Abstract: A dialysis system comprising: a sorbent cartridge in fluid communication with at least one of a patient or a dialyzer, the sorbent cartridge including a housing having a zirconium phosphate layer followed by at least one of a urease layer, a zirconium oxide layer, or a carbon layer; a storage container in fluid communication with the sorbent cartridge; a pump in fluid communication sorbent cartridge and the storage container; and a control unit in operable communication with the pump, wherein the control unit is programmed to cause the pump to pump a dialysis fluid to flow (i) in a first direction through the sorbent cartridge, wherein the zirconium phosphate layer is contacted by the dialysis fluid before the at least one of the urease layer, zirconium oxide layer or carbon layer and (ii) in a second direction, reverse from the first direction, through the sorbent cartridge wherein the at least one of the urease layer, zirconium oxide layer or carbon layer is contacted by the dialysis fluid before the zircon

Abstract: There is provided a sorbent for removing metabolic waste products from a dialysis liquid, the sorbent comprising a layer of immobilized uremic toxin-treating enzyme particles intermixed with cation exchange particles.

Abstract: A medical pump or the like provides a flow sensor element that may be integrated into the IV tubing assembly. The flow sensor element fits within the medical pump which may provide for capacitive plates sensing changes in the electrical environment within the flow sensor element to deduce flow. For example, the flow sensor element may promote free space liquid drops that cause a periodic change in capacitance across the flow sensor element or the flow sensor element may hold a physical turbine or the like whose movement changes the capacitance across the capacitive plates.

Abstract: A diabetes therapy device is disclosed herein, which includes a profile memory storing a parameter profile and a dedicated reference time mark. The parameter profile defines at least one parameter that is associated with insulin administration as a function of time for a generally circadian chronobiological cycle. The reference time mark indicates the beginning of the circadian chronobiological cycle and initializes a running time. Insulin amounts to be administered are determined as a function of the running time in accordance with a current matching of the parameter profile. A modified matching based on the reference time mark and an upcoming trigger time is computed and is time-shifted from the current matching, wherein the modified matching is applied by making the modified matching the current matching, such that future insulin amounts to be administered are determined in accordance with the modified matching.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fluid delivery system that comprises a fluid container having a chamber structured to hold a fluid therein and a delivery device operable to control delivery of a fluid from the chamber of the fluid container. The fluid container includes a geometric mating member extending from an outer surface thereof. The delivery device includes a geometric mating receptacle structured to mate with at least a portion of the geometric mating member of the fluid container to verify compatibility of the fluid container with the delivery device. Alternatively or additionally, the fluid container may include a first data fixture component and the delivery device may include a second data fixture component that cooperates with the first data fixture component of the fluid container to verify compatibility of the fluid container with the delivery device.

Abstract: Syringe assemblies and adapters for syringes that attach to and allow non-native syringes to be accepted by injectors having injector syringe interfaces adapted for particular types of syringes are described herein. Methods of forming the syringe assemblies, and kits including the syringe adapters which enable a non-native syringe to be operably attached to an injector are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating solid tumors having at least one hollow needle having at least one perforation, at least one ground electrode, a pump for delivering a chemotherapeutic agent through the perforation in the hollow needle, one or more power supplies connected to the hollow needle and the ground electrode capable of delivering a pulse of alternating current between the hollow needle and the ground electrode of at least 1000 volts and no more than 1 millisecond duration, a direct current between the hollow needle and the ground electrode between about 1 mA and 100 mA, and a second alternating current having a frequency range between about 1 MHz and 1000 MHz.

Abstract: A first drug delivery system includes first and second drug-container holders and first and second pump assemblies. The first (second) holder is adapted to receive a first (second) drug container having a first (a different second) dimensioned shape but not a second (first) drug container having a different second (a first) dimensioned shape. A second drug delivery system includes first and second bar code scanners, first and second drug-container holders, and first and second pump assemblies. The first (second) holder is adapted to receive a first (second) drug container having a dimensioned shape and to orient a positioned first (second) bar code of the first (second) drug container to face the first (second) bar code scanner because of the dimensioned shape. In one application, the first drug is a sedative drug, the second drug is an analgesic drug, and the drugs are used during a conscious sedation medical procedure.

