Abstract: The invention relates to an exhaust gas filter device for filtering contaminants out of exhaust gases, comprising: a filtering apparatus for filtering the exhaust gases, wherein the exhaust gases enter the filtering apparatus at a filter inlet surface, flow through the filtering apparatus and exit the filtering apparatus at a filter outlet surface; and a distribution channel for distributing the exhaust gases to be filtered along the filter inlet surface, and a collection channel for collecting the filtered exhaust gases exiting at the filter outlet surface; wherein the cross section of the collection channel increases in the direction of flow of the exhaust gases and/or the cross section of the distribution channel decreases in the direction of flow of the exhaust gases.

Abstract: Provided is a foam material, comprising a plurality of substantially collagenous beads, wherein the foam material is a bead foam, and wherein adjacent collagenous beads are fused together by a network of collagen fibers. Also provided are methods for preparation of foam materials comprising a plurality of substantially collagenous beads. The foam materials may be used in applications such as bioscaffolds for wound healing, soft tissue regeneration and augmentation, for localized cell delivery, or as cell culture substrates for research. The foam materials include natural collagen fibrils that provide a stable scaffold and enhance integration of the implanted scaffold and regeneration of cells and tissue.

Abstract: A biodegradable and biocompatible nontoxic polymeric composition is provided which includes a base material such as a crystallizable polymer, copolymer, or terpolymer, and a copolymer or terpolymer additive. Medical devices manufactured from the composition are also provided.

Abstract: The present document is directed to a titanium dioxide scaffold comprising a hydrogel coating comprising a biologically active substance. Also disclosed is a method for producing a thin hydrogel coating on a titanium dioxide scaffold and uses of the hydrogel coated scaffolds as medical implants.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a medical device carrying at least on a portion of its surface a Limus drug or Limus drug preparation and butylated hydroxytoluene at a ratio of 3-100% by weight of butylated hydroxytoluene in relation to 100% by weight of the Limus drug.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for blocking needle tracts are disclosed. In some embodiments, the needle tracts are blocked by using a needle that includes an elongated shaft that defines an outer surface, and a polymer coating applied to the outer surface of the shaft, the coating being adapted to block the tract formed by insertion of the needle into an object.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable device having a coating including a slow dissolving polymer or material and the methods of making and using the same.

Abstract: The invention is directed to latent reactive and polymerizable derivatives of fluorescent stilbene-based compounds. The compounds can be used to provide articles with a fluorescence property, such as medical devices (e.g., catheters). The fluorescent compounds can be used in association with polymers, or can be incorporated into polymers, and the polymers used in a coating composition on the article surface. The compounds allow for visual or machine inspection of coating properties such as uniformity of coverage.

Abstract: A polymeric product including at least two layers, wherein a functional layer includes a polymeric material and at least one anti-microbial substance, and a protective layer, including a polymeric material arranged outside the functional layer and completely covering the functional layer, wherein the protective layer does not include any anti-microbial substances. A method of producing the product, the use of the same and a kit for producing the product.

Abstract: An axial flow blood pump comprises: an impeller (2) that rotates around an axis and is provided with axial flow blades on the peripheral surface thereof, a permanent magnet inside the impeller (2), and a dynamic bearing or a pivot bearing; a first casing (5) that surrounds the peripheral surface of the impeller (2) and is provided with an intake port (11); an annular fixed element (6) that generates a rotating magnetic field in the impeller (2) and can be fitted onto the outer surface of the first casing (5); an outlet port (12); a second casing (3) that is provided with guide vanes (diffusers) (31) in the inner surface thereof; and a socket member (4) that is fittably and securely mounted onto the outer peripheral surface of the second casing (3) and is provided with a joining portion that can join with the fixed element (6).

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for an updatable blood pump are disclosed herein. The blood pump can be part of a mechanical circulatory support system that can include a system controller and the blood pump. The blood pump can include a rotary motor and a control unit that can communicate with the system controller. The system controller can initiate the update process and can provide the update to the blood pump. Upon initiation of the update process, the control unit can stop the rotary motor. While the rotary motor is stopped, the blood pump can be updated. At the completion of the update, the rotary pump can be restarted.

Abstract: A renal failure blood therapy system includes a renal failure blood therapy machine, a test including multiple blood samples taken at multiple times during a test therapy to determine concentration levels for each of a first solute and a second solute at each of the multiple times, and a device programmed to (i) estimate at least one first patient parameter using the determined concentration levels for the first solute, (ii) estimate at least one second patient parameter using the determined concentration levels for the second solute, (iii) determine a first plurality of acceptable treatments using the at least one first patient parameter, (iv) determine a second plurality of acceptable treatments using the at least one second patient parameter, and (v) merge the first plurality of acceptable treatments with the second plurality of acceptable treatments to determine a plurality of clinically acceptable treatments for both the first solute and the second solute.

Abstract: An exterior cap of transfer set for peritoneal dialysis, including: a cylindrical cap unit to which the end connector of the peritoneal transfer set is coupled; a guide unit that is coupled to the cap unit, extends to the peritoneal transfer set to provide an expanding internal space, and guides the end connector of the peritoneal transfer set into the cap unit; and a coupling-separating unit that combines the cap unit and the guide unit with each other and separates the cap unit and the guide unit in accordance with selection of a user.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing blood therapy having a plurality of pumps for engaging blood and fluid tubing is characterized by a plurality of manually mounted and disengagable panels installed on the sides of the apparatus housing, the panels having pump engaging tubing mounted on the inside of the respective panels.

