Abstract: A massage apparatus having an upper vertical post slidably adjustable over a lower vertical post. A number of massage appliances are secured to the upper post. The upper post is rotatably supported by the lower post so that the massage appliances can be rotated in position and accessed by a user. The appliances are orientated on the upper post to specifically massage a desired area of the user's body as the user maintains an upright position. The user selects a desired appliance and rotates it into position. The user then moves closer to the selected massage appliance to apply pressure and also simultaneously moves in a massaging motion. The massage appliances include an elongated vertical member, a downward facing crescent member, a bow tie shaped member, a pair of vertical cylinders, a half sphere member. Each massage appliance is designed to massage a specific area of the user's body.

Abstract: A device for mechanical stimulation of the foot support zones comprises four pneumatic chambers, two chambers being for each one of the feet, to create pressure to be exerted on the foot support zones, which chambers are equipped with valves and are coupled, via a receiver, to a pressure source, which source in turn is coupled to a control unit that controls the pressure-varying modes in the pneumatic chambers. The pneumatic chambers are intended to be disposed within footwear in the heel and tarsus area, and are coupled, through suitable pipelines, to a receiver; the pneumatic chambers being implemented such that when air is supplied, their volume is increased only in the direction perpendicular to the foot sole.

Abstract: A compression sleeve (10) has twelve inflatable cells (13) to be wrapped around a limb. The cells (13) are inflated to set pressures and duration by a fluid source. The cells (13) are numbered (1) to (12), with (1) being at the toe, or the wrist, and (12) being at the thigh, or the shoulder. In use, the inflation sequence begins with a peristaltic wave at cell (1) and finishes at cell (12). Then cell (12) is inflated and deflated 5 times, then cell ( 11) is inflated and deflated 5 times in the same way as cell (12), followed by a single peristaltic wave beginning at cell (12) to cell (11). This compression regime is repeated along the compression sleeve until cell (1) is inflated and deflated(5) times followed by a peristaltic wave from cell (1) to cell (12). The described compression sequence is particularly useful for lymphatic drainage.

Abstract: A hydrotherapy jet includes a jet body having an open upstream end and an open downstream end and defining a flow path between the open upstream end and open downstream end, a flapper disposed within the flow path, the flapper having upstream flapper and downstream flapper ends and rotatably connected to the jet body at the upstream flapper end to rotatably oscillate about the upstream flapper end when a stream of water is introduced from upstream to downstream through the flow path and a head spoiler formed on the downstream flapper end to reduce the frequency of oscillation of the flapper wherein a stream of water pulsating effect is felt by a user of the jet apparatus adjacent the open downstream end as the flapper rotatably oscillates.

Abstract: A device and method for alerting attending medical personnel of a patient's potential risk of injury due to unwanted blood pressure measurements, intravenous access and venipuncture includes placing a sleeve on the patient's affected arm or leg. The sleeve is formed of a latex free soft fabric which is stretchable to provide a snug, comfortable fit for a range of patient sizes. The sleeve is open at both ends to permit ease of placement and removal on the patient's arm or leg. The exterior surface of the sleeve has easily visible instructions to indicate that no blood pressure, I.V. or venipuncture is to be performed on the arm or leg which wears the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides an orthotic appliance for the carpus of a human hand for the treatment of a carpal tunnel syndrome condition using co-dynamic, rather than traditional static or dynamic, techniques. The appliance may apply a dorsally-directed force to the region of the pisiform bone (23) in the neutral carpal position of a human hand upon co-contraction of the hand and up to 8 pounds dorsally-directed during arc of motion in carpal flexion, as the wrist and hand is encouraged to actively move in all planes of motion without restricting arc of motion or negatively affecting the normal activities of daily living. The appliance may comprise a biasing structure for applying the dorsally-directed force and a base structure for maintaining the biasing structure in its proper configuration during normal hand motion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device for providing intermittent compression to a limb, the device comprising, an at least one energy reservoir and an at least one compressing means for compressing the limb, wherein the energy stored in the at least one energy reservoir is pre-stored in the energy reservoir and is directly transformed to provide intermittently compression on the limb. The energy reservoir provides a single energy transformation from energy stored in the reservoir to energy used to compress intermittently the limb. Optionally, the energy stored in the reservoir also provides the energy for a mechanism controlling the intermittent operation of the device and the release of excess energy from the device.

