Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogel membranes comprising a hydrogel, said hydrogel comprising a plurality of tetramer amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of tetramer amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to stratisfied biostructures and devices comprising at least two hydrogel membranes of the invention, which can be used e.g. to rebuild human skin and for tissue engineering of organs and tissues. The present invention further relates to corneal implants and devices comprising a hydrogel membrane of the invention.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are described for preventing or reducing protein loss due to protein aggregation, denaturation, and absorption to surfaces. Also described are compositions and methods for preventing or reducing the fouling or clogging of medical devices that come into contact with blood, such as catheters. Also described are methods to treat diseases caused by activation of the microvasculature.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to drug eluting devices, and their uses. The drug eluting devices can allow for perfusion during deployment. The coatings the may contain bioactive materials which elute once deployed in a patient and can have anti-proliferative, anti-inflammation, or anti-thrombotic effects. Sol gel technology can be used to coat the devices.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tissue-based drain manifolds comprising partially or completely decellularized tissue that has been processed to form tubes, columns, sheets, or other shapes and which are useful for managing the drainage of fluid and/or the administration of negative pressure at an implant site in a patient. The manifolds can be implanted in a patient and provide a natural scaffold in which native cells from surrounding tissue can migrate and proliferate, thereby avoiding the need to remove the implanted manifolds after drainage is complete.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical instrument coating, being coated on the surface of a nickel-titanium alloy component of a medical instrument. The medical instrument coating comprises an elementary copper phase, an amorphous titanium-containing substance and a transition layer comprising a copper-nickel intermetallic phase. Also mentioned is a preparation method for the medical instrument coating.

Abstract: The invention provides novel surface coatings having surface polymer brushes with zwitterionic and antibiotics-conjugated side chains and synergistic anti-fouling and bactericidal properties. The surface coatings may be prepared using highly efficient surface-initiated “living” polymerization. The design of the surface polymer brushes are highly modular, allowing independent tuning of the anti-fouling and bactericidal properties, e.g., by varying the chemical nature of the zwitterionic motif and the antibiotic agent, the chemistry through which the antibiotic agent is conjugated to the polymer side chains, the molecular weight of the polymer brushes (e.g., thickness of coating and density of respective functional motifs), and the spatial arrangement of the respective functional motifs (e.g., homopolymers, block copolymers, random copolymers) to achieve optimal and sustained anti-infection outcome for a given application.

Abstract: Provided herein is a coated coronary stent, comprising: a. stent framework; b. a plurality of layers deposited on said stent framework to form said coronary stent; wherein at least one of said layers comprises a bioabsorbable polymer and at least one of said layers comprises one or more active agents; wherein at least part of the active agent is in crystalline form.

Abstract: A biocompatible membrane comprised of alginate and hyaluronate. The membrane may be used to prevent unwanted scarring after surgery. The tissue adherence and the rate of bioresorption of the membrane may be modified through an external stimulus comprising a sequestering agent and a viscosity modifier.

Abstract: A chest drainage system including a collection device configured to receive fluid from the pleural cavity of a patient. A sensor is included to detect a pressure differential in the fluid. A display is configured to display a trend in occurrences of changes in pressure of the fluid over time in predetermined time increments based on a number of detections of pressure differentials that exceed a predetermined pressure differential during each of the predetermined time increments. The trend is correlative to the percentage of time that the patient is deemed to have an air leak in the pleural cavity in the predetermined time increments. The trend is derived from a ratio of the quantity of respiratory cycles of the patient for which the predetermined pressure differential is detected (QRCleak) in the predetermined time increments to the total quantity of respiratory cycles of the patient in respective predetermined time increments (QRCtotal).

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for delivery of fluid to a wound therapy dressing. In exemplary embodiments, a pressure source provides negative pressure to a wound dressing and positive pressure to an actuator that expels fluid from a fluid reservoir.

