Abstract: A system for dispensing Botox, anti-venom, local chemotherapy, anesthetics, aesthetic fillers, endogen materials, fat for aesthetic surgery, stem cells, and lethal injection compounds though a sterile syringe. They system uses pressure, generated by a pump unit, to apply force on a syringe containing the materials to be delivered into the patient's body. The volume rate and volume per injection are adjustable through user inputs. The injection occurs when the physician activates a momentary switch. The system provides precise control of the injected material thus minimizing the inaccuracies associated with manually injected materials. Additionally, the simplicity of the system eases cleaning and sterilization practices thus minimizing risks of transferring undesirable transmissible agents.

Abstract: An automatic injection device is provided herein comprising a container body having a distal end and a proximal end; a piston locked at said proximal end of said container body before medication injection; a spring configured to bias said piston distally; a releasable restraining means configured to releasably restrain said piston in a locked state against said biasing of said spring, wherein, upon release of said releasable restraining means, said piston moves under force of said spring toward said distal end of said container body; an activation means configured to release said releasable means; a needle cap placed at said distal end of said container body; and a needle placed at said distal end of said container body.

Abstract: Drug delivery device adapted to receive a drug-filled cartridge comprises a piston drive member for expelling a dose of drug from a loaded cartridge, a motor for driving the piston drive member, a rechargeable electric power source, an electrical connector allowing an external connector of a power source to be connected for recharging the power source, and a controller for controlling operation of the motor. The controller is adapted to detect a condition indicative of an external power source being connected to the electrical connector and subsequently disable the expelling assembly to thereby prevent that drug can be expelled from a loaded cartridge when an external power source has been connected to the electrical connector.

Abstract: A syringe assembly is disclosed which includes a syringe body defining a fluid reservoir, a plunger assembly including a plunger rod and a sealing member supported on the plunger rod, and a luer cap releasably secured to a distal end of the syringe body. The luer cap includes a luer-type connector member and a fluid outlet. A one way valve is supported within the fluid outlet of the luer cap to prevent flow from the fluid outlet back into the fluid reservoir of the syringe body.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for injecting a medication, including injecting the medication into a subject by pushing the medication filled in a cartridge with a pusher, and moving the pusher backwards to a predetermined distance in a direction opposite to a direction of pushing the pusher when a prescribed dose of medication has been injected.

Abstract: Described is a medicament delivery device (1), comprising a body (2), a container carrier (7) for retaining a medicament container within the body (2) and being slidably disposed in the body (2), a sleeve (6) slidably coupled to body (2), and a piston rod (11) coupled to the body (2) and the container carrier (7). The piston rod (11) and the container carrier (7) provide a feedback as the container carrier (7) moves from a first position (P1) to a second position (P2) relative to the body (2).

Abstract: An automatic injector includes a cover extending along a longitudinal axis. A syringe for injecting a drug is arranged inside the cover, and includes a needle, a needle protector, a body, a plunger, and a rod for pushing the plunger into the syringe body, which is moved axially forwards by a resilient load force exerted by a first spring during an injection. The syringe also includes a tip for protecting the needle, which is axially movable about the needle and against a resilient load force exerted by a second spring between a forward position in which the tip surrounds the needle and a retracted position in which the needle is uncovered. A mechanism blocks the forward movement of the rod. The mechanism is deactivated as the tip is moved towards the retracted position and is reactivated during the injection when the tip is moved towards the forward position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medication delivery device, to dosing mechanisms suitable for use in medication delivery devices, in particular in pen-type injectors, preferably having dose setting means and a drive device enabling the administration of a medicinal product from a single- or multi-dose medication cartridge, to a use of such device, and to a method of manufacturing or assembling such device.

Abstract: A pneumatic retractable syringe has a plunger having an interior retraction lumen. The plunger and syringe barrel have cooperating locking elements so that the plunger is locked after use within the syringe barrel. After injection of medicament is completed, the needle is retracted into the lumen by compressed gas that is released from a gas cell within the syringe when the gas cell is ruptured just before the plunger reaches the end of its downstream path of travel.

