Abstract: An aortic blood pump is described that is secured to a patient aorta that can be inflated and deflated in response to selective communication with a source of pressurized fluid or air. An expanded stent creates an area in with the pump and inflate and deflate. A system is also detailed including the pump and an external air line external to a patient body.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the operation of, and providing power for and to, implantable ventricular assist devices which include a brushless DC motor-driven blood pump, are disclosed. In one embodiment, a control system for driving an implantable pump is provided. The digital processor is responsive to data associated with the operation of the pump received at the data transfer port, and from the program data stored in memory, (i) to determine therefrom, the identity of the pump, (ii) to determine therefrom, electrical characteristics and features of the identified pump, and (iii) to adaptively generate and apply to the data port, control signals for driving the identified pump. Latch mechanisms, an elongated flexible electrical cable with a strain relief segment, and a lower housing portion that is heavier than an upper housing portion, may also be provided with the control system.

Abstract: In order to produce a pulsatile blood flow pattern that includes time periods of relatively high blood flow rates and time periods of relatively low blood flow rates, the operating speed of a blood pump can be selectively controlled to produce an operating speed pattern that includes time periods of relatively high rotation speeds and periods of relatively low rotation speeds. For example, the blood pump is rotated at a first speed for a first period of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased from the first speed to a second speed and is operated at the second speed for a second amount of time. The speed of the blood pump is then decreased to a third speed for a third amount of time. If desired, the operating speed pattern can be repeated to continue the pulsatile blood flow pattern.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical fluid sensors and related systems and methods. In some aspects, a medical fluid cartridge includes a body including a first portion defining a first fluid passageway and a second portion defining a second fluid passageway in fluid communication with the first fluid passageway. The body defines a gap between the first portion of the body and the second portion of the body such that the first portion of the body can be disposed in a radio frequency device while the second portion of the body remains outside the radio frequency device.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically adjusting a Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (“CCPD”) therapy to minimize the potential for excess intra-peritoneal volume. The adjustments are made at the end of the drain, just prior to the next fill. The adjustments short the next fill, if necessary, to limit the intra-peritoneal volume, add a cycle, if necessary, to use all of the available dialysis solution and will average the remaining dwell time to maximize the therapeutic benefit of the therapy in the allotted time. In another embodiment, a tidal therapy using trended patient UF data is provided.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and kits are provided for performing hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, and peritoneal dialysis on a portable machine suitable for both clinical and home use. Peritoneal dialysate can be flowed into and out of the peritoneal cavity, and can also be regenerated within the system, without the need for introducing fresh dialysate. Common hardware and software can be utilized for both peritoneal dialysis and other forms of dialysis such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration, allowing for facile transition between different dialysis modes using the same dialysis machine.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to vial spiking assemblies and related methods. In certain aspects, the vial spiking assemblies include a vial adapter having a base, a spike extending from a central region of the base, and a sidewall extending from the base and surrounding the spike. The base and the sidewalls partially, define a cavity that is configured to receive at least a portion of the vial. The assemblies also include a spike cover that is removably attached to the spike and that includes a material configured to indicate when the material is contacted with liquid.

Abstract: Devices for providing physical support to vascular regions including vascular regions that may contain an anastomosis region are disclosed. These devices may also deliver therapeutic agents to the vascular region. Methods for using these devices are disclosed, as well.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to providing pressurized infusion of liquids and, more particularly, is directed to providing a stable and pressurized flow of irrigation fluid to the eye during surgery.

Abstract: An assembly structured for concurrent irrigation and aspiration of a nasal cavity including a housing having a supply container disposed therein for the removable retention of irrigating fluid. A nasal applicator comprises first and second passages respectfully structured to deliver irrigating fluid to the nasal cavity and concurrently remove waste fluid therefrom. An activating assembly includes a plunger biased into a continuous pressure applying, dispensing relation to the irrigating fluid and a valve assembly is selectively disposable into an open position facilitating fluid communication between the supply container and the applicator for the delivery of the irrigating fluid therethrough into the nasal cavity. The activating assembly is further structured to create a negative pressure within the chamber which communicates with the second passage of the applicator to facilitate delivery of the waste fluid therefrom along a path of travel to an interior of the chamber.

