Abstract: A tube retention device may prohibit the removal of a tube from a body cavity. The tube retention device may include an elongate segment connected to the tube through a rotatable hinge. The elongate segment may have a length larger than the diameter of the tube. The elongate segment may rotate about the rotatable hinge from an insertion position, in which the length of the elongate segment is parallel to the tube, to a retention position, in which the length of the elongate segment is perpendicular to the tube. In the retention position, engagement of the elongate segment with the interior surface of the body cavity may prohibit removal of the tube from the body cavity.

Abstract: A catheter clamp having a generally curved body, a first end, and a second end. Once a central or midline catheter is inserted into a patient's body, the catheter is inserted into the catheter clamp and the clamp is affixed to the patient's skin with, for example, one or more stitches, glue, adhesive bandages, and/or staples. The catheter clamp allows the catheter to adopt a bent profile without risk of kinking the catheter. In addition, when the central line catheter is installed at an interior jugular location, the catheter clamp allows the free ends of the catheter to safely hang down away from the patient's hair for greater patient comfort, ease of access by medical personnel, and reduced danger of infection. The curved profile of the catheter clamp and the catheter also reduces the likelihood that the catheter will be accidentally pulled out or dislodged if the catheter is pulled on.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter device is provided which includes an integrated adhesive strip whereby to secure the catheter adapter to the skin of a patient following catheterization. Some aspects of the present invention further comprise an adhesive strap that is coupled to the catheter adapter of a catheter assembly. One end of the adhesive strap is removed from the catheter adapter and wrapped around a body part or surface of the patient, and secured back to the catheter adapter. Thus, the catheter assembly is secured to the patient via the adhesive strap.

Abstract: A variable flexibility adhesive system may adhere a surface of a medical infusion device to the skin of a user. The system may be configured to hold a location on the surface stationary with respect to a site on the user's skin. The system may include an adhesive substrate for adhering to the user and an interface where the substrate is held to the surface of the device. The interface may totally and/or partially surround the stationary location. A skirt of the substrate may totally and/or partially surround the interface. Parts of the skirt may be stiffened. Optional features may include tabs for activation of the adhesive and/or a location for peeling the infuser to away from the skin. Additionally or alternatively, the interface may have variable flexibility. Additionally or alternatively, the stiffener may include a plastic layer.

Abstract: A catheter tunneling adapter including a longitudinal body having a distal end and a proximal end and a passageway extending from an entrance at the proximal end to an exit at the distal end. The passageway has a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere with the first hemisphere defining a generally unobstructed first passageway portion from the entrance to the exit. A guide ramp is positioned within the second passageway and tapers towards the first hemisphere moving from the proximal end to the distal end. The ramp defines a longitudinal notch therethrough such that a second passageway portion extends from the entrance to the exit.

Abstract: A medicated module (4) for an injection system to co-deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a primary delivery device containing a primary medicament accepts a medicated module (4) containing a single dose of a secondary medicament (2) and where both medicaments are delivered through a single hollow needle (5). The medicated module (4) is user selectable so that it will deliver both the primary (1) and secondary medicaments (2), or only the primary medicament (1). The module (4) also contains a guard (42) that locks after dose delivery.

Abstract: An applicator comprises a transmission member, a housing guiding a reciprocation of the transmission member, and a cap covering the housing. The transmission member is provided with a stopper extending in a direction orthogonal to an axial direction thereof. An upper end of the housing is formed with a projection sliding the stopper. The inside of the cap is formed with a lead part. The stopper is slid by the lead part to an end part of the projection when the cap is pushed and thereafter disengages from the projection when the cap is further pushed, so that the transmission member transmits the biasing force of an elastic member to a microneedle. This enables the microneedle to be applied to a skin.