Abstract: Portable or ambulatory infusion devices and systems capable of remotely updating an ambulatory fluid delivery device include safety protocols that verify the status of the ambulatory fluid delivery device before and after a field update of software. Methods of accomplishing the same field update of software are also described.

Abstract: An automatic injection device (100) adapted to automatically eject a dose of a medicament by automatically inserting a needle (112) into the skin of a user, ejecting a dose of a medicament through the needle, and subsequently retracting the needle into a housing (122) of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament, comprising a housing arranged to contain a syringe with a hollow needle and a stopper for sealing the syringe and displacing the medicament, the housing having a distal end and a proximal end with an orifice intended to be applied against an injection site, wherein the syringe is slidably arranged with respect to the housing, drive means capable of, upon activation: pushing the needle from a covered position inside the housing into an advanced position through the orifice and past the proximal end, and operating the syringe to supply the dose of medicament, and activating means arranged to lock the drive means in a loaded state prior to manual operation and capable of, upon manual operation, releasing the drive means for injection, characterized in that the drive means is at least one spring essentially transversally arranged with respect to a longitudinal axis of the syringe at least when in the loaded state.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cartridge assemblies that include coding features that help dedicate a medicament reservoir to specific injection devices. An exemplary cartridge assembly comprises a cylindrical inner surface for holding medicament and a cylindrical outer surface comprising at its proximal end one or more stops configured as coding elements protruding from the cylindrical outer surface. Each coding element is configured only to engage a corresponding coding feature on a dose setting and delivery mechanism, thereby allowing only the correct cartridge assembly to connect to the dose setting and delivery mechanism.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detent mechanism for controlling translation between two components in a longitudinal direction, the detent mechanism comprising a resilient beam on one of the components and a rhomboid ramp member on the other component, the resilient beam being essentially straight when relaxed and having a first beam head and arranged to interact in a ramped engagement with respectively one of two ramps, each ramp on one longitudinal side of the rhomboid ramp member in such a manner that application of a translative force between the components in one longitudinal direction with the first beam head engaged to one of the ramps in a first state deflects the resilient beam in one transversal direction when a predetermined value of the translative force, at least depending on the resilience of the resilient beam, is overcome so as to allow the first beam head to travel along one transversal side of the rhomboid ramp member on continued relative translation of the components, wherein the resilient bea

Abstract: A medication delivery device (100) comprises a container (101) for holding a medication (104) and a piston (102) which is at least partly arranged within the container (101) and which is axially displaceable with respect to the container (101). The piston (102) is at least partly arranged at a distance from an inner surface (112) of the container (101), thereby providing a channel (116) between the piston (102) and the container (101). The device (100) further comprises a seal (103), the seal (103) being arranged to limit the channel (116) proximally.

Abstract: An ultrasonic suspension delivery system is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic energy source and an ultrasonic resonating syringe electrically coupled thereto. The ultrasonic resonating syringe includes a barrel with a nozzle, and an ultrasonic resonating plunger slidingly displaceable within the barrel. The ultrasonic resonating syringe includes front and rear bodies, front and rear transducers, and front and rear horns. A support member or a transition member may also be included.

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic injection device including a container provided with a needle; a housing receiving a container movable relative to the housing between an initial position to an insertion position; a needle shield for receiving the needle and in which the needle is embedded prior to use of the device; and a deshielder coupled to the needle shield by a first connecting arrangement and removably assembled to the distal part of the housing by a second connecting arrangement. The first and second connecting arrangements are designed so that a rotational movement of the deshielder about the device axis of the device with respect to the housing causes an axial displacement of the needle shield in the distal direction with substantially no rotational movement of the needle shield with respect to the needle.

Abstract: A needle assembly for a drug delivery device includes a cup-shaped receptacle of non-circular cross-section having a bottom section supporting a needle element. The needle element is adapted to penetrate a pierceable seal of a cartridge to be disposed in a cartridge holder of the drug delivery device. The receptacle includes a fastening mechanism adapted to engage with a fastening mechanism of a support section of the cartridge holder for releasably fastening the needle assembly. The fastening mechanisms are convertible into a release configuration by changing the distance between mutually corresponding fastening mechanisms through twisting the receptacle with respect to the support section.

