Abstract: A bodily fluid collection system includes a reduced pressure treatment unit for providing reduced pressure to a fluid collection system through a canister having a container with an inlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to the fluid collection system, an outlet adapted to be connected to a source of reduced pressure, and an absorptive lamination disposed within the container. The absorptive lamination may be formed from a plurality of absorptive layers and wicking layers interleaved between the absorptive layers that collectively manifold bodily fluids from a tissue site into and throughout the absorptive lamination to trap and collect the bodily fluids. The container expands as the absorptive lamination swells with the bodily fluid being collected.

Abstract: Methods and devices for administration of substances into at least two compartments of skin for systemic absorption and improved pharmacokinetics, based on biphasic or bimodel kinetic profiling.

Abstract: A bodily fluid collection system includes a reduced pressure treatment unit for providing reduced pressure to a fluid collection system through a canister having a container with an inlet adapted to be fluidly coupled to the fluid collection system, an outlet adapted to be connected to a source of reduced pressure, and an absorptive lamination disposed within the container. The absorptive lamination may be formed from a plurality of absorptive layers and wicking layers interleaved between the absorptive layers that collectively manifold bodily fluids from a tissue site into and throughout the absorptive lamination to trap and collect the bodily fluids. The container expands as the absorptive lamination swells with the bodily fluid being collected.

Abstract: Transdermal microneedles continuous monitoring system is provided. The continuous system monitoring includes a substrate, a microneedle unit, a signal processing unit and a power supply unit. The microneedle unit at least comprises a first microneedle set used as a working electrode and a second microneedle set used as a reference electrode, the first and second microneedle sets arranging on the substrate. Each microneedle set comprises at least a microneedle. The first microneedle set comprises at least a sheet having a through hole on which a barbule forms at the edge. One of the sheets provides the through hole from which the barbules at the edge of the other sheets go through, and the barbules are disposed separately.

Abstract: Fluid delivery and measurement systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The configuration of an elongate aperture in a membrane draped over a microneedle assembly may be controlled by controlling the manner in which the aperture is formed and/or by controlling the manner in which the membrane is draped. At least a portion of the membrane may be spaced apart from a microneedle so that a gap is defined between the membrane and the microneedle. The gap may be configured for at least partially controlling the formation of the elongate aperture. The shape of the gap may optionally be at least partially defined by a pleat in the membrane. Any pleats may be aligned in a predetermined manner. The elongate aperture may be formed by a piercing member that is passed through a hole in the microneedle assembly prior to piercing the membrane. The piercing member may be a laser beam.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include methods of tissue/wound treatment and associated devices and systems, including devices for breaching bio-films contained in and around wounds, devices for maximizing moisture vapor transmission rate, and tissue dressings with added barrier features for permeable surfaces.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly for insertion and delivery of nutrients into an alimentary canal is disclosed. A method of facilitating the use of the feeding tube with an insufflation device is also disclosed. The feeding tube assembly has a feeding tube with opposite proximal and distal ends, a feeding passage extending between the proximal and distal ends, an outlet proximate the distal end and in fluid communication with the feeding passage, a port at the proximal end and in fluid communication with the outlet; and an air insufflation device fluidly connectable to the port comprising a compressible air bulb having a bulb inlet and a bulb outlet; an inlet check valve at the bulb inlet, an outlet check valve at the bulb outlet, and a relief valve fluidly connected to the bulb outlet.

Abstract: The various embodiments of the present invention relate to remote pneumatic (bellows-action) actuators for switching applications, which are preferably sterile and/or disposable. When compressed, the bellows-action actuator provides a pulse of air pressure sufficient to actuate a remotely-located pneumatic switch configured to turn on/off an electrical, mechanical or optical device. The pulse of air pressure is propagated along a non-conducting tube, thereby substantially reducing the risk of e.g., electric shock or O2 ignition/combustion associated with conventional electric switches in wet, hazardous or medical environments.

