Abstract: There is provided an absorbent system for wound care products having a liquid-absorbing, wound-contacting, lower layer and a more highly absorbent upper layer in liquid communication with said lower layer. Liquid communication may be provided by pores running between the layers. The dressing may include antimicrobial agents, agents to promote healing and other functional agents.

Abstract: There is provided a composition comprising covalently linked segments of for example, polycaprolactone and polyethylene glycol that are linked by a cross-linker. Such a composition foams in the presence of a catalyst and a solution containing an oxygen forming chemical like hydrogen peroxide. The foamed composition retains oxygen for delivery to, for example, a wound, where it aids in healing.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an over-the-needle (OTN) catheter assembly having a structural member configured therein. The OTN catheter assembly includes a catheter coaxially mounted onto a needle. In one embodiment, the structural member includes a coil insert that is embedded into an interior wall of the catheter, thereby preventing kinking of the catheter when being inserted within a patient. In another embodiment, the structural member may be a separate and removable coil insert that is inserted into the catheter after the OTN catheter assembly has been placed in a targeted site within the patient and the needle is removed. In a further embodiment, the structural member may be a separate and removable solid insert having a blunt distal end that is inserted into the catheter after the OTN catheter assembly has been placed in a targeted site within the patient and the needle is removed.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for antimicrobial devices comprising metal containing compositions which are resistant to heat and light discoloration. The metal containing compositions may comprise salts or complexes of silver, copper or zinc. In one aspect the compositions comprise silver salts. In another aspect, the compositions comprise silver complexes. In one aspect, the metal salts may comprise metal salts of saccharin, acesulfame, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylic acids. The compositions further comprise polymers which form salts or complexes with silver, copper or zinc. The methods of the present invention comprise treating devices with the metal containing compositions, including, but not limited to, such devices as woven wound care materials, catheters, patient care devices, and collagen matrices. The present invention further comprises treatment of humans and animals with the antimicrobial devices described herein.

Abstract: A subglottic suctioning system with a tracheal tube having a ventilation lumen, a cuff inflation lumen, and a suction lumen are disclosed which may help reduce the incidence of ventilator associated (or acquired) pneumonia. The suction lumen communicates with the space in the trachea above the cuff where secretions accumulate. The suction lumen has a valve on the proximal end for connection to a source of vacuum. The valve is adapted to interrupt the supply of vacuum to the suction lumen to allow for the introduction of a rinsing fluid in its place and to automatically re-establish the connection to the source of vacuum upon completion of rinsing. The rinsing fluid aids in maintaining an open suction lumen and may include medicaments and mucolytic agents to enhance or promote healing or to alter the properties of the mucus to make removal easier. The user may easily and repeatedly alternate suction and rinsing fluid through the suction lumen, i.e.

Abstract: The present invention provides an article or an interface having a distribution of a first partially spherical indentation and at least a second partially spherical indentation contained within the first indentation to form a multi-component or “compound” shape that is referred to as a “compound” or “nested” dimples or indentations. These compound dimples or indentions may be concentric and are etched or otherwise formed into a surface or interface of an article to enhance the ultrasonic imaging. Exemplary articles may be needles of the type used to conduct nerve blocks or the interface may be the surface of such a needle, cannula, catheter, catheter tip or similar article.