Abstract: Medical devices disclosed herein include pre-defined structures for dispensing forces onto a tissue plane in a living organism and are utilized to adjust spatial relationships, orientations, and mechanical forces in a patient treatment area. The treatment area may be a wound, an incision, or a surgically accessed area within a patient that includes oppositely disposed sections that heal more efficiently and with less scarring when force vectors of a particular magnitude and direction are applied to the treatment area. The medical device provides a structure that may be pre-stressed through planned deformation that develops desirable spatial and mechanical relationships along the tissue plane for alignment, compression, advancement, eversion, inversion, distraction, rotation, angulation, and the control or modulation of tension across the treatment area.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter hub, an elongate catheter member extending from the catheter hub and having at least one longitudinal lumen for passage of fluids, an extension tube extending from the catheter hub and defining an internal lumen in fluid communication with the at least one longitudinal lumen of the catheter member and a clamp positionable about the extension tube. The catheter hub defines a reduced profile to facilitate passage of the catheter hub through a surgical tunnel. The clamp includes first and second clamp sections and defines a longitudinal clamp axis. The clamp has a longitudinal opening for passage of the extension tube and a movable member adapted to move from a first position to a second position to substantially close the internal lumen. The first and second clamp sections are separable to facilitate transverse positioning of the clamp sections about the extension tube.

Abstract: Apparatus to treat an eye comprises an annular retention structure to couple to an anterior surface of the eye. The retention structure is coupled to a suction line to couple the retention structure to the eye with suction. A coupling sensor is coupled to the retention structure or the suction line to determine coupling of the retention structure to the eye. A fluid collecting container can be coupled to the retention structure to receive and collect liquid or viscous material from the retention structure. A fluid stop comprising a porous structure can be coupled to an outlet of the fluid collecting container to inhibit passage of the liquid or viscous material when the container has received an amount of the liquid or viscous material. The coupling sensor can be coupled upstream of the porous structure to provide a rapid measurement of the coupling of the retention structure to the eye.

Abstract: A portable negative pressure wound therapy 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 a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.

Abstract: A system for use in treating a tissue site, e.g., a site exhibiting or at risk for developing compartment syndrome, the system including a monitor for use in controlling the function and operation of one or more apparatuses providing insertable catheters. The system includes at least one apparatus having a catheter portion that includes both a suitably protected, functional device tip, adapted to be positioned and used within the tissue site, and one or more hollow fiber membranes, e.g., an array of such membranes, adapted to be positioned within the tissue site in order to simultaneously collect fluid therefrom. The catheter portion is adapted to be safely inserted and positioned within the tissue site, in a manner that permits it to function there while substantially minimizing direct impingement of the non-fluid tissue on the functional device tip surface.

Abstract: A connecting device (2) for vacuum treatment of wounds has a conduit element (4) which can be evacuated and a carrier element (6), wherein the connecting device can be disposed onto a vacuum dressing (13) which extends over the wound and tightly seals it from the atmosphere. The conduit element (4) communicates with the wound space through at least one opening (16) in a wall (18) of the conduit element (4) facing the vacuum dressing and through at least one opening in the vacuum dressing (13). The conduit element (4) is flexible and flat and the conduit element (4) and the carrier element (6) are formed in one piece in that, starting from a central longitudinal section (10) which forms a longitudinal channel (12), the conduit element (4) merges on both sides into lateral wing sections (8). The flat conduit element (4) with longitudinal section (10) and lateral wing sections (8) can be widely applied onto the vacuum dressing (13).

Abstract: An ostomy appliance for attachment to a stoma, comprising an adhesive wafer (100) a first part of which is covered by a first release liner (104) and a second part of which is covered by a second release liner (106). At least one of the two release liners defines an attached part which in an initial state is attached to the skin facing adhesive layer (102), and a foldable part which in a folded state is folded such that it covers at least a part of the attached part and such that it is not in direct contact with the skin facing adhesive layer. A cutting guide (120) is printed onto the at least a part of the attached part and the foldable part.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance comprising an adhesive wafer (100), which comprises a first, a second and a third zone (102, 104, 106). The third zone defines at least a part of the outer rim (110) of the adhesive wafer and the second zone encirculates the first zone.

