Abstract: A coil assembly for generating plasma, is disclosed. The coil assembly includes a cylindrical coil having a cylindrical inner mesh, a cylindrical outer mesh and a cylindrical dielectric separating the inner and outer meshes, an insulating stand at each of the first and second end of the cylindrical coil configured for mounting the cylindrical coil in an elevated position, wherein supply of voltage to the inner and outer meshes generates plasma which is discharged from the outer mesh.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) light germicidal sanitizing system for use in an enclosed space comprises a room occupancy sensor, a door sensor, a UV light generating unit, and a control software application. The room occupancy sensor is positioned in the enclosed space and generates a first signal indicating that the enclosed space is either occupied or unoccupied. The room occupancy sensor is implemented with a door providing access to the enclosed space and generates a second signal indicating that the door is either open or closed. The UV light generating unit receives the first and second signals and generates UV light into the enclosed space if the first signal indicates that the enclosed space is unoccupied and the second signal indicates that the door is closed. The control software application generates commands for the UV light generating unit to start generating UV light and to stop generating UV light.

Abstract: A tissue adhesive formed by reacting an aminodextran containing primary amine groups with an oxidized dextran containing aldehyde groups is described. The dextran-based polymer tissue adhesive is particularly useful in medical applications where low swell and slow degradation are needed, for example sealing the dura, ophthalmic procedures, tissue repair, antiadhesive applications, drug delivery, and as a plug to seal a fistula or the punctum.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to polymer compositions having one or more antioxidants providing high crosslink density and improved oxidation resistance to the polymer composition and methods for making same. Such polymer compositions can be advantageously used to make orthopedic implants. The disclosure also provides methods for selecting antioxidants providing desirable properties to the polymer composition. In one embodiment, a measure of OIT can be used to select the antioxidant and antioxidant blend. In another embodiment, measurements of OIT and OI-rate can be used to select the one or more antioxidants. In an other embodiment, the product of OIT and crosslink density can be calculated to predict wear resistance and oxidation resistance of a polymer composition including one or more antioxidants.

Abstract: Described herein are injectable alloplastic implant compositions that are particularly useful for soft tissue defect augmentation. The compositions include microparticles, such as polymethylmethacrylate particles, and collagen as a suspending agent, wherein the collagen contains a reduced amount of low molecular weight gelatine compared to high molecular weight collagen. By controlling the molecular weight of the collagen in the compositions, the injectability, stability, and antigenicity of the alloplastic implant compositions can be improved.

Abstract: A planar implant for replacement of biological tissues includes a layered structure including a) a lyophilized pericardium layer of biological origin, and b) at least one sponge-like layer of lyophilized extracellular protein.

Abstract: A method for coating an orthopedic implant made of a titanium or titanium alloy substrate with a cobalt-chrome molybdenum alloy uses multi-arc physical vapor deposition (MA-PVD). The substrate has a first bearing surface coated with a coating made of the deposited cobalt-chromium molybdenum alloy. The bearing surface slidably receives a second bearing surface of the prosthetic joint component. The MA-PVD cobalt-chromium molybdenum alloy coating forming the first bearing surface is made up of hexagonal close packed (HCP) grains having a columnar structure with a length of about 1 ?m and a width of about 0.1 ?m with the length of each HCP grains being oriented generally perpendicular to the titanium substrate bearing surface.

Abstract: The present invention can be used for actual implantation surgery without a scaffold. The present invention provides a synthetic tissue or complex which can be produced by culture and has a high level of differentiation ability. The present invention also provides a therapy and medicament for repairing and/or regenerating tissue using replacement and covering. By culturing cells under specific culture conditions such that medium contains an extracellular matrix synthesis promoting agent, the cells are organized and are easily detached from a culture dish. The present invention was achieved by finding such a phenomenon. In addition, the self contraction of the tissue can be regulated by culturing the tissue in a suspended manner. Therefore, it is possible to regulate the three-dimensional shape of the tissue.

Abstract: A nerve graft includes a carbon nanotube structure, a hydrophilic layer, and a nerve network. The hydrophilic layer having a polar surface is located on a surface of the carbon nanotube structure. The nerve network positioned on the polar surface of the hydrophilic layer includes a number of neurons connecting with each other. The nerve network has a polarity. The polar surface of the hydrophilic layer has a polarity attracted to the polarity of the nerve network.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides compositions useful in regeneration of connective tissue, particularly bone. The compositions comprise a continuous matrix formed of a polypeptide crosslinked with a second polymer and further comprise particles of a porous, osteoconductive material dispersed in the continuous matrix. The composition can be provided in a dehydrated form. The disclosure further provides methods of preparing the composition in a clinically useful form, methods of using the composition in regenerating bone, and kits including the composition.