Abstract: Electro-rheological fluid brake or actuator devices provide controllable resistance with or without inclusion of active torque output in either direction of rotation under manual or computer control. The brake and actuator devices are suitable for use in an orthotic device for a joint, such as the knee or elbow.

Abstract: A soft hemostasis pad of elastomeric material typically having a hardness of no more than about 50 Shore 00 and an upper wall having a raised profile, such as a convex shape. The pad has a central aperture extending therethrough, and a slit that extends through the pad thickness between the central aperture and the periphery of the pad.

Abstract: A hemostatic agent applicable to a bleeding wound to promote the clotting of blood comprises a first component and a second component, both components being in particle form and commingled with each other, and both components having hemostatic properties. A device incorporating such an agent comprises a receptacle for retaining the agent in particulate form therein. At least a portion of the receptacle is defined by a mesh having openings therein through which the blood may flow to come into contact with the particles of the hemostatic agent. A pad for controlling the flow of blood from a bleeding wound comprises a mesh structure and the hemostatic agent retained therein. A bandage applicable to a bleeding wound is defined by a substrate, a mesh mounted on the substrate, and the hemostatic agent retained in the mesh.

Abstract: A device and method for detecting complications during an extracorporeal blood treatment are provided. During the dialysis treatment, the dialysance or clearance may be continuously determined at successive points in time based on a measured change in a physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the dialysis liquid, for example, the ion concentration of the dialysis liquid. In the event a significant change in the dialysance or clearance is established, the determination of the recirculation is may be effected based on a measured change in a physical or chemical characteristic quantity of the blood. When both a significant change in the determined dialysance as well as in the recirculation occurs, a complication is may be assumed with regard to a bad vessel access. Alternatively, a complication may be assumed with regard to the dialyzer.

Abstract: A fluid removal apparatus comprising a blood removal catheter for insertion into a peripheral vein or artery and having a size 16 standard gage needle or less; a filter having a blood inlet port coupled to the blood removal catheter, a blood outlet port, an excess fluid removal port, and a blood flow passage with porous membrane which passes fluids to the fluid removal port and retains solutes of 60,000 Daltons or greater, and a blood return catheter for inserting into a peripheral vein or artery and having a size of 16 standard gage needle or less.

Abstract: A blood chamber for an extracorporeal blood circuit comprises a blood inlet port (2), a blood containment chamber (3), a first conduit (8) which connects the blood inlet port (2) with the blood containment chamber (3) and which has an end tract (8a) that terminates in the blood containment chamber (3) with a horizontal inlet component. The first conduit (8) comprises a pre-terminal tract (8b) which precedes the end tract (8a) and which has at least a second horizontal component which is directed in an opposite direction to the horizontal inlet component. The blood chamber is used in an arterial line of a dialysis set for guaranteeing a regular and gentle blood flow.

Abstract: A ureteral stent is designed to be placed within a patient's ureter to facilitate drainage from the patient's kidneys to the bladder. An elongated portion of the stent includes a length sufficient to extend substantially within the ureter from the kidney to the bladder, and the elongated portion defines a lumen extending therethrough. A retention portion extends from one end of the elongated portion and retains the position of the ureteral stent when placed substantially within the kidney. The retention portion includes an interior space that is in communication with the lumen within the elongated portion and has at least one opening for urine drainage. A flared portion extending from the other end of the elongated portion is positioned within the patient's bladder. The flared portion curves outward and includes an elastic member that maintains the shape of the flared portion when positioned within the bladder.

