Abstract: A steam-sterilizable aerosol valve has a valve body of polymeric material such as polyphenylene sulfone (PPSU) having an HDT (heat deflection temperature) at 1.8 MPa stress in the range of 200-275° C. Such a valve has the ability to survive steam sterilization without significant degradation of properties or appearance.

Abstract: A method of performing peritoneal dialysis is provided. The method involves sensing a pressure in a fluid upstream or downstream of a pump chamber and adjusting a planned peritoneal dialysis treatment based on the sensed pressure to avoid an alarm condition. An intra-peritoneal pressure may be sensed and may be related to a head height of a peritoneal dialysis patient relative to a pump actuation. The fill volume to the peritoneal dialysis patient may also be limited due to the sensed pressure.

Abstract: Intranasal delivery devices include dosage forms containing medical compositions for use in the intranasal devices, and methods of delivering medical compositions to the nasal mucosa of users. The devices dispense a predetermined quantity of fluid into the nasal passage of a user, in which the predetermined quantity of fluid is contained in, or produced in a dosage form or blister that is crushed by a plunger with sufficient force to drive the dosage form against a piercing mechanism, piercing the dosage form and forcing the liquid contents from the dosage form and through a delivery channel into a spray to be directed into the nasal passage of a user. The plunger is connected to a trigger device by a linkage that confers a mechanical advantage to the trigger mechanism.

Abstract: Drug delivery device, comprising a needle, which a distal end and a proximal end comprises an inner surface forming a channel, an outer surface, a first salient located on the outer surface.

Abstract: A system which includes a pressurizing mechanism to pressurize a fluid including a contrast enhancement agent for delivery to a patient and a control system in operative connection with the pressurizing mechanism. The control system includes a system to adjust control of fluid injection based upon a measurement of renal function of the patient.

Abstract: Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location.

Abstract: An injection needle assembly is an assembly used by being attached to an injector including an injection barrel filled with medicine and a needle tube, and is provided with a sticking needle tube having a needle tip to be stuck into a skin, a needle holding portion, an engagement portion and a connection portion. The needle holding portion holds the sticking needle tube and a fit tube of the engagement portion is engaged with a needle hub of the injection barrel. The connection portion includes a luminal portion in which there are arranged a proximal end on the opposite side of the needle tip of the sticking needle tube and a needle tip (ejection port) at the needle tube of the injector, and the sticking needle tube and the needle tube communicate with each other in a liquid tight manner.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A suction device includes an outer tube having an inlet at a first end and an inner suction tube located within the outer tube, the inner suction tube having an inlet at a first end corresponding to the first end of the outer tube. The inlet of the inner suction tube is offset by a distance from the inlet of the outer suction tube, such that the inlet of the inner suction tube is located within the outer suction tube.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles for providing an antimicrobial composition to the proximal elements of a trans-dermal catheter and into the lumen of the transdermal catheter are disclosed. In an embodiment, an antimicrobial composition on an interior surface of a cap element transfers antimicrobial to the proximal end of the transdermal catheter. The system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, the elongate member containing an antimicrobial.

Abstract: A fluid control system for delivery of a liquid includes a pneumatic drive that incorporates a linear actuator to effect known volume changes in a gas reservoir. The gas reservoir is in fluid communication with a gas-side reservoir that is separated from a fluid-side reservoir by a flexible membrane. Movement of the linear actuator effects positive or negative volume differences on the gas in the gas-side reservoir, resulting in a decrease or increase in pressure of the gas that is transmitted to the fluid-side reservoir to draw fluid, primarily liquid, in from a source or deliver liquid out to a sink. In another aspect, a mechanism is provided for the detection and elimination of air bubbles in the fluid path.

Abstract: Catheter systems and methods are disclosed. An exemplary catheter includes an outer tubing housing and an inner fluid delivery tubing, the inner fluid delivery tubing having at least one fluid delivery port. The catheter also includes a deployment member movable axially within the inner fluid delivery tubing. A plurality of splines are each connected at a proximal end to the outer tubing and at a distal end to deployment member. A seal is provided between the outer tubing and the inner fluid delivery tubing. A gasket is provided between the deployment member and the inner fluid delivery tubing. Both the seal and the gasket are configured to prevent blood or other fluid from ingressing into the outer tubing.

