Abstract: The present invention provides surface-modified metals such as metal medical devices, e.g., guide wires, syringe needles, and metal tubes in medical devices or equipment, in which a lubricant layer is firmly bonded to the surface to impart lubricity to the surface, and further to improve the durability of the lubricant layer on the surface, thereby reducing deterioration of sliding properties, as well as methods for modifying a metal surface. The present invention relates to a surface-modified metal having a surface at least partially treated by polymerizing a monomer in the presence of a hydrogen abstraction type photopolymerization initiator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to coatings comprising polyethylene glycol and at least one polyphenolic polymer. In particular, the polyphenolic polymer could be selected from the group consisting of tyrosine-derived polyarylates, linear polyesteramides, dihydroxybenzoate polymers, and resorcinol-derived polymers. The coating of the present invention may also include a drug, such as an antibiotic. The coatings of the present invention are suitable for use as coatings for medical devices, such as orthopedic pins or stents.

Abstract: A drug coating layer which ensures that when a medical device coated with a drug is delivered into a living body, the drug can be prevented from peeling off during delivery operation through a body lumen or cavity such as a blood vessel; and/or a drug coating layer excellent in transferability of a drug to a target tissue; and a method of controlling the morphological form of a drug coating layer are provided.

Abstract: A welled handle device comprising a base with a front and back end having a predetermined grippable silhouette or outer contour, a plurality of open wells formed in the base, and a tool portion connected to the front end of the base. The open wells contain regions which are substantially rough or textured and regions which are substantially smooth. A method of collecting medical waste comprising the steps of having waste on a hand or glove and gripping the grippable outer contour of the welled handle device, wherein at least some of the medical waste is collected within the wells of the handle.

Abstract: The invention provides for an improved medical device used to remove gas and liquid from the plural cavity between the lung and the chest wall in both stationary and mobile applications. The present invention generally comprises a hollow needle with a hollow closed end stylet slidably received in the needle. The stylet is spring-biased to extend out of the needle end as a safety tip but when pressured is moved to a retracted position to allow for insertion through the chest wall. The pressure needed to insert the needle/stylet combination through the chest wall is applied by a housing at the end of the needle which is contoured for easy grip. While not being applied to the chest wall, the stylet comprises a safety tip, which makes the device safe to handle and apply in stationary or mobile applications. Further, the housing includes a one-way valve is configured permit only the passage of air and bodily fluid out of the pleural cavity without a secondary structure needed.

Abstract: The described invention is a hyperthermia and hyperoxygenation medical apparatus for treating diseases of the blood. The general purpose of the invention is three-fold: 1) to provide a medical tool for patient therapy and the treatment of blood viruses and disease organisms by destroying viruses and disease organisms in human and or animal blood and tissues using thermochemical treatment including heat and ozone (O3), and with the potential use of other virus and cancer fighting medications, 2) to provide an active device for hyperoxygenation and hyperthermia of human and animal blood, and 3) to provide a relatively simple treatment method for purifying stored and contaminated blood and blood components or for ensuring the condition of non-contaminated blood and blood components.

Abstract: A liner (100) for use in a breast interface (70), said liner including: a front section (110) including a front wall part (112) defining a breast contact surface (118) and an opening (116b) provided in said breast contact surface, said breast contact surface (118) being configured to abut a woman's breast during use, while a nipple of the breast protrudes at least partially through said opening (116b); and a rear section (170), connected to the front section (140) and including a tubular wall part (171) having a rear end opening, wherein said front and rear sections (110, 170) together define a milk passage (190) that extends from the opening (116b) in the breast contact surface (118) to the rear end opening of the tubular wall part (171), and that slopes downwardly in the rearward direction.