Abstract: High strength implantable devices having complex surfaces are injection molded from powder metal wherein the surface is defined by a monolithic insert made by additive manufacturing. The insert defines the surface texture of the device and may also include a portion to form an ingrowth texture and a portion to form a substrate interface texture. The tensile bond strength of the texture is 20 Mega Pascal or greater.

Abstract: Coatings are provided in which surfaces may be activated by covalently bonding a combination of silane derivatives (A) to the metal surface, covalently bonding a lactone polymer (B) to the silane derivative by in situ ring opening polymerization, and depositing at least one layer of a polyester (C) on the bonded lactone polymer. Biologically active agents or therapeutic compounds may be deposited with any of the polyester layers. Such coated surfaces may be useful in medical devices, in particular stents.

Abstract: A tissue removal device includes a cannula that can aspirate tissue, and a thermal element located at a tip of the cannula that can apply localized heat to the tissue to be aspirated. The tissue removal device may also include a device for applying a vacuum in the cannula, which may be configured for applying vacuum pulses according to a controlled pulse rate and vacuum level. The tissue removal device may also include a device for applying the heat at the tip according to a controllable pulse rate and power level.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for managing a supply of breast milk. In one form the system includes a codified container for receiving expressed breast milk. A computing device receives an image of the expressed milk in the codified container. The codification allows for software to recognize the size and type of the container, as well as scale and orientation, to translate the image into an accurate volume. The milk data is then processed and analyzed to produce feedback regarding the pumping session, such as logs, charts, or reminders. In other embodiments, nipple positioning may be analyzed as well.

Abstract: An axial-flow blood pump has a rotatable impeller assembly rotatable about an axis and itself having a radially projecting blade and permanent magnets, A stationary stator assembly has stator windings interacting with the permanent magnets and a bearing system supporting the rotatable impeller assembly for rotation about the axis relative to the stator assembly. A stent implantable into a blood vessel is connected to ends of supports for coaxially mounting the stator assembly carrying the impeller assembly in the stent.

Abstract: Methods and devices implementing, for detecting a recirculation, at the side of a dialysis solution, by a blood-sided administration of a bolus are disclosed. Recirculation may be detected by: measuring a first light absorbance value (ad) of a dialysis solution (d) draining off a dialyzer using a spectrometer, prior to the administration of the bolus; venous administration of the bolus having a predefined volume (QBven) at the venous access; measuring a second light absorbance value (bd) of the draining dialysis solution using a spectrometer, after the administration of the bolus; and determining a change in the absorbance value between the first (ad) and second (bd) measured absorbance values due to the presence of a bolus in the dialysis solution during recirculation as a basis for the recirculation quantification.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating whole blood includes an access device for drawing whole blood from a source, a blood component separation device, a draw line, a draw pump, and a controller. The blood component separation device separates the drawn whole blood into a first blood component and a second blood component. The draw line fluidly connects the access device and the blood component separation device, and the draw pump draws whole blood from the source through the access device and draw line and into the blood component separation device. The controller controls fluid flow through the apparatus and operation of the draw pump. The controller also monitors the total volume of whole blood drawn from the source and the total volume of first blood component collected. The controller stops the draw pump when the first of a target whole blood volume is withdrawn or a target volume of first blood component is collected.

Abstract: An irrigation system for providing a continuous and controlled flow of a fluid. The system includes (a) a reservoir system having a main longitudinal axis and a plurality of containers of fluid; (b) a fluid transfer system in fluid connection with said reservoir system and includes at least one fluid transfer head, adapted to transfer fluid from one of said plurality of containers to an external tubing system; and (c) at least one connector between said container and said fluid transfer head. Each fluid transfer head has a mechanism adapted to linearly move each of said fluid transfer heads along said main longitudinal axis. Each container comprises a neck and a nipple. Each connector is reversibly coupled to said irrigation system and comprises: a lower section comprising two arcs, the distance between the centers of said arcs substantially equal to the distance between the centers of said neck and said nipple.

