Abstract: A fill valve for mediating two-way fluid communication between a medical instrument and a medical device is provided. The fill valve comprises a valve element and a valve housing. The valve element comprises a valve element body extending along a major axis, a valve element first end comprising a recessed internal surface configured to provide a sealing contact engagement with a medical instrument, a valve element second end, and a valve element body external surface. The valve element is resilient and deformable. The valve element also has a hole that extends along the major axis and that is substantially cylindrically symmetrical with respect to the major axis. The valve housing is configured to hold the valve element in place by a circumferential compression fit. An enteral feeding button comprising such a fill valve, and a valve element of such a fill valve, are also provided.

Abstract: A bridle catheter for installation into the nasal cavity of a patient comprises a tubular portion, a tape portion having a flattened geometry, and a transition zone located where the tubular portion meets the tape portion. A magnet is operatively attached in an open end of the tubular portion and secured therein so as to inhibit movement. A non-elastic member is integral with at least the tape portion and extends at least partially along a length thereof. In one example, the non-elastic member extends along substantially all of the tubular portion and tape portion. In another example, the non-elastic member comprises at least one of a ribbon or at least one fiber. A bridle catheter system is also provided that further comprises a stylet and a probe with a second magnet. A method of making the bridle catheter is further provided.

Abstract: A suturing device is made of two hypodermic needles allowing one or more sutures (at the same time) and a retrieval probe to be advanced into a cavity (e.g., a stomach cavity) of the patient. Both the suture and retrieval probes comprise magnets of opposite polarities on their leading ends. Thus, after the suture and retrieval probe are inside the stomach cavity, the suture and retrieval probe may mate and the suture may be transferred from one hypodermic needle to the other using magnetic attraction. In doing so, the suture forms a loop through the stomach. Once removed, this loop, having two ends that are positioned outside the patient's body, can be pulled tight in order to pull the stomach wall closer to the surface of the patient's body. With the stomach wall close to the surface of the patient's body, it is easier to insert a gastrostomy device.

Abstract: An illuminating bridle catheter installation system includes a flexible member having a leading end and a trailing end with a first magnet coupled to the leading end of the flexible member, and a retrieving member having a leading end and a trailing end with two non-contacting second magnets coupled to the leading end of the retrieving member. An illuminating member is coupled to one of the flexible member or the retrieving member and the illuminating member is coupled to an electronic circuit having a switch that allows the illuminating member to be illuminated when the first magnet meets the second magnets.

Abstract: A retention system for use with a bridle installed in a nose of a patient includes a member coupled to a medical device that is suspended from a nose of a patient and a connector for coupling to a bridle that is installed in a nose of a patient. The medical device extends into the mouth of a patient or is suspended adjacent the face of a patient.

Abstract: Hard-tissue implants are provided that include a bulk implant, a face, pillars, and slots. The pillars are for implantation into a hard tissue. The slots are to be occupied by the hard tissue. The hard-tissue implant has a Young's modulus of elasticity of at least 10 GPa, has a ratio of the sum of (i) the volumes of the slots to (ii) the sum of the volumes of the pillars and the volumes of the slots of 0.40:1 to 0.90:1, does not comprise any part that is hollow, and does not comprise any non-pillar part extending to or beyond the distal ends of any of the pillars. Methods of making and using hard-tissue implants are also provided.

Abstract: Tubing for use in gastrointestinal applications includes a hollow tube and a spring positioned inside the tube. The spring is corrosion resistant and helps to prevent kinking of the tubing when the tubing is bent. An encapsulant may be positioned over the spring. The spring may be co-extruded with the tubing.

Abstract: Hard-tissue implants are provided that include a bulk implant, a face, pillars, and slots. The pillars are for implantation into a hard tissue. The slots are to be occupied by the hard tissue. The hard-tissue implant has a Young's modulus of elasticity of at least 10 GPa, has a ratio of the sum of (i) the volumes of the slots to (ii) the sum of the volumes of the pillars and the volumes of the slots of 0.40:1 to 0.90:1, does not comprise any part that is hollow, and does not comprise any non-pillar part extending to or beyond the distal ends of any of the pillars. Methods of making and using hard-tissue implants are also provided.

Abstract: A coupling includes a first input port and a photoluminescent portion associated with the first input port. The first input port may be one or more of a gastric port, a jejunal port, or a balloon port. The first port may have a first glow-in-the dark feature and a second port may have a second glow-in-the-dark feature, which may be different from one another. The coupling may include means for orientation that assists a user in properly orienting a connector to be mounted in the first port in proper orientation and a first connector for coupling to the first port.

