Abstract: A drainable ostomy pouch has an outlet. Reinforcing members at the outlet are deformable by application of manual pressure at their ends to distend the outlet. The lateral edges of the reinforcing members may be offset, which encourages the reinforcing members to consistently bend away from each other. A peelable distributed mechanical engagement fastener secures the outlet in a folded condition. The fastener parts are hook-hook type plastic extrusions, and provide a snap-engagement. A security flap is foldable under the outlet when in its folded condition. The outlet is released in two stages.

Abstract: A disposal system for sanitary products is provided comprising a disposable sanitary product; a pocket attached to the sanitary product, the pocket having an opening; a disposal bag having a cavity and opening means communicating with the cavity. The bag is formed into a configuration of reduced dimensions and is located and retained in the pocket. The bag is accessible through the opening of the pocket, whereby the bag may be extended to enlarged dimensions after use of the sanitary product. The opening means comprises a short tag attached to the mouth of the bag, protruding from the opening of the pocket; and a long tag having a first end and a second end, the first end attached to the mouth of the bag and the second end attached to the sanitary product within the pocket, so that when a user pulls on the short tag the bag is released from the pocket yet remains attached to the sanitary product by the second end of the long tag.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods and systems for determining hydration of an article and/or a person. The physical and/or electrical properties of a device in the absorbent article may be altered by hydration received in the absorbent article. The alteration of the physical or electrical properties may indicate the amount of hydration in the absorbent article. Furthermore, a time period for receiving the hydration in the absorbent article may also be determined. The hydration of the person may be determined based on a fluid output rate from the person computed using the amount of hydration output from the person and the time period for receiving the hydration.

Abstract: A surgical sponge with an integrated RFID transponder is disclosed. A laundry RFID transponder integrated between layers of the sponge provides means for surgical personnel to verify with a RFID reader that all such sponges have been removed from a patient's body prior to an incision being closed or from a body cavity without an incision. The RFID reader may also be used post closure to re-verify that no such sponges have been inadvertently closed within the patient. A system may include a storage means and associated display device to allow for easy and convenient verification that all sponges made available for a particular surgery have all been accounted for prior to the surgical incision being closed.

Abstract: Manufacturers of disposable absorbent articles may produce a wide range of sizes of articles. The design of these articles has generally remained the same as the product increases in size to fit larger and larger users. Generally speaking, the proportions of the articles remain the same in smaller and larger sizes. For example, the longitudinal length of the absorbent core as a percentage of the total longitudinal length of the article may be approximately the same for small, medium, and large sizes.

Abstract: An elastic composite includes a first nonwoven, a second nonwoven, and two elastic films sandwiched between the first and second nonwoven. The elastic composite also includes a lateral edge portion where the first nonwoven is bonded to the second nonwoven, a lane between the elastic films that is free of the elastic films, and a first bond joining the first nonwoven to the elastic film, and a second bond joining the second nonwoven to the elastic film. The elastic composite may be used as a component of a disposable garment.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article is provided. The article comprises one or more disposable absorbent articles having a configuration corresponding to a wearer's stage of development, the disposable absorbent articles being enclosed in a package; a brand indicator disposed on the package; a line-up indicator disposed on the package, the line-up indicator including visual indicia and narrative indicia; and a stage specific indicator disposed on the package. The line-up indicator and stage specific indicator associate the absorbent article configuration with a corresponding stage of development, the association enabling a consumer to identify the appropriate absorbent article configuration for a wearer. An array of disposable absorbent article configurations is also provided.

Abstract: An array of absorbent article products including a first absorbent article product and a second absorbent article product. The first absorbent article product includes a first absorbent article having a first benefit and is at least partially enclosed in a first package. The first absorbent article product further includes first indicia and second indicia. At least a portion of the first indicia corresponds to a first feminine aspirational state. The second absorbent article product includes a second absorbent article having a second benefit and is at least partially enclosed in a second package. The second absorbent article product further includes third indicia and fourth indicia. At least a portion of the third indicia corresponds to a second feminine aspirational state and the fourth indicia relate to the second indicia.

Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.

Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.

Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.

Abstract: A packaged diaper that is compact and portable comprises a diaper that is vacuum-packaged. The packaged diaper is dimensioned to fit within the pocket of an article of clothing to be worn on one's person. The vacuum-packaged diaper includes packaging made from a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material; and a diaper contained within said packaging in a compressed condition. The packaging is hermetically sealed and a negative pressure exists within said packaging such that said diaper is maintained in the compressed condition.

