Abstract: In a medical guide wire 1, a flexible core wire 2 is made of austenitic stainless steel wire treated with a solid solution procedure, and drawn with a whole cross sectional reduction ratio as 90%-97.6%. Each time when the core wire 2 is subjected to a series of mechanical procedures, the core wire 2 is heat treated repetitively at low temperature subsequent to the mechanical procedures to improve a tensile strength characteristic of the core wire 2. The core wire 2 is twisted under the low heat treatment. Effectively used is a heat generated from a synthetic layer 6 when coating the layer 6 on the helical spring body 3. This makes it possible to increase the characteristic of the tensile strength of the core wire 2 with its thermal conductivity taken into consideration. Upon improving the tensile strength of the core wire 2, optimal conditions are achieved by observing a relationship between the tensile strength and the temperature which the core wire 2 exhibits when tightly drawn as a wrought-out procedure.

Abstract: A continuous swallowing movement measuring device includes pressure sensors placed in a line along a direction of an up and down movement of a thyroid cartilage when a food is swallowed, a first one of the pressure sensors placed at a top position of the thyroid cartilage, a second one of the pressure sensors placed along the direction to measure swallows included in a continuous swallowing movement. The device also includes a tool for wearing the pressure sensors and for fixing the pressure sensors to touch an anterior region of a neck of a subject. The tool includes a fixing unit fixes the pressure sensors. The tool also includes a supporter of the pressure sensors supports the fixing unit. Further, the tool includes a holding band holds the supporter of the pressure sensors on the anterior region of the neck of the subject.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for measuring forces in the space of a knee during surgery. Such forces can be caused by tension in the ligaments of the knee. A femoral member is engaged with a distal femur. While the knee is flexed, partially extended, or fully extended, a force sensor and a gauge shim can be placed in the gap between the femoral member and the tibial plateau to measure the forces therebetween. The force sensor provides an accurate and quantifiable measurement of force, making knee replacement surgery and ligament tension balancing more accurate, standardized and repeatable. The force sensor comprises an elongate housing which comprises a thin force sensing distal portion and a proximal handle portion.

Abstract: A high torque active mechanism for an orthotic and/or prosthetic joint using a primary brake which can be provide by magnetorheological (MR) rotational damper incorporating and an additional friction brake mechanism driven by the braking force generated by the MR damper. This combination of MR damper and friction brake mechanism allows an increase in torque density while keeping the same level of motion control offered by the MR damper alone. The increased torque density achieved by this high torque active mechanism allows to minimize the size of the actuating system, i.e. its diameter and/or breath, while maximizing its braking torque capability. In this regard, the friction brake mechanism is advantageously positioned around the MR damper, such that the dimension of the package is minimized.

Abstract: A stabilizing belt for use by a person in need of assisted mobility, the stabilizing belt comprising a pad, a belt to wrap around the pad and secure the pad to a wearer, and a pair of handles attached to the pad. The pad may be uniquely contoured to provide support and comfort for the wearer, either the caregiver or the person in need of assisted mobility. A strap may be provided for added security and comfort. The belt may further comprise handle supports for reinforcement, a cover for durability, and a pocket for versatility.

Abstract: A medical device comprising a sheath that fits around at least a portion of the circumference of a finger, optionally comprising a pouch for retaining an insert, for supporting and protecting the finger.

Abstract: A novel ankle gapping device includes a lower leg engaging apparatus, a foot engaging apparatus, and a biasing member disposed between the lower leg engaging apparatus and the foot engaging apparatus. The leg engaging apparatus is adapted to securely engage a user's leg such that the leg engaging apparatus will remain stationary when the biasing member exerts an upward force thereon. The foot engaging apparatus is contoured to fit the user's foot. In a particular embodiment, the biasing member is a pneumatic biasing member, such as an inflatable tube that is actuated by a pump. As the pump provides compressed air (or some other fluid) to the biasing member, the pressure inside the biasing member increases, causing an increase in the volume of the biasing member. This pressure and volume increase exerts an upward force via the leg engaging apparatus to the lower leg, and a downward force via the foot engaging apparatus to the foot.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for achieving control and stabilization of bone fractures in mammals, most specifically humans. Stabilization and traction is often required to support fractured bones of the arms or legs. The devices and methods disclosed herein are especially useful in the emergency or military setting. The devices utilize a collapsible frame or inflatable member that may be expanded and locked into position. The frame or inflatable member is fabricated primarily from polymeric materials with low radiodensity. The limb contact regions are adjustable to fit a wide variety of limb sizes and fracture locations. The traction applied by the splint is adjustable, controllable and measurable. The traction splint is sufficiently compact that it will fit in a compartment of most ambulances and emergency rescue vehicles, thus making it more available for use than standard traction splints in use today. The traction splint is either a separate device or integrated into a backboard.

