Abstract: Described is a needle assembly attachment and removal device comprising of a base, an outer member fixed to the base, and a first inner member telescoped in the outer member. The outer member includes an inner surface of having first threads. The first inner member includes pins adapted to engage the first threads. The first inner member is adapted to hold a needle assembly. Axial movement of the first inner member within the outer member causes rotation of the first inner member and the needle assembly relative to the outer member.

Abstract: An arterial syringe guide adapted for use with a common arterial syringe is provided for improving the safety of the arterial sampling procedure, for providing easy access to a syringe blood receptacle, and for facilitating the insertion of the needle of a syringe into a targeted artery. An integrated artery stabilizer holds the artery in place during use. A syringe holder retains the needle hub of a hypodermic needle. The blood receptacle component of the employed syringe may be separated from the device, leaving the needle component of the syringe locked on the device for safety.

Abstract: An injection needle assembly includes a needle tube having a needle tip to be stuck into a skin, a first member, a second member, an adjustment portion, and a pressing force restricting member. The first member holds the needle tube and the second member holds the first member movably toward the axial direction of the needle tube. A discharge portion of the syringe is fitted into this second member. The adjustment portion is provided at the periphery of the needle tube and includes a needle protrusion surface which abuts the skin in a case in which the needle tube is stuck to the living body. The pressing force restricting member is arranged between the first member and the second member, and restricts the pressing force added from the first member to the skin.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle system and method for reducing the incidence of infections due to administering fluids by injection to humans or animals is provided. The hypodermic needle system may include a needle with an insert disposed within its hollow channel to substantially prevent bacteria, fungi and/or other organisms/contaminants, which may be present on the exterior surface to be penetrated, from adhering to the inner surfaces of the needle's channel or become trapped in the needle bore. The hypodermic needle system may include a film that covers at least one surface of the needle or insert, and/or have a bent or curved tip to reduce the ability of infectious agents to adhere to said surface/space within the needle. Additionally, the hypodermic needle system may include an anti-infection agent, such as an antibiotic or antiseptic to further reduce the incidence of infections, and may include an attachment member which reduces the risk of infection.

Abstract: Systems and methods for sensing bubbles during fluid infusion are disclosed. An infusion device comprises a pathway, a pump adjacent the pathway, one or more bubble sensors, and first and second modules. The pump alters the pathway to pump fluid through tubing received in the pathway. The bubble sensors are configured to detect bubbles in the fluid being pumped through the tubing. The first module is configured to generate a first alarm condition when the bubble sensors detect a bubble having a first volume above a first preselected threshold. The second module is configured to generate a second alarm condition when the bubble sensors detect a plurality of bubbles over a preselected period of time having a combined volume above a second preselected threshold. A third module may be also be used to record a total combined volume of bubbles detected by the bubble sensors during an infusion event.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical hand-held device, in particular an atomizer (1), for dispensing a liquid pharmaceutical preparation from a container with a discharge nozzle for the pharmaceutical preparation and located upstream from the discharge nozzle there is a multiple-stage filter system.

Abstract: A medical device accessory comprising an interface configured to connect the medical device accessory with a medical device for administration of a medical treatment using the medical device and the medical device accessory, a plurality of electrical contacts proximate the interface, the electrical contacts comprising a lead electrical contact adapted to receive an voltage from a power source associated with the medical device and one or more identifying electrical contacts, and at least one conductor providing an electrical connection between the lead electrical contact and the one or more identifying electrical contacts. An arrangement of the one or more identifying electrical contacts connected to the lead electrical contact identifies a characteristic of the medical device accessory.

Abstract: A dispensing device, a storage device and a method for dispensing powder in which powder is dispensed through a duct with a flat cross section to de-agglomerate the powder and to generate a spray with fine particle size. A storage chamber for the powder may be closed by a bursting element which is burst by pressurized gas for discharging the powder, the gas pressure reaching or exceeding a peak value before the bursting element bursts so that the powder is dispensed at a lower gas pressure. The powder may be forced through the duct by a gas pressure of less than 300 kPa to de-agglomerate the powder and/or to generate the spray. The storage device can have multiple storage chambers and associated ducts or nozzles, so that each dose of powder can be dispensed through a separate duct or nozzle.