Abstract: Drainage system including a ventricular catheter, a drainage catheter, and a positive displacement pump that can function to actively drain CSF from the ventricles of the brain of a patient. Methods of using a drainage system in accordance with the invention are also disclosed, as well as kits.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for volumetric removal of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the brain of patients suffering from hydrocephalus. The apparatus comprises a drainage conduit, which interconnects the cerebral ventricle system to a body cavity and an open and close pinch flow restrictor external to the drainage conduit to control flow. The flow restrictor has a controller that is remotely programmable. Also, the method provides for drainage of the CSF through the conduit by opening and closing the pinch flow restrictor for programmed durations. The actual opening and closing of the flow restrictor to actuate the drainage is determined by patient response to excessive or inadequate CSF diversion.

Abstract: Methods of mitigating effects of aging on skin include a first skin treatment to an expanse of skin, and after a delay, providing a second skin treatment to the same expanse of skin. The skin treatments may include initiating exposure of an expanse of skin to light; terminating the exposure of the expanse of skin to the light after a period, preferably of less than about one hour; and applying a first benefit agent treatment to the expanse of skin after a first delay following the termination.

Abstract: To provide a cosmetic apparatus capable of eliminating the generation of harmful substances to a skin. An electrode part (2) is formed, by binding carbon fibers, at the tip of a high-tension wire (3) supplying a high-tension from a high-tension power supply part (17) thereto. The electrode part (2) is disposed in a soft tube (4) so that the tip (2a) thereof is positioned recessedly from the tip skin contact part (4a) of the soft tube (4). The electrode part (2) is disposed so that a clearance is provided between the high-tension wire (3) and the internal surface of the soft tube (4), and connected to an air supply means so that air can be blown out from the tip skin contact part (4a) of the soft tube (4). A hard cylindrical body (5) is fitted to and covers the tip peripheral part of the soft tube (4). A liquid-impregnated member (6) is fitted to the opened tip skin contact part (4a) of the soft tube (4), and negative ions are radiated to the skin of a face and an arm while pressing it against the skin.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices, their manufacture, and their use comprising electrocontractile nanotubes that can be used for precise controlled bioactive substance release for example, medical, veterinary, pharmaceutical compounds and growth factors. The conducting polymer nanotubes significantly decrease the impedance and increase the charge capacity of recording electrode sites on microfabricated electrode devices. Bioactive substances released from the nanotubes can be controlled in a desired fashion by controlled electrical stimulation of the nanotubes.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a drug to a target site of a body comprising: a dispersing member adapted to vibrate when acoustically excited; a source of acoustic energy controllable to couple acoustic energy to the dispersing member to excite it to vibrate; and a drug adhered to the dispersing member so that when the acoustic source excites the dispersing member, the drug is dispersed therefrom.

Abstract: Gas packages for the delivery of therapeutic gases, and in particular gaseous nitric oxide (gNO) are provided herein. The gas packages comprise one or more of a gas reservoir, interface layer, sealing layer, and holding container. The interface layer regulates discharge of the therapeutic gas from the gas reservoir to the external environment. The sealing layer and/or holding container prevent evolution of the gas until the sealing layer is compromised or the holding container is opened. The gas packages and methods for using them are useful for the treatment, alleviation, and prevention of various disease and non-disease, medical and non-medical, conditions in humans and animals.

Abstract: A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having a USB interface for uploading and downloading patient files and records using a USB flash drive, and for playing a training video for the PD machine on the machine's own display, transferred via a USB flash drive.

Abstract: A surgical cassette have a rigid fluid channel formed into a rigid plastic component or housing. The piezoelectric crystals of an ultrasonic flow meter are positioned on one side of the fluid channel. The side wall of the fluid channel opposite the piezoelectric crystals is exposed to fluid in the flow channel on its interior side and is exposed to ambient air on its exterior side. The interface between the wall and the air acts as an acoustic reflector for the operation of the ultrasonic flow meter.

Abstract: A tissue cassette assembly includes a housing having a recess formed therein, and a compressible reservoir disposed partially or wholly inside of, or otherwise attached in fluid communication with, the housing recess, the compressible reservoir containing a tissue embedding material. The tissue cassette further includes a port disposed in the housing, the port in fluid communication with the compressible reservoir at one end and terminating in a sample cavity at another end. During operation, the compressible reservoir is compressed or squeezed to release the tissue embedding material into the sample cavity containing the biological sample.

