Abstract: A medical tubing set sheath is provided which includes a retention portion for attaching the sheath to a collar of a connector attached to the medical tubing set. The sheath may serve as a handle to facilitate torque-locking of the connector to another connector. The sheath may also include a ratcheting mechanism in order to allow for the sheath to ratchet upon application of excess torque, when the tubing set is being attached to a peripheral tubing set. The sheath may also include a needle receiving portion, so that the sheath provides for a needle protector, which may be retained in a position displaced from the needle in order to insure that the needle is exposed when removed from its packaging, and can be quickly and easily inserted in a patient's arm.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.

Abstract: The present invention provides an inventive apparatus and method for docking of a male luer connector fluidly interconnected or interconnectable to a medical liquid source during one or repeated periods. As such, the invention has particular application to multiple-dose medication therapy procedures. The docking apparatus comprises a holding receptacle having a single access opening and a depressible member disposed in the holding receptacle. The holding receptacle is adapted for retentive engagement with a male luer connector (e.g. via complementary threading), wherein upon docking a nozzle of the male luer connector is isolated within the holding receptacle. An anti-bacterial material may be readily applied to a top surface of the depressible member prior to docking so that the forward edge of the nozzle of the male luer connector contacts the anti-bacterial material when docked. The docking apparatus may be provided with lateral and rearward handling members to facilitate docking procedures.

Abstract: A self attaching injection port has integral moveable fasteners which are moveable from a undeployed state to a deployed state engaging tissue. The fasteners may be disposed radially or tangentially, and rotated to pierce the fascia. The fasteners may be rigid or elastically deformable.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.

Abstract: This invention relates to a syringe-activated valve for flushing a catheter for delivering an implant to an anatomical site, such as a patent foramen ovale in a patient and method thereof. In one embodiment, a catheter includes a proximal end, a distal end, a “Y” connector at the proximal end, the “Y” connector having a guide wire port and a connector port, a syringe activated valve having a first end and a second end, the second end of syringe-activated valve connecting to the connector port of the “Y” connector, and a syringe connecting to the first end of the syringe-activated valve. Saline is injected by the syringe through the syringe-activated valve into the proximal end of the catheter, thereby flushing air from the catheter lumen out of the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: The present invention is an ultrasonic thrombectomy catheter that produces physical forces (shear rates) strong enough to emulsify obstructions such as thrombi and emboli without causing damage to arterial walls. This is accomplished by properly arranging piezoelectric transducers within a catheter and a tubular catheter head separated by a gap to generate acoustic streaming that simultaneously emulsifies the obstruction and sweeps resulting debris into a catheter lumen for removal. The open gap may be formed by supporting struts that connect the catheter to the catheter head. The design of the catheter tip allows the fabrication of catheters capable of removing partial or complete blockages from arteries and other vessels having diameters as small as 2 mm.

Abstract: A microdialysis probe with a probe body, a probe needle for introduction into a tissue, an inlet line and an outlet line for a perfusion solution and a dialysis membrane, wherein at least one hollow channel forms the outlet line and extends at least partly spirally about the probe needle on an external surface of the probe needle. The inlet for the perfusion solution may also be in the form of spiral about the external surface of the probe needle.

Abstract: Injection apparatus having a pre-filled syringe provided with a safety needle assembly, and a sleeve open at one end for containing the syringe with the safety needle assembly projecting from the open end of the sleeve. A cap is fitted to the open end and is configured to receive the projecting part of the safety needle assembly. A seal secures the cap to the sleeve. Following breaking of the seal, the syringe is removed from the sleeve and the cap is removed from the safety needle assembly so permitting the syringe to perform an injection. Thereafter, the syringe is reinserted into the sleeve with the safety needle assembly nearer the closed end of the sleeve, an internal rib in the sleeve co-operating with the safety needle assembly to retain that assembly in the sleeve.

Abstract: A cochlear implant system is described. An implantable housing includes an electronics module containing circuitry for developing an electrical stimulation signal for the inner ear, and a fluid channel port for receiving therapeutic fluid for the inner ear. An electrode array includes multiple electrode contacts in electrical communication with the electronics module for stimulating neural tissue of the inner ear with the electrical stimulation signal, and a fluid delivery channel for delivering the therapeutic fluid from the fluid channel port to the inner ear.

Abstract: An insufflation gas warmer and humidifier apparatus and methods are provided. Insufflation gas is received from a bulky insufflation tubing. Insufflation gas received travels through, in one aspect, a channel or winding flow path, in a passage. The configuration of the passage ensures that the insufflation gas, which travels through the passage, receives sufficient heat and moisture. A humidifying reservoir humidifies the insufflation gas as the insufflation gas is passed to the passage. In one aspect, an oxygenator introduces slight amounts of oxygen into the insufflation gas. A warmer connected to the passage warms the gas in the passage. The warmer, in one aspect, contains a reactive agent that when exposed to air produces heat that is transferred to the passage to warm the insulation gas within the passage.