Abstract: A carrier for carrying patient fluids comprising a carrying frame, a support base, at least one container holder, attached to the carrying frame distal from the floor, configured to receive a container of medication, the container holder being movable between an upward position and a downward position, a holder activator spaced from the container holder and positioned between the container holder and the floor, coupled to the container holder, and configured such that the container holder moves toward a downward position in response to a first movement of the holder activator, and toward an upward position in response to a second movement of the holder activator.

Abstract: Apparatus having a percutaneous cartridge port with an exterior having a porous region configured to promote soft tissue ingrowth and an implantable operative portion, including a fluid transfer device, operably connected to the percutaneous cartridge port, and methods that may be associated with an apparatus having a percutaneous cartridge port.

Abstract: Apparatus, for use with a fluid cartridge, that include a percutaneous port having an interior configured to receive the fluid cartridge, an implantable operative portion that has a fluid transfer device with an inlet and an outlet, and delivery/manifold tube with a manifold portion and a delivery portion, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for determining start timing of supply of drug to be given in which a peripheral circulatory function and an autonomic nervous function are activated through a stimulus applied to a stimulus application origin part of a body surface by an acupuncture needle or warm heating etc., and a drug conveyance system according to the method for determining start timing of supply of drug.

Abstract: A housing may have a needle, plunger, and bias mechanism supported within the housing by a tab configured to retain the plunger in position and to allow the plunger to move under bias force imparted by the bias mechanism to move the needle to an insert position when the tab is removed. A base and a structure may be configured for relative movement there between and may be adapted to be secured to a user with a cannula extending through a body of the structure into the user during use of a medical device. A housing may be adapted to be secured to a user to support a medical device operable with an insertion needle, the housing having a magnifying material for increasing visibility of an injection site.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for delivering therapeutic particles are disclosed. In one variation, a device for delivering particles includes a gas supply configured for supplying gas under pressure, a particle cassette comprising the particles, a cassette housing, and a cassette membrane. The cassette housing can comprise an Ethylene Vinyl Acetate (EVA) copolymer of 18% to 28% by weight of Vinyl Acetate (VA). The device can also include a safety interlock to prevent or minimize the risk that the device will be unintentionally activated. The device can also have a silencer.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a medication delivery device is provided, comprising a piston rod which is movable from a start position to an end position for medication delivery and resettable from the end position to the start position. The drive assembly further comprises a guide member, being in engagement with the piston rod, and an impeding element for impeding a movement of the guide member during a reset of the piston rod and thereby impeding the reset of the piston rod. Furthermore, a medication delivery device comprising the drive assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston for a cartridge for a drug delivery device comprising: at least one annular sealing surface to radially abut against an inner side wall of a cartridge, a distal surface to confine a drug receiving volume of the cartridge, a thrust receiving surface adapted to receive a thrust exerting plunger of a drug delivery device for displacing the piston in a proximal direction relative to the side wall, wherein the thrust receiving surface comprises numerous centering elements protruding from the thrust receiving surface towards the plunger and wherein the centering elements comprise an outer shape and geometry that matches with a corresponding receptacle of the plunger, and wherein the centering elements are arranged and aligned on the circumference of an imaginary annular or circular structure.

Abstract: An improved drug delivery device is provided having a piston rod that incorporates on its proximal end at least one guidepost that is configured for transmitting axial and rotational forces from a drive mechanism. The device comprises a drug delivery device housing and a medicament contained in the drug delivery device housing.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for blocking needle tracts are disclosed. In some embodiments, the needle tracts are blocked by using a needle that includes an elongated shaft that defines an outer surface, and a polymer coating applied to the outer surface of the shaft, the coating being adapted to block the tract formed by insertion of the needle into an object.

Abstract: Disclosed are method and apparatus for guiding a needle during an interventional radiology procedure. The target and skin entry point are pre-determined in three-dimensional medical imaging scans. The needle trajectory is defined by the target and skin entry point, which is physically marked on the skin. A dual-headed laser emitting two laser beams is positioned and aligned such that one laser beam is aimed at the skin entry point and the other laser beam is aimed at an external reference point, which is determined such that the axis of the laser beam aimed at the skin entry point is substantially collinear with the needle trajectory. The needle is inserted while maintaining the axis of the needle substantially collinear with the axis of the laser beam aimed at the skin entry point.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology include a micromachined implantable drug delivery devices, grippers, and syringes that are wirelessly powered and controlled by frequency tuning of external radiofrequency (RF) magnetic fields. An illustrative device can be designed and constructed with passive circuitry and microvalves that operate without batteries, e.g., through thermal actuation of hydrogel microvalves and/or shape-memory alloy members. The frequency selectivity in the device control provides not only a path to achieving reliable and safe operation of drug delivery but also potential applications for selective delivery of multiple drugs.

