Abstract: A method of using an integrated catheter assembly includes a housing member, an outer lumen member extending from the housing member, and a needle member slidably or movably coupled to the housing member, wherein the needle member can be extended beyond a first port of the outer lumen member in a first position and concealed in the outer lumen member in a second position. The outer lumen member has a side port between its first and second ports such that when the needle is extended in the first position and inserted into an arteriovenous fistula, blood from the arteriovenous fistula flashes into the needle member, is diverted through a relief port of the needle member out the side port of the outer lumen member for delivery to a dialysis machine. The assembly further includes an inner lumen member that is disposable through the housing member to extend out from the same the outer lumen member to provide dialyzed blood from the machine.

Abstract: A nutrient recycling device is provided that is configured to collect digestive contents from a first opening of a gastrointestinal (GI) tract and recycle and/or return the digestive contents to a second location in a patient's gastrointestinal tract. The device and associated method may find application in patients with a number of complaints, such as short bowel syndrome and/or prior to stoma reversal surgery. The device comprises a bag adapted to receive the digestive contents from a first GI opening, and a pump incorporated with the bag adapted to pump the digestive contents to a second GI location. The pump includes an inlet in fluid communication with the interior of the bag, and an outlet connected to an outlet conduit adapted to provide a flow pathway for the digestive content to flow from the pump to second GI location.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to apparatuses, systems, and methods for the treatment of wounds, for example using multiple wound dressings in combination with negative pressure wound therapy. A negative pressure would therapy apparatus can include a negative pressure source and a controller. The negative pressure source can include inlets configured to couple via fluid flow paths to wound dressings. The fluid flow paths can include pressure sensors configured to measure pressure in the fluid flow paths. The pressure sensors can include a first pressure sensor configured to measure pressure in the first fluid flow path and a second pressure sensor configured to measure pressure in the second fluid flow path. The controller can be configured to operate the negative pressure source and provide, based on measured pressure, indication of at least one operating condition associated with at least one of the fluid flow paths.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a longitudinal axis and a lateral axis; a front region, a back region, a crotch region, the crotch region being disposed between the front region and the back region; a front panel in the front region, wherein the front panel includes an inner layer and an outer layer; a back panel in the back region, wherein the back panel includes an inner layer and an outer layer; an elastic layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer in the front panel; an elastic layer disposed between the inner layer and the outer layer in the back panel; and a single-layer zone in one of the front and back panels, wherein the single-layer zone is free of the inner layer and elastic layer.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the intravascular treatment of clot material within a blood vessel of a human patient are disclosed herein. A method in accordance with embodiments of the present technology can include, for example, positioning a distal portion of a catheter proximate to the clot material within the blood vessel. The method can further include coupling a pressure source to the catheter via a tubing subsystem including a valve or other fluid control device and, while the valve is closed, activating the pressure source to charge a vacuum. The valve can then be opened to apply the vacuum to the catheter to thereby aspirate at least a portion of the clot material from the blood vessel and into the catheter.

Abstract: A polymer composition comprising an organic polymer and a mica containing effect pigment, e.g., a pearlescent pigment comprising mica, well suited for producing molded articles, in particular, for molding articles comprising thin sections and or delicate features, such as a hollow interior defined by a thin wall or structural features susceptible to tear or other damage and the like, is provided as are a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition and articles comprising the polymer composition, including, for example, an article used to deliver a medical or personal care component such as a tampon applicator, and a method for preparing molded articles comprising the polymer composition. Optionally, articles of the present disclosure have a varying translucency or opacity about a dimension of the article.

Abstract: An apparatus for influencing an intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye with a controllable discharge device which is configured to discharge a liquid from at least one area of the eye. The apparatus includes a first sensor device which captures at least one first value that is characteristic for the IOP of the eye, and a second sensor device, which captures at least one second value that is characteristic for a pressure acting on the eye, and a control device which controls the discharge device at least at times taking account of the first characteristic value and the second characteristic value, wherein the second characteristic value is characteristic for an intracranial pressure and/or cerebrospinal pressure.

Abstract: An integrated catheter assembly includes a housing member, an outer lumen member extending from the housing member, and a needle member having a needle slidably or movably coupled to the housing member, wherein the needle can be extended beyond the outer lumen. Once a flash of blood is confirmed the needle member is uncoupled from the housing member and removed from within the patent's vein or artery. An inner lumen member having an elongated member housing an inner lumen is then connected to the housing member. The integrated catheter assembly therefore receives and delivers blood through a single injection site.

Abstract: There is provided a tampon pledget that includes one or more enhanced features that result in the pledget exhibiting increased bypass leakage prevention. These enhanced features may include, but are not limited to, geometry, absorption, and any combinations thereof. There is also provided one or more methods for constructing a tampon pledget having increased bypass leakage protection.

Abstract: A waste liquid receptacle includes first and second cover members for covering first and second openings, respectively. The first cover member is made of a material that is configured to: (i) be plastically deformed upward by a first suction force in a state where a second negative pressure is generated in an upper space; and (ii) plastically deform downward by a depressing force against the first cover member downward in a state where an openable and closable lid is open and the second negative pressure is released. The second cover member is made of a material that is configured: (i) not to be plastically deformed by a second suction force in a state where a first negative pressure is generated in a waste liquid receipt space; and (ii) to be broken without being plastically deformed when a depressing force is applied to the first cover member.

