Abstract: A gas processing apparatus of an embodiment includes: first and second dielectric substrates facing with each other; first and second discharge electrodes respectively disposed on a pair of facing principal surfaces of the dielectric substrates; first and second ground electrodes respectively disposed on a pair of principle surfaces at opposite sides of the principle surfaces of the dielectric substrates; a gas flow path to supply gas to be processed between the discharge electrodes; an AC power source to generate first and second plasma-induced flows by applying an AC voltage between the discharge electrodes and the ground electrodes; and a region disposed between the dielectric substrates at downstream of the plasma-induced flows from the discharge electrodes, and a gap between the dielectric substrates being 1.3 times or less of a sum of thicknesses of the plasma-induced flows.

Abstract: An air conditioner including a body having an evaporator for heat-exchanging air flowing in the body, and an air purifying module coupled to the body. The air purifying module may have a light emitting diode part disposed along a flow path of the air to provide ultraviolet rays, and a filter part disposed adjacent to the light emitting diode part.

Abstract: A wound dressing comprises a wound dressing substrate including one or more of gas vesicles, rhamnolipids, and sophorolipids. The wound dressing can be fabric-based or hydrogel-based. Methods for producing a wound dressing are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isocyanate functional prepolymer that can be achieved through a) a reaction of an H functional starter compound having at least one Zerewitinoff active H atom with an alkylene oxide and a comonomer to a preliminary stage bearing hydroxyl groups, wherein said comonomer is selected from the group comprising lactides, glycolides, cyclical dicarboxylic acid anhydrides as well as combinations thereof and wherein said comonomer is integrated through statistical copolymerization into the polymer chain(s) of the preliminary stage bearing hydroxyl groups, and b) a reaction of the preliminary stage bearing hydroxyl groups from step a) with a polyfunctional isocyanate to an isocyanate functional prepolymer. The invention additionally relates to a process for producing this isocyanate functional prepolymer, a tissue adhesive system containing such an isocyanate functional prepolymer and a dispensing system having at least two chambers and this type of tissue adhesive system.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue repair implants comprising at least a first layer of peritoneal membrane. The first layer of peritoneal membrane can be located adjacent to a second layer of peritoneal membrane and can be in direct contact with the second layer of peritoneal membrane. Additional layers (e.g., a third or fourth layer) can be included. Where more than one layer is present, the layers can be affixed to one another. For example, a first layer of peritoneal membrane can be attached to the second layer of peritoneal membrane by an adhesive bond, suture, or staple. One or more of the peritoneal membranes can be non-crosslinked, partially crosslinked, or substantially fully crosslinked. Any of the layers of peritoneal membrane may be attached to a wall (e.g., an interior or exterior wall) of an abdominal tissue by an adhesive, suture, and/or staples.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include a cranial fixation device for fixing a bone flap to the skull following a craniotomy. The device may accommodate variations in intracranial pressure without allowing the bone flap to move inward beyond the skull surface. Other embodiments include a method for cranial fixation. The method may include joining the bone flap to one portion of the fixation device and joining the skull to another portion of the fixation device. The method may also include responding to changes in intracranial pressure. The method may also include upward and downward movement of the fixation device and constraining the movement of the bone flap.

Abstract: An implant made in total or in parts of a biodegradable magnesium alloy consisting of Y: 2.0-6.0% by weight, Nd: 1.5-4.5% by weight, Gd: 0-4.0% by weight, Dy: 0-4.0% by weight, Er: 0-4.0% by weight, Zr: 0.1-1.0% by weight, Li: 0-0.2% by weight, Al: 0-0.3% by weight, under the condition that a) a total content of Er, Gd and Dy is in the range of 0.5-4.0% by weight and b) a total content of Nd, Er, Gd and Dy is in the range of 2.0-5.5% by weight, the balance being magnesium and incidental impurities up to a total of 0.3% by weight.

