Abstract: A system for injection of a fluid into a body includes: a source of a first fluid, a source of a second fluid; the first fluid being less toxic than the second fluid; at least one pressurizing system in operative connection with the source of the first fluid and with the source of the second fluid; at least one controller in operative connection with the pressurizing system; and at least a first sensor in communicative connection with the controller. The first sensor is adapted to transmit a signal of a detected change in fluid level in tissue indicative of extravasation to the controller. The controller is adapted to cause injection of the first fluid into the body to determine if extravasation of the first fluid occurs using the sensor in an administration phase before injection of the second fluid.

Abstract: A sealing element for isolating or sealing off a component or structure of an injection or administering device from other components or structures of the device or from the surroundings, wherein the isolated component or structure is an electrical component. The invention encompasses methods of forming and using the sealing element, and an injection or administering device including the sealing element.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an intracorporeal device, preferably a guidewire, and method for making the device. The guidewire of the present invention is formed, at least in part, of a composite elongate core formed, at least in part, of precipitation hardened material. The elongate core members of the present invention will have an ultimate tensile strength and modulus of elasticity greater than the same for an identically dimensioned elongate member formed from superelastic NITINOL alone.

Abstract: A refill port for an implantable device with integral refill instrument placement detection includes a pierceable septum and a detector. The pierceable septum is disposed on the refill port for admitting a refill instrument has a first outer surface at least a portion of which is exposed outside the refill port and a second inner surface at least a portion of which is exposed inside the refill port. The detector is disposed inside the refill port with respect to the second inner surface of the pierceable septum for determining the placement of a refill instrument within the refill port. The refill port can be provided on a refillable implantable drug delivery pump having control electronics so that the detector can trigger pump test features of the control electronics upon placement or removal of a refill instrument from the port.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the insertion of needles or needle-like members. Thus, a device comprises a housing having a mounting surface adapted for application to the skin of a subject, and a needle unit connected to the housing by a hinge allowing the needle unit to pivot corresponding to a pivoting axis defined by the hinge, the pivoting axis being arranged substantially in parallel with the mounting surface. The needle unit comprises a needle having a distal pointed portion adapted to penetrate the skin of the subject, the distal portion extending generally perpendicular to the mounting surface, and a proximal portion arranged substantially corresponding to the pivoting axis, whereby the needle unit is arranged to pivot between a first position in which the distal portion of the needle is retracted within the housing, and a second position in which the distal portion projects relative to the mounting surface. The needle may e.g. be in the form of a hollow needle or a needle sensor.

Abstract: An implantable medicament delivery device includes a core body which further includes a single basin or multiple smaller basins for containing a drug or a medicament. Each basin is covered by a screen. The implantable drug delivery device is placed within the body of an animal, and the drug is allowed to diffuse through the holes in the screen to provide treatment of a disease or condition.

Abstract: An automatic medicament injector having a compartment for a dry medicament component and a compartment for a wet medicament component. The two compartments are separated by a seal structure that has a plug that is moved from a sealing position into a mixing position when the device is activated. The seal structure includes a wiper that scrapes the interior walls in the dry component compartment to prevent the dry component from accumulating at the seal/glass interface. A tapered insert “funnels” the mixed medicament components to an attached needle assembly, but can be removed when the device is filled. A filter is provided between the medicament compartments and the needle assembly. A chamber between the filter and the needle assembly allows for better flow through the filter. An actuation assembly drives the plug into the mixing position and forces the mixed medicament through the needle and into the user.

Abstract: An automatic medicament injector having a compartment for a dry medicament component and a compartment for a wet medicament component. The two compartments are separated by a seal structure that converts from a sealing condition into a mixing condition when the device is activated. The seal structure includes a wiper that scrapes the interior walls in the dry component compartment to prevent the dry component from accumulating at the seal/glass interface. A tapered insert funnels the mixed medicament components to an attached needle assembly, but can be removed when the device is filled. A filter is provided between the medicament compartments and the needle assembly. A chamber between the filter and the needle allows for better flow through the filter. An actuation assembly drives the seal structure into the mixing condition and forces the mixed medicament through the needle and into the user.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shieldable needle device. The shieldable needle device includes a housing, a needle cannula, a tip guard and an elongated flexibly resilient drive mechanism. The housing includes a longitudinal slot that extends along a wall of the housing. The drive mechanism is bent within the housing and includes a first end which extends through the longitudinal slot and a second end which is anchored to the tip guard. Upon movement of the first end along the longitudinal slot, the second end extends and moves the tip guard from a retracted position to an extended position thereby protectively surrounding a tip of the needle cannula.

Abstract: A medical device such as a female luer lock connector has an interior for containment of fluids. An access site on the medical device has an opening into the access site interior, which opening defines an annular, outer end surface surrounding the opening. An elastomeric wall is sealingly bonded to the annular, outer end surface at an inner face of the elastomeric wall. Typically, the elastomeric wall has a radially outwardly facing peripheral surface which is essentially spaced from the access site. Also, portions of the elastomeric wall, if desired, can project laterally outwardly beyond the annular, outer end surface, to frictionally engage a second medical device that is attached to the access site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes may combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. Advantageously, fluid within the catheter flows through all of the exit holes, resulting in uniform distribution of fluid within an anatomical region. In one particular embodiment, the catheter comprises a tube having elongated exit slots therein. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane.

Abstract: A method of substituting an MRI incompatible pump for delivering fluid to a patient with an MRI compatible pump, both pumps being microprocessor controlled. The first pump operates upon administration tubing for pumping fluid from a source thereof to the patient. The method includes the steps of: providing the second pump to be substituted for the first pump; providing second tubing having a portion thereof that is operable to function with the second pump; connecting the second tubing to the administration tubing to establish an altered fluid path from the source to the patient, the altered path including portions of both the administration and second tubing; placing the second pump for operation upon the second tubing to enable the second pump to pump the fluid through the altered path according to programming thereof; and disconnecting the first pump from the administration tubing before bringing the patient into the MRI environment.