Abstract: A triggerable composition for two-stage, controlled release of a functional active chemical includes an encapsulation material for encapsulating a betaine ester or betaine ester derivative including a functional active. The encapsulation material is triggerable to release the betaine ester or betaine ester derivative at a first stage upon the occurrence with an environmental stimulus, such as a pH change, an enzymatic change, and a temperature change. The betaine ester or betaine ester derivative of a functional active with at least one hydroxyl group releases the functional active through a hydrolysis reaction upon contact with an aqueous medium.

Abstract: An absorbent article including a fluid permeable topsheet, a fluid impermeable backsheet and an absorbent core enclosed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The absorbent core includes a first absorbent layer having an opening extending therethrough. A fluid flow control structure is arranged between the first absorbent layer and the backsheet. The fluid flow control structure is a layered structure including a non-perforated fibrous polymeric layer and a first perforated polymeric layer having a basis weight of from 50 g/m2 to 100 g/m2.

Abstract: Each side wall part on a main body part includes a strip-like pouch part and an elastic member. The pouch part includes a first strip part extending in the longitudinal direction, and a second strip part disposed between the first strip part and the main body part and having both its edges along the longitudinal direction connecting to both edges of the first strip part. The elastic member is bonded to the first strip part linearly in the longitudinal direction. A standing part is formed in the pouch part by contraction of the elastic member. In each end part of the pouch part, a state where the pouch part overlaps with the main body part is maintained. Therefore, the height of the standing part changes gradually in a boundary part between the end part and the central part, which allows the standing part to fit against the wearer's skin.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article has front and back panels, each having an elastic film layer and each having first and second zones. The first zone of each panel is extensible and retractable and the second zone of each panel is non-extensible and non-retractable. Each of the front and back panels has first and second side edges. An absorbent assembly is secured to the front and back panels. The absorbent assembly has a first end secured to the second zone of the front panel and a second end secured to the second zone of the back panel. A pair of seams join the front and back panels together at the first and second side edges to form a disposable absorbent article having a waist opening and a pair of leg openings.

Abstract: An elastic composite is provided in a disposable absorbent garment such as a diaper or training pants. The elastic composite has a base layer, a top layer, and an elastic construction disposed therebetween. The elastic construction includes a plurality of spaced apart (e.g. generally equally spaced apart) elastic elements (e.g. strands or threads) that are aligned in a generally cross machine direction and in generally parallel relation. Further, the top and base layers define a first longitudinally extending side edge and a second longitudinally extending side edge between which, the elastic construction is disposed. The elastic composite further includes an elasticized region, wherein the elastic construction is disposed, a first non-elasticized region disposed between the first side edge and the elasticized region, and a second non-elasticized region disposed between the second side edge and the elasticized region.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to arrangements for attaching an RFID tag to a liquid container, and particularly to a blood components container. The RFID tag may be inserted in an enclosure, such as peel tab, or in a sealed cup attached to a container port. The tag could alternately be embedded in a molded plug or component attached to a port. The RFID antenna could be painted or stamped on the surface of the container. Or the tag could be inserted into the container to float freely in the liquid components. The RFID source may be secured around the neck of a rigid or semi-rigid container, attached with a tether or attached to a connector assembled in association with a blood component or other fluid flow path.

Abstract: A device releases a fluid active substance, the device has at least one hollow space containing the fluid active substance, whereby the device contains water and a reducing agent, which are or can be made to be in communication such that a chemical reaction of the water and the reducing agent produces a gas and the gas effectively communicates with the fluid active substance such that the gas pressure thus generated presses the fluid active substance out of at least one opening of the hollow space out of the device. A medical implant incorporates the device, and a method releases a fluid active substance from a hollow space of the medical implant, in which a gas is produced through a chemical reaction of liquid water and a reducing agent, and the resulting gas pressure is used to expel the fluid active substance out of at least one opening of the hollow space.

