Abstract: A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a nucleus pulposus of an intervertebral disc is provided. The method comprises inserting a delivery tool containing the therapeutic agent through an anterior portion, a lateral portion, or an anterolateral portion of an annulus fibrosus and into the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc; and delivering the therapeutic agent to the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc. Devices and kits are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a hemostatic semi-solid paste material comprising a bioabsorbable carrier hemostatic material; and a supplemental hemostatic agent; wherein the paste material has an elongated form extending along a lengthwise axis with an aspect ratio of at least 3; wherein the paste is self-supporting and syringe extrudable; and wherein the supplemental hemostatic agent has a non-homogenous distribution profile across a cross-section taken across the lengthwise axis. In another aspect, the present invention relates to devices for forming and expressing the hemostatic material.

Abstract: A drug transfer assembly including a connector connectable to a portion of an intravenous line adapted for connection to a patient's bloodstream and an adapter cap removably connectable with the connector is disclosed. The connector is formed of a rigid material and the adapter cap is formed of a pliable material. With the adapter cap connected to the connector, the adapter cap protectively surrounds and shields the connector. The adapter cap provides a cushioning surface which prevents rubbing of the connector against the skin of a patient. In this manner, the adapter cap prevents the connector of a drug transfer assembly from causing irritation and/or infection to the skin of a patient. Furthermore, the adapter cap provides a protective shield which prevents the connector of a drug transfer assembly from becoming contaminated with undesirables.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses and methods for using a tip member to deposit or collect a supply of material from within a body. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes a tip body defining an annular chamber. A tip receptacle is configured to be joinable with a lumen and to receive a fluid flow therethrough and to convey the fluid flow into the annular chamber. A material distribution element is fluidly coupled with the annular chamber, wherein when the fluid flow is introduced into the annular chamber. The material distribution element diffusively passes the fluid flow out of multiple egress points in at least one of a distal end and a lateral surface of the tip body.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a rotary blood pump system. The rotary blood pump system may comprise an inflow conduit, an outflow conduit, a control system, and a power source. The present disclosure further relates to various inflow conduit assemblies comprising a conduit tip comprised of metal or polymer having an undulating opening surface that provides improved blood flow and washing properties while minimizing regions susceptible to stagnation, and optionally a resilient tip-protecting cage structure that reduces the risk of conduit tip suction events and suction-related injury of the wall of adjacent blood vessels or other blood containing structures. The present disclosure further relates to various outflow conduit assemblies with a conduit tip comprised of metal or polymer wherein the cross-sectional area of the lumen of the conduit or conduit tip is reduced to generate a localized jet-like fluid flow in a blood vessel segment adjacent to the conduit tip.

Abstract: The Dental Needle Vibration Device comprises a vibrator motor device that may be formed onto a disposable dental or surgical needle, or may be reversibly coupled to a self-aspirating syringe. The Dental Needle Vibration Device couples to the disposable dental needle or self-aspirating syringe so that vibration motion from the vibrator motor is transmitted to the needle, improving control over the needle during vibration. The device is formed onto a disposable dental or surgical needle so that it does not rotate about the needle or move along the barrel of the needle. The device is coupled onto a self-aspirating syringe so that it is proximate to the needle in a fixed position so that it does not rotate about the syringe or move along the barrel of the syringe.

Abstract: Various embodiments are described herein for a device for using acoustic or mechanical energy to perform an action at a target site of an object. The device comprises a conduit having an aperture disposed at the target site, a displacement signal source for generating a mechanical displacement signal, a coupling assembly having for coupling the displacement signal source to the conduit, a pressure controller coupled to the proximal end of the conduit to vary an amount of pressure in the conduit when obtaining a first entity from or delivering a second entity to the target site, and a control unit for controlling the displacement signal source to generate the mechanical displacement signal based on a desired acoustic or mechanical wave mode.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are drug delivery devices and methods for the treatment of ocular disorders requiring targeted and controlled administration of a drug to an interior portion of the eye for reduction or prevention of symptoms of the disorder. The devices are capable of controlled release of one or more drugs and may also include structures which allow for treatment of increased intraocular pressure by permitting aqueous humor to flow out of the anterior chamber of the eye through the device.

Abstract: A method of treating and managing diseased ocular tissue in the bulbar conjunctiva comprises providing a device comprising a plurality of microneedles arranged on a substrate contacting the device with a diseased ocular tissue region formed in the bulbar conjunctiva stroma to form a plurality of micro-injury sites therein. A device comprises a contact lens substrate comprising a substantially elliptical corneal portion and a limbus portion located radially about the corneal portion. A scleral portion is located radially about the substrate. The device is at least partially degradable and comprises a therapeutic compound. At least a portion of the scleral portion is configured to overlay, and deliver the therapeutic compound to, a diseased ocular tissue located adjacent to the cornea of a patient.