Abstract: A method for directly delivering whereby a substance is introduced into an intradermal space within mammalian skin which involves administering the substance through at least one small gauge hollow needle having an outlet with an exposed height between 0 and 1 mm. The outlet is inserted into the skin to a depth of between 0.3 mm and 2 mm such that the delivery of the substance occurs at a depth between 0.3 mm and 2 mm.

Abstract: An autoinjection device has front and rear separable assemblies (10) and (12). The rear assembly contains a drive assembly which is triggered or unlatched by rearward movement of an actuating sleeve (14) extending from the front assembly. A locking dial (16) is provided which locks the actuating sleeve against rearward movement until the dial is moved to an unlocked position. The dial automatically returns to a locked position upon initial rearward movement of the actuating member (14), so that, when the actuating member (14) moves forwardly after completion of an injection, it locks out to shroud the needle of the autoinjection device. The docking dial can be made integral with the actuating member (14) in an alternative embodiment.

Abstract: An aerosol transfer device for medical aerosol generators includes a body, fluidically coupled to a nebulizer and to a patient interface. An ambient air intake is formed into a lower body. The body is shaped and configured to optimize mixing of ambient air from the ambient air intake and the aerosol generated by the nebulizer, resulting in the formation of an aerosol plume having optimum characteristics for delivery of the aerosol to the patient's pulmonary system, such as the central or deep lung regions. The shape and dimensions of the body are further designed to minimize aerosol deposition, thus improving delivery efficiency.

Abstract: A dry-powder inhaler (100; 200) having: a body (110; 210) forming a dispersion chamber (111; 211); a dispenser orifice (131; 231) through which the user inhales; a loading opening (121; 220) that receives a capsule (10) containing a dose of dry powder for inhaling; and capsule opening mechanism (140; 265) for opening a capsule inserted into said loading opening and emptying the dose of powder into said dispersion chamber. The body (110; 210), at least at one wall of said dispersion chamber, is made of a tinted transparent material that is adapted to filter UV rays, at least in part, and to make it possible to see the inside of the dispersion chamber while masking, at least in part, residues of powder that are stuck to the at least one wall of tinted transparent material.

Abstract: A dry powder or aerosol inhaler having attached thereto, in a detachable manner, a sound/vibration sensor adapted to sense sound/vibration in the interval of 100-3000 Hz and there from derive a parameter of a flow in a flow path of the inhaler. The sensor does not interfere with the flow path of the inhaler.

Abstract: In a modular medicament delivery system, a dispenser housing has a support block with a well and an orifice communicating with the well. A first container assembly includes a valve stem shaped to be received by the well in the support block. The first container assembly has a first exterior shape. A second container assembly includes a valve stem shaped to be received by the well in the support block. The second container assembly has a second exterior shape that is different than the first exterior shape. An insert member is adapted for mounting to the dispenser housing in the cavity and defines an interior space shaped to receive the second exterior shape of the second container. Methods of assembling the system, a system kit and a device are also provided. A medication delivery device includes first and second end pieces and a collapsible chamber disposed therebetween.

Abstract: Various embodiments of tracheal tube assemblies disclosed herein may include a tubular body having an open distal end for ventilating a patient and a cuff disposed around the tubular body above the open distal end. The cuff may be adapted to be inflated to seal the cuff against a wall of a trachea of the patient. The cuff may include a first portion that spaces the tubular body a first distance from the tracheal wall when inflated and a second portion that spaces the tubular body a second distance from the tracheal wall when inflated. The second distance may be greater than the first distance.

Abstract: An adapter assembly including a manifold and a valve assembly. The valve assembly includes a seat and a valve body having a circular base and a wall. The wall extends from a trailing side of the base to form a dome-like shape terminating at an end at which a slit is formed, with the wall defining opposing sealing edges at the slit. The seat has an upper circumferential surface and a lower circumferential surface. The upper surface engages a leading side of the base, whereas the lower surface engages a trailing side. At least one of the upper and lower surfaces forms a segment of increased height. Upon final assembly, the valve body is disposed across a passageway of the manifold, with the slit providing a selectively openable path. A force imparted by the segment of increased height flexes the base and biases the sealing edges into engagement.

