Abstract: The invention provides a way of producing a natural immunologically active state in a person by subjecting him to an apheresis procedure with bioincompatible biomaterials for about one hour. To safely control the immunological shock induced by this procedure, the person is put under general anesthesia for about six hours, including the apheresis time and at least an additional five hours thereafter. This immunological activation is useful for treating malignant tumors and diseases related to immunosuppression, such as AIDS. The invention also provides for the use of an apheresis column containing a blood perfusion filter with bioincompatible materials for treating malignant tumors and infectious diseases.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: a blood filter; a dialysate pump connected to a dialysate portion of the blood filter; a blood pump connected to a blood portion of the blood filter, the blood pump including a diaphragm that is moved in cycles to pump the blood, the cycles having a flow period and a no-flow period; a patient access device in fluid communication with the blood portion of the blood filter, the no-flow period having a first characteristic of a property when the patient access device is lodged in a patient and a second characteristic of the property when the patient access device is dislodged from the patient; and a logic implementer configured to determine that the patient access device has been dislodged from the patient when the second characteristic of the parameter is detected.

Abstract: A shunt rivet for implantation between a first body space and a second body space in a patient, such as to treat chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Abstract: An implant may be used for implantation into tissue of a body. The implant includes an elongated conduit and a loop. The elongated conduit has an interior passageway for conducting fluid. The loop has an interior circumference with a fluid conducting channel formed therein. The channel is interconnected with the interior passageway for delivery of fluid between the channel and the interior passageway.

Abstract: An applicator having a color gradient. The applicator includes an outer member having a first end, a second end disposed opposite the first end, a longitudinal axis, a length measured along the longitudinal axis, and an exterior surface. The outer member further includes a color gradient extending along at least a portion of the length from a first region to a second region, the color gradient being visible by a user viewing the exterior surface of the outer member.

Abstract: The present invention provides: a superficial cerebral vascular bleeding inhibitor comprising an aqueous solution containing 120 to 160 mEq/L of sodium ion, 1 to 5 mEq/L of calcium ion, and 75 to 165 mEq/L of chloride ion; the superficial cerebral vascular bleeding inhibitor further comprising 1 to 5 mEq/L of potassium ion; and a packaged container containing the superficial cerebral vascular bleeding inhibitor (with or without potassium ion). The superficial cerebral vascular bleeding inhibitor of the present invention can effectively prevent or inhibit bleeding from superficial cerebral blood vessels in the field of neurosurgery such as intracranial surgery and the like, thereby capable of securing a clear operating field during intracranial surgery and inhibiting the occurrence of post-surgery damage.

Abstract: A handle for a medical instrument having a handle housing that can be closed by a cover and having at least one drainage or irrigation hose in the handle housing that can be connected to a hose connection support. To create a handle that is of a simple construction and ensures a reliable fluid-proof insulated connection of the at least one hose and the hose connection support while protecting a material of the at least one hose, it is proposed that each drainage or irrigation hose should be connectable by an adaptor to the hose connection support and that the adaptor upon closing the handle housing can be pressed against the hose connection support by a stop positioned on the cover or on a base portion of the handle housing.

Abstract: A portable peritoneal dialysis apparatus having a USB interface for uploading and downloading patient files and records using a USB flash drive, and for playing a training video for the PD machine on the machine's own display, transferred via a USB flash drive.

Abstract: Patients suffering from acute renal failure must be diagnosed and treated quickly so that a physician can confidently prescribe either peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis. In one way of quickly treating the patients, software is used to calculate a suitable peritoneal dialysis prescription without regard to how short or how long a dialysis cycle is used, and without regard to a total dialysate fluid volume for a therapy. For patients with suitable peritoneal membrane transport properties, the software program suggests that, at least over a short period of time, unexpectedly high ultrafiltrate volumes and high clearances may be achieved.