Abstract: A method of accessing a target site within the brain of a patient, through the skull of the patient, with an expandable cannula.

Abstract: Devices, kits, and methods for (a) determining the presence and/or concentration of at least one analyte(s) of interest present in a patient's fluid sample and devices and methods of calibration related thereto, and (b) preventing, mitigating, and/or eliminating biofouling of an indwelling, wearable biosensor are disclosed and/or claimed herein.

Abstract: A dual-needle syringe capable of preventing infection, including: an infusion needle shaft (3) configured to aspirate a liquid from a drug container (30); an injection needle shaft (5) having a sharp point of one end inserted into a body, and the other end connected to the syringe (10), through which the liquid filled in the syringe (10) is injected into a body; a hub barrel (7) engaged to a barrel (15) of the syringe (10) to infuse the liquid, which is aspirated from the drug container (30) through the infusion needle shaft (3), into the syringe (10) through the injection needle shaft (5), the hub barrel having an infusion needle shaft hub (21) and an injection needle shaft hub (23) which can be separated from each other before the liquid is injected; and a filter (9) configured to filter foreign substances contained in the liquid.

Abstract: Provided are a method of applying a microneedle array, and a patch or an assistant tool used therefor. When skin is to be stretched and punctured with microneedles, the microneedle array can be prevented from detaching from the skin by providing adhesive layers, with the microneedle array therebetween, in a direction different from the direction in which the skin is stretched. Additionally, the application method can be appropriately implemented by producing a patch or an assistant tool having a rigid flat plate. As a result, the microneedle array can be punctured more accurately with less stress.

Abstract: The active introducer sheath systems disclosed herein are expanded by activating a translation mechanism at the handle. The sheath has an inner cylindrical structure of comingled fixed and mobile elongate rods bound together by an attachment line. Activating the translation mechanism causes the mobile rods to move axially with respect to the fixed rods, changing the internal tension in the attachment line. Increased tension draws the fixed and mobile rods closer together, decreasing the diameter of the cylindrical structure. Decreased tension in the attachment line enables the fixed and mobile rods to move apart, increasing the diameter of the cylindrical structure. A prosthetic device, such as a prosthetic heart valve, can be routed through the expanded sheath and to the implantation site. During implantation, the sheath can be contracted back to its original outer diameter, and expanded again for retrieval of the delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A device for percutaneous delivery of therapeutic agents includes a first wheel having an axis of rotation, a first axial surface rotably mounted on the head, a second axial surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of needles disposed upon the outer surface, each needle having a tip projecting away from the axis of rotation of the wheel. The device includes a second wheel having an axis of rotation, a first axial surface affixed to the second axial surface of the first wheel, a second axial surface, an outer surface, and a plurality of needles disposed upon the outer surface, each needle having a tip projecting away from the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A mini syringe includes a tubular base member, a microneedle unit including a microneedle device and a compressible pharmacy housing device and mounted in the bottom side of the base member, a plunger mounted in the base member and pressable to compress the pharmacy housing device, and an adjustment cover threaded onto the base member for controlling the moving distance of the plunger in a micro-adjustable manner.

Abstract: A medical instrument configured to be inserted into a body cavity comprises a body comprises a first probe at a first end, the first probe comprising a first cylindrical portion with a first outer circumferential surface of a first diameter; a first circumferential edge at a distal end of the first probe; a first distal lip projecting outwardly from the first outer circumferential surface beyond the first circumferential edge and extending for at least a part of a circumference of the first circumferential edge; and a first marker lip projecting outwardly from the first outer circumferential surface and extending for at least a part of a circumference of the first outer circumferential surface; wherein the first distal lip is positioned distal to the first marker lip; and wherein the body comprises a hollow cavity to enable a second medical instrument to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A discharger for a fluid includes a housing having proximal and distal ends, a discharge device, the discharge device defining a passage between inlet and outlet openings, a carriage received in an end region of the housing and moveable relative to the housing between starting and discharge positions, in the starting position, the carriage protruding from the proximal end so as to be pushable into the housing and towards the discharge position, and the carriage defining a receiving space to be loaded with a separate container holding a fluid to be discharged, and an activation device configured to establish a flow connection for the fluid from within the receiving space to the inlet opening, the activation device being inoperative when the carriage is in the starting position and with the activation device establishing the flow connection when the carriage is in or being moved toward the discharge position.

