Abstract: This invention relates, e.g., to a Myocyte-based Flow Assist Device (MFAD) for treating a subject in need of increased flow of a biological fluid, such as venous blood or lymph, comprising a sheath which comprises rhythmically contracting myocytes.

Abstract: A rapid method for preparing stem cell and physiologically acceptable matrix compositions for use in tissue and organ repair is described. Compared with previous tissue engineering materials, the stem cell-matrix compositions of the present invention do not require long-term incubation or cultivation in vitro prior to use in in vivo applications. The stem cells can be from numerous sources and may be homogeneous, heterogeneous, autologous, and/or allogeneic in the matrix material. The stem cell-matrix compositions provide point of service utility for the practitioner, wherein the stem cells and matrix can be combined not long before use, thereby alleviating costly and lengthy manufacturing procedures. In addition, the stem cells offer unique structural properties to the matrix composition which improves outcome and healing after use. Use of stem cells obtained from muscle affords contractility to the matrix composition.

Abstract: Described herein is a copolymer membrane and a chemofiltration catheter incorporating the membrane for use in transarterial chemoembolization.

Abstract: Polymeric coatings, their applications, and the methods of their preparation are described. The coatings may be used to confer desirable properties to the consumer and/or medical products. Also described are methods of loading therapeutic agents on the polymeric coatings and the applications of the drug eluting polymeric coatings thus obtained.

Abstract: A method for depositing a coating comprising a polymer and at least two pharmaceutical agents on a substrate, comprising the following steps: providing a stent framework; depositing on said stent framework a first layer comprising a first pharmaceutical agent; depositing a second layer comprising a second pharmaceutical agent; Wherein said first and second pharmaceutical agents are selected from two different classes of pharmaceutical agents.

Abstract: An expandable structure comprising: a first shape memory (SM) portion which is in a strain-induced state; and a second portion which resists expansion of said structure due to said first portion, over a plurality of different expansion states of said first portion. Optionally, wherein said SM portion resists contraction of said structure due to forces applied by said second portion. Optionally or alternatively, said strain induced state is characterized by a SM portion expanding force decreasing as a function of strain of said SM portion, so as to have a difference of at least 10% in force between two strain states said structure is usable at.

Abstract: Methods of treating with a biodegradable polymeric stent made from poly(L-lactide) and a low concentration of L-lactide monomer is disclosed. The concentration of L-lactide is adjusted to provide a degradation behavior that is suitable for different treatment applications including coronary, peripheral, and nasal.

Abstract: The present invention includes a catheter locking solution having both antimicrobial and anticoagulant properties including a local anesthetic and a viscosifying agent. The local anesthetic of the present invention may be an amino amide; an amino ester; an aminoacylanilide; an aminoalkyl benzoate; an amino carbonate; an N-phenylamidine compound; an N-aminoalkyl amid; an aminoketone, or combinations and mixtures thereof. In a particular embodiment of the present invention, the local anesthetic is tetracaine or dibucaine.

Abstract: A high efficiency blood pump includes a pump housing, wherein the pump housing provides an inlet and outlet. The pump includes a motor housing, wherein the motor housing contains a motor. An impeller is housed in the pump housing, wherein the impeller is radially supported by a hydrodynamic bearing providing at least one row of pattern grooves. A diaphragm provided by the pump housing separates the impeller chamber from the motor chamber. A magnetic coupling is provided between the motor and the impeller, wherein the magnetic coupling causes the impeller to rotate when the motor rotates and provides axial restraint of the impeller.

Abstract: A dialysis system is disclosed. An example dialysis system includes a heat disinfected dialysate fluid path. The example dialysis system also includes a disposable blood fluid path. The example dialysis system also includes an active carbon filter to purify influent water to purified water for dialysis or as a substitution fluid. An example method for dialysis includes providing a heat disinfected dialysate fluid path, providing a disposable blood fluid path, and purifying influent water via an active carbon filter to for dialysis or as a substitution fluid.

