Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for targeted administration of a drug to a patient's eye. In one embodiment, the method includes inserting a hollow microneedle into the sclera of the eye at an insertion site and infusing a fluid drug formulation through the inserted microneedle and into the suprachoroidal space of the eye, wherein the infused fluid drug formulation flows within the suprachoroidal space away from the insertion site during the infusion. The fluid drug formulation may flow circumferentially toward the retinochoroidal tissue, macula, and optic nerve in the posterior segment of the eye.

Abstract: A piston adapter, which can be easily removed even when it is mounted on a piston member of a rodless syringe and pressed in a cylinder member, is provided. In piston adapter 200, when manual operation member 230 is manually rotated relative to adapter rod 210, adapter shaft 220 is also rotated to turn the trailing end of flange engagement member 240 engaging with an engagement open/close mechanism near leading end of the flange engagement member, thereby piston adapter 200 can be easily put on and removed from the piston member of the rodless syringe its leading end by manually operating the trailing end of piston adapter 200.

Abstract: A medical introducer apparatus for use in inserting an interventional device into a body vessel of a patient. The apparatus includes a housing having a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a chamber positioned between the openings. A hemostatic valve system is provided in the housing chamber. The valve system includes a plurality of generally elastomeric valve members axially arranged in the chamber. The valve members each have a generally circular hole extending therethrough, which hole is sized for substantially leak-free passage of the interventional device. The valve members are aligned in the chamber to be sequentially penetrable by the interventional device, such that a hole in one valve member is covered by an adjoining valve member. A valve opener having a tubular body with a curved portion penetrates the hemostatic valve system to aid in the positioning of the interventional device. The curved portion maintains the valve opener stationary within the valve system.

Abstract: A method of turning a medical device with the assistance of an externally applied magnetic field, in a direction with a component in a plane perpendicular to the direction of the externally applied magnetic field. The method includes applying first torque to the distal end of the medical device by creating magnetic moment at the distal end of the medical device, and applying a second torque to the distal end of the medical device. The second torque may be created by creating a second magnetic moment at the distal end of the device spaced from the first, by using an electrostrictive device, by using a stylette inserted into the device, by using a fluid-driven shaped tube, or otherwise.

Abstract: Method of producing an administering device for infusing or injecting a product, whereby in order to mold a housing shell (1) serving as a case for components of the administering device in a multi-component injection molding process at least one pre-molded, transparent insert part (22, 23) made from a first plastic material is inserted in an injection mold molded to a shape matching the shape of the housing shell (1), a dimensionally stable, curable second plastic material is injected into the injection mold around the insert part (22, 23) to render it watertight and an opening left free in the second plastic material is closed to render it watertight by injecting on an elastomeric third plastic material.

Abstract: A method of securing a biopsy marker within a biopsy site includes depositing a marker element within a biopsy site and fixing the marker element within the biopsy site by injecting a securing agent within the biopsy site. Delivery devices for delivering the securing agent to the biopsy site are also disclosed.

Abstract: A needle assembly including a cover, an inner shield, a needle and a hub assembly is provided. After use, the cover is placed over the distal (patient) end of the needle and the inner shield can be used to cover the proximal (non-patient) end of the needle. The inner shield comprises flexible extensions above its open end to secure the inner shield over the proximal end of a needle in the needle assembly. A needle hub is also provided that eliminates adhesive bumps at the base of the needle and further distributes needle angular bending along an irregular surface, which facilitates proper insertion technique and effective needle length. The hub further includes stanchions or castellations on its edge such that when the patient uses proper injection techniques, the edges of the hub leave a distinctive impression in the skin of a user for a short period of time.

Abstract: A surgical access device, such as a trocar, includes a pendent valve having an elongate structure extending from a proximal end to a septum valve disposed at a distal end. In operation, the elongate structure follows the angle of the instrument to pre-position the septum valve into the path of the instrument where it is not significantly challenged during instrument insertion or manipulation. The pendant valve can be made to float at both the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate structure, to further reduce the vulnerability of the septum valve. Since the valve is less vulnerable to instrument insertion, it can be formed to minimize friction and maximize the functional range of the access device.

Abstract: An integrated guiding device has a tube and a corewire within the tube and a torque coupler. The torque coupler can couple the rotational motion of the tube with the rotational motion of the corewire. The wire can be moved longitudinally at least some amount relative to the tube. The device can further comprise a functional medical structure, such as an embolism protection structure. The device can be used in medical procedures, such as less invasive procedures within the cardiovascular system. Improved fiber based embolism protection devices comprise fiber bundles that are twisted prior to delivery.

