Abstract: A safety device for protecting the needle of a blood collector includes a guard member that automatically covers the needle, after a blood collection procedure has been completed. Prior to the procedure, the guard member is restrained on the device in a proximal position to expose the needle, and to thereby facilitate the insertion of the needle into a vein of a patient. When a blood collection vial is engaged with the device, the guard member is released to move distally over the needle. Thus, after a procedure, and as the needle is being withdrawn from the patient, the guard member covers the needle to protect against subsequent inadvertent “sticks”.

Abstract: A medical device having a flexible distal tip. In some embodiments, a medical device includes a shaft and a distal tip. The distal tip can include an outer member having one or more balls disposed therein.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of catheter and radiating coil location in a human body and in particular to the determination over time of the location of the tip of a catheter as it is inserted and during its use in the body. In particular when a radiating coil is used in conjunction with a catheter, a coil locating device can be used to determine the distance the coil is from the device and hence its depth in the body of a patient. To assist a clinician using the coil-locating device, a display is provided that shows both a reference image of a part or portion of a body (non-subject body) and an image of the coil located on the display with reference to the reference image. This is achieved by locating the coil-locating device on or over a predetermined landmark on the patient's body. The coil and its associated signal wires can be incorporated into a stylet, guide wire or a catheter.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for scoring the quality of sleep experienced by a subject wearing the apparatus for a specified period. This sleep monitoring apparatus includes a motion sensor that quantifies the temporal variation in the subject's motion, an analog to digital converter to sample the sensor data, a microprocessor with embedded programmable memory to store control and processing firmware, a memory device for data storage, a display means, and a switch for staring and resetting the device. The firmware for this apparatus: (i) directs the microprocessor to sample sensor output at a prescribed time interval and to temporarily store this data in the memory device, (ii) directs the microprocessor to analyze the temporarily stored data to compute a sleep score based on the magnitude of movements recorded during the monitoring period, and (iii) controls the operation of the display means.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to apparatus and methods for producing homogenous cavitation. An ultrasound souce comprising an ultrasound transmitting element having an axis and a cross-section along the axis is disclosed The ultrasound transmitting element also has a first axial end and a second axial end operable to produce ultrasonic waves. The cross-section has an area having a maximum value at the first axial end and a minimum value at the second axial end. A method for producing homogenous cavitation at an area of skin comprises creating a volume of fluid having a uniformly dispersed concentration of cavitation nuclei adjacent the area of skin. Ultrasound is then applied to the volume of fluid and causes cavitation at the cavitation nuclei.

Abstract: A continuous passive motion device is provided having specific application to rehabilitative treatment of the elbow or shoulder. The device includes a motorized winch displacable in a first or second direction, a cord suspended from the winch by a variable extension length, which increases when the winch is displaced in the first direction and decreases when the winch is displaced in the second direction, and an arm harness associated with the cord. An arm of a patient is suspended from a suspension point on the cord and the motorized winch is activated to alternately displace the winch in the first and second directions, thereby providing a plurality of repetitive treatment cycles. Each treatment cycle moves the suspension point and correspondingly the elbow or shoulder from a lower treatment limit to an upper treatment limit and back to the lower treatment limit.

Abstract: The Electrical Heat And Vibrating Glove is a fully leather enclosed glove which combines the application of both gentle heat and gentle massage to give the wearer or user comforting sensations to facilitate a reduction in hand stiffness, joint pain and discomfort in the below-wrist area. Configured in left and right hand versions, the glove operates on electricity obtained from conventional wall sockets(heating element) and a 2-AA battery powered massage motor. Additionally, the glove has a portability feature in that the heating element can be alternately powered by a 16 volt transformer. The heat is manually regulated by a top-side heat control dial, and the strength of the massage sensation is governed by the 2-speed battery-powered massage motor. The glove is open at the fingertips so that redness and skin irritation is easily detectible; this also adds a sporty look to the glove.