Abstract: Surgical devices and methods are provided for preventing the formation of post-operative adhesions. In one device, an envelope of material defines at least one opening, and another layer of adhesion-preventing material is disposed on an exterior surface of the envelope. A rigid or semi-rigid barrier member is at least partially disposed in a space inside the envelope, without adhering to the envelope such that the barrier member can be pulled out of the envelope through the opening.

Abstract: A polymer comprising phospholipid moieties and a biocompatible polymer backbone, a composition comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, an implantable devices such as a drug eluting stent comprising thereon a coating comprising the polymer and optionally a bioactive agent, and a method of using the device for the treatment of a disorder in a human being are provided.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to polymeric materials made of biodegradable, bioabsorbable triblock copolymers and implantable devices (e.g., drug-delivery stents) containing such polymeric materials. The polymeric materials may also contain at least one therapeutic substance. The polymeric materials are formulated so as to improve the mechanical and adhesion properties, degradation, biocompatibility and drug permeability of such materials and, thus, implantable devices formed of such materials.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite matrix that includes a reinforcing textile portion having two surfaces coated over at least 90% of the respective surface areas thereof, by means of at least a first layer including at least one resorbable macro-molecule and having a collagen content of between 50 and 100 wt % relative to the total weight of the first layer; the invention also relates to a prosthesis including such a matrix and to a method for preparing said matrix.

Abstract: Tissue collection systems and methods are provided. More particular, a modular system including one or more manifold elements is provided. Each manifold element includes a manifold barrel and a coupler to which a syringe body can be connected. An inlet of a first manifold element is connected to a first manifold cap having an inlet orifice. A second manifold cap having an outlet orifice is connected to the outlet of the first manifold element or to the outlet of a second manifold element. The manifold barrel can include a barrel inlet that is offset from a barrel outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for injecting saline into an open cavity of a patient's body, and, alternatively, vacuuming fluids from said cavity, during laparoscopic surgery that provides constant feed and amplified pressure to provide a steady fluid output, in a disposable, single use handheld surgical device.

Abstract: A syringe container includes a cylindrical syringe including a distal end portion having a discharge opening for discharging a liquid, a proximal end portion, and a side peripheral section connected to the distal end portion and the proximal end portion; an attachment member configured to be attached to the distal end portion and having an outer radius larger than an outer radius of the side peripheral section; a container body including a bottom portion and a peripheral wall portion extending upward from a periphery of the bottom portion; and a syringe holding section configured to be placed within the peripheral wall portion so as to face the bottom portion.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for storing and dispensing a pen needle for an injection device, including a packaging assembly including a pliable outer cover, the outer cover having a hub portion, a needle portion disposed at a distal end of the hub portion, and a flange disposed at a proximal end of the hub portion, the hub portion having internally protruding splines or other structures for engaging a hub of a pen needle. The hub portion is sufficiently pliable for a user to press gripping portions of the hub portion so that corresponding internal portions of the hub portion between the splines contacts the pen needle hub to increase a surface area contact between the outer cover and a pen needle therein.

Abstract: A free flow mitigating device for a fluid administration set includes a pump driver mechanism having a locator pin attached and positioned to register with a locator hole on the administration set, for example in a cassette. The locator pin has a surface area. A compressible material is attached to at least a portion of the surface area of the locator pin. The compressible material has a thickness such that it is frictionally received within the locator hole of the cassette sufficient to provide a retaining force to resist cassette movement during closing of a flow regulator valve of the cassette.

Abstract: An IV set is configured for coupling with a pump device. The IV set comprises a fluid lumen adapted for passage of an infusion fluid toward a patient. A frame is coupled to the fluid lumen and is adapted to be inserted into a seat of a pump device, wherein the frame provides a platen relative to the fluid lumen, wherein the frame is sized and shaped such that the frame can only be inserted into the pump device when aligned in a predetermined orientation relative to the pump device. An information device is adapted to store information associated with the IV set, wherein the information device is accessed in response to proper placement of the IV set in the pump device.