Abstract: A more accurate method of determining an Insulin to Carbohydrate Ratio for an individual diabetic is provided. The individual, who has been using or has been given a prior suggested dosage of rapid-acting insulin to be taken prior to meals, first plans a benchmark meal (“the Meal”) and precisely counts the number of grams of carbohydrates which will be consumed in the meal. The individual blood glucose level is measured before the meal, then the previous dosage of rapid-acting insulin is injected. After the meal another reading is taken of the individual's blood sugar level. The number of units X of carbohydrates for each unit of rapid-acting insulin to be taken before future meal is then calculated by a unique formula.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic.

Abstract: Provided is a device for iontophoretic delivery of a drug to or into a tissue, including an arrangement that prevents operation of the device at a current density that is higher than a predetermined value, the arrangement including first means responsive to a first data item, indicative of the surface area through which the current is to pass, as to set the maximal current allowed at the surface area indicated by the data item. Also provided is a method for iontophorectivally administering drug to or into a tissue, including determining a maximal allowed level of current density and preventing application of current density above the maximal allowed level.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus, including computer program products, are provided for processing analyte data. In some example implementations, a method may include generating glucose sensor data indicative of a host's glucose concentration using a glucose sensor; calculating a glycemic variability index (GVI) value based on the glucose sensor data; and providing output to a user responsive to the calculated glycemic variability index value. The GVI may be a ratio of a length of a line representative of the sensor data and an ideal length of the line. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed.

Abstract: One variation of a method for setting a blood transfusion parameter for a patient includes identifying a blood transfusion bag in a photographic image; extracting a color feature from a region of the photographic image corresponding to the blood transfusion bag; estimating a blood component content within the blood transfusion bag based on the color feature; and triggering transfusion from the blood transfusion bag based on the blood component content within the blood transfusion bag and an estimated volemic status of the patient.

Abstract: An infusion device comprising a fluid reservoir for containing a therapeutic fluid; and a transcutaneous access tool fluidly coupled to the fluid reservoir for delivering the therapeutic fluid subcutaneously and for introducing a monitoring test strip subcutaneously, and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide automatic injection devices in which a shroud is automatically deployed to protectively sheath a needle after an injection is performed. Exemplary embodiments also provide shroud deployment assemblies including a shroud and a syringe carrier that, when cooperatively configured in an automatic injection device, ensure that the shroud is automatically and completely deployed after an injection is performed using the automatic injection device. Exemplary embodiments are also configured to ensure that, once the shroud is deployed to an extended position to sheath the needle, accidental forces applied to the shroud do not succeed in subsequently retracting the shroud to a retracted position in which the needle would become exposed.

Abstract: Medical devices are described herein. More particularly, the disclosure relates to controlled injection devices, systems, and methods used for the introduction of treatment material into a cavity. An exemplary controlled injection system comprises an injection device and a jig. The jig is adapted to receive the injection device and has a jig head, jig shaft, and a jig housing.

Abstract: A system comprises a pad and an injection device. A first side of the pad is configured to be attached to a skin of a user; the pad is provided with coded information; the injection device is configured to read the coded information from the pad when the injection device is brought into proximity of or contact with the pad; the injection device is configured to determine whether the coded information on the pad meets a predetermined criterion; and the injection device is configured to respond to a positive determination by autoinjecting medicament through the pad into the user, permitting medicament administration, or indicating to the user that medicament administration is appropriate. The pad and the injection device also are separate aspects.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery device for setting and dispensing of a dose of a medicament is presented comprising a housing to accommodate a cartridge filled with the medicament, an electrically operated drive mechanism to be operably engaged with the cartridge to expel a predefined dose of the medicament from the cartridge, and at least one dose element displaceably arranged relative to the housing to set and/or to dispense the dose of the medicament, wherein the dose element and the drive mechanism are mechanically decoupled from each other.

Abstract: An aspect of some embodiments of the invention relates to a microcatheter comprising a deployment element disposed about around at least a portion of an exterior of a distal end of the microcatheter, the deployment element configured for repeatedly expanding and collapsing, the distal end arranged to allow forward or reverse axial displacement while the deployment element maintains a position, the deployment element arranged for positioning the microcatheter distal end approximately in the middle of a vessel. A method of traversing tortuous vessels using the microcatheter, in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, is also described.

