Abstract: A composition, which upon activation, spontaneously forms a cross-linked hydrogel in aqueous liquid, includes: a) a formulation containing a hyluronan (HA-formulation) which includes a hyaluronan backbone (HA backbone) and a plurality of a reactive substituent group (reactive HA substituent) which i) is directly attached to the HA backbone, and ii) exhibits the reactive HA-group, and b) a formulation of a homo-multifunctional cross-linking reagent (CLR-formulation) exhibiting a plurality of a reactive group (reactive CLR-group). The two reactive groups are selected as a pair of counterparts that mutually and selectively react with each other to form a linkage structure. The hydrogel contains a cross-linking structure which a) is attached to the hyaluronan via two or more of the linkage structure and is defined by the reagent. The cross-linking structure exhibits a plurality of hydroxyl groups. The composition can be used in vivo or ex vivo as a support matrix.

Abstract: An anchorage device comprising a mesh substrate coupled to an implantable medical device is disclosed, where the mesh substrate has a coating comprising a polymer, and the mesh further comprises at least one active pharmaceutical ingredient. The active pharmaceutical agent is designed to elute from the mesh over time. The mesh substrate can be configured to reduce the mass of the anchorage device such that tissue in-growth and/or scar tissue formation at the treatment site is reduced. In some embodiments, the mesh substrate can be formed with a mesh having a low areal density. In some embodiments, the mesh substrate can include one or more apertures or pores to reduce the mass of the substrate.

Abstract: A ureteral stent includes a first material and a second material. The second material is formulated to have a hardness that is greater than a hardness of the first material. The second material is formulated to be soluble in a bodily fluid. The second material is combined with the first material to form a substantially homogeneous combination of the first material and the second material.

Abstract: A system for applying suction to a wound is provided, including a suction source for providing suction to a conduit operatively associated with the wound to communicate suction to the wound, a vent in fluid communication with the conduit to provide a reference airflow into the conduit when the system is in operation, such that a loss of suction at the wound is indicated by deviation from the reference airflow, and a waste collector canister between the wound and the suction source for collecting liquids aspirated from the wound, wherein the canister includes one or more disks containing gelling agent.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a tubular member defining a lumen and a channel, and a support member. The tubular member has a connection portion configured to be coupled to an organ wall. An outer edge of the connection portion is configured to contact a first portion of an inner surface of the wall when the connection portion is in an expanded configuration such that an interior volume of the organ is in fluid communication with the lumen. The support member is movably disposed within the channel and is configured to minimize movement of the wall relative to the tubular member. An end portion of the support member is disposed within the channel when the support member is in a first configuration. The end portion of the support member configured to contact a second portion of the inner surface of the wall when the support member is in a second configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of blood (1) comprising a treatment unit (2), a blood withdrawal line (6), a blood return line (7), a preparation line (19) and a spent dialysate line (13). A control unit (10) is configured to calculate values of a parameter relating to treatment effectiveness based on measures of the conductivity in the spent dialysate line (13) subsequent to an alternating conductivity perturbation continuously imposed on the preparation line (19) of fresh dialysis fluid.

Abstract: A method of performing peritoneal dialysis includes: (i) locating a supply of fresh dialysis fluid above a patient's peritoneal cavity; (ii) locating a drain or a drain container below the patient's peritoneal cavity; (iii) connecting a supply line to the supply of fresh dialysis fluid and the patient's peritoneal cavity; (iv) connecting a drain line to the patient's peritoneal cavity and the drain or drain container; (v) pneumatically opening a supply line valve during a fill cycle; (vi) gravity filling the patient's peritoneal cavity with the supply line valve open during the fill cycle; (vii) pneumatically opening a drain line valve during a drain cycle; and (viii) draining the patient's peritoneal cavity with the drain line valve open during the drain cycle.

