Flow Control Patents (Class 604/30)
  • Patent number: 7967777
    Abstract: An eye treatment system is configured for performing an ocular surgical procedure and includes an eye treatment probe, a treatment console including a controller, and an eye treatment cassette for coupling the eye treatment probe with the treatment console. The eye treatment probe is configured to provide at least irrigation fluid to, and aspiration of fluid from, a subject eye. The cassette comprises a cassette body, first and second arcuate ramps, and a holding tank. The cassette has an engagement axis along which elements of the cassette are configured to generally engage with mating elements of the treatment console. The cassette's first arcuate ramp is proximal a first fluidics channel configured to form a first volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console. Also the cassette's second arcuate ramp is proximal a second fluidics channel configured to form a second volumetric pump upon engagement with the treatment console.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Craig Edwards, John I. Muri
  • Publication number: 20110144571
    Abstract: A suction device includes an outer tube having an inlet at a first end and an inner suction tube located within the outer tube, the inner suction tube having an inlet at a first end corresponding to the first end of the outer tube. The inlet of the inner suction tube is offset by a distance from the inlet of the outer suction tube, such that the inlet of the inner suction tube is located within the outer suction tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Prabhat K. Ahluwalia
  • Patent number: 7959597
    Abstract: An irrigation and aspiration system is disclosed. The system can be configured to aspirate and irrigate alone, sequentially or concurrently. The system can be configured to aspirate and irrigate the nasal cavity. The system can be manually controlled. The system can have removable and easily cleanable reservoirs for aspirant and irrigant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Aardvark Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Peter Christensen Baker, Clinton N. Slone, Micheal J. Strasser, James Michael Lovette
  • Publication number: 20110130714
    Abstract: A multifunctional device featuring a cartridge having first and second ports; first and second chambers which have outlets disposed at proximal ends connected to tubes that bifurcate to form intake lines and deposit lines, wherein one-way valves are disposed in the intake and deposit lines, wherein pistons are disposed in the chambers which oscillate between moving toward the proximal or distal end, when the piston moves toward the distal end a material can be drawn into the chamber and when the piston moves toward the proximal end the material can be pumped out of the chamber; and wherein the intake lines are formed from bifurcation of a main intake line fluidly connected to the first port; wherein the deposit lines feed into a main deposit line fluidly connected to the second port; wherein the device can pump material from the first port to the second port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Inventor: John F. Wells
  • Patent number: 7947009
    Abstract: A surgical system controls a fluid and includes an irrigation line and a first fluid vessel for holding the irrigation fluid. The irrigation line connects the first fluid vessel to a handpiece. An aspiration input line connects a suction pump to the surgical handpiece and permits the suction pump to draw fluid through the surgical handpiece. A pressure sensor detects the pressure of the fluid in the aspiration input line. An aspiration output line connects the suction pump to a collection vessel to permit fluid from the suction pump to be conducted into the collection vessel. A second fluid vessel accommodates irrigation fluid therein and an aspiration ventilation line connects the second fluid vessel to the aspiration input line. A venting valve in the aspiration ventilation line is switchable in dependence upon the fluid pressure in the aspiration input line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Surgical GmbH
    Inventors: Christoph Kübler, Michael Eichler, Tobias Maier
  • Publication number: 20110118659
    Abstract: A multi-port syringe assembly that allows fluid to be drawn into or injected out of the assembly. For example, the assembly may include one syringe that is used to aspirate fluid from a patient and another syringe to inject a medical fluid into the patient. As one medical application, the first syringe can withdraw fluid from a patient and the second syringe can be used to inject a steroid into the patient. The assembly may include a third syringe so that a second medical fluid can be injected into the patient. With a three syringe assembly an anesthetic can be injected into the patient before aspiration of fluid. Alternatively, the assembly may have a two-way valve located in the first proximal channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Armand Maaskamp, Asim Syed, Ryan Maaskamp
  • Patent number: 7938809