Abstract: A heating system for warming nutritional liquid fed to a neonate or preterm infant may comprise a control module and a heater. The heating system is portable so that the heating system is not connected to a syringe pump or other device used to feed the neonate. The heater of the heating system is mounted to the tube that is used to feed the neonate. The heater is positioned along the tube in close proximity to the neonate so that a temperature drop of the nutritional liquid after the nutritional liquid exits the heater and reaches the neonate is negligible. The heater raises the temperature of the nutritional liquid to a target desired temperature (e.g., body temperature of the mother and neonate or to a temperature above the temperature of the mother and neonate) so that the neonate may consume warm nutritional fluid. Once the nutritional liquid reaches the neonate, the nutritional liquid is at about the body temperature of the mother or neonate or at least above room temperature.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a method of treating an advanced lung disease in a patient in need thereof by lung transplantation.

Abstract: Systems, processes, and articles of manufacture may be used to perform ocular infusion. In particular implementations, a system for ocular infusion may include a length of flexible tubing and a tip adapted to be inserted into an eye. The flexible tubing may be adapted to convey an ocular infusion fluid and include a plurality of coils set in at least a portion thereof. The ocular tip may be coupled to a first end of the flexible tubing and adapted to convey ocular infusion fluid from the flexible tubing into an eye.

Abstract: A vascular access catheter is disclosed that has a leading guidewire lumen. The guidewire lumen is configured for receiving a guidewire and may extend a partial length of the catheter or substantially the entire length of the catheter. A lumen of the catheter can have an opening located in an angled edge distal end portion of the catheter next to the distal tip. A second lumen can have an opening that is positioned in the outer surface of the catheter shaft, and is spaced proximally from the first lumen opening.

Abstract: A medical instrument including a shaft and an actuated structure mounted at a distal end of the shaft can employ a pair of tendons connected to the actuated structure, extending down the shaft, and respectively wound around a capstan in opposite directions. A preload system may be coupled to maintain minimum tensions in the tendons.

Abstract: Various embodiments are directed to battery unit for use with surgical instruments. The battery units may comprise a plurality of cells and include a translatable discharge drain. When attached to the surgical instrument, the discharge drain may electrically connect an anode of the battery unit to a cathode of the battery unit, for example, via a resistive element in order to drain the battery unit.

Abstract: A laser eye surgery system comprises subsystems which communicate with one another through low voltage differential signaling (LVDS). The laser eye surgery system may comprise a first subsystem interface, including an LVDS driver or transmitter coupled to and in communication with an LVDS receiver of a first subsystem of the laser eye surgery system. The first laser eye surgery subsystem itself may comprise an LVDS transmitter coupled to and in communication with an LVDS receiver to return data to the first subsystem. Further laser eye surgery subsystems may also include the same arrangement of drivers and receivers with respective subsystem interfaces. LVDS lowers power consumption and the risk of error in communication between laser eye surgery systems, leading to safer and more reliable surgical procedures performed.

Abstract: The patient interface may comprise an axis for alignment with an axis of the eye such as an optical axis of the eye. The interface may comprise a guide to allow the interface to move along the axis with the eye, which can inhibit increases in intraocular pressure when the patient is aligned with the laser. The interface may comprise a lock to hold the patient interface at a location along the axis, which can maintain alignment of the patient with the laser eye surgery system. The interface may comprise a plurality of transducers to measure forces to the eye during surgery. The laser eye surgery system can be configured in one or more of many ways to respond to the measured forces. For example, the system may offset the position of laser beam pulses to increase the accuracy of the placement of the beam pulses on the eye.