Abstract: The invention provides systems, methods, compositions, and separation media for cell separation and for the concentration of therapeutically important cells from blood cell containing tissues. The systems, methods, reagents and techniques specifically agglutinate cells via surface antigen recognition and can be used to recover even rare cell types in high yield.

Abstract: A vented chest wound seal for a penetrating chest wound including a flexible sheet including a bottom surface, and an adhesive layer covering a portion of the bottom surface of the flexible sheet, the adhesive layer including an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, the inner perimeter defining a chamber, wherein the chamber includes a vent channel extending radially outward from a central portion of the chamber, wherein the flexible sheet includes a vent hole aligned over the vent channel, and wherein the inner perimeter and the outer perimeter are separated by a minimum hydrogel width.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for detecting a change of the fluid status or determining the fluid status of an individual are disclosed. The method comprises the following steps: determining a change of the body parameter (?RBV) of the individual during a first treatment session (201); determining a first fluid status of the individual (202); calibrating the determined change of the body parameter (?RBV) based on the first fluid status (205); determining the change of the body parameter (?RBV) of the individual during at least one further treatment session (207); and deriving a fluid status or a change of fluid status individual from the change of the body parameter (?RBV) (208).

Abstract: The invention provides a method for sterilizing a blood purifier, as well as a blood purifier package. The method is effective to decrease the amounts of extracts from the blood purifier attributed to the deterioration of the selectively permeable separation membranes with time during and after exposure to a radioactive ray or an electron ray, and is highly reliable in safety when employed for hemocatharsis therapy. The method for sterilizing a blood purifier which comprises substantially dried selectively permeable separation membranes as a main component, by way of the exposure of the same blood purifier to a radioactive ray and/or an electron ray, is characterized in that the blood purifier is sealed in a packaging bag, together with an oxygen scavenger and a humectant or together with an oxygen scavenger capable of releasing a moisture, and is then sterilized in such a sealed state by the above exposure.

Abstract: A method of producing a copper-chitosan polymer material for adsorption of urea from a dialysis solution. A solid chitosan polymer material is immersed in a copper salt solution of a weak acid, such as copper acetate, for allowing the copper ions to complex with the chitosan polymer. The macroporous chitosan polymer membrane has a thickness of no more than about 200 ??? and has a pore size of between about 1 to 100 ???, for example 20 to 50 ???. Alternatively, solid chitosan fibers, solid chitosan particles or a chitosan gel bead can be complexed with copper acetate. The concentration of the copper acetate solution is above 50 mM whereby gel formation of the solid chitosan material is avoided during the complexation step.

Abstract: A system and methods are described for improving the management of ischemic cardiac tissue during acute coronary syndromes. The system combines a catheter-based sub-system which allows for simultaneous balloon dilation of a coronary artery and infusion of a carefully controlled perfusate during percutaneous coronary intervention. The system allows for modulation of levels of oxygen at the time of percutaneous intervention. In addition, catheters and systems are provided for administration of fluids with modified oxygen content during an intervention that incorporate upstream flow control members to compartmentalize the perfusion of the target coronary artery and the remainder of the heart.

Abstract: A filter apparatus, a method for the manufacture of the filter apparatus, the use of the filter apparatus in medical, chemical and/or biotechnological applications, and an apparatus for use in the manufacture of the filter apparatus. The filter apparatus has a cylindrical housing and a plurality of hollow fibers. The hollow fibers are combined to form a bundle in the housing and are embedded and held in each case at the end sides in a molding compound. The filtrate space is filled with particles of a chemically or physically active substance.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing a red blood cell exchange procedure are disclosed. In one aspect, the flow rates of a replacement fluid (e.g., red blood cells from a healthy donor) and plasma being flowed to a blood source are calculated based on certain parameters of the procedure that are known, including the flow rate of blood being drawn from the source and the volume of replacement fluid to be used during the procedure. The replacement fluid flow rate and the plasma flow rate are calculated in a way that allows for simultaneous depletion of the supply of replacement fluid and achievement of another prescribed process parameter. The other prescribed process parameter depends on the nature of the procedure, namely whether the fluid volume and hematocrit of the source are to change by the end of the procedure or remain the same.

