Abstract: Ureteral bypass devices and procedures for performing internalized urinary diversions within patients. Such a procedure includes implanting a first catheter and securing a distal end of the first catheter within the renal pelvis or ureter of a patient, implanting a cystostomy catheter through and securing a distal end of the cystostomy catheter within the urinary bladder of the patient, fluidically connecting proximal ends of the first and cystostomy catheters to an adapter, and then subcutaneously implanting a sampling/flushing port and fluidically connecting a proximal end of the sampling/flushing port to the adapter via a third catheter to yield an artificial ureteral bypass device, in which the first and cystostomy catheters are fluidically connected together and fluidically connected to the subcutaneously-placed sampling/flushing port.

Abstract: A fluid drainage tool and method for utilizing the same is disclosed. The fluid drainage tool includes one or more pairs of vacuum members and a mechanical clamping mechanism. The mechanical clamping mechanism is coupled to the one or more pairs of vacuum members and is adapted to move the one or more pairs of vacuum members between an unclamped configuration and a clamped configuration. In the unclamped configuration, a gap formed by each of the one or more pairs of the vacuum members is larger than an original outer diameter of a pliable tube. In the clamped configuration, the gap is smaller than the original outer diameter of the pliable tube. In the clamped configuration, the one or more pairs of vacuum members compresses the pliable tube and generates a suction force within the pliable tube when translated along the pliable tube.

Abstract: Many embodiments of wound filling devices and methods of their use in systems for the application of negative pressure therapy are described herein. In one embodiment, a wound filling device comprises: an inflatable bag member having at least one fluid carrying conduit operably connected thereto to inflate/deflate said bag member; a separate textured covering sock member at least partially covering the inflatable bag member. Another embodiment comprises a three-dimensional wound packing member, and may optionally comprise a plurality of such members linked together. Certain embodiments of wound packing members may comprise a porous bag member adapted to be non-adherent to the wound. Yet other embodiments may comprise a non-porous bag member provided with means to connect a fluid supply to the interior.

Abstract: Apparatus, system and method for providing pressurized infusion of liquids and, more particularly, providing a stable and pressurized flow of fluid to the eye during surgery. Aspiration fluid may be received via an aspiration line at a first peristaltic pump, where aspiration fluid is transferred to a Venturi tank reservoir coupled to a second peristaltic pump. Fluid from a fluid source is provided via a third peristaltic pump to a pressurized infusion tank. A determination is made if the pressure in the pressurized infusion tank is at a predetermined level, where fluid may be transferred from the pressurized infusion tank to an irrigation line when pressure in the pressurized infusion tank is determined to be at the predetermined level. Alternate activation of a plurality of aspiration and irrigation lines are also provided.

Abstract: The device presented is designed to cause, in a mode of operation referred to as “normal” mode, a fluid to flow along this fluid path successively through the first cavity, the filter, the second cavity then the flow restrictor. The device is also designed to cause, in a mode of operation referred to as “purge” mode, a fluid to flow along this same fluid path through the filter but in the opposite direction to the normal flow of the fluid (in the normal mode of operation). Thanks to the “purge” mode, the fluid will detach impurities that have become trapped on the filter in order to clean same.

Abstract: Apparatus and a method for the provision of topical negative pressure therapy to a wound site are described, the apparatus comprising: vacuum generating means for generating a negative pressure at said wound site said vacuum generating means being operably connected to a dressing at said wound site by aspiration conduit means; pressure sensing conduit means in fluid communication with said aspiration conduit means at a junction adjacent said dressing; first pressure sensing means between said junction and said vacuum generating means; second pressure sensing means operably associated with said pressure sensing conduit means; diagnostic means in communication with said first and second pressure sensing means; and control means in communication with said diagnostic means for controlling pressure in said aspiration and said pressure sensing conduit means.

Abstract: This device is used to clear clots and blockages from chest drainage tubes. This invention relates to patient safety after open-heart surgical procedures, wherein postoperative drainage from the surgical site is a critical component of care. Blocked drainage tubes can cause dangerous retained blood complications, most notably, cardiac tamponade, which essentially smothers the heart.

Abstract: An implantable device for venous or peritoneal access including a housing including a void having distal a proximal openings; an insert for insertion through the proximal opening comprising a venous or peritoneal catheter; a valve element mounted in a cylindrical recess of the insert; an extracorporeal coupling member of which a terminal portion can be inserted into a proximal recess of the valve element; one or two conduits extending from the catheter to the proximal end of the coupling member via the valve element and the insert for providing fluid communication, which can be interrupted by rotating the coupling member. The coupling member can be extracted from the recess only in a state of interrupted communication.

Abstract: A delivery tool connectable with a syringe can be used to deliver a viscoelastic solution. The tool includes a first segment, a second segment and an inner lumen defined by the first and second segments. A distal portion extends from the second segment in a curved manner.