    Abstract: A hemostasis valve apparatus having a quick release apparatus that allows for the exchange of guidewires and other medical instruments into a patient's vasculature while controlling the flow of blood during the exchange. The quick release capability allows tools and instruments to be introduced and removed from the patient's body in a quick and efficient manner without requiring undue attention or manipulation. The quick release capability comprises a lever mechanism which selectively seals or unseals a lumen of the hemostasis valve apparatus. The hemostasis valve apparatus can include a supplemental securement valve assembly which provides a secondary mechanism to secure an instrument positioned in the hemostasis valve and/or control the flow of blood from during the procedure. According to yet another aspect, the quick release mechanism allows for access to the lumen of the hemostasis valve apparatus when the quick release mechanism is in both a released and secured position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2011
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Fred P. Lampropoulos, Brian W. Stevens
  • Patent number: 7931642
    Abstract: Infusion pump for the delivery of a quantity of a medicament to the body of a patient determinable by means of an electronic control device, the pump being provided with a computer for calculating the maximum permitted administration quantity for each case as a function of the previously delivered quantity and with a blocking device for preventing further administration of the medicament on exceeding a predetermined, permitted maximum value, in which the computer determines the quantity or concentration of the active substance in the body of the patient resulting from the delivered medicament quantity and its breaking down in the body and compares it with the predetermined maximum value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Codman Neuro Sciences Sarl
    Inventor: Jan G. Tonnies
  • Publication number: 20110092891
    Abstract: A surgical cassette arrangement is provided. The arrangement includes a flow selector valve configured to operate with a handpiece to selectively irrigate and aspirate fluid with respect to an ocular region. The flow selector valve includes at least three ports, with one port fluidly connectable to the handpiece. The arrangement further includes a reservoir fluidly connected to a second port of the flow selector valve via a first flow segment and configured to receive fluid from the flow selector valve, and a collector fluidly connected to a third port of the flow selector valve via a second flow segment and configured to receive fluid from the flow selector valve and from the reservoir. The flow selector valve selectively controls irrigation and aspiration flow to the handpiece and ocular region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Applicant: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: James Gerg, Rob Raney
  • Publication number: 20110092896
    Abstract: A surgical system (1) for controlling a fluid includes an irrigation line (3), which is connected at one end to a first fluid vessel (2) for holding irrigation fluid (21) and is connected at another end to a surgical handpiece (4). The irrigation fluid (21) can be delivered at a first pressure (p1) to the handpiece (4). The surgical system further includes an aspiration inlet line (7), a second fluid vessel (15) for holding irrigation fluid (22), an aspiration venting line (14), which connects the second fluid vessel (15) to the aspiration inlet line (7), a venting valve (17), which is provided in the aspiration venting line (14) and which can switch in dependence on the fluid pressure in the aspiration inlet line (7) and/or irrigation line (3). The second fluid vessel (15) is connected to a pneumatic pressure system (23) with which the fluid (22) in the second fluid vessel (15) can be subjected to a second pressure (p2) that is higher than the first pressure (p1) in the first fluid vessel (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Christoph Kuebler, Martin Kraus, Michael Eichler, Tobias Maier
  • Publication number: 20110087161
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for providing spongy bone with bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material, wherein at least one perforating device (4) is provided for making at least one hole (5) in the spongy bone (1) and wherein at least one flushing or rinsing device (6) is provided for flushing or rinsing the hole (5) with a rinsing agent (7). At least one vacuum source (9) is provided for generating a vacuum in the hole (5) in the spongy bone (1) for sucking and/or facilitating insertion or feeding of the bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material (3) into said spongy bone (1). The invention also relates to bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material and methods in connection with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventors: Lars LIDGREN, Torgny Lundgren, Pär Arvidsson, Sven Jönsson
  • Patent number: 7922911
    Abstract: Systems and methods relating to dialysis therapy, particularly continuous flow dialysis therapy, are provided. The present invention includes a single closed fluid path along which a minimal amount of therapy fluid including dialysate is fed into, continuously circulated and cleaned such that a therapeutic effective amount of solutes, excess water and the like can be removed from the patient connected to the closed fluid loop during treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventor: Brian R. Micheli