Abstract: A dose delivery device with a mouthpiece having an inlet, an outlet, and an air path extending between the inlet and the outlet. A dose chamber having an opening may hold a dose, e.g., for inhalation by a user. A disc element may be arranged to move between a closed position in which the disc element closes the opening of the dose chamber, and an open position in which the disc opens the dose chamber to permit introduction of the dose into the air path of the device. Movement of the disc element from the closed position to the open position may be in a direction away from the dose chamber (e.g., a puller may engage the disc element and pull the element away from the chamber) and may leave a substantial portion of the dose in the dose chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for entraining in an airflow a medicament powder contained in a cavity having a cavity opening. Large airflow vortices are provided, for instance, by use of an obstacle in a flow passage, The airflow with large vortices is arranged to by-pass the cavity opening, thereby generating an eddy in the cavity which contributes to entraining the powder in said airflow. The present disclosure also relates to a medical dispenser, for instance an inhaler, in which the method may be performed.

Abstract: A dose counter for counting doses of medicament dispensed by or remaining in a metered-dose inhaler. The dose counter includes a rotatably mounted first gear wheel having ratchet teeth and a display coupled to the first gear wheel, the display having a visible array of dose counting indicia indexable in response to rotary motion of the first gear wheel. The dose counter further includes an actuator mechanism having a first ratchet drive pawl for engaging the ratchet teeth of the first gear wheel in response to the dispensation of a medicament dose, and a second ratchet drive pawl for engaging the ratchet teeth of a gear wheel coupled to the display. In use, a first ratchet tooth of the first gear wheel is rotatably driven by the first pawl and then a second ratchet tooth of the gear wheel coupled to the display is rotatably driven by the second pawl.

Abstract: A life support and monitoring apparatus with malfunction correction guidance is provided. The life support and monitoring apparatus of the present disclosure identifies the root cause or potential cause of a fault/failure and then prompts an operator to take appropriate steps to assure the continuance of life support and critical physiologic monitoring. When multiple faults/failures exist, the apparatus automatically prioritizes them based on risk to the patient and prompts the operator to do the most appropriate intervention to assure patient safety.

Abstract: A system for performing simultaneous ventilation and resuscitation of a patient includes an oxygen source, at least one inspiration control valve, a breathing apparatus, at least one expiration control valve, at least one indicator, and at least one timer. The breathing apparatus is configured to form an air seal with at least a portion of the patient's respiratory tract such that a gas including oxygen can flow from the oxygen source to the lungs. The at least one expiration control valve being configured to selectively actuate an exhalation valve. The at least one indicator for indicating when a rescuer should perform a chest compression. The at least one timer for synchronizing actuation of the at least one inspiration control valve, the at least one expiration control valve, and the indicator, thereby enabling continuous compressions to be provided to the patient while the patient undergoes inspiration and expiration.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for assessing the condition of and treating patients for heart failure by the delivery of continuous positive airway pressure are disclosed. Treatment of obstruction due to reflex vocal cord closure often experienced by heart failure patients is distinguished from treatment of upper airway obstruction typically associated with Obstructive Sleep Disorder. Treatment may also be implemented by delivering synchronized cardiac pressure oscillations superimposed on a respiratory pressure level to provide assistance for the heart. Heart treatment pressure dose indicator may be calculated for prescribing and monitoring the delivery of treatment. The apparatus may also generate data to track heart failure condition that may be indicative of the degree of severity of heart failure based upon breathing patterns to assist in the diagnosis and management of heart failure patients.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube insertion device includes an insertion member, an optical assembly movably mounted to the insertion member, and an intubation assembly. The intubation assembly includes an intubation assembly body and has a guide system formed thereon. The guide system is configured for releasable attachment to the optical assembly. An endotracheal tube carried by the intubation assembly body.