Abstract: A heart pump includes: a rotative impeller partly inserted into the systemic ventricle, this rotative impeller being equipped with: a membrane sutured to the outer wall of the heart in such a way as to secure the rotative impeller to the wall of the heart, a housing arranged inside the systemic ventricle in such a way as to draw up then discharge blood, a motor connected to the housing and arranged partly outside the systemic ventricle in such a way as to facilitate maintenance; an integrated management unit in the epigastric region including a power supply and a rotative impeller control unit; and a wired link between the management unit and the rotative impeller.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method to spin hollow fibres of dialysis grade with diameter around 220 microns and thickness of around 35-40 microns, by wet spinning technique. The present invention spinning is carried out by using an apparatus having a nitrogen cylinder (1), water bucket (2), polymer cylinder (6), water cylinder (7), automatic winding machine (5) characterized by a cheap assembly of syringes (dispo van (8) and insulin syringes (9)) wherein no electrical power is required for the spinning, making the fibres extremely easy to manufacture and affordable at the consumer end.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine that includes a base, a boiling vessel, a condenser, a fluid storage vessel, a sterilizing UV lamp, a fluid mixer, a dialysate cassette, a boiling vessel demineralizing system, and an optional fluid storage vessel rinsing system. The peritoneal dialysis machine automatically generates a predetermined volume of distilled water each day. Pre-weighed quantities of low-endotoxin dialysate chemicals are then mixed into the warm distilled water, and the resulting peritoneal dialysate is sterilized via exposure to ultraviolet radiation. These actions are complete by the patient's indicated bed time. The peritoneal dialysis machine then exchanges spent peritoneal dialysate in the user's peritoneal cavity with fresh peritoneal dialysate throughout the night, causing each infusion of fresh dialysate to dwell in the user's peritoneal cavity for a predetermined time. All spent fluids are routed from the peritoneal dialysis machine to a toilet or a sewer drain.

Abstract: A valve for controlling material flow through a catheter, comprises a first flexible member including a first moveable element, wherein, when the first moveable element is in the open position, material may flow past the first flexible member through a first lumen of the catheter and, when the first moveable element is in the closed position, flow through the first lumen is prevented and a first biasing member coupled to the first flexible member for biasing the first moveable member toward the closed position.

Abstract: A dual lumen cannula includes a first lumen having at least one aperture for removing a fluid from the interior of the heart right atrium, and a second lumen for delivering a fluid into the interior of the pulmonary artery or the heart left atrium. The second lumen includes a distal selectively curvable portion having a length of from about 4 cm to about 22 cm to position an end thereof within the interior of the pulmonary artery lumen or the human heart left atrium interior when a distal end of the first lumen is positioned within a right atrium of the human heart. The second lumen may also include a distal anchoring structure for preventing inadvertent withdrawal from a surgical site.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleansing blood are disclosed herein. The methods include acoustically separating undesirable particles bound to capture particles from formed elements of whole blood. After introducing the capture particles to whole blood containing undesirable particles, the whole blood and capture particles are flowed through a microfluidic separation channel. At least one bulk acoustic transducer is attached to the microfluidic separation channel. A standing acoustic wave, imparted on the channel and its contents by the bulk acoustic transducer, drives the formed elements and undesirable particles bound to capture particles to specific aggregation axes. After aggregating the particles, the formed elements exit the separation channel through a first outlet and are returned to the patient. The undesirable particles, bound to the capture particles, exit through a second outlet and can be discarded to saved for later study.

Abstract: A feminine hygiene system is provided. The feminine hygiene system is configured to allow a user to discretely transport a feminine hygiene product. The system includes a housing that resembles the shape of a purse forming an interior volume. The interior volume is configured to support a reservoir therein configured to support a volume of cleansing fluid therein. The housing includes an outlet valve that is in fluid communication with the reservoir, wherein a hose having an attachment end and a dispersing end is configured to removably attach to the outlet valve to dispense the cleansing fluid. The housing further includes a flap configured to provide access to the interior volume and a handle configured to allow a user to discretely carry the feminine hygiene system.

Abstract: Various syringe systems are disclosed. One illustrative syringe system may include a syringe body having a hollow lumen and a distal end. The syringe body may be configured to house a plurality of fluids therein. A first plunger may be positioned in the hollow lumen of the syringe body, forming a first seal with an inner wall of the syringe body, and forming a first compartment between the first plunger and the distal end of the syringe. A second plunger may be positioned proximal to the first plunger in the hollow lumen of the syringe body, forming a second seal with the inner wall of the syringe body, and forming a second compartment between the first plunger and the second plunger. A plurality of recesses may be disposed about the inner wall of the syringe body near the distal end of the syringe body.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating a tennis elbow by percutaneous intervention, includes: a body having an actuating element, a fixing part arranged to fixably position the body, a positioning device connected to the body, including a positioning part moveable by the actuating element, a holder releasably connected to the positioning part, and including a top part for the releasable connection to the positioning part and a bottom part defining a support surface for supporting an elbow tendon region of a person to be treated, the support surface, the top and bottom parts being connected by one or more connecting members, the holder including a holder part with a number of penetration elements arranged thereon, wherein the top and bottom parts are spaced-apart at such a distance that, before penetration of the elbow tendon, the penetration tips of the penetration elements are covered by the bottom part.

