needle portion disposed at a distal end of the hub portion, and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the hub portion, the hub portion having internally protruding splines or other structures for engaging a hub of a pen needle. The hub portion is sufficiently pliable for a user to press gripping portions of the hub portion so that corresponding internal portions of the hub portion between the splines contacts the pen needle hub to increase a surface area contact between the outer cover and a pen needle therein.

Abstract: Methods of disposing of pharmaceuticals are disclosed. Methods of disposing of sharps are also disclosed. Pharmaceutical and sharps disposal kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a single, handheld device that provides for both insertion of a catheter and collection of a fluid. Some embodiments further include a needle that assists in the insertion of the catheter into a blood vessel, and which includes a retraction feature that protects the user from an accidental needle stick when the device is ready for disposal. Still further embodiments include a protective cover that prevents a user from accidentally being stuck by a second needle used for the introduction of the patient's blood into a collection device.

Abstract: A surgical system is disclosed. The surgical system can include a tray and a vacuum-fitted cover covering at least a portion of the tray. The surgical system can comprise a tray and a drape at least partially vacuum-fitted to the tray. A surgical drape is also disclosed. The surgical drape can comprise a cover including an opening and an interior cavity defined by a flexible wall which is configured to receive a support surface. The surgical drape can further comprise a closable portion configured to close the opening and seal at least a portion of the support surface within the interior cavity. The surgical drape can further include a valve in fluid communication with the interior cavity, wherein the valve is configured to enable the suction of air from the interior cavity and draw the flexible wall inwardly to closely envelop at least a portion of the support surface.

Abstract: A closure container that can house a preset drug applicator in an easily accessible manner with tamper evidencing means. The closure container contains a plurality of dosing ribs and a retainer to retain the syringe in a preset dosage amount and preferably has a window to view the barrel of the syringe. The container is also configured to be removably attached to other closure containers.

Abstract: A package for a container including a tubular barrel having open distal and proximal ends, the proximal end being sized and shaped to receive a plunger, and the distal end being sized and shaped to receive an injection needle, the package including a plunger rod for the container, a part of the plunger rod being shaped complementarily to at least a part of the external shape of the tubular barrel, and a tray connectable to the plunger rod, the tray and the plunger rod forming the package when they are connected to each other.

Abstract: The present invention provides a coating system for an article including a first component having a surface in frictional engagement with a surface of a second component, wherein at least a portion of at least one surface of the component(s) is coated with a coating prepared from a composition including a first, curable organopolysiloxane comprising at least two alkenyl groups; and a second, curable organopolysiloxane comprising at least two polar groups, the second organopolysiloxane being different from the first organopolysiloxane, which can provide low breakloose force when used in syringe assemblies.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing and dispensing a pen needle for an injection device, including a packaging assembly including a pliable outer cover, the outer cover having a hub portion, a needle portion disposed at a distal end of the hub portion, and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the hub portion, the hub portion having internally protruding splines or other structures for engaging a hub of a pen needle. The hub portion is sufficiently pliable for a user to press gripping portions of the hub portion so that corresponding internal portions of the hub portion between the splines contacts the pen needle hub to increase a surface area contact between the outer cover and a pen needle therein.

Abstract: A storage tray (10) for one or more syringes is provided that comprises a recess (32) for each of the syringes to be held in the tray. Each recess has first and second opposed sidewalls (34, 36) that define a space therebetween for receiving the barrel of the syringe. Each of the first and second sidewalls has one or more deformable projections (40) thereon that protrude into the space between the sidewalls for positively retaining the barrel of the syringe between the first and second sidewalls. Additionally, a slot (50) is provided for receiving the thumb rest (16) of the plunger (14), with the slot comprising a third sidewall (52) oriented generally transverse to the first and second sidewalls, with the third sidewall including a further projection (54) for engaging a surface of the thumb rest.

Abstract: A syringe container includes a cylindrical syringe including a distal end portion having a discharge opening for discharging a liquid, a proximal end portion, and a side peripheral section connected to the distal end portion and the proximal end portion; an attachment member configured to be attached to the distal end portion and having an outer radius larger than an outer radius of the side peripheral section; a container body including a bottom portion and a peripheral wall portion extending upward from a periphery of the bottom portion; and a syringe holding section configured to be placed within the peripheral wall portion so as to face the bottom portion.

Abstract: An autoinjector apparatus is disclosed which comprises a single-use cassette and an autoinjector. The cassette comprises a housing and a sleeve movably disposed in the housing. A syringe may be disposed in the sleeve and secured therein with a lock cap. The lock cap is affixed to a distal end of the sleeve and contacts the distal end of the syringe. A shield remover extends through an opening in a proximal end of the housing for removing a needle shield which covers a needle of the syringe. A cassette identification arrangement is provided on a surface of the housing to enable the autoinjector to identify the cassette. The autoinjector is provided with a detector for reading the cassette identification arrangement.

Abstract: Medical dispensers having cap removal feature are disclosed. An illustrative medical dispenser can include a container body having an interior chamber adapted to contain a number of unused medical instruments, and an opening mechanism on the container body for providing access to the contents within the interior chamber. A gripping element on the exterior of the container body can be used to facilitate the removal of a portion of the medical instrument.

