Abstract: Device and methods for the treatment of wounds using ultrasound energy are disclosed. The portable wound treatment device may deliver ultrasound energy to a wound through direct contact with the ultrasound tip and/or through a liquid coupling medium. Several ultrasound tips specially designed to concentrate and focus ultrasound energy onto a wound are also disclosed. The ultrasound tip may also possess an abrasive peripheral boundary to aid in debriding the wound and/or removing necrotic tissue. The disclosed invention may have multiple beneficial effects in treating a wound such as sterilizing a wound, reducing external bleeding, and/or providing pain relief.

Abstract: In a medical treatment equipment (1), a sheath body (5) has a deformed tight coil structure in which a plurality of wire elements (7, 8) are formed triangular in cross section, and helically wound with one coil line turn alternately arranged in neighborhood of other coil line turn. An apex of the triangular cross section of the one coil line turn facing an inner diameter side of the sheath body 5, and an apex of the triangular cross section of the other coil line turn facing an outer diameter side of the sheath body 5. Lateral sides of neighboring triangular cross sections are relatively slidable each other at a mutual neighborhood side (9) in a radial direction when the sheath body (5) is bent. This prevents the sheath body (5) from developing a line gap (C) between coil line turns of the deformed tight coil structure, and protecting the sheath body (5) against a tensile load which would otherwise be applied when the sheath body (5) is curvedly bent within a somatic cavity.

Abstract: High-aspect-ratio microdevices comprising microneedles, microknives and microblades and their manufacturing methods are disclosed. These devices can be used for the delivery of therapeutic agents across the skin or other tissue barriers to allow chemical and biological molecules getting into the circulation systems. The microneedles can also be used to withdraw body fluids for analysis of clinically relevant species when the device has an integrated body fluid sensor or sensor array in the vicinity of microneedles.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a wearable dialysis system and method for removing uremic waste metabolites and fluid from a patient suffering from renal disease. Uremic waste metabolites can be removed by a wearable peritoneal dialysis device that regenerates the peritoneal dialysis solution without removing positively charged, essential ions from the solution and, consequently, the patient. Fluids can be removed from the blood of the patient by an implantable fluid removing device. Fluids are delivered to the bladder and preferably removed from the body of the patient through urination. The wearable dialysis system may be operated continuously or semi-continuously and be comfortably adapted to the body of the patient while allowing the patient to perform normal activities.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion media are supported by the disposable housing portion for disposal after the prescribed use, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of infusion media from the reservoir and a drive device and drive linkage.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion media are supported by the disposable housing portion for disposal after the prescribed use, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of infusion media from the reservoir and a drive device and drive linkage.

Abstract: A method of coating a microneedle array by applying a coating fluid using a flexible film in a brush-like manner. A method of coating a microneedle array comprising: providing a microneedle array having a substrate and a plurality of microneedles; providing a flexible film; providing a coating solution comprising a carrier fluid and a coating material; applying the coating solution onto a first major surface of the flexible film; providing a coating solution comprising a carrier fluid and a coating material; applying the coating solution onto a first major surface of the flexible film; performing a transfer step of bringing the first major surface of the flexible film into contact with the microneedles and removing the flexible film from contact with the microneedles; and allowing the carrier fluid to evaporate.

Abstract: A dispensing device, such as a needle free injector, comprising a spring which provides an energy store, and a dispensing member movable to effect dispensing under the force of the spring, a latch having a first, safe position which disables triggering of the device, a second, ready to trigger position in which it restrains movement of the dispensing member but enables triggering, and a third, triggered position in which it permits such movement. A trigger is operable by the user for moving the latch from the second position to the third position. A safety mechanism, preferably in the form of an appropriately shaped slot in the dispensing member, is effective before triggering the device to prevent movement of the latch to the third position. An attachment is provided for moving the latch from the first, safe position to the second, ready to trigger position to enable triggering of the device.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, oncolytics, hormones, steroids, blood clotting agents, analgesics, bio-pharmaceuticals and like medicinal agents from a reservoir that has been filled from pre-filled containers. The fluid dispenser includes a housing to which fill-vials can be connected for filling the dispenser reservoir with the fluid, and a stored energy source provided in the form of a substantially constant-force spring that provides the force necessary to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The fluid dispenser also includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient.

