Abstract: Cardiovascular prostheses for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue that are formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM). The cardiovascular prostheses comprise various compositions, such as ECM based compositions, and structures, such as particulate structures, mesh constructs, encasement structures, coated structures and multi-sheet laminate structures.

Abstract: Cardiovascular prostheses for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue that are formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM). The cardiovascular prostheses comprise various compositions, such as ECM based compositions, and structures, such as particulate structures, mesh constructs, encasement structures, coated structures and multi-sheet laminate structures.

Abstract: Cardiovascular prostheses for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue that are formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM). The cardiovascular prostheses comprise various compositions, such as ECM based compositions, and structures, such as particulate structures, mesh constructs, encasement structures, coated structures and multi-sheet laminate structures.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a cell structure which does not contain glutaraldehyde and can form blood vessels after transplantation, and a method for producing the above-described cell structure. According to the present invention, there is provided a cell structure which contains a biocompatible macromolecular block and at least one kind of cell and has voids and in which a plurality of the biocompatible macromolecular blocks are arranged in gaps between a plurality of the cells, in which a ratio of the volume of the biocompatible macromolecular blocks with respect to the volume of the cell structure is 10% to 30%, a ratio of the volume of the cells with respect to the volume of the cell structure is 20% to 50%, and a ratio of the volume of the voids with respect to the volume of the cell structure is 35% to 60%.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides patterned materials that may be useful in reducing certain negative effects associated with damaged tissue in vivo. The patterned materials can modify the healing process, and may minimize the formation of scar tissue. Such effects can provide inhibition of adhesion between tissues and/or reduction of fibrotic encapsulation around implanted medical devices.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides patterned materials that may be useful in reducing certain negative effects associated with damaged tissue in vivo. The patterned materials can modify the healing process, and may minimize the formation of scar tissue. Such effects can provide inhibition of adhesion between tissues and/or reduction of fibrotic encapsulation around implanted medical devices.

Abstract: Cardiovascular prostheses for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue that are formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM). The cardiovascular prostheses comprise various compositions, such as ECM based compositions, and structures, such as particulate structures, mesh constructs, encasement structures, coated structures and multi-sheet laminate structures.

Abstract: Cardiovascular prostheses for treating, reconstructing and replacing damaged or diseased cardiovascular tissue that are formed from acellular extracellular matrix (ECM). The cardiovascular prostheses comprise various compositions, such as ECM based compositions, and structures, such as particulate structures, mesh constructs, encasement structures, coated structures and multi-sheet laminate structures.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present invention provide compositions and implantable devices including a water-insoluble therapeutic agent solubilized in a matrix of a gallate-containing compound.

Abstract: A manually-activated reduced pressure treatment system includes a substantially rigid housing, and an end cap slidingly received by the housing. An inner chamber is disposed between the end cap and housing, and a volume of the inner chamber is variable in amount depending on the position of the end cap within the housing. The end cap is slidingly movable between an uncompressed position at which the volume of the inner chamber is at a maximum value and a compressed position at which the volume of the inner chamber is at a minimum value. A position indicating member is associated with the end cap and housing to indicate the position of the end cap relative to the housing at predetermined positions between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for a suction instrument or an irrigation instrument is disclosed, which comprises: a valve object; a first piston moveably disposed in the valve object; a second piston moveably disposed in the valve object; and a piston buckling unit pivoting on an outside of the valve object. When the first piston is pressed, the first piston moves downward and a first buckle on the first piston is fixed on a third buckle of the piston buckling unit to open an irrigating pathway; and when the second piston is pressed, the second piston moves downward and a second buckle on the second piston is fixed on another third buckle of the piston buckling unit to open a suction pathway.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described including a catheter (20), a first pump (24U) disposed on the catheter, and a second pump (24D) disposed on the catheter, proximally to the first pump. A control unit (52) is configured to control activation of the first and second pumps. The first and second pumps are configured, when activated, to pump fluid in opposite directions from one another. Other applications are also described.

Abstract: Various “contactless” bearing mechanisms including hydrodynamic and magnetic bearings are provided for a rotary pump as alternatives to mechanical contact bearings. In one embodiment, a pump apparatus includes a pump housing defining a pumping chamber. The housing has a spindle extending into the pumping chanber. A spindle magnet assembly includes first and second magnets disposed within the spindle. The first and second magnets are arranged proximate each other with their respective magnetic vectors opposing each other. The lack of mechanical contact bearings enables longer life pump operation and less damage to working fluids such as blood.

