Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis including a bodyside liner, an outer cover having an interior surface and an exterior surface, and an absorbent structure positioned adjacent the interior surface of the outer cover, the chassis including an insult zone and a crotch region positioned in between a front region and a back region, the front region and the back region defining a waist region therebetween. The absorbent article also includes a sensor element disposed in or on the chassis, the sensor element extending from a proximal end in the waist region to at least the insult zone and in fluid communication with the insult zone, the sensor element including a multi-layer wicking material.

Abstract: Generally, an acquisition distribution layer for absorbent hygiene products may be produced from continuous tow bands. A system for producing such an acquisition distribution layer may include, at least, a tow band processing line and a master air jet in operably connected to the tow band processing line to receive a processed tow band from the tow band processing line so as to produce an acquisition distribution layer for an absorbent article.

Abstract: A lotion having an emollient and an immobilizing agent. The emollient is derived from a renewable resource and having a bio-based content of from about 10% to about 100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B and the immobilizing agent selected from the group consisting of C14-C60 fatty alcohols, C14-C60 fatty acids, C14-C60 fatty alcohol ethoxylates having an average degree of ethoxylation ranging from about 2 to about 110, waxes and mixtures thereof. Absorbent articles comprising said lotions are also provided for herein.

Abstract: A portable female urine collector for urine collection and stowage, and a method of assembling same is disclosed. In one embodiment, the portable female urine collector includes a fordable absorbent pad for collecting urine, and a receptacle attached to the foldable absorbent pad for stowing the foldable absorbent pad therein after the foldable absorbent pad is used to collect urine. After the foldable absorbent pad is used, the foldable absorbent pad is folded by the user and then sealed within the attached receptacle for later disposal. The portable female urine collector is useful whenever toilet facilities for females are either unavailable or unsuitable.

Abstract: An absorbent article, the absorbent article being a personal hygiene article, comprising a liquid permeable top sheet, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent core enclosed between the top sheet and the back sheet, and a fluid flow control member arranged between the top sheet and the backsheet, said fluid flow control member being of a nonwoven material comprising a three dimensional network of fibres, said fibres having a thickness of 200-700 ?m, said nonwoven material having a strain of max 50% at 5 kPa.

Abstract: An individually packaged absorbent article assembly including a tri-folded absorbent article having two end portions and an intermediate portion, and a pouch containing the tri-folded absorbent article, the pouch be structured and arranged to enable a user to selectively open the pouch to thereby expose a garment-facing surface of the intermediate portion of the absorbent article prior to exposing a garment facing surface of either of the end portions of the absorbent article.

Abstract: In an absorbent product, a front pocket, a pair of side pockets and a rear pocket are formed between a back sheet member, and a front absorbent core, a pair of side absorbent cores and a rear absorbent core, and excrement which has passed through an opening is collected therein. In the absorbent product, the side absorbent cores are bonded on inner surfaces of standing gather parts. Thus, since the standing gather parts stand up, the side absorbent cores become far away from the back sheet member. Side wall parts of the side pockets have structure where the side absorbent cores are bonded on the inner surfaces of side sheets and outer covering sheet. Thus, it is possible to increase stiffness of the side wall parts of the side pockets, to thereby suppress deformation of the side wall parts due to a weight of excrement collected in the side pockets.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as a diaper, training pant, and the like comprises a containment member that has a central zone and a barrier zone. The central zone has greater air flow according to the Air Permeability Test than the barrier zone. The bather zone a greater hydrohead according to the Hydrostatic Head Pressure Test than the central zone. The containment member may be used for absorbent core formation and may have portions configured to serve as barrier leg cuffs for the finished absorbent article.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article may include a chassis comprising a liquid permeable topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and backsheet; and an ear joined to the rear waist region of the chassis such that at least a portion of said ear extends laterally outward from the longitudinal edge of the chassis in the rear waist region. The article further comprises a fastening system including an engaging member disposed proximate to distal edge of the ear and a receiving member disposed on the chassis in the front waist region, wherein the ear interconnects the front waist region and the rear waist region upon engagement of the engaging member with the receiving member. The ear has a Front Edge Displacement and a Rear Edge Displacement such that a sum of the Front Edge Displacement and the Rear Edge Displacement is no greater than about 12 mm.