Abstract: Blood filtering device (1), comprising: * a filter body (3; 103), having an inlet port (4; 104) for blood to be filtered; * a delivery flexible hose (5; 105) of the blood to be filtered, apt to be connected to said inlet port (4; 104) and to further ducts linked to a circulatory system; * peristaltic pump means (10; 105, 109, 114, 115, 117, 118, 143, 144, 145), wherein a case (16; 116) forms at least one peristaltic pump rotor chamber (13; 114), apt to house inside a portion of said delivery flexible hose (5; 105) for obtaining a peristaltic effect, wherein said case (16; 116) defines means for maintaining said filter body (3; 103) in a working position.

Abstract: The present invention includes a comprehensive replacement fluid system and method for the delivery of regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA) to extracorporeal blood circuits, wherein the system may include an online clearance monitor (OCM) and a circuit effluent online sensor system (OSS) for the continuous determination of patient plasma content of ultrafilterable soultes.

Abstract: A blood processing system is disclosed which is adapted for single or double access draw and return. The blood processing system includes a blood processor for separating blood (or blood components) into one or more components or other components. In one embodiment the blood processor includes an inlet for receiving blood from blood source and an outlet for returning at least one blood component to the source. The processing system includes a first flow path in communication with the inlet, a second flow path in communication with the outlet, a third flow path in communication with a second flow path at two spaced apart locations, a reservoir communicates with the third flow path between the two spaced apart locations, and a flow communication site associated with the second flow path downstream of the spaced apart locations which communication site is adapted to permit communication with the first flow path.

Abstract: The medical implant for treating pathological obesity is adapted to modify and, as an alternative, to bypass the natural food passage in the digestive tract. The implant permits an adjustable bypassing of food into the small intestine and/or into the stomach (natural digestive path). Since the ratio of this bypass is adjustable in the course of the treatment by the physician, e.g. with the aid of an endoscope, for the first time a balance between the therapeutic effect and the side-effects can be adapted individually to each patient by the use of the implant. The implant has a hollow body with first and a second tubular end portions and at least one third lateral opening having a hose-like extension. The individual at least partly closable hose-like extensions differ in their ability to allow the passage of food into the stomach.

Abstract: A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt comprises a ventricular catheter and an electroactive polymer actuated valve for regulating the drainage rate of CSF from the brain ventricle of a patient. The shunt system also comprises a distal catheter for discharge of the CSF to a separate location in the patient's body such as the peritoneal cavity or atrium of the heart. The electroactive polymer actuated valve regulates the flow rate of CSF through a predetermined threshold pressure, which can be adjusted and programmed externally from the patient's body by means of an external control unit signal, as well as through a signal indicated by an internal sensor or an electroactive polymer transducer. The sensor also communicates a signal to the external control unit for indicating the internal pressure at a single location or multiple locations throughout the fully implanted shunt assembly.

Abstract: A charged hydration device and a method of filling the hydration device so the charged hydration that can be mounted to a medical apparatus that provides insufflation fluid to a body cavity either immediately prior to the medical procedure or during a medical procedure with the charged hydration device including an inlet and outlet for an inline connection with the medical apparatus so that an insufflation gas delivered through the charged hydration device is hydrated to prevent tissue damage to a person receiving the insufflation gas.

Abstract: There are many medical situations that require removal of fluid from a patient. There are many ways to remove the fluid but many of these situations have not been solved. Herein, inventions are disclosed that generate osmotic pressure that can be used to remove these fluids very effectively, a technique which requires no harsh suction or pumping. One embodiment involves implanting a reservoir that has a semipermeable membrane sidewall. The reservoir contains trapped osmotic solutes that can not pass out through the membrane. But fluid from the patient can flow in. The osmotic pressure from the trapped solutes in the reservoir draws fluid from the patient across the semipermeable membrane and into the device. In some versions, the membrane can be changed as desired during the lifetime of the device by pulling the membrane out through the implanted device and putting a new one back in.