Abstract: A securement device includes a simply-structured retention mechanism that permits a portion of a catheter hub or a similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, without the use of tape or needles and suturing. A unitary retainer desirably includes a base defining a locator mechanism. The locator mechanism interacts with a fitting of the medical device so as to position the medical device relative to the retainer. The locator mechanism also desirably guides the medical device fitting into contact with an adhesive member mounted on an outer surface of the retainer. In one form, the locator mechanism includes one or more posts that engage mating holes defined in the medical device fitting. In other forms, the locator mechanism includes a cradle defining an arcuate channel to receive a convex surface of the medical device, or a recess shaped to matingly receive the fitting.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for rapid placement of tubes within a body cavity that includes placing a compliant cannula over a probe tip of a cutting device until the probe tip extends beyond the cannula, incising the tissue covering body cavity to create an opening therein, inserting the probe tip of the cutting device until the cannula placed thereon extends into the incision, removing the probe tip while leaving the cannula inserted within the incision, introducing a distal end or tip of a tube into the cannula a predetermined distance, and removing the cannula over the tube while retaining the tube in position within the body cavity. The device includes a sealing portion which attaches to the body without sutures and having an opening therethrough, and a tube which passes through the opening of the seal and mates thereto without sutures.

Abstract: A medical device includes a vascular access device with an access port having a septum and a slit. The slit is formed on the inner surface of the body of the septum where the access port receives an access device that is separate from the vascular access device through the slit of the septum. A pivoting member in communication with the access port pivots when the port is accessed by an access device. The medical device may be used to control the volume displacement of a chamber within the medical device by decreasing the volume of the chamber by inserting a substance having a mass into the chamber, pivoting a structure associated with the chamber, and increasing the volume of the chamber simultaneously and commensurately with the mass of the substance inserted into the chamber.

Abstract: A syringe includes a hollow barrel, a hollow plunger movable within the barrel and a needle assembly secured within and at a distal end of the barrel. The needle assembly includes a needle holder, a resilient member that biases the needle holder toward the proximal end opening of the barrel, and a retaining member releasably secured to the needle holder via a reduced material section. The retaining member maintains the needle holder at the distal end of the barrel against the bias of the resilient member. When the plunger is fully depressed within the barrel, the plunger engages the needle holder such that the retaining member is forced to break away and separate from the needle holder along the reduced material section to facilitate retraction of the needle holder and a needle secured to the needle holder into the retraction cavity disposed within the plunger.

Abstract: A disposable mouthwash container for use at a location such as a restaurant or preparatory to a meeting, for quick and easy rinsing of the user's mouth and to receive the used mouthwash back into the same container and be re-sealed for disposal. Each embodiment of the invention seals the mouthwash liquid in a reservoir in the container and has an easily openable top and spout providing access to the mouthwash, and a return opening for directing the used mouthwash back into the container, which is reclosable for disposal. A quick-release split ring connection is provided for mounting the container on a key ring for ready availability, and a reflective tape mirror is provided on some embodiments to facilitate inspection after use.

Abstract: A catheter securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter hub or a connector fitting 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 forms a central channel into which at least a portion of the medical article is inserted. The retainer includes at least one abutment that can abut against a contact point or surface on the medical article. The abutment, in conjunction with a second abutment and/or a tapering shape of the central channel, inhibits motion of the medical article in proximal and distal directions through the central channel. For this purpose, the abutment surface(s) can lie either within or outside the channel.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device and a removable controller device. When the pump device and the removable controller device are removably attached to one another, the components may provide a portable infusion pump unit to dispense medicine to a user. In particular embodiments, the removable controller device includes a user interface to readily provide information, for example, about the operation of the pump.

Abstract: A gravity bolus feeding device having a cylindrical body with and intake valve to control or prevent flow of fluid through the feeding device. The device also has a check valve to receive fluids expelled from the patient back into the feeding device. The check valve allows such fluids to rejoin the fluid path and be re-fed to the patient, while allowing air to vent. A burp baffle for use with this or another feeding device to prevent spillage or splashing, while taking in or venting air. The burp baffle has a bottom section which snugly fits into the device, with a notch or opening near its outer periphery, allowing fluid to pass. A center section connected to the bottom section allows fluid to flow around it and into an opening generally opposite the notch. A top section covers the feeding device, and has a hole that allows fluid to vent out the top of the feeding device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for recording two-dimensional images on the interior of a perfused blood vessel by means of optical coherence tomography using a catheter with an integrated imaging device, via which light is radiated and light reflected from the vascular wall is recorded, whereby a fluid containing a medium having a higher refractive index than blood plasma and/or cytoplasm is injected, via the catheter, into the vascular area to be recorded, to enable imaging to be carried out, whereby said fluid is a mixture of autologous blood and the medium.