Abstract: A biosorbable oxygen-delivery wound treatment device that includes a biosorbable matrix for delivering oxygen. The biosorbable matrix includes a water swellable, cross-linked biosorbable polymer network. A plurality of gas-permeable, elastic, closed cells is defined by the cross-linked biosorbable polymer network. According to the invention, these closed cells may be produced from a reaction between a catalyst and a second reactant. Deliverable oxygen is contained within the elastic closed cells such that when the device is used to treat a wound, oxygen is delivered from the closed cells. A process for making a biosorbable oxygen-delivery wound treatment device that includes a biosorbable matrix for delivering oxygen as well as a method of using an oxygen-delivery wound treatment device is disclosed.

Abstract: A connector for coupling to a base of medical device equipped with a circular hub having a circumferential recess. The connector includes a cap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a central region, and a circumferential region. The cap defines at least two slots extending from the circumferential region towards the central region, the slots defining the cap into at least one lobe. The at least one lobe has an outward projecting lift tab and an inward projecting catch. Positioning the connector on the circular hub and depressing the connector engage the catch with the circumferential recess of the circular hub so the connector can rotate completely about the circular hub. Lifting the one lift tab to reversibly displace the lobe and its respective catch radially to disengage from the circumferential recess decouples the connector.

Abstract: There is provided a system for delivering an oxygen rich lotion. The system uses a single reservoir dispensing bottle that contains a peroxide-rich liquid. The bottle has an outlet within which is a peroxide decomposition catalyst immobilized on a substrate, so that the peroxide-rich liquid and immobilized catalyst come in contact with each other just as the liquid is leaving the outlet of the bottle.

Abstract: A connector for coupling to a base of medical device equipped with a circular hub having a circumferential recess. The connector includes a cap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a central region, and a circumferential region. The cap defines at least two pairs of slots extending from the circumferential region towards the central region dividing the cap into at least two fixed lobes and at least two resilient lobes. Each resilient lobe has an outward projecting lift tab, an inward projecting catch, and at least a resilient region. Positioning the connector on the circular hub and pressing the connector engage the catches with the circumferential recess of the circular hub so the connector can rotate completely about the circular hub. Lifting at least one lift tab to reversibly displace the resilient lobe and its respective catch radially to disengage from the circumferential recess decouples the connector.

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: Methods of treating spinal tissue of a patient's body are disclosed, some including providing a system including an energy source and first and second probe assemblies, wherein each of the probe assemblies includes an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source; inserting the energy delivery devices of the first and second probe assemblies into spaced-apart treatment sites for the spinal tissue; and delivering energy from the energy source to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices. Various options and modifications are possible. For example, energy may be delivered in both a bipolar manner and a monopolar manner, and at least one of the fist ad second probe assemblies may be repositioned before again delivering energy.

Abstract: A stoma dilation device that includes a tubular support defining a continuous pathway through the device; at least one inflatable dilation balloon and at least one inflatable retention balloon located on the tubular support; and inflation lumens for each balloon. The inflatable dilation balloon forms at least a first portion of the device and the inflatable retention balloon forms at least a second portion of the device. The inflatable retention balloon is configured to have a diameter upon full, unrestrained inflation that is greater than the largest diameter of the inflatable dilation balloon upon inflation.

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 fold protection panel and/or either or both wings may be made from a stretchable material.