Abstract: A disposable patch pump may be provided with a filling adapter, to ensure filling by an authorized user. The adapter mates with the pump and a source of medicament, such as an insulin vial, to prevent filling the pump directly with a conventional syringe. The adapter and/or pump filling port may be configured with a frangible element, to limit the system to single use.

Abstract: An automated insertion assembly includes a first dermal perforation assembly configured to releasably engage a first subdermal device. A first actuation assembly is configured to drive the first dermal perforation assembly into a user's skin to a first depth and drive the first subdermal device into the user's skin to a second depth. The second depth is greater than the first depth.

Abstract: A sealed fluid transfer device comprised of tubing, a proximal fitting, and a distal needle assembly is provided. The needle assembly includes a needle hub secured to a needle cannula. A cantilevered actuator arm extends outwardly from the needle hub having an actuator button at its free end. The needle assembly is disposed in a barrel and can move from a distal position, where the needle is exposed, to a proximal position, where the needle is shielded. The barrel includes a septum which seals the barrel. A spring is disposed in the barrel for propelling the needle assembly to the proximal position. The barrel includes an aperture that receives the actuator button for locking the spring in a compressed condition. Depression of the actuator button enables the spring to propel the needle assembly into its proximal position. A safety mechanism prevents inadvertent depression of the actuator button.

Abstract: A fluid injecting apparatus includes: a cartridge portion which has a tube that transports a fluid, a plurality of fingers that press the tube, and a blocking member that blocks the tube; and a main body portion which has a cam that presses the plurality of fingers. When the cartridge portion is detached from the main body portion, the blocking member blocks the tube. When the cartridge portion is mounted to the main body portion, the cam presses at least one of the fingers such that the tube is blocked at the position of the pressed finger and the blocking of the tube by the blocking member is released.

Abstract: A trigger assembly for an automatic injection device which by its operation releases a biased element of the device for movement. The trigger assembly includes a button pressable by a user, and a lock member. Prior to the button being plunged, a blocking element on the button is abutted by a button-engaging surface of the lock member to prevent lock member rotation, thereby allowing an engagement surface on the lock member to remain in engagement with an engagement surface of the biased element so as to restrain motion of the biased element. When the button is plunged, the blocking surface moves clear of the button-engaging surface to allow the lock member to rotate, during which rotation the engagement surfaces disengage to release the biased element for movement.

Abstract: Device for dispensing a substance having: a dispensing element through which the substance can be dispensed, a displaceable protective element for the dispensing element, a drive element that is coupled with the protective element and a feedback element which can generate a signal when or after a predefined quantity or the entire quantity of the substance to be dispensed has been dispensed characterized in that the feedback device is coupled with the drive element.

Abstract: An autoinjector for dispensing a liquid product includes a housing; a product container arranged in the housing, particularly, a syringe comprising a displaceable piston; a drive member; a first spring which acts on the drive member and the piston to dispense the product from the container; signal element releasably axially coupled with the drive member so that the signal element is transported in the dispensing direction as said drive member is displaced; and a second spring, which exerts a spring force on the signal element against the dispensing direction and is tensioned as the signal element is transported in the dispensing direction. When the signal element is released or detached from the axial coupling, the second spring causes the signal element to accelerate opposite the dispensing direction and strike against a signal stop and generate an acoustic and/or tactile signal.

Abstract: An injector for injecting a medicament in a patient. The injector includes a container comprising a fluid chamber containing a first volume of a medicament, and an injection conduit associated with the fluid chamber for defining a fluid pathway therefrom to inject the medicament from the fluid chamber through the injection conduit to an injection location. The injector also includes a firing mechanism associated with the fluid chamber for expelling the medicament from the fluid chamber through the injection conduit, and a volume-control mechanism operable to control a fraction of the first volume of medicament that is injected when the firing mechanism is actuated to inject the medicament.

