Abstract: The present invention provides a device (1) for monitoring the application of a drug to a patient by means of a drug pen (100), whereby the drug pen comprises a front end provided with an injection needle and a rear end provided with an actuation pushbutton, the device comprising a body (2) which can be dismountably coupled to the pen; an injection detection means determining when a drug injection is carried out; and a processing means configured for storing the date and time of the injection when the injection detection means detects that a drug injection is carried out, whereby the body is configured to be coupled to the pushbutton of the pen such that the pushbutton is actuated by pushing directly on the body, whereby the injection detection means is implemented as actuation detector configured for detecting said pushing action.

Abstract: A medication delivery system having a holding chamber capable of delivering dosages of medicament from a metered dose inhaler. The holding chamber includes an actuator detector, flow detector and display. In another embodiment, a medication delivery system includes a holding chamber having an input and an output end, a metered dose inhaler operably coupled to the input end of the holding chamber, and a metered dose inhaler identifier associated with the holding chamber and operable to identify the metered dose inhaler coupled to the holding chamber.

Abstract: Device (11) for infusing a fluid substance into the body of a living being, comprising a hollow duct body (13) in which a rectilinear distal portion (15), a middle portion (17) and a proximal portion (19) are defined, wherein the distal portion (15) terminates with a pointed end (21) and extends along an axis substantially perpendicular to a plane in which the middle portion (17) extends, characterized in that the middle portion (17) comprises a curved section (23).

Abstract: Methods of protecting muscle tissue from heterotopic ossification employ targeted deliveries of a neuromuscular inhibitor. A method of protecting muscle tissue from heterotopic ossification includes identifying a volume of muscle tissue that is susceptible to heterotopic ossification. A first aliquot of a therapeutic dose of a neuromuscular inhibitor is delivered at a first delivery site within the volume of muscle tissue. A second aliquot of the therapeutic dose is delivered at a second delivery site within the volume of muscle tissue. The first and second delivery sites are separated by a distance to distribute the therapeutic dose within the targeted volume of muscle tissue.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method includes positioning a trocar having a pressure sensor in or on the trocar into a patient cavity such that distension of the patient cavity causes an altitude of the pressure sensor to increase. The method also includes distending the patient cavity by supplying an insufflation gas to the patient cavity, thereby increasing an altitude of the pressure sensor from a first altitude to a second altitude. The method also includes determining a change in pressure at the pressure sensor resulting from increasing the altitude of the pressure sensor from the first altitude to the second altitude and controlling the supply of insufflation gas to the patient cavity in response to the determined change in pressure resulting from increasing the altitude of the pressure sensor from the first altitude to the second altitude.

Abstract: Methods of restoring homeostatic capacity of a subject are provided. Aspects of the invention further include compositions, systems and devices for practicing the methods. The methods and compositions described herein find use in a variety of applications. Aspects of certain embodiments of the methods include modulating a subject's autonomic nervous system in a manner sufficient to restore the homeostatic capacity of the subject. Aspects of other embodiments of the invention include administering to the subject an amount of an apoptosis modulator effective to at least partially restore homeostatic function of the neuroendocrine system of the subject.

Abstract: The presence of the pull wire ring in the distal end portion leads to limited functionality of the distal end of a steerable medical device. A steerable medical device (1) includes a pull wire ring (100a-e) for imparting a bending movement on the steerable medical device. By providing the pull wire ring (100a-e) with an eccentric recess (105a-f) which defines a passage between a first end face (101) and a second end face (105) of the ring, it becomes possible to guide ancillary elements such as electrical lines, data cables and fiber optics past the pull wire ring (100a-e) further towards the distal end of the steerable medical device. By this measure, functionality of the distal end of the medical device is enhanced without obstructing a main lumen of the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a monitoring unit for a medicament delivery device, where the monitoring unit has a housing, monitoring circuit arranged in the housing, capable of detecting and monitoring functions of the medicament delivery device, releasable holding elements, which releasable holding elements interact with a medicament delivery device for releasably holding the monitoring unit when attached to a medicament delivery device. Locking elements are operably arranged in the monitoring unit to act on the attachment mechanism, and at least one drive element is operably connected to the locking elements wherein, upon activation of the monitoring unit, the at least one drive element causes the locking elements to act on the releasable holding elements, preventing detachment of said monitoring unit from the medicament delivery device.

Abstract: A delivery sheath includes an elastic outer tubular layer and an inner tubular layer having a thick wall portion integrally connected to a thin wall portion. The inner tubular layer can have a compressed or folded condition wherein the thin wall portion folds onto an outer surface of the thick wall portion under urging of the elastic outer tubular layer. When an implant passes therethrough, the outer tubular layer stretches and the inner tubular layer unfolds into an expanded lumen diameter. Once the implant passes, the outer tubular layer again urges the inner tubular layer into the compressed condition with the sheath reassuming its smaller profile. The sheath may also include selectively placed longitudinal rods that mediate friction between the inner and outer tubular layers to facilitate easy expansion and collapse, thereby reducing the push force needed to advance the implant through the sheath's lumen.

Abstract: An improved hiatal hernia treatment enhances recovery after surgery by reducing a patient's pain at an area of treatment. The area of treatment contains a hiatal hernia and must be extensively divided before the hiatal hernia can be treated. The improved hiatal hernia treatment reinforces, repairs, or otherwise treats the hiatal hernia and reduces pain through directed application of anesthetic via an applicator positioned within the area of treatment. Reduction of pain increases patient comfort reduces the need for pain medication, and lowers patient blood pressure to enhance recovery.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for introducing a solid or semi-solid intraocular drug-containing implant into the anterior chamber of an eye are described. The drug-containing implant can be a rod-shaped biodegradable implant that may provide for the extended release of the drug and may be effective for treating a medical condition of the eye. The apparatus is ergonomically designed in the shape or style of a pen with tactile surfaces for easy gripping, a needle-rotation knob to permit orientation of the needle bevel in relation to the eye, and a spring-actuated mechanism for consistent deployment of the implant.

