Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for accessing an anatomical cavity using a natural body orifice where penetration of a tissue wall is required. In particular, an objective of this invention is to provide a system for delivering an access device to the abdominal cavity through the bladder. An access device is described suitable for introduction into the bladder, at least partially disinfecting the access site, accessing the abdominal cavity through a wall of the bladder and insufflating the bladder and the abdominal cavity as required. The access device may be used to deliver an endoscope or other diagnostic or therapeutic instruments into the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A ventricular catheter includes an external ventricular drainage (EVD) catheter and has at least one conduit formed in the wall of the EVD catheter. The conduit opens at a side port of the wall at an angle to the EVD catheter. The side port is formed in the wall to allow a probe to be extended from the conduit at the angle into brain tissue that is not altered by the insertion of the EVD catheter. The ventricular catheter has an oval shape to minimize the total cross-sectional area while still allowing the necessary number of conduits.

Abstract: The catheter comprises an internal tube that folds over and back on itself, so that the catheter rolls in, advancing at the tip. The catheter is made of a flexible material such as surgical type rubber tubing, or plastic film, etc. The plastic may intentionally be rougher on the external surface than on the internal walls.

Abstract: A device for connecting a catheter assembly to a collection receptacle is disclosed. The device is situated at a distal portion of the catheter assembly and the connection made may be either temporary or permanent.

Abstract: A securement device for securing a medical implement, such as a catheter to the body of a patient. The device comprises a pad or base having adhesive on at least a portion of the bottom surface for securing the pad to the body of a patient. A fixed plate and a rotatable adjustable plate are affixed to the pad. The adjustable plate is rotated with respect to the fixed plate to secure a catheter. Posts can be provided on the fixed plate and the adjustable plate to secure a winged catheter. A bracket can be affixed to a fixed plate or an adjustable plate and a cooperating tab can be affixed to the other plate for securing a catheter there between. In a modification, a fixed plate is affixed to the pad and a pair of adjustable plates can be rotatably secured on the fixed plate. Secured on the fixed plate are upright tabs and secured on the adjustable plates are brackets that are adapted to cooperate with the tabs.

Abstract: A syringe device and injector system including a vent for relieving a vacuum within a syringe is provided. Embodiments provide a syringe device including a reservoir having a sidewall. The reservoir includes a dispensing distal end a proximal end. The syringe device also includes a piston in movable sealing engagement with the sidewall. Furthermore, the sidewall defines a vent extending from the proximal end of the reservoir. The vent is configured to interrupt the sealing engagement between the piston and the sidewall so as to allow a gas to enter the reservoir through the proximal aperture and past the piston member as the piston member is moved from the distal end to the proximal end of the tubular aperture.

Abstract: A syringe includes a barrel defining a liquid chamber, an aperture and two or more contents indicators; a plunger movable within said barrel whereby movement of the plunger in a first direction causes the liquid chamber to fill with a fluid and movement by the plunger in a second direction causes fluid to be expelled from the liquid chamber through the aperture; and a selecting mechanism disposed on the barrel that is actuated to select only one of the contents indicators.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing device, particularly suited to medicine but also having many other applications. The device selectively dispenses any of one or more fluids contained within the device. Adapters on the dispensing end of the unit permit the device to be effectively used for intra-venous, intra-dermal or intramuscular injections, gasses, colloids, gels, liquids or other fluids. Adapters on the head of the unit permit the device to be used with or without electrical power and to varying degrees of automatic control for timing, sequence, volume of fluid dispensed and other features. A preferred embodiment utilizes a pre-formatted, disposable or re-useable cartridge of several drugs suited for a particular medical purpose.

Abstract: A device for administering a fluid product, the device including a first housing part provided with a receiver for the product, a second housing part detachably connectable to the first housing part, a piston rod held such that it can be displaced for the exertion of an emptying movement, an actuatable or releasable drive element for the piston rod, a coupling element including a coupling input element that couples the drive element to the piston rod in a coupling engagement, transmits a driving force of the drive element to the piston rod, and triggers the emptying movement, and a decoupling element displaceably connected to the second housing part and coupled to the first housing part such that it is displaced, by a movement of the housing parts in relation to each other when the housing parts are separated into a decoupling position wherein the piston rod is decoupled from the coupling input element.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for a catheterization process, particularly useful for self-performed catheterizations. A catheter is enclosed in a sheath made from a gas-permeable material. This sheath maximizes gas permeability to prevent air build-up at the distal end of the sheath, resulting in easy self-catheterization for even those with limited manual dexterity.