Abstract: An instrument guide device comprises an elongated guide shaft having proximal and distal ends and including an instrument lumen for receiving therethrough a manually operated instrument having an instrument shaft. A distal bendable member is disposed at the distal end of the guide shaft and a proximal bendable member is disposed at the proximal end of the guide shaft. Actuation means extends between the distal and proximal bendable members and provides a bending of the distal bendable member controlled from the proximal bendable member. The proximal bendable member is controlled from the manually operated instrument to cause a corresponding bending of said distal bendable member.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient that is made up of first and second stand-alone, interconnectable assemblies. The first of these assemblies comprises a fluid reservoir assembly that houses a fluid reservoir defining component while the second assembly comprises a fluid delivery and control assembly that includes a novel flow control means that functions to control the flow of medicinal fluid from the fluid reservoir of the first assembly toward the patient via a plurality of fluid flow control passageways. Because the stand-alone fluid delivery and control assembly is initially totally separate from the fluid reservoir assembly of the apparatus, the fluid flow passageways of the fluid delivery and control assembly can be effectively sterilized using conventional gamma ray sterilization techniques without adversely affecting the medicament contained within the fluid reservoir of the apparatus.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: The catheter device comprises a drive shaft connected to a motor, and a rotor mounted on the drive shaft at the distal end section. The rotor has a frame structure which is formed by a screw-like boundary frame and rotor struts extending radially inwards from the boundary frame. The rotor struts are fastened to the drive shaft by their ends opposite the boundary frame. Between the boundary frame and the drive shaft extends an elastic covering. The frame structure is made of an elastic material such that, after forced compression, the rotor unfolds automatically.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: Pump cassettes, wound-treatment apparatuses and methods. In some embodiments, a pump cassette comprises: a pump body having a pump chamber, an inlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber, and an outlet valve in fluid communication with the pump chamber; a diaphragm coupled to the pump body such that the diaphragm is movable to vary a volume in the pump chamber; and an identifier configured to store one or more properties of the pump cassette such that the identifier is readable by an automated reader to determine the one or more properties. In some embodiments, the pump cassette is configured to be removably coupled to a wound-treatment apparatus having an actuator such that the actuator can be activated to move the diaphragm.

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: Remote controls, including a communication device, a button or other communication device actuator and a movable structure that allows actuation of the actuator in one position and prevents actuation of the actuator in another position to prevent inadvertent signal transmission.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: An IV infusion bag carrier pack is arranged as a substantially hollow, flexible bag having an interior that is divided into two interior compartments by a flexible, heat permeable divider panel, one interior compartment being arranged to receive and confine an IV fluids bag and the other interior compartment arranged to receive and confine the inflatable pressure cuff member of a blood pressure apparatus, whereby an IV fluids bag contained in the first pocket may be selectively pressurized by inflation of the blood pressure cuff contained in the second pocket whereby selectively controlled infusion delivery of IV fluids contained in the carrier pack apparatus may be continuously maintained irrespective of the relative disposition of the carrier pack apparatus and patient during treatment, extrication and rescue in the field, and transport to a medical facility.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at least three fractions in the apparatus. It also provides for a new method of extracting the buffy coat phase from a whole blood sample. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient.

Abstract: An economical yet effective apparatus and associated method heats and pressurizes a fluid-filled bag of the type used in a surgical setting. The apparatus includes an inner sealed flexible jacket including a sodium acetate solution and activator button therein operative to heat the fluid-filled bag. An outer sealed flexible jacket adjacent to the inner jacket includes a gas inlet for inflation thereof thereby applying pressure to the fluid-filled bag through the heated inner jacket during use.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A cannula insertion device includes a housing defining an opening for receiving therethrough a cannula and further defining a channel, and a cannula forming a lumen, the cannula adapted for sliding movement within the housing from a retracted position to an extended position. When the cannula is in the retracted position, the lumen is located remotely from the channel and the channel is in fluidic communication with the opening. When the cannula is in the extended position, the lumen is in fluidic communication with the channel.

Abstract: A pressure infusion device including a sealed bag of flexible, heat sealable material including generally opposed edge portions; a layer of substantially transparent material including generally oppose edge portions provided with a plurality of holes; the opposed edge portions of the sealed bag are folded over the opposed edge portions of the layer of substantially transparent material and are heat sealed to the sealed bag through the holes. A process for making a pressure infusion device including the steps of providing a sealed bag of flexible, heat-sealable material having generally opposed edge portions; providing a layer of substantially transparent material including generally opposed edge portions; folding the opposed edge portions of the sealed bag over the opposed edge portions of the layer of substantially transparent material and heat sealing the folded edge portions to the sealed bag through the holes.

Abstract: A catheter having a drug delivery unit at the distal end thereof. The drug delivery unit includes an actuator capable of assuming an activated and an inactivated configuration. The drug delivery unit also includes a receptacle capable of accepting a therapeutic agent. The actuator and receptacle are in communication with each other such that the actuator transmits force to the receptacle and the receptacle accepts force from the actuator in an activated configuration of the actuator. Also provided is a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site using the catheter of the present invention.

Abstract: Tissue sensors house one or more sensor elements. Each element has a housing mounted substrate and a superstrate with a planar antenna between. A transitional periphery (TP) of a superstrate outer surface interconnects a base to a plateau. At least some of the TP has a generally smooth transition. Plural elements are spaced by the housing. Alternately, the superstrate TP is flat, the housing extends to the outer superstrate surface and a shield surrounds the element. The housing is flush with or recessed below the superstrate and defines a TP between the housing and superstrate. A method converts a reference signal to complex form; plots it in a complex plane as a reference point (RP); converts a measurement signal to complex form; plots it in the complex plane as a measurement point (MP); determine a complex distance between the MP and the RP; and compares complex distance to a threshold.

