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: 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 grasping elements to apply a wound closing force to the tissue.

Abstract: The invention comprises a diaper sensor device comprising at least two sensor units each comprising at least a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor; optionally a positional sensor; a microcontroller communicating with the sensors and comprising a transmitter for transmitting data from the sensors; a power unit supplying power to the sensors, the microcontroller and the transmitter; a flexible watertight casing; housing the sensors, the transmitter; and the power unit, and fastening means for fastening the diaper sensor device on the outside of the diaper. Furthermore the invention comprises a method and a system for determining the existence and class of human excreta in a diaper.

Abstract: Implantable physiological shunt systems and related fluid flow control devices and accessories for use therewith. Devices, systems and methods relating to implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets with increased resistance to inadvertent setting changes. Devices, systems and methods relating implantable medical fluid flow control devices, rotors and magnets which provide improved magnetic coupling to fluid flow control device accessories such as adjustment tools.

Abstract: The present invention provides a tampon pledget with one or more of the following properties: increased absorbency rate; high absorbent capacity and fluid retention; rapid expansion potential; and ease of ejection of the pledget from the applicator. Surprisingly, the one or more properties are achieved by using a modified dual cross-pad, folded, compressed tampon pledget design.

Abstract: A pant-like absorbent articles having handles on side panels of the article for ease of removal and donning of the absorbent garment is disclosed. The article includes a front waist region, a back waist region, and a chassis extending longitudinally between and interconnecting the front and back waist regions attached by at least one side panel. Formed within the side panel is at least one handle. The handle includes an aperture formed through the side panel. The handle further includes a reinforcing material operatively joined to the at least one side panel adjacent distal side edges of the aperture.

Abstract: A wound care device for the treatment of wounds is disclosed by means of atmospheric negative pressure in the wound region, including a wound-covering element that can be attached to the skin of a patient as well as a connection device for the suctioning of fluid media, wherein the wound-covering element includes a window that can be opened, which window is arranged on the wound-covering element by means of a gas-tight closure.

Abstract: An absorbent article is disclosed, including a three-dimensional material formed of a liquid permeable topsheet and an acquisition material. The acquisition material is positioned beneath the topsheet, and both may be formed of nonwoven material. The three dimensional material may have two surfaces and a plurality of protrusions extending in a z-direction from one of the surfaces, each protrusion having side walls defining an opening in the other of the surfaces. One of the topsheet and the acquisition material may include fibers spun of polymer resin pigmented with a first color that differs from a second color of fibers of the other of the topsheet and the acquisition material, and the differing colors are visible when viewing a wearer-facing surface of the absorbent article.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for collecting fluid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a body portion comprising a fluid inlet and an outlet, an expandable container secured to the body portion, at least one wicking element extending from within the body portion into the container, and at least one super absorber element arranged inside the container.

Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, includes a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject, a portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject and a container for collecting exudates from the wound bed removed under the subatmospheric pressure supplied by the subatmospheric pressure mechanism. The portable subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing, a subatmospheric pressure source disposed within the housing and in fluid communication with the wound dressing to supply subatmospheric pressure to the wound dressing and a power source mounted to or within the housing for supplying power to actuate the subatmospheric pressure source.

Abstract: A system or apparatus may include a container configured to collect fluid from a tissue site and regulate negative-pressure from a negative-pressure source. In some embodiments, the container may include a regulator that receives negative pressure directly from an unregulated negative-pressure source, such as a wall-suction outlet. The regulator may regulate down the pressure delivered to a collection chamber in the container, which may in turn be connected to a tissue site.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method can include receiving a first image input from a user, determining values of biological properties of the user, determining a first formulation, controlling a plurality of servomotors, receiving a second image input from a user, determining a second value of one of the biological properties of the user, comparing the first and second values, changing another of the values, determining a second formulation, and again controlling the plurality of servomotors. The image inputs can include images of the users skin. The values can be representative of a sensitivity of the user's skin to one or more materials and a current level of irritation of the user's skin. The formulations can contain a plurality of materials and can be configured to inhibit irritation of the user's skin based on the values of the biological properties of the skin.

Abstract: An ostomy bag can include one or more sensors for measuring one or more metrics. An ostomy wafer can also include one or more sensors for measuring one or more metrics. The sensors can be temperature sensors and/or capacitive sensors, for example, and the metrics can include bag fill, leakage, skin irritation, and phase of stoma output, among others.

