Abstract: Certain embodiments provide a vacuum generation system with an override PID controller, a proportional valve, and a vacuum generator. The override PID controller allows the vacuum generation system to control the operating range of supply air pressure that is provided to the vacuum generator. By controlling the operating range of the supply air pressure, the vacuum generation system is able to avoid entering the decreasing or non-monotonic region of the vacuum generator.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a colon or other portion of an intestine include optional use of sensors to detect conditions of blockage of flow of materials within an evacuation channel used to remove fecal material from the body; and devices and methods for purging such blockages from the evacuation channel.

Abstract: An implantable amina cribrosa crossing pressure balance maintainer for constantly balancing the lamina cribrosa crossing pressure difference, an implantation device, and a method for balancing the lamina cribrosa crossing pressure difference. The lamina cribrosa crossing pressure balance maintainer is placed at the lamina cribrosa to balance the lamina cribrosa crossing pressure difference so as to enable the deformed lamina cribrosa to recover or even reverse deformation, so that the tolerance of glaucoma patients to intraocular hypertension is improved, nerve damage caused by the lamina cribrosa crossing pressure difference is relieved and reduced, and primary factors of the glaucoma optic nerve damage are eliminated. New ideas are provided for the treatment of the glaucoma in the middle and advanced periods.

Abstract: A device and methods for treating renal failure are disclosed. One embodiment of the device is an implantable peritoneal dialysis device. When in use, the device can have a semi-permeable reservoir implanted in the peritoneal cavity. The reservoir can receive blood waste and drain through one or more conduits, via a pump, to the biological bladder. Solids and/or a solution benefiting dialysis can be pumped to the reservoir and/or implanted in the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: Provided herein are compositions, systems, and methods for causing weight loss and treating and/or preventing a disease or condition, such as obesity, diabetes, and cancer, with an agent or procedure that inhibits the TMA/FMO3/TMAO pathway in a subject.

Abstract: A blood circuit assembly for a dialysis unit may include an organizing tray, a pair of pneumatic pumps mounted to the organizing tray for circulating blood received from a patient through a circuit including a dialyzer unit and returned to the patient, an air trap mounted to the organizing tray arranged to remove air from blood circulating in the circuit, a pair of dialyzer connections arranged to connect to the inlet and outlet of a dialyzer unit, and a pair of blood line connectors, one inlet blood line connector for receiving blood from the patient and providing blood to the pneumatic pumps and the other outlet blood line connector for returning blood to the patient.

Abstract: This disclosure generally relates to catheters, methods of enhancing the patency of an intravascular catheter and compositions, methods, devices and kits relating to the infusion of a catheter lock solution into an indwelling catheter. Disclosed compositions, methods, devices and kits aid in diminishing the effects of microbial infection in catheters and occlusion of the catheters. A representative lock solution includes about 10% sodium citrate and about 1.5% benzyl alcohol. The solution has a density approximating the density of blood for retention of the solution in a catheter during the lock period.

Abstract: A drug administration controller has a sensor that generates a sensor signal to a physiological measurement device, which measures a physiological parameter in response. A control output responsive to the physiological parameter or a metric derived from the physiological parameter causes a drug administration device to affect a treatment of a person, such as by initiating, pausing, halting or adjusting a dosage of drugs administered to the person.

Abstract: Delivery devices, systems, and methods may be configured to define a barrier region at a treatment site to deliver one or more therapeutic materials. A device for delivering one or more therapeutic materials to a treatment site may include a body; one or more members that are movable with respect to the body and that are configured to define a barrier region at the treatment site; and one or more delivery lumens configured to deliver one or more therapeutic materials to the barrier region.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an inner drainage biomimetic stent for glaucoma. The inner drainage biomimetic stent for glaucoma comprises: a cylinder tube body with a hollow structure, and a plurality of straight tubes, provided inside the hollow structure of the tube body, for supporting a tube wall of the tube body. Proper placement of the inner drainage biomimetic stent for glaucoma can direct an aqueous humour to smoothly flow through an orifice expanded by the biomimetic stent, into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A medical device system may include an elongate shaft having a lumen extending to a distal end of the elongate shaft, wherein a proximal portion of the elongate shaft is configured to disengage from a distal portion of the elongate shaft; a medical device disposed proximate the distal end of the elongate shaft; a release wire disposed within the lumen of the elongate shaft, wherein the release wire releasably attaches the medical device to the distal end of the elongate shaft; and an introducer sheath slidably disposed over the elongate shaft, wherein the introducer sheath is configured to disengage the proximal portion of the elongate shaft from the distal portion of the elongate shaft.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine having a machine housing and having a heating receiver as well as having a plurality of solution bags is provided. The peritoneal dialysis machine furthermore has a hose set which is connected to the solution bags, wherein the plurality of solution bags are arranged in the heating pan and wherein the hose set does not have any heating bag into which the liquid draining from the solution bags runs.