Abstract: The amount of energy to provide optical breakdown can be determined based on mapped optical breakdown thresholds of the treatment volume, and the laser energy can be adjusted in response to the mapped breakdown thresholds. The mapping of threshold energies can be combined with depth and lateral calibration in order to determine the location of optical breakdown along the laser beam path for an amount of energy determined based on the mapping. The mapping can be used with look up tables to determine mapped locations from one reference system to another reference system.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to an apparatus and processes for preventing or delaying presbyopia. More particularly, the present invention relates to processes and apparatus for ablating epithelial cells in the germinative zone or the pregerminative zone of the crystalline lens of the eye so that onset or progression of presbyopia or one or more symptoms is delayed or prevented.

Abstract: A planning system generates control data for a treatment device for eye surgery that creates at least two incision surfaces in the cornea using a laser apparatus. The planning system includes a computation device configured to specify the cornea incision surfaces based on data of a refractive correction. The cornea incision surfaces include an access incision and a cap incision, with the access incision having a smaller diameter than the cap incision. The computation device being configured to generate a control data record for the cornea incision surfaces for purposes of controlling the laser apparatus.

Abstract: A photo detector is selectively coupled to a first integrator or a second integrator with switching circuitry when the laser pulses. An integration time of the signal from the photo detector can be substantially greater than an amount of time between successive laser beam pulses in order to provide an accurate measurement of each laser beam pulse of a high repetition rate pulsed laser. The laser may comprise a clock coupled to an optical switch of the laser system, and control circuitry can control switching and coupling of the detector to the first integrator or the second integrator in response to the clock signal. The first integrator and the second integrator can be selectively coupled to an output such that the first integrator or the second integrator is coupled to the output of the energy detection circuitry when the other integrator is coupled to the detector.

Abstract: A planning unit produces control data for a treatment device for eye surgery which produces at least two cutting planes in a cornea of the eye using a laser unit. The planning unit includes a calculation module for establishing cornea cutting planes and is configured to establish the cornea cutting planes based on data of a refraction correction. The cornea cutting planes are determined so as to include a cap cut, a lenticule cut, a first access cut for accessing the cap cut, and a second access cut for accessing the lenticule cut. The planning unit is also configured to produce a control data set for actuating the laser unit for the cornea cutting planes.

Abstract: A system for transmitting electrosurgical energy from a generator to an electrosurgical instrument for electro-thermal ablation is disclosed. The generator includes one or more active output terminals which supply energy to tissue and are operatively connected to one or more supply lines. The generator also includes one or more return output terminals which return energy from the tissue and are operatively connected to one or more return lines. The system also includes an electrosurgical cable housing a portion of the one or more supply lines and one or more return lines. The electrosurgical instrument includes a helical electro-thermal element operatively connected to the one or more supply lines and the one or more return lines. The one or more supply lines and one or more return lines are wound in a double helix arrangement such that the electrical field along the cable and helical electro-thermal element is mitigated along the lengths thereof.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices for remodeling a tissue of or adjacent to a body passageway may include or utilize a catheter having an expandable balloon with a plurality of flexible circuits. In some instances, laser texturing may be utilized to facilitate enhanced bonding of the flexible circuits to the expandable balloon.

Abstract: The present invention provides a bipolar needle type microwave operation device, wherein at least one pair of rod-like electrodes are parallel to a center axis of the electrodes in their entirety, an insulator being filled between the paired electrodes. Preferably, at least two pairs of electrodes are alternate so that the electrodes having the same polarity are not adjacent to each other, and the ends of the paired electrodes having the same polarity are bridged with the same material as the electrodes. Preferably, a perpendicular distance between each of the electrodes and the center axis is within 2 mm.

Abstract: A device for treating spinal tissue of a patient's body may include an energy source and first and second probe assemblies. Each of the probe assemblies may have an electrically conductive energy delivery device electrically coupled to the energy source, and may also have an electrothermal device for cooling the probe assembly. The device is configured so that the energy source delivers energy to the spinal tissue through the energy delivery devices in a bipolar mode that concentrates delivered energy between the energy delivery devices to create a lesion within the spinal tissue while the electrothermal devices cool the probe assemblies. Related methods of use include cooling, at times via an electrothermal device.