Abstract: Methods for monitoring patient parameters and blood fluid removal system parameters include identifying those system parameters that result in improved patient parameters or in worsened patent parameters. By comparing the patient's current parameters to past parameters in response to system parameters or changes in system parameters, a blood fluid removal system may be able to avoid future use of parameters that may harm the patient and may be able to learn which parameters are likely to be most effective in treating the patient in a blood fluid removal session.

Abstract: A dialysate-extracting apparatus is provided in which scattering of dialysate that may occur when an opening-and-closing device is detached from a collecting port can be prevented and the cleanliness of the collecting port can be assuredly maintained. The dialysate-extracting apparatus includes a dialysate-extracting device connected to a dialysate flow route and having a collecting port from which dialysate flowing in the dialysate flow route is collectable, and an opening-and-closing device detachable from and attachable to the dialysate-extracting device in such a manner as to open and close the collecting port and including a seal portion that seals the collecting port in a closed state. When the opening-and-closing device is detached from the dialysate-extracting device, a part of the opening-and-closing device that is on an inner side with respect to the seal portion is bendable and displaceable toward the collecting port.

Abstract: An extracorporeal system for lung assist includes a system housing, which includes a blood flow inlet and a blood flow outlet and a fiber bundle housing movably positioned within the system housing. The fiber bundle housing includes a gas inlet and a gas outlet. A fiber bundle is in operative connection with the fiber bundle housing. The fiber bundle includes a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers, wherein lumens of the plurality of hollow gas fibers are in fluid connection with the gas inlet at a first end thereof and in fluid connection with the gas outlet as a second end thereof. The system further includes an actuator to impart oscillatory motion to the fiber bundle housing and thereby to the fiber bundle.

Abstract: A pressure relieve valve for cardio pulmonary bypass responsive to abnormal pressure changes due to kinks in conduits used with the valve. In this situation, a principal flow path through a duckbill valve can be bypassed by positive and negative secondary flow paths for pressure relief. The secondary flow paths exist using umbrella valves of opposite orientation blocking holes in a flange separating inlet and outlet extensions of a tubular central body housing the duckbill valve. Each umbrella valve is throttled with a nipple that moderates flow in each of the secondary flow paths for slowing pressure equalization.

Abstract: Disclosed are hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including fluid flow circuits. Hemodialysis systems may include a blood flow path, and a dialysate flow path including balancing, mixing, and/or a directing circuits. Preparation of dialysate may be decoupled from patient dialysis. Circuits may be defined within one or more cassettes. The fluid circuit and/or the various fluid flow paths may be isolated from electrical components. A gas supply may be provided that, when activated, is able to urge dialysate through the dialyzer and blood back to the patient. Such a system may be useful during a power failure. The hemodialysis system may also include fluid handling devices, such as pumps, valves, mixers, etc., actuated using a control fluid. The control fluid may be delivered to the fluid handling devices using a detachable external pump. The fluid handling devices may have a spheroid shape with a diaphragm dividing it into two compartments.

Abstract: A sensor pad kit includes a sensor pad (701) which is flexible, and one surface of which is adhesive, having a sensor holding portion (702a) to which a sensor device (550) is to be attached, and at least two extended portions (718) extending toward an outer side from the sensor holding portion (702a) in a plan view, a fixing member (775) which fixes the sensor device to the sensor holding portion, and a peelable film (771) which is stuck to an adhesive surface of the sensor pad.

Abstract: Methods for setting up, maintaining and operating a radiopharmaceutical infusion system, that includes a radioisotope generator, are facilitated by a computer of the system. The computer may include pre-programmed instructions and a computer interface, for interaction with a user of the system, for example, in order to track contained volumes of eluant and/or eluate, and/or to track time from completion of an elution performed by the system, and/or to calculate one or more system and/or injection parameters for quality control, and/or to perform purges of the system, and/or to facilitate diagnostic imaging.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may be configured to wirelessly communicate with other devices using near field communication (NFC). In particular embodiments, by incorporating near field communication capabilities into the infusion pump system, user communications with the infusion pump system can be enhanced and simplified.