Abstract: An oral brush is provided that includes an elongated body, a head portion extending from the body, and a plurality of bristles, formed of particular thermoplastic elastomers, extending from the body. In various embodiments, the thermoplastic elastomer has a Shore A hardness of at least 30; the thermoplastic elastomer is selected from the group consisting of polyetheramides, polyesters, styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene block copolymers, polyurethanes, polyolefin elastomers, and mixtures thereof; and the thermoplastic elastomer has a flexural modulus of at least 5 MPa.

Abstract: A pedicure foot bath is provided having a removable water moving module. The water moving module of the present invention comprises a rotating paddle which simulates an ocean-like wave motion which soothes and relaxes sore, tired and injured feet.

Abstract: A breathable film for contact with skin wherein the film has texture variations is disclosed. The film is useful as a backing material for an adhesive bandage, and a bandage employing the film is easily applied to the skin of a user without inadvertently sticking to itself or surfaces other than the skin.

Abstract: A medical tube having a coil-shaped mono-filament, a small-diameter tubular body, or a bellows-shaped reinforcing member mounted on the outer periphery of the tube, the medical tube being excellent in flexibility and anti-kinking property and capable of greatly saving its material usage. This medical tube is suitably used as constituting members of medical appliances, such as a blood circuit line, a transfusion/infusion set, an infusion bag, and a blood bag.

Abstract: A ureteral stent including an elongated member defining a lumen, the member having a solid sidewall defining a spiral-shaped opening such that the member is linearly expandable along a longitudinal axis of the lumen. A distal retention structure is connected to a distal end of the elongated member for retention in a kidney. A proximal retention structure is connected to a proximal end of the elongated member for retention in a bladder.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device (A) that can be used to create a new channel to conduct fluid from a fluid-conducting catheter to a blood vessel without contact between the device (A) or the catheter and the blood flow in the blood essentially tube-like part (1) with a first (3) and a (4) end, and an inner essentially tube-like part (2) with a first (5) and a second (6) end. The tube-like parts are joined with essentially parallel axes and connected to each other close to the first end (3) of the outer tube-like part (1) and at the intermediate part (7) of the inner tube-like part (2). The outer tube-like part (1) has a lengthwise slit along part of its length from the second end (4) to let part of the blood vessel enter. The first end (5) of the inner tube-like part (2) is arranged to be conncted to the catheter and the second end (6) of the inner tube-like part (2) is wholly or partly surrounded by the outer tube-like part (1).

Abstract: A compounding control method to prepare a compounded mixture for use with at least one pharmaceutical compounding device having an associated plurality of source solutions and a mixture receptacle. The method comprises determining whether the plurality of source solutions conform to a predetermined configuration; providing an alert to an operator and preventing compounding if the source solutions are not as expected; determining respective expiration dates of the source solutions; warning/preventing use of any of the source solutions if any have the source solutions have expired; accepting mixture inputs for the source solutions; and urging at least a portion of at least one of the source solutions into the mixture receptacle based on the mixture inputs to form the compounded mixture.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment device for treatment of skin disorders as unwanted hair, discolouring, smoothening of wrinkles and the like is disclosed. The device comprises a disposable incoherent light source which can be activated in order to direct light against a treatment area of a patient. Futhermore, a method for carrying out this treatment is disclosed.

Abstract: An instrument and method for continuous recirculation of peritoneal dialysate to infuse and drain out the dialysate automatically through catheters implanted in a peritoneal cavity of a human body. The recirculation instrument permits the reuse of protein which is permeated out from a patient's body, as an osmotic agent in peritoneal dialysate, in order to maintain a disinfected recirculating line, and to improve an ultrafiltration rate and clearance of uremic toxin. The recirculation method includes continuously draining the dialysate out of the peritoneal cavity, recirculating the dialysate through a closed line, filtering out a portion of the dialysate through a semipermeable membrane on the way, supplementing a comparable volume of fresh dialysate through a semipermeable membrane having a maximum permeable molecule of up to 5,000 dalton, and returning the dialysate into the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: The invention relates to a liquid displacement arrangement for displacing a liquid in a controlled manner to the body of a person, such displacement being required particularly in relation to procedures associated with the manipulation or destruction of ureteric and kidney stones. The liquid displacement arrangement includes in combination a syringe-type pump, a feed arrangement for feeding liquid in a controlled unidirectional mode from a supply container to the body of a person and a foot operated operating mechanism on which the syringe-type pump can be releasably located for the operation thereof. Use of the liquid displacement arrangement permits the person performing a procedure to control himself the feed of liquid required for the procedure.

