Abstract: The present invention relates to A device for measurements, insertable into a living body, comprising an elongated flexible member (2, 30) with a proximal end and a distal end and a central lumen with an inner wall;. The lumen is filled with a core (22) and an insulating material (21) is provided between the core and the inner wall; the core (22) is made of an electrically conductive material and has an essentially constant diameter over its entire length. An electrical sensor (44) is attached to the distal end of the elongated flexible member and is electrically connected (52) to the core (22).

Abstract: The invention describes a method and an apparatus for producing shock waves in a fluid for medical applications. In a work volume filled with fluid, the pressure is increased mechanically by pulses. The pressure pulse produced in the work volume is transferred to the fluid volume by means of a partition, in order to produce shock waves in the fluid volume.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electromechanical arm and accessories which are mountable on a battery powered wheelchair and used to grasp objects in the personal environment of the operator. The device is designed for simplicity of operation and comprises lower arm, mid arm, and forearm components which are rotationally and pivotally interconnected and selectively rotated through the utilization of a controller which is preferably disposed upon the battery powered wheelchair. The accessories include end-effectors (also called grippers), with features that are task specific or for general manipulation, other tools and means of holding tools, baskets, pouches, holders and other means of storing objects and tools, a variety of input devices that are tailored to the needs of the operator, a sleeve for protection, aesthetics, and increased functionality (with pockets and other means of holding objects), and mounting hardware for the electromechanical arm and associated components.

Abstract: A pneumatic chest compression vest is disclosed for the purposes of clearing the lungs of mucus and producing quality sputum samples for analysis. The vest is comprised of a belt and a front panel which has an air bladder that applies a compressive force to the region of the chest that encompasses the lungs mounted on its inner surface. The belt extends around a patient to hold the vest in the correct position during treatment.

Abstract: There is provided a massage pad having a surface for removeably retaining one or more selectively positionable massage actuators. The massage pad permits a user to selectably adjust the position of the one or more actuators in order to provide a variety of different massaging effects. Further, the massaging pad is provided with a controller for selectively controlling the actuation of the one or more massage actuators and a heating element to provide an even greater variety of massaging effects. Also, the massaging pad is adapted to cooperate with a variety of different therapeutic devices.

Abstract: This Back Scratch Relaxer is new in the art in which the invention pertains because it is used while laying down and can be left on top of the body indefinately while the mechanical aspect of the machine works with no input from the person using it. The motor drives the chains along the desired part of the body and the form of relaxation is given.

Abstract: A percussive massager is provided having a housing supporting a motor having an output shaft rotatably driven thereby. At least one positioning member is movably connected to a percussion arm which is attached to the housing and operably connected to the motor output shaft. At least two massage nodes are operably connected to the percussion arm, one of which being attached to the positioning member, to form a massage surface and move toward and away from the housing to provide a percussive massage effect. A rotary mechanism is rotatable with respect to the percussion arm and drives the positioning member toward and away from a central region of the housing. An ancillary transmission has an output and an input for operably imparting rotation to the rotary mechanism such that the spacing of the massage nodes progressively increases and decreases.

Abstract: A protective and pressure normalizing device including a support member having an exterior wall and an interior wall which define a first chamber, wherein the support member comprises a pressure adjustment section movable between a first position and at least one second position to adjust a pressure of a medium within the first chamber.

Abstract: A wristpad apparatus includes a flexible wristband and a flexible pillow connected to the bottom wristband portion, either separably or permanently. With one embodiment, the wristband includes a plurality of wristband segments connected together with intersegment hinges. With other embodiments, a wristpad apparatus includes an inner wall and an outer wall, wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall provide a flexible wristband, and wherein a portion of the inner wall and the outer wall define a first interwall chamber which contains a quantity of flexible filler material providing a flexible pillow. With another embodiment, the flexible wristband includes first and second wristband strap portions connect to each other when on a person's wrist. With another class of embodiments of the invention, a wrist pad apparatus includes a flexible pillow which includes wrist elevation adjustment means, e. g. water or air supplied through an attached valve assembly.

Abstract: Novel use of CNS hypothermia and csf drug delivery to minimize CNS insult in a variety of disease states is disclosed. Specifically, cooling of CSF, epidural or subdural spaces are discussed and the direct delivery of pharmacologically active agents directly into the CSF to improve delivery to damaged or vulnerable CNS tissues if disclosed.