Abstract: Provided are a blood purifying filter and a blood purifying apparatus including the same. The blood purifying filter includes a plasma separation filter, a hemodialysis filter, a housing, and a plasma outlet. The plasma separation filter separates plasma from blood. The hemodialysis filter removes toxins and waste products from blood. The housing provides installation spaces for the plasma separation filter and the hemodialysis filter and defines a plasma flow section outside the plasma separation filter and the hemodialysis filter. The plasma outlet is provided at one side of the housing to allow plasma passing the plasma flow section to be discharged out of the blood purifying filter.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to detecting fluid in medical tubing. In certain aspects, a method is performed by a data processing apparatus. The method includes controlling repetitive activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes receiving a signal from the ultrasonic receiver during an activation of the ultrasonic transmitter. The method also includes determining that fluid is absent or present in a portion of the medical fluid tube based on a comparison between the signal and a threshold value.

Abstract: Provided are a blood purifying filter and a blood purifying apparatus having the same. The blood purifying filter includes a plasma separation filter separating plasma from blood, a hemodialysis filter configured in parallel with the plasma separation filter to remove toxins and waste products from blood, a housing providing installation space for the plasma separation filter and the hemodialysis filter, and plasma inlet and outlet ports provided in the housing. The housing further includes a wall, a lower cap and an upper cap which are coupled to the plasma separation filter and the hemodialysis filter.

Abstract: The present invention aims to provide a leukocyte depletion filter that has both higher leukocyte removal performance and higher blood permeability than conventional filters. The leukocyte depletion filter according to the present invention includes a filter material having an average fiber diameter of 0.30 to 1.60 ?m and a coefficient of variation of fiber diameter of at least 0.40 but not more than 1.20.

Abstract: An arteriovenous dialysis access graft configured to be implanted in a subject includes: at least one flexible conduit having first and second end portions, wherein the first end portion is configured to connect to an artery of the subject and the second end portion is configured to connect to a vein of the subject such that blood flows through the at least one conduit; and at least one cannulation chamber positioned between the first end portion and the second end portion of the at least one conduit. The chamber includes: an elongated housing having an inlet and an outlet, a posterior wall, a pair of sidewalls, and an open anterior portion defining a cannulation port; and a self-sealing material extending across the cannulation port. The posterior wall and the sidewalls of the housing are formed of a substantially rigid material.

Abstract: A flow system for medical lines includes a flow component having a main duct and at least one lateral tubular fitting with a female luer cone communicating with the main duct) through a valve. The valve includes a transverse diaphragm normally kept in fluid-tight contact against an annular valve seat of the lateral tubular fitting, which can be moved away from this into an opening position following upon insertion of a male luer-cone introducer of fluid into the lateral tubular fitting. The diaphragm is prearranged for being pushed into the opening position directly by the introducer, and the lateral tubular fitting is configured to couple in a fluid-tight way with the introducer before the latter comes into contact of thrust with the diaphragm.

Abstract: A connection device for use in the negative pressure therapy of wounds includes a flexible conduit which can be impinged with negative pressure and/or fluid media, the conduit having at least two lumens, a coupling body formed by an elastomeric flexible material which is non-detachably injection molded to a wound-side end section of the conduit, and being constructed for placement on a negative pressure bandage which covers and seals the wound negative pressure tight against the atmosphere, the conduit communicating through at least one opening in the coupling body with the wound space, and an end cap attached and preferably non-detachably fastened to the injection molded-on material of the coupling body, thereby sealing the coupling body tight against the outside.

Abstract: A patient care system is configured for infusing fluid to a patient. The system includes at least one fluid infusion pump connected to a respective fluid supply for pumping the contents of a fluid supply to a patient via fluid supply lines. The system includes a programming module that determines the efficiency of the fluid infusion pumps and dynamically adapt the infusion pumps based on one or more system parameters.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprises a tube for transporting a material, wherein the tube is arranged linearly along a longitudinal axis. The peristaltic pump further comprises a pump head for causing a squeezing of the tube, wherein the pump head is rotatable about a rotation axis.

