Abstract: This invention describes a method for processing pressure signals derivable from locations inside or outside a human or animal body or body cavity. Different aspects of the invention relate to a method for optimal differentiating between cardiac beat- and artifact-induced pressure waves, a method for obtaining new and improved information from said pressure signals, a method for obtaining signals predicting pressures inside a body or body cavity from pressure signals outside said body or body cavity. In particular, this invention describes a method for modifying individual continuous non-invasive pressure-related signals into signals highly predictable of the corresponding invasive pressure-related signals based on already established relationships that can be used for formula-based adjustments of individual signals solely obtained by a non-invasive approach.

Abstract: A biopsy apparatus has a biopsy needle, which faces a radiation reception surface of a radiation detector and is held obliquely to the radiation reception surface by a biopsy needle holding mechanism. The biopsy apparatus includes a radiographic image capturing apparatus for capturing two radiographic images. One of the two radiographic images is produced according to a scout image capturing mode or a stereographic image capturing mode, and the other is produced according to the stereographic image capturing mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns an analytical instrument for assaying body fluids, the instrument having the following features: a) a housing provided with a receiving element for engaging a body part, b) an abutment for the body part which can be moved between a release position and an operating position relative to the receiving element, c) a lancing unit having a lancing element that can pierce the body part resting against the abutment in a linear lancing stroke, d) a test tape unit having a test tape for receiving body fluid issuing from the body part, and e) a detection unit for examining the body fluid applied to a section of the test tape.

Abstract: Apparatus for eliciting a blood sample comprises: a housing; a shaft mounted within the housing; an aperture in the housing, the aperture being configured to receive a part of a user; a member rotatably mounted on the shaft; a lancet protruding from one position at an edge of the member, and a blood collection part located at a second, different position at the edge of the member. The apparatus is configured such that: when the member is in a first rotational position the lancet is shielded by the housing, when the member is in a second rotational position the lancet is operable to lance the part of the user received at the aperture, and when the member is in a third rotational position the blood collection part is presented such as to receive blood from the part of the user received at the aperture.

Abstract: A body fluid sampling device includes a firing mechanism that is configured to be automatically cocked and fired. In one form, the device includes an electric motor that is operable to cock the firing mechanism and fire an integrated lancet/sampling device to form an incision in skin. Subsequent to formation of the incision, the integrated lancet device is temporarily removed from the skin to promote bleeding from the incision. After a specified period of time, the integrated lancet device is then repositioned against the skin in order to collect a fluid sample.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing medical procedures on an anatomical body includes an extension with an element near its distal end to be extended into the body, and a driver that moves the extension axially into the body, and that causes flexure of the distal end of the extension. The movement and flexure of the extension is driven by the driver from the proximal end of the extension, and an electronic controller directs the operation of the driver.

Abstract: A steering tool including an internal tube disposed inside an external tube, the internal and external tubes being arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another, wherein a distal end of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of the external tube, and at least one of the internal and external tubes is slotted near the distal end thereof, and wherein the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of the tubes.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides devices for decreasing the incidence of Cesarean childbirth by managing the labor process. In one aspect, a tactile feedback device is positioned adjacent the perianal tissues. A perianal support device includes a perianal support member having a pressure surface configured for engagement with tissue adjacent an anal orifice and a pressure detecting system associated with the perianal support member to detect pressure indicative of pressure on the perianal tissue of a patient.

Abstract: A back kneading device capable of causing a massage mechanism to protrude forward and return to an original normal position is provided with no increase in size and complexity in construction. The back kneading device mounted in a chair massage apparatus includes the massage mechanism having a pair of right-hand and left-hand massage members, a base member for pivotally supporting the mechanism at its lower end, a vertical movement mechanism for imparting a vertical motion to the base member, an advancing and retracting mechanism for rockably driving the massage mechanism, and a rock restricting mechanism for an adjusting an angle of rotation of the massage mechanism so that, when the device is in an upper position, an upper end of the massage member protrudes forward, whereas, in a lower position, a lower end thereof protrudes forward.