Abstract: A fluid delivery injector comprises a syringe defining a barrel; a plunger and a hollow needle provided within the barrel adapted for linear movement parallel to a longitudinal axis with a distal tip of the needle contained within the syringe. A fluid retention reservoir is defined at least in the barrel and is in fluid communication with the needle when pressure is applied to the fluid in the reservoir and to the plunger for moving the needle out of the barrel. A spring may be provided for retracting the needle when pressure is released from the plunger.

Abstract: A low-waste needle and syringe assembly for injecting a fluid into a patient is provided. The syringe has hatch marks printed on the outer wall of the body to indicate the amount of fluid and/or the concentration of the fluid contained in a fluid chamber of the syringe. A syringe tip defining a substantially frusto-conical interior void extends from an end wall of the syringe. A needle hub holds a needle and is configured so that the hub can be selectively and securedly attached to the syringe. A frusto-conical member of the needle hub matingly engages the frusto-conical void of the syringe tip when the hub is secured to the syringe, forming a fluid-tight seal. A plunger positioned in the fluid chamber can be depressed by a user, and a piston cap attached to the plunger urges fluid in the chamber out of the chamber through the syringe tip and into the needle. The piston cap matingly engages the end wall of the syringe so that substantially all fluid is urged from the chamber to the needle.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an attachment for an operable drug delivery device, comprising a gripping sleeve member that is configured to receive a first member of the operable drug delivery device, wherein the gripping sleeve member comprises a first gripping sleeve member part comprising a first engagement feature at its inner surface that is configured to engage the first gripping sleeve member part in a torque-proof manner with the first member of the operable drug delivery device. Further, the present invention concerns a use of the attachment or a system of attachments for operating the operable drug delivery device.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to an assembly for a drug delivery device having a housing part, a piston rod displaceable relative to the housing part, a first sleeve member and a second sleeve member. First and second sleeve members are coupled to the housing part. In an initial state of the assembly the first sleeve member is movable from an initial position to a second position relative to the second sleeve member which allows the piston rod to axially travel from an initial position to a predetermined second position such that the assembly is in a primed state. Moreover, in the primed state of the assembly, with the first sleeve member being in the second position relative to the second sleeve member, first and second sleeve members are permanently rotationally and axially locked to each other by a first engagement feature such that first and second sleeve members together form a sleeve.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a drive mechanism for a drug delivery device, having a first and a second state and comprising a piston rod configured to be moved in a distal direction when the drive mechanism is operated and an adjusting member, wherein the adjusting member is rotatable relative to a body of the drug delivery device in the first state of the drive mechanism and is prevented from rotating relative to the body in the second state of the drive mechanism, and wherein the adjusting member is configured to adjust an axial position of the piston rod in the first state of the drive mechanism.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided, the assembly comprising an actuator which is configured to be operated in order to dispense a dose of medication and a feedback feature being configured to give a feedback signal to a user at the end of a dwell period after the actuator has reached an end position.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided, the assembly comprising an actuator which is configured to perform a setting movement in a proximal direction in order to set a dose of a drug, and which is configured to perform a dispense movement in a distal direction in order to dispense a dose of a drug. The assembly further comprises stop mechanism acting after a maximum amount of a drug has been delivered, which is configured to axially constrain the setting movement of the actuator such that the setting of a dose is inhibited, wherein a limited axial movement of the actuator is allowed.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided, the assembly having an actuator which is configured to perform a setting movement in a proximal direction in order to set a dose of a drug, and which is configured to perform a dispense movement in a distal direction in order to dispense a dose of a drug. The assembly further having a stop mechanism acting after a maximum amount of a drug has been delivered, which is configured to axially constrain the setting movement of the actuator such that the setting of a dose is inhibited, wherein a limited axial movement of the actuator is allowed.

Abstract: An electronic logging unit adapted to be housed in a drug-filled cartridge having an axially displaceable piston and an outer cavity formed between the piston and the cartridge proximal opening, the logging unit comprising a general axis, a first distal portion adapted to engage the cartridge piston, and a second proximal portion adapted to engage a rotating element having a rotational axis corresponding to the general axis. The unit is provided with sensor means adapted to detect the amount of relative rotation between the first and second portions, and storage means adapted to store data representing detected amounts of relative rotation.