Abstract: A dialysate mixing machine may be configured to make dialysate on demand using, among other things, a plurality of concentrates in solid tablet form. For example, a prescription may be received by the dialysate mixing machine indicating the particular chemical constituents and amounts of each chemical constituent to be included in the dialysate. Based on the prescription, the dialysate mixing machine can determine the number of tablets required for each chemical constituent (and, e.g., the required amounts of other chemical constituents that are not in tablet form). The tablets are automatically dispensed and mixed with purified water, bicarbonate, and sodium chloride in a mixing chamber to produce the dialysate according to the prescription. The dialysate mixing machine may be used with and/or coupled to a dialysis machine (e.g., a hemodialysis (HD) machine designed for home use) to provide the dialysate on demand for a dialysis treatment.

Abstract: An absorbent article, preferably a disposable absorbent article such as a diaper, is disclosed that provides an improved immobilization of absorbent polymer material when the article is fully or partially urine loaded. This absorbent core is useful for providing an absorbent article of increased wearing comfort. Specifically disclosed is an absorbent core useful for an absorbent article comprising a substrate layer and absorbent material, the absorbent material comprising an absorbent polymer material, the absorbent material optionally comprising absorbent fibrous material, the absorbent fibrous material not representing more than 20% of the weight of absorbent polymer material, wherein the absorbent material is immobilized by a thermoplastic fibrous material.

Abstract: An assembly is disclosed for collecting fluid during a medical or a surgical operation. The assembly can include a canister having an openable lid and a collection liner. The collection liner can include a closed bag portion and an inlet for a collection container. The inlet has a first end and a second end, which opens into the bag portion. The bag portion is placed inside the canister. The first end of the inlet for a collection container extends from between the edge of the canister and the edge of the lid to the outside of the canister when the lid is closed.

Abstract: A waste collection unit for collecting waste material. First and second waste containers are supported on a portable cart. A control panel is configured to receive one or more inputs of selectively set vacuum levels in the first and/or second waste containers. A control system controls operation of vacuum regulators based on the input(s) to regulate levels of vacuums being drawn in each of the waste containers. Pressure sensors in communication with the control system may be positioned to monitor pressure in the waste containers. A back up port support on the portable cart may be provided to receive a vacuum line for coupling a vacuum manifold to a remote vacuum source not located on the portable cart. Container lamps may be coupled to the first and/or second waste containers and configured to illuminate the waste material within the waste containers to be viewed through transparent windows.

Abstract: A cardioplegic agent delivery system comprises a supply reservoir (40) for a cardioplegic agent carrier fluid, a delivery channel from the supply reservoir (40) to an outlet (48), and a pump (50) to flow the carrier liquid in the delivery channel above a minimum driving pressure. The supply reservoir (40) is configured to hold carrier fluid below the minimum driving pressure. The pump (50) is a centrifugal pump configured to receive carrier fluid from the supply reservoir (40) and to flow the carrier fluid to the outlet (48) at a flow rate and above the minimum driving pressure for the delivery of cardioplegic agent. This allows cardioplegia delivery to be managed better.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device (2) for use in the negative pressure therapy of wounds, comprising a flexible conducting means (6) and a connecting body (4) made of an elastomeric flexible material which can be applied to a negative pressure dressing which covers the wound and seals the wound off from the atmosphere, wherein the connecting body (4) has a centrally arranged raised first area (8) which receives the conducting means (6), and a flatter flange-shaped second area (10) opposite the first area, which second area forms a contact plane (12) on the negative pressure dressing, wherein a conducting portion (46) which is closed on all sides and is formed by the central first area adjoins a free end of the delivery lumen (42) of the conducting means (6) which opens in the central first area, wherein said conducting portion first opens at a distal end into an interior (16) of the central first area (8) and from there is in fluid communication with the suction lumen (40) of the conducting means (

Abstract: A system and method for a modular external interface for a skin penetrating appliance is provided. The modular device prevents internalization of bacteria, other infectious agents, or other unwanted materials from entering the access point for a catheter, Steinman pin, Kirschner wires, or other percutaneous instruments. The modular external interface provides for the hermaticity in the vicinity of the skin-appliance interface with fluid exudate or transudate egressing from the vicinity of the skin-appliance interface. The modular external interface forms a hermetic seal with the external neck of an implanted appliance with a locking feature that joins the main body of the modular external interface together around the neck of the appliance. The modular external interface provides mechanical stability to an implanted appliance so as to speed healing around a semi-permanent implanted appliance, as well as connection points for vacuum lines and drive lines for the insertion of medical devices.