Abstract: A disposable pants type wearing article includes a chassis folded in two halves along a folding guide extending in a transverse direction and these respective halves of the chassis are joined to each other along lateral edges thereof to form the article. Leg openings are defined by upper and lower leg opening edges formed by incisions in the chassis so that these upper and lower leg opening edges extending at a level a predetermined dimension above the folding guide. Above the upper leg opening edges, waist elastic members are attached and, below the lower leg opening edges, crotch elastic member are attached to the diaper. Under the contraction of these elastic members, a transverse dimension of the zone in which the waist elastic members are attached to the diaper 1 becomes larger than a transverse dimension of the zone in which the crotch elastic members are attached to the diaper.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for delivery of substances or apparatus to target sites located outside blood vessels within the body of a human or animal patient. A vessel wall penetrating catheter is inserted into the vasculature, positioned and oriented within a blood vessel near the target extravascular site and a penetrator is advanced from the catheter so as to penetrate outwardly through the wall of the blood vessel in the direction of the target site. Thereafter, a delivery catheter is passed through a lumen of the penetrator to the target site. A desired substance or apparatus is then delivered to or obtained from the target site. In some applications, the penetrator may be retracted into the vessel wall penetrating catheter and the vessel wall penetrating catheter may be removed, leaving the delivery catheter in place for chronic or continuous delivery of substance(s) to and/or obtaining of information or samples from the target site.

Abstract: Medical device components, such as tube-shaped catheter components, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical device component includes a region that includes a polyamide having a hoop stress ratio of at least about 1.25.

Abstract: Medical devices, and related components and methods, are disclosed.

Abstract: A central venous access device comprising an extruded catheter shaft having one or more lumens, said catheter shaft comprising a polycarbonate polyurethane having a weight average molecular weight in excess of 90,000.

Abstract: Medical device components, such as tube-shaped catheter components, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical device component includes a region that includes a polyamide having a post buckle fracture tensile strength of at least about 6500 psi.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to tubular bodies for catheters. An inner tubular catheter body has an inner layer, a braided portion over the inner layer and an outer layer. The outer layer is fused to the braided portion for a selected length or lengths of the inner tubular body and is unfused for a selected length or lengths to achieve the desired combination of stiffness and flexibility.

Abstract: An intermittent urethra self-retaining catheter set 10 comprises a catheter unit 1, a disinfectant casing 2, and a cap 3. The catheter unit 1 includes a catheter body 11 having an urine-guiding passage 111 and a water-guiding passage 112 that extend along a longitudinal direction and are separated from each other, a balloon 12 attached to a distal end of the catheter body 11 in an inflatable manner and communicated to the water-guiding passage 112, an elastic plug 13 attached to an intermediate portion of the catheter body 11, a branched tube 14 branched from the catheter body 11 above the elastic plug 13 and communicated to the water-guiding passage 112, a reservoir 16 attached to a free end of the branched tube 14 in a collapsible manner for storing a sterilized water 15, an on-off valve 17 attached to an intermediate portion of the branched tube 14, and a reinforcement tube 18 inserted into an upper interior of the urine-guiding passage 111 in the catheter body 11.

Abstract: A catheter and catheter assembly are disclosed comprising a urinary catheter comprising an insertion end, a rearward end, and a one way check valve arrangement. The check valve arrangement comprises a tubular part of a flexible material, connected to the rearward end of the catheter and extending past the rearward end in a direction opposite to the insertion end, thereby substantially limiting the flow through the catheter to a single direction from the insertion end to the rearward end. Hereby, a very effective anti-reflux function is achieved, and at the same time the construction is relatively simple and inexpensive, and does not require any essential modifications of the other parts of the urinary catheter.

Abstract: The system and method may measure, monitor, and control physiological conditions in a body. In some embodiments, the system may include a flexible conduit (100), one or more sensors (181), and a processor. A flexible conduit may be positioned in the vasculature or a cavity of a body. Sensors may measure one or more physiological conditions and a processor may generate one or more responses in reaction to measured physiological conditions. In certain embodiments, responses may include delivery of pharmaceuticals and/or altering machine functions.