Abstract: A removable cap for a cardiovascular cannula has a sleeve section with an inner surface adapted to receive a connector end of the cannula. The cap has a top section closing a closed end of the sleeve section. A pull tab extends radially from an open end of the sleeve section. A pair of tear seams are sunk into the sleeve section and the top section defining a tear strip in the cap. The sleeve section includes a segmented snap ring protruding radially inward on the inner surface of the sleeve section except at a pair of gaps coinciding with the pair of tear seams. The top section includes a seal cylinder projecting concentrically from the top section to seal against an inside surface of the cannula connector end.

Abstract: Disclosed is a split tip catheter having a tapered venous lumen and a tapered arterial lumen, wherein each of the lumens includes a D-shaped cross section. In one embodiment, the length of the venous lumen is greater than the length of the arterial lumen. The venous lumen and the arterial lumen are secured in a side-by-side configuration via an outer sleeve such that the proximal end of the outer sleeve is aligned with the proximal ends of the venous lumen and the arterial lumen, leaving the distal ends of the venous lumen and the arterial lumen free. The proximal ends of the outer sleeve, the venous lumen, and the arterial lumen are insert molded to a hub to connect the lumens to extensions such as venous and arterial blood lines for dialysis treatments.

Abstract: Platforms for irrigating, debriding, treating, and operating on wounds and infections in extremities are provided.

Abstract: A portable IV backpack compromising a bag having an interior storage space, shoulder straps, a support rod for an IV pouch containing medicinal fluid. The support rod is secured to the bag and projects upwardly above the bag when the backpack is carried on the back of a patient. An upper end of the projecting rod supports a suspended IV pouch and associated tubing for delivery of medicinal fluid from the pouch to the patient. The bag also has an associated holder for a controller that regulates the amount of medicinal fluid delivered to the patient. A shield is connected to the upper end of the support rod to protect the suspended IV pouch.

Abstract: A device for holding items on a portion of a hospital bed frame comprises an attachment part that may include a mounting base having a channel or groove on an underside for mounting to a portion of a bed frame, or an elongated hollow and open cylinder made of a flexible material designed for clipping to a portion of a hospital bed frame, and further including a holding part connected to the attachment part and designed for holding at least one item. The holding part, in certain aspects, rotates 360° to allow for proper orientation of lines, hoses and tubing for enhanced patient comfort and optimized performance.

Abstract: A liquid medicine injection device is controlled by a controller. The liquid medicine injection device includes: a liquid medicine injection unit; a first communication unit which communicates with the controller; and a control unit which switches off the communication by the first communication unit while the liquid medicine injection unit is injecting a liquid medicine. Communication between the liquid medicine injection device and the controller is carried out securely.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device for administering a drug, comprising: a body adapted to retain a cartridge containing a drug, at least one electrical unit (EU) and a port for electrically contacting the electrical unit (EU), an adapter for attaching an injection needle to the drug delivery device, a safety mechanism (S1 to S6) arranged to prevent access to the port whilst an injection needle is in fluid communication with the cartridge and arranged to prevent establishing a fluid communication between an injection needle and the cartridge whilst the port is accessible.

Abstract: Some embodiments an infusion pump system can be configured to modify alarm limit parameters as the user's insulin load increases or decreases. Moreover, in particular embodiments, the infusion pump system can be configured to provide a “missed bolus” or “missed meal” alarm in response to the user's blood glucose characteristics, the user's insulin load information, or the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for detecting a position of a plunger relative to a bung in a drug cartridge, comprising a proximity sensor located close to a distal end of the plunger facing the bung and aligned to receive light reflected by the bung.