Abstract: This invention provides an ultrasonic guidance method of subacromial bursa, which images subacromial bursa easily under ultrasound through specific positioning with patient's another hand appropriately pushing the elbow joint and allow needle insertion through near-end needle insertion from long axis of supraspinatus tendon. Moreover, the bursal fluid can be positional drained by the specific positioning and ultrasonic detector is moved to a sagittal plane around a greater tubercle of humerus for drawing bursal fluid through near-end needle insertion. As a result, in the invention, it is to medially rotate greater tubercle of humerus as possible to prevent lower margin of scapular bone from blocking the imaging of subacromial bursa and to allow SASD bursal fluid pooling near greater tubercle of humerus.

Abstract: A degradation product produced by degrading a composition containing a hyaluronic acid and a protein with a protease has a pain relieving effect, a joint function ameliorating effect, a cholesterol-lowering effect, a hypoglycemic effect and a diastolic blood pressure-lowering effect.

Abstract: There is provided a method comprising: computing a target nutritional goal to reach at an end of a time interval based on a real time energy expenditure of a patient, wherein the target nutritional goal comprises a volume to be delivered (VTBD) by the end of the time interval corresponding to a target amount of energy expenditure of the patient over the time interval, computing a target feeding profile defining a target feeding rate for enteral feeding of the patient for reaching the VTBD by the end of the time interval, continuously monitoring the real time energy expenditure, adapting the target nutritional goal and corresponding VTBD to compute a maximum VTBD to reach at the end of the time interval according to the monitoring, and dynamically adapting the target feeding rate and the corresponding target feeding profile for a remaining portion of the time interval for reaching the maximum VTBD.

Abstract: Methods for clearing of fecal matter the wall of a colon or other body lumen for diagnostic inspection, the methods being adapted to clearing of fecal matter comprised of particles of various sizes and compositions. Methods are further adapted for application in patients who have undergone a restricted scope of preparation to reduce and/or remediate the particle structure of colon contents, or no preparation at all, before diagnostic inspection.

Abstract: A multiple pulse volume shuttle pump powered by a shape memory alloy (SMA) wire is disclosed. In some embodiments, a shuttle pump system may include a pump chamber, a valve operable with the pump chamber, and a wire coupled to a valve shaft of the valve for controlling a position of the valve. The shuttle pump system may further include a pin disposed within an inset pathway of a cam, wherein the pin is moveable between multiple positions of the inset pathway in response to actuation of the valve shaft.

Abstract: A deaerating device set allows a priming circuit to be deaerated fully automatically using a deaerating unit and a priming control unit, a priming liquid container and preferably a priming pump or a priming compressor. A blood pump is operated in a pulsatile manner during the pumping of a priming fluid.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct, such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct, for example, the right lymphatic duct. A catheter system can be configured to be at least partially implanted within a vein of a patient in the vicinity of an outflow port of a duct of the lymphatic system. The catheter system includes first and second selectively deployable restriction members each configured to be activated to at least partially occlude the vein within which the catheter is implanted and to thus restrict fluid within a portion of the vein. The catheter system includes an impeller configured to be driven by a motor to induce a low pressure zone between the restriction members by causing blood to be pumped through the catheter when the restriction members occlude the vein.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for connecting and disconnecting a tubular fitting connector to a fluid conduit. A cradle assembly accommodates the fluid conduit, and includes a body having a first port and a second port. The first and second ports are disposed at opposite ends of the body, and each port is configured for receiving an end cap of the tubular fitting to fasten or unfasten the end cap for replacement. A connector holder is disposed between the first and second ports, and is configured for accommodating insertion of the connector. A holder assembly is provided for accommodating insertion of the tubular fitting. The cradle assembly is reciprocable relative to the holder assembly for transitioning the cradle assembly between a first position, a second position, and a third position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for transanally introducing an infusion into the rectum or colon of a patient, said device comprising a catheter with a catheter shaft wherein, to ensure the most practicable catheter insertion possible, the catheter shaft is equipped in the proximal, preanal region with gripping depressions to accommodate the fingers gripping the catheter during insertion.