Abstract: A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an occlusion sensor that can be used to detect when an occlusion exists in the fluid path between the medicine reservoir and the infusion site on the user's skin. Such an occlusion may occur, for example, when the fluid flow line (e.g., a cannula, infusion set tubing, or the like) is kinked. If the medicine dispensation path to the user is occluded, the user may receive no dosage or a lower dosage of the medicine. As such, the occlusion sensor can be used to indicate when the fluid is flowing or not flowing, thereby permitting the infusion pump system to communicate an alarm to the user if an occlusion exists.

Abstract: Embodiments of a system including a remotely controlled reaction device and associated controller are described. Methods of use and control of the device are also disclosed. According to various embodiments, a reaction device is placed in an environment in order to perform a chemical reaction in an environment. Exemplary environments include a body of an organism, a body of water, or an enclosed volume of a fluid. In selected embodiments, a magnetic field, an electric field, or electromagnetic control signal may be used.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include measuring at least one effect of a combined bioactive agent and artificial sensory experience on an individual and/or modifying at least one of the bioactive agent or the artificial sensory experience at least partially based on the at least one effect.

Abstract: A portable auto-injector configured to store a dry medication separately from a liquid component, wherein removal of a cap opens a rotary valve allowing for the initiation of a mixing step prior to injection. An extendable needle guard is provided over the delivery assembly which prevents premature injection as well as inadvertent sticks or other cross contamination of a needle. The needle guard can also form part of a secondary trigger mechanism which injects the reconstituted drug after the mixing stage is complete.

Abstract: A syringe cartridge comprising a reservoir part and an extension extending from said reservoir part, said extension defining a fluid path and comprising a molding and a first needle extending from said molding, the extension turning to a finite angle with respect to an axis of said reservoir part and wherein at least part of said first needle is likewise at said finite angle, at least some of said part of said first needle at said finite angle being enclosed within said molding of said fluid path. A drug delivery device may be used with the cartridge and includes a skin-contacting surface. In use the longitudinal axis of the interior of the cartridge may be disposed substantially parallel to the skin-contacting surface.

Abstract: A cartridge comprising a reservoir part and an extension extending from said reservoir part, said extension defining a fluid path and comprising a molding and a first needle extending from said molding, the extension turning to a finite angle with respect to an axis of said reservoir part and wherein at least part of said first needle is likewise at said finite angle, at least some of said part of said first needle at said finite angle being enclosed within said molding of said fluid path. A drug delivery device may be used with the cartridge and includes a skin-contacting surface. In use, the longitudinal axis of the interior of the cartridge may be disposed substantially parallel to the skin-contacting surface.

Abstract: An injection device for use with a cartridge facilities a transfer of fluid from the cartridge into an injection bore.

Abstract: A syringe includes a holding portion that accommodates an injection objective substance, a driving portion that applies injection energy, and a nozzle portion that includes a passage for injection, with these portions being loaded into a housing independently, whereby a state where the injection objective substance can be injected is established. The syringe includes a regulating means for regulating a loading position of the holding portion and the driving portion within the housing so that a loading state, where the holding portion and the driving portion are always loaded in the same order into the housing, is established for injection of the injection objective substance. Due to this, it is possible to facilitate injection of injection liquid ideal for various purposes and to improve user's convenience.

Abstract: A dosing device for an infusion system comprises a dosing unit having a variable volume and at least one opening in fluid connection with the variable volume, through which opening the variable volume can be filled with a substance or the substance can be dispensed from the variable volume. The dosing device is operable in a first state for filling the substance from a supply conduit, in a second state for preventing filling and dispensing, or in a third state for dispensing through a dispensing conduit. No direct fluid connection exists between the supply conduit and the dispensing conduit at any time. Methods for dosing a substance with the dosing device.

Abstract: An automatic applicator for liquid pharmaceutical preparations, particularly for multiple injection application of set doses of a medicine from an exchangeable container is provided. The automatic applicator includes a body housing connected to a housing of an exchangeable container with a medicine having a plunger, the said plunger being displaced only linearly by an integrated driving unit, suitable for immobilizing, driving, leading linearly and blocking rotation of the plunger, driven via a double action clutch, by a tensioning spring situated in the body housing, the spring tensioned by a rotary hand-dose-setting ring via the double action clutch, wherein the driving unit is activated by a trigger unit and a dose is indicated by an indicating arrangement. The automatic applicator further includes at least one block key placed in an upper part of a ratchet barrel, collaborating with at least one key placed in an internal part of the body housing.