Abstract: A first connector includes a first connector main body configured from an outer tube of cylindrical shape, an inner tube of cylindrical shape, and a hub disposed at a proximal end portion of the outer tube, a hollow needle supported on the hub, a first sealing member supported on the inner tube, a coil spring serving as puncturing portion biasing means for biasing the first sealing member toward a distal direction, and a clamping member disposed upon the outer tube. Upon an inner periphery portion of the proximal end portion of the outer tube, a pawl is formed so as to project to the inner side. Upon an outer periphery portion of a large diameter portion of a main body portion of the hub, a plurality of ratchet teeth which are engageable with the pawl of the outer tube are formed so as to project toward the outer side.

Abstract: A storage bag for containing biologic content having a first chamber operable to contain the biologic content, a second chamber separate from the first chamber, and a first fluidic seal system disposed between the first chamber and the second chamber. The first fluidic seal system is positionable between a first position retaining the biologic content in the first chamber and preventing the biologic content from entering the second chamber and a second position permitting at least a portion of the biologic content to flow from the first chamber to the second chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for feeding a liquid into or removing a liquid from a receptacle, said device having a spike (1) and a housing (10, 20, 30) connected to the spike (1), wherein the spike (1) has a liquid channel (6) and a venting channel (7), and the housing (10, 20, 30) has a liquid filter chamber (24) connected to the liquid channel (6) and a venting filter chamber (11) connected to the venting channel (7). In order to achieve a larger filter surface while keeping the overall size of the structure to a minimum, the invention proposes that the liquid filter chamber (24) and the venting filter chamber (11) are arranged one above the other in the direction of a longitudinal axis (4) running along the spike (1).

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for delivering adhesive material to a patient site. A delivery device includes a housing and a nozzle. Adhesive material exits the end of the nozzle such as to adhesively attach tissue to tissue or a material or device to tissue.

Abstract: A method of treatment, such as treating an estrogen-related disorder or a psychotic disorder, by implanting a reservoir-based drug delivery composition into a subject to systemically deliver a therapeutically effective amount of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (such as an aromatase inhibitor or risperidone) to the subject for a long period of time (e.g., one month or one year). The drug delivery composition may include a rate-controlling excipient (e.g., an elastomeric polymer) defining a reservoir containing at least one discrete solid dosage form (e.g., one or more pellets), which includes an active pharmaceutical ingredient and optionally, a sorption enhancer.

Abstract: Methods for treating polycystic kidney disease with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a renal artery of a kidney of a patient. One or more measurable physiological parameter corresponding to the polycystic kidney disease can thereby be reduced. Moreover, central sympathetic drive in the patient can be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for the polycystic kidney disease. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The modulation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a neuromodulation assembly, e.g., a neuromodulation assembly configured to cryotherapeutically cool the renal nerve or to deliver an energy field to the renal nerve.

Abstract: A needleless microprotrusion system for infusion of a medicament into a patient includes a plurality of microprotrusions having a length sufficient to penetrate a stratum corneum of the patient. A chemodenervating agent is disposed for delivery by the microprotrusions and a substrate is provided for supporting the microprotrusions and conforming the microprotrusions to a patient's fossa axilaaris in order to enable uniform penetration of the microprotrusions into the corneum.

Abstract: A catheter includes a catheter sheath, and a handle. The handle includes an electrical connector its proximal end for connecting the catheter to standard electrical devices such as a typical monitoring device. The catheter handle houses an electrical connector assembly. The electrical connector assembly includes a first connector member to which electrical conductors of a catheter sheath are connected and a second connector member, which is further connected to the connector integrated at the proximal end of the catheter handle. The first connector member is received in a socket of the second connector member in a clip-in manner.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivery of medicament having a delivery pump system and a cartridge system, the delivery pump system operating electromagnetically by driving two disk magnets that are housed within pump body inserts of the cartridge system. The displacement of the magnets and an elastomer membrane placed between the magnets of the cartridge system results in a volumetric change within two reservoirs and the flow of medicaments. The medicament flows from the reservoirs to the inlet/outlet members via the pump body inserts and discharged to a patient user's body through an infusion set.

Abstract: A safety shield for use with a hypodermic syringe device is disclosed. The safety shield is moveable relative to the syringe barrel between refracted position and a needle containing position. In the retracted position, the syringe device may be used to inject the needle into the patient. After the needle has been withdrawn or as the needle is withdrawn from the patient, in its operative mode, the shield extends from its retracted position to a needle containing position to shield the point of the needle to prevent accidental sticks and to render the syringe unuseable after a single injection.