Abstract: A system for controlling administration of medical fluid includes a fluid passageway to which is attached a first flow regulator, a second flow regulator, and a flow detector. The system also includes a controller for controlling the first and second flow regulators in response to a measurement taken by the flow detector of fluid movement in the fluid passageway. The first flow regulator, such as a pump, is configured to maintain fluid movement at flow values greater than an unrestricted flow value. The second flow regulator, such as a variable adjustable valve, is configured to maintain fluid movement at a flow value less than the unrestricted flow value. A method of controlling administration of medical fluid includes obtaining a target flow value, moving fluid through the disposable assembly, taking a measurement of fluid movement in the disposable assembly, and actuating a flow regulating apparatus.

Abstract: There is disclosed a drug eluting balloon catheter assembly provided with a balloon formed of an inner balloon member of non-compliant material and an outer balloon member of a compliant material and which is provided with holes therein for eluting a drug or other fluid. In use, the outer balloon member is biased by contraction onto the inner balloon member thereby keeping the holes therein normally sealed closed and minimizing dead space in the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to a device for locating a fistula. The device can include a first tine and a second tine each having a distal end and a proximal end with the first tine spaced a distance from the second tine sufficient for allowing a section of a fistula to fit therebetween. A compression member can be placed adjacent to the first tine and the second tine such that the compression member externally compresses and temporarily occludes a fistula thereby increasing blood pressure in a section of a fistula located between the first tine and the second tine.

Abstract: A chemical liquid injector comprises liquid syringe 200 and a chemical liquid injector. Liquid syringe 200 has cylinder member 210, a piston member and RFID tag 230 put on an outer circumference of cylinder member 210. The chemical liquid injector has cylinder holding mechanism 120 for holding cylinder member 210, a piston driving mechanism for driving the piston member and an RFID reader. The RFID reader has reader antennas 132L, 132R placed opposite to a tag antenna so as to be able to receive data from RFID tag 230 with cylinder member 210 is appropriately held by the cylinder holding mechanism. The piston driving mechanism is permitted to operate only when the RFID reader receives data from RFID tag 230.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for injecting veterinary products to at least one bird by intramuscular injection, wherein said injection(s) can be carried out in the area of at least one muscle in the vicinity of a bone having a detectable shape in the body of said poultry, said device comprising: a retention member with means for bracing said detectable bone, at least one hole being formed in said retention member; at least one injection needle, said needle(s) being movable across said opening(s); characterized in that the retention member has: an anatomic shape that conforms to a portion of the body of said poultry and inside which is provided said means or bracing the detectable bone, said anatomic shape including a bearing surface for said body at said muscle; at least two contact sensors to be actuated by said poultry and provided on the anatomic shape with at least one on the bearing surface, said opening(s) being provided between said sensors.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as, antibiotics, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from the device reservoir which is provided in the form of a novel collapsible bottle-like assembly. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism which takes the form of a spring member of novel design that provides the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device also includes novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.

Abstract: A variable hydraulic resistor for use with implantable pumps is disclosed. The variable hydraulic resistor according to the present invention is particularly useful in varying the flow rate of a medication fluid from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. An implantable pump is also disclosed, which does not require a complicated clinching system or the like, and which may include an undulating membrane and chamber design to reduce the height of the pump.

Abstract: An intelligent remote-controlled portable intravenous injection and transfusion system includes a fluid storage unit (A), a transfusion needle (B), a transfusion tube (C) and a fluid supply driving unit (D). The fluid storage unit (A) is formed by a portable bag (A1) and a fluid storage bag (A2) therein. The fluid supply driving unit (D) includes a peristaltic pump (2), which is provided in a portable flip-shell formed by a lower case (5), an upper cover (6) and a rotational axis (7), and its drive device (1), a power (13), a controller having MSF module and the second wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit. The second wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit is connected to the I/O of the controller. The first wireless signal transmitter/receiver unit is provided in a healthcare monitor room, and connected to the I/O of a computer installed with a controlling software.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an illumination instrument that provides the user with an opportunity to illuminate and inspect a targeted location. The illumination instrument can be useful in situations where the ambient lighting is insufficient for the user's inspection needs (e.g., during the night, during presentation or movie in which the lighting is low, or the like). In some embodiments, illumination instrument can be employed to visually inspect one or more components of the pump system, the infusion set, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: An anchoring system includes a device which permits a portion of a catheter or similar medical article to be easily anchored to a patient, desirably without the use of tape or needles and suture. The anchoring system comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes at least one clip forming at least a portion of a central channel and that moves generally in a lateral direction to capture the medical article to be retained. In certain embodiments, the clip moves in lateral and transverse directions between closed and open positions. The medical article is secured within the central channel. The channel may have a straight or tapering shape depending on the medical article to be retained.