Abstract: An infusion pump comprises at least three operating layers. A first layer includes epicyclic gear means comprising a rotatable central gear, a stationary outer ring gear, and movable planet gears arranged between the central gear and the ring gear in movable engagement with the central and ring gears. A second layer includes roller bearing means comprising a stationary outer ring and a movable inner roller arrangement in movable arrangement with the outer ring and coupled with the epicyclic gear means to provide a rotational bearing for the central and planet gears. A third layer includes rotary peristaltic pump means comprising stationary flexible tubing which includes a bent portion having an essentially part-cycle form and a rotor having engagement elements to squeeze the bent portion during rotation for a pump action, wherein the rotor is coupled with the central gear to transfer torque from the central gear to the rotor.

Abstract: Flow control devices.—In a general embodiment, the present disclosure provides a cassette (30) comprising a housing having a flow restrictor (34), and a tube (36) attached to the housing and positioned adjacent the flow restrictor. The flow restrictor may be so constructed and arranged to rotate from a first position in which the flow restrictor prevents fluid flow through the tube to a second position in which fluid is able to flow through the tube when the cassette is positioned inside a pumping device. As a result, the cassette is designed to prevent free flow of fluid when an enteral feeding tube set is not installed in a pumping device.

Abstract: Valves, valved fluid transfer devices and ambulatory infusion devices including the same.

Abstract: A pump system and method of detecting/alerting for a possible unintended free flow condition in an administration set includes the steps of a) sampling force signals from a force sensor of the pump at a predetermined frequency; b) storing each of the sampled forces signal in a N-point circular buffer, where N is an integer greater than two; c) calculating a derivative dF/dt based on the two most recent samples; d) repeating step c) and when the most recently calculated derivative dF/dt exceeds a first predetermined threshold, then calculating a N-point moving average of the derivatives dF/dt; and f) when the N-point moving average exceeds a second predetermined threshold, generating a user perceptible alarm to alert the user that a flow stop open condition may have occurred.

Abstract: Described is an autoinjector comprising a spring holder, a guide cylinder releasably coupled to the spring holder, a drive assembly releasably coupled to the spring holder, a drive spring adapted to apply a force on the drive assembly, and a penetration spring adapted to apply a force on the guide cylinder. The guide cylinder is adapted to accommodate a syringe having a plunger. The drive assembly is coupled to the guide cylinder and adapted to engage the plunger.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the handheld injection device includes a first housing having a first axis and a second housing having a second axis. In one embodiment, the second housing is configured to support a needle. In one embodiment, the first axis and a second axis form an adjustable angle between about 180 degrees and about 90 degrees.

Abstract: An injection device for automatically combining two substances, including a body and a cartridge displaceably disposed within the body having a first chamber for containing a first substance, a second chamber for containing a second substance, a first stopper displaceably disposed within the cartridge separating the first and second chambers, a second stopper displaceably disposed within the cartridge defining an end of the second chamber. The device also includes a needle hub displaceably disposed within the body having threads thereon for connecting a pen needle to the injection device. The device additionally includes a plunger displaceably disposed within the body, a biasing member, a sleeve, biased by the biasing member and communicating the bias to the plunger, and an activation button radially displaceable with respect to the body to selectively release the sleeve to drive the plunger and automatically mix the first and second substances.

Abstract: An injection device includes a housing; a container holder configured for accommodating a medicament container and having a needle attached to one end thereof and a stopper sealingly and slidably arranged inside the medicament container at the other end thereof; a drive unit, including a plunger rod, a plunger driver, and a first energy accumulating member operationally associated with the plunger driver; and an injection indication mechanism, including a tactile signaling element and a drive mechanism for driving the tactile signaling member, the drive mechanism being coupled to the plunger driver.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a housing; a carrier for a medicament container, the carrier being slidable in the housing; a trigger unit; a cover unit coaxial and slidable in the housing; a release mechanism configured to be actuated partly by the trigger unit and partly by movement of the cover unit; a preloaded drive unit releasably connected to the carrier and controlled by the release mechanism for advancing the carrier to a predetermined proximal position in relation to the housing, the preloaded drive unit having a plunger rod and a helical drive spring disposed within the plunger rod, with at least one end of the helical drive spring configured to interact with an interior of the plunger rod; and a braking mechanism between the preloaded drive unit and the release mechanism configured to control a speed of the preloaded drive unit when advancing the slidable stopper within the container.