Abstract: A transdermal drug delivery device includes a reservoir, a transdermal membrane, a piston, a control rod, a spring, and a rotational cam. The reservoir is configured to hold a formulation. The transdermal membrane is configured to allow the formulation from the reservoir to pass therethrough. The piston is configured to move into the reservoir. The control rod is attached to the piston and includes a plurality of teeth thereon. The spring is configured to apply force to the control rod in the direction of the reservoir. The rotational cam has a first camming surface and a second camming surface that are configured to engage with the plurality of teeth. The rotational cam, when rotated, is configured to disengage the first camming surface from a first tooth of the plurality of teeth, thereby allowing the spring to advance the piston into the reservoir to expel the formulation onto the transdermal membrane.

Abstract: A system for performing a dialysis treatment includes a dialysis fluid machine; a disposable dialysis fluid carrying member operable with the dialysis fluid machine; and a venting filter provided by the disposable member, the venting filter positioned and arranged to be coupled along with the disposable member to the dialysis fluid machine to perform the dialysis treatment and to vent air from the disposable member.

Abstract: System and components for inducing pleurodesis or other sclerosis or desired adhesion conditions to treat a patient, while minimizing likelihood of tissue damage from direct application of sclerosis-enhancing materials. A tube device is provided that is configured to elute sclerosis-enhancing material and/or other medicaments including autologous or otherwise patient compatible blood and/or blood component(s) via an assembly including fenestrated drainage tube which may be a multi-lumen assembly allowing simultaneous infusion/elution and drainage. The assembly of tube device with outer (typically drainage) tube may include one or more features configured to enhance delivery of medicament and/or drainage through the same assembly.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device (100) for a delivery of a medicament from a container (12) through a cannula (16). The device comprises a chassis (300), a carriage (200), and an insertion spring (70) for biasing the carriage (200) for movement in an insertion direction with respect to the chassis (300) from a starting position in which the cannula (16) is shrouded to an insertion position in which the cannula (16) is extended. A drive mechanism (400) is provided for driving a stopper (22) of the container (12) to expel the medicament. The drive mechanism (400) is carriage by the carriage (200) and comprises a movable drive member (404), a drive means (40) for applying a driving force to the drive member (404), and a force transmission means (406) for transmitting the driving force to the stopper (22). The drive means (40) is arranged around or alongside at least part of the force transmission means (406).

Abstract: A device is provided for shielding a fluid access port structure that is located along tubing that is part of an intravenous (IV) medication delivery system and is configured to permit injection of a fluid into the tubing. The device includes a body having a hollow interior and a first opening formed therein for receiving the fluid access port structure such that a side wall of the body surrounds and extends above the fluid access port structure. The body also includes a second opening through which a fluid delivery member can be inserted to allow mating between the fluid delivery member and the fluid access port structure for delivering the fluid into the tubing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for flow tempering medical irrigation fluids and to a method carried out with the aid of this apparatus.

Abstract: A method and device for performing extracorporeal blood treatment utilizes a first concentrate connection configured to feed a first concentrate into the device as a basis for generating a dialysate, and a second concentrate connection configured to feed a second concentrate into the device as a basis for generating a dialysate. In operation, a first concentrate is fed into the device through the first concentrate connection. The method and device then switch over from feeding the first concentrate into the device through the first concentrate connection to feeding the second concentrate into the device through the second concentrate connection. The switchover step can be performed at a predetermined time during an ongoing blood treatment or after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A closed loop system and methods for pumping harvested fat from a patient donor site to a patient grafting site.

Abstract: OCT-enabled injection for vitreoretinal surgery may involve using an OCT image to detect when a surgical injector penetrates a desired tissue layer of the eye for receiving an injection. The injection may be triggered or automatically actuated based on the detection of the surgical injector from the OCT image.

Abstract: A micro-volume blood transfer device to facilitate the collection of small volumes of clean arterial blood from patients who may be volume restricted for blood loss such as low-birth weight infants.

Abstract: A catheter device having a catheter (24) in which a rotating shaft (25) which is made at least partially from a magnetic material is arranged, and a separating device which contains an annular body (27) surrounding the rotating shaft and having a cavity containing a magnetic body (13?), the magnetic body being arranged downstream from a point at which the shaft (25) exits the catheter (24) which it surrounds with respect to the direction of flow of the fluid through the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring recirculation using thermodilution during extracorporeal blood treatment including a temperature varying unit arranged to cyclically heat and/or cool blood in a venous tube segment of the blood tube system for a quasi-continuous recirculation measurement; and a detecting device configured to measure a variation of a physical parameter resulting from the heating and/or cooling. The detecting device is arranged to detect, in a case free from recirculation, a first physical parameter and to detect, in a case afflicted with recirculation, a physical parameter varied by the cooling and/or heating of the blood by the temperature varying unit as a second physical parameter in the blood tube system. A method for measuring recirculation carries out appropriate steps.