Abstract: A system for automatically connecting tubing to a medical fluid machine includes at least one fluid container including a tube having a cap on an end of the tube, a shuttle configured to receive the tube, a driving mechanism configured to translate the shuttle, a cap removal device configured to remove the cap from the end of the tube, and a control unit programmed to cause (i) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle holding the tube in a first direction towards the cap removal device so that the cap removal device can engage the tube cap, (ii) the driving mechanism to translate in a second direction away from the cap removal device so that the cap removal device removes the cap from the end of the tube, and (iii) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle in the first direction with the cap removed from the tube so that the tube can be mated with the medical fluid machine.

Abstract: Systems and methods for integrating a continuous glucose sensor 12, including a receiver 14, a medicament delivery device 16, a controller module, and optionally a single point glucose monitor 18 are provided. Integration may be manual, semi-automated and/or fully automated.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual syringe delivery device consisting of three components which when collectively assembled result in the capability of accommodating varying syringe volume sizes.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for perforating dense tissue of a human or animal body and for injecting a pharmaceutical product behind the tissue. The instrument includes a hand-piece with a housing for a pharmaceutical product container. The hand-piece has two opposite ends, one of which includes an axial throughway leading into the housing for passing a perforator injection needle inserted in the container. The other end is used to drive the container and needle in rotation. The surgical instrument further includes a member that, during perforation, can exert pressure on the pharmaceutical product in the container inserted in the housing to prevent perforation debris from entering into the needle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device for automatic torsion spring driven injection of a liquid drug. The injection device is of the type wherein a telescopically movable needle shield (20) activates the release of the torque of the torsion spring to drive the injection when the needle shield is moved from its extended position to a retracted position. The injection device is provided with a needle interface (30) carrying the injection needle, which needle interface is provided with means (32) preventing axial movement of the shield when no injection needle is mounted. Further, other means are provided to restrain the needle shield in the retracted position when the injection device is its “zero” position such that a user has access to the injection needle in order to exchange the injection needle.

Abstract: Sequential delivery syringes including a valve mechanism are configured and configurable to enable one or more substances to be prefilled into the syringe. The valve mechanism may be an aspect of a distal seal assembly. Actuation of the valve mechanism permits opening of a fluid passage for the mixing of one or more substances, and the resulting mixed substance can be delivered by the syringe, for example, for administration of a pharmaceutical to a subject. The sequential delivery of substances contained in a distal and proximal chamber is also provided, where a second substance from the distal chamber is delivered followed by the delivery of a first substance from the distal chamber after the first substance from the proximal chamber is transferred into the distal chamber involving the actuation of the valve mechanism.

Abstract: A drug delivery device comprising; a housing; a cylindrical member configured to be rotatably supported inside the housing, wherein the outer surface of the cylindrical member is provided with at least first and second tracks together forming an encoder, each track comprising conductive segments and non-conductive segments; and at least first and second groups of contacts configured to engage the first and second tracks respectively at predetermined intervals along the length of the track.

Abstract: An auto-injector automatically dispenses a predetermined dose of medicament upon activation. The auto-injector includes a needle cover operative to engage an injection site and activate the injector. The needle cover is configured to move from a locked retracted position prior to a medicament dispensing operation to a locked extended position after the medicament dispensing operation. The non-removable needle cover prevents contact with the needle both before and after the medicament dispensing operation.

Abstract: A safety device for a pre-filled syringe comprises a hollow support body to retain the pre-filled syringe therein, a hollow needle shield that is slidable relative to the support body and guiding means for guiding the movement of the needle shield relative to the support body. The guiding means comprise a deflectable flexible arm, a guide pin and a guide track. The deflectable flexible arm extends essentially parallel to a central axis of the safety device. The guide pin extends radial from the flexible arm. The guide track guides the guide pin within and along the guide track when the needle shield is slid relative to the support body.