Abstract: A hand piece having an irrigation portion and an aspiration portion that are releasably coupled is disclosed. In an assembled configuration, the irrigation portion and the aspiration portion are coupled such that the hand piece may be manipulable by a user as a single unit. In a separated configuration, the irrigation portion and the aspiration portion may be utilized separate from each other. The irrigation portion and the aspiration portion may be freely moved between the assembled configuration and the separated configuration.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, kits and systems are disclosed that allow a transfer of medication from a manufacturer's vial, ampoule or other container through a closed system transfer to an intravenous apparatus and into a patient, while reducing additional steps, procedures, components required for the same transfer procedure to reduce sources of human error and medical administered errors.

Abstract: Tissue rejuvenation methods include identifying a cell harvest site on a patient, identifying a cell injection site on the patient, harvesting tissue regenerative cells from the cell harvest site, agitating the tissue regenerative cells and injecting the tissue regenerative cells into the cell injection site. Tissue transfer devices suitable for implementation of the tissue rejuvenation methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A valveless pharmaceutical infusion system for delivery of a pharmaceutical, such as a radiopharmaceutical, is described. The device may include two or more roller pumps, a fluid path set including a confidence, and a measuring device for measuring a property of the pharmaceutical. Methods for delivering a pharmaceutical, such as a radiopharmaceutical, using a valveless pharmaceutical infusion system are also describe.

Abstract: The present invention is an enteral syringe for use with a support hook. The enteral syringe includes an elongated body having a hollow cavity therein and a plunger operable to selectively travel within the hollow cavity. The plunger includes a support feature adapted to receive the support hook.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for use in medical procedures includes multiple fluid pump devices to deliver multiple injection fluids to a patient. The system includes a control unit controlling the fluid pump devices. An interactive visual display may be provided and electronically linked to the control unit so a user may select discrete mixture ratios of the first and the second of the multiple injection fluids to be delivered to the patient. A manual control device is operatively associated with the fluid pump devices and includes a housing and an actuator associated with the housing. Actuation of the actuator controls discrete flow rates of the selected discrete mixture ratio of the first and the second of the multiple injection fluids to the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related systems and operating methods. An exemplary system includes a motor, a sensing arrangement coupled to the motor to provide output indicative of a detected characteristic of the motor when the sensing arrangement is enabled, and a module coupled to the sensing arrangement to periodically enable the sensing arrangement while the motor is idle and detect potential unintended motion of the motor based on the output from the sensing arrangement while periodically enabling the sensing arrangement. In some embodiments, the motor includes a rotor configured such that its rotation provides translational displacement of a plunger in a fluid reservoir, and the sensing arrangement includes one or more sensors configured to provide output indicative of a detected magnetic field of the rotor magnet.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system. The methods of detecting occlusions may be dynamic.

Abstract: In accordance with another embodiment, a controller in a fluid delivery system initiates drawing fluid into a chamber of a diaphragm pump. During a delivery phase of pumping the fluid in the chamber to a target recipient, the controller applies pressure to the chamber. At multiple different times during the delivery phase, the controller temporarily discontinues application of the pressure to the chamber to calculate how much of the fluid in the chamber has been pumped to the target recipient.

Abstract: A needle-free injection device suitable for delivering a therapeutic substance into the intradermal space of a patient. The needle-free injection device includes a main spring which can be compressed using one or more handles attached to the device to place the needle-free injection device into an armed configuration. Device embodiments may optionally include an injector tube and associated apparatus which may be moved relative to other device structures when the injector is pressed against the skin of a patient with sufficient force. The disclosed operational switches and release mechanisms cooperate to prevent injection unless the device is properly positioned for an injection. Needle-free injection systems and methods of operating a needle-free injection device are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices are disclosed that include a positionable elongated member configured to support a delivery tube and maintain a distal end of the tube in a desired position and directional orientation, and to allow the position and orientation of the distal end of the tube to be adjusted by a user. The devices include a multi-segment elongated member configured to support a delivery tube and maintain a distal end of the tube in a desired position and orientation, and a multi-axis joint assembly disposed between segments of the elongated member to allow articulated relative movement of the segments. These devices may be used, for example, in the delivery of vaporized medicine to a patient, e.g., a child or infant on a bed.