Abstract: Provided are a treatment method, a separation method, and a filter assembly capable of preventing so-called “Blue Toe syndrome” which is so-called cholesterol crystal embolism of which a fat-soluble compound such as cholesterol crystals generated during dilation of a stenosed site causes clogging in glomeruli of peripheral capillaries or kidney, acute renal failure, and the like. Cholesterol crystals generated from plaque during use of a balloon catheter are taken out of the body and removed using a centrifugal separation device or a filter, and usable living cells are returned to the body to reduce blood transfusion and reduce cholesterol crystal embolism.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are provided for use in a negative pressure wound therapy system for healing a wound in a patient. Various aspects may include an ester-based material adapted to be directly applied to the wound, such as a smooth muscle fistula, without substantially damaging tissue in the wound during dressing changes. The ester-based material may have an affinity for the wound bed surface and/or wound fluid. In addition, various aspects may include a device adapted to close the wound, such as a smooth muscle fistula.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene product wrapper, comprising a front panel having a closed side lengthwise edge, an open side lengthwise edge, a bottom widthwise edge, and a top widthwise edge; a back panel having a closed side lengthwise edge, an open side lengthwise edge, a bottom widthwise edge, and a top widthwise edge; and an expandable side panel having a lengthwise extending first side edge, a lengthwise extending second side edge, a top edge, and a bottom edge, wherein the lengthwise extending first side edge is attached to the open side lengthwise edge of the front panel, and the lengthwise extending second side edge is attached to the open side lengthwise edge of the back panel.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a front section, a central section and a rear section located along a longitudinal axis is described. A first pattern of adhesive is applied to the central section of a garment facing surface of the backsheet. The first pattern of adhesive has a first plurality of stripes extending substantially parallel to the transverse axis on a first side of the central longitudinal axis. A second plurality of stripes extends substantially parallel to the transverse axis on a second side of the central longitudinal axis. A first gap between the first plurality of stripes and the second plurality of stripes extends over the central longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The Bone Dust Trap for collecting bone dust during various surgical procedures for subsequent bone graft implantation. The device includes cylindrical housing unit covered with the lid, attached to the central pipe with the porous tip. The pipe connects the cyclone forming mechanism and filtrating membrane, located at the lower part of the central pipe. The membrane interlinks with the plurality of porous plates located along the walls of the cylinder. The cyclone forming mechanism, consisting of the inlet port with conical jet and the spiral helix, creates spiral movement of the incoming fluid. The liquid is further directed towards the 2-stage filtrating system with the said porous plates, where larger bone particles are accumulated, and then to the filtrating membrane, which collects smaller particles. The fluid is extracted through the central pipe. The lid can be removed to collect the bone particles from plates and membrane.

Abstract: The menstrual cup includes an upper opening and a receptacle having a body with a curved longitudinal shape and a base. The cup extends longitudinally from the opening to the base and has an inner surface corresponding to the concave portion of the receptacle, and an outer surface corresponding to the convex portion of the receptacle. The body includes at least one hollow longitudinal groove on the inner surface of the body and at least one solid longitudinal groove on the outer surface of the body, aligned with the hollow longitudinal groove on the inner surface. The invention also relates to an associated kit and a method for disinfecting the menstrual cup.

Abstract: A collecting unit, which receives secretion from a patient. The collecting unit comprises a cover (2) and a bag (3), which is mechanically connected to the cover (2). The bag (3) can be converted from a folded state, in which a portion of the bag (3) is folded about a fold axis (FA), into an unfolded state. Two overlapping overlap areas (3.1, 3.2) of the bag (3) that have each a connection area (VB.1, VB.2), are formed in the folded state. These connection areas (VB.1, VB.2) are detachably connected to one another, and preferably in a positively connected. The fold axis (FA) forms a common edge of the two overlap areas (3.1, 3.2).

Abstract: A tampon applicator, including: a vaginal insertion tube intended to house the tampon to be used, and a plunger which is mounted coaxially in one end of the tube and which is used to push and release the tampon through a second end of the tube. According to tan embodiment, the applicator can be re-used and the insertion tube includes a side window through which a tampon can be inserted into the tube, before each use of the applicator by the user.

Abstract: A defecation detection device (2) is adapted to communicate with a receiver (4) and includes a mounting seat (21), a resilient member (22) having a fixed end (221) that is connected to the mounting seat (21) and a free end (222) that is spaced apart from the mounting seat (21), a first conductive sheet (51) that is disposed on the free end (222) of the resilient member (22), a second conductive sheet (52) that is disposed on the mounting surface (211) of the mounting seat (21), and a transmitter module (6). When the free end (222) of the resilient member (22) is pressed to move toward the mounting seat (21), the first conductive sheet (51) is in contact with the second conductive sheet (52), and the transmitter module (6) is configured to wirelessly transmit a signal to the receiver (4) to allow the receiver (4) to output a notification.

Abstract: An absorbent article has a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region disposed between the first and second waist regions; and a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet. The article also includes a primary fastening system and secondary fastening system. The primary fastening system has a primary fastening component disposed in the second waist region and a primary receiving component disposed in the first waist region and operatively engageable with the primary fastening component. The secondary fastening system includes a secondary fastening component disposed in the first waist region and a secondary receiving component disposed in the second waist region and operatively engageable with the secondary fastening component. The article further includes a decoupled zone disposed longitudinally inboard of the secondary fastening component.