Abstract: A fastener system for use with personal care articles includes a substrate formed by a bodyside linear and an outer cover. Fastening tabs are secured to the substrate at opposing sides of the rear portion of the article. The fastening tabs include friction zones that, when the tabs are mounted to the article, provide substantially no securement to the article, and securing zones that secure the respective fastening tabs to the outer cover at a front portion of the article. The friction zones prevent surface-to-surface radial shifting or bending of the front portion with respect to the fastening tabs of the article during regular usage. In one embodiment, a tab substrate provides a mounting surface for a friction element and a securing element which form the respective friction zone and securing zone. In another embodiment, the friction element functions as a substrate supporting the securing element.

Abstract: A syringe (10) comprises a barrel (11) containing an internal cylindrical body (12) containing a liquid (14) and communicating with a delivery needle (15). The needle (15) is covered before use by a removable sheath (16), and after the sheath (16) is removed, the needle (15) is concealed by a displaceable sleeve (20). In use the sleeve (20) is pressed against the skin by applying pressure while holding the barrel (11). The sleeve (20) is thereby retracted into the barrel (11) allowing the needle (15) to penetrate the skin. The movement of the sleeve (20) also activates a gas generator (17) which expels the liquid (14) from the needle (15). When delivery is complete and the syringe (10) is taken from the skin, a coil spring (22) moves the sleeve (20) back to the starting position again concealing the needle (15). The coil spring (22) is torsionally biased before use and causes a rotational movement of the sleeve (20) relative to the barrel (11) when the sleeve (20) moves into and out of the barrel (11).

Abstract: The present invention provides a dilatation and stent delivery device which tracks over two guidewires. One guidewire is disposed in each branch vessel of a bifurcation. The present invention provides a dilatation and stent delivery device which enables efficient and accurate stent deployment and dilatation of bifurcation lesions.

Abstract: A medication delivery pen having a repeat-dose feature that is performed by using a pull-push operation. In particular, the medication delivery pen includes means for whether the medication delivery pen is armed and a variety of novel drive mechanisms. In addition, the medication delivery pen also includes a priming control mechanism that allows the user to easily prime medication delivery pen prior to arming the pen.

Abstract: An adaptor for coupling a fluid source to a wound irrigation shield is disclosed. The preferred adaptor, preferably a multi-part adaptor, features spray pattern adjustability, removable coupling to the shield, the capacity for removably coupling to a variety of different fluid sources, and a variety of other features and advantages. In one embodiment, the adaptor has a substantially planar face that is substantially coplanar with the plane defined by the shield, thereby preventing patient puncture.

Abstract: An introducer system having an elongate shaft with proximal and distal ends. A flexible sleeve is mounted on the distal end of the shaft and is adapted to circumferentially cover the outer surface of a distal end of a cannula when the shaft is positioned within a lumen of the cannula. The introducer system has dilation capabilities which facilitates insertion of a medical device into a vessel or organ. Methods of using the devices herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: A modular trocar assembly having a cannula, a passive valve seal assembly and an instrument seal assembly all releasably joined to define a central axial bore, where the passive valve seal assembly contains a valve seal which prevents passage of gas through the trocar assembly into the atmosphere when no instrument is inserted but which opens to allow for insertion of an instrument, and where the instrument seal assembly contains an instrument reducer seal which prevents passage of gas through the trocar assembly into the atmosphere when an instrument is inserted through the valve seal. The passive valve seal assembly and the instrument seal assembly are preferably composed of plastic so as to be disposable, while the cannula is preferably composed of a sterilizable material to enable reuse.