Abstract: According to various embodiments, methods and systems for determining pressure in an inflatable cuff of a tracheal tube may employ pressure transducers associated with a cuff inflation line. The pressure transducers may be implemented to provide continuous or intermittent cuff pressure. Also provided are inflation assemblies or other devices that incorporate pressure transducers. The inflation assemblies may be coupled to the tracheal tubes via the inflation line.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an airway assembly may be used in a procedure that requires tracheal intubation. The airway assembly may include a first conduit, a sleeve, and a stent. The first conduit and the sleeve may be relatively flexible, facilitating insertion of the airway assembly in a body lumen (e.g., an air passage way). The first conduit may function to deliver gases (e.g., air) to the body lumen and consequently the patient. The first conduit may be positioned in the sleeve during use. The sleeve may be removably coupled to the first conduit. In certain embodiments, a sleeve may function to inhibit a stent from expanding until desired. In some embodiments, an elongated member may be positionable in the first conduit. The elongated member may be configurable to substantially retain a new shape upon deformation. The stent may be coupled towards the distal end of the first conduit. The stent may function to inhibit the body lumen from collapsing.

Abstract: An inner type tracheostomy tube has an outer tube and an inner cannula. The outer tube has an airway tube, an inflatable cuff and an inflating tube. The inner cannula is connected to the outer tube and has an inner tube, a disk segment, a connecting mount and a connector. The connecting mount is soft and bendable, is securely mounted around the disk segment and has a bottom end, a top end and a flange coat. The bottom end is securely mounted around the disk segment and has an inner surface and an air gap formed between the inner surface of the bottom end of the connecting mount and the disk segment. The connector is securely mounted around the top end of the connecting mount and has a bottom end and a flange formed around the bottom end of the connector and enclosed by the flange coat.

Abstract: An improved method for securing a tracheal tube, an adjunct tube, and oropharyngeal tube, a nasogastric tube, a laryngeal tube or laryngeal mask airway to a patient utilizing an elongated strip of adhesive tape, which is specifically adapted therefor.

Abstract: A patient interface device (8) includes a cushion member (16) structured to engage a face of a patient when the patient interface device is donned by a patient, and a frame assembly (14), wherein the cushion member is coupled to the frame assembly. The frame assembly including a main frame member (18) having a plurality of pocket members (32) provided therein, and a plurality of peg members (20) coupled to the main frame member, wherein each peg member includes an arm member (42) that is received and held within a respective one of the pocket members at a user selectable position, and where in movement of the peg members relative to the main frame member adjusts a size and/or shape of the patient interface device.

Abstract: A vaporizer filler includes a fill port. The fill port defines an open interior. The open interior is configured to receive the nozzle of an anesthetic bottle. An agent reservoir is configured to receive and store anesthetic agent. A valve is disposed between the open interior and the agent reservoir. At least one vent extends through the fill port. A method of filling a vaporizer includes inserting the nozzle of a bottle filled with anesthetic agent into a vaporizer filler. At least one vent is occluded from fluid communication. Fluid communication between and open interior and an agent reservoir is opened. Anesthetic agent is poured into an agent reservoir of a vaporizer. Fluid communication is closed between the open interior and the agent reservoir. At least one vent is opened to fluid communication with the open interior. Pressure within the open interior is released through the at least one vent.

Abstract: Described herein is an exhalation valve for a ventilator that controls gas flow through a patient exhalation line in response to a target pressure within the line. The valve controls gas flow by (i) providing both a high frequency signal and a low frequency signal through a coil positioned in a fixed magnetic field, (ii) determining a position of the coil by detecting the high frequency signal, and (iii) controlling a position of the coil by adjusting the low frequency signal.

Abstract: Provided is a pillow and method of marking the pillow to mitigate tinnitus. The pillow includes a first and second portions of fill material, an anchor strip assembly and a pillow casing. The anchor strip assembly is disposed between the first and second portions of fill material. The anchor strip assembly includes an anchor strip and a plurality of speakers secured onto the anchor strip at a distance from each other. A first and second edge portions of the anchor strip extend beyond edges of the first and second portions of fill material. The pillow casing secures the anchor strip assembly disposed between the first and second portions of fill material inside the pillow casing such that the first and second edge portions of the anchor strip are secured respectively between a first and second seams of the pillow casing.