Abstract: An improved cartridge for the packaging of a pharmaceutical, and preferably a radiopharmaceutical, comprising a low UV-absorbing plastic barrel, closed at one end by a cap and at the other end by a piston.

Abstract: An artery stabilizer device, which is held in place by a technician over a targeted artery using just one or two fingertips of the technician's hand, is provided for stabilizing the artery while the user inserts the needle of a syringe into the artery. A pair of stabilizer fingers, which protrude from the bottom surface of a finger-hold platform, hold the artery in place while the needle is inserted into the artery distal the tips of the stabilizer fingers. In one embodiment, a gauze pad is attached beneath the finger-hold platform, allowing the user to quickly apply a dressing over the wound created by the needle puncture. Another embodiment provides a needle guide between extended stabilizer fingers for stabilizing the needle during the arterial puncture. Each embodiment creates an augmented pulse at the targeted needle insertion site, making it easier for the technician to palpate the pulse there. Arterial line insertions can also be facilitated using this invention.

Abstract: A transfer assembly for transfering a fluid to a vial, admixing the same and then returning the fluid to a cartridge, the transfer assembly having a vial gripper located at a first end and a cartridge holder at the second end of an elongated outer housing, a fluid passageway extending between the vial gripper and the cartridge holder with piercing elements being located at respective ends of the fluid passageway. In a preferred embodiment, an adaptor is mounted on the end of the outer housing where the cartridge holder is situated. The adaptor may move from a retracted to an extended position wherein it will surround the needle.

Abstract: A flexible valve for a blood treatment set. A flexible fitting including a first chamber, a second chamber, and a slit barrier connecting the first chamber and second chamber and positioned therebetween. An actuating member is positioned in rotating engagement with the slit barrier that is moveable from a first rotational position, in which the slit is closed, to a second position, in which the slit is open. The flexible valve is attachable to a port of a blood treatment chamber. A user opens the valve by rotating the actuating member from a first position to a second position and closes the valve by rotating the valve from the second position to a first position.

Abstract: A luer activated device for infusing and aspirating fluids to and from a variety of fluid systems. The luer activated device includes a housing and employs a variety of valves that permit and prevent the transfer of fluids through the housing into or out of various fluid systems.

Abstract: The present invention generally discloses a luer activated devices (LAD) that allows for the bidirectional transfer of fluids to and from medical fluid flow systems. The LAD includes a valve member that is highly elastic and stretchable and can include one or more apertures that are normally sealed when the valve member is in a relaxed or unstretched state. Fluid flow through valve member can occur when valve member 30 is stretched by the insertion of the male luer which causes the aperture to open without passing therethrough.

Abstract: A luer activated device includes an inlet adapted to receive a male luer, an outlet associable with a fluid flow system, and a fluid flow path therebetween. The flow path is defined by an elastomeric flow controller extending between the inlet and outlet and maintained in a tensioned state. When a male luer is inserted into the inlet, some of the tension in the flow controller is relieved, allowing the flow path to deform and change in volume. The flow path is adapted such that the change in volume results in no net fluid displacement or minimal positive fluid displacement when the male luer is inserted into the inlet. Other aspects include tensioned flow controllers having a plurality of sealing layers for the inlet and methods of manufacturing valves having a tensioned fluid flow controller.

Abstract: The check valve includes a housing body and a valve member. An actuator is associated with the valve member or housing body. The housing body defines a flow passage and an inlet port and an outlet port each communicating with the flow passage. The housing body includes a seal seat in the flow passage between the inlet port and outlet port. The valve member is disposed in the flow passage and is adapted to engage the seal seat. The actuator may be operatively connected to the valve member to place the valve member in an override position permitting bi-directional fluid flow through the flow passage. The valve member may be a cantilever valve member responsive to fluid flow in the flow passage. The valve member may have multiple states or positions. The actuator may be a bypass actuator selectively placing the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: A catheter end closure assembly includes a catheter adaptor with a head, a stem, a fastening segment between the head and stem and an axial passage extending the length of the adaptor. A plug with a head and a shank is shaped and dimensioned so that the shank may slidably engage in the stem and block a segment of the passage therein. The assembly also includes a cap dimensioned to be engaged around the stem and the fastening segment so as to define between the cap and adaptor a closed chamber that contains the stem and plug. Interfitting fastening surfaces on the cap and the fastening segment may releasably couple the cap to the adaptor, and cooperating surfaces on the plug and cap side wall may interfit when the cap is coupled to the adaptor so that when the cap is subsequently decoupled from the adaptor, the plug is automatically pulled from the passage. The assembly may be incorporated with a catheter extension set to facilitate dialysis or other therapy.