Abstract: A support tool for a supply assembly delivers a functional fluid to an implantable medical device. The supply assembly defines a supply axis. The support tool includes a support member defining an opening. The opening has a support axis, and the opening is configured to receive the supply assembly. The support member includes a three dimensionally contoured nesting surface that conforms to a corresponding three dimensionally contoured surface of the supply assembly. The corresponding surface of the supply assembly nests against the nesting surface to support the supply assembly such that the supply axis remains substantially fixed relative to and aligned with the support axis.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-destructing syringe, comprising an outer casing, a core bar, a piston, a conical head component, a syringe needle and a protecting jacket. The syringe needle is fixed in the conical head component, and the conical head component consists of a threaded conical head, a sealing ring, a transition part and a hollow wedge. The protecting jacket is put around the syringe needle and is movably connected to the needle base of the syringe needle; the conical head component is fixed in the inner cavity at the front end of the outer casing; the piston is installed on the core bar; the main part of the core bar is sheathed inside the outer casing; and the front end of the core bar is inserted into the conical head component and is able to make the syringe needle return inside the outer casing.

Abstract: In certain example embodiments, a system and/or method of guiding transitions between therapy modes in connection with the treatment and/or diagnosis of a patient for a respiratory disorder is/are provided. Respiratory disorder treatment according to a first therapy mode is provided. Input indicating a second therapy mode to be transitioned to following provision of the first therapy mode is received, with the second therapy mode being different from the first therapy mode. At least one default treatment parameter suitable for the second therapy mode is assigned or calculated. Each default treatment parameter of the second therapy mode is presented, with each default treatment parameter being adjustable by an operator during the presenting. Transitioning from the first therapy mode to the second therapy mode is performed by providing respiratory disorder treatment in accordance with the second therapy mode and each default treatment parameter and any adjustments made thereto prior to the transitioning.

Abstract: A pacing apparatus for use with a manual ventilation device, includes electronic circuitry configured to provide a visual, tactile and/or audible indication of a specified compression/ventilation duty-cycle for delivering compressions/ventilations in order to ventilate, provide air, oxygen or other medical gas to a patient or training device.

Abstract: A continuous positive air pressure (“CPAP”) or ventilator system includes a mask and an air flow generator. The air flow generator is mounted or provided to the mask's wearer. In one embodiment, air flow generator is mounted on the mask.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cost effective customization of user interface devices for use with respiratory ventilation systems, such as face masks that may be used for CPAP therapy. By integrating a user specific customize element (15) into a pre-fabricated user interface device (10), increased comfort for a user during use of the interface device (10) is provided. The customized element (15) is adapted to affect the shape of the user interface device making it compliant with at least one user specific body feature, for example, a facial feature of a particular user. The shape of the customized element may be computed from a user specific data set representing an e.g. three-dimensional shape at least one body feature of a user.

Abstract: A system selectively delivers either breath-synchronized, flow-targeted ventilation (BSFTV) or closed-system positive pressure ventilation (CSPPV) to augment respiration of a patient with a standard tracheal tube. A removable adaptor has a cap that can be removably attached to the proximal connector of the tracheal tube in BSFTV mode, and an inner cannula that extends within the tracheal tube to effectively divide it into two lumens. The adaptor includes a ventilator connector for removably engaging a ventilator hose to deliver air/oxygen through the adaptor and one lumen of the tracheal tube with a flow rate varying over each respiratory cycle in a predetermined waveform synchronized with the patient's respiratory cycle to augment the patient's spontaneous respiration. The adaptor also includes a port allowing the spontaneously-breathing patient to freely inhale and exhale in open exchange with the atmosphere through the other lumen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a humidifier for humidifying medical gases, comprising a humidification module including a control unit, wherein the humidification module is adapted for receiving a humidification chamber. Furthermore, the humidification module is further adapted to sense and/or receive information upon connection of the humidification chamber and/or additional equipment such as hoses, power supply pack.