Abstract: Medicinal applicator suitable for delivering medicinal material in a measured dose and concentration to a body cavity, having an elongate support body with an external surface and a blunt distal end to facilitate insertion into a body cavity and a support element receiving zone located towards the distal end for receiving the support element. The support element receiving zone is configured to receive a correspondingly shaped support element for carrying medicinal material, whereby upon insertion of the elongate body into the body cavity, medicinal material supported on the support element located in the receiving zone is released to a desired location within the cavity.

Abstract: A system for performing an intraparenchymal drug infusion including a pump device, a delivery tube, a sensor, and a processor. The tube is fluidly coupled to the pump device, establishing an infusate pathway from the pump to an infusate exit port of the delivery tube. The sensor is positioned to sense a parameter indicative of pressure in the infusate pathway. Finally, the processor is programmed to generate information indicative of infusate delivery effectiveness of a drug infusion procedure based upon information from the sensor. In some embodiments, the processor generates a net infusion pressure profile, such as a pressure-time curve, and prompts display of the pressure profile to a neurosurgeon for subsequent evaluation of infusate delivery effectiveness.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for automatically and periodically measuring the level of a patient's blood glucose when a patient has a catheter in a blood vessel. A wearable, disposable test unit is attached by air, fluid and electric lines to a bedside monitor. The test unit has means for measuring blood glucose. A chamber in the unit contains a pneumatic pump which draws blood into the device and then expels all but a small residual portion of blood back into the patient's blood vessel catheter. A testing area is provided adjacent the pumping chamber. A test is done either when the pumping chamber is filled with blood, or after the pumping chamber is emptied. The test cycle is repeated about every 60 seconds. Provision is made to automatically calibrate the device every few hours or whenever calibration is required.

Abstract: An algorithm and method of making intelligent therapy recommendations for insulin pump parameters is described. The pump parameters include basal rates, carbohydrate-to-insulin ratios (CIR), and insulin sensitivity factors (ISF). A determination of whether a therapy recommendation should be made is based on comparing an updated recommended change with a threshold. The updated recommended change to the pump parameter is made based on a previous recommended change to the pump parameter and the difference between a current blood glucose value and a targeted blood glucose level. The algorithm and method confirms the therapy recommendation is within safety parameters before displaying the therapy recommendation.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a breastpump that can be operated to generate milk expression sequences or curves with some irregularity or randomness in the course of a session.

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: Apparatus (10) is provided for use with a biologically-compatible-fluid pressure source (16), the apparatus (10) including an elongate carrier (26), adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening (18) of a body lumen (20), and a piston head (30) coupled to a distal portion of the carrier (26). The piston head (30) is adapted to form a pressure seal with a wall of the lumen (20) after the carrier (26) has been inserted into the lumen (20), and to be advanced distally through the body lumen (20) in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source (16). The apparatus (10) is configured to facilitate distal advancement of the piston head (30) by facilitating passage of fluid out of the lumen (20) from a site within the lumen (20) distal to the piston head (30). The apparatus (10) additionally includes an optical system (32), coupled to the carrier (26) in a vicinity of the distal portion, the optical system (32) having distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A medical device for advancement over a guidewire includes a number of lumens therein including a working channel lumen, one or more control wire lumens, and a guidewire lumen. A flexible support within the device includes a number of interlocking elements that resist longitudinal compression, transfer rotational torque, and can bend side to side. The flexible support also includes a slot that is aligned with the guidewire lumen. An outer jacket includes a perforation, slot, slit, or thinned area that is aligned with the slot in the support member and the guidewire lumen in order to allow a device such as a guidewire to be removed from the guidewire lumen and through the support member.