  • Publication number: 20110082417
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for providing spongy bone with bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material, wherein at least one perforating device (4) is provided for making at least one hole (5) in the spongy bone (1) and wherein at least one flushing or rinsing device (6) is provided for flushing or rinsing the hole (5) with a rinsing agent (7). At least one vacuum source (9) is provided for generating a vacuum in the hole (5) in the spongy bone (1) for sucking and/or facilitating insertion or feeding of the bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material (3) into said spongy bone (1). The invention also relates to bone substitute and/or bone reinforcing material and methods in connection with the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventors: Lars LIDGREN, Torgny LUNDGREN, Pär ARVIDSSON, Sven JÖNSSON
  • Patent number: 7918827
    Abstract: Seal assemblies are provided, comprising a seal holder including a cylindrical wall portion having a tapered distal portion, wherein the cylindrical wall portion defines a central passage. The seal assembly comprises a ball seal supported in the central passage of the seal holder. The ball seal includes a distal aperture and a proximal aperture, wherein the distal and/or proximal aperture is dimensioned for substantial sealed reception with a surgical instrument. The ball seal is adapted for angular movement relative to a central longitudinal axis of the seal holder upon angulation of the surgical instrument, whereby the ball seal substantially maintains the seal with the surgical instrument. The seal assembly comprises a seal cover defining an aperture formed in a transverse wall thereof. The seal cover is configured for connection with the seal holder for maintaining the ball seal within the central passage of the seal holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2011
    Assignee: Tyco Healthcare Group LP
    Inventor: Robert C. Smith
  • Publication number: 20110077587
    Abstract: A fluid management system comprising: an access cannula comprising: a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end, and a lumen extending between the distal end and the proximal end; and a septum disposed across the lumen; and a pressure-sensitive valve in fluid communication with the lumen of the access cannula, the valve being connected to the lumen distal to the septum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2010
    Publication date: March 31, 2011
    Inventors: James Flom, Thomas Weisel
  • Patent number: 7905853
    Abstract: A dialysis machine valve manifold assembly includes a plurality of pneumatic valves; a plate including a first side and a second side, the plurality of pneumatic valves mounted to the first side of the plate, the second side of the plate defining a plurality of pneumatic flow paths; and a port header mounted removably to the plate, the port header including a plurality of ports configured to connect sealingly to pneumatic tubing, the ports in fluid communication with the pneumatic valves via the pneumatic flow paths defined in the plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Paul Chapman, Robert W. Childers, Gideon Hecht, Anders Wellings
  • Patent number: 7907985
    Abstract: A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Optiscan Biomedical Corporation
    Inventors: Jennifer H. Gable, James R. Braig, Kenneth I. Li, Mark Wechsler, Peng Zheng, Richard Keenan
  • Publication number: 20110054385
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to an ophthalmosurgical system that includes a first irrigation fluid source. The system also includes a first irrigation fluid line connected to the first irrigation fluid source at a first end and open at the other end. The system further includes an aspiration fluid line, by which fluid can be removed from the ocular lens. In addition, the system includes a suction pump, to which the aspiration fluid line is connected, and a second irrigation fluid source, to which a second irrigation fluid line is connected. The second irrigation fluid line is connected to the first irrigation fluid line at a coupling site. The system also includes a first valve, which is disposed between the first end of the first irrigation fluid line and the coupling site, and a second valve, which is disposed between the second irrigation fluid source and the coupling site.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SURGICAL GMBH
    Inventor: Michael Eichler
  • Publication number: 20110054389
    Abstract: A portable device for cleaning a nasal passage is disclosed that includes: a first receptacle having a first opening and a first stop, a second receptacle, a power driven motor operable to deliver an adjustably continuous flushing pressure to the first receptacle and to provide an adjustably continuous vacuuming pressure to second receptacle. The portable device also includes a first pressure adjusting means operable to control the amount of the flushing pressure, and a second pressure adjusting means, operable to control the amount of the vacuuming pressure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2009
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Christopher Do
  • Patent number: 7896843
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: BioQuiddity, Inc.