Abstract: The present invention provides the materials and methods related to marking the injection site on a patient's skin. Specifically, the present invention provides the materials and methods for applying a medical marking tattoo containing at least one injecting targeting site, injecting a medical substance into the area of the injection target site, and marking the injecting targeting site using a tattoo activation element. The present invention also provides the materials and methods for a medical marking apparatus that can be used to perform the methods of the present invention to mark the injection site on a patient's skin.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for delivering a rheumatoid arthritis drug across a dermal barrier. The devices include microneedles for penetrating the stratum corneum and also include structures fabricated on a surface of the microneedles to form a nanotopography. A random or non-random pattern of structures may be fabricated such as a complex pattern including structures of differing sizes and/or shapes. The pattern of structures on the surface of the microneedles may include nano-sized structures.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and articles for delivering an antimicrobial composition into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter and to proximal elements of the transdermal catheter are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, the elongate member containing an antimicrobial. In an alternative embodiment, an antimicrobial composition placed on an interior surface a cap element, and transfers antimicrobial to the exterior of the proximal end of the transdermal catheter.

Abstract: Deflectable catheter systems, apparatuses and methods utilizing thermal expansion to influence catheter deflection. A representative embodiment includes a catheter having one or more pull wires or other tensioning elements. One end of the tensioning element(s) is connected at a distal portion of the catheter to facilitate shaft deflection upon pulling the tensioning element(s). A heat-sensitive control member(s) is coupled to a proximal portion of the tensioning element(s). The elongate tensioning element(s) is pulled in a proximal direction to deflect the distal portion of the catheter in response to a temperature change applied to the heat- sensitive control member.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to an injector device for delivering an ophthalmic solution to a cornea of an eye. The device may include a base configured to contact part of the eye, and a needle connected to the base, wherein needle may deliver the ophthalmic solution to the cornea.

Abstract: A preparation for the transdermal delivery of a biologically active substance into the body of a patient comprises particles of a formulation comprising the active substance. The particles are irregular in size and shape and may be produced by a low cost manufacturing method such as grinding from a thin film. The particles are angular, i.e. they have sharp edges and corners that allow them to penetrate the outer layer of the skin when subjected to pressure from a roller or an array of blunt-tipped microstructures. Sucrose may be used as an excipient with the active substance to form suitably rigid and angular particles.

Abstract: A primary package for simultaneously dispensing microdoses of from 5 to 500 microliters of one medicament contained in a medicated module and another medicament contained in an attached injection system is disclosed, where the primary package contains a single dose of medicament contained within a reservoir cavity sealed with closure caps that secure top and bottom septa.

Abstract: A balloon catheter system is provided. The catheter includes a first balloon disposed around a second balloon which is movable within the first balloon.

Abstract: Bioactive, hydroforming luminal liner compositions are formed of high molecular weight crystalline, absorbable copolyesters dissolved in a liquid derivative of a polyether glycol that undergoes transformation into a tissue-adhering, resilient interior cover or liner for the controlled release of its bioactive payload at clinically compromised conduits in humans as in the case of bacteria- and yeast-infected vaginal canals, esophagi, and arteries following angioplasty.

Abstract: Method and surgical instrument for treating prostate tissue including a surgical instrument having a main body, a needle deployment port, a needle, first and second handles and a lockout release mechanism to limit needle extension. Additionally, a kit includes the surgical instrument, together with a cystoscope, and optionally a syringe and reservoir of ethanol. The method includes needle-less injection and visualizing the ethanol injection by delivering both an echogenic agent and ethanol either by needle or needle-less injection or by providing an ultrasonically visible marker near the tip of the ethanol delivery cannula. The method also includes extending the needle transversely of the instrument housing using a link assembly.

Abstract: A device and method for oxygenating blood is disclosed herein. The device includes a plurality of passive mixing elements that causes a fluid to mix as it flows through the device. The passive mixing elements continually expose new red blood cells to the portion of the flow channel where oxygenation can occur. Accordingly, in some implementations, the device and method uses less blood to prime the device and allows for the oxygenation of blood with a substantial shorter flow channel when compared to conventional oxygenation methods and devices.

Abstract: An elongate medical device includes an elongate core and a substantially flat sheet formed into a tubular body defining a longitudinal axis and disposed around at least a portion of the elongate core, where the flat sheet has a length, and where a cross-sectional thickness of the sheet varies along the length of the sheet. The tubular body has proximal and distal portions, and a cross-sectional thickness of the sheet forming the distal portion of the tubular body may be less than a cross-sectional thickness of the sheet forming the proximal portion of the tubular body. A cross-sectional thickness of the sheet forming the tubular body preferably tapers from the proximal portion to the distal portion.