Abstract: An occlusive guidewire system having an ergonomic handheld control mechanism prepackaged in a pressurized gaseous environment and a compatible prepackaged torqueable kink-resistant guidewire with distal occlusive balloon. Convenient structure and overall mechanism for operation of a torqueable kink-resistant guidewire with a distal occlusive balloon, including evacuation and inflation control of the distal occlusive balloon, and sealing and severing of a crimpable inflation tube which is in communication with the occlusive balloon. Torqueable kink-resistant guidewires include centrally located structure which imparts robustness to the torqueable kink-resistant guidewires. An inflation lumen aligns within the torqueable kink-resistant guidewires for inflation of the occlusive balloon.

Abstract: Sinusitis, enlarged nasal turbinates, tumors, infections, hearing disorders, allergic conditions, facial fractures and other disorders of the ear, nose and throat are diagnosed and/or treated using minimally invasive approaches and, in many cases, flexible catheters as opposed to instruments having rigid shafts. Various diagnostic procedures and devices are used to perform imaging studies, mucus flow studies, air/gas flow studies, anatomic dimension studies, endoscopic studies and transillumination studies. Access and occluder devices may be used to establish fluid tight seals in the anterior or posterior nasal cavities/nasopharynx and to facilitate insertion of working devices (e.g., scopes, guidewires, catheters, tissue cutting or remodeling devices, electrosurgical devices, energy emitting devices, devices for injecting diagnostic or therapeutic agents, devices for implanting devices such as stents, substance eluting devices, substance delivery implants, etc.

Abstract: A removable hub and/or manifold structure, assembly, and methods, and medical devices including such hub and/or manifold structures. For example, a hub and/or manifold assembly that is adapted and configured to be removably attached to a shaft of an elongated medical device. The hub assembly can include a hub having a proximal portion and a distal portion, and a mechanical connection structure including a first body portion and a second body portion. The first and second body portions can be removably fastenable together about the distal portion of the hub and the proximal portion of a shaft to connect the hub to the shaft. Elongated medical devices including such a removable hub assembly and methods of attaching a removable hub assembly to a medical device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention discloses a medical device and methods for site-specific diagnosis, energy therapy, sampling, and drug delivery in vivo with a catheter having at least a self-expandable piercing element and a drug delivery conduit.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the invention provides a catheter suitable for use in performing a procedure within a vessel, lumen or organ of a living having a distal end which is steerable, such as upon the application of compression. The catheter may be of the over the wire type, or alternatively may be a rapid exchange catheter. The catheter may provide for a rotating element which may be used to open a clogged vessel, or alternatively to provide information about adjacent tissues, such as may be generated by imaging or guiding arrangements using tissue detection systems known in the art, e.g., ultrasound, optical coherence reflectometry, etc. For rapid exchange catheters having a rotating element, there is provided an offset drive assembly to allow the rotary force to be directed from alongside the guidewire to a location coaxial to and over the guidewire.

Abstract: Wire-guided interventional devices and methods are provided which enable faster and easier catheter exchanges. The interventional devices include a catheter shaft and a guidewire tube wherein the catheter shaft and the guidewire tube each have a length sufficient to extend to the vascular penetration when the interventional device is positioned at the treatment site. In some embodiments, a collar is disposed around the catheter shaft and guidewire tube that automatically inserts or removes the guidewire from the guidewire tube or automatically collapses or extends the guidewire tube as the catheter is introduced or withdrawn.

Abstract: Balloons are provided which are formed of at least one balloon material with micropleats distributed about the circumference of the balloon. The micropleats reduce the profile of the balloon and pull taut upon inflation to provide an essentially radial symmetry.

Abstract: The present invention provides a balloon which achieves diameters greater than 6 mm for securement to a catheter. The balloon includes an elastomeric generally hollow pressure expandable body which exhibits essentially radial symmetry and constant length when expanded under an internally applied minimum working pressure from an uninflated state.

Abstract: Medical balloons are described that have modified regions that enhance folding of the balloon.