Abstract: Puncturing tools that cause an aperture to be pierced through the wall of a guidewire lumen of a catheter shaft at a location at which it is desired to have a guidewire exit the guidewire lumen.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for medical ultrasound imaging that can be effectively used in combination with other imaging modalities to detect medical structures of interest as well as the catheter. Markers are added to the catheter with precision, which provides a means to merge the images from different modalities. Using a template, apertures for marker placement are formed in the catheter after creating the catheter housing. The ultrasound array may be used for accurate positioning of the template. Alternatively or additionally, a rigid insert with markers connects with the array. The insert holds the markers in place and may reduce artifacts in ultrasound scanning due to flexing of the array.

Abstract: A system and method for gaining access to an internal bodily structure, such as the ampullae. The system includes an elongate catheter having a lumen extending there through. An elongate wire including a distal coil is movably extendable from the distal end of the catheter and is configured to engage the inner surface of the bodily structure. Proximal movement of the elongate wire flattens the inner surface of the bodily structure and aligns the passageway thereof with the longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A bio-compatible lumen bearing device such as a catheter formed of a polymeric material having a titanium surface bonded to the underlying exposed catheter surface. The titanium surface is employed in patients to improve bio-compatibility and enhance lubricity during insertion and removal.

Abstract: Described is a locomotive implant for usage within a predetermined magnetic field. In one embodiment magnetohydrodynamics is used to generate thrust with a plurality of electrodes. In another embodiment, asymmetric drag forces are used to generate thrust.

Abstract: A bi-directional electrophysiology catheter having improved steerability which includes orientation sheaths, or thin walled tubes, placed in diametrically opposed lumen at the distal portion of the catheter for producing in-plane deflection of the distal portion of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter has a deflection beam with rectangular cross-section and a single continuous puller wire for predictable on-plane bi-directional deflection. The puller wire extends through spacers on opposite sides of the beam so the puller wire is maintained a predetermined separation distance from the beam surface. Tubular structures of the catheter body and the deflectable section are fused at a joint by C-shaped brackets mounted opposite surface of the beam to form a hollow body with holes into which thermoplastic materials covering the catheter body and the deflectable section can melt to form interlocking nodes. Elongated beam stiffeners can be mounted on the beam to provide different curve and deflection geometries.

Abstract: In various embodiments of the invention, a system and dynamic device are provided to create stability of tube placement in medical and other applications. The described systems and principles also apply in other environments outside of medicine and healthcare. The described medical tubing stabilizer adheres to the tubing itself providing handles or anchors to prevent stitch slippage and to prevent the tubing from falling out in any situation that requires a semi or permanent tubing placement. The device also aides in stabilizing the tubing in the wound site, and thus maximizes placement in its intended area of effect (e.g., in the body cavity, in a medical context). These stabilizing effects substantially minimize slippage of stitching holding the tubing in place to prevent the tubing from falling out or becoming dislodged or displace, thus preventing irritation and damage to the skin around the wound site, infection, seroma, edema and morbidity in a medical context.

Abstract: A catheter clamp (1) comprising a base (2) and a pivotable cover (3), the cover arranged to be capable of adopting an open condition and a clamped condition, the clamp further comprising a resiliently biased displaceable latch (12) to releasably retain the cover in the clamped condition, wherein the latch displaceable on and relative to a support surface (11) which supports the latch, so as to release the cover from the clamped condition.

Abstract: An anchor deployment assembly includes an anchor receiving element having an elongate member defining a first opening, a second opening, and a lumen extending from the first opening to the second opening. The lumen is configured to slidably receive at least a portion of a therapy delivery element. The assembly further includes an anchor engagement element having a body defining a channel configured to slidably receive the elongate member of the anchor receiving element. The assembly further includes an alignment element securable relative to the elongate member of the anchor receiving element and configured to secure the elongate member relative to the body of the anchor engagement element to restrict movement of the elongate member orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the channel of the body.

Abstract: An introducer assembly that may be employed to implant a medical device includes an introducer shaft, and an anchor sleeve and a deployment tool mounted on the shaft. According to some methods, the sleeve is deployed onto an elongate body of the medical device, after the body has been advanced through a lumen of the introducer shaft and to an implant site within a body of a patient, by pulling the introducer shaft proximally, out from the body of the patient, while holding the deployment tool in place, relative to the advanced body of the device.

