Abstract: A contact lens storage case of limited life and predetermined usage to further the safe and effective use of contact lenses by ensuring patient compliance through both limiting case use over a set period of time and discouraging reuse and topping-off of the disinfecting and storage solution. Generally, the self-destruction consists of the case developing a leak in a pre-determined fashion as a result of the change in properties of a material in a limited area of the case following exposure of the case to the storage solution.

Abstract: Liquid activated ink formulations comprising a liquid activated dye, a hydrochromic ionic compound, an opacifier, and a solvent.

Abstract: A new material was assessed in a patellar reattachment model in sheep and evaluated using histology and biomechanical testing. Overall, these materials showed they produced minimal reactivity histologically. The new material had higher failure strength overall compared to a previous study with the control material as repairs completed with PLG/CS/TCP anchors were significantly stronger compared to repairs with PLLA anchors.

Abstract: One-component bone cement pastes, containing: AI at least one methacrylate monomer suitable for radical polymerization; AII at least one polymer that is soluble in AI; AIII at least one particulate polymer that is insoluble in AI and has a particle size of less than 500 ?m; optionally AIV at least one radical-forming initiator or at least one radical initiator that is soluble in AI and subject to thermal decomposition; optionally AV at least one electrically conductive radio-opaquer, in the form of ferromagnetic particles.

Abstract: The invention features a composition comprising a self-healing interpenetrating network hydrogel comprising a first network and a second network. The first network comprises covalent crosslinks and the second network comprises ionic or physical crosslinks. For example, the first network comprises a polyacrylamide polymer and second network comprises an alginate polymer.

Abstract: A bone replacement filler comprising a biomedical ceramic particulate, wherein the filler is able to flow without the application of an external shear stress or compressive force or under a relatively low shear stress or compressive force, but resists flow or does not flow when subjected to a higher shear stress or compressive force, and wherein at least some of the particles in the ceramic particulate have a micro-porous surface structure and/or a micro-porous sub-surface structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an inflow cannula for blood circulatory assist devices, having a robust structure and possessing a thrombus anchoring effect. Furthermore, the inflow cannula for blood circulatory assist devices does not deform or exhibit loss of dimensional accuracy during the manufacture process. These features are achieved by a porous structure formed of one or more linear elements or of a porous shaped article.

Abstract: A biocompatible insulin delivery device is provided comprising an insulin reservoir sealed with a glucose-responsive plug or membrane. The plug functions to release insulin from the reservoir in response to a hyperglycemic glucose concentration and to prevent insulin release from the reservoir in response to hypoglycemic glucose concentration. In one embodiment, the plug is made of a biocompatible polymeric matrix comprising an inorganic component, a stimulus-responsive component and a catalytic component.

Abstract: Disclosed are composite implantable tissue attachment devices comprising a mechanical reinforcing component and a cellular scaffold component. Disclosed devices include a wide, relatively flat portion for supporting long term repair of tissue. Disclosed devices can include a tapered portion at the end of the wide portions that can lead into a narrower elongated extension for aiding in placement of the device during a surgical procedure. The wide portion of the device can provide tensile strength along the longitudinal axis of the device as well as porosity. The wide devices can cover a larger surface area of a delivery site than standard suture. Disclosed materials can be utilized in, e.g., soft tissue repair such as tendon and ligament reconstruction and repair.

Abstract: A composition comprising at least one polymer having the structure A-B-A?, wherein A and A? may be the same or different and each is a degradable polyester component and wherein B is the reaction product resulting from the reaction between a diol, having one or more pendant oligomeric or polymeric groups, and A and A?. Additionally, a bioresorbable patch comprising: (a) an adhesion barrier component comprising the composition in the form of a film; and (b) an adhesive component comprising (i) at least one synthetic adhesive polymer and/or (ii) at least one polysaccharide. Also, a method of wound healing, comprising administering the composition or apply the patch to a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides an absorbable coating for an implantable device and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: A method of collecting embryonic-like stem cells from a placenta which has been treated to remove residual cord blood by perfusing the drained placenta with an anticoagulant solution to flush out residual cells, collecting the residual cells and perfusion liquid from the drained placenta, and separating the embryonic-like cells from the residual cells and perfusion liquid. Exogenous cells can be propagated in the placental bioreactor and bioactive molecules collected therefrom.