Abstract: A multi-panel sterilization assembly having a barrier panel, side tabs with grip portions for folding/unfolding the barrier panel, and a fold protection panel. The barrier panel has first and second opposed ends, a first edge and a third edge, each such edge generally perpendicular to the first end, and a second edge that is opposite the first end. A longitudinal axis extends from the first end to the second end bisecting the assembly into a first assembly portion and a second assembly portion. The first assembly portion extends from the longitudinal axis to the first edge and side tab defining a first center of mass, and the second assembly portion extends from the longitudinal axis to the third edge and side tab defining a second center of mass, such that each center of mass is closer to its respective edge than to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A tissue tunneling device is configured to be delivered within the body. The tunneling device includes a shaft with a blunt distal end to prevent coring or other damage to tissue during the delivery of the tunneling device. In some arrangements, the shaft includes one or more lumen, through which medication or another fluid may be administered. An anesthetic or other pain relieving medication may be delivered through the lumen to lessen the discomfort of delivering the tunneling device to the desired anatomical site. The shaft may also include a retractable needle for facilitating the advancement of the tunneling device through skin or other tissue. The shaft may also be provided with an outer sheath, which may be left within the anatomy after the tunneling device has been removed. The shaft may be malleable for custom-shaping the tunneling device prior to and/or during delivery.

Abstract: The present invention comprises compositions and methods for providing antimicrobial compositions. The antimicrobial compositions comprise gel delivery vehicles comprising stabilized silver, wherein ionic silver is provided to a site for antimicrobial purposes. Methods of making and using such compositions are taught, including application of the silver-containing gel compositions to wounds, burns, abrasions, cuts, surgical incision, sites where skin or organ integrity has been breached, and other sites to supply an antimicrobial environment.

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: 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: Methods are disclosed for delivering energy to a body of a human or animal during a treatment procedure using an electrosurgical generator, a pre-set overall procedure time being defined for the treatment procedure, a ramp time being defined for a parameter to reach a pre-set threshold during the treatment procedure, the method comprising: measuring the parameter over time; and if the parameter has not substantially reached the pre-set threshold by the ramp time, setting a procedure extension time responsive to the time difference between the ramp time and the time at which the pre-set threshold was reached, and extending the overall procedure time by the procedure extension time.

Abstract: There is provided an enteral feeding assembly having a base and a connector. The base has a catheter with a lumen for communication with a body lumen. The base also has an opening with a predetermined shape on its proximal side that also communicates with the catheter lumen. The connector has a key configured to complement the predetermined shape of the opening in the base, which occurs desirably in one position only, so that the connector and base may be joined together. The connector is also connected to a feeding tube that provides a nutrient solution from a replaceable feeding bag. Once the connector is in position in the base, liquid may from the bag to the body lumen. Once in position, the connector may rotate 360 degrees relative to the base before being again in the installation/removal position.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a nerve block procedure, the apparatus being composed of an echogenic needle or an echogenic soft tissue tunneling device and an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a medication. The apparatus may further include a sheath such that at least one of the needle or tunneling device and sheath is echogenic. The present invention also encompasses a system for performing a nerve block procedure, the system includes introducing an echogenic needle in the general area of a nerve bundle, positioning the echogenic needle adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, introducing an echogenic catheter configured for controlled delivery of a fluid through the echogenic needle, withdrawing the echogenic needle, positioning the echogenic catheter adjacent the nerve bundle utilizing sonic imaging techniques, and delivering fluid to the nerve bundle through the echogenic catheter.

Abstract: A catheter strain relief clip includes a body having an upper surface, and a plurality of arm members extending upwardly from the upper surface. Each of the arm members defines an undercut region for receipt of a catheter. The arm members are disposed so as to define a bent path for a catheter threaded under each of the arm members from a first side to an opposite side of the body.

Abstract: A catheter connector and method of use is disclosed. The catheter connector includes a body, a proximal end port, and a seal. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. Further, the body defines a hollow interior from the proximal end to the distal end. The hollow interior is configured to receive a catheter at least partially therethrough. The proximal end port includes a cavity and is configured with the proximal end of the body for mating communication with a fluid delivery device, such as a pump, reservoir, syringe, or the like. This port may have any conventional configuration, such as a Luer-lock fitting. The seal is configured within the interior of the body and includes a passage configured for receipt of the catheter. In addition, at least a portion of the seal is configured within the cavity of the proximal end port. Further, the seal is configured to compress around the catheter so as to axially secure the catheter within the body.