Abstract: A surgical system with a variable controller that allows the user to selectively vary the level of venting performance.

Abstract: Systems for gaining access into a body of a patient around an implanted body of an elongate medical device include a sheath having a deformable wall that allows insertion of the device body into a lumen surrounded by the sheath wall. The sheath wall may include first and second edges that extend from a proximal end to a distal end of the lumen, or just extend along a distal portion of the lumen. A tool, which includes a groove sized to grasp about a circumference of the device body, may facilitate insertion of the device body into the lumen of those sheath embodiments that include the first and second edges, by spreading at least one of the first and second edges of the wall apart from the other of the first and second edges while the device body is grasped within the tool.

Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a tubular barrel having an open proximal end, a distal end, and an internal a fluid retaining chamber. A plunger is slidingly received in the chamber and is configured to draw fluid into and expel fluid from the chamber. A hollow projection extends from the distal end of the barrel and a cannula extends from the hollow projection. The cannula may have a spiked tip, a transverse orifice, and longitudinally disposed bi-lateral fluid flow channels. The cannula is adapted to penetrate the seal of a medical access point, such as a medicine vial, IV port, or catheter port. A receiving collar including one or more male threads surrounds the hollow projection and the cannula and is adapted to releasably engage a needle hub. The needle hub has an internal cavity configured to matingly receive and cover the cannula.

Abstract: An enteral feeding device and methods of using such device to unclog a feeding tube are described herein, wherein the device includes a first tube having a distal end and a proximal end. The first tube defines a feeding lumen that extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the first tube. The first tube has at least one distal opening capable of allowing introduction of nutrients and/or medicaments from within the feeding lumen through the opening into a gastrointestinal area of a patient when the enteral feeding tube is implanted in a patient. The device also has a wall having a distal end and a proximal end, which extends longitudinally within at least a portion of the first tube. The wall has an exterior surface and an interior surface. At least a portion of the exterior surface of the wall contacts the feeding lumen.

Abstract: A needle guard having a housing defining an interior cavity, and a transitional member disposed within the interior cavity is disclosed. The transitional member includes a pivoting arm having a first end and a second end, the first end adjacent an interior portion of the housing. The transitional member also includes a needle tip sensing element, and a transverse barrier, such that the needle tip sensing element and the transverse barrier are oriented on opposing sides of the pivoting arm adjacent the second end. The needle guard may be adapted for transition from a restrained position when the needle tip is exterior to the interior cavity, to an activated position when the needle tip is within the interior cavity. The transitional member may also have a needle tip sensing element for contacting a needle in the restrained position, and a binding edge for engaging the needle in the activated position.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a device used in an operation using a catheter assembly and the catheter assembly having the device, which allows a hole formed in a body surface to have a minimum size and a catheter to be smoothly inserted into the body. An auxiliary dilator includes a body part having a tapered portion tapering toward a front end of the auxiliary dilator. The body part surrounds an extension part of a main dilator with a front end entry portion of the extension part protruding from the tapered portion, and a separation part attached to the body part enabling the body part to be removed from the main dilator.

Abstract: Lacrimal implants and related methods providing secure retention within the lacrimal punctum of an eye are described. The lacrimal implants can comprise a implant body configured for at least partial insertion through the lacrimal punctum and into a lacrimal canaliculus. The implant body can include a deformable retention structure that can be configured to substantially encapsulate an expandable retention element. In some examples, the expandable retention element can include a fluid absorbing material, which can be exposed to fluid such as via a fluid permeable retainer or a fluid permeable aperture. As the fluid absorbing material retains fluid (i.e., upon acceptance of fluid into the retention structure), its size increases and its shape can change to urge one or more portions of the retention structure outward, such as against a wall of the lacrimal canaliculus, thereby securely retaining the lacrimal implant within the punctum.

Abstract: A dosing device for an injection device, the dosing device including an actuating element for adjusting and/or dispensing a dose from the injection device, a thrust element for generating a forward movement for discharging a dose and a coupling to which the actuating element and the thrust element are coupled such that a rotational movement of the actuating element is transmitted directly to the thrust element and an axial movement of the actuating element is different than an axial movement of the thrust element.