Abstract: A method for delivering particles to a target location of a subject includes slidably disposing a polymeric carrier in a lumen of a catheter. The lumen extends in the catheter from a proximal opening to a delivery region. The method further includes inserting the delivery region of the catheter in the target location of the subject and forcing the particles through the lumen of the catheter to cause the carrier and the particles to exit the delivery region of the catheter. The particles may be cells or drug-loaded microspheres. The carrier can serve to retain the particles in the target location for a period of time. For treatment of vertebral disc degeneration, the particles can be stem cells, the carrier can be formed from collagen, and the target location can be the nucleus pulposus.

Abstract: An injection device having a drive mechanism to expel selectively a dose of medicament from a medicament cartridge through a needle unit is disclosed. The injection device further comprises an electronic control unit to control the drive mechanism, and a dispense button to generate a dispense button signal to the electronic control unit indicative of the dose to be expelled in which an arm button causes a first arm button signal to be sent to the electronic control unit to permit the dose to be expelled.

Abstract: A medicinal solution injection apparatus 10 includes a composite needle 12 including a needle base portion 12c, an injection needle 12d, and an adjustment needle 12e, a pressure generating portion 13 configured to discharge a compressed air, a measuring portion 14 configured to measure a filling amount and a filling speed of a medicinal solution by measuring a position of a gasket 17a of a syringe 17, and a control portion 15 configured to control the pressure generating portion 13 and the measuring portion 14. The compressed air is introduced into a vial container 16 through an edge 12h of the adjustment needle 12e located above a liquid surface 16a of the medicinal solution in the vial container 16 (outside the liquid surface) to press the liquid surface 16a of the medicinal solution downward, so that a medicinal solution 16b is injected into the syringe 17 through an edge 12i of the injection needle 12d in the medicinal solution 16b.

Abstract: A flow rate assessment protocol (140) that may be utilized by a power injector (10) is disclosed. This flow rate assessment protocol (140) monitors a flow rate (156) during execution of a medical fluid delivery protocol (154). This monitored flow rate is compared with a target flow rate (158). A comparative output of this monitored flow rate and target flow rate is displayed (160), for instance on a graphical user interface (11).

Abstract: The invention relates to a pressure control arrangement for a breast pump system comprising a first pressure chamber; a first opening for receiving milk, the first opening being in connection with the pressure chamber and the first opening being arranged to have a first tube connected to the first opening; a second opening in connection with the pressure chamber, the second opening being arranged to have a second tube connected to the second opening for connecting the pressure chamber to an under pressure source; and a third opening for delivering milk to a container, the third opening comprising a first valve for closing the pressure chamber if the pressure in the pressure chamber is substantially lower than on the other side of the third opening. By providing the first pressure chamber in combination with the first valve, a space with substantially constant size is provided at each pumping cycle.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser contains a fluid and selectively delivers the fluid orally to a subject. The fluid dispenser includes a main body defining a vessel that contains the fluid. The fluid dispenser also includes a dispensing portion that extends from the main body. The dispensing portion defines a passage therethrough that is in fluid communication with the vessel. The passage terminates at a dispenser opening through which the fluid exits the passage and flows into the mouth of the subject. Moreover, the fluid dispenser includes a tongue depressor that extends from the dispensing portion. The tongue depressor is operable to depress the tongue of the subject while the fluid is dispensed into the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device comprising a housing (10; 110); a medicament container holder (12; 120) rotatably locked but slidable connected to said housing, the medicament holder comprising first mix engagement means (28; 126) on its outer surface, and second linear guide means; a multi-chamber medicament container (14; 130) arranged within the container holder, a plunger rod (60; 140) comprising first holding means (58; 146) on its outer circumferential surface; drive force means (64; 142) capable of pushing said plunger rod; characterized in that said device further comprises manual mixing means (44, 148) comprising a rotatable manual knob (62,186) protruding from the distal end of the housing and a mix member (48, 149) comprising flexible holding means (52; 160) releasibly engaged to the first holding means (58; 146) for holding the plunger rod and thereby the drive force means in a pre-tensioned state and second mix engagement means (46; 150) arranged to cooperate with the first mix engagement means (28;

Abstract: A system for providing access across a site of obstruction is provided. The system may include a sleeve, having a distal portion that can move from an inverted position to an everted position. A balloon situated within the sleeve can be extended so as to evert sleeve. A pathway can extend across a juncture between the distal portion and the remaining portion of the sleeve so as to provide access across the site of obstruction. A method for providing access across the site of obstruction is also provided.