Abstract: This invention relates to a tampon applicator, having a specific insertion tip structure with overlapping petals, connected to a tube. The petals are preferably curved such that one edge of a petal has an angle with the top edge of the tube of 40° to 60°. The petals are at least partially closed over the tampon and easily openable in use, which provides an improved, safer and more hygienic insertion of the tampon into the body.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a pneumoperitoneum gas heating and humidifying apparatus and a pneumoperitoneum device employing this apparatus, in which there is no contamination of the carbon dioxide gas with bacteria, a clean humidified gas is obtained, and the temperature of gas for which the relay was halted and then restarted does not rise excessively. This pneumoperitoneum gas heating and humidifying apparatus provided with an airline, a water conduit which is provided to at least a portion of the outer periphery of this airline, and water supply ports which are connected to the water conduit, wherein at least a portion of the wall of the airline facing the water conduit is formed of a water permeable membrane. The present invention further provides a pneumoperitoneum device in which a carbon dioxide gas cylinder, a gas flow regulator, and a trocar catheter are sequentially connected via piping.

Abstract: Disclosed is a biocompatible, hemostatic, cross-linked gelatin composition comprising a biocompatible material comprising cross-linked gelatin and a sufficient amount of wetting agent to permit uniform wetting of the sponge in the presence of an aqueous solution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus provided for controlling fluid control to and from an eye or a phacoemulsification handpiece. The handpiece includes an ultrasonically driven, hollow, sleeved needle and the method includes inserting the needle and sleeve into an eye for phacoemulsification of eye tissue and introducing fluid into the eye through an annulus established between the sleeve and the needle. Aspiration of fragmented tissue and fluid from the eye is conducted through the hollow needle. An initial irrigation fluid pressure is determined and the irrigation fluid flow and aspiration fluid flow are adjusted based upon the initial determination. Thereafter continued determination of irrigation fluid pressure is utilized to continuously adjust irrigation fluid flow and/or aspiration fluid flow.

Abstract: A multifunctional device administering medicinal substances, comprising a cannula (10), suitable for administering a medical product (15), and a container and separator of substances (20), capable of being applied to one of the ends (14) of said cannula (10). The cannula (10) comprises a cylinder or tube (11) for containing the medical product and a thrusting piston (12) which can move, through a shaft (13), inside the tube (11), whereas the container-separator of substances (20) comprises a capsule (21) made of deformable material and a separator element (22), shaped as a regulator, suitable for closing the concave part of the capsule (21), so as to avoid the mixing of a liquid, powdered or granulated solute, contained therein, with the solvent consisting of the medical product (15), before the application of the compound. The mixing of the solvent and the solute takes place by deforming the capsule (21) and removing the separator element (22).

Abstract: An intravascular catheter capable of both rapid-exchange and over-the-wire modes of operation having a relatively long proximal shaft portion, a relatively short distal section and an intermediate shaft section, which connects the proximal shaft section and the distal shaft section. In one embodiment, the intermediate shaft section includes a guide wire port and a first guide wire lumen which extends throughout both the intermediate and distal shaft section, and a second guide wire lumen which extends throughout the entire catheter shaft. In another embodiment, the intermediate shaft section includes a y-lumen junction which allows a first guide wire lumen introduced at the intermediate shaft section and a second guide wire lumen extending from the proximal end of the catheter shaft throughout the proximal shaft section to merge and communicate with a single distal guide wire lumen which extends from the intermediate shaft section to the distal end of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: A needle comprising a hollow shaft having opposed distal and proximal ends, the hollow shaft having a lumen extending from the proximal end of the shaft and terminating at an opening on a top of and proximal to the distal end of the needle shaft. A cutting surface is at the distal end of the hollow shaft adapted to be inserted into a patient, wherein the cutting surface is on the bottom of the distal end of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A needle comprising a hollow shaft having opposed distal and proximal ends, the hollow shaft having a lumen extending from the proximal end of the shaft and terminating at an opening on a top of and proximal to the distal end of the needle shaft. A cutting surface is at the distal end of the hollow shaft adapted to be inserted into a patient, wherein the cutting surface is on the bottom of the distal end of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: A disposable medical tubing holder and stabilizer comprising a base layer and a pair of opposing hook and loop regions located on a top planar surface of a base layer. A primary adhesive region selectively sized to receive a length of medical tubing is located between the opposing hook and loop regions on the top planar surface so as to separate the opposing hook and loop regions. The opposing hook and loop regions are foldable about the primary adhesive region to thereby form an engaged sheath about the medical tubing to secure the medical tubing to the tubing holder. A secondary adhesive region is located on the bottom planar surface of the base layer and is engageable on a target surface for stabilizing a medical tubing on the target surface.