Abstract: A device for directing a liquid onto a plurality of surfaces of the oral cavity, the device including a chamber for maintaining the liquid proximate the surfaces, where the chamber is defined by front, rear and base inner walls of the device and the front and rear inner walls each include a plurality of openings, the devices further including a first manifold and a second manifold, a first port and a second port; and means for providing an effective seal of the device within the oral cavity.

Abstract: A method of using and assembling a device configured to treat a spine of a patient is provided. The method of assembling includes providing a support member configured to be connected to a torso of a patient and coupling an actuator mechanism to the support member, the actuator mechanism configured to distract a spine of the patient relative to the torso by extending in a generally superior direction relative to the support member.

Abstract: A cervical traction device is provided that is made of high density foam that cradles the users head and neck while providing adjustable traction to the user. The innovation lies in the air pump adjustable “lift” bladder that creates the adjustable incline traction.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus comprises a sensor (10) for emitting a signal indicating a change of hematic volume of an individual (7) subjected to a treatment and a weight loss system for actuating the individual's weight loss. A control unit (20) receives an effective weight value of the individual and a desired weight loss value and from these values determines a desired value of a change in hematic volume at end of treatment. The weight loss system is controlled on a basis of the hematic volume change signal and the desired value of the hematic volume change. The apparatus enables automatic control of a dialysis operation while preventing some complications arising from hypotension.

Abstract: An endothelial scaffold may used to form a graft with an endothelial lining or endothelium. The scaffold allows a natural vessel or other endothelial lumen to line a channel of the scaffold to provide an endothelial layer which enhances blood flow through the channel. The channel may have a narrowed section to provide a stenosis. One or more conduits may extend from an exterior portion of the scaffold to an inner surface of the channel. Air may be withdrawn from between the natural vessel and inner surface of the channel via the conduits to cause the endothelial lumen to conform to the inner surface of the channel. A valve may be used to prevent air from reentering the conduits. The graft, including the endothelial lumen, may be implanted into a patient.

Abstract: An insert for a breast-receiving funnel of a breast pump includes an elongate inflatable bladder which defines a pressure chamber. The elongate inflatable bladder is configured to fit in a teat receiving space of the breast receiving funnel so that the bladder extends from an inner end of the funnel towards an outer end of the funnel. The bladder lies between a user's teat and the funnel when a breast is inserted in the funnel, such that the elongate inflatable bladder is configured to deform towards a user's teat located in the teat receiving space in a predetermined manner when a pressure difference is applied between the teat receiving space and the pressure chamber such that a peristaltic action is applied to the user's teat, to aid the expression of milk therefrom.

Abstract: A robotic catheter device cartridge may include a finger or a slider block generally disposed in a channel and engaged with a steering wire. The steering wire may control movement of a component having the steering wire engaged thereto when the finger or the slider block is linearly driven in a predetermined direction. The cartridge may be a transseptal cartridge having a transseptal needle connected thereto, a catheter cartridge having a catheter connected thereto, or a sheath cartridge having a sheath connected thereto.

Abstract: Multi-lumen catheter having a monolithic elongate tubular shaft member having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal length therebetween. The tubular shaft member has an outer cross-sectional dimension that varies along the length of the tubular shaft member. The tubular shaft member has an inner core made of a first material and an outer layer made of a second material. The inner core has a first lumen and a second lumen defined therein, the first lumen having a first lumen cross-section and a length extending at least along a portion of the length of the tubular shaft member. The first lumen cross-section is substantially uniform along the length of the first lumen. The second lumen has a second lumen cross-section and a length extending along the length of tubular shaft member. The second lumen cross-section is substantially uniform along the length of the second lumen.

Abstract: An inflation device comprising a housing configured to receive a sensor assembly is disclosed. In some embodiments, the sensor assembly may be coupled to the housing through use of a snap fit-type connection. Further, the working fluid of the inflation device may be in direct communication with the pressure sensor, without the use of secondary fluids such as gels.

