Abstract: A connector for coupling to a base of an indwelling device equipped with a circular hub having a radius, a top surface, a side surface, and a circumferential recess defined in the side surface. The connector has a resilient assembly including a plurality of release buttons extending from the resilient assembly and may include a conduit defining a fluid pathway through the connector. Each release button has a finger contact zone and a catch. The catch is configured to releasably engage the circumferential recess. The connector is coupled by positioning the connector on the circular hub and depressing the connector until the catches engage the circumferential recess such that the connector is configured to rotate completely about the circular hub. The connector is decoupled from the hub by pressing the release buttons to reversibly displace the respective catches radially to disengage from the circumferential recess.

Abstract: A positioning tool aids in the positioning of at least one instrument at a subcutaneous treatment site visible via a medical imaging device. The positioning tool includes a penannular member, at least one spacing member having a proximal end attached to the penannular member and a distal end spaced from the proximal end, and at least one aligning portion attached to the at least one spacing member. The aligning portion is configured for aligning the tool with a target visible via the medical imaging device. A kit includes a plurality of the tools. A method includes use of the tool.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a procedure for wrapping an item to be sterilized with two fabric sheets in such a way as to allow a rapid unwrapping of the item for use. This procedure saves time in unwrapping and reduces the risk of loss of sterility of the item and stress on medical personnel.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter clamp assembly having a base and a slide cover. The base has a top, bottom and a body including a slide cover track. The body has internal walls defining a catheter opening extending from the bottom to the top. A catheter channel extends from the catheter opening to a sidewall opening. The slide cover includes a lower surface incorporating a prong to engage a wall defining the catheter opening and to secure a catheter in the catheter channel. The slide cover has a first location providing access to the catheter opening and a second location that clamps a catheter in the catheter channel. Moving the slide cover from its first location contacts a length of catheter extending through the catheter opening to position it in the catheter channel for securement when the slide cover reaches its second location.

Abstract: An oxygen catalyst-containing structure comprising a first layer encapsulated by a second layer is provided, where the first layer includes an oxygen catalyst and the second layer is free of an oxygen catalyst. A method of making an oxygen catalyst-containing structure comprising a first layer and a second layer is also provided where the first layer includes an oxygen catalyst, the second layer is free of an oxygen catalyst, and the first layer is encapsulated by the second layer. The method includes impregnating a first solution containing a first superabsorbent polymer with an oxygen catalyst; allowing the first solution to gel to form the first layer; coating the first layer with a second solution containing a second superabsorbent polymer; and allowing the second solution to gel to form the second layer.

Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support and an inflatable dilation portion located on the tubular support. The inflatable dilation portion includes a stiffening portion and inflation lumen. The device may have a retention portion configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the diameter of the dilation portion. The device is designed to be placed in a patient to dilate the stoma for the installation of a catheter feeding tube. The device may be placed and withdrawn with the use of an endoscope which need be inserted into the patient only one time. The single insertion of the endoscope significantly reduces the trauma to the patient in comparison with multiple endoscope insertion methods.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a stabilized catalase enzyme. In the method, a substrate is thoroughly mixed with phosphate borate and catalase, rinsed with water and the solids dried. The dried solid may be mixed with polyvinyl alcohol and dried for further stabilization. The stabilized powder may be mixed with various skin solutions (lotions, ointments and the like). The catalase enzyme can catalyze the reaction of peroxide to oxygen.

Abstract: An electrosurgical apparatus for treating tissue comprises an elongate shaft including a proximal region, a distal region having an electrically conductive region and one or more lumens through the shaft. A stylet is located within one of the lumens for obturating at least a portion of an opening defined by a distal end of the elongated shaft. The stylet distal end has a sensor and may include an occluding component substantially surrounding and affixed to it. The elongated shaft and the stylet can possibly be configured to allow passage of fluid through the lumen while the stylet is located within the lumen. Related stylet configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: There is provided a method of producing a stabilized microcrystalline cellulose powder containing catalase enzyme. In the method, cellulose is thoroughly mixed with phosphate borate and catalase, rinsed with water and a surfactant added. The stabilized powder may be mixed with various skin solutions (lotions, ointments and the like). The catalase enzyme can catalyze the reaction of peroxide to oxygen.

Abstract: A device for cleaning the interior wall of a catheter has a cleaning lumen and a non-inflatable removal element comprising a sliding collar that has a first location as the cleaning lumen advances and a second location as the cleaning lumen retracts within the catheter. A sliding collar has a first position when unconstrained and a second position when within the catheter. The removal element self-positions the device concentrically within the catheter. Suction is desirably applied to the cleaning lumen during use.

Abstract: A device for treating spinal tissue of a patient's body may include an energy source and first and second probe assemblies. Each of the probe assemblies may have an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source, and may also have an electrothermal device for cooling the probe assembly. The device is configured so that the energy source delivers energy to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices in a bipolar mode that concentrates delivered energy between the energy delivery devices to create a lesion within the spinal tissue while the electrothermal devices cool the probe assemblies. Related methods of use include cooling, at times via an electrothermal device.

Abstract: There is provided a sterilization indicating tape having a breathable and liquid impervious film, wherein the tape is printed with a sterilization indicator ink. The tape is compatible with a wrap polymer for recycling. The tape is used to hold a wrapped package closed so that it can be sterilized and stored. The ink changes color upon sterilization to show the user that the package has been subject to sterilization. The tape is desirably made from the same or a similar polymer to the wrap polymer so that they may be recycled together.

Abstract: There is provided a system having a sputum trap or container that is used to transfer a portion of a sample to a sample slide. The container has a body with a top and bottom. The bottom is adapted to accept the sample slide. The bottom also has a one way valve to allow transfer of a portion of the sample to the sample slide upon manipulation of the body by a user. In certain embodiments, the body may be manipulated by squeezing it or by pushing down on the top. The bottom of the container is adapted to receive the sample slide so that the sample can be transferred to it.

Abstract: A connector for coupling to a base of medical device equipped with a circular hub having an annular recess. The connector includes a cap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a circumferential region defining a bottom plane and a periphery, and at least two arms substantially parallel to the bottom plane. Each arm spans at least two portions within the circumferential region to releasably engage the annular recess. At least one deflection member that is accessible from the top surface is positioned to deflect the arms. Pressing the connector onto the circular hub engages the arms with the annular recess so the connector can rotate completely about the circular hub. Pressing at least one deflection member to reversibly deflect at least one arm between its two portions of the circumferential region towards the periphery disengages the arm from the annular recess to decouple the connector.

Abstract: There is provided a lateral flow assay that can provide an indication of Gram negative (GN) or Gram positive (GP) infection (or both) within 30 minutes, and desirably in less than 15 minutes. The immediate result would signal the presence of Gram negative bacteria, Gram positive bacteria, both Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, or no bacteria detected. The detection level would be above a specific bacterial concentration threshold that is clinically significant infection source (e.g. 10^3 cfu/ml) versus the presence of a colonizing bacteria that is not a part of the active infection.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a gastric jejunal tube having a gastric lumen and a jejunal lumen that run the length of the tube. The cross-sectional sizes of the lumens change from above to below the most distal gastric port. A method of making the gastric jejunal tube is also described.