Abstract: A single-use hypodermic syringe having a syringe barrel with distal and proximal ends. The syringe barrel includes a flange at the proximal end thereof and a luer locking collar at the distal end thereof. A needle assembly is removably coupled to the distal end of the syringe barrel. The needle assembly includes a hub and a needle extending from a distal end of the hub. A plunger is telescopically positionable within the barrel. A tubular shield is disposed around the syringe barrel such that the syringe barrel can be moved relative thereto. The shield includes locking prongs extending proximally therefrom, and a spring for moving the syringe barrel from an unused position, where the shield allows exposure of the needle assembly, into a used position where the shield covers the needle assembly.

Abstract: The invention is a syringe needle Protection Cover, including a Needle Hub to secure the needle base and a side-opening cover with an Axial Slot to protect the needle. The needle is at the center of the needle base, and a Longitudinal Member forms a side-opening cover that integrates with the Needle Hub at one side via a Hinge. The Longitudinal Member opens easily and locks closed securely. When the Protection Cover is in the closed position, it is difficult to force open, thus making it difficult to reuse a needle. The protection cover gives users more than one visual indication that a needle has been used, locks in a closed position with multiple locking structures, and after use, deforms the needle so as to render it non-reusable.

Abstract: An automatic safety syringe (100) comprises:

Abstract: A prepackaged safety needle device has fitted to a holder a double-ended needle assembly and a needle protection housing pivotally connected to the neck of the housing. The hub of the double-ended needle is mated to the neck of the holder. A circumferential sleeve extending from the neck of the holder envelops the hub so that when the needle that extends away from the holder is capped by a sheath, the lower portions of the sheath would coact with the sleeve to form a relatively tight fit. The configurations of the sleeve and the sheath with respect to the needle hub, at their respective interacting portions are such that a tortuous path is established which allows sterilizing gas to pass into the space capped by the sheath, but yet prevents bacteria or other contaminants from intruding into the space.

Abstract: An improved guide catheter provides a distal tip with one or more members that assist a surgeon with locating and inserting the guide catheter through the ostium in the wall of the right atrium that leads to the coronary sinus of the heart. The guide catheter is used to implant a cardiac lead so that its electrodes are positioned in the vasculature associated with the left side of the heart.

Abstract: A polymer mixture, a mold design including a porous steel part and a process for producing a one piece polymer hypodermic tip having a stiff needle part of uniform small diameter and a length exceeding 0.4 inches.

Abstract: An eye drop container transport apparatus that is capable of retaining an eye drop container in a relatively upright manner and assisting users with accurately applying eye drops as well as reducing the incidence of spilled, leaked, or otherwise wasted solution. The eye drop container anchoring apparatus includes a clip portion so that it can be removably secured to an eye drop container and an elongate support arm that extends from the clip portion and helps secure the eye drop container transport apparatus in place. A first and second sight is provided to enable users to increase their proficiency in instilling eyedrops to the eyes while minimizing spillage and wasted solution.

Abstract: A device and method of use are disclosed to facilitate fluid transfers during sterile closed system processing procedures. The device is configured to create connections for the transfer of fluid between various components, along a closed sterile fluid passageway and, eventually, either to a fluid container or to a patient. As a result, the device and method of use of the present invention reduce the risk of contamination to the fluids, such as reagents, medicaments and cellular products, and increase user or technician safety during processing procedures.

Abstract: A protective and pressure normalizing device including a support member having an exterior wall and an interior wall which define a first chamber and a second chamber, and a pressure adjustment device sealed within at least a portion of the second chamber, the pressure adjustment device defining a third chamber and a medium transfer passageway interconnecting the first chamber and third chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for removing a lodged mass from an airway of a human or animal in which the source of suction is a sealed vacuum container which is punctured when the device is positioned within the mouth of the victim. As contrasted with prior art devices of this type, the retracting force created due to the pressure differential is developed instantaneously to a greater degree than heretofore obtainable, and this force is maintained until the foreign object is completely dislodged.

Abstract: An insertion device is provided for use in assessing urinary function. The insert device includes an insert member for at least partial insertion into a patient's urethral canal having a length such that it is positioned distal of the urethral sphincter, and having an outer surface at least a portion of which is configured to engage the inner wall of the urethra to substantially prevent fluid flow therebetween. The insert member has a channel therethrough through which fluid from a fluid source can be introduced into the urethral canal. Also provided is a device for introducing fluid into a patient's urethral canal including a hand-sized casing having a fluid conduit therein between a fluid inlet and a fluid source assembly. The device further includes an activation device movable between a first position wherein it does not obstruct the fluid conduit and a second position wherein it does obstruct the fluid conduit.

Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch having at least one arcuate spring member, and preferably two such spring members, adjacent the discharge opening at the lower end of the pouch is disclosed. Each wall of the pouch with such arcuate spring member is normally bowed outwardly from the other wall to hold the discharge opening in open condition for draining of the pouch's contents. To seal the discharge opening, the lower end of the pouch is folded upwardly to force the spring member(s) into flattened condition, and the pouch's lower end is then secured in such upwardly-folded condition.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed that allows a caregiver to attach and then, when necessary, dispose of a bag that collects a patient's urine. The bag has an orifice surrounded by an elasticized portion that allows the penis to be inserted and then maintained in position. In the first embodiment of the invention, the bag is held by an adhesive or other type of attachment means to the outside of a diaper-like garment that includes an absorbent inner liner. In the second embodiment, the bag is kept and held inside a standard-type male undergarment (boxers or briefs). In the third embodiment, the bag is held in position outside the typical undergarment.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbent article having a silhouette that includes a first portion and a second portion, wherein the second portion is in opposite relation to the first portion, and a pair of opposed longitudinally extending sides connecting the first portion to the second portion. The absorbent article also contains a layered portion with a substantially transparent cover layer that absorbs fluid, a substantially transparent backsheet layer, and an optional absorbent core, which may be substantially transparent. At least one flap may optionally extend laterally from a longitudinally extending side.

Abstract: This invention relates to an additive for a sanitary napkin and a method of adding the same, and is directed to a liquid mixture containing Borneo camphor, menthol, alum, sodium salicylate, camphor and aloe vera at a specific proportion. In use, a face layer disposed between absorbent layer and surface layer of the sanitary napkin is immersed in the mixture such that the mixture can completely and evenly penetrate into the face layer. The mixture is further sprayed onto the surface layer of the sanitary napkin. After drying, the face and surface layers are coupled with a bottom layer and a high polymer body to thereby obtain a sanitary napkin that can promote blood circulation, enhance absorption power of the sanitary napkin, prevent breeding of germs, and make the user feel dry and comfortable.

Abstract: A personal care absorbent article, such as a sanitary pad or napkin, tampon, wound dressing, and the like having one or more layers of absorbent material treated with a density modulator. The treated layer or layers are highly wettable and upon contact with blood-containing bodily fluids undergo a decrease in density, thereby increasing the absorbent capacity of the treated material.

Abstract: A laminate web comprising a first web, a second web joined to the first web at a plurality of discrete bond sites; and a third material disposed between at least a portion of the first and second nonwovens. The third material is apertured in regions adjacent the bond sites, such that the first and second nonwoven webs are joined through the apertures. In one embodiment an apertured laminate web is disclosed, having a first extensible web having a first elongation to break, and a second extensible web joined to the first extensible web at a plurality of bond sites, the second extensible web having elongation to break. A third web material is disposed between the first and second nonwovens, the third web material having a third elongation to break which is less than both of the first or second elongations to break.

Abstract: An absorbent garment comprises a body panel and an absorbent composite having a longitudinally extending length and a laterally extending width and comprising a backsheet, a topsheet and a retention portion disposed between the backsheet and the topsheet. The absorbent composite is connected to the body panel and comprises a side margin that is not attached to the body panel and that extends laterally outboard and terminates in a free edge. Preferably, the absorbent composite includes laterally opposing side margins. A method for using the absorbent garment also is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary napkin having extensions, parts of which are to be folded back and fixed on an undergarment in use. The sanitary napkin includes: a liquid-permeable topsheet disposed on one side of the sanitary napkin to cover a central region thereof; a backsheet; an absorbent layer disposed therebetween; and leakage preventing portions disposed on laterally opposed side portions of the topsheet and extending in a longitudinal direction of the sanitary napkin. Joints between the respective leakage preventing portions and the topsheet are formed to extend in the longitudinal direction. The extensions are portions of the sanitary napkin extending laterally outwardly beyond the joints. Each extension includes a flexible region for facilitating folding thereof, which is spaced laterally outwardly apart from corresponding one of the joints and has a stiffness lower than that of a region between the flexible region and the corresponding joint.

Abstract: A device for assisting the development of an infant's visual acuity and for transferring the mother's scent to an infantile environment. Supple fabric contacts an area of the mother's body for absorbing a portion of the mother's scent and is thereafter transferred and attached to the infantile environment for venting the transferred scent about the infantile environment. The supple fabric is also includes a contrasted black and white pattern for assisting the development of the infant's visual acuity. A second side of the device can be supplied with a neutral color.