Abstract: Fluid delivery and measurement systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A needleless microprotrusion method for infusion of a medicament into a patient includes disposing a substrate plurality of microprotrusions onto a patients' palm. A chemodenervating agent is disposed for delivery by the microprotrusions and the substrate supports and conforms the microprotrusions to the patients' palm in order to enable uniform penetration of the microprotrusions into the corneum.

Abstract: A self-powered, enteral tube feeding device. The device includes a fluid container and a removable lid for pressure sealing the container. The device also includes a fluid exit port and a flexible tube providing fluid communication from the exit port of the device to a through-the-abdominal-wall port of a patient. Fluid is forced out of the container and into the patient's stomach or small intestine with air pressure provided by a finger-operated flexible bulb-type pressurizer unit having two air check valves. The device is preferably operated by the user without assistance. In preferred embodiments the device also includes alarm features that provide a warning when the fluid level is approaching the exit port so that no air is pumped into the user's abdominal cavity. In one preferred embodiment these alarm features include a magnetic switch located below the fluid container and a magnet floating within the container vertically over the switch and on or near the surface of the fluid.

Abstract: A needleless microprotrusion system for infusion of a medicament into a patient includes a plurality of microprotrusions having a length sufficient to penetrate a stratum corneum of the patient. A chemodenervating agent is disposed for delivery by the microprotrusions and a substrate is provided for supporting the microprotrusions and conforming the microprotrusions to a patient's palm in order to enable uniform penetration of the microprotrusions into the corneum.

Abstract: A pressure infusion device including a sealed bag of flexible, heat sealable material including generally opposed edge portions; a layer of substantially transparent material including generally oppose edge portions provided with a plurality of holes; the opposed edge portions of the sealed bag are folded over the opposed edge portions of the layer of substantially transparent material and are heat sealed to the sealed bag through the holes. A process for making a pressure infusion device including the steps of providing a sealed bag of flexible, heat-sealable material having generally opposed edge portions; providing a layer of substantially transparent material including generally opposed edge portions; folding the opposed edge portions of the sealed bag over the opposed edge portions of the layer of substantially transparent material and heat sealing the folded edge portions to the sealed bag through the holes.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular pressure infuser apparatus adapted to allow a user to modify the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus by utilizing one or more interchangeable manual and/or automatic pumps to inflate a pressure infuser bag of the pressure infuser apparatus. The modular configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus permits the user to detach and reattach a motorized pump and/or a manual pump to the pressure infuser bag quickly, easily, and efficiently without decreasing the air pressure of the pressure infuser bag. By providing selectively removable pump modules, the user can select the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus that is best adapted to the needs of the patient. A pressure release valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the pressure infuser bag.

Abstract: For safely inserting a catheter into a chest cavity of a child or corpulent patient to be retained therein and for preventing atmospheric air from proceeding into the chest cavity during a removal of a penetrating needle, discharge equipment for medical procedures is provided which equipment includes a connector cap and a storage bottle detachably connectable to each other, a connector to be connected to the catheter retained in the patient, a check valve including an outer periphery covered by a protective cover and being openable only toward a storage bottle side, and a coupling device to the storage bottle mounted on the connector cap. The storage bottle is a hollow container including an inlet port and a discharge port, a detachably connecting device for the connector cap mounted on the inlet port, and a check valve openable only toward an exterior of the storage bottle is mounted on the discharge port.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube bulb aspirator system has a bulb with a top end, a bottom end with an open bottom, and a transition zone therebetween. A first interior space in the top end is contiguous with a second interior space in the bottom end. At least one first flapper valve on the bulb includes at least one aperture in the bulb and an associated sheet positioned over the associated aperture with a portion of one edge being free. A second flapper valve is positioned adjacent the transitional zone between the first interior space and the second interior space has support beams and a disc with free edges coupled centrally to the support beams.