Abstract: A simple automatic opening and closing type of urination apparatus (10) comprises a flexible tube (110), a plunger (120), a bearing table (130), an elastic member (140), an electromagnetic solenoid (150), and an actuator (160). The flexible tube (110) has an inlet port (111) and an outlet port (112). The plunger (120) has a pushing portion (121) at one end and a contact portion (122) at the other end. The bearing table (130) is disposed below the pushing portion (121) of the plunger (120) for supporting the flexible tube (110). The elastic member (140) normally biases the pushing portion (121) of the plunger (120) onto the flexible tube (110) on the bearing table (130) to squeeze the flexible tube (110) between the pushing portion (121) and the bearing table (130). The electromagnetic solenoid (150) selectively attracts and repulses the contact portion (122) of the plunger (120). The actuator (160) selectively couples the electromagnetic solenoid (150) to a power source (170).

Abstract: A surgically implantable shunt system 20 is provided for controlling fluid flow from a relatively high pressure region to a low pressure region. The system 20 includes a rigid housing 22 defining a sealed chamber 24 therewithin, the housing 22 having an inlet port 26 in fluid communication with the high pressure region, and an outlet port 28 in fluid communication with the low pressure region. A conduit 44 extends through the housing 22 from the inlet port 26 to the outlet port 28 and includes a valve 46 disposed within the sealed chamber 24. The valve 46 regulates fluid flow from the high pressure region to the low pressure region, wherein operation of the valve 46 is dependent upon a pressure P.sub.c external to the conduit 44 and within the sealed chamber 24, and is not susceptible to changes in pressure outside the housing 22.

Abstract: An eye drop applicator which has an adjustable guide arm. The guide arm defines a semi-rigid member attached to an eye drop container. The guide arm serves as a point of tactile reference to the user who seeks to dispense liquid eye medicament. It further serves as a retractor of the lower eyelid, thereby allowing the user to place eye drops accurately and efficiently into the conjunctiva. The eye drop applicator can be manipulated with one hand, and avoids the necessity of the user placing his or her fingers near the eye socket, thereby maximizing the sterility and effectiveness of the medicament. Moreover, its configuration can be adjusted so as to conform to the shape of the user's face. The eye drop applicator also presents an improved closure system. A cap is placed over the nozzle of an eye drop container to seal the contents. Access to the eye drops is obtained by opening a cover at the end of the cap. Removing the cover exposes an opening in the cap through which eye drops are dispensed.

Abstract: A disposable self-lubricating catheterization assembly for inserting a catheter into the urethra of an individual for the purpose of evacuating the bladder is disclosed. The catheter assembly includes a substantially rigid catheter introducer member for positioning the introducer against the urethral opening, a flexible catheter and a flexible thin-walled sheath surrounding the catheter and partially covering the catheter introducer. The catheter introducer comprises a reservoir portion, a guide portion, lubricant and a membrane. The lubricant essentially fills the reservoir and is prevented by the membrane from prematurely coating the catheter, in order to facilitate grasping of the catheter and feeding of the tube along the urethra and into the bladder. A catheterization assembly in accordance with the present invention is suitable for use for self-catheterization in the home or in a public restroom, and deters contamination and subsequent infection of the urinary tract.

Abstract: A connector assembly for a vial is disclosed. The connector assembly features a protective cap, a collar attachable to the rim of the vial, and a crimp cap for securing the collar to the rim. The collar features a flexible skirt provided adjacent the proximal end of the collar that is foldable about the underside portion of the vial rim. One or more ribs are provided adjacent a distal portion of the collar to seal against the stopper obturating the vial. The crimp cap can be supplied preattached to the collar in an uncrimped condition. When crimped, the crimp cap exerts a force against the distal end of the collar and the flexible skirt folded about the rim to secure the collar to the vial.

Abstract: A vascular access that can be used for hemodialysis and other conditions where a vascular access may be needed. A soft main tube made of PTFE is used with two extension tubes. The ends of the main tube are anastomosed to an artery and a vein. The extension tubes connected to the main tube at one end are connected to the dialysis machine at an opposite end. The entire graft (main tube) is placed in the subcutaneous or deep tissues except for the two exposed ends of the extension tubes which remain in the external position allowing an easy, non-traumatic access to the blood flow.