Abstract: Described is a sheath removal mechanism (1) for removing a protective needle sheath (2) from an injection needle (3) of a syringe (4) in a drug delivery device (5). The sheath removal mechanism (1) comprises a cap (6) adapted to cover a distal end of a drug delivery device (5) and adapted to engage the protective needle sheath (2), and at least one rotatable cam (7) adapted to move the cap (6) in a distal direction (D) away from the syringe (4) when rotated from a first rotational position (P1) towards a second rotational position (P2).

Abstract: A device having a housing; a cannula projecting forwardly from the housing; a connector useful for attaching the device to a fluid source or receptacle; a fluid flow path establishing fluid communication between the cannula and the connector; a retraction mechanism biasing the cannula away from its projecting position; and an actuator supported by the housing and configured to modify the fluid flow path so as to terminate fluid flow through the device, seal off the fluid flow path, and release the retraction mechanism to retract the cannula into the housing. The subject device is particularly preferred for use in the medical field, for example, as part of an infusion set or as a collection device for blood, or other fluids or flowable matter.

Abstract: A puncture assisting device includes a pair of plate-like pinching portions that face each other, and that are attached to each other so as to be openable and closeable; a biasing portion that biases the pair of pinching portions to be in a closed position; a pair of gripping portions configured to operate the pair of pinching portions to be in an open position; and a rod insertion portion that is disposed between the pair of pinching portions, the rod insertion portion being configured such that a rod portion of a syringe is insertable into the rod insertion portion to widen a gap between the pair of pinching portions.

Abstract: Methods for ID delivery of drugs and other substances to humans or animals are provided. The methods employ small gauge needles, especially microneedles, placed in the intradermal space to deliver the substance to the intradermal space as a bolus or by infusion. It has been discovered that the placement of the needle outlet within the skin and the exposed height of the needle outlet are critical for efficacious delivery of active substances via small gauge needles to prevent leakage of the substance out of the skin and to improve absorption within the intradermal space. Delivery devices which place the needle outlet at an appropriate depth in the intradermal space and control the volume and rate of fluid delivery to provide accurate delivery of the substance to the desired location without leakage are also provided herein.

Abstract: A novel device for vaporization is disclosed that includes vibration notification as well as an airflow processing member and a heating chamber that is not proximate an inhalation aperture from which the user inhales the vapor. This allows for less hot vapors to be inhaled by the end user and provides for a vaporization device that is more useable by those with macular degeneration.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for producing a consistent and effective herbal vapor. A sealed container pod may include a chamber wall defining an internal volume within which a pre-processed herbal composition (e.g., cannabis) is located. The container pod may include filters for the vapor produced from the herbal composition. The container pod may also include a support member for holding and evenly distributing the herbal composition within the internal volume during vaporization. A vaporizer may be configured to obtain information regarding the contents of the herbal composition. The vaporizer may expose the herbal composition to an automated series of timed temperature adjustments specifically tailored for producing a desirable herbal vapor. The herbal vapor may be collected into a bag and/or canister for subsequent consumption.

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: An improved medicant delivery system is disclosed wherein the carrier for the medicant is a fluid that can be atomized or vaporized by exposure to heat. The system provides for repeatable dose of medicant, can be stored in any orientation, and/or has an ability to maximize energy efficiency.

Abstract: A nosepiece for delivering substance to a nasal cavity of a subject, the nosepiece comprising a body part which comprises a base portion which defines a flow passage therethrough, and a projection at a distal end of the base portion which at least in part provides a tip of the nosepiece and confers a rigidity in the sagittal direction, which enables the tip to open fleshy tissue at an upper region of the nasal valve and thereby expand an open area of the nasal valve, and a flexibility in a lateral direction, orthogonal to the sagittal plane, which facilitates insertion of the tip into the nasal valve.