Abstract: A system for assisting blood flow in a patient includes an implantable pump system for assisting in blood flow from the heart and an implantable control system for communicative connection with the implantable pump system. The control system includes a pacemaker system that is operative to control heart rate and the pump system interdependently to achieve a determined level of blood flow assist. The control system is adapted to increase the heart rate of the patient to above a normal heart rate for the patient under the present conditions of the patient via the pacemaker while controlling the pump system to achieve the determined level of blood flow assist based upon the increased heart rate and a level of assist provided by the pump system.

Abstract: An implantable medical pump system can include a blood pump comprising a pump housing defining a passage therethrough and a rotor within the passage. The blood pump further includes one or more elements at least partially contained within the housing adapted to actuate the rotor to drive fluid though the passage. The pump housing includes at least one coupling feature. The system further includes an inflow cannula defining a lumen therethrough. The inflow cannula is adapted to be mechanically coupled to the at least one coupling feature.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes: a peristaltic blood pump; a first peristaltic dialysate pump; a second peristaltic dialysate pump; and a fluid cassette including an upper portion and a lower portion, a blood pumping tube extending linearly from the upper portion to the lower portion, the blood pumping tube actuated by the peristaltic blood pump, a first dialysate pumping tube extending linearly from the upper portion to the lower portion, the first dialysate pumping tube actuated by the first dialysate pump, and a second dialysate pumping tube extending linearly from the upper portion to the lower portion, the second dialysate pumping tube actuated by the second dialysate pump.

Abstract: A drug infusion assembly comprises a drug delivery device arranged to adhere to a patient's skin and includes a reservoir that holds the drug, a cannula that delivers the drug to the patient, and a pump that causes the drug to flow to the cannula. The assembly further includes a monitor device for providing information about the operation of a drug delivery device. The monitor device includes a housing arranged to be attached to and detached from the drug delivery device, a sensor that senses the operation of the drug delivery device and generates an activation signal, a clock mechanism that generates a time signal, a memory that receives and stores the activation signal and the time signal and creates an information packet coordinating the time signal and the activation signal, an interrogator that interrogates the memory such that the memory generates a memory signal in response thereto, and a responder that receives the memory signal and generates a response.

Abstract: An infusion pump for administering controlled doses of a fluid comprises: a receptacle (2) for storing the fluid (6), the receptacle having an outlet (8) for dispensing the fluid; a plunger (12); a propulsion mechanism (14) which urges the plunger (12) in a direction to pressurise the fluid (6) and dispense it through the outlet (8); and a retaining member (16) which acts on the plunger (12) to control or prevent travel of the plunger (12); characterised in that the retaining member (16) is operably connected to a stepper motor (24) via a worm (22) and worm-wheel (18) drive.

Abstract: The bioinjection device has a housing including a pistol grip and an elongated barrel. A trigger is pivotally mounted to the housing. A plunger and needle are slidable between a first position in which the plunger and needle are slidably disposed in the barrel and a second position in which the plunger and needle extend from an opening in the end of the barrel. A retaining member is disposed about the opening at the end of the barrel. A spring-biased actuation mechanism connects the trigger with the plunger and needle. A membranous cartridge containing bone morphogenic protein, antibiotics, and/or other medication is loaded into the retaining member. A surgeon can inject the cartridge into a bone fracture or degenerative bone tissue during surgery to deliver the medicament directly to the affected site.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for injecting a dose of a medicament, comprising at least one housing component housing a cartridge containing the medicament. The housing component comprises at least one disaggregating means comprising a perforated structure or comprising a structurally weakened portion visibly disposed on the outer circumference of the at least one housing component. The disaggregating means further having at least one bendable and/or pivot-mounted lug adapted as a gripping means and integrally formed with the housing component for dividing the housing component into at least two separate pieces, or for at least partially dividing the housing component into at least two mutually interconnected pieces that can be pivoted with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes an extended finger flange that facilitate use of syringe systems. The extended finger flange increases the surface area available for an end user's fingers thereby allowing a more secure grip on the device and providing greater control during administrations of the medication.

Abstract: A dose setting mechanism for an injection device having a rotatably operated dose setting member. Has a presetting member being operable to limit the maximum dose settable by the dose setting member. A first stopping member is operatively connected to the presetting member, and the position of the first stopping member indicates the preset maximum dose. The first stopping member is adapted to rotatably engage with a second stopping member when the preset maximum dose has been set, thereby preventing setting of a further dose. The first and/or the second stopping member is/are movable along with the dose setting member, the first and second stopping members thereby being moved into engagement when a dose is set. Thereby a dose can be preset and the preset dose can easily be repeatedly set while ensuring an accurate dosage. Helps persons being visually impaired or having poor dexterity in setting a correct and accurate dose.

