Abstract: A dermal punch for extracting skin or tissue samples. The dermal punch has a blade having a pair of walls. Each wall is convex and opens towards each other. The walls are connected to each other at a pair of mating edges. Each wall has a cutting edge. In a preferred embodiment, the ratio of the minor axis to the major axis of the opening created by the walls is between 1 to 3 and 1 to 4, wherein the major axis extends through the mating edges. The cutting edge is formed of a plurality of teeth and the teeth have a sawtooth shape. The cutting edge has a projecting edge for each wall, and the projecting edge is concave. The cutting length is greater than twice the length of the projecting edge.

Abstract: An exemplary ultrasound biopsy device includes a probe and a holster. The probe is insertable into the holster to form a completed assembly. To assemble the probe to the holster, the probe is initially slid laterally onto the holster and then slid forward to latch the probe into engagement with the holster. The holster is coupled to a vacuum control module by one or more conduits and a power cable. The conduits and/or power cable may be retracted into the vacuum control module. The probe of the biopsy device includes a blade assembly at the distal end. The blade assembly comprises a blade that snaps onto a nosecone via a pair of resilient notched ends. A frictional fitting needle cover can be inserted over the needle and blade assembly to protect the user from the sharp blade.

Abstract: An arrangement for producing a sample of body fluid from a wound opening created in a skin surface at a sampling site includes at least one skin-penetration member having a first end configured to pierce the surface of the skin, and a inner lumen in communication with the first end; at least one actuator operatively associated with the at least one skin-penetration member; and at least one catalyst device configured to cause perfusion of body fluid at the sampling site; wherein the at least one actuator is configured to locate the at least one skin-penetration member so as to obstruct the wound opening while transporting body fluid through the inner lumen. Associated methods are also described.

Abstract: This document provides methods and materials (e.g., systems) related to assessing sleep conditions (e.g., sleep apnea).

Abstract: Transvaginal probes equipped with tactile sensors are configured for placement into vagina to record tactile response during insertion, acquire static tactile pattern from vaginal wall after the insertion is complete, and acquire dynamic tactile patterns during probe motion as well as recording dynamic tactile response during contraction of vaginal muscle. The acquired and recorded tactile data are transmitted to a data processor for composing tactile profile of vagina and visually presenting thereof on a display. Elasticity profile of vaginal tissue is calculated from the tactile response recorded from different parts of the probe during its insertion, from the static pressure pattern and from the dynamic tactile pattern. Pelvic floor muscle strength is defined as a contact pressure increase detected on fixed probe surface under the muscle contraction. Tactile profile of vagina is determined using the static tactile pattern, the elasticity profile and pelvic floor muscle strength.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods and systems and methods for non-invasive neuromodulation using ultrasound to treat anxiety (including panic attacks) and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. The neuromodulation can produce acute or long-term effects. The latter occur through Long-Term Depression (LTD) and Long-Term Potentiation (LTP) via training. Included is control of direction of the energy emission, intensity, frequency, pulse duration, and phase/intensity relationships to targeting and accomplishing up regulation and/or down regulation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ultrasound coupling device that includes a gel component and a coupling compartment. The present invention also relates to various kits and methods for using the ultrasound coupling device with low-intensity ultrasound transducers and therapy. The present invention also relates to methods of making the ultrasound coupling device of the present invention. The present invention further relates to an array that includes a plurality of ultrasound coupling devices of the present invention, and methods of using the array.

Abstract: A method of making an ultrasonic irradiation plan includes receiving image data representing anatomical features of a target object, generating information about at least one portion of the target object that is to be irradiated with ultrasound from the image data representing the anatomical features of the target object, and making an ultrasonic irradiation plan for irradiating the target object with ultrasound by simulating irradiating the target object with ultrasound based on the generated information.

Abstract: A device (1) for the passive movement of the fingers for the therapeutic treatment of a patient comprising a plurality of supporting elements (2), each one susceptible to receive a finger of a patient, and a movement unit (5) comprising: a plurality of actuating means (6) each one operatively connected to one respective of the supporting elements (2) so as to move it with movements uncoordinated from the movements of the other supporting elements (2) which are moved with other actuating means (6); a plurality of motion transmission means (7) each one interposed between one of the actuating means (6) and one respective of the supporting elements (2) and all of them designed to move the supporting elements (2) with three degrees of freedom.