Abstract: Respiratory therapy apparatus includes an oscillating expiratory therapy device (100) and pressure and flow sensors (20 and 21) in the patient inlet (7) connected to supply signals to a processor (24). The processor (24) includes artificial intelligence software to correlate the output signals with prescribed values and control a feedback device (26) that prompts the patient accordingly to adjust use of the device as necessary. The feedback device (26) may be of a visual, audible or tangible kind. The processor (24) may also automatically adjust a setting dial (5) of the therapy device (100) by means of an actuator (27).

Abstract: An airway device for human or animal use includes an airway tube having a first end and a second end, the first end of which is surrounded by a laryngeal cuff configured to fit over the laryngeal inlet of a patient when in situ. The first end of the airway tube is provided with an intubating ramp configured to direct a tube inserted through the airway tube into the laryngeal inlet of the patient when in situ.

Abstract: The sealing cuff (10) on a tracheal tube has a collar (31) at its patient end inverted within the inflatable part (32) of the cuff and attached with the shaft 1 immediately adjacent its patient end (6). The cuff (10) has a patient end region (33) of frusto-conical shape inclined to the axis of the shaft at about 30° and extending by about half the length of the inflatable portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a comfortable and adjustable nasal pillow configured to be part of a nasal pillow system that is part of a mask system used with a ventilation or PAP device. The nasal pillows are configured to have multiple degrees of freedom of rotation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a mask assembly system that has an adjustable headgear system with adjustable sidepiece for conforming to a user's face. Additionally, the mask assembly allows for detachable nasal pillows to be rotated about multiple degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The present technology relates to a device and method to provide distilled water in pre-filled, disposable containers for use with humidifiers in assisted breathing units, such as continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices. The technology also relates to methods for delivery of medications and inhalational and/or aromatic therapies through heated hydration chambers in CPAP devices and/or through nebulizers to be used to hydrate air in conjunction with CPAP devices. The present technology further relates to convenient multi-packs of pre-filled, disposable water containers to be provided in conjunction with CPAP devices.

Abstract: A pneumatic single-lumen medical gas conserver combines the advantages of typical single-lumen and dual-lumen conservers. In particular, a pneumatic single-lumen conserver can provide a rapid response to patient inhalations without the need for a more expensive dual-lumen cannula hose. In addition, after delivering oxygen the conserver has a specific pneumatically-implemented delay period before being able to detect the next inhalation to inhibit “double pulse” deliveries. In addition to a conserving or pulse flow mode, the conserver can provide a user-selectable gas flow at a continuous or constant flow mode.

Abstract: An erotic dream induction apparatus includes an inflatable air bladder, such as a rubber balloon, to induce sexual arousal via genital stimulation. The air bladder is brought into contact with either the penis or vagina of the user, and/or is inserted into the anus and/or vagina of the user. In one embodiment, the air bladder is brought into contact with the penis, vagina, and/or anus of the user by being maintained in position near, against, or around the penis, vagina, and/or anus by means of straps or pockets in stimulation underwear, such that when the air bladder is inflated, the air bladder makes contact with at least a portion of the penis, vagina, and/or anus of the user. The air bladder is repeatedly inflated and deflated by means of pumps and/or valves.

Abstract: A system and method that provides controlled bilateral stimulation to a patient in response to physiological feedback to initiate and/or accelerate the onset of sleep and to maintain the sleep state after the onset of sleep. The system induces bilateral stimulation through stimulation modules that are coupled to opposite lateral sides of the patient's body. The stimulation modules stimulate the patient's body bilaterally through a sequence of stimulations that alternate from one side of the patient's body to the other with a pause between each successive stimulation. The system controls the duration of the stimulations, the intensity of the stimulations and the period of time between successive stimulations in response to feedback from physiological sensors. The sensors are coupled to the patient and provide physiological information which initiates or terminates the bilateral stimulations, and/or modifies the characteristics of the stimulations.