Abstract: An elbow for a mask system includes a proximal end adapted to be provided to the mask system, a distal end adapted to be provided to an air delivery conduit, and a baffle provided within the proximal end. The baffle has a generally planar configuration that defines an intake port that directs incoming air from the air delivery conduit into a mask cavity and an exhaust port separated from the intake port that directs exhaust air from the mask cavity to atmosphere. The baffle includes an end portion that is adapted to extend into the mask cavity defined by the mask system.

Abstract: A fluid coupling conduit (6, 50, 70, 104, 134) includes an inlet end (28, 52, 76, 110, 140) structured to receive a flow of breathing gas, an outlet end (32, 56, 78, 112, 142) fluidly coupled to the inlet end and defining an outlet opening, a central chamber portion (36, 60, 80, 124, 145) positioned between the inlet end and the outlet end, the central chamber portion having an outer wall (38, 62, 82, 116, 146) positioned opposite the outlet opening. The outer wall has a plurality of exhaust gas orifices (40, 64, 84, 118, 148) extending therethrough. A number of sound attenuating structures are disposed in the central chamber portion between the outlet opening and the outer wall. The sound attenuating structures including a plurality of surfaces structured to reflect sound waves associated with exhaust gas flow through the fluid coupling conduit.

Abstract: A breathing mask includes an elastomeric cushion with a sealing lip having an outer engagement surface configured to sealingly abut against the patient's face. The sealing lip has a plurality of zones. A first zone has an elastomeric wall and includes a portion of the elastomeric cushion adapted to abut against a bridge of a patient's nose. A second zone has an elastomeric wall and includes a portion of the elastomeric cushion adapted to abut against the patient's face at a location opposite the first zone. A pair of intermediate zones include portions of the elastomeric cushion adapted to abut against the patient's face between the first and second zones and have relatively thick elastomeric walls compared to the elastic walls of the first and second zones so that the pair of intermediate zones has a higher load-bearing capability than the first and second zones.

Abstract: A forehead-contacting device for a breathing mask includes a support element made from an elastomer material. The support element forms a support face which in an application position is adapted to seat on a forehead area of a user. The support element includes a jacket that defines a hollow chamber adapted to be filled with a viscous medium.

Abstract: A heater wire including at least one extending component disposed thereon. The heater wire is positioned within a respiratory gas conduit.

Abstract: A system for collecting an anaesthetic agent, having at least one anaesthetic gas scavenging system (AGSS) for receiving exhaust gas from a plurality of sources, the exhaust gas including the anaesthetic agent to be collected, each AGSS comprising at least one power source for providing suction of the exhaust gas from the plurality of sources under negative pressure, and a central collection system for receiving the exhaust gas, the central collection system comprising at least one collector for collecting the anaesthetic agent from the exhaust gas, wherein the at least one collector is configured to adsorb the anaesthetic agent from the exhaust gas. The central collection system may be configured to received the exhaust gases from the at least one AGSS, with the central collection system being located downstream of the at least one AGSS.

Abstract: A system comprises a respiratory delivery arrangement adapted to cover at least one respiratory orifice of a patient. The system also comprises a first conduit having a first end and a second end, the second end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. A positive pressure is provided to the respiratory orifice via the first conduit and a second conduit having a third end and a fourth end, the fourth end connected to the respiratory delivery arrangement. An exhaled gas is extracted from the respiratory orifice by one or both of a valve configured to redirect flow through the respiratory delivery arrangement and a venturi opening.

Abstract: Timed stimulation of both somatosensory system and auditory system is controlled, in such a manner, that an individual's brain activity is altered through spike-timing dependent plasticity, thereby reducing or removing tinnitus.