Abstract: A multiple lumen catheter having at least two lumens separate and independent from each other along at least a portion of their lengths, and that can be selectively joined together to change the separation distances between the lumens by way of a connecting means.

Abstract: A solid drug solution perforator (SSP) system and an associated drug reservoir are provided for delivering therapeutic, prophylactic and/or cosmetic compounds, for nutrient delivery and for drug targeting. For drug delivery, the SSP system includes an active drug ingredient and a matrix of perforator material that biodegrades or dissolves quickly upon contact with a patient's body. The SSP system provides a skin barrier perforator and a controller for prompt initiation and cut-off drug delivery. In a preferred method of transdermal drug delivery, an SSP system containing a selected drug penetrates into an epidermis or dermis, and the drug is promptly released from the (dissolving) SSP system perforator. An additional drug is optionally delivered from a patch reservoir through skin pores created by insertion of the perforator. Formulation and fabrication procedures for the SSP and associated reservoir are also provided. An SSP system can be fabricated with variety of shapes and dimensions.

Abstract: A device for delivering a fluid to a patient, including an exit port, a dispenser for causing fluid from a reservoir to flow to the exit port, a local processor programmed to cause a flow of fluid to the exit port based on flow instructions from a separate, remote control device, and a wireless receiver connected to the local processor for receiving the flow instructions. The device also includes a housing free of user input components for providing flow instructions to the local processor, in order to reduce the complexity and costs of the device so that the device lends itself to being disposable in nature. A system and a kit are also described that include the fluid delivery device, a separate, remote control device, and accessories for transcutaneous delivery of fluid medications. Methods of utilizing the fluid delivery device to infuse fluid medications are additionally disclosed.

Abstract: In a closed-loop process, a controller uses a flow sensor to monitor the flow of a medicinal fluid being infused into a patient, to achieve a desired rate of flow. A relatively inexpensive peristaltic pump or electronically controlled valve can be used to vary the flow of the medicinal fluid through a fluid line. A Y site within the fluid line includes an integral flow sensor having an orifice. The flow sensor includes proximal and distal pressure sensors disposed on opposite sides of the orifice to monitor the distal and proximal pressure, producing a signal indicative of the rate of flow of the medicinal fluid through the fluid line. A signal produced by the controller is input to a motor driving the pump or to the valve to vary the rate of flow as required to achieve the desired infusion rate of the medicinal fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adjusting the contents of a needle-less injector that contains an injectable product are described. A needle-less injector includes an adjustment switch in mechanical contact with the driver of a needle-less injector. A user may displace the adjustment switch to expel air or gas contained in the product section of the needle-less injector prior to administration of a needle-less injection with the same. The adjustment switch may alternatively or additionally be used to expel at least a portion of the injectable product contained in the needle-less injector to reduce the volume of the product to be injected with the needle-less injector.

Abstract: A jet-injector device comprising a) a housing, b) a pressure chamber for a liquid to be ejected attached to or enclosed in the housing, the pressure chamber having at least one opening and at least one movable or collapsible-wall or wall segment and c) a pressurizing mechanism attached to or enclosed in the housing operable to apply, directly or indirectly, force in a force chain between the housing and the wall to pressurize the pressure chamber content for ejection of a liquid jet through said opening, the mechanism comprising at least a force generator and optionally a transmission between the force generator and the wall. The device comprises an in elastic element serially arranged between the force generator and the wall.

Abstract: A breast milk pump assembly for use in connection with electric or manual vacuum sources including a collapsible membrane for communicating a vacuum from the vacuum source to a breast shield.

Abstract: A medical device including an insertable body which is insertable into a body lumen or cavity. The insertable body of the medical device includes a magnetically activatable body portion to magnetically induce a dimension change to effect treatment.