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 method is provided for operating a device for the containment and controlled release or exposure of a chemical substance. The method includes (i) providing a device which includes a substrate having a plurality of reservoirs, at least one chemical substance stored in the reservoirs, a plurality of metal reservoir caps, each of which closes an opening of one of said reservoir caps, and power and electrode means for disintegrating each of said reservoir caps; and (ii) disintegrating at least one of said reservoir caps, using said power and electrode means, to expose or release the chemical substance, wherein said disintegration comprises using potentiostatic or galvanostatic control to a voltage potential at said at least one reservoir cap.

Abstract: A method and device for delivering and monitoring baroreflex and drug therapy to manage hypertension. The method includes providing an implanted an implanted medical device configured to automatically detect drug-related effects on the autonomic nervous system including the steps of measuring a physiologic status of the autonomic nervous system at desired intervals, logging the physiologic status of the autonomic nervous system at desired intervals, monitoring the measured and logged physiologic status of the autonomic nervous system for any changes and correlating the changes to a corresponding drug administration time. The device includes an implanted baroreflex activation device capable of administering one or more hypertension treatment drugs including a controller that activates and adjusts therapy delivery, a baroreflex activation therapy delivery device, a drug therapy delivery device and a device that senses physiologic parameters.

Abstract: A medical instrument having a handle and a functional portion includes a first part, a second part selectively couplable to the first part and a plurality of trackable markers arranged on the instrument. At least one marker is arranged on the first part and at least one marker is arranged on the second part.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for generating a control program for ophthalmologic LASIK surgery, with which a pulsed laser system (12, 14, 16) can be controlled for the photodisruptive cutting of a flap, having the following steps: obtaining empirical data, which relate to the effect in particular of flap shapes and ablation profiles on postoperative refractive results, obtaining measurement data relating to the eye to be treated, calculating an optimal cutting shape for the photodisruptive cutting of the flap by taking into account the said empirical data and the said measurement data, and generating the control program on the basis of the calculated cutting shape.

Abstract: A multiple target ophthalmic surgery instrument is comprised of a single primary optic fiber that transmits laser light to the instrument, and a plurality of additional optic fibers that receive the laser light from the primary optic fiber and project the laser light as a plurality of beams from the plurality of additional optic fibers. In this manner, the instrument splits the single laser light beam received from a single laser light source into the multiple of laser beams and targets the multiple laser beams at multiple spots of a surgical site in the eye.

Abstract: A protective film (1) for protecting a cornea against direct contact with a laser applicator has a treatment area (2) of a first film thickness and a profile region (3) that is raised with reference to the treatment area (2) and whose film thickness is configured to be greater than the first film thickness. In the state in which the protective film (1) is arranged between the cornea and applied laser applicator, the treatment area (2) positions a first part of the cornea, which part is to be treated, in a focal region of the laser applicator, and the profile region (3) positions a second part of the cornea, which part is not to be treated, outside the focal region. The raised profile region (3) presses the eye tissue region not to be treated out of the cutting plane of the laser applicator such that the focused laser pulses cannot reach this tissue region, and therefore cannot inadvertently impair and damage it.

Abstract: A method and device for flapless, intrastromal keratomileusis for the correction of myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, i.e., for vision correction by corneal reshaping without creating a flap. Ultra-short laser pulses are used to create a temporary micro-channel extending to an end point located within the cornea. A second series of ultra-short laser pulses are then delivered to photo-ablate material in the vicinity of the micro-channel end-point. The photo-ablated material may exit through the micro-channel used to deliver the laser pulses, or via a separate micro-channel. With the micro-channel oriented substantially normal to the optical axis of the cornea, and by continuing to supply the ultra-short laser pulses in the appropriate number while moving the point of ablation along the micro-channel, the photo-ablation of the intrastromal tissue may continue in a controlled fashion and the cornea reshaped in a predetermined manner without creating a flap.

Abstract: Treating a skin condition with electromagnetic radiation includes receiving the radiation at an image-shaping device, and causing the image-shaping device to form a shaped treatment image including the electromagnetic radiation on a patient's skin based on the skin condition.

Abstract: The present invention is of a cryotherapy apparatus which provides multiple cryoprobe operating tips in a configuration which enhances flow of exhaust gasses and thereby facilitates achieving cold temperatures and high thermal transfer capacity. The apparatus comprises a plurality of operating tips insertable in a body, each with a distal gas input lumen, a cryogen expansion chamber and a distal gas exhaust lumen, and a medial portion also insertable in a body and which comprises a medial gas exhaust lumen formed as a manifold communicating with the plurality of distal gas exhaust lumens.