Abstract: A catheter securement device includes a planar base having an adhesive side for attaching the base to a patient and a mounting side. A receptacle adapted to nest a catheter hub therein is mounted on the mounting side of the base. The receptacle is generally U-shaped in cross-section and is open along a top surface to receive a catheter hub. The receptacle has opposite side walls and front and rear ends. An endless elastic member is retained by one side wall of the receptacle. The endless elastic member is capable of manipulation and stretching over the opening in the top surface and beyond the opposite side wall of the receptacle to retain a catheter hub nested in the receptacle. A flange extends outwardly at the top surface of the opposite side wall to keep the elastic member in place when nesting a catheter hub in the receptacle.

Abstract: A needle stick protection device includes a housing shaped and dimensioned for positioning about a syringe including a needle extending therefrom. The housing includes a first housing member telescopically coupled to a second housing member. The first housing member includes a first end shaped and dimensioned for receiving the syringe and a second end. The second housing member includes a first end and a substantially closed second end. The second end includes an aperture shaped and dimensioned to permit the passage of the needle therethrough. A locking assembly is associated with the first housing member and the second housing member for selectively controlling movement of the first housing member relative to the second housing member.

Abstract: The device (10) for selective access closure inside a catheter comprises a conduit (14) having a rear extremity (16) for the insertion of a medical instrument and a mechanism (27) for adjusting the cross-section provided within the conduit (14). The mechanism (27) comprises a member (32) for repositioning the device between an opening movement and a closing movement. The direction of movement of the repositioning member (32) along both the closing path and the opening path are identical.

Abstract: When consumable part such as pressure-resistant cover (300) is installed on a chemical solution injector (100), consumption degree data is read from storage means such as an RFID chip of the consumable part and temporarily held. If the consumption degree updated according to the use of the consumable part exceeds the consumption criteria, a replacement preliminary warning is outputted and the updated consumption degree data is written in the consumption storage means (310) of the consumable part. Since the consumption degree of a consumable part installed on a mechanical device is automatically detected and a replacement preliminary warning is issue to the user at an adequate timing, continuous use of a totally consumed part, unnecessary replacement of a non-totally consumed part is prevented.

Abstract: A cassette insertable into an irrigation or aspiration machine for endoscopy includes an irrigation or an aspiration tube and a support provided with one or two inlet plugs and one or two outlet plugs where two tubes form an elbow to be connectable to the inlet or outlet plugs in an input and output direction of motion, respectively and to form an irrigation or aspiration pumping area in the input and output direction of motion. The support includes a T-shaped guide according to the head of the T for protecting the elbow of each tube and according to the length of the T body in a slot guiding the tube in the output direction. The T-shaped guide extends between one or two inlet plugs to form the irrigation or aspiration pumping area on both sides of the slot between each inlet plug and the head of the T.

Abstract: A luer connector including a housing with first end including a male luer tip and a second end. The connector further includes a rigid valve member having a first opened end and a second closed end and a retaining member configured to couple the valve member and the housing. The housing further includes a rigid conduit positioned within the housing and in fluid communication with the second end of the housing, the rigid conduit adapted to engage the first opened end of the valve member. The housing including a first internal volume when the valve member is in a first position and a second, smaller volume when the valve member is in a second position.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter includes a unitary, resilient needle guard received in a catheter hub. The needle guard includes a proximal arm or wall that includes an opening through which a needle passes for axial movement. When the needle is retracted from the catheter, it releases the force that had previously prevented movement of the needle guard within the catheter hub. This in turn causes the needle guard to snap into a position in which it is clamped onto the needle shaft and in which its distal wall blocks access to the needle tip. In this condition, the spring needle guard and needle can be removed from the catheter hub. A slot or crimp may be formed in the needle shaft that engages with the needle guard after the protected needle and needle guard are removed from the catheter hub, thereby to prevent removal of the protected needle from the needle guard.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system for treating a tissue site on a patient includes a gasket releasably attached around a perimeter of the tissue site that may remain in place for an extended time and allows an over-drape to be attached to it. The system and method further may include a manifold sized and configured to be placed in contact with the tissue site; the over-drape positioned over the manifold and sealed to the gasket to create a sealed space between the over-drape and the tissue site; and a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to the sealed space to deliver reduced pressure to the tissue site. A method is also presented.