Abstract: An implant delivery system is disclosed. The delivery system includes an elongated member having an implant mounting location. A self-expandable implant is mounted at the implant mounting location. The implant is held in a compressed orientation by a retractable sheath. An interlock structure prevents the implant from deploying prematurely as the sheath is retracted. The interlock structure includes radio-opaque markers that identify the position of the implant.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having a balloon with a reduced slippage lubricious coating, and a method of performing a medical procedure such as a balloon dilatation procedure in a patient's blood vessel. The second coating (i.e., the balloon coating) is lubricious to facilitate movement of the catheter in the patient's body lumen, yet has sufficiently low lubricity such that the slippage of the inflated balloon from a desired site within the blood vessel is reduced compared to a balloon coated with the first lubricious coating.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device and a method of delivering a drug to a target circulation or tissue. The medical device has an expandable portion which is fabricated from a porous elastomeric material with a plurality of voids therein. The voids are loaded with drugs in various formulations. Upon inflation of the expandable portion, the overall diameter increases, the wall thickness decreases and, consequently, the voids are stretched to cause the drug to be expelled from the voids and into the bodily lumen or tissue adjacent to the medical device. The voids include any open volume within the expandable portion capable of containing the drug.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device in which the medicament to be delivered is stored within a cartridge having a displaceable piston therein. The displaceable piston is driven to expel medicament by way of a lead screw that is advanced and retracted by way of a suitable drive mechanism. A guideway through which the lead screw travels is provided. However, in known devices the guideway is held in position by other components of the apparatus. Such devices can be complex to manufacture. Also they may require disassembly and reassembly when a cartridge is to be replaced. This is a disadvantage if the user, as is common amongst those with diabetes, is infirm or has impaired vision.

Abstract: Injection devices are known for the self administration of a medicament by patients in which the medicament is contained within a cartridge located within the injection device. It is a problem that such injection devices should be small enough to fit into a jacket pocket or a hand bag without difficulty. Concurrently, the injection device must be of size that enables a piston or similar used to drive a cartridge bung within the cartridge to be moved both to a maximum dispense position within the cartridge and to be fully withdrawn from the cartridge to allow for replacement of the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention describes a device for placement in the thoracic cavity of a patient. The device is a cannula, tube or catheter for chest drainage. The device serves as a conduit for drainage of excessive fluid or air buildup in the chest to a receptacle outside the body. The device also serves to prevent influx of fluid or air into the chest cavity, thus preventing pneumothorax or infection. The device incorporates systems for anchoring the chest drainage cannula to the chest and for steering the chest drainage cannula into the thoracic cavity.

Abstract: A pre-filled syringe comprising a glass barrel (1), a sealing member (5) fitted in a medical liquid discharge port (11) of the barrel (1), a tip member (2) mounted around the sealing member (5) on the medical liquid discharge port (11) of the barrel (1), a closing member (4), a cap member (3), and a holding member (6); the sealing member (5) having a through-hole (51) formed in the axial direction; the tip member (2) including a skirt (24) provided with an engagement pawl (25) on the inner wall of a lower end thereof, a top wall (23), a needle mounting portion (21), and a medical liquid deriving portion (22), and being provided with a medical liquid passage (28); the closing member (4) being inserted into the medical liquid passage (28) and the through-hole (51) to close the through-hole (51) and so prevent oxygen contamination and deterioration of the medical liquid.

Abstract: A safety syringe 10 includes a generally tubular body 14 having a needle end 18 and plunger end 22, needle 38 and retractable needle seat 30, two-way valve 36, plunger 42, stopper 62, piston 52, and rear plunger seal 44. During use, the plunger may be moved to create a vacuum in the plunger. The user then moves the plunger toward the needle end, pressurizing a vial, then pulls backward to a selected position corresponding to the desired volume of fluid to be withdrawn. At the conclusion of the injection stroke, the piston is disengaged from the plunger. The vacuum within the plunger retracts the needle safely into the tubular body.

Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.

Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.