Abstract: This document provides devices, systems, and methods for treating patients with wounds that include a fistula. For example, this document provides a multi-lumen tubular device that can deliver wound irrigation, wound suction, and fistuloclysis nutritional support through the lumens of the tubular device.

Abstract: The bifurcated peritoneal catheter serves as a peritoneal dialysis device for patients with kidney failure. The catheter includes a primary tube with two porous internal tubes extending therefrom at a small acute angle to one another. The two internal tubes provide a solution to the potential problem of blockage in a single catheter tube, greatly reducing the potential need for surgery to remove and replace such a single catheter tube. The bifurcated peritoneal catheter includes a subcutaneous cuff, and can include a second deep cuff in the abdominal wall. Either or both of the internal tubes can be straight, curved or coiled, with the curvatures and coils oriented in the same direction, toward one another, or away from one another.

Abstract: Provided are devices and methods suitable for immobilizing tissue and for use in non-invasive methods of assessing lower urinary tract symptoms as well as in surgical application.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises a housing, a bioprocessing module, an end effector, and a pumping device. The bioprocessing module comprises media reservoirs, fluid conduits in communication with the reservoirs, and a port through which media is expelled. The end effector is configured for insertion into a lumen and delivering a tissue repair composition into that lumen. The end effector has at least one fluid conduit extending therethrough and at least one orifice in communication with the fluid conduit. The fluid conduit in the first end effector is in fluid communication with the port on the bioprocessing module. The pumping device is operable to urge a tissue repair composition comprising at least a portion of the contents of the media reservoirs through the fluid conduit of the first end effector such that the tissue repair composition is expelled from the at least one orifice.

Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.

Abstract: Provided is a suction catheter including: a catheter main body made of a flexible lengthy body having a lumen inside; a leading-end case portion positioned at a leading-end portion of the catheter main body and including an opening for retrieving an object; and object cutting means partially exposed through the opening and movable in the axial direction within the leading-end case portion. The object cutting means includes a cutting portion exposed through the opening portion, and a power receiving portion driving the cutting portion when receiving power from outside. A leading-end side of the suction catheter is inserted into a blood vessel while a base-end portion of the suction catheter is connected to a suction apparatus. An object sticking to the internal wall of the blood vessel is cut off by operating the object cutting means in the opening of the leading-end case portion while the lumen is vacuumed. The cut-off object is immediately sucked in and retrieved.

Abstract: A syringe (12) having: a syringe body (18) in which a passage (28) for the circulation of fluid is defined, the circulatory passage (28) being extended by a main element (20) for fluidic connection to a complementary volume (13); and a movable piston (36) inside the syringe body (18), defining, with the syringe body (18), a chamber for the containment of fluid, opening out through the circulatory passage (28). The syringe body (18) defines a closed space in which the piston (36) is movably mounted. The piston (36) also defines in the closed space an auxiliary return chamber. The syringe body (18) defines a return passage (48) opening out into the auxiliary return chamber (46). The return passage (48) is extended by an auxiliary element (50) for connection to the complementary volume (13).

Abstract: A syringe plunger/jacket assembly may comprise a flexible jacket attached to a rigid plunger. The jacket may comprise at least two sealing rings (front and rear) that prevent fluid from leaking out of the rear of the barrel during injection of fluid from the syringe. The rear sealing ring may or may not contact or seal the interior surface of the syringe barrel in an unloaded state. In the loaded state, when force is applied in the direction of the forward discharge end of the syringe, pressure is created on the jacket. This condition causes the rear seal to expand and contact and/or seal the interior surface of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.

Abstract: A syringe interface for attaching syringes to a drive mechanism which includes a drive member to impart motion to a syringe plunger includes a plurality of syringe mount apertures having different dimensions to attach each of a plurality of syringes to the syringe interface. Each of the syringes for attachment to the syringe interface includes at least one mounting flange, and each of the plurality of syringes has a different mounting flange dimension. Each of the plurality of syringe mount apertures is in general alignment with an axis of the drive member. A syringe drive mechanism includes a syringe interface as described above. The syringe drive mechanism can further include a sensing system to sense which size of the plurality of syringes is mounted on the syringe interface. The syringe drive mechanism can also include a processor and a memory which are in operative communication with the drive member. The memory includes a control program stored therein.

Abstract: Disclosed is a nonwoven web comprising a plurality of first regions and a plurality of second regions comprised of the same material and being visually distinct from each other, wherein the first regions will exhibit resistive forces in response to an applied elongation along at least one axis before a substantial portion of the second regions develop significant resistive forces to the applied elongation.