Abstract: An ocular implant adapted to be disposed within Schlemm's canal of a human eye with a body extending along a curved longitudinal central axis in a curvature plane, a first strut on one side of the implant and a second strut on an opposite side of the implant, the circumferential extent of the first strut with respect to the plane of curvature being greater than the circumferential extent of the second strut with respect to the plane of curvature. The invention also includes methods of using the implant.

Abstract: An implant is placed in the choroid in the posterior eye segment. The conjunctiva is incised, and an injection needle is inserted between the conjunctiva and the sclera. The tip of the injection needle is advanced to the vicinity of the optic disc along the surface of the sclera. After placing a vitrectomy lens over the cornea so that the eyeground can be observed, the tip of the injection needle that appears white is observed while observing the eyeground through the vitrectomy lens and pressing the sclera using the injection needle. The injection needle is moved to determine an appropriate insertion position of the implant in the vicinity of the optic disc, and is inserted diagonally into the sclera. The tip of the injection needle is advanced into the choroid, and the implant is inserted into the choroid through the tip opening formed at the tip of the injection needle.

Abstract: An improved injector needle apparatus is described with inherent properties for increasing linear flow rates when inserted into a subcutaneous port during tissue expansion thus decreasing procedure time.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a radiopharmaceutical and, in some embodiments, delivery of a pharmaceutical agent are described herein. Various other components for delivery systems including tubing management systems, primer caps, diffusion chambers, radiation shields and syringe shields, and other devices and methods are also described.

Abstract: A device for treating the skin comprises a handpiece assembly having a distal end and a proximal end and a tip on the distal end of the handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly includes a fluid delivery conduit, a waste conduit and/or an energy delivery conduit. Further, the tip is configured to contact the skin. The tip comprises a peripheral lip and a plurality of needles generally positioned within the peripheral lip. The tip also comprises at least one opening in fluid communication with a fluid delivery conduit, at least one opening in fluid communication with a waste conduit and/or an energy contact point in electrical communication with an energy contact point and energy conduit in the main body portion. The plurality of needles may be movable with respect to the peripheral lip through the use of a pneumatic or other force.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter, an introducer having a first member and a second member, a locking mechanism coupled to a distal end of the first member and configured to couple the introducer to a peripheral intravenous line, and an actuator coupled to the catheter. The actuator is configured to move from a first configuration, in which the catheter is disposed within the introducer, toward a second configuration to move the second member to a distal position relative to the first member. A portion of a guide of the second member being distal to the first member when the second member is in the distal position. The actuator is configured to move relative to the second member to be placed in the second configuration when the second member is in its distal position such that the catheter is disposed within and extending past an end of the peripheral intravenous line.

Abstract: A device for generating microbubbles in a gas and liquid mixture and injection device, the device comprising: a housing defining a mixing chamber; means for mixing solution contained in the mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution; a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with the mixing chamber, the needle array including at least one needle; and at least one pressure sensor for measuring tissue apposition pressure, the pressure sensor being mounted on one of the housing and the needle array.

Abstract: A device for chemical endometrial ablation comprising an outer tube, a moveable cervical collar surrounding a portion of the outer tube and located near the distal end of the outer tube, an inner tube movable in a distal-proximal direction within the lumen of the outer tube, a porous and/or sponge-like material on the distal end of the inner tube within the lumen of the distal end of the outer tube having a size, shape, and expandability so that when the distal end of the inner tube within the distal end of the outer tube is moved in a distal direction in relation to the outer tube, the porous and/or sponge-like material expands to the approximate size of a uterus so as to contact the endometrium, a source of cauterizing agent, and means to cause the cauterizing agent to flow through the lumen of the inner tube onto the porous and/or sponge-like material.

Abstract: A cartridge for delivery of a material therefrom which has a corrugated portion to allow for bending/extending to be applied to the device from which a material to be deposited can be dispensed. The bendability and extendibility allow for greater efficiency in use and application of the material into cavities, pockets, and/or crevices where one needs to deposit the material.

Abstract: A muroid nasal device for intranasal delivery of compounds to the olfactory region.

Abstract: To prevent a coating agent applied to the surface of a needle tube from being infiltrated into the clearance between the needle tube and a needle hub, a device comprises a needle tube that has a needle tip capable of puncturing a living body and that is coated with a coating agent on the surface of a tip-end portion on the side of the needle tip; and a needle hub adapted to hold the needle tube in a state where the needle tip of the needle tube is protruded. The needle hub has a through-hole through which the needle tube is inserted, and a discharge hole extending from the through-hole to the outer surface of the needle hub and adapted to discharge the coating agent infiltrated into the through-hole.