Abstract: The Multi-Modal Analgesia Delivery System or “MADS” is a cryoablation and fluid delivery device comprising a tube having a proximal end, a distal end and a generally central lumen therein extending between the ends, the proximal end is adapted for connection to a fluid delivery system. A cooling portion is secured to the distal end and has a coolant delivery lumen adapted for connection to a cryoablation delivery system. The tube includes an exterior surface proximate the distal end, the exterior surface defines at least one aperture in fluid communication with the lumen, a retaining portion to keep the distal end at a minimum depth, and barbs for preventing the distal end from being inserted beyond a maximum depth. The device is configured to perform consecutively a cryoablation procedure with the cooling portion and to deliver fluid through the aperture, affecting a generally common area of a medical subject.

Abstract: The present invention is of a cryotherapy apparatus comprising an uninsulated cryoprobe and an insulating introducer. Preferred embodiments include cryoprobes which are extremely thin and flexible because they lack an insulating layer and/or because their operating tip does not comprise a heat exchanger. Multi-cryoprobe introducers are provided.

Abstract: A radiofrequency ablation device reduces the incidence of skin burns by selectively activating ground pads in a partially sequential and partially contemporaneous manner. The selective sequential activation of the ground pads lowers power dispersion at each ground pad relative to contemporaneous activation of ground pads and/or sequential activation of ground pads. This reduction in power dispersion at each ground pad consequently yields a lower overall maximum temperature, and more uniform heating of all of the ground pads. This makes the system more predictable and safer for use in treatment. The radiofrequency ablation device may include a layered ground pad that includes at least two layers of material. One layer of material can be substantially similar to the material used for a monolithic ground pad, and one layer can have a substantially lower relative electrical conductivity, but a substantially higher electrical conductivity relative to adjacent body tissue.

Abstract: A self-centering coupling device is provided for coupling a sensor array to a surgical instrument for use in computer guided surgery. The self-centering coupling device includes a sensor support having a stem and sensor support arms coupled to the stem to support the sensors of the sensor array. The self-centering coupling device is received within a recess formed in the surgical instrument.

Abstract: Force-controlled autodistraction for lengthening a bone is disclosed. A distractor is coupled to a first fixator and to a second fixator distal to the first fixator. The distractor has a known distractor stiffness. The first fixator is configured to be coupled to a first portion of the bone, and the second fixator is configured to be coupled to a second portion of the bone. The first and second portions are on opposite sides of an osteotomy of the bone. A motor is controllable to produce a motion of the first fixator relative to the second fixator such that the first portion of the bone is distracted from the second portion of the bone. A force sensor is configured to measure a resistant force to the motion, and a distractor displacement sensor is configured to measure a distractor displacement. A controller is operably coupled to the force sensor, the distractor displacement sensor, and the motor.

Abstract: A system and method for fixing the relative position of vertebrae in a human spinal column utilizes a unique connector, vertebral anchors and a longitudinal pre-shaped rod. The connector assemblies each have a pass-through aperture for the rod. Each of the apertures is shaped such that at least 3 surfaces of contact are created between a variety of rod sizes and each of the connectors, thereby allowing secure and stable holding of the rod with respect to the other system components and the vertebrae.

Abstract: The invention provides a connecting rod for bone anchors such as pedicle screws. The rod is constructed to include a main shaft portion that is not bioresorbable and a tip portion that is bioresorbable. The tip facilitates percutaneous insertion into a patient's body. After placement of the rod, the bioresorbable tip is resorbed preventing post-operative complications such as impingement of adjacent spinal facet joints.

Abstract: An auxiliary apparatus for a vertebra surgical operation is applied to a small incision surgical operation. The auxiliary apparatus includes an auxiliary part having a regulating opening, a guiding block attached on the rear side of the auxiliary part, a plurality of sleeves regulated by the regulating opening, and a puncturing part passing through the guiding block and the lower side of the sleeves. The sleeves are placed in expanding parts and the expanding parts are placed into the muscle. There are through holes located at the jointing locations of the bone screws and the sleeves. One end of the puncturing part is connected with a linking rod. The puncturing part passes through the guiding block. One end of the linking rod punctures into muscle and passes through the expanding parts and the through holes to receive the linking rod in the plow grooves of the bone screws.