Abstract: The invention provides an ostomy bag assembly including an outer bag and an inner bag secured to one side of a flange. The inner bag is removable to facilitate disposal. The flange has a polymeric backing film and a layer of bioadhesive for securing the ostomy bag assembly to the body of a patient. The flange includes an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the inner bag. The outer bag is detachably bonded to a first attachment zone on the flange and the inner bag is secured to a second attachment zone on the flange. The outer bag is mounted to the flange by an annular bonding element is formed from a multilayer polymeric material comprising first and second ethylene vinyl acetate layers and a polymeric support layer interposed there between. A method of fabricating ostomy bags is also provided.

Abstract: An ostomy faceplate and its method of application are disclosed in which the faceplate comprises an annular adhesive wafer of soft, moisture-absorbent, memory-free, essentially non-elastic and finger-moldable adhesive skin barrier material, the wafer's distal surface having an outer zone terminating at the outer periphery of the wafer and an inner zone extending inwardly from the inner limits of the outer zone to a stoma-receiving opening at the inner periphery of the wafer. The faceplate also includes a flexible backing layer covering the outer zone and a removable cover member having a smooth surface releasably covering the proximal bodyside surface of the wafer.

Abstract: An absorbent article having a backsheet. The backsheet has a garment facing side and a first end edge in the first end region. The absorbent article has an adhesive attachment mechanism on the garment facing side of the backsheet for securing the absorbent article to an undergarment. The adhesive attachment mechanism includes a central adhesive section on or along the longitudinal centerline and a pair of side adhesive sections, each transversely outboard of the central adhesive section. Side adhesive sections have first ends in the first end region. First ends of side adhesive sections extend substantially to the first end edge of the backsheet. First end of the central adhesive section is at least about 5 mm from the first end edge of the backsheet such that an adhesive free area is formed between the first end of the central adhesive section and the first end edge of the backsheet.

Abstract: An interlabial pad capable of reducing the likelihood of falling-off of the pad and leakage of bodily exudates is provided. Making the compression repulsive force from the portion contacting near the vestibule floor to be greater than the compression repulsive force from the portion contacting near the anterior ends of the labia minora pudenda allows a manufacturer to provide an interlabial pad capable of reducing the likelihood of falling-off of the pad and leakage of bodily exudates.

Abstract: A disposable diaper is provided, including an absorber, a top sheet disposed to cover an upper surface of the absorber and at least partially formed of a liquid permeable material, and a back sheet disposed to cover a lower surface of the absorber and formed of a liquid impermeable material. The disposable diaper further includes a skin contact sheet disposed above the top sheet and formed with a stool passing opening, which is an opening capable of passing a stool therethrough, and to the both sides of the skin contact sheet, at least a pair of standing gathers are formed, which are leakage prevention walls capable of standing three-dimensionally.

Abstract: A disposable pant-type diaper according to the present invention includes a front portion, a back portion, and a crotch portion which is positioned between the front and back portions, in which a waist opening and a pair of leg openings are formed by joining both longitudinal side-edge portions of the front and back portions which face each other, and stretchable elastic members are disposed along at least a part of each opening, wherein a cutout portion is formed in at least a portion of the side-edge portion of at least one of the front and back portions, and the front and back portions assume a non-joining state at the portion where the cutout portion is formed.

Abstract: A catamenial device. The device comprises a topsheet having a body facing surface, a backsheet joined to said topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, wherein the absorbent core comprises three zones differing in stiffness, at least one of the zones comprising laterally-oriented portions where material from the core has been removed, the portions defining slots.

Abstract: A tab and slot closure system has a tab member, a slot member, and an anti-pop open device. The tab member has a tab element which has a first region and a second region. The first region includes a proximal edge, and the second region includes a distal edge. The tab element is attached to the substrate element along a line of attachment. The slot member has an inboard portion, an outboard portion, and a slot disposed between the inboard portion and the outboard portion. The anti-pop open device is disposed on either the tab member or the slot member and reduces the likelihood of the tab member unintentionally disengaging the slot member when the tab and slot closure system is fastened.