Abstract: A multi-pack assembly for containing and dispensing one or more new pen needles, and receiving and containing used pen needles after use, is provided, wherein a plurality of both new and used pen needles can be contained in a series of storage vessels, each secured to an adjacent storage vessel thereby forming an easily managed multi-pack assembly shape, and providing caps for each individual pen needle storage vessel to provide a sterility barrier and which can be opened independently of one another, and which can be closed in the same manner after use to prevent unwanted interaction with the used pen needles contained therein.

Abstract: Described is a needle assembly storage device comprising a case having a first port and a second port, a first spool rotatably disposed in the case and adapted to support a storage unit of needle assemblies, a second spool rotatably disposed in the case and adapted to support the storage unit of the needle assemblies, and an actuator adapted to rotate the first spool or the second spool to advance the storage unit past the first port and the second port.

Abstract: Medical needle assemblies incorporating a needle cover are provided. According to one aspect, the needle cover is integrally formed from a material that: (1) is sufficiently rigid to prevent bending of an underlying cannula, (2) is suitable for allowing a frangible portion thereof to be broken under pre-selected conditions, and/or (3) has a moisture vapor transmission rate sufficient for steam sterilization of a needle tip enclosed by the needle cover. According to another aspect, at least part of a cap portion and a hub portion of the needle cover are translucent. According to yet another aspect, the needle cover is provided with a wing having an enlarged rib suitable for gripping during separation of a cap portion from the remainder of the needle cover.

Abstract: Described is a needle hub comprising a proximal end adapted to engage a medicament delivery device, a distal end having an opening, a shoulder disposed between the proximal end and the distal end, and a needle assembly engagement mechanism (F1) coupled to the shoulder and adapted to releasably engage a needle assembly. The needle assembly engagement mechanism (F1) includes two or more resilient arms adapted to releasably engage a retainer element on the needle assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus for the prevention of sharps injuries, and more particularly sharps injuries caused by needle sticks, scalpel blades, hobby blades and the like, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises an instrument holder, sharps protector, passing aid, and safety transport apparatus that is simple to fabricate and inexpensive, and that accepts sharps of varying size. In particular, the apparatus will accept needles and particularly, bent needles. Further, the apparatus will hold a needle used in multiple injections and which will not dull the needle tip or contaminate the needle tip or the needle.

Abstract: Medicine storage arrangement methods of assembly and use are described. The arrangements include a multi-chamber pill dispensing arrangement; and, a holder arrangement for an alternate medical dispenser, such a medicine dispensing pen or a syringe. Methods of assembly and use are described.

Abstract: With the subject invention, a container for an injection device with an injection needle is provided. The container includes a body having a compartment formed therein to accommodate the injection device in both a pre-use and a post-use condition. The body defines a first opening through which the injection device in its pre-use condition may be accessed, and the body defines a second opening into which the injection device may be directed in its post-use condition. A closure is provided for closing the first opening. The container also includes a retainer for retaining the injection device in the container in its post-use condition preventing access to the injection needle after the injection device has been used to administer an injection. Advantageously, the container of the subject invention provides not only a pre-use packaging for the injection device, but also a post-use sharps container for the injection device.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing a needle from a needle holder, including a grasping unit for selectively grasping the needle; a receiving unit for receiving the needle holder, displaceably disposed relative to the grasping unit; a biasing member biasing the receiving unit in a first direction; and separating means for separating the entire needle from the needle holder. Preferably, the needle is heated to melt, soften, or otherwise weaken a material and/or adhesive connecting the needle with the needle holder. Preferably the heating is electrical heating, including completing an electrical circuit through the needle and passing current through the needle, and/or passing current through a heating element.

Abstract: A safety needle for automatically covering a tip of a needle following removal of the needle from a patient is provided. The safety needle includes an injection device and a packing sleeve. The injection device has an initial position and an intermediate position. The packing sleeve has a generally hollow body surrounding at least a portion of the injection device in the initial position and the intermediate position. The hollow body includes at least one track having an activation leg and a releasing leg. The at least one track is configured to slidingly engage with at least one member of the injection device to move the injection device to the intermediate position. The packing sleeve is removable from the injection device only when the injection device is in the intermediate position.

Abstract: Described is a package for a medicament delivery device having a needle shield covering a needle. The package comprises a base element including a storage compartment adapted to contain the delivery device, and a needle cap remover formed on the base element. The needle cap remover adapted to engage the needle shield.

Abstract: Needle mail-back systems and kits are disclosed. Methods of making and using needle mail-back kits are also disclosed. Methods of doing business involving needle mail-back systems and kits are also disclosed.

Abstract: Medical procedure trays and related methods are provided to accommodate joining a first non-sterile medical device with a second sterile medical device and maintaining required sterilization of the second sterile medical device to perform an associated medical procedure. One example of such medical procedures includes biopsy of a bone and/or associated bone marrow using a non-sterile powered drive and a sterile biopsy needle or biopsy needle set. Medical procedure trays and related methods may also be provided for use during aspiration of bone marrow and/or stem cell transplant procedures. Each medical procedure tray may include a containment bag or sterile sleeve. A coupler assembly, one or more sharps protectors, a biopsy sample ejector and/or associated ejector funnel may also be included.