Abstract: A medical system includes a medical fluid pumping machine comprising a pressure sensor, a medical fluid line set comprising a fluid line in fluid communication with a fluid passage formed between a diaphragm and a base, the medical fluid line set being configured to be connected to the medical fluid pumping machine in a manner such that the diaphragm of the medical fluid line set aligns with the pressure sensor of the medical fluid pumping machine, and a member configured to apply a positive force to the pressure sensor when the medical fluid line set is connected to the medical fluid pumping machine and the fluid passage is at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Improvements in fluid volume measurement systems are disclosed for a pneumatically actuated diaphragm pump in general, and a peritoneal dialysis cycler using a pump cassette in particular. Pump fluid volume measurements are based on pressure measurements in a pump control chamber and a reference chamber in a two-chamber model, with different sections of the apparatus being modeled using a combination of adiabatic, isothermal and polytropic processes. Real time or instantaneous fluid flow measurements in a pump chamber of a diaphragm pump are also disclosed, in this case using a one-chamber ideal gas model and using a high speed processor to obtain and process pump control chamber pressures during fluid flow into or out of the pump chamber. Improved heater control circuitry is also disclosed, to provide added or redundant safety measures, or to reduce current leakage from a heater element during pulse width modulation control of the heater.

Abstract: Arrangements of components for use in support of a Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy (HIPEC) System which conveys fluids from a system to a patient and back to the system in a complete circuit. The described arrangements provide multiple means of rapidly configuring the number of input lines and output lines into and out of the patient. Included are integral temperature probes in the inflow and outflow lines. Also included are various means of introducing and removing the fluids from the patient and additional temperature probes to be used at the discretion of the clinician.

Abstract: A blood filtration method, system, device and media for removing gram negative bacteria from the blood wherein the media includes a substrate coated with mannose optionally in constitution with substrate coated with heparin.

Abstract: A biomedical apparatus for pumping blood of a human or an animal patient through a secondary blood circuit is provided, including a blood pump (10), an inlet duct (11) and an outlet duct (12) for guiding blood of the patient to the blood pump (10) and back to the patient. The device further includes a measuring device (14) for measuring a physical parameter of the heart (2) or of a blood vessel, and a controller (13) for regulating the power of the blood pump (10). The measuring device (14) is adapted to be arranged inside the heart (2) or the blood vessel, and the controller is configured to determine an estimate for an inner volume of the heart (2) or of the blood vessel based on the physical parameter and is configured to regulate the power of the blood pump (10) depending on this estimate.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an infusion preparation in which the Maillard reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar does not occur during storage and the size of fat particles in the fat emulsion does not increase during storage, and in which various types of vitamins can be incorporated in a stable manner, in spite of the fact that it is a two-chamber infusion preparation. Furthermore, even if only one of the infusions (of the infusion preparation) is administered, the patient is unlikely to develop hyperkalemia, vascular pain, or phlebitis. The present invention provides an infusion preparation containing two chambers separated by a partition that can be communicably opened, wherein a first chamber contains a first-chamber infusion containing a sugar and a fat emulsion, a second chamber contains a second-chamber infusion containing an amino acid and an electrolyte, the first-chamber infusion is substantially free of potassium, and has a relative osmotic pressure of 2.0 to 3.

Abstract: Methods and systems for encouraging interactions with a glucose monitoring system include incrementing a score and/or providing a reward based on a variety of different interactions with the glucose monitoring system. The interactions which improve the score may include initiating or changing displays, downloading data, setting operational parameters and other interactions that are independent of a user's glucose measurements. Encouraging these interactions can enhance success in maintaining healthy glucose concentrations.