Abstract: A hemostatic valve assembly is disclosed. The assembly comprises a housing having a sidewall that tapers radially inwardly towards the housing distal end. A valve member having an open proximal end and a tapered distal end with an orifice formed therein is disposed within the housing chamber. The valve member is deformable between a closed configuration in which the orifice is substantially closed and an open configuration in which the orifice is open. A biasing member disposed proximal to the valve member is moveable between a longitudinally compressed condition and a longitudinally expanded condition. When in an expanded condition, the biasing member pushes the valve member longitudinally and against the tapered sidewall of the housing. The tapered sidewall of the housing urges the distal end of the valve member radially inwardly, thus urging the orifice to the substantially closed configuration.

Abstract: Devices are provided to automatically inject drugs or other payloads into or beneath skin. These devices include an injector configured to drive a hollow needle into the skin and subsequently to deliver the payload through the hollow needle. Applied suction acts to draw blood from the puncture formed in the skin through the hollow needle, into the device, and to a sensor, blood storage element, or other payload. In some examples, the blood is drawn through the hollow needle when the hollow needle is penetrating the skin. In some examples, these devices are additionally configured to retract the hollow needle from the skin and/or to perform some other functions. These devices can be wearable and configured to automatically access blood or deliver a payload into skin, for example, to operate at one or more points in time while a wearer of a device is sleeping.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for signaling a condition of an infusion assembly. A system may comprise an elastomeric pump that includes a chamber for receipt of a volume of fluid, an outer layer configured to expand and contract as the chamber receives and dispenses fluid, and a passive indicator provided on the outer layer for signaling a change in the volume of fluid in the chamber. The system further may comprise an image capture device configured to capture an image of the pump, and a processing system configured to process the image to signal the condition of the infusion assembly to a user of the system. A method may comprise capturing an image of a pump; processing the image; and displaying information to a user of the pump to communicate the condition of the pump to the user. Elastomeric pumps for infusion assemblies also are provided.

Abstract: Provided is a medical device for clearing an obstruction from a surgical instrument or surgical site, the device comprising: a first hollow member configured to allow air or inert gas passage; a second hollow member having a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end configured to be connectable to a vacuum or suction source; a housing member configured to receive both the first hollow member and the second hollow member; and a push button operably connected to the housing member; and an inflation bulb configured to be attachable to the housing member, wherein the push button is configured to disengage the first hollow member and occlude the second hollow member when depressed by a force, and/or wherein the push button and the inflation bulb are configured to be operable by one hand of an operator.

Abstract: An enteral dosing control coupling comprising a cylindrical collar defining a hollow internal chamber and a lumen extension tip projecting axially into the internal chamber, the lumen extension tip defining an internal lumen extending therethrough. In example forms, the lumen extension tip is integrally formed with the cylindrical collar. In other example forms, the lumen extension tip is a separate piece and is removably engageable within the cylindrical collar. In some example forms, the present invention relates to syringes, connectors, couplings, etc. having ISO 80369-3 formatted couplings. In other example forms, the present invention relates to connectors, couplings, etc. for adapting coupling formats other than the ISO 80369-3 coupling format to the ISO 80369-3 coupling format.

Abstract: A drive mechanism of an injection device for setting and dispensing of a dose of a medicament includes a body accommodating a cartridge filled with a medicament, an insert axially displaceable inside the body between a proximal operating position and a distal reset position, a piston rod to operably engage with a piston of the cartridge, a drive sleeve rotationally coupled with the piston rod and is rotationally lockable to the body for setting of a dose and rotationally releasable from the body for dispensing of a dose, respectively. The drive sleeve is axially displaceable relative to the body from a proximal operating position into a distal reset position through an axial connection of the insert and the drive sleeve, where the drive sleeve is rotationally released from the body when in the distal reset position.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure include a catheter, such as an endovascular catheter configured for catheter rotation during a catheterization procedure, e.g., an endovascular catheterization procedure. The catheter includes a first tubular member and a second tubular member surrounding at least a portion of the central portion of the first tubular member, where the first and second tubular members are rotatable with respect to each other. Methods for performing a catheterization and kits that include the catheter are also provided.

Abstract: A syringe tip cap is provided for use with an automatic syringe loading apparatus. The cap includes a body having an exterior surface and an interior surface, and having a first end and an opposite second end. The first end is defined by at least one generally “V”-shaped ramp on each of two sides of the exterior surface.

Abstract: A coaxial stabilizing and sealing catheter provides increased support to a guide catheter that is seated in an ostium of a branch artery by extending through and out of a distal end of the guide catheter and anchoring in position within the vessel that is being treated. The stabilizing and sealing catheter includes, as part of a relatively flexible distal section, a balloon that locks the distal end of the stabilizing and sealing catheter in place to provide support to the therapeutic devices that are introduced and further seals the artery to prevent blood from entering the artery. A sealing cuff at a proximal end of the stabilizing and sealing catheter provides a seal between the exterior of the stabilizing and sealing catheter and the interior of the guide catheter. In addition, a fixing mechanism it utilized to lock the guide catheter in place to exchange therapeutic devices.