Abstract: Distal access balloon guide catheter system and methods for delivering implantable devices, catheters, or substances in or near and/or restoring flow through body lumens, such as blood vessel lumens, or inflating balloons affixed to the distal end of the guide catheter system are described. A Distal access balloon guide catheter having a proximal region, an optional medial region of intermediate flexibility, and distal region possessing high flexibility, high resistance to kinking and a large lumen to wall thickness ratio. The balloon is inflated by means of a kink-resistant secondary lumen embedded within the walls of the balloon guide catheter system tubing.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof.

Abstract: A syringe holder includes a body with a syringe retainer, an elongated finger and a stop member connected to the body. The finger inserts longitudinally into a socket on a pump without the aid of tools and permits the holder to move in multiple planes. The stop member limits such movement. The stop member can include a clip for releasably clamping onto a portion of a pump. The syringe retainer can include a hole in the body and may optionally include an adaptor mounted in or extending into the hole for detachably attaching a syringe. The syringe holder can be incorporated into a tube set assembly or an infusion system.

Abstract: A safety IV catheter assembly is disclosed which includes a catheter assembly, a needle assembly and a needle guard assembly. The needle guard assembly includes a needle guard, a biasing member and a bushing. The bushing is slidably positioned about the needle and includes an inner diameter which is smaller than an enlarged diameter portion of the needle such that the needle cannot be withdrawn through the bore of the bushing.

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters and methods for making and using such introducers are described. The sheath introducers contain movable valves that are encapsulated in a movable housing that allows the valve to move along the introducer axis. As the movable valve and housing travel along the axis, a portion of the hub protrudes past the valve and is exposed. As well, the sheath introducers can also contain a stationary valve and housing that can be opened to expose a portion of the hub when a conduit penetrates the stationary valve. The conduit can include a one-way, two-way, or other suitable valve actuator that can penetrate and open the valve, yet remain attached to a portion of the introducer when the introducer is split for removal from a patient. In both instances, the protruding portion of the hub contains a friction-free pathway for a catheter into the sheath introducer.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter securement device to secure an IV cannula, IV tubing, and attachments in place and to reduce the need for adhesive tape application, including a protective dressing body that secures an intravenous catheter between a cover flap and a lower portion thereof; a continuous pocket disposed between cover flap and the lower portion inner sides for securing a splint for immobilizing an IV site with minimal interference of the dressing body; an opening centrally disposed on the lower portion that serves as a viewing port over an IV site; a vertical slit centrally disposed on the lower portion between the front side and the opening that permits the dressing body to pass either side of a cannula and IV tube; and various attachment strips and tabs that secure an IV line to prevent kinking thereof and to prevent the IV line from weighing down on the cannula.

Abstract: Medicament delivery device comprising an elongated housing (10) comprising a grip member (64) connected to the elongated housing and movable between a rest position in which the device has a predetermined grip size and an operation position in which the pre-determined grip size of the device is increased for providing an improved grip of the device during use.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes an array of needles, each in fluid communication with a respective reservoir. Respective actuators are coupled so as to be operable to drive fluid from the reservoirs via needle ports. Each needle can have a plurality of ports, and the ports can be arranged to deliver a substantially equal amount of fluid at any given location along its length. A driver is coupled to the actuators to selectively control the rate, volume, and direction of flow of fluid through the needles. The device can simultaneously deliver a plurality of fluid agents along respective axes in solid tissue in vivo. If thereafter resected, the tissue can be sectioned for evaluation of an effect of each agent on the tissue, and based on the evaluation, candidate agents selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapy, and subjects selected or deselected for clinical trials or therapeutic treatment.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a housing for a medicament container assembly; a drive member interactively connected to the assembly for expelling a dose of medicament; a dose actuation assembly operably connected to the drive member; and an actuation member interactively connected to the housing and the dose actuation assembly by a gear assembly. The actuation member is movable generally perpendicularly to a longitudinal axis of the device from an initial position, in which the actuation member is positioned within the housing, to a dose-set position, in which a portion of the actuation member protrudes a distance proportional to the set dose from the longitudinal surface of the housing when the dose actuation assembly. The actuation member is manually operated in a direction generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the device from the dose-set position to the initial position for driving the dose actuation assembly and drive member.