Abstract: Methods for the treatment of asthma are provided, which comprise: (a) providing an implantable or insertable medical device that comprises an asthma treatment agent; and (b) inserting or implanting the medical device within the lungs (e.g., the trachea or the bronchial tree) of a patient, whereupon the therapeutic agent is delivered to the patient in an amount effective to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of asthma. Also disclosed herein are medical devices and kits for carrying out such methods.

Abstract: Devices, systems, methods and kits are provided for endoscopically accessing a body cavity and providing a directed pathway toward a target tissue within the cavity. The directed pathway is provided by a multi-catheter guiding system which is positioned in a desired configuration, generally directed toward the target tissue. Interventional devices may then be passed through the guiding system to the target tissue. Depending on the location of the target tissue and the desired angle of approach, the guiding system may be required to maintain one or more curves in one or more planes to properly direct the interventional devices. The multi-catheter guiding system of the present invention comprises an outer guiding catheter and a coaxially positioned inner guiding catheter, each of which independently form curvatures so that together the curves properly direct the interventional device.

Abstract: The present invention describes a system for controlling a thin flexible thermoplastic catheter. The system includes a plurality of shape memory alloy filaments attached to the distal end of the catheter, each filament having a phase and a temperature; a means for receiving a strain value for at least one of the filaments; a means for determining the phase change that will results in the strain value, whereby the phase change is dependent on the temperature and the temperature is dependent on a voltage; and a means for setting the voltage in each filament thereby resulting in movement of the catheter. In addition, a three-degrees of freedom force sensor measures the magnitude and direction of the force exerted on the tip of the catheter. The catheter can be autonomously guided or it can be interfaced to a haptic device. The catheter can also be fitted with microtools.

Abstract: A bifurcation stent delivery catheter includes a first branch balloon, a second branch balloon adjacent the first branch. A centering balloon is optionally disposed distal of the second branch balloon. The balloons are coupled by a coupling device to a main shaft of a catheter. The coupling device allows axial forces to be transmitted from the main shaft to the balloons while allowing the balloons to rotate axially relative to the main shaft with ease. The coupling device functions as an axial rotational joint. The coupling device can have a flexible tubular member that connects the balloons to the main shaft, the tubular member having a torsional flexibility greater than that of the main shaft. The coupling device can have a tubular wall having a cut extending circumferentially around the tubular wall and protective boot covering the cut. The coupling device can have a wound member that allows the axial rotation.

Abstract: A system comprising a catheter (12) having an expandable element (18), which when expanded, has an annular shape surrounding a passageway. The expandable element in the expanded state is rollable along at least a portion of the shaft of the catheter without slipping. The system may be used for delivering an object to a site in the body, retrieving an object from a body, removing debris and/or other particulate matter from a blood vessel, and distending and/or expanding a pathologically-involved region of a blood vessel wall.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a support member and a knob, each having an engagement portion. The support member is coupled to a shaft of a catheter assembly. The knob is configured to engage a stylet of the catheter assembly. The knob is configured to rotate relative to the support member through multiple discrete increments when the engagement portion of the knob is engaged with the engagement portion of the support member. Each discrete increment can be, for example, less than one revolution (e.g., thirty degrees of rotation).

Abstract: A single handed, safe and efficient system for aspirating a surgical site. The aspirating system of the present invention allows the surgeon to aspirate a surgical site by holding the aspiration cannula constantly in the same hand, such that the other hand of the surgeon is never needed for managing or manipulating the aspiration system in any manner. The invention allows a surgical site to be aspirated in an uninterrupted manner despite blood clots and tissue debris which constantly block the tip and the lumen of the aspiration cannula.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion media are supported by the disposable housing portion for disposal after the prescribed use, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of infusion media from the reservoir and a drive device and drive linkage.

