Abstract: A method of and apparatus for forming a bag assembly by RF welding. A single source of RF energy is used to generate a high frequency electric field having a first strength between tube-welding electrodes of opposing die members and a second strength less than the first strength between perimeter-welding electrodes of the opposing die members. Respective portions of the bag assembly are subjected to this variable-strength field simultaneously so that the bag assembly is formed in one welding operation. Stand-offs are used in some embodiments to limit penetration of the electrodes into the weld areas.

Abstract: A stylet instrument is positionable within a catheter to facilitate placement of the catheter during a surgical procedure. The stylet instrument has application in a hemodialysis procedure where the catheter is positioned via a subcutaneous tunneling technique. The stylet instrument includes a hub, first and second stylet members extending from the hub and operatively connected to permit positioning within corresponding lumens of a catheter, and securing means associated with the hub to releasably secure the catheter to the hub. The securing means includes at least one locking detent.

Abstract: A compression control unit for a compression device includes a mount on the back of a housing for mounting the compression control unit on a bed unit. The mount includes a securing portion spaced from a back of the housing and lying in a plane generally opposing the back of the housing. The securing portion partially defines a channel for receiving a part of the bed unit to secure the compression control unit to the bed unit. Spaced apart wing portions extend generally upward and laterally outward relative to the securing portion. The wing portions are configured so that fluid tubing secured to an outlet of the compression control unit can be wrapped around the wing portions when the compression control unit is mounted on the bed unit.

Abstract: A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body includes an S-shaped bladder with at least first and second spaced apart sections in fluid communication. At least one opening is formed between the first and second sections. The at least one opening may a single opening extending along a majority of a length of the first and second sections. The at least one opening may be a plural of openings. At least one opening may be formed between the second section and a third section of the bladder.

Abstract: A device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body has an inner face for being placed adjacent to the part of the wearer's body in use and an outer face opposite the inner face. The device includes a pressure applicator to apply compression to the wearer's body part when the device is placed on the wearer's body part. First and second fastener elements are mounted on the device. The second fastener element is adapted for releasably connecting to the first fastener element for use in holding the device on the wearer's body part. A visual indicator associated with the second fastener element is adapted to show where to engage the first fastener element with the second fastener element. The visual indicator is adapted to wear upon repeated connection and disconnection of the first and second fastener elements so that the visual indicator fades over time.

Abstract: In a method of forming a compression sleeve, a wicking layer is provided that is strategically exposed to promote wicking and cooling of the body part acted upon by the sleeve. The wicking layer has a perimeter and a surface area. A bladder segment that defines a bladder has a surface area less than the surface area of the wicking layer. The surface area of the bladder segment is defined by the perimeter of the bladder material, less any openings formed through the bladder material. The wicking layer is secured to the bladder material so that portions of the wicking layer are not overlaid by the bladder material. The bladder segment is welded to the wicking layer along a seamline so that fibers of the wicking layer extend through the seamline and allow fluid wicked by the wicking layer to move through the seamline.

Abstract: A compression garment adapted for placement in a self-retaining configuration on a body part for imparting compression therapy on the body part. The compression garment includes a flexible wrap and a bladder held in use by the wrap for compressing the body part. The wrap includes and inner flap and an outer flap. The outer flap overlaps the inner flap when the garment is in a self-retaining configuration on the body part. A fastener secures the wrap in the self-retaining configuration. When the outer flap overlaps the inner flap, at least a portion of the inner flap is exposed forming a grip for grasping the inner flap when tightening and fastening the garment in the self-retaining configuration.

Abstract: A method for performing a blood assay is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: positioning an acoustic biosensor in fluid communication with a blood vessel of the patient whereby blood from the blood vessel contacts the biosensor. The biosensor includes at least one material adapted to bind to an analyte. The method also includes the steps of detecting a change in at least one of an electrical and mechanical property of the biosensor indicative of a mass change resulting from binding of the at least one material with the analyte and transmitting a real time signal representative of mass change to a display module to provide real time analysis by a clinician.

Abstract: A connector for attaching a flexible tube to a fluid passage of another object includes a housing and a connector port on the body. The connector port is sized and shaped for connecting the connector port in fluid communication with the fluid passage of the object. The connector includes a tube port projecting from the body. The tube port is adapted for fluid communication with the connector port and is sized and shaped for being received in an end of the flexible tube to establish fluid communication with the flexible tube. The tube port includes a tube retainer that projects from the body toward the tube port. The retainer has an engaging end portion disposed in relation to the tube port to engage the flexible tube when the tube port is received in the flexible tube. The flexible tube is restrained from lateral movement with respect to the tube port.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet and a second sheet attached to the first sheet. The first and second sheets define at least one inflatable section. At least one conduit including a textured inner surface on each of the first and second sheets is disposed within the inflatable section.