Abstract: A nasal cannula adapter. The nasal cannula adapter includes a chamber having cannula clips, and a connector having an opening and a connector lumen in communication with the chamber and the opening. Systems for administering a gas to a patient comprise the nasal cannula adapter, a nasal cannula, and an airway device. Methods for administering a gas to a patient comprise administering a gas through a nasal cannula operably connected to the nasal cannula adapter operably connected to an airway device inserted into the airway of the patient.

Abstract: A fluid delivery connection includes a cuff to engage a port. A finger extends away from the cuff, and the finger is configured to interact with the port. A locking sleeve is movably disposed at least partially about the cuff and the finger. The locking sleeve is selectively movable between an unlocked configuration wherein the finger is movable and a locked configuration wherein the finger is secured to the port. A method of connection to a gas port includes moving a locking sleeve of a connector into an unlocked configuration. A finger of the connector is translated along the gas port and the locking sleeve is moved into a locked configuration.

Abstract: A fluid tube is disclosed herein. The breathing circuit tube has a wall which comprises a hollow geometry. The wall defines a passageway with a central longitudinal axis therethrough. The wall is expandable and contractible to adjust a diameter and a length of the passageway. The wall includes one or more corrugations that expand and contract to adjust the diameter and length of the passageway. The corrugations extend between terminal end portions of the wall.

Abstract: A personal use oxygen concentrator, including; a controllable user interface including at least one of visual and audio indicators, a power supply, a housing, a controllable product gas output device, a blower, a compressor, a selective adsorption system comprising adsorption beds and gas flow control valves comprising at least one of a PSA, VPSA, or VSA oxygen producing system, a programmable controller configured to control at least one of the blower, compressor, output device, user interface, and selective adsorption system, and an integrated smoke detection system and smoke detector controller, mounted within the housing, configured to be controlled by and provide data to the programmable controller, and the programmable controller may perform predetermined control actions when smoke is detected.

Abstract: A device (10) for dispensing oxygen for an anesthesia device includes a switching element (15) that diverts oxygen between a first gas path (153) and a second gas path (154). The first gas path (153) leads to a patient (27) via a connection and port element. The second gas path (154) leads to a gas tapping port (20) for oxygen or gas insufflation.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an electronic flow selector of a fluid flow control system may be used to select a flow rate of a fluid. When the system is in an electronic mode, an encoder may electronically encode the fluid flow selection. A controller may receive the electronically encoded flow selection and transmit a corresponding control signal to an electronic valve to allow the fluid to flow at the selected flow rate. When the system is in a manual mode, backup manual flow selectors may be used to directly control the flow rate of a fluid. When the system is in a manual mode, the mechanical backup flow selectors may be in a deployed position. When the system is in an electronic mode, the mechanical backup flow selectors may be in a retracted position. Particular applications to gases and anesthesia delivery are disclosed herein.

Abstract: Mechanisms are provided for alleviating kinetosis using a mobile device. Motion sensors, gyroscopes, cameras, inertial modules, proximity detectors, global position system (GPS) receivers, orientation sensors, etc., are used to monitor motion that a mobile device user feels through the vestibular system but may not observe. A kinetosis alleviation system generates activity on a mobile device display that simulates the detected motion. In some examples, the activity may be a frame around video or text that shows movement congruent or more congruent with detected motion. In other examples, the activity may be a video or text window itself that moves in a manner congruent with detected motion.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include coating apparatuses and related methods. In an embodiment, the invention includes a coating apparatus. The coating apparatus can include a motor, a rotating contact member, a fluid applicator, a fluid pump, and a base member. The fluid applicator can include an orifice. The rotating contact member can be configured to rotate around a device to be coated that does not rotate. The rotating contact member can be configured to move along the lengthwise axis of a device to be coated. In an embodiment, the invention includes a method of coating a medical device.