Abstract: There is provided a friction tool for use in a cosmetic method for the treatment of mammalian skin. The tool comprises a body (60) defining a support having a planar support face; a friction pad (65) provided to said support face, said friction pad defining a friction face. The friction pad comprises a lofty non-woven fibre material or both a compressible foam layer and a layer of friction-enhancing material defining said friction face. A cosmetic method, which can be performed using the tool is also described.

Abstract: An orthopedic device has upper and lower frames hingedly connected to each other by first and second primary hinges on opposed sides of the device and providing movement between flexion and extension. Each of the upper and lower frames includes opposed first and second medial-lateral portions connected by a central portion. A force strap is connected to the upper and lower frames and spiraling therebetween, and the force strap generally extends at a first location proximate to the first primary hinge and is generally urged in a first direction at the first location to the second primary hinge. The upper frame is rigid or semi-rigid, and includes means for permitting movement in proximal-distal directions and means for permitting movement in lateral-medial directions.

Abstract: Provided is a waist support with a disc protection belt having functions of strongly pulling and fixing the backbone as well as extending the backbone.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for limiting movements in one or more anatomical joints, such as a device for limiting movement in the human hip joint after hip replacement surgery. This is provided by a device for limiting movement in the human hip joint, said device comprising: at least a first member adapted to conform to a leg, a second member adapted to engage at least one shoulder, and a third member connecting said at least first member and said second member, wherein the third member is substantially soft and/or flexible and adapted to limit one or more specific movements of said leg by anchoring the tensile load of said movement(s) in the shoulder(s).

Abstract: The invention relates to walkers, and in particular, to orthopaedic walker devices for assisting in the stabilization and healing of injuries to the lower leg and/or foot, including fractures to the bones of the foot, such as metatarsal fractures, Jones Fracture or broken phalanges.

Abstract: A system for delivering a medical dressing onto an appendage, such as a finger or penis, of a patient includes a medical dressing defined by a flexible tubular sleeve that is configured to elastically expand radially, and a delivery device including a pair of pivotable spreader arms attached to a handle portion. The spreader arms of the delivery device are configured for insertion within the sleeve to enable radial expansion from a first diameter to a larger second diameter and positioning of the medical dressing onto the desired anatomical area.

Abstract: An intraocular pressure control system for implantation in an eye of a patient to provide drainage from an anterior chamber of the eye to a drainage location at the eye includes a drainage tube and a valve system arranged to control drainage flow between the anterior chamber and the drainage site, the valve system being configured to control fluid flow using an electrolysis process and closed loop feedback from pressure sensors able to determine: flow rate, TOP, bleb pressure, and internal valve pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a conduit that provides a bypass around an occlusion or stenosis in a coronary artery. The conduit is a tube adapted to be positioned in the heart wall to provide a passage for blood to flow between a heart chamber and a coronary artery, at a site distal to the occlusion or stenosis. The conduit has a section of blood vessel attached to its interior lumen which preferably includes at least one naturally occurring one-way valve positioned therein. The valve prevents the backflow of blood from the coronary artery into the heart chamber.

Abstract: Silver and/or zinc ion releasing implants, systems and method of operating, inserting and activating/inactivating them are described. In some variations the implant is configured as a bone implant that includes a bone-screw or intramedullary rod like body configured to receive a treatment cartridge having a plurality of ion-releasing members configured as an anode that can controllably engage with a catheter to turn galvanic release of ions on/off as desired. These devices may be configured to release silver ions (and/or zinc ions) above a predetermined level for a predetermined period of time and may maintain a concentration of ions over a relatively large volume of tissue. The ion-releasing members may be configured to reduce or prevent implant movement.

