Abstract: Described is, e.g., an apparatus (100), and associated methods of manufacture and use, for draining a fluid, discharged from a urinary catheter (104) installed in a subject's bladder, into a drain container (138) while avoiding undesired pressure states in such bladder. A drain conduit (102) connected to the catheter has a sufficiently small size as to maintain plug-flow between opposite ends of the drain conduit. The discharge end of the drain conduit is connected to a siphon-break apparatus (106) configured to cause a siphon-break disposed at an elevation (132) in approximate agreement with the subject's bladder. The potential energy from fluid downstream of the siphon-break location is decoupled from fluid in the drain conduit.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus (100) adapted to temporarily close a surgical access opening (106) to a patient's body cavity (110). The apparatus includes a base (102) that is disposed around a perimeter of the opening, and a cap (104) that typically provides resealable access through the opening. The base generally forms an air-resistant seal to the patient's skin. In certain embodiments, the cap may be removable from the base. The base typically includes structure (180) configured to permit suction to be applied effective to remove undesired fluids from the body cavity. A cap is adapted to change in size to accommodate expansion and contraction of viscera.

Abstract: A temporary airway that can be used to facilitate an intubation procedure. Desirably, the temporary airway is removable from an installed intubation conduit without requiring disassembly of the intubation system and interrupting breathing treatment of the patient. Certain embodiments include an intubation lumen, and a treatment lumen. The intubation lumen is configured to assist in guiding an intubation conduit into operable position in a medical patient. The treatment lumen is operable to apply an anesthetic agent, and/or treatment fluids, including gas, such as Oxygen or compressed air. Certain treatment lumens are associated with a fluid dispersion nozzle, most preferably an atomizing nozzle.

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 actuatation 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.

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: 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 device structured to generate an input signal to a monitor (201) to visually indicate a value for one or more physiological state variables measured by one or more transducers (203) associated with a medical patient. Preferred embodiments include a pressure transducer (195) placed in fluid communication with the patient's bladder (177) effective to infer intra-abdominal pressure P2. Embodiments may also include a temperature transducer (143) configured to measure the temperature of fluid in/near the bladder (177) to infer core body temperature. Certain embodiments of the invention may include a second pressure transducer (235) configured to measure arterial blood pressure. In the latter case, signals received from the two pressure transducers (177, 235) may be manipulated to produce a third signal corresponding to abdominal perfusion pressure, which can then be indicated on a numeric display device (233).

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: An improved syringe with a sleeve operable as a barrier effective to resist entry of undesired particles, such as microorganisms or pathogens, for contact with the inside of the syringe from the plunger end. A portion of the sleeve is configured for disposition surrounding the plunger and inside the syringe's barrel. A syringe structured according to certain principles of the invention is effective to maintain the inside of the syringe's barrel in a sterile condition, even subsequent to multiple strokes of the plunger.

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 stylet capable of being at least partially disposed within a lumen of a device is disclosed. This stylet may include an elongated body comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and at least one magnetic material. In certain embodiments, the elongated body may also include at least one core element, a tubular member circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the core element, and/or at least one support member circumferentially disposed about at least a portion of the core element. In addition, a matrix material may be disposed between the core element and the tubular member to retain the magnetic material within the elongated body. A catheter assembly including a stylet and a corresponding method of manufacture are also disclosed.

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: An apparatus for monitoring intra-abdominal pressure in a medical 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 body-valve contact. A 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 with the fluid source, a syringe may be used to introduce a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve into the patient's bladder where the fluid's pressure can be measured. Desirably, a double check valve is included in a fluid supply path and arranged to permit repetitive operation of the syringe to introduce a bolus of fluid into the patient's bladder.

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: 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 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: Disclosed are several preferred embodiments of hydrogen peroxide which are packaged with ease of use and extended shelf-life in mind. The embodiments include foam, mist, gel, and disposable towelette forms of H2O2. Optional ingredients of topical pain relievers and skin protectants are also disclosed, as are their methods of use.

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 system and method for forwarding multiple credit applications to multiple potential lenders. A user computer or a credit management server sends queries to potential lenders inquiring about the respective information fields used in the potential lenders' respective credit applications. The queries also request information relating to the desired format and transmission method of the respective credit applications. With this information, a dynamic credit application is generated which includes all of information fields from all potential lenders. A credit applicant enters credit information into the dynamic credit application. The system then generates tailored credit applications for each lender and forwards these tailored applications to the respective potential lenders. The lenders process the tailored applications and provide results to the user.