Abstract: A drug delivery device (4) for dispensing one or more doses of a drug is provided. The device (4) comprises a drive member (1) for driving a piston rod (5) and a dose member (46) for actuating the drive member (1). The piston rod (5) is coupled to the drive member (1) such that a relative translational movement of the drive member (1) and the piston rod (5) is allowed and a relative rotational movement is prevented. The drive member (1) is configured to be driven by the dose member (46) around the longitudinal axis in a first (110) and a second rotational direction (111) opposite to each other. Furthermore, a drug delivery device (4) is provided, wherein the drive member (1) has stable and unstable states and wherein in an unstable state the drive member (1) is biased by biasing means (3) towards a stable state.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for delivering gas during a laparoscopic surgical procedure performed within a patient's abdominal cavity requiring smoke evacuation which includes a gas delivery device having a housing with a port for receiving pressurized insufflating gas from a gas source, a pump assembly for circulating gas throughout the system, and a disposable gas conditioning unit or filter cartridge configured for operative association with the gas delivery device.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for delivering gas during a laparoscopic surgical procedure performed within a patient's abdominal cavity which includes a gas delivery device having a housing with a port for receiving pressurized insufflation gas from a gas source, a pump assembly for circulating gas throughout the system, and a separate gas conditioning unit configured for operative association with the gas delivery device.

Abstract: The disclosure describes a novel approach for displaying information on a ventilator system. The disclosure describes a novel respiratory system including a primary display and system status display. Further, the disclosure describes a novel method for displaying ventilator information.

Abstract: A fan unit that forms part of a gases supply unit used as part of a breathing assistance system for providing heated gases to a user. The fan has an impeller surrounded by an upwardly sloped surface to facilitate improved airflow performance under surge conditions.

Abstract: A safety breathing apparatus has a sensor for measuring the difference in pressure between two points in the gas delivered to a head unit. The sensor is used to measure the difference in the pressure of the gas supplied through the apparatus between the two points in the gas flow, and the pressure difference is then used to calculate the gas flow rate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a ventilation interface, which includes a cannula having one or more nasal prongs, a ventilation tube connected to the cannula and headgear. The cannula is secured onto the patient through one or more arced couplers positioned between the cannula and headgear. The cannula has a first side wall, a second side wall and a top wall which form a reservoir. The top wall includes a first portion, a second portion and a notch positioned between the first portion and second portion. The ventilation tube includes one or more bleed ports and provides breathable gas to a patient. The headgear includes a first strap and a second strap. The first strap includes a first portion and second portion that contains two or more slots to connect the second strap. Each portion of the first strap includes an inner layer and an outer layer.

Abstract: A pad assembly for use with a gas delivery mask for delivering a flow of gas to an airway of a patient is described. The pad assembly includes an outer casing and a support element. The outer cashing has a housing portion and a mounting portion. The housing portion has a first wall and a second wall defining a hollow cavity therebetween. The first wall is structured to engage a portion of the patient, and the mounting portion is structured to couple the outer casing to the patient interface device. The support element is disposed substantially within the cavity of the outer casing.

Abstract: A forehead support for a respiratory mask includes a forehead support arm structured to extend from a frame and a forehead support pad provided to the arm. The forehead support pad includes upper headgear connectors adapted to engage upper headgear straps and a flexible region. The upper headgear connectors are constructed of a first material and the flexible region is constructed of a second material that is more flexible than the first material to allow adjustment of the distance of the forehead support pad from the patient's forehead in use.