Abstract: Tear-away sheath introducers for catheters, methods for making such introducers, and methods for using such introducers are described. A splittable sheath introducer may include a sheath, a hub disposed at a proximal end of the sheath, a valve included with the hub, and a valve actuator movable from a first position to a second position, the valve actuator opening the valve when in the second position. The valve actuator may include a retaining feature that interacts with the hub to connect the retaining member to the hub.

Abstract: A tray (100) for accommodating a coiled medical device, such as a catheter assembly (700), includes a first compartment (101), a second compartment (102), and a third compartment (103). The catheter assembly (700) and devices associated with a catheterization procedure, such as syringes (701,702) containing sterile water and lubricating jelly and a specimen container (703) can be disposed within the tray. Printed instructions (1001) can be included with the tray (100). When a CSR wrap (1000) is disposed about the tray (100), the printed instructions can be placed atop the CSR wrap (1000) but beneath an outer sterile wrap (1002). The printed instructions (1001) can include a patient portion (1202) that is detachably coupled to a health care services portion (1201) such that it can be taken home with the patient after the procedure.

Abstract: Described are devices useful to inject fluid to tissue without the use of a needle, and related methods; the devices include one or a combination of features such as ejection orifices (40), distal end control features, or combinations of these; the systems can include a fluid delivery system having an injector source and an access device; the access device can comprise a minimally invasive, tubular delivery lumen (34) such as a catheter or endoscope; the tube-like device further includes one or more apposing jets that are selectively fired to force the injection orifice of the tube-like device against the target tissue; selective firing can include a continuous firing during the injection to improve the efficiency of the treatment.

Abstract: In order to provide a catheter which can be operated even when it is deformed inside a bent blood vessel and whose movable part can be easily bent and the movable part thus bent is firmly kept in this shape, a catheter includes: a fluid-driven actuator including: a balloon; a restricting member for restricting inflation of the balloon in a short axis direction of the catheter; and a tube which is less stretchable in a long axis direction of the catheter than the balloon is, according to a cross-sectional view of the fluid-driven actuator taken along the short axis direction of the catheter, the tube being eccentrically provided with respect to the restricting member.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical device anchor system include an anchor device that receives a catheter (or other medical instrument) and secures the catheter in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some embodiments, the anchor device can secure the catheter in an operative position relative to the skin penetration point without the use of sutures or skin tapes.

Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated wire body exhibiting flexibility, a distal side coating layer that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is made of a resin material, and a tubular member through which the wire body passes and possessing a distal portion positioned in the vicinity of a proximal portion of the distal side coating layer. A plurality of melted portions which are concavely deformed toward the wire body side by melting are formed in the tubular member. The tubular member is fixed to the wire body by bringing the melted portions into press-contact with the wire body The plurality of melted portions is irregularly formed along an axis direction of the tubular member.

Abstract: A method for transferring a macromolecular complex to muscle cells by exsanguinating a region of the subject's microvasculature and delivering the complex to this region under high hydrostatic pressure. A balloon catheter having a balloon that extends substantially the full length of the cannula that is inserted into the subject is provided for use in the systemic delivery of macromolecular complex.

Abstract: Medical devices are provided for delivering a therapeutic agent to a tissue. The medical device has a layer overlying the exterior surface of the medical device. The layer contains a therapeutic agent and an additive. The additive has a hydrophilic part and a hydrophobic part and the therapeutic agent is not enclosed in micelles or encapsulated in particles or controlled release carriers.

Abstract: A shaft for a balloon dilation catheter comprises a proximal portion wherein a guidewire tubular member is disposed coaxially within an outer tubular member, a shaft transitional portion, wherein the guidewire member is disposed within the outer member, with at least one distal tubular member not present in the proximal portion, a shaft distal portion, wherein the guidewire member and the distal members are disposed side-by-side and encased within a distal body, and fluid-tight barrier within a proximal lumen blocking the flow of fluid in the proximal lumen, but allowing the proximal lumen to remain in fluid communication with a distal lumens.

