Abstract: A method for batch implementation of settings in a renal replacement therapy device including: displaying on a user interface control settings which may be manually selected by an operator; selecting an independent control setting of the plurality of control settings; adjusting the independent control setting to an independent control setting level selected by an operator; temporarily storing the adjusted independent control setting level; automatically adjusting a dependent control setting level based upon the independent control level; displaying the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting, and implementing both the adjusted independent control setting level and the adjusted dependent control setting to control the device, by actuating a batch setting acceptance operation.

Abstract: Ostomy irrigation sleeve having a tubular shape and a first end with a first opening for receiving ostomy discharge material and a second, opposite end with a second opening for discharge of the ostomy discharge material into a discharge unit, for example a toilet, after guidance through the sleeve. The irrigation sleeve is made of a flexible, water soluble material configured to be water soluble only after a certain time of exposure to liquid, wherein the certain time is at least 3 minutes.

Abstract: A urine collection device for males suffering from incontinence comprises a collection bag worn under an inner garment. The collection bag is sized to receive the entire content of a full bladder. The open end of an integral input sleeve comprises an elastic band and hook-and-loop closure members as a means of ensuring a comfortable fit, a tight seal, and a secure retention of the device. The internal portion of the collection bag comprises absorbent, jellying, and disinfecting materials. An adhesive strip provides a means of removably attaching the collection bag onto the inside of an inner garment. The device is disposable, made of flexible bio-degradable material and is intended to be removed and discarded after each use.

Abstract: A mounting structure for installation at a corporeal port opening. The mounting structure includes a reentrant tube on an exterior surface of which is disposed at least one balloon, with a proximal everted portion of the tubing extending from the distal portion of the tubing, with a gas flow passage associated with the tubing, for selective inflation of the balloon. A vacuum thermoforming process for making such mounting structure is described. The mounting structure is useful employed for anchoring of a therapeutic device such as an ostomy bag at a corresponding port of the body, with the balloon(s) of the device providing effective anchoring of the mounting structure and permitting the mounting structure to be comfortably worn by a patient during therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: An ostomy drainage system comprising an ostomy bag or pouch connected by tubes to a container which is connected via tubes to a vacuum device whereby the contents of the ostomy bag can be suctioned into the container to prevent frequent changing of the ostomy bag thereby improving sanitation and convenience for ostomy patients.

Abstract: A contoured and shaped feminine sanitary device (10) comprising a substantially fluid-impermeable bottom layer (26), a substantially fluid-absorbent core (24), and a substantially fluid-permeable top layer (28), with at least one raised area (18) and at least one of back or front extensions (14,16) for facilitating and enhancing fluid absorption in certain areas and during certain activities.

Abstract: A catheter for collecting fluid such as blood from a vessel such as a coronary sinus of a patient has an elongated, flexible tubular portion and an annular sealing member spaced from a distal end of the tubular member. A proximal end of the tubular member is adapted to be connected to a source of suction for applying suction to a collection lumen of the tubular member. The distal end is placed in a blood vessel with the sealing member spaced from opposing surface of the vessel in an absence of a suction applied to the collection lumen. Suction is applied to the collection lumen in an amount sufficient to draw blood from the vessel through the fluid inlet and into the collection lumen and further sufficient to urge the opposing surface of the vessel to migrate into sealing engagement with the sealing member.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: An absorbent article is defined by a pair of opposing longitudinal edges 20;22 and a pair of opposing transverse edges 24;26. An absorbent core 18 has at least a first 28 and a second 30 region, the average density of the absorbent core 18 in these first and second regions 28, 30 being lower than the average density of the absorbent core 18 surrounding said first and second regions 28;30, the first and second lower density regions 28;30 being arranged symmetrically about the longitudinal center line A of the article such that each of the first and second lower density regions 28;30 extends to the respective longitudinal edge 20;22 of the absorbent core. The distance ax varying along the longitudinal direction of the article. A minimum distance a1 is located at least in the transition 32 between the crotch portion 14 and the front portion 12.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to the field of hemodialysis, including methods and kits that can be employed to improve hemodialysis therapy. The present invention encompasses methods and kits useful for reducing vascular access complications associated with hemodialysis therapy and prolonging the period of time for which a vascular access site can be used in a patient.

Abstract: A layered adhesive construction comprising a backing layer and a first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive, where the first and second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive have different composition, and the second layer of hydrocolloid adhesive is at least partly interposed between the first layer of hydrocolloid adhesive and the backing layer, the first and second adhesive layers consisting of a continuous phase and a discontinuous phase where the discontinuous phase of the first adhesive layer comprises a hydrocolloids providing a higher moisture absorption capacity and higher initial rate of absorption to the adhesive layer than the hydrocolloids in the discontinuous phase of the second adhesive layer, and the discontinuous phase of second layer of adhesive comprises hydrocolloids providing a higher cohesion following moisture absorption to the adhesive compared to the hydrocolloid in the discontinuous phase of the first adhesive layer.

Abstract: An ostomy coupling including a body-side coupling member, an appliance-side coupling member including plural fastener lugs, and a bracing member. The lugs flex independently of each other to provide plural independent latching fastenings. The bracing member is moved between a bracing position in which the bracing member locks the lugs by resisting flexing movement, and a non-bracing or dismounted position in which the lugs are free to flex. The ostomy coupling is used with an ostomy pouch or with a controlled evacuation device.

Abstract: A liquid receptacle made of a wire frame and a disposable and biodegradable material that is substantially impervious to water. The liquid receptacle is capable of being expanded and collapsed for ease of transportation and storage. For ease of use, the liquid receptacle is shaped with a flat bottom allowing it to stand without support, and equipped with a flap surrounding a top opening of the receptacle. For ease of transportation after use, a cord is supplied around the flap for closing the top opening of the liquid receptacle.

Abstract: An improved method for measuring and automatically disposing of infectious waste generated during and after surgical and clinical procedures is provided. The infectious waste removal device includes a suction source, a method for pressure verification, separation chamber for isolating fluids, containment reservoir, measurement chamber for determining fluid received, an information source for such fluid volumes, a quantitative method for calculating fluid dynamics, a post use cleaning method, and other attributes for use by the surgical team or healthcare staff in order to minimize health care worker handling of said infectious waste and to limit their possible exposure.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.

Abstract: A mounting structure for installation at a corporeal port opening. The mounting structure includes mounting structure for installation at a corporeal port opening, such mounting structure including a blowmolded article comprising enlarged cylindrical sections interconnected by tube segments, adapted to engage the corporeal port opening at a tube segment intermediate the enlarged cylindrical sections and with the enlarged cylindrical sections being in abutting contact with internal and external corporeal surfaces surrounding said port opening. The mounting structure is useful employed for anchoring of a therapeutic device such as an ostomy bag at a corresponding port of the body, with the enlarged sections of the device providing effective anchoring of the mounting structure and permitting the mounting structure to be comfortably worn by a patient during therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A disposable inner bag liner for an ostomy appliance, the inner bag liner being adhered to a release liner prior to attachment to an outer receiving member. The release liner includes an alignment element and a gripping element. An ostomy appliance including the aforementioned inner bag liner with the gripping element and/or the alignment element is also provided, along with a method of application of the inner bag liner.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.