Abstract: An apparatus for premixing fluids to form dialysate for an extracorporeal blood treatment includes at least a first feed portion for supplying at least a first fluid from at least a first fluid reservoir, at least a second feed portion for supplying at least a second fluid from at least a second fluid reservoir, a premixing portion being configured to premix fluids supplied via the feed portions in counter flow to form a fluid mixture and at least one drain portion for draining the fluid mixture premixed in the premixing portion as dialysate. A method carries out appropriate steps. In a conductivity measurement along the drain portion the conductivity of the premixed fluid mixture is measured by means of a digital filter adapted to be parameterized based on at least two state variables of the premixing process at least in two phases with a first predictive phase and a second corrective phase.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an applicator for applying a cosmetic treatment product to the skin or the lips, the applicator comprising at least: an application portion comprising a bundle of needles for applying the cosmetic treatment product and extending along a longitudinal axis, the bundle of needles comprising at least one first set of needles having a distribution that is square in cross-section relative to the longitudinal axis; and a linear drive device connected to the application portion and configured to constrain the bundle of needles to perform reciprocating motion along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and devices for improved drainage systems and tubing. In one embodiment, a context-sensitive flow interrupter is provided that inhibits or facilitates flow of fluid when engaged with a mating holder. In another embodiment, outflow is optimized through control of the pressure in gas pockets in a tube, drainage tube or assembly. In one such embodiment, gas pockets are vented to inhibit excessive back-pressure or suction on an organ, vessel or cavity being drained. In another such embodiment, loops in the tubes are avoided by using a mechanical template in the form of a groove or peg assembly to thread the slack in the drainage tube to generate a monotonic gradient. In another embodiment, such as for active drainage systems, a bypass channel is provided that allows an applied vacuum to go around an obstruction created by the collection of fluid in an undrained dependent loop.

Abstract: One disclosed embodiment comprises a method for treating lesions in the carotid artery of a mammalian body. The method comprises transcervical access and blocking of blood flow through the common carotid artery (with or without blocking of blood flow through the external carotid artery), shunting blood from the internal carotid artery and treating the lesion in the carotid artery.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis that includes a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet; and a leg gasketing system. The leg gasketing system may include an inner cuff and an outer cuff; the inner cuff may include an inner cuff folded edge and an inner cuff material edge and the outer cuff may include an outer cuff folded edge and an outer cuff material edge such that the web of material is folded laterally inward to form the outer cuff folded edge and folded laterally outward to form the inner cuff folded edge, and the leg gasketing system further including a leg gasketing system pocket with an opening on an inboard longitudinal edge of the leg gasketing system pocket. The disposable absorbent article also includes at least one channel in the absorbent core.

Abstract: A smoke evacuator and evacuation system for removing gaseous and/or particulate byproducts of surgical procedures and noxious vapors from chemicals is provided and includes an end effector or vacuum head positionable at a surgical site, the end effector including a plenum, a plenum support for preventing the plenum from collapsing, and an adaptor for coupling the end effector or vacuum head to a vacuum source.

Abstract: Porous devices are provided that include a particle-containing fibrous porous matrix and a fluid absorbed in the particle-containing porous fibrous nonwoven matrix. The particle-containing fibrous porous matrix includes a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix containing first polyolefin fibers, second polyolefin fibers including poly(ethylene), and fiberglass fibers; and microorganism-binding particles. The microorganism-binding particles are enmeshed in said porous fibrous nonwoven matrix. Methods of debridement are provided including providing a porous device including a particle-containing fibrous porous matrix and wiping a wound or an area of skin with the device; and providing a porous device including a porous fibrous nonwoven matrix and wiping a wound with the device. Further, kits are provided including a sterile package containing at least one porous device, and typically also instructions for debridement.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing a tampon retainer to retain a string of a tampon in a vagina. In some embodiments, the tampon retainer comprises a body having a leading end and a trailing end. A fastener is located on the leading end of the body and is attachable to the tampon string. While the tampon and the tampon retainer are in use, the fastener maintains the entire tampon string within the vagina. The trailing end of the body of the tampon retainer is configured to extend from a vaginal opening when the tampon retainer is in use and a user can grasp the trailing end of the body to remove the tampon, the tampon string, and the tampon retainer from the vagina.