Abstract: A single core pin assembly (10) having a first core pin (12) and at least one second core pin (14), the first core pin (12) having a first end (16), a second end (18) and a first core pin body (20). The first core pin body (20) connects the first end (16) and the second end (18). The second core pin (14) has a first end (24), a second end (26), and a second core pin body (28) connecting the second core pin first end (24) and the second core pin second end (26). The second core pin first end (24) is configured to join with the first core pin first end (16) to form a common downstream channel (30). The core pin (10) may be placed in a mold and surrounded by a flowable material (e.g. plastic) to form a work piece.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for delivering energy substantially distal to an electrosurgical device. Embodiments of a device of the present invention may comprise an elongate member having one or more electrically insulated portions and a distal face comprising one or more electrically exposed conductive portions for delivering energy substantially distal to the elongate member. At least one of the one or more electrically insulated portions may extend from a proximal region of the elongate member to a distal end of the elongate member. In addition, a method is provided for creating a lesion at a target site within a body of a human or animal using an electrosurgical device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter securement device and securement device assembly for a securing a catheter relative to a patient. The securement device includes a base having an opening configured for receipt of the catheter, a cover member configured with the base over the opening, and a lip configured around at least a portion of the base. The base is configured for attachment to a patient's skin over a catheter insertion site and includes a top surface and a bottom surface. The opening of the base is configured to accommodate a catheter inserted therethrough from the catheter insertion site. The cover member is movable from an open position to a closed position over the catheter insertion site and is configured to secure the catheter. The lip is configured on the bottom surface of the base around the opening such that the lip reduces leakage from the catheter insertion site when the securement device is secured to the patient's skin.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for gastric pressure relief, flow regulation, location, gastric residual volume, a placement reminder, bidirectional fluid flow markings, reintroducing gastric material, collection reservoir raising, collection reservoir hanging, a drain port, setting tube length, and vent membranes. A gastric pressure relief system is used in connection with an enteral feeding system, which includes a feeding container, administration tubing and a delivery tube, where the gastric pressure relief system is interposed between the administration tubing and the delivery tube. The gastric pressure relief system includes a collection reservoir with a gas vent to ambient atmosphere, relief tubing secured to both the collection reservoir and a multi-way connector. The multi-way connector joins the administration tubing to the relief tubing and a delivery tube at a point below a patient's stomach, which is designated on a placement reminder apparatus.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an over-the-needle (OTN) catheter assembly having a sleeve configured thereon. The catheter includes a body having an outer diameter. The body also includes a proximal end and a distal end and defines a lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. A needle is configured within the lumen of the catheter and extends from the proximal end to the distal end. The sleeve is configured around a portion of the outer diameter of the catheter that passes through an insertion site of the catheter. Further, the sleeve includes a length extending from a first end to a second end and is configured to prevent the catheter from collapsing along the length of the sleeve. In addition, the sleeve is configured to prevent leakage from the insertion site of the catheter.

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: A catheter assembly incorporating a pre-biased indicator, the assembly includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and catheter walls defining a catheter lumen. The assembly further includes a base located at the proximal end of the catheter, the base defining an opening to the catheter lumen, the base having a first end and a second end. An inflatable balloon having a predetermined fill volume is located at a distal end of the catheter. An inflation valve is located on the base; the inflation valve is in fluid communication with the balloon through an inflation lumen defined by the catheter walls. The pre-biased indicator located on the base in fluid communication with the balloon is configured to provide a discrete visual signal that the pressure of a fluid in the balloon is different from a predetermined level of pressure or the volume of the balloon is different from the predetermined fill volume.

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: The present invention provides an article or an interface having a distribution of a first partially spherical indentation and at least a second partially spherical indentation contained within the first indentation to form a multi-component or “compound” shape that is referred to as a “compound” or “nested” dimples or indentations. These compound dimples or indentions may be concentric and are etched or otherwise formed into a surface or interface of an article to enhance the ultrasonic imaging. Exemplary articles may be needles of the type used to conduct nerve blocks or the interface may be the surface of such a needle, cannula, catheter, catheter tip or similar article.

Abstract: A dual material Y-connector for use in connection with medical tubing systems and the like includes an inner core made of a first material such as a rigid plastic material and an over-layer made of a second material such as a pliable thermoplastic elastomer. The Y-connector comprises a primary arm, a secondary arm and a convergence arm all in fluid communication with one another and may include a tubing segment bonded to the Y-connector convergence arm. The first material can be a transparent copolyester and the second material can be a translucent thermoplastic elastomer. Threaded caps having a multi-indentation configuration can be tethered to one or more arms and be configured to seal one or more Y-connector ports.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of catheter and radiating coil location in a human body. In particular, when a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and its depth in the patient's body. A display is provided that shows both a reference image of a portion of a non-subject body and an image of the coil located on the display with reference to the reference image. This is achieved by locating the coil-locating device on a predetermined landmark on the patient's body. The coil and its signal wires can be incorporated into a stylet, guide wire or a catheter. The coil locating device can be orientated towards the head of the patient and for an axis of the device to be aligned with the mid sagittal plane of the patient.

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.

Abstract: There is provided an absorbent system for wound care products having a liquid-absorbing, wound-contacting, lower layer and a more highly absorbent upper layer in liquid communication with said lower layer. Liquid communication may be provided by pores running between the layers. The dressing may include antimicrobial agents, agents to promote healing and other functional agents.