Abstract: Photodynamic bone stabilization and drug delivery systems are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, a photodynamic bone stabilization and drug delivery system of the present disclosure includes an insertion catheter having an inner void for passing at least one light-sensitive liquid, and an inner lumen; an expandable portion releasably engaging a distal end of the insertion catheter, wherein the expandable portion comprises an inner expandable portion in communication with the inner lumen of the insertion catheter and sufficiently designed to maintain a light-sensitive liquid therein; and an outer expandable portion, surrounding the inner expandable portion, sufficiently designed to house and release at least one additive from the outer expandable portion in an outward direction from the inner expandable portion; and a light-conducting fiber sized to pass through the inner lumen of the insertion catheter and into the inner expandable portion for delivering light energy to the light-sensitive liquid.

Abstract: A syringe includes a hollow barrel, a hollow plunger movable within the barrel and a needle assembly secured within and at a distal end of the barrel. The needle assembly includes a needle holder, a resilient member that biases the needle holder toward the proximal end opening of the barrel, and a retaining member releasably secured to the needle holder via a reduced material section. The retaining member maintains the needle holder at the distal end of the barrel against the bias of the resilient member. When the plunger is fully depressed within the barrel, the plunger engages the needle holder such that the retaining member is forced to break away and separate from the needle holder along the reduced material section to facilitate retraction of the needle holder and a needle secured to the needle holder into the retraction cavity disposed within the plunger.

Abstract: A cannula has a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a tip on the distal end. The tip has an outer wall defining a lumen opening at the end of the tip and extending to the proximal end of the cannula. The tip further comprises one or more ribs extending into the lumen to support the outer wall from kinking when the cannula is flexed. The outer wall has a inner surface defining the lumen and a plurality of non-circular apertures formed in the tip extending into the lumen. The apertures having a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis aligned in relation to a circumference of the outer wall to prevent puckering or buckling when the tip is bent. This alignment is also designed to support the outer wall from kinking when the tip is bent.

Abstract: A hypodermic drug delivery apparatus for delivering a pressurized medication fluid generally incorporates a reservoir containing at least one deliverable fluid, a reservoir pressurizing device, a rupturing member, a fluid administration device for communicating with the reservoir via a fluid passageway, and a rupture control mechanism for preventing rupture of a wall portion of the reservoir below a threshold pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a torsion spring operatively connected to a dose setting member being adapted to set a dose to be ejected from the injection device. A rotatably mounted display member adapted to display the dose to be ejected in accordance with a setting of the dose setting member is also provided. The rotatably mounted display member is adapted to be rotated over an angle corresponding to at least one revolution of the display member. The display member may be implemented as a dose indicator barrel having numerals arranged along a helical path on an outer surface thereof, or alternatively, as a counting device having two or more display wheels having numerals arranged on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A therapeutic apparatus for treating body tissue comprises a vessel enclosing a detonation chamber into which a detonatable mixture is introduced and then detonated using an igniter to form at least one shockwave and/or acoustic wave. A wave guide assembly having a converging geometry directs the wave to a tip of the wave guide assembly that is placed in contact with tissue to be treated by the wave. The wave guide assembly may include a wave focusing section surrounding the vessel, a flexible conduit connected to the wave focusing section and a needle connected to the conduit and sized for insertion into patient tissue to be treated. A cap connected to the end of the needle is formed from material permitting the wave or waves generated in the detonation chamber to pass therethrough to treat the patient tissue into which the needle is inserted.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system is provided that includes a hardware unit, a disposable unit received by the hardware unit, and a controller. The hardware unit includes a recessed area, a piston having a contact surface, a pneumatic source for supplying a negative pressure, and an actuator configured to move the contact surface of the piston into and out of at least a portion of the recessed area. The disposable unit includes an outer member fitted at least partially within the recessed area of the hardware unit and a moveable membrane positioned between the contact surface of the piston and the outer member when the disposable unit is received by the hardware unit. The controller is configured to cause the pneumatic source to apply the negative pressure to the moveable membrane so as to conform the moveable membrane to a shape of the contact surface of the piston and follow the contact surface when the piston is moved towards and away from the outer member fitted at least partially within the recessed area.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly includes a reservoir assembly configured to contain an infusible fluid. A motor assembly is configured to act upon the reservoir assembly and dispense at least a portion of the infusible fluid contained within the reservoir assembly. Processing logic is configured to control the motor assembly. A primary power supply is configured to provide primary electrical energy to at least a portion of the processing logic. A backup power supply is configured to provide backup electrical energy to the at least a portion of the processing logic in the event that the primary power supply fails to provide the primary electrical energy to the at least a portion of the processing logic.