Abstract: A fiber optic pressure-based transducer catheter is capable of measuring pressure and temperature in the environment in which it is deployed. The pressure sensor embedded in the distal end of the catheter can be realized via optical Fiber Bragg Grating (FBG) technology.

Abstract: The present invention provides a ventricular catheter designed to prevent or reduce CSF shunt obstruction. In particular, the ventricular catheter of the invention comprises a tube having a distal end and a tapered proximal end, in which the tapered proximal end comprises a plurality of slotted openings.

Abstract: A microcatheter system is disclosed which may include a microcatheter, one or more microcatheter extensions, and/or a microcatheter hub. In an embodiment, the microcatheter has a plurality of zones where the outside diameter of each zone from the distal to the proximal end has an outside diameter that is the same as or greater than the previous zone while the inside diameter is constant throughout the microcatheter length. In a further embodiment, a unique joining mechanism is employed for coupling a microcatheter to a microcatheter extension or to a microcatheter hub.

Abstract: Hub assemblies that include a first hub and a second hub can be used to selectively couple and uncouple medical device components to and from each other without rotating the first hub relative to the second hub. Some hub assemblies can include a dilator that includes a dilator hub and an introducer sheath that includes an introducer sheath hub.

Abstract: An introducer sheath is disclosed having a high centering performance that is relatively easily capable of introducing an elongated body such as a catheter into an appropriate position, and is capable of appropriately maintaining hemostasis and insertibility of a valve body. The introducer sheath includes a tubular member provided with a hollow section through which an elongated body is freely insertable, a hub that includes an inner space which communicates with the hollow section of the tubular member and is provided on a proximal side of the tubular member, a valve body that is placed in the inner space of the hub, and an annular member that contacts with the valve body to fix the valve body to the inner space and includes a through-hole into which the elongated body can be inserted.

Abstract: A biological navigation device that can be attached or integrated with an elongated tool, such as an endoscope, is disclosed. The device can be used for propulsive advance through a biological lumen. The device can anchor to the biological lumen. The device can subsequently or concurrently propel the endoscope and anchor the device to the biological lumen. Methods for using the same are also disclosed.

Abstract: A steerable catheter control handle and method are provided for bi-directional control of a steerable catheter, the catheter including at least two control wires, a distal end of each of the control wires being coupled to the catheter at a distal region thereof. The control system comprises a housing. A wire actuation mechanism is disposed within the housing and is operably coupled to at least two control wires for enabling actuation of the at least two control wires. The steerable catheter control handle additionally comprises a proximal control knob that is operably coupled to the wire actuation mechanism to enable actuation of the at least two control wires. The control knob is positioned proximal to the wire actuation mechanism to enhance ease of use of the steerable catheter control handle. The rotation of the proximal knob causes movement of the wire actuation mechanism within the housing for tensioning one of the at least two control wires for causing a distal end deflection of the steerable catheter.

Abstract: A system and method for anchoring a pull wire within the distal portion of a device elongate body. A steering deflection mechanism includes a pull ring having a plurality of apertures and two receiving slots. For example, the pull ring may include a first aperture and a second aperture diametrically opposed to each other and a first receiving slot and a second receiving slot diametrically opposed to each other. Each receiving slot may be defined by the band and extend within the band from a first edge of the band to a distance from a second edge of the band. This configuration may enable dual deflection of the distal portion of the device elongate body.

Abstract: A catheter securement device adapted to be adhesively mounted to the skin of a patient to secure a catheter in place, the device having a flexible, thin, sheet-like base member with a distal edge and a midportion, and a releasable, flexible, thin, sheet-like retention member comprising a fixed end, a releasable end, a and a distal edge, wherein the distal edge of the retention member is offset from the distal edge of the base member to define an uplift focus area in the midportion of the base member, such that upward pull on the catheter is transferred to the midportion of the base member to preclude the base member from being peeled from the patient's skin.

