Abstract: A method of using a sterilization wrap system including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the exterior panel being substantially opaque or having a first level of translucence, and an interior panel including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the interior panel having a level of translucence that is higher than the translucence of the exterior panel, the panels being joined together over at least a portion of their surfaces. Also disclosed is inspection of the sterilization wrap system for exterior panel breaches by looking for light passing through a panel facing the viewer.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an endotracheal tube for a child, the tube having a balloon mounted near the distal end of the tube. The tube has a ventilation lumen and an inflation line used to inflate the balloon. The balloon is mounted to the tube at a lower mounting point and an upper mounting point. The upper mounting point is above the level of the vocal cords. The balloon has a lower and upper diameter when inflated, and the upper diameter is from 1.1 to 1.5 times larger than the outer diameter of the tube.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for the treatment of a thoracic region of a patient's body. Embodiments of the method comprise positioning an energy delivery portion of an electrosurgical device to face a segment of a thoracic vertebra at a distance from the segment; and cooling the energy delivery portion and delivering energy through the energy delivery portion.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering certain nerve blocks includes a sheath constructed from a flexible ultrasound echogenic material, a more rigid introducer/dilator for introducing the sheath into the patient, and an ultrasound echogenic catheter for inserting through the sheath once the distal end of the sheath is in place adjacent the nerve(s) to be blocked and the introducer/dilator has been withdrawn. The catheter has provisions at its proximal end for connecting to a source of local anesthetic. Methods for use of this apparatus are also described.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an over-the-needle (OTN) catheter assembly having an expandable catheter. More specifically, the OTN catheter assembly includes a catheter having an expandable body with a proximal end and a distal end coaxially mounted onto a needle. The body defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. Further, the body is expandable between a compressed length and an expanded length. The needle is configured within the lumen of the catheter and has a first length. The first length is longer than the compressed length of the catheter and shorter than the expanded length of the catheter. In addition, the body of the catheter is configured to expand from the compressed length to the expanded length when heat is applied to the catheter such that the distal end of the catheter extends past a distal end of the needle.

Abstract: An antimicrobial polyurethane foam that is formed from: a multi-functional isocyanate component; an aqueous polyol component reactive with the multi-functional isocyanate component; an antimicrobial metallic compound; and a complexing agent. The complexing agent is used to form a stable blend of the antimicrobial metallic compound with the polyol component. Exemplary complexing agents include amine compounds, ammonium-containing compounds, and ammonia as well as combinations of these compounds. The antimicrobial metallic compound can be a silver, zinc, or copper compound. Desirably, the antimicrobial metallic compound is silver saccharinate. A process of making the antimicrobial polyurethane foam and stable blends used in the manufacture of the antimicrobial polyurethane foam are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter site insertion plug composed of a body that includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a protruding portion extending from the lower surface. The protruding portion of the body forms a frustum having a terminus and defines a passageway extending from an opening at the upper surface to an exit orifice at the terminus of the frustum. The passageway is configured to receive a catheter therethrough. The lower surface may include a second protruding portion in the form of an annular ring around the first protruding portion. The first protruding portion may include an end section that extends radially outward to provide an inflection point generally adjacent the terminus of the frustum. The end section may extend outward to provide at least one radial edge. The present invention also provides a catheter system composed of a flexible catheter and catheter site insertion plug.

Abstract: The multi-panel sterilization assembly includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side wings that can include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel. The assembly has at least one pull tab attached to an end of the barrier panel to aid in unfolding the assembly after sterilization. At least one wing and/or pull tab is held in place against the barrier panel during manufacturing with a transient adhesive that loses strength such that the wing or pull tab is easily pulled off the barrier panel after sterilization.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a draping system for a two-tiered hospital instrument back table can be used to quickly and conveniently create a sterile field. The system has a drape that is a single piece of material, desirably a film that may be clear. The single piece of material has other material attached to it on its upper side or surface in areas that generally coincide with the two upper surfaces of the table when the drape is installed on the table, and that has a lower coefficient of friction than the single piece of material. The drape may be held in place with a continuous or discontinuous band that encircles the upper tier or the upper tier support posts.

Abstract: A multi-panel sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side tabs that include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a third edge, each such edge being generally perpendicular to the first end, and a midpoint to generally delineate the barrier panel into a content receiving region extending from approximately the first end to the midpoint and a content covering region extending from the midpoint to approximately the second end. The side tabs are located between the first end and the midpoint of the barrier panel and at or near the first edge and the third edge. The fold protection panel is in juxtaposed communication with the barrier panel such that after folding the content covering region and the first and third edges over the content receiving region, the fold protection panel covers them.

Abstract: A method of using a sterilization wrap system including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the exterior panel being substantially opaque or having a first level of translucence, and an interior panel including a permeable material having barrier properties and having a first surface and a second opposing surface, the interior panel having a level of translucence that is higher than the translucence of the exterior panel, the panels being joined together over at least a portion of their surfaces. Also disclosed is inspection of the sterilization wrap system for exterior panel breaches by looking for light passing through a panel facing the viewer.

Abstract: A feeding tube assembly having an improved feeding tube body composed of a tube wall having an external tube surface and an internal tube surface, a proximal end, a distal end separated from the proximal end by a length, and a distal tip region. The internal tube surface defines a feeding passageway extending the proximal end to the distal tip region. The tube body has a first cross-sectional profile from the proximal end to the distal end and at least a second cross-sectional profile from the distal end to the distal tip region. In the first cross-sectional profile, the external tube surface defines an external circumference and the internal tube surface defines a generally non-circular internal perimeter dividing the tube wall into one thin-walled portions and thick-walled portions. In the second cross-section profile, the external tube surface defines an external circumference and the internal tube surface defines an internal circumference.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for delivery devices More particularly, the present invention comprises methods and compositions for devices comprising a matrix comprising a polymer network and a non-gellable polysaccharide having oxygen and optionally active agents incorporated therein. The matrix may be formed into any desired shape for treatment of compromised tissue or for delivery of oxygen to a localized environment.

Abstract: A patient controlled liquid drug administration device providing either or both of a continuous flow of a liquid drug, as well as successive boluses thereof, to be self-administered by a patient while allowing delivery of only full bolus volumes. The device includes a reciprocating pump defining a closed internal reservoir having a fixed first wall, and a second, flexible wall that is axially movable in relation to the fixed wall between reservoir-full and reservoir-empty positions. A lock is connected to a push button that activates a plunger of the pump. The lock has a first position preventing the push button from being depressed when the push button is in an extended position and the plunger is in a reservoir-empty position and a second position permitting the push button to be depressed when the push button is in an extended position and the plunger is in a reservoir-full position.