Abstract: A fluid injection device having a syringe body, a needle, and a needle protection device. The protection device includes a substantially flexible or deformable inner body and a substantially rigid outer body. The inner body closes the dispenser orifice of the needle, and co-operates with the injection device in leaktight manner, and the outer body co-operates with the injection device so as to fasten the protection device on the injection device. The inner body includes a radial projection, and the outer body includes a radial shoulder and a radial end edge that defines a top axial opening. The inner body is inserted in the outer body through the top axial opening, with the radial projection in abutment against the radial shoulder, the axial end edge of the outer body folded down on the inner body so as to fasten the inner body in the outer body.

Abstract: A self-retracting safety syringe has a hollow syringe body, a hollow needle having a point at its tip and a tip-lock at its base, a sleeve around the needle configured to sealingly retain the needle, a hollow plunger configured to engage the interior walls of the syringe body, the plunger having a tip sealingly engaged with the interior walls and having an aperture therein to accommodate the tip-lock, a collar circumferentially mounted on the interior wall of the plunger, a retractor for accepting and retaining the tip-lock, wherein the distal end is retained within the proximal end of the plunger by the collar, and a spring biasing the retractor against the collar, wherein the tip-lock and plunger join, and wherein the retractor is pushed past the collar and is adapted to pull the needle from within the sleeve into the hollow plunger.

Abstract: A needle tip assembly for a pre-loaded syringe or a pen needle injection device, wherein the needle tip assembly comprises a needle mounted to a needle support and comprising a first puncturing end projecting from a front side of the needle support and a second puncturing end projecting from a rear side of the needle support. A body is sized and configured to receive therein the needle support and the needle. The body comprises a front portion, a rear portion, and an overall axial length that is greater than an axial length of the needle. Prior to the needle tip assembly being in an installed condition on the pre-loaded syringe or the pen needle injection device, each of the front portion covers the first puncturing end and the rear portion covers the second puncturing end. Prior to removal from the pre-loaded syringe or the pen needle injection device, the body is at least axially movably relative to the needle support to a position the front portion covers the first puncturing end.

Abstract: A needle insertion system is disclosed that includes a moveable hollow needle having a distal tip configured to be transdermally inserted into a vertebrate subject at an insertion-target region; at least one sensor operable to detect skin structure at a position in proximity to the distal tip of the moveable needle in the insertion-target region; and control circuitry operably coupled to the at least one sensor and configured to receive information therefrom indicating the skin structure at the insertion-target region in proximity to the distal tip, and the control circuitry configured to output moveable needle targeting instructions to control movement of the moveable needle into the skin in response to one or more signals from the at least one sensor detecting the skin structure in proximity to the distal tip. A method for inserting a movable needle of a needle insertion system into a vertebrate subject is disclosed.

Abstract: Dry powder inhaler systems for pulmonary delivery of pharmaceuticals are disclosed.

Abstract: Interfaces for positive pressure therapy having various vent designs are disclosed herein. The interfaces include a bias flow vent with design geometries that help reduce and/or minimize draft and noise levels of the fluids exiting the vents. Some of the vent designs include particular vent hole geometries, plenum spaces, diffusers and fibrous media.

Abstract: Example embodiments presented herein are directed towards a system, and corresponding method, for providing ventilation synchronization between breathing gas supplied by a mechanical ventilator and the breathing needs of a patient. In providing the ventilation synchronization, a total amount of energy required during an inspiratory phase of breathing is calculated. Based on the calculated energy, a decay factor is determined. The decay factor is supplied to an inspiratory triggering system in order to provide the ventilation synchronization.

Abstract: An adapter for use with a flow generator includes a conduit attachable to the outlet of the flow generator and an identifying element supported by the conduit and providing an identifying feature unique to a specific peripheral component attachable to the flow generator. The identifying feature is communicatable to the flow generator so that appropriate operating parameters of the flow generator may be automatically selected by the flow generator to coordinate with the specific peripheral component.

