Abstract: A method for identifying and treating a neural pathway associated with chronic pain via nerve stimulation and brain wave monitoring of a mammalian brain includes positioning a probe to stimulate a target nerve, wherein the target nerve is suspected of being a source of chronic pain; delivering a first nerve stimulation from the probe to the target nerve, wherein the first nerve stimulation is sufficient to elicit a chronic pain response in the brain; and monitoring for evoked potential activity in the brain as a result of the first nerve stimulation. The method can also include delivering second and third nerve stimulations to confirm the correct identification of the neural pathway and to treat the chronic pain, respectively. A system and apparatus for performing a procedure to identify and treat a nerve that is the source of chronic pain are also described.

Abstract: The exemplified systems and methods facilitate a nerve conduction block at a target nerve using electrical stimulation applied from one or more electrodes located on a percutaneous lead that are placed in parallel, or substantially in parallel, and without direct contact, to a long axis of the peripheral nerve over an overlapping nerve region of greater than about 3 millimeters. The exemplified system and method can be further configured to block nerve condition without eliciting onset activity and co-excitation of non-targeted structures. The exemplified method and system can be performed using conventional percutaneous leads, though an improved percutaneous lead design is disclosed herein. In an aspect, an introducer is disclosed that facilitates accurate and consistent insertion of the percutaneous lead to the specified or intended position relative to the target nerve. In another aspect, a treatment kit comprising the various system components to treat pain is disclosed.

Abstract: The exemplified systems and methods facilitate a nerve conduction block at a target nerve using electrical stimulation applied from one or more electrodes located on a percutaneous lead that are placed in parallel, or substantially in parallel, and without direct contact, to a long axis of the peripheral nerve over an overlapping nerve region of greater than about 3 millimeters. The exemplified system and method can be further configured to block nerve condition without eliciting onset activity and co-excitation of non-targeted structures. The exemplified method and system can be performed using conventional percutaneous leads, though an improved percutaneous lead design is disclosed herein. In an aspect, an introducer is disclosed that facilitates accurate and consistent insertion of the percutaneous lead to the specified or intended position relative to the target nerve. In another aspect, a treatment kit comprising the various system components to treat pain is disclosed.

Abstract: The exemplified systems and methods facilitate a nerve conduction block at a target nerve using electrical stimulation applied from one or more electrodes located on a percutaneous lead that are placed in parallel, or substantially in parallel, and without direct contact, to a long axis of the peripheral nerve over an overlapping nerve region of greater than about 3 millimeters. The exemplified system and method can be further configured to block nerve condition without eliciting onset activity and co-excitation of non-targeted structures. The exemplified method and system can be performed using conventional percutaneous leads, though an improved percutaneous lead design is disclosed herein. In an aspect, an introducer is disclosed that facilitates accurate and consistent insertion of the percutaneous lead to the specified or intended position relative to the target nerve. In another aspect, a treatment kit comprising the various system components to treat pain is disclosed.

Abstract: The exemplified systems and methods facilitate a nerve conduction block at a target nerve using electrical stimulation applied from one or more electrodes located on a percutaneous lead that are placed in parallel, or substantially in parallel, and without direct contact, to a long axis of the peripheral nerve over an overlapping nerve region of greater than about 3 millimeters. The exemplified system and method can be further configured to block nerve condition without eliciting onset activity and co-excitation of non-targeted structures. The exemplified method and system can be performed using conventional percutaneous leads, though an improved percutaneous lead design is disclosed herein. In an aspect, an introducer is disclosed that facilitates accurate and consistent insertion of the percutaneous lead to the specified or intended position relative to the target nerve. In another aspect, a treatment kit comprising the various system components to treat pain is disclosed.