Abstract: A micropump, which in particular is a pump for a medicinal active substance and which may be an insulin pump or an analgesic pump, has at least one valve, which has a valve chamber, and has a pump chamber. At least one immobile structural element, which reduces the valve chamber volume, is provided in the valve chamber.

Abstract: A surgical access assembly including a base and an elongated member extending from the base. The bass defines a central axis and has an opening for receipt of a surgical instrument. The elongated member defines a passageway for passage of at least a portion of the surgical instrument and is adapted to assume a substantially rolled configuration in a normal unstressed condition thereof. When in the rolled configuration, the elongated member is rolled transverse to the central axis.

Abstract: A surgical access port comprises a valve or instrument seal that separates the instrument contact function from the instrument conforming function. Embodiments of the instrument seal comprise in instrument contact element that extends through an opening in a compression element, thereby defining an instrument orifice that seals with an instrument extending therethrough. Embodiments of the instrument contact element comprise a non-distensible membrane or film, for example, as a tube or cylinder.

Abstract: A method of securing a medical article to the body of a patient is disclosed in which an anchoring device comprising an anchor and a retainer is used. The retainer is attached to an upper surface of the anchor and comprises a base, a cover and a post. The base is disposed on the upper surface of the anchor and the cover is connected to the base so as to move between an open and a closed position. When the cover is in the closed position, it lies above at least part of the base. The post is attached movably to either the base or the cover and is arranged so as to lie at least partially between the cover and the base when the cover is in the closed position. When securing a medical article, the cover is placed in the open position and the medical article placed onto the retainer. The cover may then be closed over the medical article and the anchoring device attached to the patient.

Abstract: A combined container-syringe includes a body that has an outer tube to be filled with a drug solution. A cylindrical tip is attached to a front end portion of the outer tube and to a front end portion of which an injection needle is attached. A cylindrical safety device is attached on an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube in a freely sliding manner. A first retaining member fixes the safety device in a disengageable manner at a first position where the safety device is separated from the injection needle. A second retaining member fixes the safety device at a second position where the safety device covers the injection needle. A biasing member biases the safety device in the direction from the first position to the second position. A latch releasing member releases the engagement by the first retaining member.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a quantity of fluid to bone marrow of a bone or providing access to remove fluids from a target site is provided. The apparatus may include a driver, a plunger operating and cartridge assembly mechanism, a cartridge assembly having a fluid reservoir and a bone penetrating needle.

Abstract: A discriminating connector system for medical use. The connector system includes a male connector and a female connector. A standoff of the male connector forms a sealed, fluid connection with a receptacle of the female connector for fluid flow between conduits connected to the male and female connectors. The construction of the connector system prevents connection of either the male or female connector to other non-conforming connectors or syringes commonly found in medical environments, such as male and female luer-lock connectors and syringes.

Abstract: A method of delivering safe, suitable, and repeatable dosages to a subject for topical, oral, nasal, or pulmonary use and a device for droplet ejection includes a fluid delivery system capable of delivering a defined volume of the fluid in the form of droplets having properties that afford adequate and repeatable high percentage deposition upon application. The method and device include a housing, a reservoir disposed within the housing for receiving a volume of fluid, an ejector mechanism configured to eject a stream of droplets having an average ejected droplet diameter greater than 15 microns, the stream of droplets having low entrained airflow such that the stream of droplets deposit on the eye of the subject during use.