Abstract: A removal tool for a needle shield includes an attachment cavity having an interior wall extending along a length of the attachment cavity and accessible via a sidewall aperture. The interior wall is sized to receive and engage the needle shield. A pull ring is connected to and extends from a proximal end of the attachment cavity. The pull ring has an exterior wall extending along an outer circumference of the pull ring and an interior wall extending along an inner circumference of the pull ring. The inner circumference is sized to accommodate at least one finger of a user.

Abstract: An injection device is provided with dual medicament chambers and a mixing pen needle assembly, whereby predetermined dosages of two medicaments can be provided to a mixing reservoir in the pen needle assembly and delivered simultaneously with the injection device.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe for injecting medicament into a patient includes a barrel constructed of a polymeric material, a cannula and a hub. The barrel has a diameter, a longitudinal axis, a proximal end and a distal end. The cannula has a proximal end and a tip opposite the proximal end. The proximal end of the cannula is fixed to the distal end of the barrel. The cannula is positioned generally coaxially with the longitudinal axis. The hub is integrally formed with the distal end. The hub includes a rib section and a cap. The rib section has a generally cruciform cross-section taken along a rib plane. The rib plane is generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cap has a generally U-shaped cross-section taken along a longitudinal plane. The longitudinal plane is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A nasal delivery device for and a method of delivering a substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a delivery unit for delivering a flow entraining a substance to one nostril of a subject, the delivery unit including a nosepiece for fitting to a nostril of the subject; and a flow resistor unit for fitting to the other nostril of the subject, the flow resistor unit including a progressive resistor for progressively providing an increasing flow resistance to the delivered flow.

Abstract: An improved inhalation device is provided for facilitating inhalation by a patient of powder medicaments contained in a receptacle. The inhalation device includes a staple assembly comprising a plunger and staple that are securely and robustly coupled to one another. Embodiments of the inhalation device have a cap that prevents or reduces the amount of dust and grime entering into the device. The cap is additionally configured to prevent or reduce inadvertent and unintentional operation of the device. The body portion and first casing portion of certain embodiments of the inhalation device are sealably coupled, restricting or reducing undesirable flow pathways that have an adverse effect on the operation of the device.

Abstract: A device for monitoring patient usage of a medicament inhaler, the medicament inhaler being adapted to deliver doses of medicament, and the medicament inhaler including parts which move during the dispensing of a dose of medicament. The device includes a housing, for releasable attachable to the medicament inhaler, and an optical dose counter, associated with said housing, the optical dose counter being adapted to determine when a dose of medicament has been dispensed by transmitting optical signals through the medicament inhaler. The device is attachable to the medicament inhaler, and is subsequently operable, without any modifications being required to be marks to the medicament inhaler. The device may also include an electronic control module which is in communication with the optical dose counter, the electronic control module being adapted to monitor and/or store data relating to patient usage of the medicament inhaler.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting an air supply to a respiratory support device has a latching mechanism which prevents the coupling from inadvertently axially displacing from the respiratory support device after they have been mated in a pneumatically discrete path. Non-axial forces are used to disengage the coupling from the respiratory support device. The coupling may include a trailing end adapter which permits rotation of the coupling relative to the air supply rather than to the respiratory support device.

Abstract: A ventilator, or a breathing assistance apparatus, is disclosed to ventilate patients who may have breathing difficulties, said device comprising a inspiratory pressure control duct configured to be immersed in a first body of fluid; a positive end-expiratory pressure control duct configured to be immersed in a second body of fluid; at least one valve connected to the peak inspiratory pressure control duct and to the positive end-expiratory pressure control duct, and at least one controller communicably connected to the valve to control rate of cycling of the valve, thereby controlling number of breaths per minute, and to control the duration of peak inspiratory pressure also known as inspiratory time.

