Abstract: Disclosed is a composition and methods of use for treating and preventing the scarring of skin rashes. When used, the composition of the invention effectively relieves itching, promotes healing, and prevents scarring of skin rashes and irritations. The composition of the invention may be applied as a spray, foam, or gel.

Abstract: A corporeal drainage system including a fluid receptacle. The fluid receptacle in one embodiment is disposable and may be manipulated to generate a negative fluid pressure. The fluid receptacle in another embodiment is reusable and includes features to enable the insertion of a disposable bag therein. A pump may be integral to the fluid receptacle, the pump including a pair of unidirectional check valves. A catheter connection system is described, which facilitates connection between a fluid flow conduit and an implanted catheter. Methods of producing active and passive siphon systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices adapted to facilitate draining fluid from the abdominal/peritoneal cavity of a medical patient. The invention may be embodied in one or more element of an access port, insertion assist device, and/or abdominal catheter. A preferred abdominal catheter provides a drain field that can be inserted into the abdominal compartment, through an access opening having a small cross-section, in a stowed configuration and subsequently expanded to provide a large drain area through which to extract fluid from the compartment.

Abstract: A catheter connector system, including a catheter hub and a coupling member. The catheter hub includes a cannula portion connected to a housing portion and a distal interface including a tapered seal post fixed to the housing portion, a deformable sealing element surrounding the tapered seal post, and a retention collar surrounding the sealing element. The coupling member includes an opening to receive the distal interface, an inwardly extending portion to engage the retention collar, and an actuating member to engage the deformable sealing element.

Abstract: An improved skateboard truck in which a curved support surface is configured to make line contact that sweeps back and forth along a working surface associated with a truck's axle as the axle oscillates through a cycle including left-turn and right-turn orientations. The axle pivots around the locus of line contact during at least a portion of the cycle. From a frame of reference associated with the support surface, the lines of contact are parallel at max-left and max-right turn configurations. Preferred embodiments include structure arranged to resist departure from a zero-turn configuration while permitting micro-turn adjustment. Structure may be included to limit the range of rolling rotation of the deck about its length axis.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.

Abstract: A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.

Abstract: A dilator system for insertion of a catheter or other elongate device into a body of a patient includes a catheter having a lumen that initially defines a first inner diameter. The catheter includes a swellable material that swells after insertion into the body. A dilator includes an elongate body that is initially disposed in the catheter lumen and a tapered head extending from a distal end of the catheter lumen. The dilator head defines an outer diameter that is larger than the first inner diameter of the catheter lumen. After insertion of the dilator head and a distal portion of the catheter into the body, the catheter swells such that the lumen defines a second inner diameter that is larger than the outer diameter of the dilator head. This enables the dilator to be proximally removed from the body via the catheter lumen defining the second diameter.

Abstract: A multi-access adapter operable to dispense doses of a medicament in succession from a bulk container, such as a vial. A preferred adapter may be used alone, or in combination with various discharge devices. A first preferred combination includes the adapter paired with a needle for injection of the medicament into one or more patients. A second preferred combination includes an atomizing nozzle affixed to the adapter and arranged for discharge of the medicament therethrough. Sometimes the atomizing nozzle carries a nostril guide structure that can be absorbent and may operate as a splash guard.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.

Abstract: The disclosure provides compositions that can be used to make films to increase the efficiency of producing plants and plant parts. The films are designed in part to be environmentally friendly and/or edible. Also provided are methods of using such compositions as well as plants and plant parts comprising such compositions.

Abstract: An insertion tool for inserting a catheter into a body of a patient is disclosed. The insertion tool unifies needle insertion, guidewire advancement, and catheter insertion in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion tool comprises a housing in which at least a portion of the catheter is initially disposed, a hollow needle distally extending from the housing with at least a portion of the catheter pre-disposed over the needle, and a guidewire pre-disposed within the needle. A guidewire advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the guidewire distally past a distal end of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. In one embodiment a catheter advancement assembly is also included for selectively advancing the catheter into the patient. Each advancement assembly can include a slide or other actuator that enables a user to selectively advance the desired component.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a patient includes a urinary catheter (102) connected to a urine valve (250) providing selectable communication between a discharge end of the urinary catheter (102) and either a drain (224) or a fluid source (104). Preferably, the urine valve (250) is adapted for remote actuation and has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve (250) contact. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply (225) and drain (223) conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits (225, 223) between a patient's legs. When the urine valve (250) is oriented to permit communication with the fluid source (104), an infusion pump (116?) may be used to infuse a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve (250) and into the patient's bladder (216). A pressure transducer (218) desirably is connected in-circuit to indicate the fluid's pressure and avoid pressure fluctuations induced by system components.

Abstract: A multi-access adapter operable to dispense doses of a medicament in succession from a bulk container, such as a vial. A preferred adapter may be used alone, or in combination with various discharge devices. A first preferred combination includes the adapter paired with a needle for injection of the medicament into one or more patients. A second preferred combination includes an atomizing nozzle affixed to the adapter and arranged for discharge of the medicament therethrough. Sometimes the atomizing nozzle carries a nostril guide structure that can be absorbent and may operate as a splash guard.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a hospitalized patient includes a urinary catheter connected to a urine valve having selectable communication positions between a discharge end of the urinary catheter and either a drain or a fluid source. Preferably, the urine valve has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve contact. One operable protective housing may be embodied as a separate tray component. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply and drain conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits between a patient's legs. When the urine valve is oriented for communication to the fluid source, an infusion pump may be used to introduce a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve and into the patient's bladder where the fluid's pressure can be measured.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.

Abstract: An anesthetic dispensing device (100) particularly adapted to apply anesthetic agent to the oral cavity and upper tracheal area of a medical patient prior to intubation of such patient. An exemplary dispenser (100) includes a handle (110) operably connected to a retractor (112) that carries an anesthetic dispensing device (104). A currently preferred dispensing device (104) includes a fluid-dispersing nozzle (118) in fluid communication with a syringe (116). Sometimes, an optical device (164) is coupled to the dispenser (100) to permit direct visualization of the application of anesthetic agent.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a hospitalized patient includes a urinary catheter connected to a urine valve providing selectable communication between a discharge end of the urinary catheter and either a drain or a fluid source. Preferably, the urine valve is adapted for remote actuation and has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve contact. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply and drain conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits between a patient's legs. When the urine valve is oriented to permit communication with the fluid source, an infusion pump may be used to infuse a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve and into the patient's bladder. A pressure transducer desirably is connected in-circuit to indicate the fluid's pressure.

Abstract: A valved sheath introducer for venous cannulation, including a valve, sheath, handle and cap. The valve is configured to permit safe introduction and removal of medical instruments through the sheath introducer. The valve may have one or more anchoring members and a thickened central portion through which a slit is formed. The central portion may have one or more concave surfaces and the slit can be angled with respect to the top surface of the valve. The cap is attached to the handle, compressing a portion of the valve therebetween.