Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple layer thermoplastic structure of a (1) skin layer selected from the group consisting of polypropylene, ethylene homopolymers having a density of from about 0.930 g/cc to about 0.960 g/cc, and ethylene homopolymers having a density of from about 0.930 g/cc to about 0.960 g/cc blended with an ethylene and a-olefin copolymers having a density less than about 0.930 g/cc, the skin layer having a thickness of greater than about 3.0 mils; (2) a radio frequency susceptible layer adhered to the skin layer, the radio frequency susceptible layer having a dielectric loss greater than 0.05 at 1-60 MHz and at temperatures of ambient to 250° C.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site includes a housing with a flow path therethrough. A first end of the housing carries a pre-slit septum. One form of a blunt cannula, usable with the injection site, carries a locking member. When the pre-slit injection site slidably receives the blunt cannula, the locking member latches to the injection site and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula includes a tube having a tapered distal end region and having elongate discharge slots for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post, an annular barb, and axially oriented grooves.

Abstract: Compositions comprising glutamine in combination with other nutrients, including N-acetyl-cysteine and Vitamins A, C, E are disclosed. Such compositions can be administered for promoting recovery in patients undergoing elective surgery and for treating multiple organ system failure.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency (“RF”) susceptible polymer; and a compatibilizing polymer.

Abstract: A multilayered film (220) suitable for medical uses is coextruded in a machine direction and comprises a first layer (222) defining a pair of peripheral edges (225,227) extending in a direction parallel to the machine direction. The film has a second layer (224) adhered to the first layer (222). The second layer (224) is positioned within the peripheral edges (225,227) defining a stripe (223).

Abstract: Compositions comprising glutamine in combination with other micronutrients, for example, N-acetyl-cysteine, L-arginine, and Vitamins A, C, D, E are disclosed. Such compositions can be administered to enhance recovery of patients with severe trauma, burns, injury, infection and for promoting wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple layer structure (10) for fabricating medical products. The layer structure (10) has a core layer (14) of an ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer having an ethylene content of about 25-45 mole percent, a solution contact layer of a polyolefin positioned on a first side of the core layer, an outer layer (12) positioned on a second side of the core layer opposite the solution contact layer (16), the outer layer (12) being selected from the group consisting of polyamides, polyesters and polyolefins; two tie layers (18)—one of each adhered to the first and second sides of the core layer (14) and positioned between the solution contact layer (16) and the core layer (14) and between the outer layer (12) and the core layer (14), and wherein the structure (10) is produced in a cast coextrusion process.

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for using medical tubing for infusing therapeutic fluids to a patient comprising the steps of: providing a medical tubing having a sidewall of a polymeric blend, the blend having a polymeric material in an amount by weight within the range of 99.999%-90.0%, and an additive in an amount by weight within the range of 0.001%-10%, the tubing having been oriented along a longitudinal axis of the tubing to define a oriented diameter that is less than a diameter of the tubing before orienting; and providing fluid under pressure through the tubing to the patient.

Abstract: Containers and methods for storing medical solutions are provided. More specifically, containers and methods for storing components that are to be admixed together to create a final solution, one of the components comprising a lipid. In an embodiment, a container including an interior defining at least two chambers. The first chamber includes a lipid containing liquid. The second chamber includes a liquid that does not include a lipid. The first and second chambers are separated by an openable seal.

Abstract: A protein-compatible polymer blend made from a water-soluble polymer and a matrix polymer. The glass transition temperature of either the water-soluble polymer or the matrix polymer is greater than the application temperature, i.e., the temperature at which the protein-compatible polymer blend is being used.

Abstract: Synthetic enantiomeric esters are employed as energy substrates for parenteral or enteral nutritional formulations. The substrates are provided in substantially monoisomeric or anomeric forms readily utilized in patient metabolism.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical device of a polymer composition. The composition has a first component obtained by copolymerizing a norbornene monomer and an ethylene monomer, the first component being in an amount from about 1-99% by weight of the composition; and a second component of an ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymer, the &agr;-olefin having 6 carbons, the second component being in an amount from about 99% to about 1% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: The present invention provides a receptacle used in a passive drug delivery system. The receptacle includes first flow path for supplying along a fluid conduit a medical liquid, second flow path for introducing the medical liquid into a container containing a beneficial agent, third flow path for delivering a mixed solution containing the medical liquid and agent, and a guide valve for controlling the flow path by closing or opening the flow path.

Abstract: A multi-layer, flexible, gas-permeable film (10) suitable for forming a cell culture container (20), the film (10) comprising a first layer (12) composed of a polystyrene having a thickness within the range of 0.0001 inches to about 0.0010 inches and, a second layer (14) adhered to the first layer (12) composed of a polyolefin having a thickness within the range of 0.004 inches to about 0.015 inches.

Abstract: A fluid flow rate switching device providing a plurality of precise user selectable flow rates. Generally, the device includes a housing having a port and a plurality of passages. Respectively disposed in each of the passages is a rigid capillary tube for regulating the flow rate of a therapeutic fluid through the passages. Further, a valve is rotatably connected to the housing for operably connecting and disconnecting the port from one or more of the passages.

Abstract: A multiple layer structure comprising a skin layer composed of a polypropylene copolymer with styrene ethylene-butene styrene block copolymer within a range of 0-20% by weight skin layer, and, a radio frequency (“RF”) susceptible layer adhered to the skin layer. The RF layer has a first component of a propylene based polymer, a second component of a nonpropylene polyolefin, a third component of a radio frequency susceptible polymer, and a fourth component of a polymeric compatibilizing agent wherein the radio frequency susceptible polymer is selected from the group consisting of ethylene acrylic acid copolymers, ethylene methacrylic acid copolymers, polyimides, polyurethanes, polyesters, and polyureas.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268).

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition having a first component obtained by copolymerizing a norbornene monomer and an ethylene monomer, the first component being in an amount from about 1-99% by weight of the composition; and a second component of an ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymer, the &agr;-olefin having 6 carbons, the second component being in an amount from about 99% to about 1% by weight of the composition.