Abstract: A reservoir cannula is described that has a static fluidic control structure, in that it does not employ a membrane or other moving parts. Furthermore, the reservoir is open to ambient air instead of being sealed. In use, the reservoir cannula enables storage of oxygen and oxygen-rich gas in a storage chamber as well as in and around the patient's nasal passages and nasopharynx, which enables high volume oxygen delivery to the patient early in the next inhalation. Consequently, patients using this delivery mode can carry a smaller and lighter portable oxygen container for ambulatory oxygen, because lower flow oxygen is required to meet their oxygenation needs. In addition, patients requiring a higher flow of oxygen can achieve oxygenation levels previously achieved only by high flow mask or high flow nasal oxygen systems.

Abstract: Condensation or “rain-out” is a problem in medical circuits and previous attempts to manage and/or prevent rain-out have resulted in relatively expensive and/or difficult to manufacture medical circuit components. The subject patent provides an improved medical circuit component for managing rain-out. In particular the component may be an improved breathing tube, or insufflation system limb comprising a helically corrugated tube preferably incorporating a heater wire.

Abstract: An airway adaptor that measures the concentration of at least one of a specific component and the flow rate of a supply gas and a return gas. The airway adapter may include a tube having a flow path in which the supply gas and the return gas passes. The tube may include a first end having a first aperture for guiding the supply gas into the flow path, and second end having a second aperture for guiding the return gas. Further, the airway adapter may include a measurement device operable to measure at least one of the supply gas and the return gas in the air flow path and a partial shielding disposed at the first aperture and structured to shield a portion of the air flow path. The supply gas may be a respiratory gas and the return gas may be inhaled or exhaled breath of a person.

Abstract: A ventilator circuit for use in administering medication to a patient includes a housing, a one-way inhalation valve and a one-way exhalation valve. A metered does inhaler receptacle is in fluid flow communication with an interior space of the housing holding chamber. An exhaust conduit communicates between input and output passageways disposed on opposite sides of the interior space.

Abstract: A method of making an interconnect for a solid oxide fuel cell stack includes providing a chromium alloy interconnect and providing a nickel mesh in contact with a fuel side of the interconnect. Formation of a chromium oxide layer is reduced or avoided in locations between the nickel mesh and the fuel side of the interconnect. A Cr—Ni alloy or a Cr—Fe—Ni alloy is located at least in the fuel side of the interconnect under the nickel mesh.

Abstract: A reperfusion system and method of perfusing a blood vessel using the reperfusion system are provided. The system includes an introducer sheath, a middle catheter extending through the introducer sheath, and a balloon microcatheter extending through the middle catheter. A connecting tube extends between a lumen of the introducer sheath and a valve at a proximal end of the microcatheter. A flow path is defined along a lumen of the introducer sheath, through the connecting tube, into the microcatheter, and out of a distal opening of the microcatheter. The balloon is disposed adjacent the exit point of the flow path to reduce reflux. Embolic material can be introduced into the microcatheter at the valve to exit at the same location as the blood flow.

Abstract: A catheter includes an elongate body having first and second chambers extending within the elongate body from a proximal end to an intermediate section, the first chamber having a first opening and the second chamber having a second opening at the intermediate section. The catheter also includes a valve structure that may have first and second barrier elements to open or close the first and second openings, respectively. The first and the second barrier elements may be coupled by a connecting structure moving within an opening in a guide structure. Alternatively, the first and the second barrier elements may be coupled in a U-shaped structure that moves over the guide structure. To permit flushing of the chambers when the first and second openings are closed, the first and second chambers may also be connected by a connecting channel defined by an opening in a wall of the elongate body.