Abstract: A gas release cell for use with pneumatically actuated sharps-containing medical devices. The gas release cell has a rigid outer shell and a sealing membrane sealingly engaged with the rigid outer shell. A compressed propellant is retained within the gas release cell by the sealing membrane, and the sealing membrane is rupturable to actuate the medical device by releasing compressed propellant from the gas release cell.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a composite anesthesia device for medical use, which allows a syringe for injecting local anesthesia into the body through a needle to be added with a function for spraying a topical anesthetic so as to anesthetize the skin tissue of a corresponding portion through the surface anesthesia spray before the needle is inserted into the body, thereby reducing the pain generated when injecting the anesthetic.

Abstract: An inhaler with a housing (H) comprising an air-inlet (A_I) and a an air-outlet (A_O). Inside the housing (H) a flow path (FP) is defined between air-inlet (A_I) and air-outlet (A_O) where a dispenser (DP) is arranged to dispense an aerosol or a dry powder in the flow path (FP). Two sensors (S1, S2), e.g. microphones, are positioned spaced apart at external surfaces of the housing (H) to sense sound or vibrations resulting from a flow in the flow path (FP) at two different positions. This allows a precise detection of flow velocity during inhalation based on the sound or vibrations sensed by the two sensors (S1, S2), thus allowing examination of correct use of the inhaler. Further, the use of two spaced apart sensors (S1, S2) facilitates identification of priming and firing events in the sensed sound or vibrations which may also be used in evaluating the use of the inhaler.

Abstract: A wearable wrist inhaler includes a wristband having a first end and a second end configured for wear about a user's wrist. An inhaler unit is removably coupled to the wristband displaced from the first end and the second end, the inhaler unit including a housing having a plurality of walls defining an interior area and an outlet port in communication with the interior area. A watch assembly is positioned atop the housing of the inhaler unit, the watch assembly energized by a battery and includes a display configured to indicate a time of day. A dosage chamber including a medicament is positioned in the interior area of the housing. A dispensing assembly is communication with the inhaler medicament that is configured to dispense an individual portion of the medicament via the outlet port upon demand by a user.

Abstract: Disclosed is a control and display area for a medical ventilator, comprising or consisting of a control film having at least one control element. The control film is optically transparent in one or more sections thereof and opaque in one or more other sections thereof and at least the optically transparent section(s) of the control film is/are connected by an optically clear adhesive element with a display lying therebelow and the one or more opaque sections, at least in part, is/are connected by an adhesive element with the housing of the medical ventilator lying therebelow.

Abstract: A system and method for administering nitrous oxide to a patient has a fluid control system that allows a user to monitor and control the supply of gases to a patient. A shutoff valve allows a user to selectively activate the fluid control system. Oxygen flow is adjusted by a flow controlling valve. A differential pressure regulator allows flow of nitrous oxide in response to sufficient oxygen flow. Flow of the nitrous oxide is further controlled by a ratio controlling valve. A display shows the flow of the gases through the fluid control system. A flush valve allows a user to flush the output with oxygen. A flow indicator light may be included. An optional output selector allows the user to direct the flow to one of various output ports. An optional safety scavenge valve prevents operation of the fluid control system when there is insufficient scavenge vacuum pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and a method for monitoring the disconnection of a patient interface system during the ventilation, in which values which are indicative for the time curve of the respiratory gas flow are established and subjected to data evaluation, and wherein an alarm is triggered on the basis of the data evaluation if at least one value which is indicative for the time curve of the respiratory gas flow deviates from a specific limit value for a specific period of time.

Abstract: A positive airway pressure apparatus is automatically adjusting. Pressure increases in response to apnea events when the apparatus is in one or more responsive states. Pressure does not increase in response to apnea events when the apparatus is in a non-responsive state. The apparatus switches between responsive and nonresponsive states depending upon any of a number of different criteria that help differentiate between open airway apnea events and closed airway apnea events.

