Abstract: A method for transmitting torque and variably flexing an insertion device for receiving an instrument includes the steps of providing a hollow body having a proximal end with an entrance for receiving an instrument, a distal end with a tip for protrusion of the instrument, an outer jacket and an inner sleeve, maintaining the hollow body in relatively flexible and relatively stiff conditions with wires disposed at least partly between the outer jacket and the inner sleeve and being free of at least one of the outer jacket and the inner sleeve, transmitting torque along the hollow body with a corrugated tube disposed between the outer jacket and the inner sleeve, and applying suction to create a vacuum between the outer jacket and the inner sleeve for placing the hollow body in the relatively stiff condition and relieving the vacuum for placing the hollow body in the relatively stiff condition, with a transitioning device for frictionally locking the wires and the corrugated tube in place.

Abstract: The needle assembly is provided with the housing, an IV cannula for accessing a blood vessel and a non-patient cannula for communication with an evacuated tube. A flashback chamber is provided in the housing at or near the distal end of the housing. A shield is hinged to a portion of the assembly proximally of the entrance to the flashback chamber. As a result, good visibility of the flashback chamber is achieved. After use, the shield can be rotated into a closed position for surrounding the IV cannula and avoiding accidental needle sticks.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled osmotic pump device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to some embodiments, an osmotic pump device is placed in an environment in order to pump a material into the environment or into an additional fluid handling structure within the osmotic pump device. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.

Abstract: An iontophoresis device activated in use, which is capable of supplying a dissolution liquid in an amount that depends on the amount of a drug when it is used, is provided. This iontophoresis device activated in use comprises: an absorber 11 formed of a material containing a dry drug 10 and capable of absorbing a liquid; a wall material 13 disposed around the absorber 11, having an adhesive layer 12 on the undersurface thereof; a support 15 disposed on the absorber 11 and the wall material 13, having an opening 14 in the central portion thereof; an electrode 25 disposed on the undersurface of the support 15; a diaphragm 20 disposed on the support 15; and a dissolution liquid reservoir 18 disposed on the diaphragm 20, retaining a dissolution liquid for dissolving the drug between the diaphragm 20 and itself, and having a protruding portion 17 for destroying the diaphragm 20 by pressing force.

Abstract: A dose delivery device is disclosed where a dose can be set by rotating a dose setting member, whereby a push button is elevated from one end of the device a distance proportional to the set dose from a position fixed relative to the housing, and where the set dose can then be injected by pressing the push button back to its non-elevated position, through which motion a piston rod will move the same or a different distance due to a gearing mechanism being provided between the push button and the piston rod, where the gearing mechanism includes at least a first and a second thread on one or more parts that are rotationally coupled to each other, the first thread engaging a driver, the second thread engaging an element rotationally locked to the driver, one of the threads of the gearing mechanism being left-handed and the other one being right-handed.

Abstract: Implantable drug delivery systems target delivery of small volumes of drugs to specific tissues. In some cases, a drug delivery system includes an implantable osmotic pump connected to a drug-containing housing, with that housing connected to a needle, cochlear implant or other type of component for ultimate delivery to the target tissue. In some implementations, a subcutaneous port receives a fluid from an external pump. The port is connected to a needle or other component for delivery of one or more drugs to the target tissue. Both solid and liquid drug formulations can be used. In embodiments using solid drugs, a separate drug vehicle (such as saline) can be used to dissolve a portion of the solid drug, with the drug-loaded vehicle then delivered to the target tissue.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a thermostat for temperature measurement, irrigation/aspiration ports for fluid exchange and application of therapeutic modalities, a pressure manometer for pressure measurement, and an external system for control of temperature, pressure, and flow rate. When applied to the eye, eyelid and orbit, this device can be used in hypothermia or hyperthermia applications, the control of intraocular pressure (IOP), and the application of treatment modalities. Methods of using the device in treating patients suffering from central retinal artery occlusion, anterior optic nerve disease, pathology of the choroid and retina including the macula, inflammation of the eye including the vitreous and anterior segment, glaucoma, inflammation and/or infections of the anterior and/or posterior segment of the eye, treatment before/during/after surgery of the eye, and the application of treatment modalities including iontophoresis through a semi-permeable membrane are described.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly has a needle hub and a collar. Integrally formed from the proximal portion of the needle hub is a ring that surrounds its luer base. At the distal portion of the needle hub there are coaxially formed circumferential flanges which act to allow the collar to be rotatable about the needle hub. A needle protection housing is connected to the collar and is pivotable to cover the needle that extends from the distal end of the needle hub. Before use, the needle extending from the needle hub is covered by a needle sheath that has a groove formed circumferentially at its proximal end that snap-fits to a circumferential rib formed at the distal end of the collar.

Abstract: A securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter hub in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer and at least one anchor pad. The retainer includes a metallic insert having barbs or teeth extending into a central channel. The metallic barbs or teeth dig into the retained catheter hub. The metal insert springs open as the hub is inserted in to the device and retains the hub by virtue of its metallic barbs.