Abstract: A sheath introducer system including a sheath introducer defining a lumen therethrough and having a proximal valve housing in fluid communication with a distal tubular sheath, wherein a proximal end of the valve housing defines a proximal opening of the lumen of the sheath introducer. A gasket seated within the valve housing has a first surface, a second surface and an outer periphery extending between the first and second surfaces. A first slit is formed into the first surface having an inner surface defining a first gap. A second slit formed into the second surface having an inner surface defining a second gap. A notch extends into the first gap of the first slit forming a bump on the inner surface of the first slit, wherein the second slit intersects the first slit at the notch such that the notch prevents the first and second slits from being in fluid communication.

Abstract: Needle devices are described. The needle devices can have a catheter hub, a needle hub, and a valve system for controlling fluid flow through the catheter hub. The valve system can include a valve and a valve retainer. The valve can have flow holes for fluid flow therethrough or can have a valve piece for controlling flow through flow holes located externally of the valve. A needle guard is usable with the needle device to block a tip of the needle. A valve opener can also be used to open the valve.

Abstract: Needle assemblies and related methods are disclosed having a needle hub with a needle, a catheter tube with a catheter hub and having the needle extending through the catheter tube; and a valve positioned in an interior cavity of the catheter hub, the valve having a first section with a first chord, a second chord, and a plurality of slits defining a plurality of flaps, a second section attached to the first section, and a third section attached to the first section; an inside edge formed on the second section and pressed against the first section; an inside edge formed on the third section and pressed against the first section; and wherein a first flow path is provided adjacent the first chord and a second flow path is provided adjacent the second chord.

Abstract: An insertion device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body is disclosed. The insertion device combines needle insertion, guidewire advancement, catheter insertion, and needle shielding in a single device. In one embodiment, the insertion device comprises a housing including a hollow needle distally extending from the housing. At least a portion of the catheter is pre-disposed over the needle such that the catheter is disposed substantially external to the housing. A guidewire is included, as well as an advancement assembly that is configured to selectively advance the distal end of the guidewire out a distal opening of the needle in preparation for distal advancement of the catheter. The advancement assembly is further configured to enable distal catheter advancement before shielding the needle after use. The insertion device is configured to be grasped and used by a single hand of a user during advancement of the guidewire and the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle support portion that supports an inner needle through a catheter on the leading end side beyond a catheter hub. The needle support portion has a pair of support arms openable and closeable in a left and right direction, and a restraining portion capable of restraining the pair of arms in a closed state and releasing the restraint. A needle hub has an extension portion extending in a leading end direction beyond the catheter hub. A coupling portion between each of the pair of support arms and the extension portion is positioned on the leading end side beyond a base end of the catheter hub.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed, which includes a catheter, a catheter hub coupled to the catheter, an inner needle having a needlepoint, a housing coupled to the inner needle, and a protector that covers at least the needlepoint of the inner needle in accordance with evulsion of the inner needle from the catheter. In an initial state, the catheter and the inner needle are exposed from a leading end of the housing, and the catheter hub and the protector are housed in the housing.

Abstract: The invention provides a dilator having characteristics as an inexpensive instrument that allows insertion of a guidewire for assisting insertion of a catheter into a vessel in a simple and smooth manner. A first through-hole 5 into which a guidewire can be inserted is pierced over an entire region of a dilator 1 from a distal end face 3a to a rear end face 3b in the longitudinal direction of the dilator. A second through-hole 7 into which a guidewire can be inserted is pierced over a region of the dilator 1 from a midway to the rear end face 3b in the longitudinal direction of the dilator. A tapered portion 9 is formed such that it is tapered toward the distal end face 3a. An opening 7a a of the second through-hole 7 is open on the surface of the tapered portion 9.