Abstract: A plunger cover for use with a syringe includes a sealing portion adapted to form a seal with the syringe and a central portion adapted to contact fluid within the syringe. The central portion can, for example, be more rigid than the sealing portion. The sealing portion and the central portion are connected in an overmolding process. The sealing portion can, for example, be formed from a thermoplastic elastomer or a thermoplastic polyurethane. The central portion can, for example, be formed from polypropylene, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, polycarbonate or copolymers thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device that is reliable, safe and intuitive to use and configured to prevent a subsequent dose from being administered before a previously initialized dose has been fully delivered. This is accomplished by mechanically interacting structures arranged as an interface between a lockable delivery button and a release member.

Abstract: A hemodialysis catheter assembly with a flexible catheter lead that can control blood flow at a hemodialysis access site even under high blood pressures encountered at such sites. Flexible tubing extends through the hollow interior of a housing having opposite, open ends. The assembly includes components to alternately occlude or not occlude the lumen of the flexible tubing. In a first embodiment, spring clips press against the tubing, but insertion of a hollow sleeve into the lumen thereof retracts the clips and provides a flow path. In a second embodiment, a pinch bar can be manually moved into and out of engagement with the flexible tubing to occlude or open a flow path. In a third embodiment, the housing has a screw cap. A spring-loaded pinch bar presses against, and occludes the lumen of, the collapsible tubing when the screw cap is screwed into a threaded cutout in the housing, and provides a flow path through the tubing when the screw cap is removed.

Abstract: A female external genitalia stimulation system, in particular clitoris erection stimulation system, comprises a fully implantable drug delivery device for delivering a drug in relation to a erectile tissue to achieve erection thereof. The drug delivery device may comprise a catheter adapted to be implanted in the corpora cavernosa of a clitoris or in close proximity thereto in order to deliver drugs through said catheter. Alternatively, one or more infusion needles may be disposed within and implanted along with one or more housings adjacent the patient's left and right corpora cavernosa. A reservoir and a pump may also be implanted inside the patient's body to supply the infusion needle with infusion liquid.

Abstract: An implantable access port for use in transferring a fluid transdermally between an external fluid storage or dispensing device and a site within a patient's body is disclosed. The access port includes a base, a bowl-shaped reservoir defined within the base by a smooth surfaced wall, and a septum secured to the base and enclosing the reservoir within the base. The access port also has an outlet passageway defined within the base and extending in communication with a reservoir outlet defined within the reservoir and an external opening defined in the exterior of the base.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a bandage for use in negative-pressure wound therapy, more particularly for wounds in the abdominal region, comprising a flexible film as a wound contact layer and at least one conduit applied to the film, wherein the conduit communicates with the wound space through openings in the conduit and in the film.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.

Abstract: A medical device includes a longitudinal axis member, a suction member that is provided at a distal end of the longitudinal axis member, has a contact surface capable of coming into close contact with an inner wall of a bursiform cavity when inserted into the bursiform cavity, and has a plurality of communication passages that are open to the contact surface and communicate with a lumen, a suction source provided at a proximal end of the longitudinal axis member so as to be connected to the lumen, and a closing member that is provided at an axial end of the suction member, comes into contact with the opening, and airtightly seals the opening.

Abstract: A waste management system includes a waste transport device and a waste collection device. The waste transport device may include a first connector member configured for releasable connection to a second connector member on the waste collection device. The system may also include an insertion device to facilitate insertion of the waste transport device into the rectum of a patient.