Abstract: A partially-implantable pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. A tube of the pneumostoma management device is placed through the chest wall into the lung. The tube comprises a plurality of holes in the distal end to allow the entry of gases and non-gaseous discharge from the lung. A contact surface prevents over-insertion of the tube while releasably securing the device to the chest of the patient. The contact surface has features to reduce irritation of the skin of the chest. The pneumostoma management device may provide a pharmaceutically active substance selected to maintain the patency of the pneumostoma.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include an electrolysis chamber, a drug chamber and an osmosis chamber, the osmosis chamber having a first portion in contact with the drug chamber and a second portion exposed to facilitate contact with a surrounding fluid. The pump further includes a cannula for conducting liquid from the drug chamber and electrolysis electrodes within the electrolysis chamber for causing generation of a gas therein, the electrolysis and drug chambers being in contact such that gas electrolysis within electrolysis chamber forces fluid from the drug chamber into the cannula, contact between the drug chamber and the osmosis chamber permitting fluid admitted into the osmotic chamber from the surrounding fluid to offset volume loss from the drug chamber and prevent buildup of vacuum pressure thereon.

Abstract: The invention includes a device having a chamber within a syringe. A fluid passageway extends through a syringe piston. A valve is associated with the passageway controlling fluid passage through the piston. The invention includes a piercing structure having a head segment and a body portion, with a channel through the body portion and through at least one surface of the head without passing through the tip. In another aspect the invention encompasses a method of preparing an agent for administration to an individual. A first component is provided within a syringe and a second component is provided within a vial. A closed valve is associated with a fluid passageway between the vial and the syringe barrel through a piston. Valve repositioning allows fluid passage and sliding of the piston joins the first and second components. Repeated sliding of the piston mixes the components to produce the medication agent.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a first expandable diaphragm and a second flexible diaphragm, and first and second chambers each for containing a fluid, wherein the first expandable diaphragm separates the first and second chambers and provides a fluid barrier therebetween, and the second chamber is formed between the first expandable diaphragm and the second flexible diaphragms. The pump may further include electrolysis electrodes within the first chamber for causing generation of a gas therein and to thereby expand the expandable diaphragm so that fluid is forced from the second chamber into a cannula.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps includes an end effector assembly having a flexible jaw member and a fixed jaw member. The flexible jaw member has a flange operably coupled to the fixed jaw member about a pivot. A drive assembly is configured to pivot the flexible jaw member relative to the fixed jaw member from a first position and a second position. A handle is movable between an open position when the jaw members are disposed in the first position and a closed position to cause the drive assembly to rotate the flange about the pivot in a second direction to move the jaw members to the second position. A distal end of the flexible jaw member is configured to engage the fixed jaw member prior to a proximal portion of the flexible jaw member upon movement of the jaw members to the second position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microdialysis catheter comprising a multilumen tube (10) and a membrane (11), said tube exhibiting at least two longitudinally arranged inner channels (13,14), said channels extending from a proximal (20) end of the tube to the distal end (21) of the tube, whereat through-holes (12,15) are provided, one from each of said at least two channels to the outside of said tube, said channels (13,14) blocked for passage of liquid distally of the respective through-holes, a tubular membrane (11) arranged circumferentially around the tube (10) such as to cover the at least two through -holes (12,15), said membrane is sealingly fastened (22) to the tube thereby forming a dialysis chamber (18) between the tube and the membrane.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus is provided as a system to deliver a composition, preferably a medical or pharmaceutical composition or active, through the stratum corneum of skin, without introducing bleeding or damage to tissue, and absent pain or other trauma. The dimensions and shapes of the microelements are controlled so as to control the penetration depth into the skin. The microelements can be “hollow” such that passageways are created therethrough to allow the composition to flow from a chamber, through the microelements, and into the skin. Alternatively, the microelements can be “solid,” and the composition is applied directly to the skin just before or just after the microelements are applied to the skin surface to create the openings in the stratum corneum.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the internal and external tissues of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for closing a hole in cardiac tissue.

Abstract: An iontophoresis apparatus and method is disclosed that is suited to deliver a plurality of treatment methods such as, but not limited to, body site conductivity enhancement followed by low voltage iontophoresis.

Abstract: An injection port comprises a body, a fluid reservoir, a septum, and a plurality of fasteners. The fluid reservoir is defined in part by the body and the septum. A needle may be inserted through the septum to reach the reservoir. The fasteners are integral with the body. The fasteners are simultaneously rotatable from a non-deployed position to a deployed position. The fasteners are retracted relative to the body when the fasteners are in the non-deployed position. The fasteners are extended relative to the body when the fasteners are in the deployed position. The fasteners are also simultaneously rotatable from the deployed position to the non-deployed position. The injection port may be coupled with a gastric band via a conduit. The conduit may provide fluid communication between an inflatable member of the gastric band and the reservoir of the injection port as part of a closed fluid circuit.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter body that extends from a distal end to a proximal end. The catheter body includes a delivery lumen, and an actuator lumen, where the actuator lumen extends from a position near or at the distal end to an intermediate portion that does not extend through the proximal end of the catheter body. The catheter body optionally includes an accessory lumen that extends from at or near the distal end and terminates at an intermediate portion that does not extend through the proximal end surface of the catheter body, for example, on a side wall.