Abstract: A needle free injection device for use with a cartridge containing an injectate includes a housing. The housing includes an end wall at its distal end and an inner wall. The inner wall extends in a direction from the proximal end of the housing to the distal end of the housing and separates a first chamber from a second chamber in the housing. The housing includes a first opening disposed in the end wall and is in fluid communication with the first chamber. The housing includes a second opening is in fluid communication with the second chamber. A coupler is disposed in the first chamber for coupling to the cartridge. The first opening and the second opening are in fluid communication via a channel for transfer of fluid between the first chamber and the second chamber.

Abstract: A supplemental device for attachment to an injection device including a dosage window covering a sleeve on which dose values are marked is disclosed. The supplemental device comprises a main body; an arrangement for supporting the main body of the supplemental device in a predetermined positional relationship with the injection device; a transparent protection window located at a surface of the main body that is aligned with the dosage window of the injection pen when in use; a sensor arrangement supported in the main body and having a sensor directed at the protection window; an illumination arrangement comprising one or more sources of light, each of the one or more sources of light being directed at the protection window; and a non-transmissive part located on an optical path between a first one of the one or more sources of light.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device has proximal and distal ends; a medicament container with a plunger, a neck portion, and a delivery member unit; a housing extending along a longitudinal axis with proximal and distal open ends; a drive unit configured to apply a force on the plunger; and a C-shaped tubular body with a longitudinal slit/gap such that body can be attached to the neck portion forming a container unit. The C-shaped body also has an inner support configured to interact with the neck portion and with the delivery member unit and prevent the medicament container from moving relative to the body after the medicament container is attached to the body, and outer support configured to interact with a corresponding support of the housing to prevent the C-shaped tubular body from moving relative to the housing after the container is arranged within the housing through the distal open end.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, particularly for insulin or other liquid preparations, particularly for multiple injection administration of set doses of a medicine from an exchangeable container, for example for the self-application of insulin by diabetes patients. An indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, having an assembly of at least two barrels movably coupled to each other has an indication barrel mounted on the driving barrel contains only marking on its external surface and is co-axially connected to the pull-push control nut.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, particularly for insulin or other liquid preparations, particularly for multiple injection administration of set doses of a medicine from an exchangeable container, for example for the self-application of insulin by diabetes patients. An indication mechanism for an automatic applicator, having an assembly of at least two barrels movably coupled to each other has an indication barrel mounted on the driving barrel contains only marking on its external surface and is co-axially connected to the pull-push control nut.

Abstract: A conventional syringe defines a longitudinal axis and includes a syringe barrel having a syringe barrel flange laterally extending from an open proximal end of the syringe barrel and a plunger advanceable into the syringe barrel. A rotatable finger flange for such a syringe includes identical first and second flange components, each having an attachment member configured to releasably engage the syringe barrel flange and/or the other flange component, and a flange member laterally extending therefrom. The first and second flange component are engageable and rotatable relative to one another about the longitudinal axis between a non-use position, wherein the first flange member overlies the second flange member to reduce the finger flange footprint, and a use position, wherein the first flange member and the second flange member are angularly spaced apart from one another to provide a finger flange having a greater lateral extent than the syringe barrel flange.

Abstract: A gasket (10) for a prefilled syringe is provided, which has a generally cylindrical outer shape, and includes a liquid contact portion (13) provided on one of opposite end faces, a thread hole (15) provided in the other end face for attachment of a plunger, and at least two annular projections (17A, 17B) provided on a peripheral surface (16) and spaced from each other by an annular trough (18) in a gasket height direction (gasket axial direction) extending from the one end face to the other end face, wherein a diameter difference (A) (=a1?a2) between a diameter (a1) of the annular projections (17A, 17B) and a diameter (a2) of the annular trough and a diameter difference (B) (=b1?b2) between a thread root diameter (b1) and a thread ridge diameter (b2) of an internal thread portion of the thread hole satisfy a ratio relationship of A:B=1:(2 to 4).