Abstract: A catheter to be passed over a guidewire, including a screw portion with a cylindrical hollow shaft and a helical thread portion extending outwardly from the hollow shaft. The screw portion is secured coaxially to a tubular portion formed from a substantially rigid material. The tubular portion has, along a portion of its length, at least two slits having a pattern geometry that limits torsional displacement. The catheter also includes a hub having a lumen joined substantially coaxially to the tubular portion.

Abstract: A cannula having a tube and an enlarged rib or hub. The hub is attached to the proximal end of the tube so that the distal end of the tube may be inserted into an incision up to the hub. The hub acts as a stop to prevent the entire cannula from entering the incision. The distal end of the tube contains a biased flap that seals the distal end of the tube while still allowing surgical instruments to be inserted into the eye through the tube.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided, including an elongate carrier (26), adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a body lumen (20), and a workstation (402), which includes a generator of negative fluid pressure. A disposable connector (400) is adapted to be coupled to the elongate carrier, the connector including a filter (412) and a tube (408) coupled to the filter, the tube being adapted to be coupled to the negative fluid pressure.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular body having an outer surface, and a sleeve disposed on only a portion of the outer surface of the tubular body. The sleeve includes an outer layer overlying an inner layer. The catheter contains a water-soluble, anti-microbial agent in the outer layer of the sleeve. Methods of making the catheter are also disclosed.

Abstract: An injection needle comprises an elongated body having an outer surface and an inner surface defining a longitudinal channel through the tubular body. The elongated body further comprises a distal end and at least one lateral delivery port extending from the inner surface to the outer surface proximate the distal end and fluidly coupled to the longitudinal channel. A distal tip is coupled to the distal end and comprises a radio-opaque material.

Abstract: The disclosed devices and methods provide for the minimization of fluid extravasation during use of infusion catheters such as peripherally inserted central catheters and central venous catheters. The anti-extravasation catheter allows a surgeon to drain fluids from soft tissue surrounding an infusion site while also providing fluid inflow to a patient.

Abstract: Methods for treating ocular conditions by inserting an implant comprising an active agent into an ocular site of a patient thereby obtaining an amelioration of a symptom of the ocular condition (i.e. a therapeutic effect) for an extended period of time during which a therapeutic amount or a detectable amount of the active agent is not present at the ocular site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a patch package structure, which includes: a package including a first sheet material which is planar and a second sheet material which has been molded, the first and second sheet materials being sealed together in peripheral parts thereof, and a patch disposed in the package, in which the patch contains a backing, a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer laminated on at least one side of the backing, and a release liner which protects a pressure-sensitive adhesive surface of the pressure-sensitive adhesive layer; the second sheet material has been molded so as to have a protrudent part in at least a substantially central area thereof, the protrudent part having a planar outer shape larger than a planar outer shape of the release liner and having at least one recessed part; d is not smaller than T, in which d is the minimum gap distance between the inner surface of the first sheet material and the inner surface of the second sheet material at the recessed part and T is a thickness of

Abstract: A collection device for a catheter assembly is disclosed providing for an easier catheterization process and fluid collection with the device capable of being folded from a larger form into a smaller, more mobile form. The collection device may have attached to its top portion a connecting tube capable of being stretched and compressed, thereby allowing the user more flexibility and convenience while catheterized. Additionally, the collection device may contain antiseptic agents, fold lines, a drainage tube, fastening mechanisms, and leg strap holders in order to make the device more convenient to use.

Abstract: Absorbent core for disposable absorbent articles, particularly for the absorption of menses or blood.

Abstract: A pad has an absorbing part. The absorbing part has a longitudinal groove and a guiding layer. The longitudinal groove is defined in middle of the pad. The guiding layer is mounted in the longitudinal groove and has a body and a line. The body is mounted in the longitudinal groove and has an upper end. The line connects with the upper end of the body. The line has two ends. The ends are held by user to pull up, so user can adjust the guiding layer to level at the crack between buttocks and absorb the menstrual blood from vagina immediately. Thus, user can sleep well, exercise freely and do not worry that the menstrual blood will flow out the pad to dirt the knickers or a bed sheet.

