Abstract: A sample collection device that includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a channel extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The sample collection device includes an opening at the proximal end of the body that extends into the channel of the body. The body includes an adhering portion having a depressed surface relative to an adjacent exterior surface of the body, the adhering portion configured to receive a sample in response to the sample contacting the depressed surface of the adhering portion. The body is manually maneuverable in response to the channel receiving a finger of a user through the opening of the body.

Abstract: A system includes at least one electrode configured for transcutaneous stimulation of a pudendal nerve or surrounding perianal tissue or both. The at least one electrode is coupled to a substrate that includes a rectal portion and a buttocks support portion. The rectal portion includes a fecal blocking element. A control module is coupled to the at least one electrode, and includes a microprocessor for controlling operational parameters of the system.

Abstract: A connective tissue repair device (10) includes a central hub member (12) formed with an aperture, and first and second anchoring members (14, 16) that extend from opposing sides of the central hub member (12). The first and second anchoring members (14, 16) each have a depth that extends between edges, one of the edges being sharp for pushing into tissue.

Abstract: A catheter device including a tube having a first lumen configured for urine to flow therethrough, the tube having proximal, intermediate and distal portions; a buffer zone provided at the intermediate portion of the tube; and at least one obstruction element including a balloon positioned at the proximal portion of the tube for constriction of the proximal portion of the tube, and at least one obstruction element including at least one of the following a valve and a clamp positioned at the distal portion of the tube for constriction of the distal portion of the tube, wherein the obstruction elements can thereby temporarily restrict the flow of urine through the buffer zone; and wherein the buffer zone comprises at least one elongate opening extending along the intermediate portion of the tube; and wherein the buffer zone is operable for urine to be flushed periodically out of the tube.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter device including a proximal tube having a first part of a first lumen; a distal tube having a second part of the first lumen; a second lumen connecting the proximal tube and the distal tube; wherein the connection comprise an area of discontinuity between the first part and second part; wherein the area of discontinuity comprises a support element configured to resist axial movement of the distal tube relative to the proximal tube and vice versa; and wherein the second lumen is arranged to activate or cause at least one obstruction element to restrict the flow of urine from the proximal tube to the area of discontinuity and to restrict the flow of urine from the area of discontinuity to the distal tube.

Abstract: A surgical fastener assembly includes one or more arrays of fasteners, each of the fasteners including a head portion opposite to a sharp portion. Each of the head portions of the fasteners is held by a fastener head holding member. A receiver member is aligned with each of the one or more arrays of fasteners. A fluid actuator is provided for each of the one or more arrays of fasteners, and it is contractible and expandable. Each of the fluid actuators is configured to provide a force against its corresponding array of fasteners to propel the sharp portions of the fasteners towards the receiver member and also configured to provide a force to free the head portions from the fastener head holding member.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for facilitating medical imaging of a subject. The apparatus comprises a medical imaging device receiver configured to receive a medical imaging device, at least one auxiliary equipment receiver configured to receive an auxiliary equipment for placement at a target portion of the subject, and a sound wave manipulation module arranged to direct transmission of sound waves between the medical imaging device and the subject, wherein an image of the target portion is formed by the medical imaging device for guiding placement of the auxiliary equipment. In particular, the medical imaging device is an ultrasound probe, the auxiliary equipment is a needle, catheter or endoscope, while the sound wave manipulation module comprises a sound wave deflection surface arranged to alter a direction of transmission of at least part of the sound waves. The present disclosure also relates to a method of deploying the apparatus.

Abstract: A device for retarding birth, forming a lumen for surrounding a uterine cervix, the device including an upper ring for surrounding the uterine cervix, and an anchoring mechanism for anchoring the device on the cervix. A tool for inserting a device for retarding birth, the device including a device lumen for surrounding a uterine cervix, the tool including a plurality of rods attached to two rings, forming a longitudinal tool lumen, each rod including a connector for attaching to the device for retarding birth at a distal end of the rod, and a mechanism at a proximal end of the rod, for detaching the device for retarding birth at the distal end of the rod. Related apparatus and methods are also described.

Abstract: A sample collection device that includes a body having a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a channel extending from the distal end to the proximal end. The sample collection device includes an opening at the proximal end of the body that extends into the channel of the body. The body includes an adhering portion having a depressed surface relative to an adjacent exterior surface of the body, the adhering portion configured to receive a sample in response to the sample contacting the depressed surface of the adhering portion. The body is manually maneuverable in response to the channel receiving a finger of a user through the opening of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter device including a proximal tube having a first part of a first lumen; a distal tube having a second part of the first lumen; a second lumen connecting the proximal tube and the distal tube; wherein the connection comprise an area of discontinuity between the first part and second part; wherein the area of discontinuity comprises a support element configured to resist axial movement of the distal tube relative to the proximal tube and vice versa; and wherein the second lumen is arranged to activate or cause at least one obstruction element to restrict the flow of urine from the proximal tube to the area of discontinuity and to restrict the flow of urine from the area of discontinuity to the distal tube.

Abstract: According to some embodiments there is provided a method for measuring tongue tissue impedance of an individual, comprising placing at least two electrodes in contact with tongue tissue of the individual; and measuring impedance of the tongue tissue. Some embodiments relate to a device configured for measuring tongue tissue impedance. In some embodiments, a fluid balance and/or electrolyte balance are assessed according to the measured impedance.