Abstract: A sealing vale cover used in a sputum suction pipe, which is mounted in a sputum suction pipe, includes a valve body and an elastic contractible cover. The valve body has a hollow interior and an open end. The elastic contractible cover seals the other end of the valve body. The inner wall surface of the elastic contractible cover is provided with a contact rib. The contact rib extends radially and outwardly from the top of an inner wall surface of the elastic contractible cover. The contact rib is formed with an arc-shaped surface on its protruding portion. When a long conduit of the sputum suction pipe is disposed through the elastic contractible cover, the arc-shaped surface of the contact rib is brought into contact with the outer surface of the long conduit, thereby preventing the leakage of the sputum.

Abstract: A medical device includes a tubular member having a distal end residing interiorly of the body of a patient, a proximal end extending exteriorly of the body, and a lumen extending therebetween. A first passageway extends along the tubular member between a distal end in fluid communication with the lumen, and a proximal end extending exteriorly of the body. A second passageway extends along the tubular member between a distal end located distal to the distal end of the first passageway, and a proximal end extending exteriorly of the body. An occlusion member is associated with the distal end of the second passageway. The occlusion member is movable between an occluded configuration and a non-occluded configuration for selectively occluding the lumen of the tubular member. When the lumen is occluded, a flushing fluid may be passed therethrough via the distal end of the first passageway.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter set with a catheter, which has a catheter shaft; a package, which encompasses at least partially the catheter and which has an slide-out removal opening for the catheter; and a gripping aid, which is arranged in the package and which is movable on the catheter shaft, whereby the gripping aid is attached to the package and spaced a distance to the slide-out removal opening in such a manner that package material that can be pushed together is arranged between the gripping aid and the slide-out removal opening.

Abstract: A stricture treatment and drainage catheter comprises a drainage lumen supporting a stricture dilator that is changeable between a collapsed position and a plurality of expanded positions. An expansion indicator operatively connects to the stricture dilator and displays an indication if the stricture dilator is in one of the plurality of expanded positions.

Abstract: A handle assembly for use with a surgical instrument having an operative distal end portion is disclosed. The handle assembly includes a housing, a drive element, an actuator, a spring arm, and a biasing element. At least a partial actuation of the actuator distally translates the drive element from a proximal position where a portion of the drive element is in contact with the spring arm to a distal position where the drive element is not in contact with the spring arm.

Abstract: Surgical devices are disclosed herein that generally include an intracorporeal elbow joint to facilitate translational movement of an end effector while allowing a body portion of the surgical device and a trocar or working channel through which the device is inserted to be maintained in a fixed angular orientation relative to the patient. This allows a plurality of such devices to be used effectively with a single incision or access device. Such devices also generally provide end effector movement with six degrees of freedom, while maintaining a mechanical linkage between the user and the end effector and while mimicking and/or mirroring natural user movement. Various methods related to such devices are also disclosed.

Abstract: A medical control apparatus includes: an insertion portion in which a bending portion is provided; a drive portion that generates a driving force; a wire that is connected to the bending portion; a pulling portion that pulls the wire; a connecting portion that connects the drive portion and the pulling portion; a driving amount detection portion that detects a drive portion driving amount; a pulling portion driving amount detection portion that detects a pulling portion driving amount; a comparison portion that compares change amounts of the drive portion driving amount and the pulling portion driving amount; and an identification portion that, based on a comparison result, identifies a boundary between a bending range in which it is possible for a restoring force of an elastic member to contribute to bending of the bending portion and a bending range in which it is impossible to contribute to bending.

Abstract: A medical device handle may include an elongated handle housing, a rotatable collar disposed about the handle housing, a rotatable control knob disposed about the collar, and a slidable door disposed about the collar. The door may be rotatably locked to the collar to prevent relative rotation between the door and the collar.

Abstract: For processing eye tissue using a pulsed laser beam (L), an ophthalmological device includes a projection optical unit for the focused projection of the laser beam (L) into the eye tissue, and a scanner system upstream of the projection optical unit for the beam-deflecting scanning of the eye tissue with the laser beam (L) in a scanning movement (s?) performed over a scanning angle along a scanning line (s). The ophthalmological device includes a divergence modulator upstream of the scanner system for dynamically varying the divergence of the laser beam (L), whereby the scanning line (s) is tilted in a plane running through the optical axis of the projection optical unit and the scanning line(s). The tilting of the scanning line(s) enables a displacement—dependent on the scanning angle—of the focus of the laser pulses projected into the eye tissue without vertical displacement of the projection optical unit.