Abstract: Since this syringe has projections provided on the rear surface of a flange of a syringe barrel, when it is inserted in an insertion groove of a cylinder holder, the tips of projections are compressed and the flange is fixed. Consequently, even when a solution having high viscosity is injected at higher pressure, breakage does not occur easily. Further, pressure-receiving area may also be increased by providing a guide defining mounting direction of a syringe, alternatively, a positioning mechanism may be provided so as to obtain mounting at a correct position, or the surface of a flange may be roughened.

Abstract: A flow control system includes a control device for intravenous (IV) tubing or other flexible or compressible tubing, wherein selectors are depressed to cause different amounts of compression of the tubing to partially flatten or squeeze the tube, and, hence, to cause different flow-rates of liquid through the tubing. The flow control system may have a housing surrounding a portion of the tube and the selectors may be moveable in the housing away from the tube to an outward position and moveable in the housing to an inward position against and pressing on the tube so that the selector compresses the tube into reduced-cross-section shape to reduce flow through the axial fluid passage of the tube. The selectors may be positioned in series along the tube, with each selector contacting a different portion of the tube.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a needle hub with opposite proximal and distal ends and a passage extending between the ends. The needle cannula has a proximal end mounted in the passage of the hub and a distal end aligned at an angle to the proximal end. Wings project transversely from the hub to facilitate a temporary affixation of the needle assembly to a patient. A safety shield is hingedly mounted to the hub and can be rotated from an open position spaced from the needle cannula so that the distal end of the needle cannula can be used to deliver a drug to a patient. The shield also can be rotated to a closed position where the distal end of the needle cannula is safely enclosed within the shield. Locking structure on the shield prevents re-exposure of the needle cannula.

Abstract: Provided is an assembly in which a needle is safely housed in a cover. A safety mechanism prevents the needle from being removed from a device, unless the needle is in a “needle safe position”.

Abstract: A system for grasping, holding, stabilizing, and selectively releasing tissue with minimal damage to the tissue. The system can further include a device that signals entry into the epidural space. A tubular member is provided having at a distal tip an annular surface surrounding a terminal port and at least one barb projecting at an angle from the annular surface for grasping and controlling the tissue. Each barb is formed having a sharp edge configured to grasp the tissue as the tubular member is rotated about its longitudinal axis. One implementation of the system includes a plurality of unidirectional barbs spaced around the annular surface. The system can further include an indicator mechanism that gives a visual and a tactile indication of when the tubular member, such as a cannula, encounters and penetrates tissue. The system facilitates the appropriate placement of an epidural or subdural catheter or patch of any kind.

Abstract: A medical needle adapted for conducting fluid comprising a generally cylindrical tube having a central longitudinal axis, a first end and a second pointed end adapted for penetration into a bodily cavity of a subject, wherein the pointed end includes a plurality of prongs defined by at least one notch formed in the pointed end. Said notch between the prongs being beveled to allow for easy penetration of the needle into a blood-vessel.

Abstract: Bioactive agents are cutaneously delivered by a jet dispenser using inkjet technology, such as that used in printing. The dispenser propels precise volumes of bioactive agent toward the skin, where they exert a local or topical effect, or move through the skin for transdermal systemic delivery. Drugs are either delivered directly to the skin, or are introduced into a transdermal patch, which may receive repeated dosages. A controller in the dispenser may control delivery of multiple different drugs, timing of drug administration, or change drug regimens in response to a changing medical condition of a patient, such as those monitored by a sensor in communication with the controller, for example to prevent an overdose. The dispenser may act as an electromechanical patch, capable of long term administration of drugs to the skin, to achieve local or systemic pharmaceutical effects. Administration methods are also provided, along with replacement kits.

Abstract: The present invention relates to ostomy devices, such as ileostomy devices, colostomy devices and urostomy devices. Claimed and described is the use of an ostomy device comprising a storage element and a flange on an ostomy patient, the patient having an artificial passage for bodily discharges, such as faeces and/or urine, the passage being provided by a stoma and the passage being surrounded by abdominal skin, the use of the ostomy device being characterised in that the flange is in contact with the stoma. In an additional aspect the present invention relates to breast feeding accessories.