Abstract: A pad has a rear end and an absorbing part. The absorbing part has an absorbing belt. The absorbing belt is mounted on the absorbing part and has a distal end. The distal end of the absorbing belt extends and protrudes from the rear end of the pad. Users can hold the distal end of the absorbing belt and adjust the absorbing belt to level at a crack between buttocks. Thus, menstrual blood flowing along the crack between buttocks will be absorbed by the absorbing belt and then flow along the absorbing belt to the absorbing part of the pad. Therefore, users do not worry that menstrual blood will flow out of the pad at night to dirt knickers and a bed sheet.

Abstract: The present invention is an article for being worn in the crotch region, which maintains a three-dimensional cup-like shape during use. In the crotch region of the article, side elements are connected to the centre crotch region and/or the front or rear regions of the article, such that the cup-like shape is supported during use. The article may be a diaper, a pad, such as a feminine hygiene pad, a pant, or a pant-like structure, and may be absorbent, and/or disposable.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing fluid in a dosed manner, comprising a housing, a pressure bag and connecting means, the housing comprising a carrying device for suspending the pressure bag and pumping means for pumping pressure fluid into the pressure bag, a measuring device being provided for measuring, during use, the weight or changes therein of the pressure bag with a fluid container included therein, the connecting means being designed for connecting the pressure bag to the pumping means.

Abstract: An infusion container includes a main body portion with side walls, and top and bottom portions. The bottom portion has an included angle, the included angle being between 30-120 degrees. The included angle serves to channel cells to be infused into a patient out of the container, to reduce waste and damage to the cells. A method of infusion is also disclosed.

Abstract: A inert sampling needle is provided for piercing a septum of a vial containing a sample. The sampling needle includes a hollow rigid support member having an inner wall, an outer wall, and a septum-piercing end. The sampling needle also includes a sheath member affixed to the rigid support member. The sheath member covers the septum-piercing end of the support member, the inner wall, and at least a portion of the outer wall adjacent the septum-piercing end to isolate the support member from the sample. Preferably, the sheath member is formed of polyetheretherketone and is affixed to the rigid support member by heat fusing. A method of forming, and a method of using the inert sampling needle is also disclosed.

Abstract: A vented vial adapter has a filter attached to a vent arm that includes at least two filter media for suppressing aerosolized medicaments from leaving the vial and suppressing bacteria and other contaminants from entering the vial during reconstitution activities of the medication in the vial. The filter media allows the passage of air to the atmosphere outside the vial for pressure equalization. In another aspect, a third filter medium is used in the vent of the adapter to allow gas to pass in either direction through it, but prevents bacteria and particulate matter in the atmosphere from reaching the second filter device. A first filter is hydrophobic and prevents non-dispersed liquid from reaching the second filter, while conducting liquid dispersed in gas. The second filter absorbs the liquid dispersed in gas.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical reaction cartridge comprising: an elastic member as a component; a flow path and a plurality of chambers which are connected to each other by the flow path, the flow path or the chambers or both of the flow path and the chambers being partially blocked by applying external pressure to the elastic member from outside so that a fluid substance in the flow path or in the chambers is moved or blocked, and one of the chambers being a sample collecting chamber to temporarily retain a sample supplied from outside; and an injection needle to connect the sample collecting chamber and an outside portion of the sample collecting chamber.

Abstract: A method of delivering insulin to compensate for suspension of basal insulin delivery and an insulin pump are disclosed. The method includes prompting a user to input a period in which to suspend delivery of insulin from an insulin pump. The method also includes calculating an amount of insulin to be delivered during the period. The method further includes prompting the user to select a portion of the amount of insulin. The method includes delivering the portion of the amount of insulin to the patient. The method also includes suspending basal delivery of insulin from the pump.

Abstract: Methods of establishing an insulin delivery rate in a pump and an insulin pump are disclosed. A method includes selecting a set of alerts from one or more sets of alerts. The method also includes initiating a test process based on the set of alerts. The method further includes, upon activation of each alert in the selected set of alerts, prompting a user to input a blood glucose level.

Abstract: Methods of estimating human insulin absorption for use in an insulin pump are disclosed. A method includes prompting a user to select between a first insulin absorption model and a second insulin absorption model. The method also includes prompting a user to provide at least one model parameter. The method further includes forming an applied insulin absorption model from the selected insulin absorption model and the at least one model parameter.