Abstract: The invention describes a sinus balloon catheter and methods of use. Specifically a sinus balloon catheter for dilating a sinus cavity lumen is provided with a tip that can be extended. The catheter comprises a guide tube with a proximal and distal end, a sleeve member, a balloon disposed upon the sleeve member and a rounded tip arranged at the distal end and extendable along with the extension of the sleeve member.

Abstract: Implantable drug delivery devices are provided lo have a deployment shape for implantation in the body and a retention shape for retention in the body. The device may have one or more elongated drug reservoirs containing a drug, mid the drug reservoir may be formed from a deformable material. In one case, a first filament is attached to the first end of the drug reservoir and second filament is attached to the second end of the drug reservoir, wherein a fastener is positioned about the first and second filaments to permit shortening and prevent lengthening of the filaments with reference to the ends of the daig reservoir, as a means for transforming the device from the implantation shape to the retention shape.

Abstract: A hand applicator of encapsulated liquids for their even distribution on surfaces includes an upper side (an impermeable membrane), a capsule of a liquid, an evenly perforated dissector, and a working side (an absorber) and is characterized in that the dissector is non-collapsible semi-rigid concave and contains the capsule. The upper side includes semi-rigid and outer membranes, and is flat and non-folding. The dissector has elevations on its inside. The impermeable membrane and capsule are permanently fixed together or have a common wall. The capsule is an easily peelable, high-barrier blister and includes an aid for opening at a predetermined location. The upper side, dissector, and working side are welded together along the edge of the applicator resulting in a rounded seam that essentially follows the spherical curvature of the dissector. The semi-rigid membrane has an aperture over the capsule and a cut-through handle with a diametric hinge and stiffeners.

Abstract: A self-contained composition dosing and delivery system provides an efficient device to store and deliver materials, particularly liquids, in a safe and controlled manner. The device also provides a dosing element internal the device chamber, thus eliminating the need for additional components. In particular, the device itself may be used to deliver liquid medicine and other compositions which are liquids, or gel-like, in controlled amounts or doses. The device may also include child-proof mechanism, or child safety feature to reduce child poisoning due to Over-the-Counter (OTC) medication overdoses.

Abstract: An applicator includes a puncture protrusion disposed on an inner surface of an internal chamber of a handle of the applicator. The puncture protrusion is configured to puncture an end surface of a cartridge within the internal chamber, which cartridge contains a liquid that is resultantly allowed to flow through a passageway in the puncture protrusion toward an applicator pad for application onto a surface. Puncturing is achieved in response to rotation of an advancer including a pinion portion that tangentially engages a surface of the cartridge, which rotation is translated to longitudinal advancement of the cartridge toward the puncture protrusion.

Abstract: A method of producing projections on a patch including providing a mask on a substrate and etching the substrate using an etchant and a passivant to thereby control the etching process and form the projections, wherein the passivant does not include oxygen.

Abstract: A medical port includes a disc-shaped valve 1 in which an insertion hole is formed in a central portion 1a, a base seat 7 that supports the valve from a lower surface side, and a cover 2 that has a fitting hole exposing an upper surface of the central portion of the valve and covers at least a peripheral edge of the valve from the upper surface side, the fitting hole being formed so that when an inserting body has been inserted into the insertion hole, a fit between the inserting body and the fitting hole can cause the inserting body to be locked against the cover. An annular protrusion 1d is formed in the valve 1, the annular protrusion being continuous in the circumferential direction, and formed in the valve 1 so that in the state in which the inserting body is locked against the cover, the annular protrusion is in contact with an outer circumferential surface of a leading end portion of the inserting body.

Abstract: Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.

Abstract: Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.

Abstract: A cap is configured to provide antimicrobial protection to a female luer port of an intravenous device. The cap distributes an antimicrobial solution within the intraluminal surfaces of the port when the cap is connected to the port. A cap may also be designed to distribute an antimicrobial solution around the exterior surfaces of the port. Once connected to a port, the cap can form a seal that minimizes the evaporation of the antimicrobial solution from within the lumen of a port. The cap can therefore provide antimicrobial protection against another device that is connected to the port once the cap is removed.