Abstract: A method of securing an absorbent article in a fastened configuration for personal wear includes forming an absorbent article to have a body. A mechanical fastening system is positioned on the body. The mechanical fastening system has a loop component and a hook component. The loop component is an elastomeric laminate formed by securing an elastomeric loop material to an elastomeric substrate. The hook component is fastenably engageable with the loop material of the loop component. The laminate is stretched which includes stretching both the loop material and the substrate. The hook component and the loop component are engaged whereby the hook component fastenably engages the loop material of the loop component. The stretched laminate is allowed to retract which includes retraction of the loop material and retraction of the substrate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a closing cap for containers that are filled with medical liquids. The closing cap includes removal and injection sites. The removal site has a first opening for removing the medical liquid and is obturated by a first pierceable self-sealing membrane. The injection site includes a second opening for injecting an additive and is obturated by a second pierceable self-sealing membrane. The first and second membranes are configured differently.

Abstract: To provide a drug solution preparing kit which can be handled with ease in a substantially aseptic manner, and has no risk that a leakage of a drug solution such as a splash and a dispersion of an aerosol to an ambient environment occurs upon preparation of the drug solution There is provided a drug solution preparing kit including a pre-filled syringe and a transfusing tool, wherein the pre-filled syringe includes a sealing member which seals the tip end and can not be removed from the tip end, and that the transfusing tool includes a one-way valve which can discharge only gas from the system in an irreversible manner, and a filter which is provided so as to adjoin to the second communication channel with respect to the one-way valve.

Abstract: A method, technique and system is disclosed for the delivery of therapeutic agents and/or into the bulk brain tissues and other parts, tissues and organs of the body, including vasculature. A novel form of coaxial catheter provides a means for implanting an outer tube into the brain, then inserting an inner tube into the outer tube and aligning them such that port holes on both of the tubes will overlap and permit a flux of the therapeutic agent to flow into the brain in such a way as to minimize the effects of trapped air, virtually eliminate backflow of the agent, and avoid the potential for additional damage to the brain since only one surgical placement of the outer tube is needed. Similarly, the method, technique system may be utilized to remove fluids or other medium from the brain, tissues, and organs to minimize the effects of escaped air or negative pressure.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for accessing the internal and external tissues of the heart are disclosed. At least some of the embodiments disclosed herein provide access to the external surface of the heart through the pericardial space for localized delivery of leads to the heart tissue. In addition, various disclosed embodiments provide devices, systems, and methods for closing a hole in cardiac tissue.

Abstract: Therapeutic device intended for the selective cytoreductive treatment of an obstruction in a natural lumen or passage of the human or animal body, said lumen being obstructed by the effect of a local cell proliferation, said device comprising a tubular element, in particular of cylindrical shape, intended to be placed in said natural lumen and sufficiently flexible to conform to said natural lumen, but sufficiently rigid to maintain an artificial channel in said lumen. The tubular element supports lengthwise a medicinal sleeve which is intended to come into line with, and into contact with, the obstruction once the natural lumen has been intubated, and is designed to deliver locally, at least in its outer surface portion, at least one therapeutic agent which is cytoreductive, in particular cytotoxic, through contact with the cells under whose effect said lumen is obstructed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of making a solution for injection from a solvent and an active ingredient using a disposable injector with a housing, an injector-side, first cylinder-piston unit—at least intermittently fillable—arranged thereon and an upstream detachable container adapter, wherein the container adapter bears a likewise at least intermittently fillable second cylinder-piston unit. A solvent is stored in the first cylinder-piston unit. In the second cylinder-piston unit there is a freeze-dried active pharmaceutical ingredient. Immediately before use of the disposable injector the solvent is conveyed to the second cylinder-piston unit to the active pharmaceutical ingredient, where a solution forms. This solution is transfer-pumped into the first cylinder-piston unit to then be administered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for releasably securing a wire guide to an elongate medical device for introduction into a work site with the bodily lumen of a patient. An elongate engagement member is configured to engage the wire guide while it is coupled to the elongate medical device and is configured so as to prevent relative movement between the wire guide and the elongate medical device.

Abstract: An implantable medical device, comprising a body including a lumen extending therethrough at least one activatable element disposed within the body, a dimension of each of the at least one activatable elements changing in response to a predetermined stimulation between an activated state and an inactivate state to change a shape of the body to control a degree of opening of the lumen and at least one actuation element, each of the at least one actuation elements being configured to selectively supply the predetermined stimulation to a corresponding one of the at least one activatable elements to move the corresponding one of the at least one activatable elements between the activated and inactive states.