Abstract: A system for the management of medical tubing, the system includes a tube holder adapted for receiving and retaining medical tubes, and a clip adapted to be engaged with a substrate, in which the tube holder may be releasably engaged with the clip.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter including a generally cylindrical body enclosing a first and second lumen separated by a generally planar septum. A first and second tip section extend from a distal end of the body. The first and second tip section may each include a generally planar surface. The second tip section may include a first segment extending from the distal end of the body to a transition segment and a second segment extending from the transition segment to a distal end of the second tip section.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that includes an external sheath, a rotatable conduit housed within the external sheath, and a fluid rotary joint having a rotatable insert that places an inner lumen of the rotatable conduit in fluid communication with an external port under rotation of the rotatable conduit. The rotatable insert may include a channel structure including an external annular channel. The rotatable conduit is received within the channel structure such that the inner lumen is in fluid communication with the external port through the annular channel under rotation. The external sheath may define an outer lumen that may be in fluid communication with the inner lumen at a location remote from a proximal portion of the catheter, and the outer lumen may be in fluid communication with a secondary port. The rotatable conduit may be housed within a torque cable that is connected to the rotatable insert.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter securement device comprises of an intravenous catheter board stabilizer that conforms to patients' bodies and an adjustable elastic sleeve with a hole for catheter insertion, with two overlying flaps for catheter securement. The intravenous catheter board base has holes on either side, one side for connection of the elastic sleeve, and the other side provides a fastening location for elastic bands attached to the sleeve for tightness adjustment. An embodiment of the invention involving the intravenous board is displayed separately as an alternative innovation. This device is comprised of a simple form fitting elastic sleeve having a catheter opening with the intent of applying a removable adhesive to the sleeve itself over the catheter for securement purposes. These embodiments establish a simple, standardized, and safe method of securing intravenous catheters sans adhesive material in contact with the epidermis.

Abstract: Needle assemblies are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needle assemblies having a tip protector with a plurality of wall surfaces for preventing contact with the needle tip from a side. Aspects of the tip protectors discussed herein include a first protector body having an arm for blocking a needle tip surrounded by a second protector body having a plurality of wall surfaces.

Abstract: A medical guidewire system including an inner member having an outer diameter and an outer member having an inner diameter, the inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter. The inner and outer members are relatively slidable to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire system. The lumen of the outer member forms a gap for fluid flow therethrough. A connector has a first end portion connected to the outer member, a second end portion connected to the inner member and a fluid infusion channel communicating with the gap for injection of fluid through the gap to exit a distal portion of the outer member.

Abstract: A medical guidewire system including an inner member having an outer diameter and an outer member having an inner diameter, the inner diameter being larger than the outer diameter. The inner and outer members are relatively slidable to adjust a stiffness of the guidewire system. The lumen of the outer member forms a gap for fluid flow therethrough. A connector to the inner member and a fluid infusion channel communicating with the gap for injection of fluid through the gap to exit a distal portion of the outer member.

Abstract: A balloon catheter system enabling balloon stretching and deflating, and balloon stretch-releasing and inflating operations to be performed at a time with a single operation. The system includes a catheter shaft including outer and inner tubes slidable to each other and a deflatable/inflatable balloon arranged between the distal ends thereof. A solution transport path is formed between the outer and inner tubes. Anterior and posterior tanks are arranged in a handle. The tanks and the inner tube passing through the central portion thereof are slidable to each other. Stopcocks are mounted in sliding portions between the inner tube and these tanks. These tanks are connected to the inside of the balloon via the solution transport path. A piston is provided inside the posterior tank. Thus, the inner pressures of these tanks change by reciprocating the inner tube fixed to the piston, thus simplifying balloon deflating and inflating operations.

Abstract: Methods for treating hydrocephalus using a shunt, the shunt having one or more CSF intake openings in a distal portion, a valve disposed in a proximal portion of the shunt, and a lumen extending between the one or more CSF intake openings and the valve, the method comprises deploying the shunt in a body of a patient so that the distal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within a CP angle cistern, a body of the shunt is at least partially disposed within an IPS of the patient, and the proximal portion of the shunt is at least partially disposed within or proximate to a JV of the patient, wherein, after deployment of the shunt, CSF flows from the CP angle cistern to the JV via the shunt lumen at a flow rate in a range of 5 ml per hour to 15 ml per hour.

Abstract: A nephroureteral catheter is provided that comprises a detachable portion such that when the detachable portion is removed, the catheter converts into an internal stent. The catheter includes a tube with two retention features, a detachable portion, and an inner tube. The inner tube is removably insertable into both the tube and the detachable portion, and a wire extends through at least a portion of a lumen of the inner tube and through the tube, to keep the pieces attached. The wire may be removed to remove the inner tube and then the detachable portion from the tube. When the detachable portion is attached to the tube, the catheter is a nephroureteral catheter. When the detachable portion is removed from the tube, the catheter becomes a stent.

