Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed, and which may be used in a glaucoma implant (490). One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58).

Abstract: Various embodiments of MEMS flow modules that may be disposed in a flow path (296) of a shunt (290) are disclosed, where the shunt (290) may be used to control a flow out of an anterior chamber (284) of an eye (266). One such MEMS flow module (58) has a tuning element (78) and a lower plate (70). A plurality of springs or spring-like structures (82) interconnect the tuning element (78) with the lower plate (70) in a manner that allows the tuning element (78) to move either toward or away from the lower plate (70), depending upon the pressure being exerted on the tuning element (78) by a flow through a lower flow port (74) on the lower plate (70). The tuning element (78) is disposed over this lower flow port (74) to induce a flow through the MEMS flow module (58) along a non-linear (geometrically) flow path.

Abstract: Various MEMS filter elements or modules are disclosed. One such MEMS filter module (34) includes a first film (70) and a second film (46) that are spaced and interconnected by a plurality of supports (78). A plurality of first flow ports (74) extend through the first film (70), and a plurality of second flow ports (50) extend through the second film (46). A plurality of annular filter walls (54) extend from the second film (46) toward the first film (70), and are separated therefrom by a filter trap gap (58). A filter trap chamber (62) is disposed on each side of each filter trap gap (58). Therefore, fluid will flow into one filter trap chamber (62), through a filter trap gap (58), and into another filter trap chamber (62), whether the flow is introduced into the filter module (34) through the first flow ports (74) or the second flow ports (50).

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a feature on a needle. In particular, a hollow, metal cannula has a first end, a second end and a substantially constant outer diameter extending over at least a portion of its length. An annular metal sleeve is provided that has a proximal shoulder and a distal shoulder. The length of the annular sleeve is less than the length of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. The sleeve has an inner diameter approximately equal to or less than the outer diameter of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. Two edges extend axially along the length of the sleeve, from the proximal shoulder to the distal shoulder, thereby defining a slit. The sleeve is positioned on the cannula at the constant outer diameter portion in an interference fit. An additional mechanical junction may be provided to secure the sleeve to the cannula.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly with a needle shield is provided. The needle shield includes a means for preventing unwanted distal movement of the needle once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield. The needle shield also includes a means for connecting the needle shield to the catheter hub until the sharp distal tip of the introducer needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield. Thus, when the distal end of the introducer needle extends from the distal portion of the needle shield, the needle shield is connected to the catheter hub and when the sharp distal end of the introducer needle is withdrawn into the needle shield, the needle shield is disconnected from the catheter hub.

Abstract: An over-the-needle catheter assembly includes a tube made of a flexible, biocompatible material. The tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion and a catheter tip positioned on the distal portion remote from the proximal portion. A lumen extends through the tube, substantially co-axially with the tube, from the proximal portion, through the distal portion and through to the catheter tip. The lumen cross-section at the proximal portion is larger than the cross-section at the distal portion. A shoulder is disposed in the lumen between the distal portion and the proximate portion. A catheter land, having a predetermined length, is defined as the portion of the lumen disposed in the distal portion of the tube between the shoulder and the distal end. A needle is disposed in the lumen and has a substantially circular cross-section. A discontinuity is located on the needle at a predetermined position with respect to the needle tip.

Abstract: An antimicrobial composition comprising an alcohol in an amount from about 60 to about 95 weight percent of the total composition, a preservative, a cationic cellulose polymer thickening agent, a moisturizer and/or, a cationic emulsifier, and water in an amount from about 6 to about 30 weight percent. The skin disinfecting formulation will not irritate, dry or crack the skin and will provide antimicrobial effectiveness to the skin.

Abstract: The catheter and introducer needle assembly of this invention includes a catheter adapter at its proximal end having a hollow septum disposed therein. The septum preferably is hollow to minimize drag as the introducer needle is removed therefrom. If desired a gel or lubricious material may be disposed in the cavity.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed having wings extending from the catheter adapter wherein each of the wings includes a stiffening member located therein. Each of the stiffening members may also define a means for maintaining the position of the stiffening members during the molding process to ensure that the stiffening member is properly located in the wing.