Abstract: Heating units, drug supply units and drug delivery articles capable of rapid heating are disclosed. Heating units comprising a substrate and a solid fuel capable of undergoing an exothermic metal oxidation reaction disposed within the substrate are disclosed. These heating units can be actuated by electrical resistance, by optical ignition or by percussion. Drug supply units and drug delivery articles wherein a solid fuel is configured to heat a substrate to a temperature sufficient to rapidly thermally vaporize a drug disposed thereon are also disclosed.

Abstract: Proposed are a medical spray head (300) for spraying one or more fluid substances with the use of a compressed gas, a spray device equipped therewith, and a method for using the same. In order to avoid too high a gas pressure, the spray head comprises a pressure relief valve (310) which guides the compressed gas out of the spray head if the gas pressure exceeds a threshold pressure. As a result, the risk of gas embolisms occurring during the use of such a spray head for medical purposes is reduced.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser comprising a body (1), a fluid reservoir (2), a dispenser member, such as a pump or a valve, mounted on said reservoir (2), and a dose indicator device for indicating the number of doses of fluid that have been dispensed or that remain to be dispensed from said reservoir, the dispenser being characterized in that said dose indicator device includes a first safety system for actuating the dose indicator device once the dispenser has performed a predetermined incomplete actuation stroke, even if the dispenser does not perform the complete actuation stroke.

Abstract: A method of treatment and a nasal treatment delivery device for mixed carbon dioxide and saline for treating head ailments includes: a) a main housing having a hollow central area containing a dosage that includes a saline fluid and a gas containing carbon dioxide; b) a dosage dispenser head located at the distal end of the main housing, and having at least one flow channel for movement of the dosage from the main housing through the dosage dispenser head and to external of the dosage dispenser head; c) a dosage release control component located between the main housing and the dosage dispenser head to permit flow of the dosage through the dosage dispenser head in response to increased pressure against the dosage; and d) a pressure-changing moveable component located on the main housing.

Abstract: A ventilator including an inspiration flow control unit and an expiration flow control unit coupled to the inspiration flow control unit. The ventilator also includes a nasal intermittent mandatory ventilation (NIMV) control system coupled to the inspiration flow control unit and the expiration flow control unit. The NIMV control system is configured to automatically and simultaneously adjust an inspiration flow and an expiration flow. A pressure of the inspiration flow is increased from a baseline pressure to a control pressure. A pressure of the expiration flow is returned to the baseline pressure.

Abstract: Provided according to embodiments of the invention are methods for monitoring the application of positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) to an individual. Such methods include isolating a pulsatile arterial component (PAC) signal and a venous impedance component (VIC) signal of a PPG signal obtained from a central source site of the individual; monitoring the PAC signal, the VIC signal, or both, over time; and adjusting the level of PEEP based on the PAC signal, the VIC signal, or both.

Abstract: A breathing assistance device with improved pressure characteristics is disclosed. The device is capable of providing a high level of CPAP per unit of supplementary respirable gas consumed while maintaining low CPAP fluctuations throughout the breath cycle. The invention further optionally comprises a manometer for monitoring pressure and a safety pressure relief valve as additional safety measures against overpressure delivered to a patient. The device may be made to be completely disposable for one-time or single patient use.

Abstract: In an anesthesia vaporizer for vaporizing an anesthetic agent liquid and a method of vaporizing an anesthetic agent liquid in an vaporizer, an evaporation unit evaporates the anesthetic agent, a delivery unit intermittently adds a volume of said liquid to the evaporation unit in order to evaporate at least a portion of the volume of the liquid from the evaporation unit. A heat energy storage unit includes a phase change material (PCM) and is thermally coupled to at least a portion of the evaporation unit. The PCM has a phase shift temperature that is higher than the evaporation temperature of the anesthetic agent. The PCM in the heat energy storage unit is preferably at least partly liquid at an operative temperature of the vaporizer.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which generates an image and particularly a celestial or a natural image having embedded movement that is useful in relieving conditions such as patient angst, depression and the like. The apparatus may include a control panel for adjusting the image and the movement based on the patient's condition or response to the image.