Abstract: This invention includes a highly torqueable, pushable guidewire with a relatively stiff proximal (preferably in one embodiment), stainless steel (SS) section and kink resistant nitinol medial to distal section attached to a shapeable SS, in one embodiment, (such as a SS ribbon) distal tip. The very distal SS tip will have the ability to be shaped by the end user in order to facilitate entry into the chosen vessels.

Abstract: A guidewire (1) for re-canalizing a vascular occlusion comprises a core wire (5) which terminates at its distal end (4) in a terminal member (7) for opening the occlusion. A helical coil sleeve (10) extends around the core wire (5) from the terminal member (7) to a location (11) along the core wire (5). The terminal member (7) defines first and second planar surface portions (13, 14), which converge towards a distal transversely extending leading edge portion (8). In use, as the terminal member (7) is urged through the vascular occlusion, the first and second surface portions (13, 14) act on the occlusion to form an opening therethrough. A distal portion (28) of the core wire (5) is of spade-like configuration for facilitating bending thereof for directing the terminal member (7) out of a central major plane (35) defined by the distal portion (28) for facilitating aligning of the terminal member (7) with a branched vessel of the vascular system.

Abstract: Rapid exchange balloon catheter, and applications thereof. The balloon catheter includes a shaft and a guidewire channel. Shaft includes infusion and inflation walls. Infusion wall encloses an infusion lumen and comprises fluid inlet and fluid outlet located distally to fluid inlet. The inflation lumen extending axially therealong opened at a distal end thereof into an inner volume of a dilatation balloon. Guidewire channel is sized to closely fit over a pre-scribed guidewire for allowing unhindered passing therethrough with the guidewire. Guidewire channel includes a channel distal end protruding distally from the balloon with a distal guidewire opening, and a channel proximal end with a proximal guidewire opening at the shaft between fluid inlet and fluid outlet. Applications include methods for angioplasty and revascularization in which a single balloon catheter is used for dilatation and/or occlusion, and for delivering fluid proximally to the balloon.

Abstract: A surgical drain system includes a drain tube and an obturator configured for insertion in a wound. The obturator can be either solid or hollow, and be positioned inside the drain tube. Alternatively, the obturator can surround the drain tube. The obturator can prevent or limit penetration of a needle through the drain tube as the wound is closed around the drain tube with a suture. In addition, the obturator provides a support that holds the shape of the drain tube during wound closure so that the drain tube is not deformed or crimped by the suture. The obturator can include one or more cutting elements for severing sutures that pierce the drain tube. The one or more cutting elements can also sever or loosen sutures that constrict or otherwise impinge upon the drain tube.

Abstract: A chest drainage system, including a circulation assembly having an intake for taking fluid into the system and an exhaust for exhausting fluid out of the system. An intake flow device is configured to selectively control fluid flow through the intake and an exhaust flow device is configured to selectively controlling fluid flow through the exhaust. The circulation assembly has a first configuration and a second configuration such that transitioning between the first and second configurations during operation of the circulation assembly displaces at least a portion of fluid within the system with fluid from outside the system via the intake and the exhaust. A sensor is arranged in fluid communication with the fluid within the system and configured to detect a concentration of a reference fluid in the fluid in the system.

Abstract: An implantable fluid management device, designed to drain excess fluid from a variety of locations in a living host into a second location within the host, such as the bladder of that host. The device may be used to treat ascites, chronic pericardial effusions, normopressure hydrocephalus, hydrocephalus, pulmonary edema, or any fluid collection within the body of a human, or a non-human mammal.

Abstract: Methods and devices for redirecting at least a portion of a fluid from the mesenteric lymphatic system for elimination from the body are disclosed. The fluid may be redirected for elimination through the urinary system or redirected outside the body. The methods and devices disclosed may prevent a portion of a patient's dietary lipids, including cholesterol, from being absorbed, thereby reducing the total caloric load to assist in weight management.