Abstract: An occipital plating system includes an occipital plate extending along a medial-lateral oriented axis when engaged to the occiput. The plate body includes a housing portion and at least one wing portion extending from the housing portion that is adjustable relative to the housing portion along the medial-lateral axis. The plate body further includes receiving members mounted to the plate body that receive connecting elements extending along the spinal column to the occiput.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a change in the spacing between a pair of selected, spaced skeletal bones in a patient utilizing a single-surgery, elongate selectively adjustable, length-change bone-spacing device The device includes (a) an elongate, pre-stressed, length-change, spring-force component having a relaxed condition toward which it is self-biased, and in which relaxed condition it is either one of longer or shorter than when it is in its pre-stressed condition, (b) a pair of spaced, relatively moveable bone drivers coupleable to selected bones, and drivingly connected, one each, to opposite ends of the spring-force component, and (c) a two-state, RF-activated, stress-control constraining medium embedding at least a portion of the length of the spring-force component, and having a hardened state wherein it immobilizes that length portion against any length change, and a softened, fluid state to which it converts reversibly under the influence of received radio-frequency (RF) energy of a define

Abstract: A spine distraction implant alleviates pain associated with spinal stenosis and facet arthropathy by expanding the volume in the spine canal and/or neural foramen. The implant provides a spinal extension stop while allowing freedom of spinal flexion.

Abstract: Systems, including methods, apparatus, and kits, for fixing bones with bone plates having hybrid apertures.

Abstract: A minimally invasive, percutaneous system that allows for dynamic stabilization of the spine is provided, together with methods of using the system. The system comprises a first bone anchoring member that is anchored in a first vertebra, and a second bone anchoring member that is anchored in a second, adjacent, vertebra. The first and second bone anchoring members include a first head portion and second head portion, respectively, that are designed to hold first and second ends of a flexible, elongated member, or cord. In certain embodiments, the cord is provided with a stiffened, relatively inflexible, end portion that is fixedly attached to the cord and that facilitates threading of the cord through the first and second head portions.

Abstract: An anchor for attaching an elongate flexible member to bone. The anchor includes a base adapted for attaching to bone and a connector mounted on the base. The connector includes a cam positioned for engaging the flexible member when the base is attached to bone. The cam is pivotable between an open position in which the flexible member may be moved relative to the connector and a closed position in which the cam engages the flexible member so the flexible member is fixed relative to the connector.

Abstract: A spinal fixation system having a modular construction to allow universal application to varying spine anatomy and load requirements of individual vertebral attachment members, while reducing requirements for large inventories to optimize spinal fixation. Modularity allows the individual attachment members, once attached optimally to bone, to be attached to a variety of interconnecting structural members optimized for load carrying capacity.

Abstract: An intramedullary fixation device for use with a bone comprising a proximal end, is provided. The fixation device includes a nail sized and configured to be inserted into an intramedullary channel of the bone, the nail having a generally laterally extending bore, an arm sized and configured to be located so that at least a portion of the arm extends through the bore of the nail along the neck of the bone when the device is implanted in the bone, the arm having a threaded portion at one end for fixation into the head of the bone. The device also includes a locking mechanism to prevent rotation of the arm relative to the nail, the locking mechanism configured to allow sliding of the arm through the bore, the locking mechanism configured to be located on the lateral side of the nail and the distal side of the bone when the arm is disposed within the bore.

Abstract: A bone plate(s) of complex form is provided, particularly suited to tibial plateau-leveling osteotomy and a distal femoral osteotomy. The bone plate has a main longitudinal axis, a bone-contacting bottom side (not shown) and a top side with at least three sets of overlapping holes which communicate through the plate from the top to the bottom side. The sets of overlapping holes define threaded apertures having multifaceted surfaces. When applied to a bone, two sets of such overlapping holes are located so as to lie on opposite sides of an osteotomy site and on the tibial plate; a third is aligned at approximately 60 degrees with the longitudinal axis. The configuration of this complex bone plate vary, depending on the physiology of the patient. An object of the invention is to provide an orthopaedic surgeon greater flexibility of choice in that a threaded peg providing secure fixing can be positioned at any interval along the bone plate, including at its extreme ends or on its elbow.

Abstract: Device for fastening post-craniotomy bone flaps (1), used to secure bone fragments or flaps (5) separated by a cranial bone mass (4) during a surgical operation, the device comprising some external support means (2) to the outer edges (3, 3?) of the cranial bone mass and the bone flap; and some internal support means (6) for the inner edges (7, 7?) of the cranial bone mass and bone flap. The external support means and internal support means are joined via an intermediate element consisting of a shape-memory material (8). The external support means (2) and internal support means (6) consist of two platforms or two bands of shape memory material (11-11?).