Abstract: A tube-in-tube assembled parison for preparation of an elongated medical device. The parison if formed by assembling in tube-in-tube fashion a first tube of orientable polymer material and a second tube formed of orientable polymer material disposed around the first tube, with an adhesive tie layer disposed between the first and second tubes. The tubes are brought into contact to form a unitary parison. The adhesive may allow movement between the polymer layers during balloon blowing. The first tube, or the second tube, or both, may have been longitudinally pre-stretched after formation thereof but before assembly of the parison.

Abstract: A variable stiffness catheter having two concentric coils. A first coil is fixed with relation to the body of the catheter and a second coil is able to rotate in the space between adjacent turns of the first coil. The second coil translates axially in response to being rotated. When the second coil is advanced to its distal position, the stiffness is maximized. When the second coil is refracted proximally, the stiffness of the coil is reduced.

Abstract: A steerable guide wire including one or more electroactive polymer layers, wherein each EAP layer is disposed between a layer of a first electrode and a layer of a plurality of second electrodes.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to catheter assemblies having a tip protector, a valve, a valve opener, and optionally a needle wiper. The valve opener is disposed inside a catheter hub and is configured to be pushed by an IV set luer connector to open a valve following successful catheterization to pass fluids or other solutions through the catheter. A tip protector is incorporated to block the needle tip and prevent the same from accidental needle stick. A wiper is optionally included to wipe blood deposits from the needle when the same is retracted from the catheter.

Abstract: A drug or agent coated balloon having a length which is adjustable in vivo is described herein. The balloon is configured to be coated or coatable with one or more drugs where the coating may be applied prior to advancement into a patient body or prior to balloon expansion within the patient body. The length of the expandable portion of the balloon is adjustable to approximate a length of the tissue region to be treated. Moreover, the drug-coated balloon may be used alone or it may be utilized to deploy luminal prostheses having one or more linked or otherwise coupled segments.

Abstract: A balloon cover is provided to enhance the performance of a medical balloon, the cover, in accordance with an embodiment, having overlapping portions and opposed apertures located at apexes of tapered ends of the balloon cover. A method of making balloon covers is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter and methods for luminal therapy are provided wherein a catheter has an outer balloon with a multiplicity of apertures for infusing one or more therapeutic agents into a vessel wall, an intermediate balloon having a multiplicity of apertures offset from the apertures of outer balloon to serve as a baffle that reduces jetting and promotes uniform distribution of therapeutic agent exiting through the outer balloon, and an impermeable inner balloon disposed within the intermediate balloon that enables the intermediate and outer balloons to be forced into engagement with the vessel wall to dilate the vessel and disrupt plaque lining the vessel wall and to also facilitate the uniform delivery of the therapeutic agent.

Abstract: A medical device including an outer balloon, an inner balloon, and at least one delivery unit is disclosed. The outer balloon defines a first internal cavity that remains in fluid communication with a first inflation lumen. The inner balloon is disposed within the first internal cavity, and defines a second internal cavity that is in fluid communication with a second inflation lumen. Each delivery unit includes at least one needle configured to pierce a tissue and at least one reservoir containing a material. Further, inflation of the outer balloon or the inner balloon is structured and arranged to deliver the material into the tissue through the needle lumen.

Abstract: In one aspect of this invention, control systems (100) are provided for controlling the inflation of a tissue tensioner or balloon for a fluid delivery system, such as for a needleless fluid injection device. In another aspect of the invention, a system for reducing the response time for jet injection of fluid is provided (200). In yet another aspect of the invention, systems and devices are provided for controlling the volume of fluid that is ejected from a fluid injection system, which systems include at least one stop (410) that is selectively rotated to limit the movement of a shaft (402) in a linear direction, thereby controlling the amount of fluid that is ejected from the system.

Abstract: A medical device with an expandable element and expandable tubular sleeve surrounding at least a portion of the expandable element which influences the rate, shape and/or force required to expand the expandable element and methods for use in a body lumen are provided.

Abstract: An adjustable shape abscess irrigation device includes a first tube that is slidably associated with a second tube. The irrigation device includes a retainer that defines a variable shape diameter. The diameter of the retainer is selectively adjustable by the relative positioning of the first tube and the second tube such that, once placed relative to an abscess, the shape of the device can be manipulated to allow desired drainage of irrigation and abscess fluids beyond the confines of the abscess. Upon adequate drainage of the abscess, the cross-section shape of the retainer can be reduced to facilitate more comfortable and less detrimental removal of the device from the patient. Preferably, the irrigation device is formed via one or multi-shot injection molding and is formed of more than material.