Abstract: A medical tube comprises a tail to connect an embedded wire to an electrical component. The tail may comprise a flattened portion and an exposed portion to facilitate attachment of the medical tube to an electrical component. The tail may comprise a second flattened portion. One or more wires, such as a heater wire or a sensor wire, may be embedded in the medical tube. The medical tube may comprise a connector that comprises a printed circuit board to which the one or more wires is attached. The connector may comprise features to support the printed circuit board, aid in assembly of the one or more wires to the connector, and protect electrical components against liquid ingress.

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 patient interface system for delivering a gas to a patient includes a patient interface device that includes at least one inhalation valve and at least one exhalation valve. The system also includes a venturi device that has at least one port for connection to a gas source. The venturi device has at least one primary air entrainment window and at least one secondary air entrainment window which is downstream of the at least one primary air entrainment window. The inhalation valve is disposed between: (1) the main body and (2) the primary and secondary air entrainment windows of the venturi device. At least one of the primary air entrainment window and secondary air entrainment window includes a means for closing the respective window, thereby changing a degree at which the respective window is open and changing a flow rate of the air flowing through the respective window.

Abstract: Methods of modifying the luminal profile of a body vessel are described. An example method comprises advancing a cannula out of the distal end of a catheter disposed within the lumen of a body vessel of an animal and toward a target site on the wall of the body vessel; passing contrast dye through the cannula toward the target site; simultaneously continuing the advancing and passing until the distal end of the cannula punctures the inner layer of the wall of the body vessel at the target site; and passing a bulking agent through the cannula and into a space between connective tissue layers surrounding the vessel wall at the target site. Medical devices, medical device assemblies, and kits are also described.

Abstract: A medical catheter assembly includes a catheter tip coupled to a distal end of an elongate catheter member and is symmetric about a plane defined by a septum of the elongate catheter member. The catheter tip defines first and second lumens, and the catheter tip defines first and second openings in the distal portion of the catheter tip. Each opening of the catheter tip is defined by a respective side surface of the catheter tip. Each opening is in fluid communication with a respective one of the first and second lumens of the catheter tip and with a respective one of a pair of lumens defined by the elongate catheter member. The distance between upper and lower surfaces of the catheter tip decreases from a distal end of the proximal portion toward a closed distal end of the catheter tip.

Abstract: Foley type catheter embodiments for sensing physiologic data from a urinary tract of a patient are disclosed. The system includes the catheter and a data processing apparatus and methods for sensing physiologic data from the urinary tract. Embodiments may also include a pressure sensor having a pressure interface at a distal end of the catheter, a pressure transducer at a proximal end, and a fluid column disposed between the pressure interface and transducer. When the distal end is residing in the bladder, the pressure transducer can transduce pressure impinging on it into a chronological pressure profile, which can be processed by the data processing apparatus into one or more distinct physiologic pressure profiles, for example, peritoneal pressure, respiratory rate, and cardiac rate. At a sufficiently high data-sampling rate, these physiologic data may further include relative pulmonary tidal volume, cardiac output, relative cardiac output, and absolute cardiac stroke volume.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus includes a replaceable module, a main body portion and a sensing module. The main body portion includes a tube, a urine guide opening and an elastic unit. The replaceable module includes a control unit. A first terminal of the tube is coupled to the replaceable module and a second terminal of the tube is inserted into the bladder. The urine guide opening is disposed at the second terminal of the tube and used to guide urine into the tube when the second terminal of the tube is inserted into the bladder. The elastic unit is disposed at the second terminal of the tube and coupled to the control unit. The sensing module is coupled to the control unit and used to sense whether the second terminal of the tube is inserted to the correct position in the bladder and transmit sensing result to the control unit.

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. In a further embodiment, the microcatheter has at least one perforation along a sidewall of the microcatheter.

Abstract: The device and methods described herein relate to a seeping flow catheter. The seeping flow catheter includes a porous material. The inner face of the porous material defines the lumen of the catheter. The porous material is configured such that fluid can flow along the length of the catheter, between the inner face and outer face of the porous material. As the fluid flows through the porous material, the fluid can seep into the lumen of the catheter through the inner face or out of the catheter through the outer face of the porous material. Portions of the inner or outer face can include a lining that substantial reduces the perfusion of the fluid through the lined areas.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed. The medical device may include an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end an expandable end effector assembly extending distally from the distal end of the elongate member. The end effector assembly may include a plurality of end effector units each having an injector for simultaneously delivering material into tissue.