Abstract: A needle for delivering a treatment fluid to a target site of an avian bird is provided. Such a needle includes a shaft defining a longitudinal axis and having a proximal end and a distal end. Discrete grooves are defined by the shaft and extend partially along a length thereof. A needle tip extends from the shaft at the distal end thereof. A reservoir assembly includes a body defining first and second holes for receiving the needle therethrough such that the body supports the needle along the length thereof. The reservoir assembly defines a reservoir adapted to receive a treatment fluid through which the grooves pass to carry the treatment substance to the target site. An associated assembly and method are also provided.

Abstract: A pen needle hub and cover for a pen needle assembly that provides tactile and/or audible indicia of proper attachment between the hub of the pen needle and the pen is provided. Such indicia substantially prevent under- and over-torquing of the pen needle. The tactile indicia may include a user sensing a wave of a torque of peak value followed by a torque of lesser value.

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: A nasal spray delivery guide including a pair of guide elements spaced apart from one another and configured to be at least partially inserted into respective nostrils of a patient, and a flexible connector element attached to and extending between the guide elements. Each guide element includes an aperture extending therethrough from a base end to a tip end of the guide element. A method for delivering a nasal spray into a patient's nose includes the steps of providing the nasal spray delivery guide, inserting the guide elements at least partially into respective nostrils of the patient, inserting at least a portion of a nasal spray delivery device into one of the guide elements, and activating the nasal spray delivery device to deliver a nasal spray to a lateral wall of the respective nasal cavity.

Abstract: An inhaler for delivering a metered dose aerosol, in which a permeable sheet is positioned directly in front of a narrow channel.

Abstract: A unit dose container for the containment of an intranasal formulation for use with the POD device.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus and methods for producing and delivering vapour medicament. An exemplary apparatus disclosed comprises: a gas inlet for receiving a gas from a source of pressurized gas; a chamber for receiving a liquid medicament therein, the chamber being in communication with the gas inlet for permitting entrance and expansion of the gas in the chamber in the presence of the liquid medicament to produce the vapour medicament; and a vapour outlet in communication with the chamber for delivering the vapour medicament.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for controlling the internal body pressure, e.g., the joint pressure using a medical-technical fluid pump, and to a device for carrying out said method.

Abstract: A wearable wrist inhaler includes a wristband having a first end and a second end configured for wear about a user's wrist. An inhaler unit is coupled to the wristband displaced from the first end and the second end, the inhaler unit including a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior area and an outlet port in communication with the interior area. A watch assembly is positioned atop the housing of the inhaler unit, the watch assembly energized by a battery and includes a display configured to indicate a time of day. A dosage chamber including a medicament is positioned in the interior area of the housing. A dispensing assembly is communication with the inhaler medicament that is configured to dispense an individual portion of the medicament via the outlet port upon demand by a user.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering substance to a nasal airway of a subject, the nasal delivery device comprising a mouthpiece (519) through which the subject in use exhales to cause closure of the oropharyn-geal velum of the subject, a nosepiece (517) for fitting to a nostril of a subject, the nosepiece including a nozzle (549) through which substance is in use delivered to the nasal airway; and a manually-actuatable substance supply unit (520) for delivering substance through the nozzle of the nosepiece.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling the delivery of therapeutic gas delivered to a patient undergoing positive airway pressure therapy is described. The method includes providing a flow of gas to a patient's airway at a pressure, obtaining information from the range of 0 to 25 Hz of the frequency domain of the flow, and adjusting the pressure based on the information. The apparatus includes a blower for providing a flow of gas to a patient's airway at a pressure, a sensor to measure a characteristic of the flow, a controller to obtain information from the range of 0 to 25 Hz of the frequency domain of the characteristic, and a pressure regulator for adjusting the pressure based on the information.