Abstract: An improved smoke evacuation system and method for removing gaseous byproducts of surgical procedures and noxious vapors from chemicals is provided. The smoke and vapor evacuation system includes a vacuum head positionable at a surgical site or incorporated into a workstation. The vacuum head includes a plenum, and a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing when a vacuum or low pressure is established therein, and is adapted to facilitate the use of the system in a variety of surgical or commercial procedures at a variety of surgical sites or commercial workstations.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly which is adapted for blunting of both an intravenous puncture tip and a non-patient puncture tip is provided. The needle assembly includes a cannula having a first end with an intravenous puncture tip and a second end with a non-patient puncture tip, and a blunting member in concentric relation with the cannula which includes a first blunt end proximate the intravenous puncture tip of the cannula and a second blunt end proximate the non-patient puncture tip of the cannula. An actuator is in engagement with the blunting member and the cannula. Activation of the actuator causes blunting of the intravenous puncture tip and the non-patient puncture tip by the blunting member. The needle assembly is particularly useful in connection with a blood collection system.

Abstract: A pump system includes a pump control module and a cassette with a tube including an anti-siphon valve. A valve operates to control free flow situations, and the valve further has a bypass for priming of the system. The valve includes a bypass mechanism including at least one activation member, such as a button, which moves a movable member for disrupting the seal member of the anti-siphon valve. An alternative valve includes a separate bypass pathway around the anti-siphon valve. In this embodiment, operation of the bypass pathway does not disturb or disrupt the seal of the anti-siphon valve. Operation of the alternative bypass pathway is through a bypass mechanism including a button for movement or disruption of a bypass seal. A cap or other holder opens the bypass for each of the valves for gravity priming.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal fluid shunt system comprises a brain ventricular catheter for insertion into the brain ventricle so as to drain cerebrospinal fluid from the brain ventricle. The system also comprises a sinus sagittalis catheter for insertion into the sinus sagittalis for feeding the cerebrospinal fluid into sinus sagittalis. A shunt main body is connected at one end thereof to the brain ventricle catheter and at another end thereof to the sinus sagittalis catheter. The shunt main body can provide fluidic communication between the brain ventricle catheter and the sinus sagittalis catheter. The system further comprises a tubular flow passage restricting member defined within the shunt main body. The tubular flow passage restricting member defines a resistance to flow of 8-12 mm Hg/ml/min.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle bolder, for use in combination with a syringe and a needle, characterized in that the needle holder is provided with an expandable element and with retention means for the expandable element, so that contact of the expandable element with an injection causes expansion of the expandable element and, as a consequence retraction of the needle into the needle holder. The invention relates too to a syringe comprising said needle holder.

Abstract: First and second aspirator manipulation units operate a single-pipette in a coagulation analyzer for aspirating plasma samples from both rubber-capped as well as uncapped vessels. A first holder in the first aspirator manipulation unit actually retains the pipette, while a second holder in the second aspirator manipulation unit is configured to enclose the first holder leaving a predetermined amount of play. To move the pipette toward a sample vessel in a rack that has been shifted into aspiration position, the holders in the manipulation units are inter-fitted, and are translated down. If the pipette strikes a cap, a sensing means in the first aspirator manipulation unit signals a controller to operate the first aspirator manipulation unit to back the pipette upward slightly. Thereupon, the controller, via the second aspirator manipulation unit, actuates the second holder alone to press on the first holder to stab the pipette through the cap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relieving insufflation pressure in a body cavity (18) in excess of a predetermined value are provided. A conduit assembly (24) extends from the body cavity (18) through the surface (61) of a fluid reservoir and has a port (63) positioned beneath the fluid surface (61). The relief pressure is selected by setting the relative positioning of the open end (63) and fluid surface (61). The apparatus avoids insufflation gas leakage problems associated with known insufflation pressure relief devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device comprising an external, flexible shell forming a fluid reservoir and housing a non-obstructive, self-regulating valve, having a folded membrane which forms a slit-like opening in a chamber. An inlet tube in communication with the chamber through an aperture in the membrane extends outwardly through an opening in the shell. The free end of the inlet tube, including holes, is in communication with the brain or cranial vault. There is an outlet tube in communication with the reservoir. The free end of the outlet tube, also including holes, is in communication with either the heart or the abdomen. If the outlet tube is in communication with the abdomen the preferred configuration of the free end includes rigid fins. Also disclosed is a method of using this device to treat hydrocephalus and a process for making the device.