Abstract: A method for administering a liquid medical substance in a vein. The method comprises inserting a plurality of tubular ducts into a target venous lumen, conducting a liquid medical substance via at least one of the plurality of tubular ducts (106, 215, 419, 602) for the administering thereof toward a venous wall (110, 410) at the target venous lumen in an ejection pressure, quantity and direction, and withdrawing a residue of the liquid medical substance from the target venous lumen, in a suction pressure, quantity and direction, for the conducting thereof via at least one different of the plurality of tubular ducts (130, 240, 400). A relation between the ejection pressure, quantity and direction and the suction pressure, quantity and direction limits the extent of the administering within the venous lumen to a predefined space.

Abstract: A medical device, such as an infusion pump, obtains a contextual awareness of its operation by communicating with centralized patient records and or other medical equipment communicating with a common patient, and/or provides real time advisory information, at care point or remotely. A protocol obtained by the medical device from a protocol server provides context-aware protocols and necessary predicate information for those protocols. This predicate information may be discovered by the medical device communicating with electronic medical records and the associated medical equipment.

Abstract: A medium- and high-pressure pulsed jet generator (1) for injecting controlled volumes of at least one medical liquid (7) includes a high-pressure chamber (2) and at least one connector (24) for at least one flexible pouch containing the medical liquid. The flexible pouch/es (6) is/are connected, via a connection tube, to a hydraulic sequencer (28) which is mounted in the high-pressure chamber, is exposed to the pressure inside the chamber (2), sequences the liquid discharged from the flexible pouch into a pulsed jet (11), is composed of a hydraulic connection (20) that is designed as or includes a deformable flexible sleeve (29) hydraulically communicating with the pouch/es (6) at the inlet and with a hand-held intervention element (40) or a catheter at the outlet, and includes hydraulic stops (31, 32) that are disposed on both sides of the flexible deformable sleeve (29) and are operated using a control element (33).

Abstract: An electrophysiology catheter includes a tubular body having a proximal region, a neck region, and a distal region predisposed into a loop and including electrodes. A first deflection wire extends through at least a portion of the proximal region of the catheter body and includes a first flattened section, while a second deflection wire extends through the neck region and at least a portion of the distal region and includes a second flattened section within the neck region. A first activation wire is joined to the flattened section of the first deflection wire, while a second activation wire is joined to the flattened section of the second deflection wire. Thus, forces acting on the first and second activation wires, such as forces imposed by a handle-based actuator, are respectively transmitted to the first and second deflection wires, thereby deflecting the proximal and neck regions, respectively.

Abstract: A catheter includes a handle, a catheter sheath and a stylet received within a lumen of the catheter sheath. A carrier arrangement projects from the distal end of the handle, the carrier arrangement mounting the catheter sheath and at least part of the deflection stylet. The catheter handle includes an adjustment unit having a gear mechanism that controls at least one of the deflection of the distal part of the stylet and the extent of deflection of the distal part of the stylet.

Abstract: A kit for injecting a biomaterial into an intradiscal space accessed through an opening in the disc annulus comprises a plurality of needles, each sized for introduction through the annulus opening with a passageway for injecting the biomaterial therethrough, and each including a distal end to be disposed within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the annulus opening. Each needle includes a stop affixed thereto at different pre-determined distances from the distal end to define the location of the distal end within the intradiscal space when the needle extends through the opening in the annulus. The kit further includes a plurality of seals defining a bore for sliding engagement with a needle, each of the plurality of seals including a sealing face for engaging the annulus around the needle. Each sealing face defines a differently configured area of contact, such as circular, elliptical, tapered and threaded.

Abstract: Adapter for drill driven lavage system with first fastener for connecting the adapter to a drill drive, and second fastener for connecting the lavage system to the adapter. A shaft supported to rotate in axial direction and to connect to the drill drive that the shaft can be rotated by the drill drive. The adapter comprises a disc which is connected to the shaft in such manner that the disc rotates along when the shaft rotates. The disc comprises an attachment in an eccentric arrangement or the disc is inclined towards the rotation axis of the shaft. The adapter is connected to the lavage system by second fastener so that the rotating disc drives the lavage system. The adapter is connected to the lavage system by means of the second fastening facility in such manner that the pestle drives the lavage system and hits periodically onto a membrane of the lavage system.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a biocompatible drug delivery device for the targeted treatment of cancer that is implantable within the tumorous mass of a patient. In one embodiment, the device comprises two polarizable elements mechanically coupled by a connecting element. The device also comprises one or more cancer treatment agents. When the polarizable elements are depolarized, such as by the application of ionizing radiation, the two polarizable elements are repelled from each other and release the cancer treatment agent. In another embodiment, one or more treatment agents are expelled from a miniaturized syringe when internal pressure of the device is increased by the production of gas bubbles in response to the application of ionizing radiation.