Abstract: The present application includes an independent and redundant measurement of anesthetic concentration, based on acoustic time-of-flight measurements, added to an anesthetic vaporizer. The redundant anesthetic concentration measurement is used to make the vaporizer inherently safe by design and monitor true vaporizer empty. Further, using an acoustic wave splitting technique and the time-of-flight measurements, the flows at the vaporizer inlet and outlet are computed. The flow measurements are used to monitor carrier gas loss, anesthetic consumption, and anesthetic delivery time remaining and provide such information to the vaporizer operator.

Abstract: Introduced are methods and systems for: gathering human biological signals, such as heart rate, respiration rate, or temperature; analyzing the gathered human biological signals; and controlling a vibrating pillow strip based on the analysis.

Abstract: A safety catheter includes a flexible, multi-lumen shaft having an outer diameter, a distal tip, a proximal catheter end with a drain end and a proximal inflation end. The multi-lumen shaft defines a drain lumen, a distal hollow balloon portion, at least one inflation lumen, and a drainage port. A hollow stretch valve is coaxially disposed in the drainage lumen and has a radially self-expandable proximal section fixedly connected within the drain lumen by self-expansion, a flexible intermediate section longitudinally movable within the drain lumen, and a distal plug movably positioned in the drain lumen to prevent fluid from passing through the drainage port in a steady state and being slidably disposed within the drain lumen such that, in a stretched state when the proximal catheter end is stretched, the distal plug slides within the drain lumen to permit the inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port.

Abstract: A direct stream hydrodynamic catheter system is provided for the removal of thrombus, lesions and the like including provisions for the infusion of drugs, lysing fluids and the like into a blood vessel. Physician controlled powered direct fluid jet streams emanate from a fluid jet emanatory in the form of robust radially directed fluid jet streams to impinge upon and ablate difficult and strong thrombus and lesions within a blood vessel. Effluent aspiration is controlled by an exhaust regulator in the form of a roller pump, but effluent removal can be assistingly influenced by the fluid pressure associated with the radially directed fluid jet streams.

Abstract: Flexible radiopaque filaments coupled to and extending from a distal end of a guide catheter are disclosed that aid a clinician in locating an ostium of a branch vessel. The filaments are at least partially formed of a radiopaque material and are designed to move with the blood flow. In a method of locating an ostium of a branch vessel or a fenestration of an implanted graft, at least some of the filaments enter the ostium or fenestration when the distal end of the guide catheter is placed proximal thereto. The filaments provide an accurate and quick indication of the ostium location without the need for a contrast agent.

Abstract: Steerable medical delivery devices and their methods of use.

Abstract: A catheter tunneling adapter including a longitudinal body having a distal end and a proximal end and a passageway extending from an entrance at the proximal end to an exit at the distal end. The passageway has a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere with the first hemisphere defining a generally unobstructed first passageway portion from the entrance to the exit. A guide ramp is positioned within the second passageway and tapers towards the first hemisphere moving from the proximal end to the distal end. The ramp defines a longitudinal notch therethrough such that a second passageway portion extends from the entrance to the exit.

Abstract: A retractable needle catheter insertion device is provided with a cannula and a needle positioned within the cannula to assist with insertion of the cannula. After insertion of the cannula into a patient, the needle can retract into a protective sleeve that contains the needle in order to reduce the chance that a medical practitioner will be inadvertently stuck by a used needle. The needle is carried by a needle support that is slidably disposed within the sleeve. A spring biases the needle support and needle toward a retracted position, and the device also includes an activation hub that works in conjunction with the needle support to control retraction of the needle. The retraction may be activated manually by the medical practitioner or may be activated automatically. A modular system and method of manufacturing is also provided in which catheters having either manually or automatic retraction can be manufactured using common parts.

Abstract: An introducer is configured to distinguish an introducer provided with a sheath tube whose wall thickness is reduced, from an introducer provided with a sheath tube whose wall thickness is not reduced, and to recognize the relationship between the inner diameter and the outer diameter for the sheath tube in which the wall thickness is reduced. The introducer includes an introducer sheath and a three-way stopcock portion. The introducer further includes a first information piece on at least one of the introducer sheath and the three-way stopcock portion and has an inner diameter dimension of the sheath tube as an index. Furthermore, a second information piece having an outer diameter dimension of the sheath tube as an index is on at least one of the introducer sheath and the three-way stopcock portion.