Abstract: A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement.

Abstract: A sample liquid supply device includes a container tip into which the sample liquid is introduced, a hollow needle provided at one end of the container tip such that a hollow part thereof communicates with inside of the container tip, and a sealing member that covers an opening from which the sample liquid is introduced, wherein the sealing member has a puncture-sealing property achieved by elastic deformation.

Abstract: A needle device including a housing. The housing includes a first housing element provided towards a proximal end of said needle device and a second housing element provided towards a distal end of said needle device. A cutting element having a sharp proximal end is arranged at a proximal end of said first housing element. A cannula having a blunt proximal end is fitted to the second housing element and an opening for the cannula is provided at the proximal end of the first housing element. The first housing element and the second housing element are moveable relative to each other between an extended position where the proximal end of the cannula does not extend beyond the proximal end of the cutting element and a compressed position where the cannula extends through the opening of the first housing element and past the proximal end of the cutting element.

Abstract: Disclosed are applicators and methods injecting of a liquid anesthetic into a dental patient with no or minimal pain. In accordance with one embodiment the applicator is for intraligamentary injection and includes an elongated, thin member having an open distal free formed of a resilient and somewhat conformable material suitable for producing a substantially fluid-tight interface with the anatomic structures at the gingival sulcus to inject the anesthetic therein. In another embodiment the applicator includes a flexible skirt surrounding a sharpened cannula, with the cannula being movable with respect to the skirt. The skirt is arranged to receive the anesthetic to anesthetize the gum, whereupon the cannula can then pierce the gum to inject the anesthetic into the underlying anatomic structure.

Abstract: A cannula for use in implanting a solid object into living tissue, the cannula retaining the solid object in its interior prior to the execution of the implantation process by means of a structural impediment. The execution of the implantation process circumvents the structural impediment and allows the implant object to move from the cannula into the living tissue.

Abstract: A set of instruments configured to deliver a therapy to a bone can include a cannulated syringe. The cannulated syringe can extend along a longitudinal axis between a proximal and a distal end. The cannulated syringe can have an inner tube and an outer tube that are interconnected at the distal end as a single fixed unit. A first cannulation can be formed along the longitudinal axis of the cannulated syringe within the inner tube and a second cannulation can be formed within an annular space between the inner and outer tubes. The outer tube can define an opening through a sidewall thereof. The cannulated syringe can be closed from fluid communication between the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying an agent to a target site with a malleable tip that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors and a malleable tip with a formable tube that that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors. The malleable tip is configured for passage of fluid therethrough and includes a malleable member. The malleable member is made of a soft metal that is strong enough to retain the shape of the tip after is has been bend into configuration, but soft and weak enough to be easily cut with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or the like. A method for preparing an applicator device that is suitable for applying an agent to a target site during or before an operation, comprising providing an applicator device with a formable tip, forming said tip to a desired configuration and cutting said formable tip to a desired length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors.

Abstract: A regeneration device and method for sealing annular tears between the nucleus pulposus and the annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc. The regeneration device includes a trocar having a sharp tip at a distal end, an inner cavity, and a handle portion attached to a proximal end of the trocar. The device further includes a plunger coupled to a catheter that extends through the inner cavity. The regeneration method includes inserting the trocar into an intervertebral disc via Kambin's triangle, and once the trocar reaches the nucleus pulposus, the catheter is extended alongside the annulus fibrosus wall to surround the nucleus pulposus. A syringe is mounted to the plunger and injects a biochemical, biological and/or synthetic material through multiple ports in the catheter to form a collagen barrier that prevents the nucleus pulposus from protruding through the annulus fibrosus.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50A to about 90A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5A to about 49A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: Systems and methods for administering drugs to a patient, including a syringe system. The syringe system includes a plastic needle coupled to an end of a syringe barrel, the needle including a proximal taper and a distal taper. A cannula assembly is removably coupled to the plastic needle, the cannula including mating surfaces for the proximal and distal tapers of the plastic needle. The syringe system can also include a cannula cover with a first and second end with different sizes to respectively attach to the cannula assembly and the barrel when the cannula assembly is removed. The cannula may have a distal tip cut at an angle to ensure maximum removal of drug from a given vial.