Abstract: An infusion catheter includes a catheter body having a proximal end, a distal end, and two or more lumens extending therethrough. The infusion catheter also includes an infusion tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and one or more ports disposed therethrough. The first lumen of the catheter body is in fluid communication with the lumen of the infusion tube. A central member has a distal end connected to the distal end of the infusion tube, a proximal end, and a proximal portion slidably received in the second lumen of the catheter body. The infusion tube is disposed relative to the central member such that axial advancement of the central member relative to the catheter body radially collapses the infusion tube over the central member and axial retraction of the central member relative to the catheter body radially expands the infusion tube about the central member.

Abstract: A method is described for repairing tissue of a selected organ from among heart, brain, liver, pancreas, kidney, and glands in a patient's body. In the method, stem cells that have the capability to repair tissue of the selected organ are intraluminally applied through a designated natural body vessel or duct leading to a predetermined target site of the tissue of the selected organ to be repaired. The stem cells are delivered into the respective vessel or duct through a catheter having a proximal portion of relatively larger central lumen diameter and outer diameter, and a distal portion of relatively smaller central lumen diameter and outer diameter, the two portions being integral with one another so that stem cells delivered into the central lumen of the proximal portion will flow through and exit the central lumen of the distal portion, the lumen diameter and length of each of the two portions being selected to minimize the pressure drop across the catheter during flow of the stem cells.

Abstract: A system and method for quickly detaching an implant and for locating the detachment zone of a detachable implant. A sensor determines a sudden change in the local environment as the sensor passes from within a microcatheter to being exposed to the vasculature. The sensor may be a temperature sensor, ultrasonic sensor, pressure sensor or the like. If the detachable implant assembly uses a heater coil to detach the implant, the heater coil may be used as a sensor. Additionally, the implant itself may be used as a sensor if a change in electrical resistance is detectable as the implant exits the microcatheter and changes shape.

Abstract: A hub assembly is provided for accommodating a medical professional to grip and manipulate two components of a catheter hub and move one component longitudinally relative to the other, then removably engaging the two components of the catheter hub to restrict movement there between. The two catheter hub components include a proximal hub and a distal hub. The proximal hub and the distal hub are configured to removably engage with one another. The proximal hub is affixed to a first catheter member, such as a multi-lumen catheter, while the distal hub is affixed to a second catheter member, such as a sheath. The first catheter member and the second catheter member are cooperatively engaged and concentric with one another. Relative movement of the proximal and distal hubs translates into relative movement of the first and second catheter members.

Abstract: A hub assembly is provided for accommodating a medical professional to grip and manipulate two components of a catheter hub and move one component longitudinally relative to the other, then removably engaging the two components of the catheter hub to restrict movement there between. The two catheter hub components include a proximal hub and a distal hub. The proximal hub and the distal hub are configured to removably engage with one another. The proximal hub is affixed to a first catheter member, such as a multi-lumen catheter, while the distal hub is affixed to a second catheter member, such as a sheath. The first catheter member and the second catheter member are cooperatively engaged and concentric with one another. Relative movement of the proximal and distal hubs translates into relative movement of the first and second catheter members.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery through a vessel including an extensor segment and first and second anchor segments positioned on either side of the extensor segment, wherein each segment has associated with it an individually-addressable electro-active polymer.

Abstract: A medical device anchor for use with electrical stimulation leads or catheters, and method of manufacture thereof. The anchor may include a gripping structure and a body portion molded on the gripping structure. The gripping structure forms a serpentine arrangement of a continuous nature with axial segments alternately interconnected between shoulder segments and bridging segments. The shoulder segments extend radially outward relative to the through hole further than the axial segments. The body portion may be formed by molding to securely capture the shoulder in the body portion, with the body portion being molded of material that is softer and more compliant than the gripping structure.

Abstract: A catheter is described herein, having a catheter shaft including a proximal end and a distal end, a tip attached to the distal end, including first and second legs spaced apart to form a slot therebetween, the slot in fluid communication with a lumen of the catheter shaft, and a bladder inflatable element positioned over an outer surface of at least one of the first and second legs.