Abstract: The invention relates to an aspiration catheter for the extraction of thrombotic material from blood vessels, with a first and a second lumen, wherein the first lumen is distally provided with an aspiration opening and the second lumen of smaller cross section than the first lumen and extending coaxially in the distal region of the first lumen being provided with a lateral as well as distally located opening, said lateral opening reaching through the wall of the catheter. Within the first lumen a stabilization wire is movably arranged which terminates distally of the lateral opening of the second lumen but proximally of the aspiration opening of the first lumen.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a surgical procedure is provided. The surgical procedure may be a phacoemulsification procedure but other procedures may employ the techniques disclosed. The design includes sensing, within the surgical site, for a material change in fluid flow relative to a predetermined threshold. Upon sensing the fluid flow materially differs from the predetermined threshold, the design temporarily increases aspiration vacuum pressure to the surgical site above a predetermined upper threshold toward a maximum vacuum level. The design applies electrically generated disruptive energy, including but not limited to laser and/or relatively low power ultrasonic energy, to the surgical site from a first point in time measured from when aspiration vacuum pressure is above the predetermined upper threshold to a second point in time where pressure falls below a predetermined lower threshold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides an apparatus that includes a first catheter having a proximal end and a distal end. The apparatus also includes a first tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The first tubular housing is coupled to the first catheter proximal to at least one first outlet. The apparatus also includes one or more pressure sensors coupled to the distal end of the first tubular housing. The apparatus also includes a second catheter having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the second catheter is configured to be positioned substantially within a second tubular housing coupled to one or more of the first catheter and the first tubular housing, when the second catheter is in a first position.

Abstract: A balloon catheter for treating aneurysms or other intraluminal target sites, having at least one bypass window through which blood flows temporarily and out at least one end hole, and a balloon mounted near the end hole, such that there is no need for repeated inflation/deflation cycles. The invention has an elongated tube, a balloon disposed between the most distal said window and said end hole, and at least two channels. A first channel passes from the proximal end of said tube to the bypass window to allow blood to flow into said window and out said end hole, and a second channel passing from the proximal end of said tube to said balloon to allow inflation material to enter said balloon.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter relates to a system and method for delivery of therapeutic agent to the inner ear. The system includes a plurality of micro-needles which can be delivered to the round window membrane by a delivery device, e.g. catheter, and is capable of controlled penetration of the round window membrane to create temporary and self-closing perforations. In some embodiments the micro-needles are hollow with a lumen for local drug delivery into the perforations. In other embodiments the micro-needles are solid and include a coating of therapeutic agent on exterior surface for delivery into the perforations.

Abstract: A method for infusing a liquid into a patient's vasculature in accordance with an infusion protocol is disclosed. For this method, an infusion catheter having a multi-lumen infusion unit that is mounted adjacent the catheter's distal end is positioned in an artery within a predetermined distance from an intended target tissue surface. An inflation balloon is then deployed to at least partially occlude the artery and a force is exerted on the liquid to establish a flow rate for the liquid in the catheter. Specifically, the force is exerted to infuse the liquid from the catheter through the infusion unit and into the vasculature with a homogeneous distribution of the liquid to cover the intended surface of the target tissue. The flow rate can be established in accordance with an infusion protocol that is characterized by time and liquid volume parameters based on viscosity and pressure values in the liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments herein include devices and methods directed toward creating reverse flow within a vessel and thereby providing protection against embolic debris. Embodiments comprise a catheter and a plurality of occluders that are expandable and adjustable within a lumen to create low-pressure areas that reroute blood flow and embolic debris therein.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are steerable catheter assemblies and methods of steering catheters that utilize ball and socket mechanisms to accomplish independent control of catheter flex magnitude and catheter flex direction. Some embodiments include a catheter with two or more pull wires that flex the catheter, a first ball, a socket coupled to the first ball to form a ball and socket assembly, and an adjustment member coupled to the ball and socket assembly, such that the adjustment member is movable axially and rotationally relative to the ball and socket assembly. Two or more pull wires are connected to the socket, and the adjustment member engages the socket such that movement of the adjustment member adjusts the position of the socket relative to the first ball to thereby flex the catheter with the pull wires.