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7896864
    Abstract: A vacuum and irrigation wound bandage system is provided for use with a wound. The system includes a vacuum source, an irrigation source, and a bandage positioned adjacent the wound to create a sealed environment around the wound. The vacuum source of the system is in communication with the bandage to create negative pressure between the bandage and the wound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Inventors: Jeffrey S. Lockwood, Robert Petrosenko
  • Publication number: 20110040241
    Abstract: A system for providing access to at least one heart chamber for delivering and/or removing a fluid includes a selectively occludable conduit defining a lumen for providing access to an interior of at least one heart chamber from an exterior of a chest wall of the patient, and a dual lumen cannula adapted for passing through an interior lumen of the conduit. The selectively occludable conduit includes at least one balloon closure for substantially sealing an end of the conduit in fluid communication with the chamber of the heart. The dual lumen cannula includes a first, drainage lumen having at least one aperture for removing a fluid from the interior of the heart chamber, and a second, delivery lumen for delivering a fluid into the interior of the heart chamber. The delivery lumen may include an extendable infusion sleeve for delivering a fluid into an interior of the heart.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2009
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Inventors: Dongfang Wang, Joseph B. Zwischenberger
  • Publication number: 20110009811
    Abstract: A valve comprises a flexible member including a slit formed on a central portion thereof and a first housing defining a first lumen extending therethrough, the first housing including a first contacting surface adapted, when the slit of the flexible member is aligned with the first lumen, to contact a first side of the flexible member the first housing defining a relief area extending about a perimeter of the first contacting surface radially outside the central portion relative to a longitudinal axis of the first lumen in combination with a second housing adapted to mate with the first housing with a second lumen defined by the second housing aligned with the first lumen and separated therefrom by the flexible member, the second housing including a second contacting surface which, when the first and second housings are mated to one another in an operative configuration with the flexible member pinched therebetween, contacts a second side of the flexible member opposite the first side thereof along the longit
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2009
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: Navilyst Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen C. MILLER
  • Patent number: 7867191
    Abstract: To provide an irrigation/aspiration apparatus by which a trouble for an operator is reduced and handling is facilitated and which is capable of preventing a sharp decrease of pressure of an anterior chamber with a simple constitution. The apparatus has a chamber storing an irrigation liquid, a vent tube for making the liquid flow into an aspiration tube, a leading vent leading the liquid into the chamber from an irrigation tube, an outflow pipe extended in an up-and-down direction, an opening formed on a wall of the outflow pipe, of which a width is narrow and set such that an opening is closed by the liquid under surface tension when a liquid level of the liquid inside the chamber rises, an outflow vent to which the irrigation tube or a vent tube is connected, and an air chamber which is a space provided above an inflow hole of the outflow pipe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Nidek Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Nobuo Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7862534
    Abstract: Infusion system configurations and assemblies facilitate routing of infusion circuit tubing lines. Tubing lines are routed into and out from compartments of a shielding assembly for the infusion system, at locations which prevent kinking and/or crushing of the lines, and/or provide for ease in assembling the circuit. A plurality of the lines may be held together by a support frame to form a disposable infusion circuit subassembly, that can further facilitate routing of the lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2011
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: Charles R. Quirico, Ernest Balestracci, Daniel Darst, Eric J. Krause, Vishal N. Lokhande, Jacob S. Childs
  • Patent number: 7850680
    Abstract: An infusion source provides for a fluid supply and an irrigation line interconnecting the fluid supply with an irrigation lumen of an ocular handpiece. An accumulator is disposed in fluid communication with irrigation line and the irrigation lumen includes an expandable wall for enabling accumulation of fluid within the tubular member during occlusion of the aspiration lumen, and enhanced flow of the fluid of the irrigation lumen upon clearing of the occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Abbott Medical Optics Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Kadziauskas, Tom Sutton
  • Publication number: 20100312175