Abstract: An angioplasty balloon (40) is provided with a plurality of scoring elements (44) extending along the balloon (40). Within the scoring element (44) there are provided channels or lumens (36) extending therethrough. The channels or lumens (36) provide for Rayleigh scattering of ultrasonic waves directed to the balloon (40), thereby being visible by imaging devices. The channels or lumens (36) provide visibility of the balloon (40) during medical procedures, both when the balloon (40) is in a deflated, wrapped, condition and also when the balloon (40) is inflated. It is not necessary to use contrast media to fill the balloon (40).

Abstract: A tool includes a locator having a center aligned with a rotor axis when disposed over the valve. The locator has a first dimension approximately perpendicular with the rotor axis. A wall of the locator forms a volume to allow an adjustor to be disposed therein. The adjustor fits within the wall and has a magnet having a magnetic axis to unlock the rotor. An adjustable outer wall has a first position dimension permitting the adjustor to rotate about the center of the locator and aligning the magnetic axis with the center. The adjustable outer wall has a second position dimension less than the first dimension and the first position dimension. The adjustor can move lateral, rotational, and orbital in the locator misaligning the magnetic axis with the center. Misaligning the magnetic and rotor axes unlocks the rotors and the magnet maintains the unlocked state even when the axes are misaligned.

Abstract: The CSF shunt valve includes an elongate, hollow housing and a valve unit disposed within the housing. A plurality of exit ports are formed along the wall of the housing, and a plurality of bleeder ports are formed on the bottom of the housing. The valve unit includes at least one regulating mechanism disposed within the housing. Each regulating mechanism includes an obstructing member operatively attached to a spring. The spring is compressible within a predefined range of fluid pressure. The obstructing member compresses the attached spring in response to fluid pressure acting thereon, opening the exit ports for fluid being drained. The spring-biased obstructing members facilitate self-adjustment for drainage flow. Although arranged in series, the range limits are not continuous with subsequent springs, which safeguards against transient spikes in fluid pressure and ensures independent compression of subsequent springs in response to the predefined limits of pressure for that spring.

Abstract: Ureteral stents include a tubular body defining a lumen and have a distal kidney section, a proximal bladder section, and a ureter section between the distal and proximal sections. The tubular body has a first material layer and a stiffening member that extends through at least a portion of a length of the tubular body. The stiffening member has a stiffness characteristic that varies along its length. This enables different portions of the stent to have different stiffness characteristics that preferably are optimized for the location of those portions within the human body. The stiffening member may be at least a second material layer having a second stiffness that is different from a first stiffness of the first material layer, and/or at least one strand of material that is embedded within the first material layer.

Abstract: Devices for nasal insertion may include an open-ended tubular element which extends along a central tube axis between a first end and a second end, the first end being larger than the second end, and in which the tubular element includes at least one spiral strut extending from the first end to the second end, and/or a nodule having an internal face, a rounded external face, and a stalk extending from the internal face and terminating in an anchor sufficiently larger than a receptacle in the tubular element and sufficiently deformable as to be pressed through the receptacle to affix the nodule to the tubular element.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a balloon catheter is provided for use during annuloplasty. Preferably, the balloon includes a distal, noncompliant portion and a proximal semi-compliant portion which allows for sequential inflation, reliable positioning, and compliance measurement.

Abstract: A system for treating heart disease, such as pulmonary hypertension or right heart failure, including an implantable component and external components for monitoring the implantable component is provided. The implantable component may include a compliant member, e.g., balloon, coupled to a reservoir via a conduit. Preferably, the compliant member is adapted to be implanted in a pulmonary artery and the reservoir is adapted to be implanted subcutaneously. The external components may include a clinical controller component, monitoring software configured to run a clinician's computer, a patient monitoring device, and a mobile application configured to run on a patient's mobile device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to control of medical fluid injection systems. For instance, in some embodiments, an injection protocol may be initiated, and an actual flow rate of the medical fluid utilized in the injection protocol may be adjusted based, at least in part, on an inherent system elasticity of the injection system.

Abstract: Some assemblies can include a male cap and a female cap, each of which can be used to cover separated medical connectors. In certain arrangements, a male cap can include a movable carriage that transitions from a retracted position when an assembly with which the male cap is associated is in a closed state to an extended position when the assembly is in an open state.