Abstract: A device for dosed dispensing of a fluid medium is provided with a pen-like housing which has a storage chamber for accommodating the fluid medium and which has at its front end a tip in which there is provided an outlet opening for the fluid medium. Arranged in the front end is a valve element which closes the outlet opening under the force of a spring and is arranged such that it at least partially opens the outlet opening in the event of radial pressure being applied from the outside on the front end of the housing. The valve element is arranged in a tiltable manner at the outlet opening.

Abstract: A cartridge system for delivery of medicament includes as membrane placed between two disk magnets that are housed within pump body inserts. The pump body inserts having flow channels and fluid openings are between two inlet/outlet members. The inlet/outlet members each having a fluid outlet component and fluid openings are securely engaged to two reservoirs containing fluid medicaments.

Abstract: Medicine dispensing device, comprising a body (8) defined by two parts, a grip (9) and a head (10), coupled together by means (11) existing on their edges which face each other, these two parts (9-10) ordinarily being elliptical, the first vertically elongated, whereas the second is substantially short, and also has its upper side closed (12) with a fitting perimeter (13) for a lid (14) which also covers a raised and hollowed out central part (15) which, on the outside shows the dispensing actuator nozzle (7) and, on the inside, presents suitable means (16) to house the actuator (5), principally the flange (6), beneath which said flask (2) has its lower end fitted inside an elevator cup (17) which, in turn, is housed inside the grip (9), where sliders provide inner housing means (18) for the medicine packaging (1) and its elevator cup (17).

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter introducer comprising: a tube-like introducer sheath; an introducer hub having a distal section and a proximal section, wherein the distal section is joined to the proximal end of the introducer sheath and the proximal section defines a chamber; a needle extending through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath and having opposite proximal and distal ends, the distal end forming a needle tip; a needle hub attached to the proximal end of the needle; a needle safety device slidably arranged on the needle, wherein the needle safety device is retained in the chamber of the introducer hub when the needle extends through the introducer hub and the introducer sheath, and removable from the introducer hub once the needle tip is received in the needle safety device upon withdrawal of the needle from the introducer sheath.

Abstract: Disclosed are injection molded devices including microneedles on a substrate base. The microneedles may include a plurality of nano-sized structures fabricated thereon. The molds used to form the microneedles are assembled from a plurality of mold segments, each defining portions of the microneedles. Upon assembly of the multiple mold segments, microneedle negative cavities are formed. The molds may be used in an injection molding process to form microneedle arrays. Devices may be utilized for interacting with a component of the dermal connective tissue.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device comprising a housing,a tubular activation member,a first resilient member,a container holder, a medicament container (80), a tubular operation member (100), a plunger rod (90), a delivery member; wherein the container is a cartridge, having a membrane (82) and in that the delivery member comprises a retainer member (70) fixedly connected to the container holder, a hub (60) coaxially movable within the retainer member, a needle having opposite proximal and distal ends, and a cap (10) interactively connected to the hub and to the retainer member, wherein the cap comprises a distal end surface abutting with the proximal end surface of the annular contact member such that said hub may be distally moved whereby the needle penetrates the membrane and the cap is detached from the retainer member, allowing the tubular activation member to be moved its activated position.

Abstract: A rigid needle shield (10) for covering a distal end of a syringe is provided. The rigid needle shield includes an elongated flexible member (20) connected to a sidewall of the rigid needle shield for moving the rigid needle shield between a first relaxed position and a second flexed position. When in the first relaxed position, the elongated flexible member is substantially within the rigid needle shield. However, when the elongated flexible member is moved to the second flexed position, the elongated flexible member extends beyond a proximal end of the rigid needle shield to engage a needle hub or a shoulder of the syringe to move the rigid needle shield distally relative to the syringe.