Abstract: A microcatheter for delivering embolic agent to a vascular site is provided. The microcatheter has a biocompatible or biocompatible and biodegradable tip which can be detachably engaged to the microcatheter body by a thermoplastic sleeve. Once the embolic agent is delivered to the desired vascular site, the tip of the microcatheter is often entrapped within the mass of the liquid embolic fluid. Using the microcatheter, the clinician can retract the microcatheter at a predetermined retraction force thereby disengaging the tip from the microcatheter body allowing for easier removal of the microcatheter.

Abstract: An anchoring system for an elongated medical article comprises an anchor pad and a retainer mounted upon the anchor pad. The retainer includes a base, a cover, and a compressible member including a receptacle into which the medical article to be retained is placed. When the cover is closed, the medical article is secured within the receptacle by the pressure of the compressible member and the cover upon the medical article. One or more biasing members act upon the compressible member to increase the frictional forces acting on the retained section of the medical article. The receptacle may form a channel that follows a curved path through the retainer. The retainer may also include guide extensions to support the medical article along a transverse bend toward the skin of the patient.

Abstract: A needle safety device for a medical device, in particular for an IV catheter assembly, being movably arranged on the needle comprising: a first part made of a suitable plastic material; a second part preferably made of a strip of suitable metal sheet; and a ring surrounding the first part and the second part having elastic properties made of suitable elastomeric material.

Abstract: A Retrograde Entry Antegrade Placement (REAP™) method and apparatus facilitate the antegrade (i.e., in the direction of blood flow) placement of endovascular devices for treatment of lower extremity arterial disease. Initially, a retrograde entry is made into the arterial system of a patient at an entry point with a curved needle, which then exits at an exit point proximal to the entry point, with a first wire then passed through the lumen of the curved needle. From the skin exit point, a Dual-Lumen Access Director (DAD) device is advanced in the antegrade direction down the first wire in a first lumen and enters the CFA lumen. A second wire is passed down a second lumen in the DAD device and follows the SFA lumen in the antegrade direction. The DAD device is removed, and a standard dilator sheath is inserted over the second wire and the endovascular treatment begins.

Abstract: A system and a method of positioning a wire guide are provided. The method includes inserting a wire guide in a first configuration into a lumen of a catheter, distally advancing the wire guide to a distal portion of the lumen so that a distal end of the wire guide is distal to an opening in a wall of the catheter and advancing a distal portion of the wire guide through the opening by distally advancing the distal portion relative to the catheter so that the distal end remains in the lumen as the distal portion of the wire guide extends out of the opening. The method includes advancing the distal portion of the wire guide further out of the opening so that the distal end exits through the opening so that the distal portion is distal to the distal end of the wire guide in a second configuration.

Abstract: Balloon catheter includes an elongate tubular shaft having an outer tubular member having proximal and distal portions, and an inner tubular member having a distal length extending distally from the distal portion of the outer tubular member. The elongate tubular shaft has an inflation lumen and a guidewire lumen defined therein. The guidewire lumen extends along at least the distal length of inner tubular member. The balloon catheter also includes a distal end section coupled to a distal end of the inner tubular member and having a proximal end and a distal end. The balloon catheter also includes a balloon having a proximal portion sealingly coupled to the distal portion of the outer tubular member, a distal portion sealingly coupled to the distal end section, and a working length therebetween. The balloon defines an inner chamber. The proximal end of the distal end section is disposed within the inner chamber.

Abstract: Among the various embodiments, objects and features of the present invention may generally be noted an inflation/deflation syringe that enables one-handed operation to inflate a medical device to a given pressure or volume and one-handed operation to deflate said medical device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are removable devices adapted to allow localized and contained delivery of bioactive materials to a treatment site within a lumen such as a blood vessel such that the flow of fluid through the lumen is not blocked during bioactive material delivery.

Abstract: Drug products adapted for nasal delivery, comprising a pre-primed device filled with a pharmaceutical composition comprising an opioid receptor antagonist, are provided. Methods of treating opioid overdose or its symptoms with the inventive drug products are also provided.