Abstract: The application of L-arginine and its derivatives to the skin causes beneficial effects of wound healing, increasing erectile function and increased growth of hair when applied in sufficient quantity to the skin. A hostile biophysical agent may be combined with the L-arginine to increase its absorption into the skin. The desired concentrations of the hostile biophysical agent is increased when concentration of L-arginine is less than 20% of the concentration of the substance applied to maximize its effect.

Abstract: A planar disposable transdermal iontophoretic delivery system is disclosed which includes amounts of an oxidizable species and a reducible species connected by a common conductor forming a galvanic battery for serving as the sole source of power and control for the system, an amount of a therapeutic agent is provided to be driven through the skin of a patient solely through the use of the galvanic battery. The galvanic battery is provided with a lot-tested coulombic capacity rating to predict dosage.

Abstract: A system for converting an off-the-shelf syringe into a safety syringe for preventing accidental needle stick or infection. The preferred embodiment of the present invention is configured to mount to an off-the-shelf syringe via threaded, snap, permanent, or other engagement to the cannula hub of the syringe, wherein the device may include the needle for mounting to the syringe, or via barrel rings configured to mount about the barrel of the syringe. The device is configured to convert the syringe into a safety syringe including a protective cover in longitudinal communication with the syringe needle, the protective cover configured to longitudinally envelope the base of the needle in a storage position, and engage and cap the needle tip in a protected configuration after the instrument has been utilized.

Abstract: A flexible tissue injection catheter is used to accomplish injections at a precisely controlled depth of precisely controlled volumes of a therapeutic or diagnostic agent into an interior body cavity, such as the epicardium or myocardium of the heart. In one embodiment, the invention method includes repeated injections at spaced intervals along the myocardium or epicardium of sterile fluid containing autologous bone marrow aspirate to promote angiogenesis. For myocardial injection, depth penetration is controlled by using a catheter that allows the operator to control depth penetration by means of an adjustable needle stop attached to the catheter handle. In another embodiment depth penetration during epicardial injections is controlled by use of an injection catheter having an operator-controlled adjustable needle stop that produces a sensible signal, such as a visible or audible signal, marking each increment of needle tip exposed by operation of the adjustable needle stop.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter including a reinforcement layer having a plurality of interwoven metal wire members and polymer members. The polymer members are thermally processed to permeate the metal wire members to form a polymeric layer having an orientation which is interwoven with the metal wire members.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for use in delivering formulation that allows modification of the formulation prior to or concomitant with its transport or at a delivery site. The catheter comprises an elongate body, which defines an inner lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends, and a modifying element, which provides for modification of one or more components of a formulation prior to or concomitant with release at the delivery site.

Abstract: A low cost suction regulator is disclosed in conjunction with a fluid drainage system that includes a suction chamber and a collection chamber. The suction regulator is comprised of an atmospheric chamber and a suction chamber separated by a divider. An opening in the divider has a variably biased closing member associated therewith for opening or closing the opening according to operator selected pressure differentials between the chambers. The closing member is movable along an axis that differs from the direction of airflow, thus eliminating the need for damping the forces applied to the closing member. The dividing means and its closing member will operate over the full range of angles from the vertical to horizontal axis. One embodiment of the drainage system further includes devices for measuring patient airflow, patient negativity and imposed suction.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a tampon applicator arrangement, having tampon, applicator unit and a film cap, attached thereto, which is at least partially uniformly shaped, typically being conforming to part or all of the tampon or applicator unit, or such that the film cap has the lowest possible surface area. The film cap is so shaped and/or generally under tension and has no rugosites, folds or even wrinkles, other than optionally tension wrinkles, and preferably also no seams or welds. The invention also relates to specific moulding processes for making the film cap and the arrangement of the invention. The arrangements of the invention provide a smoother, easier and safer insertion of a tampon in the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates an arrangement and a process for making the arrangement that comprises a tampon, an applicator unit, and a uniformly shaped film cap. The tampon has a withdrawal end opposed to an insertion end, the insertion end having a top portion. The applicator unit contains at least a portion of a tampon and has a bottom side opposed to a topside. The film cap is uniformly shaped and covers at least a portion of the top portion of the tampon and attaches to at least a portion of the applicator unit. The arrangement is obtainable by a process comprising the steps of attaching the planar film to the applicator and shaping and or stretching the planar film to create a film cap.