Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting the concentration of a lipophilic analyte of interest in a complex sample matrix. The method comprises extracting the analyte of interest from said sample into an organic solvent comprising a dissolved electrolyte; providing a free radical species, preferably a free oxygen radical species, in said organic solvent; reacting the analyte of interest with said free radical species; and performing a measurement to detect the concentration of the free radical-reacted analyte reaction product.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and apparatus for detecting the concentration of a lipophilic analyte of interest in a complex sample matrix. The method comprises extracting the analyte of interest from said sample into an organic solvent comprising a dissolved electrolyte; providing a free radical species, preferably a free oxygen radical species, in said organic solvent; reacting the Canalyte of interest with said free radical species; and performing a measurement to detect the concentration of the free radical-reacted analyte reaction product.

Abstract: This invention relates to a sensor for detecting an analyte in the presence of at least one interferent in a fluid sample. The sensor comprises a substrate, a channel disposed on the substrate, at least one transducer disposed in the channel, and a filter for selectively absorbing the analyte in preference to the at least one interferent. The filter is arranged in the channel remotely from the at least one transducer and the channel defines a flow path for the fluid sample such that the fluid sample contacts a first transducer to generate a first signal, followed by the filter, followed by the first transducer or a second transducer to generate a second signal.

Abstract: A polymer capable of selectively binding propofol is prepared from one or more suitable monomers (e.g. N,N-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) and a cross-linker. It may be a molecularly imprinted polymer. An element (7) of the polymer may be used in a propofol sensor (1) mounted in a confinement structure (3) on a substrate (2).

Abstract: A needleless syringe device for accelerating particles into a target tissue of a vertebrate subject is provided. The syringe features an elongate, tubular duct having a lumen for delivering the particles towards the target tissue. The duct may have a constant cross-sectional area. The device further features a receptacle holding the particles and a gas discharge chamber upstream of the receptacle. On actuation the gas discharge chamber discharges pressurised gas having a maximum total pressure of about 10 bar or less. Methods of using the device for delivering particles to a target tissue are also provided.

Abstract: A vacuum rig apparatus for introducing a liquid into a space defined by a shaped article, which apparatus comprises a series of interconnected vessels attached through a port to a vacuum line, wherein one of the vessels is adapted to hold the shaped article and the apparatus is tiltable about a point midway along the vessel so that liquid from a reservoir flows into the vessel to surround the shaped article and fill the space therein when a vacuum is applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-parameter catheter comprising sensors enveloped in a sheath made from a biphasic material comprising a layer of microporous hydrophobic substance having micropores which are filled with a hydrophilic substance which when hydrated forms a gel and allows the passage of water-bound ions, and an apparatus for introducing the catheter into a patient's blood vessel.

Abstract: A method for assembling a package for an active medical device which comprises making an opening in a wall of a recess shaped to receive the device, placing a gasket against the wall and about a band mounted through a flat portion of the wall, inserting the band through the opening so the gasket is flush against the wall, installing an outer part about the band to hold the gasket against the wall to form a sterile barrier, and placing a lid over the recess to contain the device within a sterile field.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for the determination of the partial pressure of oxygen in a bloodstream comprising a cathode and an anode immersed in an electrolyte contained in a chamber defined by an oxygen gas permeable membrane wherein the insulated portion of each of the conductors forming the cathode and the anode has an additional layer of insulation applied over the original insulation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrochemical sensor which comprises folding into a "U" shape an exposed, uninsulated portion of an elongate, insulated conductor to form an anode having an exposed, uninsulated distal end surface, positioning the end surface of the anode to face the exposed, uninsulated distal end surface of an elongate insulated conductor forming a cathode, placing the anode and facing cathode within a tube defined by a gas permeable membrane, filling the tube with an electrolyte and sealing the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for the determination of the partial pressure of oxygen in a bloodstream comprising a cathode and an anode immersed in an electrolyte contained in a chamber defined by an oxygen gas permeable membrane wherein the conductor forming the anode is folded into a "U" shape so that the exposed distal end surface thereof faces the distal end surface of the cathode.

Abstract: A package for an active medical device has a film member pocket recess. The member has a planar flange about the recess and a flat wall with an opening. A lid attaches to the flange. Outer and inner parts of a junction conjugate in the opening to seal and insure sterility. Test means on the inner part test means include a transparent window in a central web to permit optical signal transmission and electrical signals pass through a plurality of spaced apart electrically conductive pins about the web to distally couple the device and test linkage. An inner part band with a brim thereabout fits through the opening so the brim faces the wall. An outer part collar with a rim thereabout conjugates with the band that extends through the opening and the rim abuts in tight facing relation the wall. The brim and band support a resilient gasket for compression between the wall and the brim when threads on the band mate with threads on the collar.

Abstract: Bioelectrochemical processes use tetrathiafulvalenes (TTF) as a mediator of electron transfer between biological systems and electrodes. Typically it finds use in bioelectrochemical assays, e.g. involving glucose oxidase mediated oxidation of glucose. The TTF may be immobilized on the electrode surface, as may one or more enzymes involved in the process.