Abstract: A method of coating a microneedle array by applying a coating fluid using a flexible film in a brush-like manner. A method of coating a microneedle array comprising: providing a microneedle array having a substrate and a plurality of microneedles; providing a flexible film; providing a coating solution comprising a carrier fluid and a coating material; applying the coating solution onto a first major surface of the flexible film; performing a transfer step of bringing the first major surface of the flexible film into contact with the microneedles and removing the flexible film from contact with the microneedles; and allowing the carrier fluid to evaporate.

Abstract: An applicator for use in the veterinary medical field for spraying vaccines and other medicaments, biologicals or other liquids and compositions intra-rectally. The applicator has an elongated, hollow tubular body with a connector at its proximal end for connection to a fluid supply and a curved distal end tip with a pair of apertures for dispersing fluid by spraying action.

Abstract: A surgical tool that includes a tip with a smooth, rounded edges and free of any sharp edges. The tip may have pores on its top, but none on the underside of its base. The distal end may have an open port with micro wires that form a Maltese cross shape. The distal end may be instead closed with protrusions spaced from each other by gaps or recesses.

Abstract: An assembly for sealably injecting a fluent material into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the annulus of a spinal disc comprises a cannula having a passageway for injecting the fluent material therethrough into the intradiscal space, a seal having a sealing surface for sealing engagement with the outer surface of the disc annulus and defining a central opening for, and an articulating joint defined between the central opening of the seal and the cannula configured to permit relative articulation between the components. The assembly may further comprise an anchor element extending through the central opening of the seal, the anchor element including an elongated threaded body sized for threaded engagement within the opening in the disc annulus and having a head configured to engage a distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: A nasal flushing device includes a catheter unit, a connecting unit, and an injection unit. The catheter unit includes a catheter body, and the plural of openings formed in the body of the catheter, the catheter body has an open end and a closed end. The connection unit includes a connect part and a combination part. The end of the set of the connect part connecting pipe connected with the open end, opposite the other end of the combination part connection. The injection unit including the combination part syringe connected together, and a putter set in the syringe.

Abstract: Disclosed are a syringe capable of measuring an inner temperature of a patient body and a method of manufacturing the same. In the syringe, a different metal from that of a syringe needle is deposited on an inclined surface of a tip portion of the syringe needle to form a thermocouple junction with the metal of the syringe needle, whereby the region causing pain in a patient body can be diagnosed while allowing administration of medicine thereto, thereby enabling efficient treatment and significantly reducing potential harm due to drug abuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a carrier for injecting a filler product, in particular for microplasty or lipo-reconstruction, comprising a semi-rigid tubular needle (2) having a longitudinal axis with a closed hemispherical distal end and a proximal end (3) for connecting to an injection device, said needle having an inner tubular surface defining an inner transverse cross-section and an outer tubular surface defining an outer transverse cross-section, wherein at least one output side opening (11) is formed in the needle in the vicinity of the distal end. According to the invention, at least one output side opening (11) is defined by a peripheral edge (12) with a rounded connection profile free of any protruding edge, between the inner and outer surfaces of the needle, and the wall of the needle (1) has a thickness, from the proximal end (3) and over a predetermined length of the needle, which is greater than the thickness of the needle which is constant up to the distal end.

Abstract: Apparatus for use with tissue (22) of a subject, including a substance (24) configured to be injected into the tissue, and first and second tissue-squeezing surfaces (20) configured to be placed on first and second sides of the tissue, to exert pressure on the tissue by being moved toward each other in response to a squeezing force (F), and to facilitate injection of the substance into the tissue by releasing the substance in response to application of the squeezing force.

Abstract: Syringes and flushing medical devices are generally discussed herein for withdrawing, injecting, or instilling fluids. More particularly, syringe tips and flushing tip adaptors with multiple flow channels are discussed for flushing vascular access devices. The tips have cut-outs that are located and sized to produce a relatively wider flow profile than a typical syringe tip with a single central lumen to facilitate flushing the vascular access devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, low cross-sectional area configuration, and subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, low cross-sectional configuration and expanded using a radial dilatation device. In an exemplary application, the sheath is utilized to provide access for diagnostic or therapeutic procedures such as ureteroscopy, cardiac electrophysiology, gastroenterology, and spinal access.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter which comprises a base having a container attachment portion on a first side and a needle hub attachment portion on a second side opposite the first side. The adapter includes a puncturing member extending along a first axis for entering a container inserted into the container attachment portion. The adapter includes a channel extending substantially along the first axis from the needle hub attachment portion, through the base and along the puncturing member to an axial outlet at, or adjacent, a tip of the puncturing member. The adapter is configured so that a needle comprising a shaft extending from a hub can be inserted into the adapter such that the hub engages the hub attachment portion and the shaft extends through the base and within the puncturing member.