Abstract: A syringe flange protector for transmitting an axial force from a drive element to a syringe barrel, the syringe barrel having a flange projecting radially from the barrel; comprising a spacer element that is adapted to be disposed axially rearward of at least part of the flange, and is further adapted to communicate with the drive element through one or more points at a first radial distance from a longitudinal axis of the spacer element, and to transmit axial force from the drive element to the barrel through one or more points at a second radial distance from the longitudinal axis of the spacer element, where the second radial distance is less than the first radial distance.

Abstract: A device for delivering an active agent to a tissue (100), comprising; a housing (10) including a reservoir (20) for containing said active agent; a delivery tip (35) being in fluid communication with said reservoir; and, a delivery mechanism (40) capable of delivering a predetermined amount of said active agent and releasing the same upon contact between said delivery tip and said tissue.

Abstract: A medicine syringe has a syringe barrel, piston and plunger rod. The syringe barrel is provided with a cylindrical main body defining therein a chamber to be filled with a medical solution, and an injection nozzle portion formed at an end portion of the main body and defining therein a hollow bore in communication with the chamber. The chamber and hollow bore have a total capacity of not greater than 0.5 mL. The chamber and hollow bore are formed such that the piston is slidable in a range of from 20 to 100 mm and is allowed to slide liquid-tight into the hollow bore beyond the chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a tubular body having a lumen and a distal region, a plurality of ports at the distal region of the tubular body, and a plurality of independently gatable microvalves disposed at the plurality of ports. A port extends from internal to the lumen to outside the tubular body, and a gatable microvalve is controllable by a stimulus to provide and prevent fluidic transfer through the ports.

Abstract: A catheter includes a handle, a catheter sheath having at least one conductor within a lumen of the catheter sheath, and a stylet received within the catheter sheath. The catheter sheath is fabricated by providing a tubular member, forming an aperture in the wall of the tubular member at the distal part of the tubular member and inserting a conductor into the lumen of the tubular member. The exposed distal end of the conductor is attached to an electrode, which is then mounted onto an external surface of the tubular member to cover the aperture. The tubular member is then treated by heat to seal the electrode.

Abstract: A device for scar management includes an applicator head including a recess having a rotating means therein, a reservoir containing a silicone composition fluidly connected to the applicator head, and a metering valve fluidly connected to the reservoir. A metered dose of the silicone composition is delivered from the reservoir to the applicator head upon the application of external pressure to the metering valve. The invention also relates to a method for scar management using such device by identifying a target skin area having a wound or scar, contacting the outward surface of the applicator head to the target skin area, massaging the rotating means of the applicator head on the target skin area, and applying the silicone composition to the target skin area via the rotating means.

Abstract: A medical adhesive patch includes: a support film including a barrier layer which contains polyvinyl alcohol and a layered inorganic compound, and which is laminated on one surface of a support including polyurethane; an adhesive layer which contains a medicine, and which is laminated on the barrier layer of the support film, a degree of saponification of the polyvinyl alcohol is equal to or more than 70% and equal to or less than 95.5%.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a plurality of tissue sites include a multi-port therapy unit. The multi-port therapy unit includes a plurality of patient-side ports each fluidly coupled to a plurality of conduits and a fluid reservoir fluidly coupled to the plurality of ports. A plurality of pressure sensors are associated with the plurality of patient-side ports to determining a pressure associated with each conduit. A controller is operatively coupled to the plurality of pressure sensors to receive treatment pressure data, monitor pressure for each pressure sensor of the plurality of pressure sensors, and signal an alarm condition if the pressure is outside of a pre-selected range. The system includes a reduced-pressure source fluidly coupled to a dressing at each tissue site through the multi-port therapy unit.

