Abstract: Systems and methods are adapted for treating the carotid artery. The systems include interventional catheters and blood vessel access devices that are adapted for transcervical insertion into the carotid artery. Embodiments of the systems and methods can be used in combination with embolic protection systems including blood flow reversal mechanisms, arterial filters, and arterial occlusion devices.

Abstract: Provided are systems, dressings, and methods suitable for treating a tissue site, such as an incision or linear wound, for example. The systems, dressings, and methods relate to a dressing assembly that may include a dressing bolster, a comfort layer, and a polymeric enhancement layer. The dressing bolster may include foam and may have a first side and a second side. A first side of the comfort layer may be coupled to the second side of the dressing bolster, and a first side of the polymeric enhancement layer may be coupled to the second side of the comfort layer. An opposing second side of the polymeric enhancement layer may be configured to directly contact the tissue site. Other systems, dressings, apparatuses, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: This application discloses methods and tools for the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) and fibromyalgia and the use of retinal nerve fiber layer thinning as a biomarker for the treatment.

Abstract: A monitoring system performs a method for detecting a disruption of a fluid connection between a first fluid containing system and a second fluid containing system. The monitoring system generates a monitoring signal which is representative of a fluid pressure in respect of the first fluid containing system and which is responsive to the disruption of the fluid connection, and a tracking signal which corresponds to and is more smoothed over time than the monitoring signal. The monitoring system further sets a detection range in a given relation to the tracking signal so that the detection range follows changes in the tracking signal, and detects a condition indicative of the disruption by comparing a current pressure value of the monitoring signal to the detection range. The monitoring system may be connected to or part of an apparatus for blood treatment and operable to detect a disconnection of an extracorporeal blood circuit from a vascular system of a patient, e.g.

Abstract: An implantable infusate spread promoting system configured to enable improved dispersion of delivered infusate. The system including an implantable device configured to enable infusate delivery within a body of a patient, and an implantable manually actuatable flushing pump configured to remove and re-inject a quantity of fluid with each actuation to promote improved dispersion of the delivered infusate.

Abstract: New and useful systems, apparatuses, and methods for providing negative-pressure therapy with instillation of topical treatment solutions are described. An apparatus may comprise an exudate container, a solution source, and a pneumatically-actuated instillation regulator. The instillation regulator may be coupled to the exudate container and to the solution source, and negative pressure from a negative-pressure source can actuate the instillation regulator. In some embodiments, a negative-pressure source may be configured for a negative-pressure interval and a venting interval, and the instillation regulator can be configured to draw instillation solution from the solution source during a negative-pressure interval and to instill the solution to a dressing during a venting interval.

Abstract: A liquid-collection canister includes a liquid collection chamber defined by at least one wall and a first and second gas-communication pathway formed within the at least one wall. A first aperture is positioned between the first gas-communication pathway and the liquid collection chamber to allow gaseous communication between the liquid collection chamber and the first gas-communication pathway. A second aperture is positioned between the second gas-communication pathway and the liquid collection chamber to allow gaseous communication between the liquid collection chamber and the second gas-communication pathway. A first and a second liquid-air separator are positioned over the first aperture and the second aperture, respectively, to substantially prevent liquid passing through the first and second apertures.

Abstract: An example magnetically activated implantable valve according to the present disclosure includes an implantable valve, the implantable valve including a first set of passive magnets, and an actuator configured to actuate the implantable valve. The actuator includes a second set of passive magnets corresponding to the first set of passive magnets. The first set of passive magnets is configured to interact with the second set of passive magnets to actuate the valve. Another example magnetically activated implantable valve and an implantable valve for controlling flow of an active fluid are also disclosed.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus is provided comprising a filtration unit connected to a blood circuit and to a dialysate circuit; a control unit is configured for calculating a sodium concentration value for the blood; the estimation of the sodium concentration includes the sub-step of calculating the sodium concentration value as an algebraic sum of a main contribution term based on the isoconductive sodium concentrate and of an offset contribution term based on a concentration of at least a substance in the dialysis fluid chosen in the group including bicarbonate, potassium, acetate, lactate, citrate, magnesium, calcium, sulphate and phosphate.