Abstract: There is suggested a system for automated adjustment of a pressure set by a respiration device, in particular a positive end-expiratory pressure and/or a maximum airway pressure, comprising: an arrangement for electrical impedance tomography for detecting an electrical impedance distribution along at least a two-dimensional cross-section through the human thorax at least at the end of an inspiration phase and at the end of an associated expiration phase; a device for dividing the detected electrical impedance distribution at the end of the inspiration phase and at the end of the expiration phase into a plurality of EIT pixels and for determining a value of the electrical impedance at the end of the inspiration phase and at the end of the expiration phase, as associated with a respective EIT pixel; and a device for automated adjustment of the pressure set by the respiration device on the basis of a comparison (i) of a deviation between the value of the electrical impedance at the end of the inspiration phase a

Abstract: A laryngeal mask that comprises a first element which is a rigid hollow tube essentially in the form of “J”, and which has a lengthwise opening along its entire length, and a second element that comprises a flexible tube, also essentially in the form of a “J”, intended to be housed in the lengthwise opening of the first element, and which can be separated from it. This provides a configuration for a laryngeal mask that can change from having rigid properties to flexible ones at the doctor's will, without the need to interrupt the patient's supply of oxygen at any time.

Abstract: A patient interface is disclosed which is comfortable for the user to wear and includes at least in part a moisture permeable or breathable area in the body of the patient interface. In another embodiment the patient interface is a strapless mask that is moulded to fit the contours of a user's face and maximise the mask-to-skin seal. An adhesive material is bonded to the mask cushion and is stamped in place to form substantially the same shape as the cushion such that it fits the facial contours of the user.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes a manifold assembly including a manifold body and a rotational coupling. The manifold body includes an elastic portion. The rotational coupling includes a rigid conduit. The rigid conduit is rotatably coupled to the manifold body elastic portion. The rotational coupling and the elastic portion decouple the remaining portions of the manifold body from external forces applied to the rigid conduit.

Abstract: The ventilation interface for sleep apnea therapy interfaces a ventilation device to the patient's airways. The ventilation interface includes a pair of nasal inserts made from flexible, resilient silicone which are oval shaped in cross-section and slightly tapered from a base proximal the ventilation supply to the distal tip end. A bead flange is disposed about the exterior of each insert at the distal end of the insert. A bleed port for release of exhaled air is defined through a conical vent projecting normally to the path of the incoming air flow, and continues through a nipple extending to the exterior of the air conduit. In one embodiment, a pair of nasal inserts are integral with a nasal cannula body, with bleed ports axially aligned with each insert. In another embodiment, each insert is independently connected to a separate, thin-walled, flexible supply line.

Abstract: Mask assemblies, breathing circuits and related components include configurations for reducing condensation within the mask and/or inhibiting or preventing condensation from coming into contact with a user of the mask. The mask assemblies can incorporate heating elements (such as heating coils), insulating spaces or barrier layers.

Abstract: A system for pressurizing liquid is described herein. The system may include a liquid reservoir and a pump coupled to the liquid reservoir, the pump to draw liquid from the liquid reservoir. A compliant volume coupled to the pump receives liquid from pump. The compliant volume is composed of an elastic material to increase pressure of the liquid. A valve coupled to the compliant volume receives pressurized liquid from the compliant volume.

Abstract: A relaxation dome apparatus including a curved shell element which creates a microenvironment substantially surrounding the head, neck, and torso of a user person, wherein the interior surface of the shell facing the user person forms a relatively smooth regular curved surface. The apparatus includes an individual seating space, audio transducers configured to produce at least two sound signals proximate the user person's head, and a user interface to guide the user in obtaining a personal relaxation experience without need for an attendant, and for the purposes of collecting data. The apparatus may include combinations of visible light stimuli, biofeedback or neurofeedback data collection sensors, audio tracks which may include monaural, isochromic or binaural beats, and microcrystalline ceramic tiles. A database of aggregated user data and an Internet connection may each enable broadened therapy experiences for users.

Abstract: The present invention related to a catheter device having a side port in which is contained an actuator, the actuator being configured to compress a tubing of the catheter device inwardly when a separated device is inserted into the side port, thereby opening a flowpath from the side port to the inner lumen of the catheter device. In some instances, the side port actuator further comprises an antimicrobial agent or is formed from an antimicrobial material whereby the actuator prevents antimicrobial growth or colonization within fluid that remains in the side port following use thereof.