Abstract: A combination plunger, a mixing device and a mixing syringe including the same are provided. The mixing syringe includes concentric outer and inner barrels that form an outer chamber, the inner barrel having an inner chamber. The combination plunger includes a mixing plunger and a delivery plunger and a biasing means. The mixing plunger is slidably located in the outer chamber and translated by coordinated depression of the delivery plunger to transfer a first substance from the outer chamber to mix with a second substance in the inner chamber. After the mixing stage is complete, the delivery plunger is disengaged from the mixing plunger and permitted, such as by rotation, to be further depressed in the axial direction to deliver fluid contents of the mixing syringe to a recipient. The mixing syringe needle is then retracted as result of engagement by the delivery plunger and activation of the biasing means.

Abstract: An auto-injector assembly comprises a medicament container defining a substantially cylindrical chamber containing a liquid medicament. A proximal end of the chamber is closed by a piston and a distal end of the chamber is closed by a seal spanning an opening. A biasing means, such as a spring, is coupled to the piston and acts to bias the piston towards the seal, thereby pressurising the liquid medicament. The assembly also comprises a hypodermic needle and a removable needle cap for maintaining the hypodermic needle in sterile conditions until use. A means for establishes fluid communication between the chamber and the hypodermic needle such that the pressurised liquid medicament is automatically delivered through the hypodermic needle when communication has been established.

Abstract: Flush syringe assemblies capable of creating pulsatile movement of the plunger rod as it moves in the distal direction within a syringe barrel, while preventing overpressurization of the cathether are provided. An exemplary flush syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel with a first pulsing element and a chamber with flush solution, a plunger rod with a stopper and a second pulsing element that interacts with the first pulsing element to provide an engagement force that causes pulsatile movement of the plunger rod and a thumb press slidably attached to the plunger rod with a pulse control element. The pulse control element is compressible to create a compression force that is greater than the engagement force of the first pulsing element and the second pulsing element.

Abstract: A device for processing a biological material is disclosed. The device includes a syringe barrel comprising beads, a filter positioned at a close end of the barrel, a plunger insertable into the barrel through an open end, and a needle. The plunger includes a paddle assembly that is configured to mix a biological material with the beads after the biological material has been harvested from a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to injection device, which device comprises an outer housing (1), a syringe body (10) and a needle shield (30). Both the syringe body (10) and the needle shield (30) are telescopically movable mounted to the housing (1) such that the needle shield (30) is movable relatively to the housing (1) between a first position and a second position, and the syringe body (10) is movable in relation to the housing (1) between an extended position and a retracted position.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device such as a syringe may include a fluid chamber in communication with a male connector tip. The male connector tip is tapered to form a friction fit when inserted in a corresponding female hub. A disconnecting member, e.g., in the form of a lever member has a front surface moveable along the male connector tip between a first position proximal to the fluid chamber and a second position spaced from the first position towards a distal end of the male connector tip so as to release the friction fit. A catch is arranged to catch the female hub after it has been released from the friction fit by the lever member moving towards the second position. The catch may be released when the lever member pivots back towards the first position under the resilient bias of a spring tongue.

Abstract: A pen needle assembly having a hub with an increased surface area that contacts a patient's skin is provided. The increased contact area of the hub with the patient's skin during injection of a cannula decreases the pressure exerted against the patient's skin, thereby increasing the comfort of the patient. A bonding adhesive is disposed on an outer surface of the hub, thereby decreasing the required curing time of the adhesive. Additionally, the increased contact area, between the cannula adhesive and hub increases the strength of the bond therebetween.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dispense interface comprising a body comprising at least a first channel structure and a second channel structure, wherein each of the at least two channel structures comprises at least a first inlet channel comprising a first inlet opening and a second inlet channel comprising a second inlet opening, wherein each of the at least two inlet openings of one channel structure is configured for fluid communication with a respective reservoir of at least two reservoirs and wherein at least one connecting channel configured for a fluid communication between at least one outlet opening and one of the at least two channel structures is provided.