Abstract: An ophthalmic endoprobe system comprises an optical fiber configured to transmit light energy along an optical axis. The system further comprises a first scanning element rotatable relative to the optical fiber and arranged to receive at least a portion of the transmitted light energy. The first scanning element includes a diffractive optical element. The system also comprises a second scanning element rotatable relative to the first scanning element and arranged to receive at least a portion of the transmitted light energy from the first scanning element.

Abstract: A method for treating presbyopia utilizes an Erbium based, pulsed laser to sever sub-conjunctival strictures located within the scleral matrix of the eye. Introduction of treatment energy into the scleral matrix increases or facilitates an increase in accommodation, thereby mitigating the effects of presbyopia. The treatment energy can be directed into the scleral matrix to form tunnel ablations in and through the strictures of the scleral matrix. The tunnel ablations can enhance the accommodation of the patient's eye, enabling the eye to refocus at near distances while not losing its ability to focus at a distance.

Abstract: An apparatus enabling a casual user in a residential set-up to perform himself almost every skin treatment procedure by using a variety of modules that may be inserted into an infrastructure frame. The apparatus presents a docking station and an applicator. The applicator simultaneously receives only two types of skin treatment modules, these may be replaced after use for modules providing a different type of skin treatment. Such skin treatment modules like epilator, shaver, exfoliation or abrasive module, suction head, and massage head apply a mechanical action to the skin. Ultrasound module applies ultrasound waves to the skin. Intense pulsed light and RF apply electromagnetic radiation to the skin. A combination of these modules may be used to provide a variety of skin treatments such as hair removal, skin rejuvenation, skin exfoliation, acne treatment, circumference reduction, and other skin treatments.

Abstract: A tissue treatment apparatus is provided for surgical and medical procedures and operations including an instrument and accessory base adapted for receiving one or more instruments and/or accessories configured for different procedures and operations and for a variety of modes of use of the treatment apparatus.

Abstract: Phototherapy devices for phototherapy treatment of a patient include a light emitter for emitting light received from a light source. Means may be provided for altering the amount of power to the light source in response to a change in light output to maintain a substantially constant light output. The light source may comprise one or more LEDs that generate a blue light output and at least one other LED that generates a different color light output.

Abstract: Methods for treating polycystic ovary syndrome with therapeutic renal neuromodulation and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. The polycystic ovary syndrome can be associated, for example, with a condition including at least one of oligo/amenorrhea, infertility, hirsutism, obesity, metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and increased cardiovascular risk profile. One aspect of the present technology is directed to methods that at least partially inhibit sympathetic neural activity in nerves proximate a renal artery of a kidney of a patient. Central sympathetic drive in the patient can thereby be reduced in a manner that treats the patient for the polycystic ovary syndrome. Renal sympathetic nerve activity can be modulated along the afferent and/or efferent pathway. The modulation can be achieved, for example, using an intravascularly positioned catheter carrying a therapeutic assembly, e.g.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an end effector assembly for microwave forceps. The end effector assembly includes a pair of opposing jaw members movable from a first position in spaced relation relative to one another to at least one subsequent position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. Each of the jaw members includes a microwave antenna assembly and a shielding member including a metallic plate coupled to ground and a dielectric material. The end effector assembly also includes a splitter configured to receive an active signal from a source of microwave energy and split the active signal into a first signal transmitted to the microwave antenna assembly in one of the jaw members and a second signal transmitted in the microwave antenna assembly in the other jaw member.

Abstract: A portable surgical instrument (PSI) includes a shaft extending therefrom. An end effector operably supported at the distal end of the shaft includes a pair of jaw members. One or both of the jaw members is activatable to treat tissue. A selectively removable generator pivotally couples to the housing to energize the activatable jaw member. The generator defining one or more apertures at a distal end thereof and a pivot member disposed at a proximal end thereof. A locking mechanism configured to operably couple to the elongated shaft of the housing includes one or more locking fingers configured to releasably couple to the one or more apertures disposed at the distal end of the generator such that generator is selectively and removably engageable with the housing of the portable surgical instrument.

Abstract: A microwave surgical device with high energy efficiency produces, at an antenna, an asymmetric heating pattern directed towards the side and it comprises: a plain curved portion extending from the distal end of said external conductor; and an inflection point at said distal end of the external conductor, so that said curved portion has a single cavity directed towards the axis of the coaxial end part.