Abstract: A male incontinence protector includes a longitudinal direction and a transverse direction, a front end portion with a front end edge, and a rear end portion with a rear end edge. The front end portion has greater maximum extension in the transverse direction than the maximum extension of the rear end portion in the transverse direction. The male incontinence protector further includes side edges extending between the front end edge and the rear end edge, a garment-facing surface, and a wearer-facing surface. The incontinence protector has a tendon engagement member arranged in the rear end portion.

Abstract: A reusable outer cover configured to be engaged with a disposable absorbent insert is provided. The reusable outer cover comprises front and rear waist regions configured to be joined together by a fastening zone. The fastening zone comprises a first side on the front waist region and a second side on the rear waist region. The first side comprises a first portion and a second portion. The first portion comprises a first fastening component and the second portion comprises a second fastening component. The second side comprises a third portion and a fourth portion. The third portion comprises a third fastening component and the fourth portion comprises a fourth fastening component. The first and third fastening components have a first fastening property and the second and fourth fastening components have a second, different fastening property.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes an absorbent pad and a belt to which the pad is detachably attached and which is intended to be attached to a separate belt that is placed around the waist of the wearer to hold the pad when the article is being worn, wherein the absorbent pad exhibits a chassis including a liquid-permeable top sheet and a liquid-impermeable back sheet oriented away from the wearer and an absorbent core between the top sheet and the back sheet. The difference in kinetic coefficients of friction measured with ASTM D 1894-08 standard between the back sheet of the pad and the outwardly oriented surface of the belt is at maximum 0.5. The attachment between the belt and the pad will then not cease due to the movement of the article relative to the surroundings when the belted-article is being used, thereby preventing contamination and leakage caused by detachment.

Abstract: An intergluteal perspiration pad for wicking perspiration from a gluteal cleft including an absorbent pad having a convex top side configured to conform to a gluteal cleft, a pair of U-shaped first and second ends of the pad, an absorbent cover continuously disposed on the pad, and a pair of U-shaped clip attachment members slidingly disposed through the first and second ends to secure the combined pad and cover to the waistband of various garments.

Abstract: A sealing cap for a body fluid container, and a body fluid collection device and system are disclosed. The sealing cap includes an inner cap placeable on an opening in the body fluid container forming a mouth, the inner cap has a shielding member which seals the mouth of the body fluid container, an outer cap resting on the inner cap, the outer cap being movable relative to the inner cap, and a channel member, wherein by a rotational movement the outer cap is movable between an first position in which the channel member is located separated from the shielding member and a second position in which the channel member extends through the shielding member, thereby establishing an open state of the shielding member, and wherein the shielding member returns to a closed state when the outer cap is moved back from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a male connection part for connection with a female piercing member protection device having a longitudinal cylinder-like body having a longitudinal axis C, a first side and a second side, an outer and an inner surface, a barrier member arranged at the center of the first side of the male connection member, intersecting the longitudinal axis C, and a fluid communication channel extending from the barrier member of the male connection part to the second side of the male connection part, wherein the male connection part further comprises at least one turning grip protrusion to provide for an increased turning friction between the female piercing member protection device after assembly.

Abstract: A device, a system, or a method is described for treating a disease or a condition of one or more joints of articulating bone in a mammalian subject. The device provides one or more medicaments to one or more joints of the mammalian subject. A device is described that includes one or more substrates configured to contact one or more body contours in proximity to one or more joints of articulating bone of a mammalian subject; one or more sensors configured to monitor movement of the one or more body contours; and one or more applicators supported by the one or more substrates and configured to respond to the movement of the one or more body contours by injecting one or more medicaments to the one or more joint tissues of the mammalian subject.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor, including a receiver, a medicament delivery device, and optionally a single point glucose monitor are provided. Manual integrations provide for a physical association between the devices wherein a user (for example, patient or doctor) manually selects the amount, type, and/or time of delivery. Semi-automated integration of the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components aids the user (for example, patient or doctor) in selecting, inputting, calculating, or validating the amount, type, or time of medicament delivery of glucose values, for example, by transmitting data to another component and thereby reducing the amount of user input required. Automated integration between the devices includes integrations wherein an operable connection between the integrated components provides for full control of the system without required user interaction.