    Abstract: A compact, low-profile fluid dispensing device for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as, antibiotics, analgesics and like medicinal agents from the novel bellows-type device reservoir. The dispensing device includes a novel actuating mechanism controllably delivering to the patient the medicament contained within the device reservoir. Further, the device includes a pair of spring members of novel design that are housed within generally oval-shaped housing and function to provide the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2010
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Joshua W. Kriesel
  • Patent number: 7846131
    Abstract: An administration feeding set for use with a flow control apparatus to deliver fluid from at least one fluid source to a patient. The feeding set includes tubing adapted to extend from the fluid source for flow of fluid through the tubing from the fluid source toward a patient. A locating finger projects outwardly from the tubing and is positioned on the tubing so that when received on the flow control apparatus in an operating position the finger permits a locating member of the flow control apparatus to close. However, when the tubing is received on the flow control apparatus in a non-operating position the finger does not permit the locating member to close thereby to verify whether the tubing is in the operating position on the flow control apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventors: Joseph A. Hudson, James Harr, Joel T. Wiesner, Scott Kimsey
  • Publication number: 20100305496
    Abstract: The invention relates to a flow limiter (8) for a fluid flowing in an aspiration branch of a surgical system. which fluid is a surgical fluid and has emulsified particles in a surgical intervention, with a limiter element (81) that comprises at least one flow channel arrangement (9a) with at least one main channel (811) and at least one subsidiary channel (812) that opens into the main channel at an angle of greater than or equal to 90°. The invention also relates to a surgical system, in particular an ophthalmic microsurgical system for lens surgery.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: CARL ZEISS SURGICAL GMBH
    Inventors: Christoph Kuebler, Martin Kraus, Michael Eichler, Tobias Maier
  • Patent number: 7819837
    Abstract: A flow control device includes a housing having a motor chamber and a pump chamber. The motor chamber has an outlet for communication with a fluid collection device, and an inlet for communication with an aspiration line through which fluids are delivered into the motor chamber. First and second motor rotors are rotatably disposed in a flow path between the inlet and the outlet in the motor chamber, and a drive shaft is coupled to the first motor rotor. The pump chamber has an outlet for infusing fluid to a surgical site, and an inlet through which infusion fluids are delivered into the pump chamber. First and second pump rotors are rotatably disposed in a flow path between the inlet and the outlet in the pump chamber, where the first pump rotor is coupled to the drive shaft. The drive shaft drives the pump rotors at the same speed as the motor rotors, such that any surge in aspiration flow induces a similar surge in infusion flow.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Bausch & Lomb Incorporated
    Inventor: Douglas E. Music
  • Publication number: 20100268156
    Abstract: The invention relates to a medical device that is in the form of a catheter (3) for supplying fluid to but in particular removing fluid from body cavities. The catheter head (1) on the proximal end (4) comprises an inlet (5) that is provided with one or more sealing and/or blocking elements (6, 7) and that is used to introduce a hollow or Verres needle (18) into the catheter (3). In the region between the sealing or blocking element(s) and the region of the catheter shaft (2) that is introduced into the body, a branch connection (8 ) is arranged, said branch connection being connected to a suction pump arrangement (10) via a branch tube (9 ). Said branch tube (9) leads to a suction valve (11) that enables a fluid to flow in the direction of the suction device, but blocks the flow in the counter direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Walter Milacek, Christian Sabeff
  • Publication number: 20100262071
    Abstract: An implantable device for providing one-way flow of air through a lumen in a human lung to reduce the volume of air trapped in a diseased portion of the lung by occluding the lumen to prevent inhalation while permitting expiration out of the diseased portion. The implantable device is deployable in the lumen with a catheter. The device comprises an umbrella-shaped, one-way valve. The valve is collapsible for containment within a catheter and expandable in situ when deployed to occlude the lumen. The valve defines a longitudinal axis and comprises a plurality of metal struts, a resilient membrane, and a central post. The device further comprises an anchor for securing the implantable device within the lumen. The anchor comprises a tapered distal end for penetrating the wall of the lumen, and a planar member positioned to limit advancement of the anchor into the lumen. The implantable device further comprises a mechanism connecting the one-way valve to the anchor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Inventors: James Kutsko, Seung Yi, Clinton Lee Finger
  • Patent number: 7799337