Abstract: An extravascular system for accessing the vasculature of a patient may include a catheter assembly and an internal construct within the catheter assembly. At least one fluid flow space may exist between the internal construct and the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A system and method for performing tissue therapy may include applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site of a patient. A fluid parameter associated with applying a reduced pressureto the tissue site may be sensed. An audible fluid leak location sound may be generated in response to sensing the fluid parameter. The audible fluid leak location sound may be altered in response to sensing that the fluid parameter changes. By altering the audible fluid leak location sound in response to sensing a change of the fluid parameter, a clinician may detect location of a fluid leak at the drape by applying force to the drape. The force applied to the drape may be a clinician pressing a finger onto an edge of the drape.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a pharmaceutical liquid to a patient includes an outer casing; a needle cassette housed in the casing and containing a plurality of mutually parallel drug injection needles; a drug cartridge housed in the casing, containing a liquid and including a sealable aperture for accessing the liquid; a direct drive assembly housed in the casing and engageable with the drug cartridge to expel a measured dose of the liquid through the aperture; a lifter assembly housed in the casing and engageable with the needle cassette to drive one of the plurality of needles partially out of the casing and into a patient while also accessing the liquid in the drug cartridge through the scalable aperture, and thereafter to withdraw the needle from the patient while halting access of the liquid through the sealable aperture after the measured dose of the liquid has been administered through the needle; motor means in the casing for driving the direct drive assembly and the lifter assembly; computer means fo

Abstract: A vascular guidewire introducer device (10) having a needle (52), a bulb (16), and a valve subassembly (100) through which a guidewire (14) is insertable for vascular guidewire insertion into a blood vessel (12) of a patient. The valve subassembly (100) includes a proximal fitting (102), a proximal cap (106), and a valve arrangement (104) disposed within a valve seat (118) defined by one of the fitting and the cap. The valve arrangement includes distal and proximal disc-shaped valve members (122,126) having centered slits (124,128) therethrough, and a spacer (130) disposed between the valve members. A method is disclosed for precisely centering the slits of the valve members during assembly and for retaining the valve members in their precisely centered positions in the valve seat. The valve arrangement permits use with a wide range of guidewire diameters.

Abstract: A surgical system that is able to sense the onset of an occlusion or other surgical event as well as the instant an occlusion breaks. To help avoid overheating of the tip, the system determines a temperature of an eye using irrigation flow rate and reduces the power to the handpiece automatically if an overheating situation is predicted. Alternatively or in addition, the system monitors the power drawn by the handpiece, which is indicative of the cutting load on the tip, and automatically adjusts the power or stroke of the tip to compensate for increased loads on the tip.

Abstract: A disposable assembly for use with a sensor assembly, the disposable comprising a body, a flow restricting element, and a fluid pressure membrane. The body has a lid portion and a base portion. The body defines a fluid flow passage that forms an inlet and an outlet. The flow restricting element is positioned in the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid pressure membrane is disposed along the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. The fluid pressure membrane is located between the lid portion and the base portion of the body.

Abstract: A nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit configured for surgical implantation through a patient's tympanic membrane. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit comprises a gas-permeable cured resin material configured for releasably sequestering therein gas. The gas-permeable cured resin material is charged with nitric oxide gas. The nitric oxide gas-releasing conduit may be optionally coated with an antimicrobial gas-releasing composition. The gas-releasing coating composition may be configured to release nitric oxide.

Abstract: Medical device systems and related methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A method of combining a drug in a first container and a liquid in a second container includes placing the first container and the second container in fluid communication with a housing, combining the liquid and the drug in the first container, transferring the liquid and the drug from the first container to the housing, and transferring the liquid and the drug from the housing to a third container.

Abstract: A sealing valve of the present invention allows a valve opening to be opened by pressing and deforming the sealing valve by means of a tip end of a male connection port, such as an orifice portion of a syringe, without making the tip end of the male connection port run through the sealing valve. A connection port, a mixed injection tube, a connection tool for an infusion circuit, and a connection system for an infusion circuit use such a sealing valve, so that they can be formed without using a needle.

Abstract: A disposable flow set for use with a pump includes a first administration tube, at least one tube-segment having a first end and a second end, the first end connected to the first administration tube, a second administration tube connected to the second end of the at least one tube-segment; and an identifying key member connected to the at least one tube-segment. The identifying key member includes a number of teeth that define a unique code, including a combination of location and width. The teeth fit into compatible niches located in the pump.