Abstract: A heart assist system having an implantable pump conveying blood between two vascular locations and an extracorporeal system providing power and control signals to the pump. The system also includes a communication link having an implantable portion coupled to the implantable pump, an extracorporeal portion coupled to the extracorporeal system and an isolation portion between the implantable portion and the extracorporeal portion that minimizes the transmission of movement and forces from the extracorporeal portion to the implantable portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable patient interface for an intraductal fluid aspiration system. The interface has a flexible tubular distal member for contacting the patient, and a proximal support portion forming a vacuum chamber therein. The support portion has a vacuum aperture for communication with a source of vacuum, and a retention structure for releasably mounting within a hand piece of an intraductal fluid aspiration system. The flexible member preferably has a low modulus of elasticity and a high tear strength, such that it can be stretched to fit over a rigid support without rupture.

Abstract: An electrode including a non-conductive substrate having a top surface and at least one channel extending therethrough, an electrically conductive trace material positioned adjacent a portion of the top surface of the non-conductive substrate and extending through the channel, and adapted for electrically coupling to a power source, and second and third electrically conductive materials that are inert or more corrosion resistant than the trace material. The second material is positioned adjacent to and entirely covering a top surface of the trace material, and the third material is positioned adjacent to and entirely covering a top surface of the second electrically conductive material, and covers a portion of a top surface of the non-conductive substrate surrounding the second electrically conductive material. The electrode further includes a conductive hydrogel positioned adjacent to a portion of a top surface of the third electrically conductive material, but laterally offset from the trace material.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices, apparatuses, and systems for lifting and mounting of clinical- and research-related equipment. In particular, the present invention provides a lift and mount system for mass spectrometers (e.g., for time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometers (MS)).

Abstract: A retractable safety syringe is provided herein wherein an external vacuum compartment produces a retraction force which urges a piston of a plunger toward a retracted position. The retractable safety syringe may have a needle holder which is removably engageable to a distal portion of a syringe body. When the piston is traversed toward the engaged position, the external variable vacuum compartment produces a retraction force. When the piston is traversed to an engaged position, the piston engages the needle holder and disengages the needle holder from the syringe body. The medical professional may release a thumb pressure on a thumb platform of a plunger. At this point, the retraction force of the external variable vacuum compartment may traverse the piston along with the needle holder and needle toward the retracted position and into the syringe body. An internal variable vacuum compartment may also create a retraction force to assist retraction of the needle holder and needle into the syringe body.

Abstract: A retractable safety syringe is provided herein wherein an external vacuum compartment produces a retraction force which urges a piston of a plunger toward a retracted position. The retractable safety syringe may have a needle holder which is removably engageable to a distal portion of a syringe body. When the piston is traversed toward the engaged position, the external variable vacuum compartment produces a retraction force. When the piston is traversed to an engaged position, the piston engages the needle holder and disengages the needle holder from the syringe body. The medical professional may release a thumb pressure on a thumb platform of a plunger. At this point, the retraction force of the external variable vacuum compartment may traverse the piston along with the needle holder and needle toward the retracted position and into the syringe body. An internal variable vacuum compartment may also create a retraction force to assist retraction of the needle holder and needle into the syringe body.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to sample ionization, and provides ionization probe assemblies, systems, computer program products, and methods useful for this purpose.

Abstract: A portable gas fractionalization apparatus that provides oxygen rich air to patients is provided. The apparatus is compact, lightweight, and low-noise. The components are assembled in a housing that is divided into two compartments. One compartment is maintained at a lower temperature than the other compartment. The lower temperature compartment is configured for mounting components that can be damaged by heat. The higher temperature compartment is configured for mounting heat generating components. An air stream is directed to flow from an ambient air inlet to an air outlet constantly so that there is always a fresh source of cooling air. The apparatus utilizes a PSA unit to produce an oxygen enriched product. The PSA unit incorporates a novel single ended column design in which all flow paths and valves can be co-located on a single integrated manifold. The apparatus also can be used in conjunction with a satellite conserver and a mobility cart.

Abstract: Cartridges useful for mixing materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A cartridge typically includes a body structure having surfaces that define a cavity with upper and lower portions. A rotatable member generally extends along a horizontal axis in the upper portion of the cavity. One or more protrusions typically extend outward from the rotatable member and into the lower portion of the cavity, and are configured to mix the material when the material is disposed in the cavity. Related mixing stations, systems, kits, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Sample processing units useful for mixing and purifying materials, such as fluidic materials are provided. A sample processing unit typically includes a container configured to contain a sample comprising magnetically responsive particles, and one or more magnets that are in substantially fixed positions relative to the container. A sample processing unit also generally includes a conveyance mechanism configured to convey the container to and from a position that is within magnetic communication with the magnet, e.g., such that magnetically responsive particles with captured analytes can be retained within the container when other materials are added to and/or removed from the container. Further, a sample processing unit also typically includes a rotational mechanism that is configured to rotate the container, e.g., to effect mixing of sample materials disposed within the container. Related carrier mechanisms, sample processing stations, systems, and methods are also provided.

Abstract: Systems, computer program products, and methods useful for handling or managing microplates are provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hubbed dual cannula device for extracting a fluid sample from a closed container. The device comprises a housing hub, two substantially parallel needles, a venting valve and a hydrophobic membrane, and may be used effectively to extract a fluid sample from a sealed container, such as a vacuum tube, without damaging the cellular components or activating platelets in the fluid sample. Also provided are methods for using the disclosed device to extract a fluid sample from a closed container and kits for measuring platelet aggregation using such a device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a disposable closed fluid loop for providing heat and compression to an intraductal fluid aspiration device. A plurality of bladders are configured to receive a pressurized inflation fluid, and to inflate in response thereto. The fluid is further configured to flow adjacent a heat exchanger, thereby receiving thermal energy, which it imparts to the bladders through conduction. Accordingly, the disclosed fluid loop provides heated inflation media to inflate a plurality of bladders to provide heat and compression to an intraductal fluid aspiration patient.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.

Abstract: A surgical tool includes a surgical blade configured to be moved to form an incision. The surgical tool also includes a wire configured to cause movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool further includes an actuator configured to shorten a length of the wire to cause the movement of the surgical blade. The surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction and then in a second direction in response to a single shortening of the wire. Also, the wire could represent a first wire, the surgical tool could include a second wire, and the surgical tool could be configured to move the surgical blade in a first direction in response to shortening the first wire and to move the surgical blade in a second direction in response to shortening the second wire.

Abstract: A selective nerve stimulation patch includes a substrate having a top surface and a bottom surface, integrated components overlying the top surface of the substrate and being electrically interconnected with one another for generating at least one nerve stimulating signal, electrodes integrated into the substrate and exposed at the bottom surface thereof for applying the at least one nerve stimulating signal to a target nerve, a waterproof, breathable cover overlying the substrate and the integrated components, and a support flange surrounding the substrate and coupling the cover and the substrate together. The support flange has a top surface that slopes downwardly toward an outer perimeter thereof, and at least a portion of the cover conforms to the sloping top surface of the support flange. In one embodiment, the patch generates a high frequency waveform with properties such as amplitude, frequency and the like chosen so as to overcome tissue impedance and the stimulation threshold of the target nerve.