    Abstract: Methods, kits, apparatus, and compositions for inhibiting a cerebral neurovascular disorder, a muscular headache, or cerebral inflammation in a human patient are provided. The methods comprise intranasally administering to the patient a pharmaceutical composition comprising a local anesthetic, and preferably a long-acting local anesthetic ingredient. A composition useful for practicing the methods of the invention is described which comprises at least one local anesthetic in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, wherein the composition is formulated for intranasal delivery. Cerebral neurovascular disorders include migraine and cluster headache. Muscular headaches include tension headaches and muscle contraction headaches. A kit comprising the composition and an intranasal applicator and a method of systemically delivering a pharmaceutically active agent to an animal are also included in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventor: Bruce H. Levin
  • Patent number: 7785287
    Abstract: The fluid control device is attached to tubes carrying irrigation solution to form the system. The control device splits the flow through a fiber optic scope and a fluid control unit. The fluid control unit controls rate of flow and direction. The flow of fluid into the joint, out of the joint, or no flow is easily controlled by the operator. The device also allows more than one inflow, useful when using suction or suction shaving devices. The increased flow prevents collapse of a joint space and maintains clear visualization. The fluid flow relies on gravity by having a fluid reservoir positioned at a high point in the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Inventor: Alan M. Reznik
  • Patent number: 7776006
    Abstract: A medical fluid pumping system includes a medical fluid pump; a first pressure chamber connected fluidly to the medical fluid pump; a second pressure chamber connected fluidly to the medical fluid pump; first and second pressure sensors connected operably to the first and second pressure chambers, respectively; and at least one processor operable with the pressure sensors to calculate a volume of gas in the medical fluid pump prior to a pump-out stroke using a reading from the first pressure sensor after exposing the pump to gas pressure from the first pressure chamber and to use the calculated volume of gas in combination with a known volume of the second pressure chamber and a pressure decay reading taken via the second pressure sensor during the pump-out stroke to calculate at least one volume of fluid pumped during the pump-out stroke.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Peter A. Hopping
  • Publication number: 20100198139
    Abstract: A catheter (200) for insertion into a hollow viscus of a subject, comprising: a drainage opening (204) and an instillation opening at a distal end an inlet port (209) at a proximal end for instilling a fluid; an outlet port (205) at the proximal end for draining fluid from the viscus; a drainage channel (201) connecting the drainage opening to the outlet port; an instillation channel (211) connecting the inlet port to the instillation opening; a valve (223) proximate the drainage channel at the distal end for closing it against the entry of fluid from the viscus; a valve control port (220) at the proximal end for receiving a control fluid under pressure; and a control channel (222) connecting the valve control port to the valve such that the valve is responsive to admitted control fluid under pressure to close itself.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Scott Glickman
  • Patent number: 7766658
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting or diagnosing diseases by sampling and testing intra-oral fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Align Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert E. Tricca, Benjamin M. Wu, Chunhua Li, Eric Kuo
  • Patent number: 7766859
    Abstract: A self-occluding catheter includes a body portion for connection to extracorporeal equipment. An elongated tubular extension is provided for insertion into a body cavity. The body portion includes a resiliently biased spool supported therein which is slidable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting and stopping the flow of blood through the catheter during a given medical procedure. The biasing device for resilient biasing the spool preferably comprises one or more magnets fixed within the body portion which generate a magnetic force for urging the magnetically polarized spool to its closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Navilyst Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael R. Sansoucy
  • Publication number: 20100185140
    Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing tissue, including the internal and external tissues of the heart, are disclosed. At feast some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the tissues surrounding the heart to facilitate myocardial infarct healing and border zone reinforcement. In at least one embodiment, a suction/infusion catheter is used to provide localized suction to an area of myocardial infarct. In another embodiment, a suction infusion catheter is used to deliver a glue-like substance and magnetic cells to a myocardial infarct border zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2008
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventors: Ghassan S. Kassab, Jose A. Navia, SR.