Abstract: A child-resistant closure system for a pump sprayer comprises a cap, a dispensing tip configured to receive the cap thereon, and a base secured to the dispensing tip and secured to a dispenser bottle. The tip has a slot defined therein that comprises a wider insertion/removal portion for inserting or removing a downwardly extending leg and a narrower locking portion for engaging the leg to lock the cap to the dispensing tip. The cap is selectively secured to the dispensing dip by rotating the cap such that the leg moves from the wider portion of the slot to the narrower portion of the slot, such that the narrower portion of the slot engages leg. The leg extends downward through the slot to contact the top of the base so as to allow for the sprayer pump unit to be locked out from operation.

Abstract: A nebulizer has an aperture plate, a mounting, an actuator, and an aperture plate drive circuit (2-4). A controller measures an electrical drive parameter at each of a plurality of measuring points, each measuring point having a drive frequency; and based on the values of the parameter at the measuring points makes a determination of optimum drive frequency and also an end-of-dose prediction. The controller performs a short scan at regular sub-second intervals at which drive current is measured at two measuring points with different drive frequencies. According to drive parameter measurements at these points the controller determines if a full scan sweeping across a larger number of measuring points should be performed. The full scan provides the optimum drive frequency for the device and also an end of dose indication.

Abstract: The invention relates to a canister for a metered dose inhaler for storing a propellant and a medicament under pressure and dispensing said medicament and to a method of producing such a canister. The canister (1) comprises an interior cavity (5) defined by a tubular sidewall (2) defining a longitudinal axis (4) of the canister (1), and a bottom wall (3) and a top cover (15) closing opposite longitudinal ends of the sidewall (2) such that the sidewall (2) extends along the longitudinal axis (4) between the bottom wall (3) and the top cover (15). The bottom wall (3) comprises a central inwardly domed portion (8). The wall thickness of the sidewall (2) is smaller than the wall thickness of the bottom wall (3), and the thickness of the bottom wall (3) is in the range of 0.25 to 0.47 mm and the thickness of the sidewall (2) is in the range of 0.15 to 0.42 mm.

Abstract: An indicating device for a dispenser that dispenses metered dosages of a medicament from a container having a valve moveable between a closed position and an open position. The indicating device includes an indicator housing having a first cover with a first vertical wall and a second cover with a second vertical wall. One of the first or second covers includes a base defining a lower surface of the indicator housing, and the other of the first or second covers includes a top defining an upper surface of the indicator housing. The first and second covers are joined with the first and second vertical walls and the base and the top defining an interior space therebetween. An indicator is rotatably disposed in the interior space of the indicator housing, with the indicator including dosage indicia. A dispensing device includes a dispenser housing and an indicating device.

Abstract: A nebulizer and a container with a fluid for such a nebulizer are described, the container comprising an indicator device fixedly mounted on the bottom of the container, the indicator device stopping further use of the container in a locked state when a predetermined number of uses has been reached or exceeded, and when the nebulizer is partially opened, it is blocked against further use, and after replacement of the container including the indicator device, the nebulizer can be used again.

Abstract: A container, a nebulizer and a use of an indicator device are described, where the container comprises an indicator device fixedly mounted on the bottom of the container, the container is arranged within the nebulizer and the container can be detached by grabbing the indicator device.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a flow sensor configured to sense airflow between a respiration machine and a patient, a first connector configured to communicate air between the flow sensor and the patient, a second connector configured to communicate air between the flow sensor and the respiration machine, multiple pressure sensing ports configured for connection to pressure sensing tubes and configured to communicate gas pressure between the flow sensor and a pressure flowmeter, and a filter integrated with the flow sensor between the first connector and the pressure sensing ports and configured to communicate gas pressure therethrough while preventing contaminants from passing from the flow sensor to the pressure sensing tubes.