Abstract: A system includes a durable portion with a durable housing and a separable disposable portion with a disposable housing that selectively engage with and disengage from each other. The disposable housing secures to a patient and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient or with an infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion to allow for disposal after a prescribed use. A reservoir for holding the infusion medium may be part of the disposable portion, and may be supported by the disposable housing. The durable portion may include other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of the infusion medium from the reservoir, and a drive device including a motor and drive linkage.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion medium are supported by the disposable housing portion, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics and a drive device. A reservoir is supported by the disposable housing portion and has a moveable plunger that operatively couples to the drive device, when the disposable and durable housing portions are engaged.

Abstract: A device for the dosed administration of a fluid product including a housing, a conveying device for the product, a drive element influenced by the selection of a product dose, a coupling input member coupled to the drive element, a coupling output member coupled to the conveying device, a retaining device which maintains the coupling elements in a maintaining position uncoupled from each other, wherein at least one of the coupling elements is displaceable by a coupling movement from the maintaining position into a coupling state, and wherein a driving force of the drive element causes a dosing movement of the conveying device via the coupling element.

Abstract: A device for administering a fluid product including a housing, a conveying device for the product, a coupling element provided for the drive of the conveying device and which can be rotated about a rotational axis, a first blocking element connected in a rotationally secure manner to the coupling element, a second blocking element detachably engageable with the first blocking element thereby preventing a rotational movement thereof in the drive direction and enabling said rotational movement to take place in the counter dosing direction, a torsion spring connected to the coupling element such that it is stressed by the rotational movement when the blocking elements are engaged in a blocked position and drives the coupling element in a rotary manner after the blocking position is released, and a release element coupled to at least one of the blocking elements such that a release movement of the release element displaces at least one of the blocking elements from the blocked position, the release element also

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.

Abstract: An auto-injector for dispensing a predetermined dose of medicament is disclosed. The auto-injector includes a needle cover operative to engage an injection site. The needle cover is configured to move from a retracted position prior to a medicament dispensing operation to an extended locked position after the medicament dispensing operation. Any residual activation force remaining after the medicament dispensing operation is contained within the auto-injector and is not directed to the needle cover, thus attenuating, if not eliminating, any kickback effect.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with an infusion medium, including a pump device, are supported by the disposable housing portion for disposal after the prescribed use, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics for controlling delivery of the infusion medium from the reservoir and a drive device and drive linkage.

Abstract: An introducer sheath having a hub portion that is integrally formed with a tubular portion. The tubular portion may include one or more materials, with the number of materials and configuration of the tubular portion optionally being selected to aid in splitting the sheath and/or providing stiffness or kink resistance to the sheath. The tubular portion may have a geometric pattern formed on an inner wall of the sheath to aid in splitting of the sheath.

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.

Abstract: Lung conditions are diagnosed and optionally treated using a functional assessment catheter or a functional lung assessment and treatment catheter. A flow restrictive component is initially placed in a bronchus or lung passageway upstream from a diseased lung region. The isolated lung region is then functionally assessed through the catheter, while the flow restrictive component remains in place. If the patient is a good candidate for treatment by occlusive or restrictive treatment techniques, the flow resistive component may be left in place. If the patient is not suitable for such treatment, the flow resistive component may be removed.

Abstract: An attachment tool to facilitate the attachment of one or more catheters or similar elongated instruments to a guide-wire or other elongated guide member, without requiring access to either end of said wire or member. The tool provides repeatable and reliable alignment of components to be attached, while being operated with a single hand. The catheter systems can be used for revascularization or treatment of arteries and lumens within the body, and the associated delivery of therapies therein and can include side attachable and over-the-wire components and/or low profile combination catheters to allow for flush and extraction of debris in small or tortuous anatomic pathways.