  • Patent number: 7758539
    Abstract: A vacuum pump capable of pumping solid, liquid and gas, or any combination thereof, including a drive (40) and a manually disengageable pumping system connected thereto. The pumping system is composed of a two- or three-chambered canister (1, 18, 21) within which solids, liquids, and gases can be separated from one another. A highly flexible diaphragm (24), attached to the canister and sealed against it circumferentially, facilitates this separation, when reciprocating and pumping. The components of the pumping system are designed to be disposable, and the two- or three-chambered canister provides for a highly efficient pumping system that is significantly smaller in size than those previously known. The pump is particularly useful for medical applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Carmeli Adahan
  • Patent number: 7740612
    Abstract: Self-injection system allows a user to inject a drug from a cartridge carrying unique identification information, into any one of a plurality of injection sites. Tissue at each injection site is associated with at least one injection parameter, such as flow-rate, that is different for each site. A scanner reads the identification information of the cartridge and cooperates with a central processing unit to determine the validity of the drug in order to permit an injection procedure to commence. The central processing unit has a memory for storing the different injection parameters and controls a drive unit for driving fluid from the cartridge and through a needle into the selected tissue, at the injection parameter that is associated with the user selected tissue for the injection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Milestone Scientific, Inc
    Inventor: Mark N. Hochman
  • Publication number: 20100152647
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a cartridge assembly. The cartridge assembly includes an inflow cartridge and an outflow cartridge removably coupled to the inflow cartridge. An outflow cartridge and a surgical fluid management system are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: Smith & Nephew, Inc.
    Inventors: Cemal Shener, Brian Loreth, Petter Hedstrom, Guy Checketts
  • Publication number: 20100137784
    Abstract: A one-way valve comprises a seat and a membrane having an inner portion that is stretched over the seat, wherein, in use, the inner membrane portion is selectively deflected from the seat such that a fluid path is created from one side of the membrane to the other so as to open the valve, and wherein an outer peripheral portion of the membrane is stiffer than the inner portion such that the membrane deflection is substantially restricted to only the inner portion. The one-way valve may be used in a pump for an infusion system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: Cellnovo Limited
    Inventors: Joseph John Cefai, Julian Llewellyn Shapley
  • Patent number: 7722559
    Abstract: A gas supply apparatus measures a first pressure inside a first body cavity of a specimen and a second pressure inside a second body cavity of the specimen. The gas supply apparatus regulates a pressure of a predetermined gas based on the measured first and second pressures inside the first and second body cavities so that the first and second pressures reach predetermined first and second pressure settings, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2010
    Assignee: Olympus Corporation
    Inventors: Takefumi Uesugi, Daisuke Sano, Atsuhiko Kasahi, Kenji Noda
  • Patent number: 7717871
    Abstract: A system, including catheter apparatus, and related method for performing site specific therapy. The catheter apparatus can include one or more semipermeable microcatheters for use in performing site specific microdialysis. The system and method are particularly suited for use in addressing cerebral edema by affecting the osmolar relationship between fluids making up the brain tissue. Also disclosed is an apparatus having a delivery/recovery mechanism in the form of a pump reservoir and one or more catheters in the form of semipermeable microcatheters, for use in delivering and/or recovering fluid to and/or from a tissue site or for performing tissue engineering outside of the body. The apparatus can be used in a method to perform site specific microtherapy, including for the treatment of avascular necrosis, compartment syndrome, cerebral edema, and to improve skin flap survival in the course of reconstructive surgery.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: Twin Star Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Rick Mathew Odland