Abstract: An improved surgical suction/irrigation probe assembly is provided. The unique suction/irrigation probe assembly comprises a handpiece configured to accept a source of irrigation fluid and a source of vacuum or suction. Further, the handpiece provides a means for a surgeon to select either irrigation fluid or suction. Moreover, the handpiece has an outlet region capable of accepting a rotatable adaptor. The assembly further comprises a rotatable adaptor which is capable of being placed into engagement with the outlet region of the handpiece. Further, a shaft and fitting assembly is provided which is snapped into the rotatable adaptor and which shaft is utilized to supply either irrigation fluid or suction to a surgical site.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a containment assembly having a topsheet, a backsheet and an absorbent core placed between the topsheet and the backsheet. First and second extension ears extend laterally outwards from each one of the corresponding lengthwise edges of the containment assembly in the rear waist region, each one of the first and second extension ears have a close edge connected to the rear waist region, and a distant edge laterally separated outwards from the close edge. First and second elastic belts extend laterally outwards from each one of the corresponding lengthwise edges of the containment assembly in the rear waist region, or from each one of the corresponding extension ears. One of the first and second elastic belts has a close edge connected to the rear waist region, or to the distant edges of the first and second extension ears, and a distant edge laterally separated outwards from the close edge, the tying media being connected at the distant edge.

Abstract: Reflex sympathetic dystrophy in a human patient is treated by collecting an aliquot of the patient's blood (e.g. 10 cc in volume), and subjecting it simultaneously to ozone/oxygen mixture and ultraviolet light, at a predetermined, elevated (e.g. 42.5.degree. C.) temperature, for approximately 3 minutes. After cooling, the treated blood aliquot is reinjected into the patient via the gluteal muscle. Reflex sympathetic dystrophy is alleviated following a course of such treatments.

Abstract: An ophthalmic irrigation/aspiration system that permits selection among or between various venting modes.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter and method for providing antegrade perfusion to an ischemic region of the myocardium of a patient induced by a coronary or vascular deficiency, including a restriction or obstruction in the vessel such as an athesclerotic lesion or stenosis, embolism, thrombosis, vessel spasm, aneurysm, or the like. The distal tip of the catheter is introduced by a conventional percutaneous transluminal procedure via the femoral or brachial artery and advanced through the vascular system to a position closely proximate to the ischemic region. A volume of oxygenated blood is withdrawn into a lumen of the catheter from a position remote to the deficiency, circulated through a pump assembly and filter, and expelled from the distal tip of the catheter to increase the supply of oxygenated blood reaching the ischemic region.

Abstract: Disclosed are absorbent cores for inclusion in absorbent articles such as diapers, incontinent briefs, training pants, diaper holders and liners, feminine hygiene garments, and the like, designed to provide improved fit and comfort for the wearer while adequately containing body exudates. The absorbent cores are designed to be relatively narrow in the crotch region of the article, even when the core absorbs significant amounts of fluid during use. To achieve this, the absorbent core is designed such that fluid is moved substantially from the crotch region to the front and/or rear regions of the article.The invention particularly relates to an absorbent article comprising an absorbent core wherein the absorbent core has a crotch width when dry and when wet of not more than about 7 cm, and wherein the crotch region of the absorbent core has a capacity of not more than about 40% of the absorbent core's total absorbent capacity.

Abstract: A lacrimal silicone stent has a very large diameter segment with a diameter greater than the largest diameter stent which can be pulled through the canaliculi readily without damaging the canaliculi, a thin central segment, a moderate diameter segment, and a distal segment with a lumen extending partway from its end. A lumen can also be provided in the very large diameter segment to enhance its flexibility. In addition, a lumina may be provided in the moderate diameter segment when it is formed as an extruded tube. Except for the lumina, the stent is solid. The stent may be molded in one piece, but it may also be made of molded and extruded segments which are fused together. To install the stent, according to a first method a sheath is inserted through the lacrimal system from the eye, through a DCR ostium into the nasal cavity. The distal segment is threaded into the sheath which is used to pull the distal segment back through the lacrimal system and out the superior canaliculus and punctum.