Abstract: The exemplified systems and methods facilitate a nerve conduction block at a target nerve using electrical stimulation applied from one or more electrodes located on a percutaneous lead that are placed in parallel, or substantially in parallel, and without direct contact, to a long axis of the peripheral nerve over an overlapping nerve region of greater than about 3 millimeters. The exemplified system and method can be further configured to block nerve condition without eliciting onset activity and co-excitation of non-targeted structures. The exemplified method and system can be performed using conventional percutaneous leads, though an improved percutaneous lead design is disclosed herein. In an aspect, an introducer is disclosed that facilitates accurate and consistent insertion of the percutaneous lead to the specified or intended position relative to the target nerve. In another aspect, a treatment kit comprising the various system components to treat pain is disclosed.

Abstract: A product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of the product by ionizing radiation sterilization methods is provided. The method includes providing a package that includes a layer having an oxygen transmission rate equal to or less than about 10 cubic centimeters of oxygen per 100 inches squared per 24 hours; providing a product in the package's interior; applying a vacuum to the exterior of the package in a controlled atmosphere until a vacuum pressure equal to or less than about 250 millibars is achieved; flushing the interior of the package with an inert gas until an inert gas flush pressure equal to or less than about 750 millibars is achieved; sealing the package; releasing the vacuum applied in the controlled atmosphere; and sterilizing the package/product with radiation. The resulting product has a reduction in its tensile strength of less than about 18.5% after sterilization.

Abstract: An electrosurgical device is provided that includes a probe extending in a longitudinal direction and having a proximal region and a distal region. An inner diameter of the probe defines a lumen. The probe has an electrically insulated portion extending from the proximal region to the distal region and an electrically exposed conductive portion located at the distal region. The electrically exposed conductive portion delivers radiofrequency energy to an area of tissue adjacent the distal region. The device also includes a heat transfer system for removing thermal energy from the area of tissue that is in thermal contact with the area of tissue. The heat transfer system removes from about 0.1 Watts to about 50 Watts of energy from the tissue. In addition, the heat transfer system can sufficiently draw heat away from the tissue without the use of a peristaltic pump for circulating a liquid inside the lumen.

Abstract: A system for selectively blocking nerve fiber activity in a target nerve is provided. The system includes one or more electrodes. The system further includes an electronic control system electrically attached to each electrode to deliver electrical stimulation to a target nerve to block nerve signal transmission of C-fibers in the target nerve such that the nerve signal transmission of A-fibers in the target nerve providing motor function and/or low-threshold sensory function is not blocked. A method of delivering electrical stimulation to selectively block nerve fiber activity in a target nerve and a kit for performing a procedure to selectively block nerve fiber activity are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for identifying and treating a neural pathway associated with chronic pain via nerve stimulation and brain wave monitoring of a mammalian brain includes positioning a probe to stimulate a target nerve, wherein the target nerve is suspected of being a source of chronic pain; delivering a first nerve stimulation from the probe to the target nerve, wherein the first nerve stimulation is sufficient to elicit a chronic pain response in the brain; and monitoring for evoked potential activity in the brain as a result of the first nerve stimulation. The method can also include delivering second and third nerve stimulations to confirm the correct identification of the neural pathway and to treat the chronic pain, respectively. A system and apparatus for performing a procedure to identify and treat a nerve that is the source of chronic pain are also described.

Abstract: A configurable percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube includes a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end. The shaft defines a lumen therethrough for passage of a feeding solution or medicine. An expandable retainer is located on the shaft, the retainer having a deployed position and an insertion position. The tube includes a releasable lock for maintaining the expandable retainer in its deployed position, the releasable lock located on the shaft proximal to the expandable retainer. A flexible sheath surrounds the expandable retainer, the sheath being generally loose around the retainer when the retainer is in an insertion position and the sheath being generally snug against an exterior surface of the retainer when the retainer is in a deployed position.