Abstract: An elongate medical device configured for navigation through a lumen is provided. The device includes an elongate shaft having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion includes a first interlocking connector. The device further includes a loop portion operably connected to the distal portion. The loop portion includes a second interlocking connector configured for connecting to the first interlocking connector. A medical system is also provided including a catheter and a wire guide. A method of making a wire guide is provided.

Abstract: In one aspect, a device for locating a subcutaneously implanted port is provided. The device includes a port beacon adapted to be implanted proximate the subcutaneously implanted port, the port beacon configured to generate a beacon signal, and a port locator including at least one first coil responsive to the beacon signal, the at least one first coil configured to generate a locator signal in response to the beacon signal, the port locator further includes a controller to receive the locator signal and generate at least one proximity measurement indicative of a location of the port beacon based, at least in part, on the locator signal.

Abstract: A device for storing and transporting microneedles and a method for delivering active substances with the aid of such a device. In the device for storing and transporting microneedles, a reservoir is provided which contains an active substance for delivery by the microneedles and the microneedles are situated within a package forming the reservoir.

Abstract: A medical safety device is provided and includes a needle hub having a needle supported thereon; and a safety shield operatively mounted on the needle hub. The safety shield includes a pair of spaced legs and a foot member. Each proximal segment includes a camming surface. The safety shield further includes a trigger supported on the foot member. The trigger includes a camming member and is movable to move the camming member into engagement with the camming surfaces of the proximal segments to effect movement of the legs from a first position in which the distal ends of the distal segments shield a distal end of the needle to a second position in which the distal end of the needle is at least partially exposed. The trigger is removably secured to the foot member.

Abstract: A disposable safety syringe designed to prevent syringe handlers from being pricked by a needle by covering the needle with a needle shield, is provided. Special attention should be given to syringe needles because they are sharp enough to cause needle stick injuries before and after use. In particular, if a user is accidentally injured by a blood-stained needle, serious infections might be caused through the needle. Accordingly, the needle is covered with the needle shield after use. The needle shield is fitted over a syringe cylinder. A stopping tab prevents the needle shield from sliding off the cylinder. Inserting tabs are formed by cutting part of shield walls, and locking grooves are formed in the end of the inserting tabs. A fixing adapter has an engagement sill formed in the inner side thereof and a number of elastic fins in the outer side thereof, which is fitted on the locking tab of the needle fixer.

Abstract: An needle assembly includes a barrel having a front opening, a rear opening in communication with the front opening, a front blockage formed and an annular rear stop formed on an inner periphery of the barrel to be adjacent to the rear opening. A needle hub is movably received inside the barrel and having a stop ring securely mounted around the needle hub. The needle hub is alternately positioned by the front blockage and the rear stop. A needle is securely mounted at a distal end of the needle hub to be extended out of the barrel when the stop ring is positioned by the front blockage and to be received inside the barrel when the stop ring is positioned by the rear stop. A tube is connected to the needle hub to be in communication with the needle hub.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a durable housing portion and a separable disposable portion that selectively engage and disengage from each other. The disposable housing portion secures to the patient-user and may be disposed of after it has been in use for a prescribed period. Components that normally come into contact with a patient-user or with infusion medium are supported by the disposable housing portion, while the durable housing portion supports other components such as electronics and a drive device. A reservoir is supported by the disposable housing portion and has a moveable plunger that operatively couples to the drive device, when the disposable and durable housing portions are engaged.

Abstract: A gasket 7 used for a prefilled syringe 1 in which liquid 3 is filled, having a constriction 8 on its circumferential side face in contact with an inner surface of a syringe barrel 2 and having a bottom face 7c which is not in contact with the liquid 3 whose circumference is formed in a tapered shape.