Abstract: A urinary bag system comprising: a substantially tubular leg portion having at least one support opening along a top portion; a substantially rectangular urine bag pouch affixed to the substantially tubular leg portion, having a top side, left side, right side, bottom side, outside side portion, inside side portion, and a substantially rectangular cutout opening along the outside side portion and corresponding inside side portion of the substantially rectangular urine bag pouch, a valve opening along the bottom side and a top opening along the top side; a support garment; at least one strap having at least one attachment device, a first end and a second end, the first end removably attached to the support garment by at least one attachment device and the second end removably attached to at least one support opening along a top portion of the substantially tubular leg portion by at least one attachment device.

Abstract: A controlled evacuation ostomy appliance comprises a pouch having a non-entrant stoma seal and a retainer for retaining the lower portion of the pouch in the folded-up condition. The appliance optionally includes a body fitment that may include a region of manually moldable adhesive for forming a custom fit at the stoma.

Abstract: A convex shell for use in a base plate of an ostomy appliance includes an annular ring defined by an outer edge and an inner edge of defining a through-going hole. The annular ring has at least four transition sections extending transversely across the annular ring, dividing the annular ring into at least a first, second, third and fourth segment. By changing the characteristics of the convex shell in such sections, it is possible to control the bending of the shell. The shell also makes it possible to keep the area around the stoma more stable and resistant towards collapsing, while providing improved flexibility in the peristomal area for better comfort.

Abstract: A packaged incontinence treatment device includes a catheter and a package. The catheter has a distal tubular portion that is connected to a sheath with a portion of the sheath rolled to provide a proximal collar. The package encloses the catheter and includes a lower portion coupled to an upper portion by a hinge plate. The hinge plate is adapted to allow the upper portion to pivot away from the lower portion to provide an opened package configuration and to allow the upper portion to pivot toward the lower portion to provide a closed package configuration. The package has a retainer protrusion extending from an interior surface of the package that is engaged with the proximal collar of the catheter and retains the proximal collar in the lower portion of the package.

Abstract: Provided is a sanitary napkin having wings that can be easily attached by being properly folded back at correct positions without causing problems in the wing-like flaps, such as adhesion of adhesive surfaces to each other and wrong adhesion. In a sanitary napkin including wing-like flaps disposed on both sides of a main body to be fixed to an undergarment so as to wrap around a crotch portion of the undergarment when it is worn, each wing-like flap has a front outline extending outward from the main body and a back outline extending outward from the main body and is designed such that the angle ? formed by the width-direction line of the sanitary napkin and the back outline is larger than the angle ? formed by the width-direction line of the sanitary napkin and the front outline and that the gravity center of the wing-like flap is located more toward the front of the sanitary napkin than the center point of the boundary line of the root of the wing-like flap W and the main body.

Abstract: An absorptive article (1) has: an absorptive body (10) which includes an absorption body; and an exterior body (20) which is provided to the outer surface side of the absorptive body (10) and which is provided with a belly-side portion (F) and a back-side portion (B). The belly-side portion (F) and the back-side portion (B) are joined together at joint sections (21, 22). Reduced strength regions (T) and unreduced strength regions (S) are disposed between the belly-side section (F) and the back-side section (B) at the positions of the joint sections (21, 22). A reduced strength region (T) includes a joint strength-reducing material for reducing the joint strength between the joint sections (21, 22), and an unreduced strength region (S) includes no joint strength-reducing material.