Abstract: A respirator (1) includes a fresh gas port (23, 25, 27) for connecting a fresh gas supply, a gas outlet (3) for connecting a supply line for a patient, an absolute pressure sensor (21) and a data processor (37). The gas outlet and the fresh gas port are fluidically connected via an inhalation branch (17) that is connected to the absolute pressure sensor. The fresh gas port has an adjusting valve (31), to set gas flow from the fresh gas supply to the inhalation branch, and a differential pressure sensor (33). The differential pressure sensor determines a differential pressure in the fresh gas port between the inhalation branch and the adjusting valve. The data processor receives and records the absolute pressure measured and the differential pressure to determine a fresh gas flow through the fresh gas port. A method for determining a fresh gas flow is also shown and described.

Abstract: Therapy gas delivery systems that provide run-time-to-empty information to a user of the system and methods for administering therapeutic gas to a patient. The therapeutic gas delivery system may include a gas pressure sensor attachable to a therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas pressure data to a therapeutic gas delivery system controller, a gas temperature sensor positioned to measure gas temperature in the therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas temperature data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow controller that communicates therapeutic gas flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow sensor that communicates flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, and at least one display that communicates run-time-to-empty to a user of the therapeutic gas delivery system.

Abstract: Therapy gas delivery systems that provide run-time-to-empty information to a user of the system and methods for administering therapeutic gas to a patient. The therapeutic gas delivery system may include a gas pressure sensor attachable to a therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas pressure data to a therapeutic gas delivery system controller, a gas temperature sensor positioned to measure gas temperature in the therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas temperature data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow controller that communicates therapeutic gas flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow sensor that communicates flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, and at least one display that communicates run-time-to-empty to a user of the therapeutic gas delivery system.

Abstract: Therapy gas delivery systems that provide run-time-to-empty information to a user of the system and methods for administering therapeutic gas to a patient. The therapeutic gas delivery system may include a gas pressure sensor attachable to a therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas pressure data to a therapeutic gas delivery system controller, a gas temperature sensor positioned to measure gas temperature in the therapeutic gas source that communicates therapeutic gas temperature data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow controller that communicates therapeutic gas flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, at least one flow sensor that communicates flow rate data to the therapeutic gas delivery system controller, and at least one display that communicates run-time-to-empty to a user of the therapeutic gas delivery system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a CPAP apparatus, and obtains compatibility between convenience of handling and easing of loads to a patient is obtained in a high order. An air blowing unit 10 including a fan provided with an air dynamic bearing, and a hose connecting the air blowing unit with a nasal cannula or a mask 200 are included, and the air blowing unit 10 is supported at a position away from a head 310 of a patient 300 by other than the hose 20, and the hose 20 follows changing of posture of the patient 300, and the air blowing unit 10 changes a position or a posture thereof by receiving a force via the hose 20.

Abstract: A portable handheld pressure support system (10) is configured to provide pressure support therapy to a subject. The pressure support system provides a pressurized flow of breathable gas that is delivered to the airway of the subject to treat COPD and/or dyspnea, hyperinflation, and/or other conditions. The system is configured to adjust an expiratory pressure level of the pressure support therapy responsive to identification of hyperinflation in the subject. The pressure support therapy provided to the subject is configured to be used as needed to rapidly alleviate shortness of breath, hyperinflation, and/or other symptoms. The pressure support system is configured to be small and lightweight so that the subject may carry the system and use the system as needed.

Abstract: A method for creating tubular inserts is useful for creating custom fitted inserts that correspond to the anatomy of a patient and solve the problem of pressure points, wear of the implant, damage to surrounding tissue, and denting. Surface measurements of the affected portion of a patient's internal cavity are obtained. Those measurements are used to design a core. The core is 3D printed with a soluble material. The core is wrapped with a thin filament or film such that the contours from the core develop on the outer surface of the covering. The covering is hardened and the core is dissolved away, leaving a custom-made implant device that can be deposited in the patient's cavity.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for nasally delivering a supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation. The invention also provides methods of utilizing the apparatus for nasally delivering supraglottic jet oxygenation and ventilation.