Abstract: A ventilator system and method for medical use includes an integrated blower. The ventilator system may include an inspiration port for connection to an inspiratory limb of a dual-limb patient circuit, and an expiration port for connection to an expiratory limb of the dual-limb patient circuit. The system also includes a gas delivery device connected to the inspiration port to supply a pressurized flow of gas to the inspiration port to generate a positive pressure, and a blower having an inlet that is operatively connected to the expiration port and configured to be controlled to selectively supply a negative pressure level between 4 and 120 cmH2O to the expiration port. The system also includes an outlet to exhaust gas received from the expiration port. In another embodiment, the ventilator system includes a blower to generate positive pressure/flow to augment flow for noninvasive ventilation.

Abstract: A stabilizer arm for a BVM resuscitator and method of use is disclosed. The stabilizer arm provides the necessary support to the reservoir bag to enable the user to exert downward pressure on the BVM resuscitator while simultaneously squeezing the reservoir bag. Due to the presence of the stabilizer arm, this pressure pushes the facial mask downward to assist in forming a tight mask to face seal. Multiple embodiments of the stabilizer arm are disclosed. The stabilizer arm may be internal, external or integrated into the wall of the reservoir bag of the BVM resuscitator and may be retro-fitted or original equipment manufactured. The external stabilizer arm may be designed to engage the neck of the outlet port of the BVM resuscitator with an open collar or a closed collar. The internal stabilizer arm may be configured to fit BVM resuscitators having single piece or multiple piece outlet valve design.

Abstract: Embodiments include a tracheal tube having a proximal end and a distal end. In certain embodiments, a plurality of spaced-apart cuffs disposed around the tracheal tube. The plurality of spaced-apart cuffs being configured to seal the tracheal airway of a patient and to capture tracheal secretions or debris. Also, at least two pilot balloons are connected to the plurality of cuffs, the at least two pilot balloons being configured to inflate and deflate the plurality of cuffs. Further, at least two injection lumens connected to at least two injection distal ports configured to administer fluids to the bronchi of the patient and at least one evacuation lumen connected to a plurality of evacuation ports, the at least one evacuation lumen being connected to a vacuum source. The plurality of evacuation ports are disposed proximal the plurality of evacuation ports to remove the captured fluids or debris.

Abstract: A laryngeal mask for use in a patient comprises an airway tube having an inner lumen and a distal end; and a mask portion connected at a proximal end thereof to the distal end of the airway tube and having a distal tip opposite the proximal end. The mask portion comprises an inflatable cuff including an anterior cuff surface configured to contact the patient's tissue when the inflatable cuff is inflated; and a wedge portion including a stabilization surface and two walls connected to the inflatable cuff and extending therefrom toward from the stabilization surface, the stabilization surface extending from the distal tip of the mask portion toward the distal end of the airway tube at a wedge angle of between about 12 and 30 degrees, the wedge angle formed between the stabilization surface and the anterior cuff surface when the inflatable mask is inflated, whereby the stabilization surface is transversely and longitudinally substantially flat to stabilize the laryngeal mask in use.

Abstract: A novel tube stabilizer with a collar 1 and an aperture 2. A tube 225 from a medical airway device 210, can pass through the aperture 2. The stabilizer slides along the tube 225 and fits into the mouth of a patient on which an airway device 210 is being use during a medical procedure.

Abstract: A breathing assistance unit for providing pressurized heated humidified air to a user is configured to increase user compliance. The breathing assistance unit comprises means for generating positive emotional and cognitive states of a user about the therapy.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifying device for a breathing mask. The breathing mask includes a breathing tube assembled thereto. The humidifying device includes a body, a liquid discharger, a liquid receiver, and a water-absorbent member. The body is connected to the breathing tube. The body includes a passage communicating with the breathing tube. The liquid discharger is fixed to the body. The liquid discharger includes a liquid outlet communicating with the passage. The liquid receiver is fixed to the body and is disposed below the liquid discharger. The liquid receiver includes a liquid inlet communicating with the passage. The water-absorbent member consists of a filtering material. The water-absorbent member is accommodated in the passage and disposed between the liquid outlet and the liquid inlet.