Abstract: A guidewire assembly having selectively adjustable stiffness and tip curvature includes a hollow guidewire having a distal portion terminating at a distal tip, a curvature-modifying element anchored to the distal tip, and a stiffness-modifying element displaceable within the hollow guidewire towards and away from the distal tip so as to vary a stiffness of the distal portion. The stiffness-modifying element and the curvature-modifying element are frictionally linked such that movement of the stiffness-modifying element from a current position over a first range of motion causes corresponding displacement of the curvature-modifying element, thereby modifying a state of curvature of at least part of the distal portion of the guidewire. Movement of the stiffness-modifying element beyond the first range of motion displaces the stiffness-modifying element relative to the curvature-modifying element.

Abstract: In an assembly of a balloon mounted on a catheter and a stent mounted over the deflated balloon, the balloon is provided with a fugitive plasticizer before the stent is crimped over the balloon. The fugitive plasticizer can soften the balloon surface so that molding of the balloon surface to conform to the crimped stent occurs. The fugitive plasticizer is removed before the assembly is used.

Abstract: Angioplasty and other dilatation devices are provided with scoring elements which incorporate a drug to be delivered to a body lumen, typically a blood vessel. The scoring elements have drugs and other active substances coated over a portion thereof or incorporated within internal structure of the element so that the drug is released into the luminal wall closely associated diseased regions of the body lumen as the scoring structure is radially expanded into the wall.

Abstract: A variable length balloon catheter assembly and methods for inflating a variable length balloon to a predetermined length. The variable length balloon catheter has a balloon at a distal end and a plurality of stricture mechanisms securing the balloon to the catheter. The stricture mechanisms are provided at known intervals and have a known rupture pressure. The balloon is inflated and a known number of stricture mechanisms are ruptured providing for a variable balloon length based on the number of stricture mechanisms ruptured.

Abstract: A tissue puncture access assembly that includes a sheath and a dilator. The sheath is operable between an expanded position with a first maximum outer diameter, and a collapsed position with a second maximum outer diameter that is less than the first maximum outer diameter. The dilator is insertable through the sheath and has a leading end positionable distal of a distal end of the sheath. The sheath is operated into the collapsed position prior to and during insertion with the dilator into a tissue puncture. The sheath is operated into the expanded position once positioned in the tissue puncture.

Abstract: Medical devices, methods and kits are described. An exemplary medical device comprises a catheter that has a catheter wall and defines a catheter lumen, a bend, and a coil disposed distal to the bend. The catheter defines one or more apertures that extend through the catheter wall and are in communication with the catheter lumen.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is provided for controlled drug delivery within the bladder, or other body vesicle. The device may include at least one drug reservoir component comprising a drug; and a vesicle retention frame which comprises an elastic wire having a first end, an opposing second end, and an intermediate region therebetween, wherein the drug reservoir component is attached to the intermediate region of the vesicle retention frame. The retention frame prevents accidental voiding of the device from the bladder, and it preferably has a spring constant selected for the device to effectively stay in the bladder during urination while minimizing the irritation of the bladder.

Abstract: A medical connector having a substantially cylindrical shape, a first upper end for receiving a male luer, and a second lower end, and including: a disc shaped valve member arranged at the first upper end and having an uppermost surface and a lowermost surface, a slit formed at a center portion thereof, an upper groove formed in a circumferential edge portion of the uppermost surface, and a lower groove formed in a circumferential edge portion of the lowermost surface; a housing with a pedestal for supporting the disc shaped valve member; a protrusion projecting upwardly from the pedestal and being arranged in the lower groove; and an annular ring member disposed on the circumferential edge portion of the uppermost surface, and having a claw portion projecting downwardly and being arranged in the upper groove on the uppermost surface of the valve member.