Abstract: A gasketless valve for use, among other applications, with a vacuum suction canister or bottle that is adapted to collect fluids, such as for purposes of example without limitation, fluids resulting from various medical procedures including surgery as well as wound irrigation applications, to name a few of many possible applications. The gasketless valve can be integrated with a canister lid that incorporates a valve seat that is formed with a smoothly finished sealing ramp or valving surface or face that can surround a vacuum source port adapted to communicate fluid to establish a vacuum within the canister.

Abstract: A body fluid management device used with an absorbent article is disclosed. The body fluid management device has a body facing surface and an opposite surface facing the absorbent article when used with the absorbent article. The body fluid management device comprises a first attachment means provided on the body facing surface for attachment to the body of the wearer to cover the genitalia area of the wearer and an acquisition layer disposed between the body facing surface and the opposite surface. At least a portion of the body facing surface is fluid pervious and at least a portion of the opposite surface is fluid pervious such that fluid passes through the body fluid management device from the body facing surface toward the opposite surface.

Abstract: An ostomy product for use by ostomates for collecting bodily waste products following a colostomy, ileosotomy or urostomy, comprising a dispenser container having therein a roll of ostomy pouches, the adjacent pouches in the roll being separated by a fracture line for easy separation of the lead pouch from the roll, each of the pouches comprising two opposed sheets of a flexible and expandable liquid-impermeable material secured together along their respective edges to provide a liquid-impermeable enclosure defining an expandable chamber for collecting and retaining bodily waste materials from the ostomate, the pouch having fracture lines substantially centrally disposed between two opposed edges of one of the sheets defining an opening which is revealed when the fracture lines are broken to separate the material between the fracture lines, thereby providing an entry port for bodily waste products exiting from the ostomate's stoma.

Abstract: An external urinary catheter for the relief of male urinary incontinence comprises a contact member (1) adapted for arrangement in engagement with at least the extreme portion of a penis, said contact member (1) being connected to a discharge conduit (7) via an opening in the distal end section of the contact member. The catheter is provided with an aperture (8) in a distal part of the contact member (1) or in the discharge conduit (7). A membrane (9) capable of selectively passing gases but retaining urine is fastened to the surface surrounding the aperture (8). The membrane (9) is at least partly protected by a shield (10). At least one vent (11) for allowing gases to be in substantially unhindered contact with the external surface of the membrane (9) is arranged in the catheter.

Abstract: The product includes a material on the outside front of the diaper/training pant that allows color to be seen thru it from outside the diaper. Behind this material will be litmus paper or a color changing ink. Behind this litmus paper or color changing ink will be the urine absorbing material. The intent being that when the urine has sufficiently passed the layer of urine absorbing material and makes contact with the litmus paper or color changing ink a reaction will occur that will change the color of the litmus paper or the color changing ink. This color change would be visible from outside the diaper indicating that the diaper has been soiled.

Abstract: A core and method for making a core are provided for an absorbent article. The core includes a porous substrate configured to transfer liquid. A superabsorbent polymer is adhered to the porous substrate, and at least a portion of the superabsorbent polymer is pressed into the porous substrate. Additionally, an absorbent article and method for making an absorbent article are provided. The absorbent article includes a barrier configured to prevent the passage of liquid. A core is positioned adjacent the barrier, and includes a porous substrate. A superabsorbent polymer is adhered to the porous substrate, and at least a portion of the superabsorbent polymer is pressed into the porous substrate. A cover is positioned adjacent the core on a side of the core opposite from the barrier. The cover is configured to permit the passage of liquid to the core.

Abstract: An absorbent feminine care article (40) can include a liquid-permeable cover (62); and an absorbent member (66) which is operatively joined with the cover (62). The cover (62) can include a hydrophilic first layer portion (68) operatively joined with a relatively less hydrophilic, second layer portion (30). The second layer portion (30) can be positioned on a bodyside of the article (20); and the first layer portion (28) can be positioned between the second layer portion (30) and the absorbent member (66).