Abstract: Thermochemical ablation techniques may provide ablation of bodily tissue using chemical reaction energy.

Abstract: The pneumatic system for intussusception treatment, i.e., invagination of a segment of the intestine into an adjacent segment, includes a pressurized gas supply connected to a series of filters, valves, regulators, and sensors connected to a rectal insertion tube to introduce gas at moderate pressure into the intestine of the patient. A computerized control and monitoring subsystem is included. The system preferably includes a heating system to warm the gas as desired. The system also preferably includes an exhaust portion to relieve internal intestinal pressure as required or desired. The exhaust portion of the system preferably includes a filter to absorb undesirable fecal odors that accompany the exhausted gas. At least the rectal insertion tube and the odor filter may be separable from the remainder of the system for convenient disposal. An alarm may be provided to alert the doctor or medical professional of conditions other than normal.

Abstract: A steerable delivery catheter includes an outer sheath with a housing disposed at a distal end thereof to define a chamber for a medical device, the chamber having an open distal end and a proximal inner shelf. An inner shaft is slidably disposed within the sheath and has an abutment attached to the distal end of the shaft, the abutment being slidably contained within the chamber. During navigation of the catheter, when the inner shaft is tensioned the abutment engages the shelf to apply a compressive force to the sheath to selectively deflect a distal region of the catheter. When the catheter has been navigated to the deployment site the sheath is withdrawn while the abutment maintains the medical device in place as it is deployed. A delivery method also is disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device includes an insertion tube, having a longitudinal axis and having a distal end adapted for insertion through a body passage into a cavity within a body of a patient. An electrode is located on the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured to contact tissue in the cavity. A resilient member is contained within the distal end of the insertion tube and is configured, when unconstrained, to cause the distal end to bend away from the longitudinal axis in a curved shape and to straighten toward the longitudinal axis when subjected to a force.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a torque wire connected to an imaging probe; and a torque limiter defining a bore, a first end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with a motor, a second end of the torque limiter being in mechanical communication with the torque wire, the torque wire being disposed through the bore of the torque limiter. The torque limiter comprises a member defining at least one cutout which causes the torque limiter to break when rotational force on the torque wire exceeds a predetermined amount, thereby decoupling the motor from the torque wire.

Abstract: A transcutaneous implantable access port for removal and/or return of fluids of a patient comprises a fixation unit adapted to be fixed to a bone of the patient; a valve unit comprising a sealing membrane at its distal end and one or more chambers; an internal conduit fluidly connectable to vascular structure of the patient and releasably connectable to the valve unit to establish fluidic communication between the internal conduit and said one or more chambers; and an extracorporeal connecting member having an end portion. The extracorporeal connecting member is connectable to the distal end of the valve unit, opening and closing a fluidic passage between the connecting member and said one or several chambers when the connecting member is respectively connected to the access port and withdrawn therefrom. The access port can be used for high volume removal and/or return of blood or other fluids from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for cleansing and promoting tissue growth in wounds, in which irrigant fluid optionally containing cell nutrients and/or other physiologically active material from a reservoir connected to a conformable wound dressing and wound exudate from the dressing are recirculated by a device for moving fluid through a flow path which passes through the dressing, a biodegradable scaffold in contact with the wound bed and a means for fluid cleansing and back to the dressing. The apparatus has means for supplying thermal energy to the fluid in the wound. The cleansing means (which may be a single-phase, e.g. micro-filtration, system or a two-phase, e.g. dialytic system) removes materials deleterious to wound healing, and the cleansed fluid, still containing materials that are beneficial in promoting wound healing, is returned to the wound bed. The dressing and a method of treatment using the apparatus.