Abstract: A bi-directional cannula for perfusing blood in two directions. The cannula has a distal opening in fluid communication with a cannula first lumen. The cannula has a secondary opening proximal of the distal opening, and may include a movable tubular extension selectively extendable from the cannula via the secondary opening. The tubular extension may be in fluid connection with the cannula first lumen and/or a cannula second lumen. The tubular extension may have distal and/or side openings, with the openings providing antegrade fluid perfusion. The cannula second lumen may be separate from the first lumen, so that perfusion can be selectively provided to just the cannula distal opening, just the secondary opening/tubular extension, or simultaneously to both the distal opening and secondary opening/tubular extension.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly has a forward positioning section, an intermediate storage section, and a rearward operational section. The forward positioning section has an exterior end in a semi-spherical configuration with a forward passageway. The intermediate storage section has a storage chamber for fluid medication whereby the fluid medication may be fed through the forward passageway and out of the exterior end of the forward positioning section. A door in the intermediate storage section facilitates the addition of fluid medication. A piston is in the intermediate storage section. The rearward operational section drives the piston axially within the storage chamber whereby fluid medication in the storage chamber may be fed through the forward passageway and out of the exterior end of the positioning section into the ear of the pet.

Abstract: Devices and methods for draining excess lymph fluid are disclosed. The device can be fixed to the blood vessel adjacent to the thoracic duct. The device can have a port for withdrawing lymph fluid exiting the thoracic duct. The device can have a cannula and/or subcutaneous port to draw the lymph fluid away from the thoracic duct and reduce hemostatic pressure in the lymphatic system.

Abstract: Surgical and percutaneous devices for closing tissue, for example, the left atrial appendage, may have an elongate body with a stiffened proximal portion, a flexible middle portion, a distal portion, a closure element with a loop having a continuous aperture therethrough, and a suture loop. The closure devices may have a malleable member attached to the elongate body that may be configured to retain a curve after a force is applied to the malleable member. System and methods for closing the left atrial appendage may utilize a closure device and a curved guide device, and the closure device and curved guide device may be self-orienting.

Abstract: A system for aspirating thrombus includes a catheter having a supply lumen having a distal end and an aspiration lumen configured to couple to a vacuum source and having an interior wall surface and an open distal end, an orifice at or near the distal end of the supply lumen, in fluid communication with the interior of the aspiration lumen, the orifice located proximally of the open distal end of the aspiration lumen, wherein the orifice is configured to create a spray pattern that impinges on the interior wall surface of the aspiration lumen when a distal end of the aspiration catheter is immersed within an aqueous environment, and a disposable tubing set having a first conduit configured to couple the supply lumen of the aspiration catheter to a fluid source, and a pump component associated with the first conduit and configured to detachably couple to a drive unit.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for ultrafiltration of a patient being overhydrated due to congestive heart failure, comprising a cassette having four inlets/outlets. A patient tube is connected to a patient connector, intended to be connected to a patient line for access to a peritoneal cavity of the patient. The patient tube comprises a flow pump for addition and removal of a peritoneal fluid between the cassette and the peritoneal cavity. The fluid is introduced into an intermittent bag controlled by an intermittent valve and then returned the same way back to the peritoneal cavity. Glucose is metered into the fluid entering the peritoneal cavity by means of a glucose pump. Glucose is replenished continuously or intermittently for keeping a concentration of the osmotic agent substantially constant in the peritoneal cavity. After treatment, the peritoneal fluid is drained to a drain bag, wherein the drain tube comprises a drain valve and an albumin filter.

Abstract: A method and system provide a surgical hand piece including an aspiration line, a tip and a sensor. The tip is coupled with the aspiration line. The sensor is in the aspiration line. The sensor measures a change in at least one of flow through the aspiration line, pressure in the aspiration line and motion of an additional portion of the hand piece within the aspiration line.

Abstract: A method for dilating a stenotic region in an airway of a patient may include advancing a balloon catheter through the airway of the patient to position an inflatable balloon of the catheter within at least a portion of the stenotic region, maintaining a position of the catheter relative to the patient, and inflating the balloon of the catheter to dilate the stenotic region of the airway. A system for dilating a stenotic region in an airway of a patient may include a catheter shaft having an overall length of less than 70 cm, an inflatable balloon disposed along a distal portion of the catheter shaft, and a stylet.

Abstract: A device and method of treating proliferative disorders such as pancreatic cancer are described. Devices comprise an expandable mesh with two axial wings that seal against the inside of an enclosing blood vessel, creating an enclosed diffusion volume in the area subtended by the wings while permitting normal flow in the blood vessel through the ends of the mesh. A coaxial lumen provides for a guide wire, treatment drug tube, one or more flexible hypotubes and optionally electrical wires. The diffusion volume is set by the angle subtended by the wings causing the drug delivery to be radically directed toward a targeted tumor. Iontophoresis and electroporation electrodes on the mesh are used to directionally drive the drug through adjacent tissue and to temporarily increase the permeability of tissue through which the drug flows.