Abstract: An infusion pump for metering fluid flow through an delivery tube of an infusion tubing set has an internal occlusion clamp which clamps the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid through the tube when access to the delivery tube in the infusion pump is possible. To release the delivery tube from the infusion pump, a slide clamp is manually used to release the occlusion clamp to an open, non-occluding position while simultaneously occluding the delivery tube to prevent the free flow of fluid.

Abstract: An electro-stimulation system is provided with a compact power and control assembly and a plurality of shaped gel electrode patches with instructions to facilitate user administration of therapy.

Abstract: Connector assemblies that are separate from medical lead extensions provide features such as bores for receiving both a medical lead and a medical lead extension and provide electrical connections between connectors of the leads and connectors of the lead extensions. Connector assemblies may include additional features such as contours and wings that reduce subcutaneous erosion. Connector assemblies may also include retention structures such as movable clips that are moved into engagement with leads and lead extensions to retain them within the connector assembly. Integrated lead extension connectors may also include contours and wings as well as retention structures including movable clips.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device (AIMD). The AIMD comprises a knitted electrode assembly comprising: at least one biocompatible, electrically non-conductive filament arranged in substantially parallel rows each stitched to an adjacent row, and at least one biocompatible, electrically conductive filament having a first end intertwined with a first row of the at least one non-conductive filament, and a second end intertwined with a second row of the at least one non-conductive filament, wherein the first and second rows are spaced from one another.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for delivering energy to a body lumen. The device includes an elongate member including a proximal portion and a distal portion adapted for insertion into a body lumen; and an energy delivery device disposed adjacent the distal portion of the elongate member, the energy delivery device including at least one elongate electrode arm, wherein the elongate electrode arm is configured to transition between a first configuration and a second configuration different than the first configuration. The at least one elongate electrode arm includes an active region configured to contact and deliver energy to the body lumen. When the elongate electrode arm is in the first configuration, at least a portion of the active region of the elongate electrode arm extends radially inward toward a longitudinal axis of the energy delivery device.

Abstract: One embodiment is a stimulation lead that includes a lead body having a longitudinal surface, a distal end, and a proximal end; and multiple electrodes disposed along the longitudinal surface of the lead body near the distal end of the lead body. The electrodes include multiple groups of segmented electrodes with each group of segmented electrodes having multiple segmented electrodes disposed at a same longitudinal position along the lead. For at least one first group of segmented electrodes, a first pair of the segmented electrodes in the first group are disposed on opposite sides of the lead body and are electrically ganged together by a conductor therebetween.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention are generally directed to a modulation enhancement strategy that helps improve ITD perception by explicitly modulating the electrical stimulation signal. In an embodiment, the timing of the applied modulations is based on amplitude inflections (i.e., peaks or troughs) in the received sound signal. In an embodiment, the identified inflections (i.e., peaks or troughs) represent the most energetic portions of the signal over a particular time period (e.g., the time period prior to the inflection having a length equal to the expected fundamental period of the signal. Further, in an embodiment, the cochlear implant applies a delay to the stimulation signal to help maintain interaural timing cues. The application of this delay helps account for the traveling wave delay in the acoustic path of the opposite ear in embodiments in which the opposite ear is fitted with a hearing aid or is not fitted with a hearing device.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient. The mouthpiece includes an elongated housing having a center of gravity located within a posterior region, a positioning pad attached to the top surface of the elongated housing for minimizing contact between a patient's upper teeth and the exterior top surface of the elongated housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to a bottom portion of the elongated housing, the printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes for delivering subcutaneous local electrical stimulation to the patient's tongue. In some embodiments, the mouthpiece includes at least one locator disposed along the anterior region of the elongated housing for contacting a patient's teeth to securely position the mouthpiece within the patient's mouth.