Abstract: A syringe with retractable needle includes a hub, a barrel, and a plunger. The hub is provided with symmetrical retaining sections, and a hooking section of a predetermined length is formed at a front end of the plunger with a piston mounted the hooking section. The piston includes a diametrically larger front part and a diametrically smaller and deformable rear part. A top surface of the piston is tightly abutted on a large lower surface of the hooking section to prevent any bubble from existing behind the hooking section. When the plunger is fully pushed forward to compress the smaller rear part of the piston, the hooking section is brought to engage with the retaining sections on the hub, so that medical liquid is fully released from the barrel, and the hub and the needle thereof can be drawn into the barrel after the injection by pulling the plunger backward.

Abstract: A medical needle shield apparatus having an anti-rotation component prevents the medical needle from rotating relative to a safety shield.

Abstract: A safety hypodermic syringe formed of a barrel, a plunger, a retainer, a rubber stopper, a needle holder and a needle is disclosed. The retainer is forced by the plunger into engagement with the needle holder when the plunger is pushed forwards to squeeze a fluid medicine out of the barrel so that the needle holder and the needle are moved carried by the retainer into the inside of the barrel to have spring hooks of the retainer hooked on the rear end edge of the barrel upon a back stroke of the plunger and the needle holder with the needle are kept in the rear side inside the barrel as the plunger is pushed forwards again.

Abstract: A method of maintaining sterility of fluidic medication in a fluidic medication container despite repeated extractions of the fluidic medication is provided. Also, a method of injecting a patient with fluidic medication without exposing the fluidic medication to ambient air is provided. The method may comprise the steps of providing a syringe with a sterilized variable fluid chamber with sterilized gas wherein the syringe is in a retracted position. A needle of the syringe is inserted into the fluidic medication container and the sterilized gas in the sterilized variable fluid chamber is transferred into the fluidic medication container to pressurize the same. Thereafter, fluidic medication is transferred from the fluidic medication container into the sterilized variable fluid chamber. The needle is removed from the fluidic medication container and inserted into the patient. The patient is injected with the fluidic medication in the sterilized variable fluid chamber.

Abstract: A retractable syringe (11) is disclosed wherein the needle (14) is located initially in a first storage position enclosed within the syringe body (12). In a second in-use position, the needle extends from the body of the syringe. To move needle from first to second position, the plunger (13) connects the needle boss (15) with the syringe body ens (16). The plunger is then disengaged from the needle boss enable the plunger to be withdrawn and thereby take in fluid into the syringe. Upon completion of injection the plunger engages with the needle boss enabling the plunger to be withdrawn, the needle remaining attached. Engaging the plunger to the needle boss requires the same amount of force as to perform the injection. Lateral forces act to engage the needle boss and the end of the plunger, for example by utilising a cam mechanism in the form of a finger lock device (26).

Abstract: A syringe including a barrel (14), a retractable needle (12) and a plunger rod assembly (22) including inner (30) and outer (24) members with a stopper (46) for expelling fluids from the syringe is disclosed. An activation member (40, 44) associated with the plunger rod permits relative movement of the inner and outer members when activated. The stopper is configured to compress a sufficient amount when advanced distally in the barrel to cause the activation element to engage and cause retraction of the needle within the syringe.

Abstract: An external infusion device comprising a housing, a motor contained within the housing, programmable electronics, a fluid reservoir, and a reservoir sleeve, where the fluid reservoir is encapsulated by the reservoir sleeve. The reservoir sleeve may be made of rubber, neoprene, or the like, and may be supported by a metal mesh-like frame support structure that is infused within the material. Additionally, the fluid reservoir may be made of plastic or glass, and contain insulin or other fluids for administering to humans.

Abstract: A tamper evident tip cap assembly for a prefilled dosage syringe having a tip cap wherein a sleeve is frangibly connected to the tip cap, and is captured within an overcap freely rotatable thereon. The tamper evident tip cap assembly is removed from the syringe tip cap by pulling the overcap to break the frangible connection between the sleeve and syringe tip cap.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, an actuator for driving the plunger, a temperature control device, and a temperature release mechanism. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and is capable of altering the temperature of the substance in the dispensing chamber. The temperature release mechanism is in a locked position when the substance is outside the proper temperature range and an unlocked position when the substance is in the proper temperature range.