Abstract: Methods of regulating blood glucose using an insulin pump are disclosed. A method includes storing a target blood glucose level in the pump. The method also includes receiving a current blood glucose level, and comparing the current blood glucose level to the target blood glucose level. The method further includes, upon detection of a current blood glucose level lower than the target blood glucose level, calculating a carbohydrate value required to change the current blood glucose level to the target blood glucose level.

Abstract: A methjod and system for setting an insulin delivery rate for use in a pump is disclosed. The method includes storing one or more daily basal rate patterns in the pump. The method also includes associating one of the daily basal rate patterns with a day of the week. The method further includes, upon occurrence of the day of the week, executign the daily basal rate pattern.

Abstract: Methods of regulating blood glucose levels using an insulin pump are disclosed. A method includes receiving a current blood glucose level, and determining whether the current blood glucose level is above a threshold value. The method also includes calculating a correction bolus value based upon the current blood glucose.

Abstract: Methods for preventing tissue damage associated with irrigation of biological tissue with a povidone-iodine solution by irrigating the tissue to be treated with povidone-iodine solutions characterized by a pH of about 6.8 to about 8.0.

Abstract: A method of treating a constricted sinus passageway of a patient includes traversing the canine fossa region of the patient so as to form a passageway in the sinus cavity. A cannula is positioned in the passageway. A visualization tool such as an endoscope is passed through a lumen or channel in the cannula to aid in visualization of the anatomical site of interest. A balloon dilation catheter is then deployed through or along the cannula so as to place the balloon within or across the constricted anatomical space (e.g., ostium). The balloon is then expanded so as to expand at least a portion of the constricted anatomical space. Alternative embodiments include the use of an optional guide wire and incorporating a endoscope lumen through the balloon dilation catheter.

Abstract: The disclosures made herein relate to an infusion device specifically adapted for syringe injections. In one embodiment of the disclosures made herein, an infusion device comprises a body including an accessible surface having a single inlet port therein, an engagement surface having a single outlet port therein, a medication delivery channel extending between the single inlet port and the single outlet port, and an identification feature on the accessible surface of the body adjacent to the single inlet port. The single inlet port of the medication delivery channel is tapered thereby forming a funnel-shaped entry into the medication delivery channel. A cannula is coupled to the body at the single outlet port and is adapted for receiving medication from the single outlet port and transmitting the medication therethrough.

Abstract: Methods and devices for successively advancing a plurality of catheters over a guide element to a body tissue are described. In some of the methods, the guide element may be attached to the body tissue, which may be accessible minimally invasively. In certain variations, the guide element may not be detached from the body tissue after the catheters have been advanced over the guide element. The methods may further comprise deploying at least one implant from at least one of the plurality of catheters. In some variations, a method may comprise advancing a first delivery catheter to a first region of a body tissue, deploying a first anchor from the first delivery catheter, where the first anchor is attached to a guide element, proximally withdrawing the first delivery catheter, advancing a second delivery catheter over the guide element, and deploying a second anchor from the second delivery catheter.

Abstract: A guide catheter (16) for movement within a vessel (12) includes a tubular catheter assembly (20) having an exposed end (16B) that is positioned outside the vessel (12), and a catheter tip (16A) that is movable within the vessel (12) with manipulation of the exposed end (16B). In certain embodiments, at least one of a stiffness and a shape of the catheter tip (16A) can be adjusted between a first configuration (18) and a second configuration (318) with the exposed end (16B). As a result of this design, the physician can move the distal catheter tip (16A) with less resistance through narrow, tortuous vessels (12), the physician can accurately position the distal catheter tip (16A) in the ostium (12C), and the distal catheter tip (16A) is more likely to remain in position in the ostium (12C) when a guide wire and other treatment devices are directed through the guide catheter (16).

Abstract: The catheter includes an inner column and an outer elastic member. The inner column is bendable wherein the column strength and flexibility of the inner column are adjusted by axially tensioning the outer elastic member. The inner column comprises a helical spring, slotted or slit tube, or individual links that, when axially compressed by advancement forces or by tensioning an elastic outer sheath, assume a straight or other pre-determined geometry. The column strength and flexibility of the catheter may be adjusted during introduction of the catheter into a body lumen as necessitated by the conditions encountered, as well as made highly flexible when left in position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a steerable multi-lumen catheter system with a locking mechanism and a plurality of ports connected to the lumens inside the multi-lumen catheter.