Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for guiding a rotatable actuator along a helical path with a varied pitch to motivate an attached implement. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongated implement movable along an axis and a rotatable actuator operably coupled with a proximal end of the implement to motivate the implement to move along the axis in response to rotation of the rotatable actuator. A guide is operably coupled with rotatable actuator, where the guide defines a generally helical channel around the axis to direct movement of a rotatable actuator, and wherein a pitch of the helical channel is varied to reduce a distance of travel of the actuator along the axis per unit of rotation of the actuator.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, a rate sensitive material (RSM) is positioned in one or more locations relative to the exterior shell and the interior shell of the garment to further attenuate impacts to the garment. The RSM changes its resistance to force based on a rate at which the material is loaded.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for priming a catheter assembly are disclosed herein. For example, the system can include a catheter assembly including an elongate body and an operative device coupled thereto. The system can also include a priming vessel configured to receive insertion of the operative device therein. The priming vessel can include a proximal portion secured to the distal portion of the elongate body such that the elongate body is in fluid communication with the priming vessel. The priming vessel can also include a distal end through which air is expelled when a fluid is channeled through the elongate body and into the priming vessel to expel air from within the catheter assembly.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, a rate sensitive material (RSM) is positioned in one or more locations relative to the exterior shell and the interior shell of the garment to further attenuate impacts to the garment. The RSM changes its resistance to force based on a rate at which the material is loaded.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include apparatuses, systems, and methods for guiding a rotatable actuator along a helical path with a varied pitch to motivate an attached implement. In an illustrative embodiment, an apparatus includes an elongated implement movable along an axis and a rotatable actuator operably coupled with a proximal end of the implement to motivate the implement to move along the axis in response to rotation of the rotatable actuator. A guide is operably coupled with rotatable actuator, where the guide defines a generally helical channel around the axis to direct movement of a rotatable actuator, and wherein a pitch of the helical channel is varied to reduce a distance of travel of the actuator along the axis per unit of rotation of the actuator.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A motor system for a percutaneous heart pump includes a drive assembly that includes a motor and a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the housing is configured for coupling to a driven assembly. A first conduit is coupled to the proximal end of the drive assembly housing. The first conduit comprises an elongate tubular member including a communication interconnection line for transmitting communications from a remote console to the motor assembly. A second conduit is coupled to the proximal end of the drive assembly housing. The second conduit is configured for carrying a fluid between the remote console and the motor assembly.

Abstract: A system for coupling a motor assembly to a control console is disclosed. The motor assembly is configured to drive a percutaneous heart pump. The system includes a motor coupling comprising a first end having an electrical connection and a fluid connection coupled to a respective electrical conduit and fluid conduit of the motor assembly, and a second end spaced apart from the first end including an interface coupling coupled to the electrical conduit and fluid conduit. An interface member is configured to be removably coupled to the control console, the interface member comprising a corresponding connector coupleable to the interface coupling of the second end of the motor coupling, wherein the interface member is configured to provide a sterile attachment of the fluid conduit to the control console.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprises an inner layer and an outer layer separated from the inner layer by a space. An interface layer is positioned in the space between the inner layer and the outer layer and includes an impact absorbing material that non-linearly deforms in response to an incident force on the protective helmet. For example, the impact absorbing material includes multiple filaments each having an end proximate to the inner layer and another end proximate to the outer layer interface, with the filaments configured to non-linearly deform in response to an incident force on the helmet.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A protective helmet comprises an inner layer and an outer layer separated from the inner layer by a space. An interface layer is positioned in the space between the inner layer and the outer layer and includes an impact absorbing material that non-linearly deforms in response to an incident force on the protective helmet. For example, the impact absorbing material includes multiple filaments each having an end proximate to the inner layer and another end proximate to the outer layer interface, with the filaments configured to non-linearly deform in response to an incident force on the helmet.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a system for priming a catheter assembly are disclosed herein. For example, the system can include a catheter assembly including an elongate body and an operative device coupled thereto. The system can also include a priming vessel configured to receive insertion of the operative device therein. The priming vessel can include a proximal portion secured to the distal portion of the elongate body such that the elongate body is in fluid communication with the priming vessel. The priming vessel can also include a distal end through which air is expelled when a fluid is channeled through the elongate body and into the priming vessel to expel air from within the catheter assembly.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid handling system are disclosed herein. For example, the fluid handling system can include a catheter assembly and a console configured to control the operation of the catheter assembly. A removable interface member can be configured to provide fluid and electrical communication between the catheter assembly and the console.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, a rate sensitive material (RSM) is positioned in one or more locations relative to the exterior shell and the interior shell of the garment to further attenuate impacts to the garment. The RSM changes its resistance to force based on a rate at which the material is loaded.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, a rate sensitive material (RSM) is positioned in one or more locations relative to the exterior shell and the interior shell of the garment to further attenuate impacts to the garment. The RSM changes its resistance to force based on a rate at which the material is loaded.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, the impact absorbing material is manufactured using injection molding to allow positioning of various structures in the impact absorbing material relative to each other during manufacture. During manufacturing, one or more living hinges are included in portions of the impact absorbing material to allow certain portions of the impact absorbing material to be accurately positioned relative to each other. Other manufacturing methods may be used, such as three-dimensional printing may be used to include structures in the impact absorbing material.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with various impact absorbing material between the exterior shell and the interior shell. The impact absorbing material includes multiple structures, such as rods or filaments, capable of deforming when force is applied then returning to its state prior to application of the force. In various embodiments, a rate sensitive material (RSM) is positioned in one or more locations relative to the exterior shell and the interior shell of the garment to further attenuate impacts to the garment. The RSM changes its resistance to force based on a rate at which the material is loaded.

Abstract: A garment worn by a wearer has an exterior shell and an interior shell with impact absorbing material comprising various structures between the exterior shell and the interior shell. When force is applied to the exterior shell, the structures of the impact absorbing materials deform (e.g., compress), reducing the force received by the interior shell. For example, the impact absorbing material forms structures such as multiple branched “Y” shapes or multiple cylindrical rods with a surface contacting the exterior shell and a surface contacting the interior shell. The interior of the rods and other impact absorbing structures may be filled with a deformable material, such as foam. The impact absorbing material may be formed into jacks, spherical shapes, bristles, intersecting arches, or other shapes positioned between the exterior shell and the interior shell.