Abstract: A tampon having an improved aspect ratio is provided. The tampon includes a self-sustaining, fluid-expanding, compressed absorbent pledget having one or more absorbent materials. The tampon has a width, a thickness, and a length. The width can be greater than the thickness and an aspect ratio of the width to the thickness can be from greater than about 1.4:1 to less than about 2.0:1. Also provided is a method of positioning a tampon within a vagina of a woman.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article includes two laterally opposing longitudinally extending barrier cuff strips attached to an interior surface of an absorbent assembly in laterally opposing attachment zones. Each barrier cuff strip may include a water-impermeable layer and may be extensible. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each barrier cuff strip adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the barrier cuff strips to form side barriers. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. A portion of the absorbent assembly such as the portion that lies between the barrier cuff strip attachment zones may be extensible and may include a water-impermeable layer. The laterally opposing attachment zones may act as dams preventing a lateral flow of liquid bodily waste.

Abstract: A wearing article having a front waist region that is provided along a pair of opposite side edges with first fastening members, and a rear waist region provided along a pair of opposite side edges with second fastening members for engaging the first fastening members. Each of the second fastening members is formed with an uneven structure having a plurality of crests extending in a transverse direction and spaced one from another in a longitudinal direction. When the uneven structure comes into contact with the first fastening member, the resulting engagement is extremely weak and the uneven structure can be easily disengaged from the first fastening member. The uneven structure may be unfolded in the longitudinal direction and put in close contact with the first fastening member to achieve firm engagement over an area as large as possible between the flattened uneven structure and the first fastening member.

Abstract: A simple disposable pant-like garment includes an absorbent assembly attached to a chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. The absorbent assembly is folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form laterally opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to an interior surface of the absorbent assembly adjacent to its end edges. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps to form breathable side barriers. The chassis includes a water-impermeable sheet and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern such that portions of the chassis that lie outside the attachment pattern are not restrained by attachment to the absorbent assembly and therefore remain extensible.

Abstract: A flexible container for storing a liquid medicament comprises a container wall consisting of two wall sheets of flexible material that are sealed together is disclosed. The container may comprise a storage compartment for the liquid medicament, and an access opening on one of the wall sheets. The storage compartment and the access opening may be in fluid connection. The access opening is designed to be fluidly connected to an outer conduit system. An insert part may be arranged between the two wall sheets with positive locking, and may fluidly connect the storage compartment and the access opening.

Abstract: A vial adapter suitable for use in transferring fluid from a vial to a needleless syringe, the vial having a top end sealed with a septum.

Abstract: Device for connecting a tubular part having a first end provided with a tip, and a second end provided with a connecting device. The connecting device connects an inside of the tubular part with a syringe and with the inside of a bottle, which bottle includes a neck having a stopper penetrable by the tip of the tubular part. Device includes a supporting device for sealing and fitting the device into place on the neck of the bottle in a tight and substantially centered manner. A holding device holds the tubular part in a displaceable manner relative to the supporting device in a penetration direction of the tip of the tubular part. Holding device includes a tight, deformable membrane with two edges, one edge of which is connected tightly to the tubular part and another edge of which is connected tightly to the supporting device.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly including a vented female vial adapter and male vial adapter for use with a pair of vials including a vial with contents under negative pressure for liquid drug reconstitution and administration purposes. The vented female vial adapter includes a venting arrangement and the male vial adapter includes a sealing arrangement for selectively sealing the venting arrangement. The fluid transfer assembly is designed such that only filtered air is drawn into the vial under negative pressure subsequent to reconstitution of liquid drug contents to ensure sterile conditions.

Abstract: A treatment method on tissues in a body cavity includes: a first step of forming a hole for communicating first body tissue with second body tissue while both are in close contact with each other; and a second step of endoscopically inserting a treatment device into the second body tissue through the hole.

Abstract: Methods for setting a basal rate profile for an insulin pump, wherein the basal rate profile defines a basal rate delivery for a selected time interval and has a pre-defined number of profile segments each of which define the basal rate delivery for a subset of the selected time interval, include providing a curve representing the basal rate as a continuous function of time as an input for an input unit and generating the basal rate profile from the curve by a calculation unit by assigning curve values at selected time instances to the pre-defined number of profile segments.