Abstract: Improved methods and apparatuses for inserting pedicle screws in accordance with embodiments of the present invention include an image correction algorithm. In various embodiments, an original image of a region of interest of a patient including a pedicle is created with an X-ray emitter and an X-ray detector. Due to the X-ray emitter not being aligned orthogonal to the X-ray detector, the original image will be skewed. Using a known location and orientation of the X-ray detector, a location and orientation of the X-ray emitter provided by a position monitoring system, and the original image, a processing system can execute the image correction algorithm to provide a corrected image to allow a surgeon to properly insert a pedicle screw along the axis of the pedicle while viewing an accurate corrected image in real time.

Abstract: Improved flexible joint arrangements employ at least one flexure member that interfaces with wrapping surfaces defined on the bases to which the ends of the flexure member are connected. The flexure members are configured to define a traveling instantaneous axis of rotation that moves along a path defined by the interface of the flexure and the wrapping surfaces as the bases move relative to each other. The flexure members and the bases can be constructed of a monolithic material. The wrapping surfaces of the bases can be asymmetric in cross-sectional shape. The radius of curvature of the traveling instantaneous axis of rotation can be configured to change only in discrete quantum steps without reversals. In other embodiments, the flexible joint arrangement can be configured as one or more three bar linkages in which the middle bar is rigid and the outer bars are flexure members in accordance with the various embodiments.

Abstract: Devices and methods for sterilizing the outer and inner surfaces of a working end-site of a medical device such as a catheter hub, luer connector, luer component, needleless access site, and/or access port are discussed. The sterilizing device can include a housing, a sterilizing element including an antipathogenic agent configured for sterilizing the working end-site of a medical device, and a cap hingedly coupled to the housing and configured to hermetically seal the sterilizing element within the housing. One or more features on the cap and housing serve to hermetically seal the cap to the housing prior to use.

Abstract: A contoured sterilizing element is configured to conform to the outer and inner surfaces of a working end-site of a medical device such as a catheter hub, luer connector, luer component, needleless access site, and/or access port. The sterilizing element is made from absorbent material and can be pre-moistened or impregnated with an anti-pathogenic agent. The sterilizing element can be contained within a housing that is easily gripped and opened in one hand by the user. The sterilizing element is configured to wipe debris from and to sterilize and/or dry a working end-site of medical device, using a wiping, twisting, dabbing, push/pull, and/or screwing motion around all of the surface aspects of the device to be sterilized.

Abstract: A single or multi-port vascular access device including one or more reservoirs each covered by a needle-penetrable, self-sealing septum. The one or more reservoirs each open to an outlet in a stem to which the catheter is attached. The reservoir may be generally circular or ellipsoid in shape and large enough so that fluid movement into and out of the needle is unimpeded. In order to maximize flow between the reservoir and catheter and to minimize any regions of impeded or low fluid flow where coagulation or cell shearing may occur, the fluid passage leading from the reservoir through the outlet into the catheter is defined by unique tapered and tangential geometries. For example, the outlet surface may be globally tangent along the entire reservoir surface, or may be globally tangent along only one side of the reservoir surface.

Abstract: A catheter terminus protective system comprising a base panel having a pair of adjoining flaps, an adhesive patch on at least one of the flaps for securing at least one catheter terminus from which a catheter line extends, the flaps being relatively moveable between secured closed positions in which they form a protective enclosure for the catheter terminus, and free open positions in which they allow manual access to said catheter terminus. An original catheter line extends from the protective enclosure when the flaps are in the closed positions and may be replaced by an alternative catheter line when the flaps are opened. The flaps are constituted by a fluid impermeable facing and a fluid absorbent backing in superposition.

Abstract: A catheter terminus protective system comprising a base panel having a pair of adjoining flaps, an adhesive patch on at least one of the flaps for securing at least one catheter terminus from which a catheter line extends, the flaps being relatively moveable between secured closed positions in which they form a protective enclosure for the catheter terminus, and free open positions in which they allow manual access to said catheter terminus. An original catheter line extends from the protective enclosure when the flaps are in the closed positions and may be replaced by an alternative catheter line when the flaps are opened. The flaps are constituted by a fluid impermeable facing and a fluid absorbent backing in superposition.

Abstract: A single or multi-port vascular access device including one or more reservoirs each covered by a needle-penetrable, self-sealing septum. The one or more reservoirs each open to an outlet in a stem to which the catheter is attached. The reservoir may be generally circular or ellipsoid in shape and large enough so that fluid movement into and out of the needle is unimpeded. In order to maximize flow between the reservoir and catheter and to minimize any regions of impeded or low fluid flow where coagulation or cell shearing may occur, the fluid passage leading from the reservoir through the outlet into the catheter is defined by unique tapered and tangential geometries. For example, the outlet surface may be globally tangent along the entire reservoir surface, or may be globally tangent along only one side of the reservoir surface.