Abstract: A multi-lumen enteral feeding and medicating device having a gastric tube adapted to be introduced into the interior of a patient's stomach through a stoma. The gastric tube has a balloon to engage and seal against the interior wall of the stomach around the stoma and a locking ring to engage the skin of the patient surrounding the exterior opening of the stoma. A jejunal tube is slidably engaged in the gastric tube for relative longitudinal sliding displacement so that the distal end of the jejunal tube may be threaded through the stomach into the jejunum for introduction of a fluent material through ports adjacent the distal end of the jejunal lumen. A fluid lumen is provided in the gastric tube for applying positive and negative pressure to the interior of the balloon to extend and retract the same and an inlet attachment is provided for accessing the gastric lumen for introducing fluent material into the stomach through the gastric lumen.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for retrieval, dissection and removal of small organs and tissue from a patient's body. The instrument includes a collapsible basket defining a basket cavity. An anvil is attached to the distal end of the basket to form an impacting surface. A cutting cannula defining a cutting cavity is positioned to be reciprocatingly movable to pass through the basket cavity and impact the anvil. The cutting cannula is manually and reciprocatingly driven to pass into and through the basket cavity, cutting any tissue contained in the basket cavity. The cut tissue is then suctioned from the body for analysis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a feeding system (1) for enteral feeding comprising a container (2) preferably constructed as a disposable article for receiving the food. Said container (2) is disposed in a suspension means (3) which is constructed such that the container (2) in the suspended state points with its opening (5) upwardly and assumes a position inclined to the horizontal. As a result when the tubing system (4) is introduced into the container for suppyling the nutrient solution to the patient no leaks can occur because the opening (5) points upwardly so that along the periphery of a piercing tube (17) introduced into the container (12) no solution can drip out. Nevertheless, due to the inclined position of the container (2) and the arrangement of the end of the inserted piercing tube (17) at the lowermost point (6) of the container (2) all the solution can be extracted; for this purpose for the extraction preferably a drip chamber (21) is provided in connection with a tube clamp ( 26).

Abstract: A shunt system for implantation in the body comprises a body having an inlet and an outlet and a first fluid-flow passageway extending between the inlet and outlet. A pressure regulated valve is provided within the first fluid-flow passageway to provide fluid flow at selected fluid pressures in the passageway. A filter is positioned within the first fluid-flow passageway. A second fluid-flow passageway extends between the inlet and outlet and provides a passageway through the body around the filter. A valve and valve seat is provided within the second fluid-flow passageway which can be selectively closed or opened to provide fluid flow through the second fluid-flow passageway.

Abstract: The ventricular drainage system includes an antisiphon device comprising a flow through body which has an interior chamber and which is adapted to be positioned for vertical flow therethrough. The device further includes an inflow tract at the lower end of the body, adapted to be coupled to a ventricular catheter, and an outflow tract at the upper end of said body adapted to be coupled to a drainage tubing. The device also includes a ball in the chamber which is capable of closing the inflow tract when there is no flow of fluid from the ventricular catheter, capable of allowing fluid flow through the body during normal flow of liquid from the catheter and capable of closing the outflow tract upon a rush of fluid from the catheter.

Abstract: A bladder assist device for maintaining natural drainage by a repetition of expansion and contraction of a bladder even when a urethral catheter is embedded in the bladder which includes a pressure control chamber containing a concentric-type siphon tube connected to a urethral catheter at a particular part, the pressure control chamber having a pressure control hole sealed by an air flow restricting filter.

Abstract: Perforated tubing for surgical drainage applications and the like in which perforations are located in one or more grooves extending lengthwise of the tubing such that the sides of the grooves block access of tissue to the perforations and obturation of the tubing is prevented.

Abstract: A device for draining wounds comprises an elongated catheter member having first and second lumens, an antibacteria filter received in communication with the second lumen adjacent the proximal end thereof and a check valve which is interposed between the proximal end of said second lumen and the filter. The distal end of the catheter member is receivable in a wound for draining the wound via suction applied to the proximal end of the first lumen, and a venting effect is provided by the second lumen through the filter and the check valve. The check valve prevents the backflow of liquids through the second catheter member into the filter to prevent the clogging thereof.

Abstract: A catheter assembly wherein Foley and ureteral catheters and a drainage bag are all coupled together by a coupling chamber. The coupling chamber has an entrance at one end for the Foley catheter and a drainage exit at an opposite end. Two secondary chambers extend outward from and connect to the mid region of the central chamber, and each is connectable to a ureteral catheter.

Abstract: An elongated flexible tube structure is provided defining a plurality of individual passages extending longitudinally therethrough. The passages include an air vent passage, a suction passage and a fluid injection passage and the passages include first end portions opening separately outwardly of one end portion of the tube structure. The other end portion of the tube structure defines an outer tubular jacket enclosing and defining the second end portion of the air vent passage. The second end portion of the injection and suction passages are defined by separate tube sections disposed in and extending longitudinally of the tubular jacket. The end of the tubular jacket remote from the aforementioned one end portion thereof has the corresponding end of the suction tube section anchored therein and the latter includes lateral suction openings formed therein opening outwardly into the interior of the tubular jacket.