  • Patent number: 7708714
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing audio, visual and/or tactile feedback during assembly of two mating medical fluid connectors and a retention force are provided. The invention includes a first connector defining a first lumen and a second connector defining a second lumen. The first and second connectors are threaded together to enable the first lumen to initially communicate fluidly with the second lumen after the first and second connectors are engaged. The first connector defines a first engaging member and the second connector defines a second engaging member, the engaging members mating to provide (i) feedback indicating that a mating of the first and second connectors is at least substantially complete and (ii) a retention force tending to hold the first and second connectors together. An improved apparatus for releasing a sealed disinfectant is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Brian Connell, Rafael A. Castellanos, Bill Griswold, Daniel Marcquenski, Scott Ruddell, Timothy Seese
  • Patent number: 7704236
    Abstract: This distribution device comprises a syringe body (30), a distributor (32), a feed tube (56) for a first active medical fluid opening into the syringe body (30), a tube (60) for the injection of this active fluid connected to a distal extremity (46) of the syringe body (30), a pressurized tube (64) designed to be connected to a patient through a pressurized line (12) and a tube (66) for the measurement of venous or arterial pressure. The pressurized, injection and measurement tubes open into a chamber (62) bounded within the body (32B) of the distributor (32). The device (2) comprises a flush tube (68) which is at least partly bounded by the body (32B) of the distributor (32), which opens into the chamber (62) and is fitted with a valve (70, 80) which can be operated manually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: SEDAT
    Inventor: Pascal Denolly
  • Publication number: 20100100034
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the preparation of a treatment machine for the treatment of a medical liquid comprising a coupling surface with actuators, with a cassette comprising a hard part with liquid-conducting passages which are covered by a flexible film being able to be coupled to the coupling surface of the treatment machine so that the actuators can control the liquid flow in the liquid-conducting passages by pressing the flexible film down into the cassette. In this connection, a switch is made after the setting up of the treatment machine and before the start of treatment into a stand-by mode in which the actuators are alternately moved to relieve the flexible film. It is possible for the first time by the stand-by mode before the start of treatment in accordance with the invention to completely uncouple the time-consuming setting up of the treatment machine from the treatment itself in a time aspect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2008
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Inventor: Joachim Wich-Heiter
  • Publication number: 20100100181
    Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicant: ACCLARENT, INC.
    Inventors: Joshua Makower, John Y. Chang
  • Patent number: 7678070
    Abstract: A system for distending body tissue cavities of subjects by continuous flow irrigation during endoscopic procedures, the system including: a fluid source reservoir containing a non viscous physiologic fluid meant for cavity distension; a fluid supply conduit tube connecting the fluid source reservoir to an inlet port of a variable speed positive displacement inflow pump and an outlet port of the said inflow pump being connectable to an inflow port of an endoscope instrument through an inflow tube for pumping the fluid at a controlled flow rate into the cavity, the flow rate of the said inflow pump being termed as the inflow rate; an inflow pressure transducer being located anywhere in the inflow tube between the outlet port of the inflow pump and the inflow port of the endoscope; an outflow port of the endoscope being connectable to a waste fluid collecting container via a waste fluid carrying tube, and characterized in that an active inflow pressure pulsation dampening means is connected to the inflow tube f
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Atul Kumar, Alka Kumar