Abstract: In a method of forming a compression sleeve, flexible bladder layers are secured together to define first and second adjacent flexible sleeve sections. A rigid structural component, such as a tube for delivering air to a bladder of the sleeve or another structure, is secured between the first and second flexible sleeve sections to prevent buckling a movement of the sleeve sections downward when the sleeve is wrapped around a leg the wearer. An inner layer and an outer cover are secured to the bladder layers at a plurality of discrete weld spots to provide further structural support to the sleeve.

Abstract: A triple lumen catheter comprises a transfusion lumen (4), a blood feeding lumen (2) and a blood removing lumen (3). The transfusion lumen (4) has a distal end and a leading end portion (12, 12A), the leading end portion progressively reducing in diameter to a proximal end. A transfusion port (4a) is formed in the proximal end of the transfusion lumen. The blood feeding lumen (2) has a blood feeding port (2a) in a region of the proximal end of the leading end portion, the blood feeding port opening at least partially in an axial direction of the leading end portion. The blood removing lumen (3) includes a pair of blood removing ports (3a, 3b) provided in opposite side walls of the catheter, the blood removing lumen extending from a distal end at least to the blood removing ports.

Abstract: A mold for extrusion molding a medical application tube and the extrusion molding method thereof in which the medical application tube having a complex profile can be molded by using a soft thermoplastic resin. The mold for extrusion molding the medical application tube made of the soft thermoplastic resin provided with flow paths sandwiching the axial portion therein comprises the mold body and the pin including the land portion. The cylindrical rear side mold space for passing the molding material between the inner peripheral surface of the recesses of the mold body and the outer peripheral surface of the pin, and the tip end side mold space including the cross section for forming the medical application tube between the inner peripheral surface of the recess and the land portion of the mold body.

Abstract: A compression sleeve includes an inner layer, an outer cover and first and second bladder layers. The layers define adjacent, generally flexible sleeve sections, where each section includes an inflatable bladder. A rigid structural component is secured to the sleeve and extends between the flexible sleeve sections to prevent the sleeve from buckling and moving downward on the wearer's limb. The inner layer, outer cover and first and second bladder layers are joined together at a plurality of discrete spot welds within an outer perimeter of the inflatable bladder to provide further structural integrity to the sleeve.

Abstract: A compression sleeve is described as having a first sheet, a second sheet attached to said first sheet and defining at least one inflatable section, and at least one conduit disposed within the boundary of the least one of said inflatable sections.

Abstract: A compression device for applying compression treatment to a part of a wearer's body includes bladder material defining at least one inflatable bladder and a breathable wicking layer connected to the bladder. A plurality of openings extend through the bladder material to the wicking layer. A breathable outer cover overlies the bladder. In use, the wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and heat and the moisture is allowed to dissipate through the device through the wicking layer, the openings and the breathable outer cover. A garment includes a sheet of mesh material formed with loops for use in a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The device has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. The device has a convective evaporation resistance of less than about 75. In one example, the device includes a wicking layer for contacting the wearer's skin. The wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and generally moves the moisture to portions of the layer in registration with the openings where the moisture is allowed to evaporate therethrough.

Abstract: A compression device has improved cooling capability. The device includes a wicking layer adapted to move moisture. A portion of the wicking layer is exposed from under bladder material defining a bladder. In use, the wicking layer wicks moisture from the patient's limb and the wicked moisture is able to evaporate through the device at the portion of the wicking layer that is exposed.

Abstract: A circumferential compression sleeve has bladder openings extending through a bladder, making the sleeve generally breathable and comfortable for the wearer. The openings include at least about 4% of a total surface area of the bladder. The device also has a static evaporation rate through the device of at least about 20 mg/minute. In one example, the device includes a wicking layer for contacting the wearer's skin. The wicking layer wicks moisture from the wearer's skin and generally moves the moisture to portions of the layer in registration with the openings where the moisture is allowed to evaporate therethrough.

Abstract: A device for use in applying impulse therapy to a limb of a human body and including an inflatable bladder or pad that has opposing hermetically sealed first and second side walls. The device also includes an inlet tube connected to the inflatable bladder or pad for feeding intermittent pulses of fluid to the inflatable bladder or pad. The inflatable bladder or pad includes a fluid dispersal and noise reducing internal media interposed between the first and second side walls and over an outlet of the inlet tube, the fluid dispersal and noise reducing internal media configured to dissipate the intermittent pulses of fluid with an accompanying reduction in a fluid flow rate and noise generated during pressurization of the inflatable bladder or pad.