Abstract: Tissue dilation systems are disclosed. The present systems provide percutaneous access to one or more target structures located in a patient's body. The tissue dilation systems include two or more tissue dilation tubes telescopically arranged and moveable relative to each other. The tissue dilation tubes can be preassembled prior to use by utilizing a dilation tube retention assembly which can maintain the dilation tubes in a substantially fixed position and release the tubes therefrom in order to dilate a patient's tissue. Methods of producing the present systems and using the present systems in surgical procedures are also disclosed.

Abstract: Disclosed is an expandable transluminal sheath, for introduction into the body while in a first, collapsed cross-sectional configuration, subsequent expansion of at least a part of the distal end of the sheath to a second, enlarged cross-sectional configuration, and subsequent removal in a third, collapsed cross-sectional configuration. The sheath is configured for use in the vascular system and has utility in the introduction and removal of implant delivery catheters. The access route is through the femoral arteries and the iliac arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is maintained in the first, collapsed cross-sectional configuration during advancement to the arteries into the aorta. The distal end of the sheath is then expanded using a radial dilatation device, which is removed prior to the introduction of implant delivery catheters. The distal end of the sheath is subsequently reduced to a diametrically small size for removal.

Abstract: A retainer (34) is provided for holding a microprotrusion member (44) for application of the microprotrusion member (44) to the stratum corneum with an impact applicator (10). The microprotrusion member (44) includes a plurality of microprotrusions (90) which penetrate the stratum corneum to improve transport of an agent across the stratum corneum.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides adapters configured to interconnect a device connector of a medical device and a tube connector, the adapter having a first end with a female Luer connector and a second end having a primary Luer male connector, with a secondary female section.

Abstract: An electrode for use with an external defibrillator for a patient includes a first combination circuit including a circuit node electrically coupled to an adapter for coupling to the defibrillator. The circuit node is further coupled to a monitoring node defined by a monitoring segment of a first pad of the electrode and to a therapy node defined by a therapy segment of the first pad of the electrode. The therapy segment is electrically insulated from the monitoring segment. The first combination circuit further includes a capacitor coupled between the circuit node and the therapy node. The electrode of this disclosure hence provides additional solutions for reducing ECG artifact during the operation of the electrode.

Abstract: A stimulation apparatus includes a stimulation lead (102), a multiplexer (114), a stimulation signal generator (116), and a signal detector (120). The stimulation lead (102) includes a plurality of stimulation electrodes (112) disposed in an array about a distal portion of the lead body (110). The arrangement of the electrodes (112) facilitates the controlled steering of stimulating electrical field (118) in three dimensions. Four dimensional field steering may also be provided.

Abstract: A lead stimulation/recording system is provided, which is a combination of a permanent DBS stimulating lead and a recording microelectrode. The DBS lead has a lumen extending from the proximal to the distal end of the lead, the lumen having an opening on each end of the lead. The microelectrode is configured and dimensioned to be insertable into the DBS lead from either the distal or proximal opening of the DBS lead, thereby permitting the microelectrode to be placed before, concurrently with, or after placement of the DBS lead. In addition, the system may be used with known microelectrode recording systems and methods of inserting the electrodes, such as the five-at-a-time method, the dual-microdrive method, or the single microdrive method.

Abstract: Systems, methods and devices are disclosed for directing and focusing signals to the brain for neuromodulation and for directing and focusing signals or other energy from the brain for measurement, heat transfer and imaging. An aperture in the skull and/or a channel device implantable in the skull can be used to facilitate direction and focusing. Treatment and diagnosis of multiple neurological conditions may be facilitated with the disclosed systems, methods and devices.

Abstract: The present invention is a visual prosthesis for the restoration of sight in patients with lost or degraded visual function. The visual prosthesis includes an implantable portion which stimulates visual neural tissue according to stimulation patterns sent by a programmable video processing unit. The video processing unit controls stimulation patterns including programmable wave forms to provide monopolar, bipolar, and multipolar wave forms.

Abstract: Devices and methods for blocking signal transmission through neural tissue. One step of a method includes placing a therapy delivery device into electrical communication with the neural tissue. The therapy delivery device includes an electrode contact having a high charge capacity material. A multi-phase direct current (DC) can be applied to the neural tissue without damaging the neural tissue. The multi-phase DC includes a cathodic DC phase and anodic DC phase that collectively produce a neural block and reduce the charge delivered by the therapy delivery device. The DC delivery can be combined with high frequency alternating current (HFAC) block to produce a system that provides effective, safe, long term block without inducing an onset response.