Abstract: A system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration includes a pressure sensor configured for placement in fluid communication with a lumen which at least partially includes an aspiration lumen of a catheter, the aspiration lumen configured to couple to a vacuum source, a measurement device coupled to the pressure sensor and configured for measuring deviations in fluid pressure, and a communication device coupled to the measurement device and configured to generate a continuous signal which is proportional to measured fluid pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to negative pressure treatment systems and wound dressing systems, apparatuses, and methods that may be used for the treatment of wounds. In particular, some embodiments are directed to improved wound dressings comprising a bridge portion connecting two or more portions of an absorbent layer that facilitates trimming of the wound dressing to suitable sizes. Some embodiments provide for trimming the dressing in a gap between two or more portions of an absorbent layer and sealing the exposed portion of dressing after trimming when the dressing is applied to skin surrounding a wound.

Abstract: A microgravity urine collection apparatus may include a bellows defining an internal chamber having a selectively adjustable volume. The bellows may include an inlet and an outlet. The microgravity urine collection apparatus may further include a first valve coupled to the bellows and configured to selectively control fluid flow through the inlet. The microgravity urine collection apparatus may also include a second valve coupled to the bellows and configured to allow fluid flow out of the bellows via the outlet and prevent fluid flow into the bellows via the outlet.

Abstract: A nose wiping device comprises a knobbed base structure, a cover enclosing the knobbed base structure, and connecting member attached to a first end of the cover and a second end of the cover. The nose wiping device is configured to be worn around a limb thereby allowing removal of nasal drip.

Abstract: Methods, dressings, and systems for promoting epithelialization of a wound or other tissue are presented. The methods, dressings, and systems help form simulated rete pegs. In one instance, an epithelialization dressing is disclosed that may include a dressing body having a plurality of projections. A plurality of apertures is formed on a portion of the dressing body. The dressing helps manage fluids on the wound and the projections form cavities into which epithelial tissue migrates to from epithelial columns that function like rete pegs. Other dressings, methods, and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a male catheter. An assembly includes a proximal region including a sheath portion, the sheath portion including a braided section terminating in a proximal region opening adapted to encompass a male penis, a distal region including a connection portion, the connection portion terminating in a distal region opening to enable linking to one or more external devices, and a tube portion linking the proximal region to the distal region.

Abstract: Configurable absorbent articles are provided. The absorbent articles may comprise a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core positioned at least partially intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent articles may comprise a first waist region, a second waist region, a crotch region extending intermediate the first waist region and the second waist region, and an outer cover material joined to the backsheet and forming a portion of a garment-facing surface of the absorbent article. The absorbent articles may comprise a pair of leg cuffs and a fully removable fastening member. The fastening member may comprise a first fastener on a first surface of the fastening member and positioned proximate to a first end and a second fastener on the first surface and positioned proximate to a second end. The absorbent articles may also comprise a wetness guard.

Abstract: Systems and methods for keeping various compounds stable in different ampoules in an applicator. Upon breaking open the ampoules, the compounds are mixed and applied. In one embodiment, the resulting mixture is a long lasting waterproof sunscreen for use on skin. In another embodiment, the resulting mixture applied one or more coatings to an article and may subsequently accomplish sustained release and/or transdermal deliver of a therapeutic.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transparent, absorbent device for the dressing of wounds and insertion sites of percutaneous and drug delivery devices. The device provides 360 degree or complete circumferential protection of a wound or insertion site of a percutaneous or drug delivery device and comprises a hydrogel center and at least one absorbent material. The hydrogel center can optionally comprise a bioactive agent(s).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a negative pressure wound closure system and methods for using such a system. Preferred embodiments of the invention facilitate closure of the wound by preferentially contracting to provide for movement of the tissue. Preferred embodiments can utilize tissue securing portions that aid in securing the invention within a wound.

Abstract: Disclosed is material saving clothing including a repeatedly usable general-purpose holding and looping member for replacement with a full-pad type or a partial-pad type absorbent article and an absorbent article. The holding and looping member has a rear waist portion that is provided with a rear opening and a rear clamp section and a front portion that is provided with a front opening and a front clamping section. The front portion is provided, on a lower portion of each of left and right sides thereof, with a side clamp section and anti-skidding glue. The absorbent article is provided, above a rear end thereof, with left and right rear pulling sections positionable into a rear opening and clamped (from opposite sides) by a rear clamp section and a front clamping section provided above a front end to be pulled through a front opening for clamping by a front clamping section.

Abstract: A waste management system and method of use. The waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device includes a generally tubular body, a distal end section configured for disposition and maintenance in a patient's rectum, and a proximal end section including a first connector biased in a sealed position. The waste collection device includes a second connector. The first connector is transitioned to an unsealed position when the first connector is secured to the second connector.