Abstract: Fluid delivery and measurement systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for pressure infusion and temperature control of infused liquids includes a receptacle for receiving a liquid-filled bag containing intravenous solution or other liquid and an inflatable pressure device. The inflatable pressure device is disposed within a pressure device bag and is positioned proximate the liquid-filled bag in the receptacle. The inflatable pressure device expands within the pressure device bag upon inflation and exerts pressure on the liquid-filled bag. A heating element may be disposed on the inflatable pressure device bag to heat the liquid-filled bag to a desired temperature. The liquid may alternatively be maintained at a desired temperature, while flowing to a patient via a heating assembly disposed along a tube. The heating assembly includes a sleeve having a slot for receiving the tube and a plurality of individually controlled heaters.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular pressure infuser apparatus adapted to allow a user to modify the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus by utilizing one or more interchangeable manual and/or automatic pumps to inflate a pressure infuser bag of the pressure infuser apparatus. The modular configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus permits the user to detach and reattach a motorized pump and/or a manual pump to the pressure infuser bag quickly, easily, and efficiently without decreasing the air pressure of the pressure infuser bag. By providing selectively removable pump modules, the user can select the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus that is best adapted to the needs of the patient. A pressure release valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the pressure infuser bag.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular pressure infuser apparatus adapted to allow a user to modify the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus by utilizing one or more interchangeable manual and/or automatic pumps to inflate a pressure infuser bag of the pressure infuser apparatus. The modular configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus permits the user to detach and reattach a motorized pump and/or a manual pump to the pressure infuser bag quickly, easily, and efficiently without decreasing the air pressure of the pressure infuser bag. By providing selectively removable pump modules, the user can select the configuration of the pressure infuser apparatus that is best adapted to the needs of the patient. A pressure release valve is configured to regulate the pressure of the pressure infuser bag.

Abstract: A microsurgical irrigation device, comprising a first tube for supplying liquid from a liquid source, the first tube having a first end in communication with the liquid source, and further having a second end; an elastomeric bulb connected to the second end of the first tube, wherein the bulb is in communication with the first tube; a second tube for dispensing liquid expelled from the elastomeric bulb, the second tube having a first end connected to the bulb and further having a second end, wherein the second tube is in communication with the bulb; an inlet, one-way, valve preventing liquid from returning from the bulb into the first tube when the bulb is actuated, and allowing liquid to flow from the first tube into the bulb when the bulb is released; and an outlet, one-way, valve preventing liquid from exiting the bulb until a predetermined amount of pressure is provided by bulb actuation.

Abstract: An array of microneedles is provided to apply semi-permanent or permanent markings to skin, or to apply semi-permanent subcutaneous makeup or other cosmetic compounds to skin. The microneedles can apply identifications or other tattoo-like graphics, and will not enter into the dermal layer of the skin so that the application procedure is painless. The microneedle array is also useful for delivering specific compounds or actives into the skin, such as cosmetic compounds or nutrients, or various skin structure modifiers that can be delivered subcutaneously without having to visit a cosmetic surgery clinic.

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: Fluid delivery and measurement systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A syringe for vaginal irrigation is disclosed. This syringe is easily and effectively used for irrigating monstrous secretions from the vagina particularly during or after a menstruation, thus removing monstrous odor from the vagina and allowing the user to feel refreshed at the vagina in addition to keeping the vagina clean and sanitary. The syringe is comprised of an elastic barrel containing a vaginal irrigating solution, an L-shaped elbow pipe engaging with the externally-threaded mouth of the barrel, and a hollow vaginal insert engaging with the elbow pipe through a screw type engagement. This vaginal insert has a linear and tapered profile with the outside diameter of the insert being gradually reduced in a direction from its end around the elbow pipe to its distal end.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system wherein a drug or other fluid to be delivered to a specific desired location within the body is stored in a reservoir that is directly displaced by a force to infuse the drug from the device into the patient. Several specific methods are used to displace the reservoir, including, generally, hydraulic displacement, mechanical screw-type displacement, and spring force displacement of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An infusion system delivers drug to the patient at a fixed rate while permitting the patient to introduce a controlled bolus dosage when needed. A pump having a bulkhead that is provided with first and second flow paths from the pump reservoir to a single outlet port. The first flow path communicates with a first flow regulator which restricts flow in the first flow path to the desired fixed rate of delivery. The second flow path communicates with a patient-operated pump incorporated into the pump housing. The patient-operated pump may be in the form of a deformable reservoir that accumulates a drug bolus which may be expelled when the reservoir is compressed by the patient's fingers. A second flow regulator may be incorporated in the drug flow path upstream of the patient-operated pumping device to restrict the dosage that may accumulate therein. Additionally, a fluid control assembly incorporating a patient-controlled pump may be used with single or dual port pumps.

Abstract: A hypodermic injection system allows for the generation of a high pressure liquid jet capable of passing through the skin. The system uses two regions, the first region being flexible or squeezable and the second region having at least one exiting orifice through which the liquid jet can be expelled. The flexible region can be deformed by a pressure change in the surrounding container generated by an activatable gas generator that generates pressure within the first region that causes the liquid to be expelled.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a flexible bag containing fluid and for applying pressure to the bag to thereby facilitate the dispensing of the fluid from the bag, comprising a cuff adapted to support a bag of fluid to be dispensed and to apply pressure to facilitate the dispensing of the fluid; A gauge to determine and display the pressure within the cuff, the gauge being formed of a housing with a fluid port; and a manifold having a passageway in fluid communication with the cuff, a passageway in fluid communication with a pump for inflating the cuff, and a passageway coupled with respect to the gauge.