Abstract: Packaging is disclosed for a medical needle, such as a pen needle, having a hub with a patient end of the needle protruding from a distal end thereof. The packaging includes a tube having a first closed end into which the patient end of the needle is inserted so that the hub contacts an interior of the tube, a second closed end enclosing a proximal end of the hub, and a circumferential region disposed between the proximal end of the hub and the second closed end for opening the package to expose the proximal end of the hub.

Abstract: Packaging for a surgical needle comprises a cartridge having a surgical needle and a needle driver operative to engage and move the needle relative the cartridge. The packaging has a bobbin, and a length of suture connected to the needle and wound around the bobbin. The packaging may further comprise an outer shell enclosing the cartridge, bobbin, and suture. The outer shell may comprise a sheet of material folded over the cartridge and bobbin. The packaging may further comprise a platform resiliently holding the cartridge. The bobbin may be a rotating spool. The cartridge may comprise a pair of arms defining a generally U-shaped distal end, and the packaging may have a block interposed between the arms. The packaging may further comprise a housing and a top sheet enclosing the enclosing the cartridge, bobbin, and suture.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus, in several embodiments, for providing protection in workplaces in which workers can be exposed to diseases and other contaminations from skin abrasions or punctures by contaminated objects. In its primary application it provides such protection at skin surfaces of healthcare patients into which needle electrodes have been inserted and, under certain conditions, can emerge. This bio-hazard occurs most often during patient-positioning when patients are unconscious due to anesthesia or other reasons. Protection is supplied in the first embodiment by a puncture-resistant head-covering; in the second by a pad that covers and secures needle electrodes, and; in a third as a tissue-penetrating, less hazardous stick-on electrode. The latter two embodiments have pressure-sensitive-adhesive coatings for adhesion to a patient's skin.

Abstract: A process of manufacturing a sharps container and a method of storing needles are disclosed. The sharps container utilizes a blocking member which does not interfere with a needle being inserted into the sharps container, and a latch mechanism which does not require a protruding tab. The latch mechanism requires at least a dual action to open the sharps container, and limits the movement required for opening the sharps container.

Abstract: A container system is provided for removing a needle portion from a needle holder of a needle system. The system includes a receptacle defining an opening, a lid configured to cover the receptacle opening, wherein the lid defines an aperture having a shape configured to receive a needle system having a first configuration. The system also includes an adapter configured for engagement in the lid aperture, wherein the adapter defines an aperture having a shape configured to receive a needle system having a second configuration, and wherein the engagement of the adapter in the lid aperture resists rotation of the adapter with respect to the lid.

Abstract: A plastic package for hydrophilic articles, in particular for hydrophilically coated medical instruments, is intended to ensure the hydrophilic nature of the enclosed instrument over a long period of time. The package includes at least one receiving compartment with a medical instrument for insertion into body tissue and is characterized in that, after sterilization by radiation, it has a proportion of volatile constituents of ?0.1 ?g/cm2.

Abstract: A medical device has a base having an internally tapered wall mounted to a neck of a tube holder that has a reverse taper, so that rotation of the base relative to the neck may be effected with a controlled drag to provide a smooth and secure relative rotation. The base may be rotated relative to the holder by rotationally moving a needle protection housing hingedly attached to the base. The housing may be rotated to any orientation relative to the tube holder so long as a torsional force greater than the predetermined friction between the tapered surfaces is applied thereto. The base is designed to have a ring at its base that biases against the base of the neck in a self-adjustable manner. Other devices may also be fitted with reverse tapered complementary connection fittings to securely couple to each other.

Abstract: Disclosed is a holder for holding a set of knitting needles with a main body having first and second end portions. Each end portion has a corresponding aperture, and each aperture is sized to hold one knitting needle of the set of knitting needles. The holder can hold circular knitting needles connected by a flexible cord, for example. Slots may be provided to receive a portion of the flexible cord therein to reduce and/or prevent the cord from twisting and/or tangling during storage or transportation. The body may also have gauge for measuring a size of the knitting needles.

Abstract: A syringe protector. The syringe protector includes a clamping member, a guard member, and a retaining member. The clamping member being able to lockably engage the needle guard and allow the passage of a needle therethrough. Insertion of the clamping member into the guard member creates a locking interaction between the toothed surface of the clamping member and a complementary toothed or ribbed surface of the guard member. Further, the clamping member holds a retaining member which acts to secure a syringe body once the needle of the syringe enters the guard member.

Abstract: Medical devices such as medical containers can be formed of glass and annealed which produces a clean device having a low bio-burden, or formed by plastic molding which produces a clean device. The clean devices are immediately transferred to a controlled environment such as a clean room or localized area to avoid the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. The syringe barrels can be filled with a substance and a closure member attached. While still in the housing assembly the syringe barrels can be formed into an array and placed in a clean outer container, which is then closed and sealed.