Abstract: A monitoring device operates to monitor regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) in a blood treatment system which is configured to administrate citrate to an extracorporeal blood circuit (10) upstream of a dialyzer (11) during a treatment session. At consecutive time steps during the treatment session, the monitoring device obtains a current measurement value of systemic ionized calcium (iCaSYS) or systemic total calcium (CaSYS), operates a predefined algorithm on the current measurement value to generate a current computation value that represents ionized calcium (iCa2, iCa3) in blood at a selected location (loc2, loc3) downstream or upstream of the dialyzer (11) in the extracorporeal blood circuit (10), and presents and/or evaluates the current computation value for assessment of the regional citrate anticoagulation. The need for conventional blood sampling and blood analysis upstream and/or downstream of the dialyzer, e.g. during CRRT, is thereby reduced significantly.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus is provided comprising a filtration unit connected to a blood circuit and to a dialysate circuit, a preparation device for preparing and regulating the composition of the dialysis fluid; a control unit is configured for setting a sodium concentration value for the dialysis fluid in the dialysis supply line at a set point based on the physician prescription; starting from the initial patient plasma conductivity, estimated at the beginning of the treatment, and based on the target plasma conductivity/sodium concentration which is equivalent to the dialysate conductivity/sodium concentration prescribed, the control unit determines the minimum constant gradient between dialysis fluid and plasma conductivity/concentration to be maintained during treatment to achieve the conductivity/concentration target in the patient plasma at the end of the session.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for the treatment of edema. In one aspect a method for implanting an indwelling catheter within a vein of a patient is provided. The catheter can extend from a position upstream of at least one outflow port of a duct of the lymph system to a terminal position downstream of the at least one outflow port. In use, a first restriction can be created within the vein proximal to a distal region of the catheter. The first restriction can define a localized low pressure zone distal of the restriction and within a portion of the vein housing the catheter. The low pressure zone can be adjacent to the at least one outflow port to enable fluid to pass from the at least one lymph duct outflow port into the vein.

Abstract: Provided herein are novel devices for the formation of arteriovenous fistulas, which may aid subjects in need of hemodialysis. The novel devices are provided in a non-surgical procedure, greatly decreasing the cost and increasing the convenience of placing an arteriovenous fistula. The devices are atraumatic, and consist of a sutureless anastomosis device and conduit. Methods and tools for placing the devices in vivo are disclosed, including a magnetic-assisted method.

Abstract: A dependent closed pressure vessel is fluidly coupled to an independent closed pressure vessel. A pressure sensor monitors pressure in the vessels to generate raw pressure measurement data. A flow meter monitors multidirectional rate of flow of fluid between the vessels and the volume of fluid flowing from the independent closed pressure vessel to generate raw rate of flow and raw volume measurement data. A pressure/flow regulator valve adjusts pressure in the dependent closed pressure vessel in response to a pressure set point signal generated in response to the raw pressure data, adjusts the rate of flow of fluid between the vessels in response to a rate of flow set point signal generated in response to the raw rate of flow data, and adjusts the rate of flow of fluid between the vessels in response to a volume set point signal generated in response to the raw volume data.

Abstract: A fluid conduit includes a first portion having a first porosity, a second portion disposed immediately adjacent to the first portion, the second portion having a second porosity that is greater than the first porosity, and a third portion of the fluid conduit disposed immediately adjacent to the second portion, the third portion having a third porosity that is less than the second porosity. Each of the first portion, the second portion, and the third portion may be integrally formed as a single, continuous piece defining the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A dressing includes a manifold layer and a drape coupled to the manifold layer and configured to seal the manifold layer over a wound. The drape has an opening extending therethrough. A connection pad is positioned at the opening and configured to couple the dressing to a tube. The connection pad includes an outer ring coupled to the drape and a center dimple extending away from the drape and defining a volume between the center dimple and a plane defined by the outer ring. The dressing also includes an absorbent manifolding structure positioned between the center dimple and the manifold layer and formed to substantially match a shape of the volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant for local active ingredient release having an upper wall (1), which is closed and disk-shaped and consists of a material which is pierceable with an injection cannula using a force of less than 100 N, is self-sealing and is elastically deformable, a lower wall (2) which is arranged opposite the upper wall (1), is disk-shaped, is elastically deformable and has at least one liquid-permeable feed-through (3) through the lower wall (2), a hollow space (4) which is arranged between the upper wall (1) and the lower wall (2), and an anti-piercing means (6), which is disk-shaped, between the upper wall (1) and the lower wall (2), wherein the anti-piercing means (6) consists of a material which is not pierceable with an injection cannula (100) using a force of less than 100 N. The invention also relates a method for filling such an implant with a liquid.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method of placing a cardiac drainage cannula into a patient's heart. In some embodiments, the method comprises the steps of (a) inserting the cannula percutaneously into an internal jugular vein, (b) advancing the cannula through the internal jugular vein and into the right atrium of the heart, and (c) advancing the cannula through the atrial septum into the left atrium of the heart. Further aspects of the disclosure provide a method of draining blood from the left atrium or left ventricle of a patient's heart using a cardiac drainage cannula. The disclosure also provides a cardiac drainage cannula and a mechanical circulatory support system.

Abstract: Fluid management systems are disclosed that include software-controlled, electro-mechanical devices used in combination with single-use or multi-use tubing sets. Functions of the fluid management systems can include fluid pressurization, fluid warming, fluid deficit monitoring (including flow-based and weight-based), suction, fluid collection, and fluid evacuation (including indirect-to-drain and direct-to-drain options). The systems can be configured based on the surgical environment (e.g., operating room or physician office) as well as other user needs and/or preferences.

Abstract: A drug container assembly for use with a parenteral drug delivery device is disclosed. The container assembly includes a container configured to hold the medication and an intermediate port connector. The port connector may be fixedly coupled to the container and removably coupled to the delivery device in a convenient, reliable, and sealed manner. In use, the port connector may convey the medication from the container to the delivery device for delivery to the patient.