Abstract: An infusion set (101) includes a base (111) and an inserter (121) removably connected to the base (111). A catheter (134) is movable from a first catheter position disposed substantially entirely within the inserter (121) to a second catheter position' in which a free end of the catheter (134) is disposed externally of the base (111). An introducer needle (142) is located within the catheter (134) and is movable with the catheter (134) between a first introducer needle position disposed substantially entirely within the inserter (121) and a second introducer needle position in which a free end of the introducer needle (142) is disposed externally of the base (111). A spring member (171) moves the catheter (134) from the first to the second catheter position and the introducer needle (142) from the first to the second introducer needle position to facilitate insertion of the catheter (134).

Abstract: A catheter insertion device has a generally hollow housing having a closed base end opposite an open distal end. A hollow needle defines a channel in fluidic or pneumatic communication between a distal skin-piercing end and the proximal needle end. A plunger is slidably disposed over at least a portion of the hollow needle. The distal skin-piercing end of the hollow needle extends through the plunger distal end. An expandable chamber is at least partially formed by the plunger proximal chamber end and at least an inside surface of the closed based end of the generally hollow needle, where the expandable chamber is in fluidic or pneumatic communication with the channel of the hollow needle through the proximal needle end. The expandable chamber is configured to increase in volume as the plunger moves towards the distal skin-piercing end of the hollow needle.

Abstract: An insertion assisting tool for an endoscope into which an insertion section of the endoscope is inserted from a base end portion side. The insertion assisting tool may include a fluid sealing device which seals a space between a base end part of the insertion assisting tool and the endoscope insertion section, the space being formed while the insertion section of the endoscope is inserted into the base end portion side.

Abstract: The disclosure pertains to an intravascular catheter for nerve modulation, comprising an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end, a balloon having a lumen and a balloon wall, the balloon wall comprising RF permeable sections and non-electrically conductive sections, an electrode disposed within the balloon and extending distally to the furthest distal RF permeable section. The RF permeable sections may comprise a plurality of RF permeable windows, each window having a greater circumferential dimension than an axial dimension. The intravascular system is suited for modulation of renal nerves.

Abstract: A method of detecting and treating a microvascular obstruction is provided. In one embodiment, a catheter is provided for both detecting the microvascular obstruction and treating or removing the obstruction.

Abstract: A catheter having an elongate shaft including a plurality of apertures disposed along at least a length of the shaft to facilitate bending. The catheter includes an inflatable balloon, wherein a subset of the plurality of apertures provides fluid communication from an inflation lumen to the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises an absorbent body, a non-permeable feature, and a port feature. The absorbent body comprises a wicking feature. The non-permeable feature is coupled with the absorbent body. The non-permeable feature and at least a portion of the absorbent body are configured to fit in an opening in a paranasal sinus wall. The port feature extends through the absorbent body. The port feature defines a lumen. The wicking feature extends outwardly relative to the port lumen. During installation of the apparatus, the non-permeable feature is positioned in an opening in the paranasal sinus wall. The absorbent body is oriented such that the wicking feature is in contact with mucosal tissue in a sinus cavity defined by the paranasal sinus wall. A proximal portion of the absorbent body is positioned outside the paranasal sinus wall.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein that generally involve shunting fluid, e.g., shunting cerebrospinal fluid in the treatment of hydrocephalus. Self-cleaning catheters are provided which include split tips configured such that pulsatile flow of fluid in a cavity in which the catheter is inserted can cause the tips to strike one another and thereby clear obstructions. Catheters with built-in flow indicators are also provided. Exemplary flow indicators include projections that extend radially inward from the interior surface of the catheter and which include imageable portions (e.g., portions which are visible under magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)). Movement of the flow indicators caused by fluid flowing through the catheter can be detected using MRI, thereby providing a reliable indication as to whether the catheter is partially or completely blocked.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for the deployment of a ureter between a kidney and a bladder. A stent includes a flexible internal drainage portion, a retention portion, and an external drainage portion. The external drainage portion includes a sharpened tip configured to be passed from through a renal pelvis and out the side of a patient's body from inside the ureter. The stent is arranged to be removable by pulling the external drainage portion and thereby removing the stent out the side of the body.