Abstract: A needle syringe in one embodiment includes a needle assembly including front and rear hypodermic needles; a barrel including a first window; a tube threadedly secured to the barrel and the needle assembly respectively and including a second window and an inner circumferential tapered surface; a medicine cartridge including a rear plunger and a front plug secured to the tapered surface when the cartridge is mounted in the barrel; and a handle. The rear needle passes the tube and the plug into the cartridge. The cartridge is prohibited from slipping relative to the barrel during injection. A medical worker can view the volume of fluid in the cartridge through the windows so as to correctly determine when to stop injection. After use the tube, the cartridge, and the needle assembly are removed to be discarded, and the barrel, the wing, and the handle are adapted to re-use.

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.

Abstract: Information-bearing articles (10,50,100,100?,150, . . . 850) for securing to flexible tubing (38) such as catheters and their extension tubes, to provide important information about the tubing (38) such as flow rating or contraindications on types of cleaning fluid not to be used therewith. The devices are provided with large outwardly facing indicia-bearing surfaces (30,32;70,72;120,122; . . . 834) and may be clipped directly to the tubing (38) at a selected location therealong, or be clipped directly to a clamp member (40,330) that is disposed along and around the tubing for clamping the tubing (38) when desired to occlude fluid flow therethrough. Those devices (10,100,100?,550, . . . 750) clippable to the tubing may have a C-shaped channel (18,20,58,108,554,604) therealong that may be flexed open to be placed about the tubing, which may be temporarily compressed as well to enter the channel, or the devices may be rings (800,850) that clip closed about the tubing (38). Other devices (200,250, . . .

Abstract: A drop sensing device for monitoring intravenous (IV) fluid flow is provided. The device comprises a U-shaped clip mountable on a drip chamber of an IV infusion set. The clip has a light source provided at one side for emitting radiation and a hollow cylinder provided in a through hole on the side opposite the light source. The cylinder includes an aperture of a diameter smaller than an average diameter of fluid drops passing the drip chamber, and an optical sensor mounted on a rear end of the cylinder opposite the aperture, so as to substantially enhance sensitivity of light ray receiving.

Abstract: An improved luer lock receiving septum having a configuration which provides rapid and tight resealing and yet allows penetration of the septum by the luer tip with a low penetration force. The elongated septum includes an upper portion of enlarged diameter having a target surface, a central slit, and a central, lower septum extension projecting about the slit below the upper portion and into a housing so that following luer insertion there is provided sufficient room for both the laterally displaced extension of the septum, the luer taper, and the housing to be received into a conventional luer lock connector. The septum is further preferably configured to minimize or eliminate the negative pressure deflection normally associated with the withdrawal of the large diameter luer cannula from an enclosed fluid filled lumen or chamber, by substantially isolating the lumen or chamber from the septum material displacement resultant from luer insertion.

Abstract: Cannulas for surgical and medical use expand along their lengths. The cannulas are inserted through tissue when in an unexpanded condition and with a small diameter. The cannulas are then expanded radially outwardly to give a full-size instrument passage. Expansion of the cannulas occurs against the viscoelastic resistance of the surrounding tissue. The expandable cannulas do not require a full depth incision, or at most require only a needle-size entrance opening. In one embodiment of the invention, the cannula includes a number of arcuate plate segments movable with respect to each other for enabling an increase in cross-sectional area of the cannula lumen. In this embodiment, the cannula can be provided with a pointed end portion. The cannula may be expanded by inserting members or by fluid pressure. The cannula is advantageously utilized to expand a vessel, such as a blood vessel. An expandable chamber may be provided at the distal end of the cannula.

Abstract: Devices are provided herein for translumenal access to a treatment site within a body cavity. In general, the devices include an elongate sleeve configured to provide access to a treatment site wherein various portions of the sleeve are associated with an anti-microbial agent. Additionally, the anti-microbial agent(s) can be disposed within a housing and/or inner lumen of the sleeve such that surgical instruments passing therethrough can be sterilized en route to and/or being withdrawn from the treatment site. Additionally, various methods are also provided herein for maintaining the sterility of a treatment site.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an indwelling catheter is provided which comprises a catheter shaft. The catheter either comprises a light source or is adapted to receive light from a light source, and is configured such that light is transmitted from the light source into the catheter shaft. Moreover, the catheter shaft is formed of a polymeric material that transmits a quantity of light from the light source that is effective to inactivate microorganisms on a surface of the catheter shaft upon activation of the light source. For example, the light may inactivate the microorganisms directly or in conjunction with a photosensitizer. According to another aspect of the invention, a sterilization method is provided, which comprises activating the light source while the catheter is inserted in a subject.