Abstract: An indicator assembly for use with a non-vascular catheter device. The indicator assembly includes: a first retainer secured to a catheter tube, the first retainer being an indwelling retainer which is deployed within a non-vascular lumen or cavity of the body; a second retainer secured to the catheter tube, the second retainer deployed outside the human body; and an indicator located outside the body on the catheter tube between the first retainer and the second retainer. The first retainer and the second retainer are configured to maintain substantially the same position with respect to each other on the tube and the indicator is configured to signal a change in position with respect to either the first or the second retainer, thereby indicating a change in the length of a stoma.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cecostomy tube having a head with an opening and a valve. There is a flexible catheter with a lumen having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the opening in the head, a portion of the catheter extending away from the head to define the distal end. The catheter also has walls defining inside and outside surfaces from the opening defined in the head to the distal end of the catheter. There is a retainer provided on the distal end of the catheter. The retainer can change shape from a first profile or configuration to a second profile where the second profile is larger than the first profile and the second profile is adapted to retain the cecostomy tube in place in a body. The device may be placed in a single, initial surgical operation.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a cecostomy tube having a head with an opening and a valve. There is a flexible catheter with a lumen having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the opening in the head, a portion of the catheter extending away from the head to define the distal end. The catheter also has walls defining inside and outside surfaces from the opening defined in the head to the distal end of the catheter. There is a retainer provided on the distal end of the catheter. The retainer can change shape from a first profile or configuration to a second profile where the second profile is larger than the first profile and the second profile is adapted to retain the cecostomy tube in place in a body. The device may be placed in a single, initial surgical operation.

Abstract: An indicator assembly for use with a non-vascular catheter device The indicator assembly includes: a first retainer secured to a catheter tube, the first retainer being an indwelling retainer which is deployed within a non-vascular lumen or cavity of the body; a second retainer secured to the catheter tube, the second retainer deployed outside the human body; and an indicator located outside the body on the catheter tube between the first retainer and the second retainer. The first retainer and the second retainer are configured to maintain substantially the same position with respect to each other on the tube and the indicator is configured to signal a change in position with respect to either the first or the second retainer, thereby indicating a change in the length of a stoma.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for cuffed tracheal tubes is provided. This indicator uses an indicator balloon on the proximal end of the inflation lumen and in fluid communication with the tracheal tube cuff. As the pressure in the cuff changes, the balloon will inflate and deflate. An indicator needle rests on the balloon and moves in response to the inflation and deflation of the balloon, thus showing the state of inflation of the cuff.

Abstract: Skin sealants are usually applied over skin preps to seal the skin and hold any remaining bacteria in place prior to surgical incisions. This sealant is generally left on the skin after surgery. This two step process is time consuming, as each layer must dry before the next one is applied. A skin preparation is provided that immobilizes at least 95 percent of bacteria on the skin and is essentially free of cyanoacrylate. The skin preparation has a fugitive solvent and may also have antimicrobial compounds like iodophors, biguanides, phenols, quaternary amines, antibiotics and metals. This skin preparation may be used without an additional skin sealant or incise applied over it prior to surgery.

Abstract: A face mask for reducing the amount of microbes to which a wearer is exposed is provided. The face mask includes a body portion that has an outer layer that has been treated with a germicidal agent in an effective amount. The layer may be a nonwoven fabric like a spunbond, meltblown or coform layer and may be a laminate of such layers. The face mask having such a germicidal treatment can result in a reduction in microbial activity as compared to another face mask, identical but for the germicidal agent.

Abstract: A thermal covering that comprises a thermoregulatory substrate is provided. The thermoregulatory substrate contains an exothermic coating formed from an oxidizable metal. The exothermic coating is generally free of moisture prior to activation. Exposure of the exothermic coating to oxygen and moisture activates an exothermic reaction to generate heat, such heat being transferable to a patient or user through an outer surface defined by the thermal covering.

Abstract: A composition having various color changing tannates may be used to indicate that the composition has dried. The tannates change color in contact with an acid. The composition may be, for example, a skin prep, skin sealant, food product, paint or other building material or other product that undergoes a phase change. The tannate may be added either directly to the composition, incorporated into a sponge on an applicator through which the composition is dispensed and applied, applied separately or applied simultaneously from a separate reservoir. The amount of tannate in the composition can be adjusted to provide a visual cue to the user of the application area and the extent of cure.