Abstract: A contrast media injection system detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes.

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.

Abstract: A contrast media injection system includes detects the absolute position of the syringe ram using a non-contact sensor. A series of magnets and Hall-Effect sensors may be used or an opto-reflective system. Illuminated knobs that are connected to the drive mechanism for the syringe ram rotate with the drive and provide visual feedback on operation through the illumination. Analog Hall-Effect sensors are used to determine the presence or absence of magnets that identify the type of faceplate being used. The faceplates include control electronics, connected to the powerhead through connectors, which may be interchangeably used by the two faceplates. The faceplate electronics include detectors for automatically detecting the capacity of pre-filled syringes.

Abstract: Method and devices are provided for extended and controlled delivery of parathyroid hormone to a patient. The method includes implanting a medical device into the patient, the medical device comprising a substrate, a plurality of reservoirs in the substrate, a release system contained in each of the reservoirs, wherein the release system comprises parathyroid hormone; and controllably releasing a pharmaceutically effective amount of the parathyroid hormone from the reservoirs. The parathyroid hormone can be released intermittently, such as once daily over an extended period (e.g., two months, ten months, or more.). The device can further include reservoirs containing a bone resorption inhibitor or other drug for release. The devices are useful in delivering PTH for the treatment and prevention of bone loss, such as associated with osteoporosis.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion medium are supported by the disposable housing portion, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics and a drive device. A reservoir is supported by the disposable housing portion and has a moveable plunger that operatively couples to the drive device, when the disposable and durable housing portions are engaged.

Abstract: A surgical instrument comprises an end effector including a pair of jaw members configured to move with respect to one another between an open configuration and a closed configuration for clamping tissue. At least one jaw member includes an elongate cam slot extending in a longitudinal direction over a substantial a length a tissue clamping surface of the at least one jaw member. A plurality of electrically isolated, and longitudinally spaced electrodes is supported by the tissue clamping surface and is configured to deliver electrosurgical energy to tissue. A reciprocating member engages the elongate cam slot and is extendable to a sealing position with respect to each of the electrodes to define a predetermined gap distance between a particular electrode and an opposing tissue clamping surface.

Abstract: An assembly structured to secure a catheter, such as an IV tube to a predetermined portion of a patient's body such that the IV tube is anchored adjacent an entry site. A base is structured and configured to engage the predetermined body portion and includes an opening for exposure of and access to the entry site. A support member is selectively positionable at variable locations relative to the opening in adjacent relation to the entry site such that the IV tube is mounted on an exterior or exposed portion of the support member so as to access the entry site through the opening and eliminate any type of adhesive strip or like connector contacting or being secured to the patient's skin.

Abstract: An introducer sheath for placement of a tubular shaft into the vascular system of a human subject. The introducer sheath has a tubular shaft, a side arm, and a hemostasis valve placed at a proximal portion of the introducer sheath. The hemostasis valve has an adhesive pad formed integral with the shell of the hemostasis valve. The adhesive pad is designed to attach and detach a proximal section of the introducer sheath to and from the skin of the human subject.

Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.

Abstract: Liquid infusion apparatus includes non-magnetic materials in a pumping structure and drive motor therefor, and in a controller that supplies drive signals to the motor to facilitate convenient operation in intense magnetic fields without distorting the magnetic fields and without radiating objectionable radio-frequency interference. A non-MRI-compatible liquid infusion apparatus is temporarily replaced with MRI-compatible, non-magnetic liquid infusion apparatus without disconnecting patient from an installed intravenous infusion set to continue infusing liquid within the MRI environment.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter comprises a catheter body, a tip section, and a control handle for affecting deflection of the tip section. The tip section comprises a flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and at least two lumens extending therethrough. The proximal end of the tip section is fixedly attached to the distal end of the catheter body. The flexible tubing comprises a plastic core, a metal braid over the core, a plastic skin over the braid, and at least two pieces of plastic tubing in longitudinal arrangement extruded over the plastic skin, wherein the at least two pieces of plastic tubing have different stiffnesses and are arranged with the stiffer plastic being proximal the less stiff plastic. The tip section is made by extruding a plastic core over at least one mandrel and braiding a metal over the plastic core.

Abstract: Drug infusion system capable of delivering a fluid medication to a patient and method for doing same. An implantable drug delivery device is capable of delivering the fluid medication at a programmable rate to the patient under control of an original programming cycle having a plurality of steps in a plurality of time slots beginning at a starting time. The programming cycle specifies the programmable rate for each of the plurality of steps. An external controller is capable of storing a program representative of the original programming cycle in the implantable drug delivery device at a programming time. The drug infusion system adjusts the implantable drug delivery device so that the original programming cycle will begin at a time during the original programming cycle adjusted for the programming time.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine includes: (i) a supply bag; (ii) an apparatus configured to support the supply bag, the supply bag located above the peritoneal cavity of a patient; (iii) a vacuum source; (iv) a patient line configured to be connected to the patient; (v) a drain line configured to be connected to a drain; and (vi) a logic implementor configured to enable (a) fresh dialysate to be gravity fed from the supply bag through the patient line to the peritoneal cavity during a fill cycle and (b) the vacuum source to cause spent dialysate to be pulled from the peritoneal cavity through the drain line to the drain during a drain cycle.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to medical devices for mixing, preparing and administering therapeutic compositions, and more particularly to a system comprising two syringes and a locking ring wherein two compositions are mixed between the two syringes immediately prior to administration.

Abstract: Methods of coupling a catheter to a stem are disclosed. In some embodiments, a stem extends longitudinally between a proximal end and a distal end, and the stem can include at least one enlargement positioned between the proximal end and the distal end. In some embodiments, a catheter can be positioned over the at least one enlargement and over a region of the stem that is proximal to the at least one enlargement. In further embodiments, a collar can be mated to the stem.

Abstract: An intravitreal injection system for administering a pharmacological agent formulation to an intravitreal compartment of an eye, comprising (i) an injection member coupled to, or comprising, an internal formulation chamber that is adapted to receive and contain the pharmacological agent formulation therein, (ii) a needle having a first end that is in communication with a formulation chamber and a second injection end, and (iii) a movable platform for positioning the system on the eye, guiding the needle, and limiting the penetration depth of the needle into the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an implantable drug delivery device which includes a fluid drug reservoir, a catheter, a controllable fluid transfer device, e.g., a pump or valve, and a drug delivery control means. The control means in accordance with the invention is configured to initially clear a first, or old, drug from the device based on the content of the Current Profile data containing a first, or old, delivery profile. After the old drug is cleared, then the control means automatically modifies the Current Profile data to match a second, or new, delivery profile for controlling delivery of a second, or new, drug.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrotransport device, which incorporates a flexible conductive element within the reservoir housing of the device, which permits electrical communication from within the housing to outside of the housing without the use of opening, which require various methods of sealing the opening against leaks and moisture.

Abstract: An electrosurgical instrument that reduces the amount of fatigue experienced by a physician performing electrosurgery includes a hand piece that is connected to an electrosurgical generator by way of an electrical cable. The electrical cable is connected to the hand piece at a central portion of the hand piece, which reduces the resistance to the movement of the electrosurgical instrument created by the weight of the electrical cable. The reduced resistance leads to less fatigue in a physician's hand during electrosurgery. The hand piece can include a channel system that receives a portion of the electrical cable therein and allows a physician to adjust the location on the hand piece at which the electrical cable exits the hand piece. The channel system can include one or more side channels and/or longitudinal channels. The channels can include detents that define multiple exit locations from the channel system for the electrical cable.