Abstract: A system to promote the healing of an exuding wound includes a wound dressing, a subatmospheric pressure mechanism, and a collection canister. The wound dressing is dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a control unit disposed within a housing. The control unit includes a vacuum source associated with a vacuum port. The collection canister has an interior wall which defines an internal chamber. The internal chamber is in fluid communication with the vacuum source of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism through the vacuum port and with the wound dressing for collecting exudates removed for the wound bed under influence of the vacuum source. The canister including a baffle mechanism disposed within the internal chamber for dampening the movement of the collected exudates.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in negative wound pressure therapy includes a cover layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a reduced pressure may be maintained. At least one vacuum port is affixed to the cover layer and includes a conduit receiving portion configured to receive a fluid conduit to provide fluid communication between the fluid conduit and the reservoir. The at least one vacuum port is configured to receive the fluid conduit from a plurality of directions relative to the cover layer.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices, systems and methods for delivering reduced pressure to a load-bearing wound site. The device can include a distal port configured to connect to a wound dressing positioned over the wound site; a proximal port located a distance from the distal port and configured to connect to a reduced pressure source, and a conduit body having an inner channel extending between the distal port and the proximal port. When the distal port is applied to the wound dressing positioned over the wound site the proximal port is positioned at a non-load bearing location remote from the wound dressing. The inner channel has a non-circular profile having a width larger than a height of the conduit body.

Abstract: Reduced pressure wound therapy is performed on a sacral region of a patient using an adhesive dressing comprising a flexible planar layer and a non-planar fold-sealing region configured to seal to the intergluteal cleft of a patient. The fold-sealing region is located on an outer edge of the adhesive dressing and comprises a tapered configuration.

Abstract: A fluid collection system includes a disposable collection container and a disposable collection container receiving housing, the housing having a cavity and a suction source. The fluid collection container may include a flexible liner and a shelf for diverting fluid from the suction and to assist with a collapse of the liner during evacuation of the fluid from the liner. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston assembly having a main piston body and a scraper ring. The collection container receiving housing may include a piston stop feature. The system may include a partially hydrophobic filter and a flat surface suction tool.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are systems and methods for providing reduced or negative pressure, and more particularly cyclical reduced pressure, to treat a wound. The system can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection container, a suction source, filters, and conduits. In addition, the system can include a control device and sensors. The sensors may be configured to monitor certain physiological conditions of a patient such as temperature, pressure, blood flow, blood oxygen saturation, pulse, cardiac cycle, and the like. Application of cyclical reduced pressure between two or more values below atmospheric pressure may be synchronized with the physiological conditions monitored by the sensors. Certain embodiments of the system utilize an air reservoir and one or more valves and pressure sensors or gauges to allow for rapid cycling of the level of reduced pressure within the wound dressing between two or more reduced pressure values.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection device for merging at least two line sections in a vacuum-based wound treatment system, wherein the two line sections are arranged on the wound side in relation to the connection device, and wherein the connection device, on the side thereof facing away from the wound, can be connected to a third, multi-lumen line section leading to a vacuum-generating device; the connection device is designed, according to the invention, such that the at least two line sections have a multi-lumen configuration and these line sections each have a multi-lumen attachment device that can be brought into flow communication with the connection device, and such that separate lumens of the two line sections on the wound side also remain separate from each other inside the connection device and inside the third line section.

Abstract: A portable NPWT system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has ports to introduce a vacuum from the vacuum source into the collection canister. A ball float is provided to substantially close the suction port in response to one of collection of a predetermined volume of exudate in the collection canister, tilting of the collection canister beyond a predetermined angle of orientation or inversion of the collection canister.

Abstract: There is provided a disposable ostomy bag assembly (1) comprising a bag (3) for receiving bodily waste materials; a compactable sheath (2) for closing and sealing the bag (3) after use; and a flange (4) for securing the assembly to the body of a patent and provided with an orifice to enable bodily waste to be received by the bag (3). The ostomy assembly (1) solves the problem of escaping malodour and bodily waste when the patient detaches the ostomy bag from the body (face plate (5)). The compactable sheath (2) can be stretched to acquire a cylindrical sheath (2) extending from the flange (4), whereby the sheath (2) may be closed in order to seal the contents of the bag (3). Closing the sheath (2) may simply be done by tying a knot (6).