Abstract: A medical device is adapted for at least partial implantation into a body and includes first and second sections along the length of the device. A first therapeutic agent is associated with the first section and a second therapeutic agent is associated with the second section. The first therapeutic agent can be one or more antiproliferative, such as paclitaxel, a paclitaxel derivative, or a paclitaxel pro-drug, anti-coagulant, antithrombotic, thrombolytic, fibrinolytic, or combination thereof. The second therapeutic agent can be one or more antimicrobials, such as one or more antibiotics. Each of the first and second therapeutic agents can either be posited on one or more surfaces of the respective section, or impregnated within the section. The device can include a separator to space the first and second sections. A method of making a medical device and a method of establishing access to a vessel within a body are also provided.

Abstract: An infusion medium delivery system, device and method for delivering an infusion medium to a patient-user, includes a needle inserter device and method for inserting a needle and/or cannula into a patient-user to convey the infusion medium to the patient-user. The needle inserter device and method operate to insert a needle and cannula into a patient-user's skin and automatically withdraw the needle from the patient-user, leaving the cannula in place and in fluid flow communication with a reservoir. The delivery device may include a base portion and a durable portion connectable to the base portion, and wherein the base portion can be separated from the durable portion and disposed of after one or more specified number of uses. The base portion supports the reservoir and the needle inserter device, while the durable portion supports a drive device for selectively driving the infusion medium out of the reservoir and into the needle and/or cannula.

Abstract: A seal assembly establishes sealing engagement with a plurality of differently dimensioned instruments passing through a trocar. The seal assembly is a caged seal assembly movably disposed within the trocar and includes at least two seal segments disposable into and out of a sealing orientation relative to the instrument. A cage structure of the seal assembly includes at least two cage segments each connected to a seal segment, a biasing assembly connected to the cage structure and disposed and structured to normally bias the seal segments into sealing orientation.

Abstract: A vaginal drug delivery system includes a device formed of porous material that holds a flowable therapeutic formulation. The device, preferably in a soft, prewetted state, is inserted into the vagina to reside typically at or near the cervix where it continuously releases the flowable therapeutic formulation through its outer surface which is in contact with the vaginal surfaces. In operation, the flowable therapeutic formulation migrates via capillary forces from a reservoir that is centrally located in the device and through a covering that envelopes the reservoir.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a method of treating meibomian gland dysfunction in a mammal wherein an occlusion blocks at least a portion of the flow of naturally occurring secretion out of a gland channel orifice. The invention comprises selecting a device capable of delivering a jet of heated medium. The device is positioned such that when the jet is it is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid, proximate to the gland channel orifice, a jet of heated medium is applied to the exterior surface of the eyelid proximate to the gland channel orifice at a pressure of from about 2 psi to about 30 psi. Application of the jet of heated medium is maintained for sufficient time to loosen, break up, fracture, soften or liquefy at least a portion of the occlusion such that at least a portion of the occlusion is removed. In an exemplary embodiment, the medium is water heated to a temperature of between about 42° C. and about 46° C.

Abstract: A device and method for facilitating the collection of urine from incontinent or otherwise impaired individuals via an underwear-integrated urine specimen collection system and method thereof, wherein strategically placed semi-permeable tubing collects and retains urine from the underwear substrate and holds the urine for subsequent transfer and testing, wherein a tube-puncturing delivery member is protectively provided to facilitate the transfer of the collected urine to a sealed urine vaccutainer, and wherein a microporous filter is incorporated to prevent the transfer of potential contaminants or otherwise undesirable particles into the testing specimen.