Abstract: An enteral coupling includes a first input port and a first connector for coupling with the first input port. At least one of the first input port and the first connector has a glow-in-the-dark portion associated with at least a part thereof. The glow-in-the dark portion may comprise only a portion of the device or the entire device at issue. A coupling for use in feeding and/or medicating a patient includes a port, and a connector for coupling with the port. Both the port and the connector are at least in part made of a material having glow-in-the-dark properties.

Abstract: Hard-tissue implants are provided that include a bulk implant, a face, pillars, and slots. The pillars are for implantation into a hard tissue. The slots are to be occupied by the hard tissue. The hard-tissue implant has a Young's modulus of elasticity of at least 10 GPa, has a ratio of the sum of (i) the volumes of the slots to (ii) the sum of the volumes of the pillars and the volumes of the slots of 0.40:1 to 0.90:1, does not comprise any part that is hollow, and does not comprise any non-pillar part extending to or beyond the distal ends of any of the pillars. Methods of making and using hard-tissue implants are also provided.

Abstract: A molded and undivided medical penetrating device comprises a first portion and a second substantially tubular portion having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second substantially tubular portion of the device is joined to and is integral with the first portion of the device and is adapted to be maintained essentially outside a body while the first portion of the device is adapted to be retained within the interior of the body. The device includes an opening that extends through the first and second portions of the device and provides access to the interior of the body from outside the body. The opening and the outer surface of the substantially tubular second portion of the device define a wall that is thinner at the proximal end of the second portion than towards the distal end of the second portion.

Abstract: A molded and undivided medical penetrating device comprises a first portion and a second substantially tubular portion having an outer surface, a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end of the second substantially tubular portion of the device is joined to and is integral with the first portion of the device and is adapted to be maintained essentially outside a body while the first portion of the device is adapted to be retained within the interior of the body. The device includes an opening that extends through the first and second portions of the device and provides access to the interior of the body from outside the body. The opening and the outer surface of the substantially tubular second portion of the device define a wall that is thinner at the proximal end of the second portion than towards the distal end of the second portion.

Abstract: A handless surgical stay includes an elastomeric band with a longitudinal body having a first end. The surgical stay further includes a tissue retention member including a tissue engaging portion and an anchor portion. The anchor portion is coupled to the first end of the elastomeric band such that the tissue engaging portion extends outwardly relative to the first end. Substantially all of the elastomeric band can be configured for engagement with a surgical retractor frame such that the stay does not include a handle.

Abstract: A gastrostomy device includes a tubular portion and an internal bolster having a radial wing secured to the tubular portion. The internal bolster is flexible and permits elastic deformation between a first orientation with the wing wrapped into a generally cylindrical configuration and a second orientation with the wing unfurled. A constraining member encases the internal bolster to retain the internal bolster in the first orientation and to cover at least a major portion of the wrapped wing. Removal of the casing permits the internal bolster to move from the first orientation to the second orientation. The internal bolster may be deployed by a ripcord, freeing the internal bolster into the patient' stomach and deploying the internal bolster to the second orientation. Alternatively, the internal bolster may be deployed by the constraining member being dissolved by the patient's bodily fluids located inside the patient's stomach.

Abstract: Intramedullary access or infusion devices that includes a tubular conduit having a distal end and a proximal end with a length sufficient to pass through the cortical region to the cancellous region of a bone; a flange circling the outside of the proximal end of the conduit; and a penetrable diaphragm positioned within the tubular conduit, are described. The devices may be placed in bone and later used, for example, as a site for administering a pharmacologically active agent.

Abstract: A spinal implant including a hollow, generally tubular shell having an exterior lateral surface, a leading end, and a trailing end. The exterior surface includes a plurality of pillars arranged in a non-helical array. Each pillar has a height of 100-4500 microns and a lateral dimension at the widest point of 100-4500 microns. The exterior surface also has a plurality of holes therethrough to permit bone ingrowth therethrough.

Abstract: A biomaterial including a designed pattern of micropores one at least one surface of the biomaterial is described. The micropores can be provided in a regular or irregular pattern, and can be either continuous or discontinuous. The biomaterial may be formed from a variety of materials, such as a biocompatible polymer or biocompatible tissue. The biomaterial including micropores on a surface may be used for a variety of medical applications such as tissue scaffolding, drug delivery, or tissue fixation.

Abstract: Intramedullary access or infusion devices that includes a tubular conduit having a distal end and a proximal end with a length sufficient to pass through the cortical region to the cancellous region of a bone; a flange circling the outside of the proximal end of the conduit; and a penetrable diaphragm positioned within the tubular conduit, are described. The devices may be placed in bone and later used, for example, as a site for administering a pharmacologically active agent.

Abstract: A method of using a neuro decompression device is disclosed that significantly reduces fibroplasia proximate to nerve tissue. The device used in the method utilizes particular surface topographies to disrupt scar tissue formation around nerves, and may include one or more drugs to influence tissue growth.