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

Abstract: An adapter includes a housing having an inlet port defining a flow path and an outlet port. An interior wall has an inner surface defining an interior passageway communicating with the outlet port and an exterior surface defining an exterior passageway communicating with the inlet port. The interior wall defines a mouth communicating between the interior and the exterior passageways. The interior wall is positioned transverse to the flow path of the inlet port. A medicament delivery port opens into the mouth. A valve is moveable between a closed position, wherein the valve closes the medicament delivery port, and an open position, wherein the medicament delivery port is open. A ventilator circuit and method of delivering a medicament are also provided.

Abstract: A human body support, such as a chair, has a plurality of electrodes arranged in an array and spaced longitudinally with respect to the human body. The array extends from an inferior position to a more superior position along the body. A sensor measures a parameter of the human body that is capable of indicating the presence of drowsiness. A controller has an input connected to the sensor for receiving a signal representing the sensed parameter and has outputs connected to each of the electrodes. The controller detects whether the sensed parameter is within a range indicating the presence of drowsiness and applies a wave of electrical stimuli against the human body in response to detection of a sensed parameter within the range. The electrical stimuli cause periodic tightening and relaxing of proximate muscles as the wave progresses in a direction from an inferior location on the human body toward a more superior location.

Abstract: Catheters and related methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering an agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a polymer tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body and the tip member can include a liner, one or both of a braid member or a coil member surrounding the liner, and a polymer cover surrounding the braid member or the coil member. The tip member can further include one or more filaments extending from a position overlapping, underlapping, or abutting a distal end of the braid member or the coil member on their proximal ends to a position distal to the braid member or the coil member on their distal ends. The one or more filaments can include a plurality of filaments arranged in a series of contacting helical windings about the liner, the braid member, or the coil member.

Abstract: Catheters and methods for supporting a guidewire or delivering a radiopaque, diagnostic or therapeutic agent through a vessel stenosis or other tortuous anatomy are disclosed. A catheter can comprise an elongate shaft body and a tip member disposed at a distal end of the shaft body. The shaft body can extend from a proximal end to the distal end and can define an inner lumen. The shaft body can include a liner, a braid member surrounding the liner, a multi-layer coil surrounding the braid member, and a polymer cover surrounding the multi-layer coil. The multi-layer coil can include first and second coil layers wound in opposing directions. An outer surface portion of the polymer cover can include one or more helical threads. In an example, the one or more helical threads are positioned around a distal end portion of the shaft body. The tip member can be made from a metal or a polymer and can also include one or more helical threads around its outer surface.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an instrument including an elongated, flexible body and a shape sensor including an optical fiber extending at least partially along the elongated, flexible body. The apparatus also includes a radiopaque material incorporated with the optical fiber at least partially along a length of the optical fiber.

Abstract: A cutaneous catheter anchoring device and method to prevent occlusion of an indwelling peripheral intravenous catheter and to do so in a way that does not require immobilization of, or significant reduction in the range of motion of, the joint of the particular extremity. The device and method accomplish this by immobilizing multiple areas of the skin's surface relative to the indwelling catheter. The device is in close proximity to the indwelling catheter and maintains a smooth, rather than bent or creased, skin surface above the catheter thus preventing creasing or kinking of the catheter itself during times when the patient bends the extremity.

Abstract: Improved methods for percutaneously creating, entering and/or dilating an opening in the wall of a blood vessel or other anatomic structure. The improvement comprises deploying a guide element having a proximal segment and a distal segment, the diameter of said distal segment being greater than the diameter of said proximal segment at their juncture, and which at said juncture forms an abrupt circumferential step comprising a proximally-facing surface. Said proximally-facing surface abuts the catheter's tip and shields said tip, thereby facilitating passage of said catheter as it enters and passes through said opening in said wall of a blood vessel or other anatomic structure.