Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4 activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4 activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: Vacuum dressings with a guide tube are provided for implantable medical devices that inhibit infection associated with in-dwelling devices while encouraging healing of the incision around the device. The vacuum dressings mitigate pooling of fluids that harbor bacteria from between the outer diameter of an inserted implantable medical device and the inner diameter of a guide tube and also in the cylindrical gap, between the outer diameter of an inserted implantable medical device and the inner wall of the subcutaneous tunnel, which remains in fluid communication with skin microflora. Implantable medical devices may also illustratively include a variety of catheters, such as venous access, peritoneal dialysis, and other indwelling venous access catheters that require skin penetration; cannulas; Steinman pins; Kirschner wires; and cardiac assist device lines.

Abstract: Percutaneous access devices (PAD), bandages, or other implantable medical devices are provided that are equipped with filters, environmental controls, and sensors that promote the formation of a natural biologic seal between the skin and the device to form a barrier to microbial invasion into the body. Levels of humidity and pressure are monitored and dynamically controlled to optimize wound closure about an implanted device or when a PAD is not present a wound itself. Methods and systems for actively assessing wound closure are incorporated into the design of percutaneous skin access devices (PAD), bone anchors, or a wound dressing or bandage alone without at PAD. Pressure and humidity sensors provide active feedback for making changes to the ecology of the wound site or PAD insertion site. A filter is used to aerate the wound while also preventing pathogens in the ambient air from reaching the wound.

Abstract: A wound management system (WMS) is provided that includes dressings, bandages, or implantable medical devices that are equipped with filters, environmental controls, and sensors that promote the formation of a natural biologic seal between the skin and the dressing to form a barrier to microbial invasion into the body that accelerates healing and mitigates wound or exit site infection. Percutaneous access devices (PAD) used with the WMS or other devices including peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheters, Steinman pin, Kirschner wires, and chronic indwelling venous access catheters that require skin penetration. The WMS minimizes risk of exit site infection by reducing the bioburden in the exit tunnel environment in the acute and subacute phases of the PD catheter post-implant. Visualization of the wound without taking off the dressing is provided via a window in the wound area or exit-site to visually monitor for signs of infection and the presence of exudate.

Abstract: A deployment system and method of use thereof is provided for an interior driveline that mitigates the risk of infections for a variety of implanted medical appliances with a percutaneous conduit. The interior driveline and driveline deployment system allow for the deployment of a driveline and an optional corresponding percutaneous access device (PAD) from within the tissue layers below the dermis, prior to exiting the body of a patient. The interior introduction of the driveline and corresponding PAD precludes entrainment introduction of exogeneous pathogens associated with the traditional approach for insertion of a driveline with an exterior to interior directionality relative to the subject corpus.

Abstract: Medical dressings are provided that minimize the disruptive forces directed at the device-skin interface during the processes of dressing changes. The instantaneous disruptive force, imparted to a healing skin wound by an adhesive dressing as it is being de-adhesed from the vicinity of the skin wound, is determined, in part, by the yield strength (force/unit area) of the adhesive/skin interface and, in part, by that portion of surface area (area) of skin-dressing adhesion participating in traction of the skin at said instant. A method to minimize the disruptive force of a medical dressing is to reduce the surface area of skin-dressing adhesion being de-adhesed at a specific instant by dividing the total surface area of skin-dressing into substantially smaller subareas, each of which, when being de-adhesed, would impart disruptive forces to the healing skin wound which are smaller than the tensile strength of the skin wound.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongated member, which has a tubular shape, and a distal retention structure. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen and has a spiral-shaped opening with at least two rotations. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The sidewall between the inner surface and the outer surface is devoid of another lumen. The elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. The distal retention structure is disposed at a distal end of the elongated member for retention in a kidney. The distal retention structure defines a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4 activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, aneurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: An external protective interface is provided for intravenous infusion lines, drive lines, vacuum lines, and monitoring lines for percutaneous access. The interface acts as an airtight seal in concert with a vacuum line to promote accelerated tissue healing to reduce and prevent infection at insertion sites for infusion lines, drive lines, and medical devices. The interface provides additional mechanical stability to an implanted tube or PAD or so as to speed healing around a semi-permanent implanted tube or PAD, as well as connection points for vacuum lines and at least one drive line for the insertion of medical devices. The dense fibroblast ingrowth encouraged by the interface acts to strengthen barriers to infection at the insertion site.

Abstract: A percutaneous access device (PAD) is provided with a reduced likelihood of dislodgment that requires a reduced implantation incision so as to increase the rate of healing and reducing related infection. The PAD has a transdermal anchor in the form of flanged wings that are deployed following the implantation of the device in a patient. A deployment tool is provided to insert the PAD into the subject, and to actuate the flanges. The deployment tool protects the surface of the PAD with an outer cylindrical wall during insertion. The deployment tool has a stabilizer handle that is keyed with a key for insertion into the body or channel of the PAD. The stabilizer key stabilizes the PAD and prevents the PAD from rotating when the outer cylinder is rotated to turn an intermediate disc ring to actuate the flanges outward.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4, activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) is provided that has a series of spiral pleats that function to control the wash of blood associated with an inflation cycle. Additionally, the torsional expansion increases the net efficiency of the IABP relative to a conventional cylindrically shaped balloon. The inflating membrane is textured to promote natural growth of a biologic lining on the surface of the indwelling pump to reduce the need for anticoagulation and the risk of thromboembolic events; promote washing of the surface to minimize stasis and thrombus formation; minimize strain on the IABP; minimize elongation radially and longitudinally to avoid fatigue of the IABP; minimize stretching and stress distribution along a balloon; promote a sweeping effect through the channels in the non-expanded state to wash the surface; or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, ancurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: The invention relates to bulking agents and apparatus and methods for using the disclosed bulking agents. The bulking agents can be used to treat such conditions as urinary and fecal incontinence, gastro-esophageal reflux, ancurismal blockages, and cosmetic deformities. The invention also relates to an injection method that reduces the injection pressure required to place the bulking agents.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4, activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes an elongated member, which has a tubular shape, and a distal retention structure. The elongated member includes a sidewall that defines a lumen and has a spiral-shaped opening with at least two rotations. The sidewall has an inner surface and an outer surface. The sidewall between the inner surface and the outer surface is devoid of another lumen. The elongated member is configured to move between a retracted configuration and an expanded configuration along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. The distal retention structure is disposed at a distal end of the elongated member for retention in a kidney. The distal retention structure defines a lumen in fluid communication with the lumen defined by the sidewall of the elongated member.

Abstract: A method for pumping and oxygenating blood includes receiving a flow of gas including oxygen into a gas inlet manifold via a gas inlet. The flow of gas is passed through the hollow fibers from the gas inlet manifold to a gas outlet manifold. The flow of gas is output from the gas outlet manifold via a gas outlet. An impeller is rotated to generate a flow of blood that flows over the hollow fibers. Oxygen from the flow of gas is transferred to the flow of blood through the hollow fibers. Carbon dioxide is transferred from the flow of blood to the flow of gas through the hollow fibers.

Abstract: A nitric oxide delivery system can include a cassette which is a single use disposable component used to store liquid N2O4, activate upon operator demand, convert N2O4 to NO2 via a heating element(s) controlled by a console to deliver NO2 at a controlled flow rate, direct concentrated NO2 to a contained pair of conversion cartridges and exhaust NO gas to the console for delivery to the patient.