Abstract: A terminal clamp for a moisture sensor to be placed on a patient's skin in order to monitor a vascular access to a patient includes first, lower and second, upper legs for clamped fixing of terminal tab of moisture sensor, rear end pieces of the legs being connected. The terminal clamp includes terminal contacts for contacting electrical contact points of terminal tab, and a guide piece having a slot-shaped cutout for receiving terminal tab. Slot-shaped cutout of guide piece is bounded laterally by two stop elements so that terminal tab is held in terminal clamp in a predetermined position, in which terminal contacts of terminal clamp contact the electrical contact points of terminal tab. Upper leg comprises a latching device, which is fixed in slot-shaped cutout in a snap-in manner when terminal clamp is closed to lock upper leg in position on lower leg.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel, inexpensive, and highly effective methods and devices for convenient and effective irrigation of abscesses, puncture wounds, and similar types of deep tissue wounds. In one embodiment the subject invention provides a discharge apparatus for a reservoir housing containing irrigation solution, wherein the discharge apparatus has a specifically designed nozzle for insertion into a wound opening and through which a sufficient volume of the irrigation solution can pass at an appropriate pressure.

Abstract: A tube passage sealing system for allowing passage of a tube from the interior to the exterior of a case such that the case is sealed against fluid intrusion whether a tube is present or absent. The tube passage sealing system generally includes a case having a first portion and a hingedly connected second portion. The portions may be closed together to define a compartment in which a device may be positioned. A tube seal assembly is included which allows a tube leading from the device within the compartment to exit the case through a passage formed in the assembly. The tube seal assembly generally includes a first tube seal and second tube seal which combine when the case is closed to seal around the tube. Some embodiments may include blocking portions on the tube seals which will act to seal the passage when a tube is not present.

Abstract: A drug or fluid delivery device includes a pump having a control module. A cassette is removably mounted to the control module. A reservoir is contained within the cassette, and contains a fluid to be delivered to a patient. A protrusion extends from an interior surface of the cassette, creating and maintaining a crease in the reservoir as the fluid is emptied therefrom, thereby creating a fluid path along which the fluid travels to reduce occurrences of the reservoir deleteriously sealing off pockets of fluid as the reservoir is emptied.

Abstract: An infusion system for delivery of therapeutic fluids from a remote source into a patient's body. The system has an infusion assembly, a rotating pivot joint member, a fluid connector assembly, and a sealing assembly retained within the infusion assembly between the housing of the infusion assembly and the rotating pivot joint member. The seal reduces leakage of fluids. The rotating joint may be pivoted to three distinct positions to allow for emplacement on the patient, delivery of the therapeutic fluid to the patient, and protected, sealed closure of the fluid channels to avoid patient fluid backflow.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an ambulatory insulin infusion system may include an administration module for insulin administration, a data collection module for collecting data relevant for the bolus amount, and a delay module. The administration module may administer insulin continuously according to a basal profile and a bolus on demand. The bolus has a bolus amount. The data collection module may be operatively coupled to the administration module. The delay module may trigger administration of the bolus a therapeutically significant delay interval after the data is collected.

Abstract: An insertion device includes an insertion needle holder and a drive mechanism for linearly moving the insertion needle holder in a puncturing direction. The insertion needle holder also includes at least one actuating element for actuating a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism converts a driving motion of the actuating element, which extends transversely or opposite to the puncturing direction, into a puncturing motion of the insertion needle holder.

Abstract: A jet injector that includes a prefilled syringe. The syringe includes a fluid chamber that contains a medicament. The syringe also has an injection-assisting needle, and a plunger is movable within the fluid chamber. A housing is configured for allowing insertion of the needle to a penetration depth. An energy source is configured for biasing the plunger to produce an injecting pressure in the medicament in the fluid chamber of between about 80 and 1000 p.s.i. to jet inject the medicament from the fluid chamber through the needle to an injection site.

Abstract: A needleless injector has a syringe body having an opening at one end, a piston housed within the syringe body for urging a liquid within the syringe body through the opening and a ram for driving the piston. A shock absorbing component is provided for reducing an initial transfer of force from the ram to the piston. The initial rate of pressure increase on the liquid is reduced, thereby controlling the rate of collapse of gas bubbles in the liquid.

Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a syringe barrel having a first end, a second end, and a sidewall extending between the first end and the second end. The syringe assembly further includes a stopper disposed within a chamber of the syringe barrel, a plunger adapter engaged with the stopper and defining a recessed portion therein, and first and second plunger arms each having a first end pivotally secured to the plunger adapter. The first and second plunger arms each have a pre-use position where the plunger arms are spaced from each other, and a use position where the plunger arms are positioned adjacent to each other and configured to displace the stopper relative to the syringe barrel. The recessed portion of the plunger adapter receives a portion of a first end of a plunger rod when the first and second plunger arms are in the pre-use position and the use position.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device (1), and a drug delivery device, are proposed with a housing (13) having proximal and distal ends. A dose member (23) is displaceable proximally with respect to the housing for setting of a dose of a drug. A clutch member (28) is displaceable proximally with respect to the housing when setting the dose. A stop member (30) is configured to define a clutch stop position for the proximal displacement of the clutch member with respect to the housing, The clutch member, when in the clutch stop position, is prevented from further displacement proximally with respect to the housing, and the clutch member and the dose member are configured to mechanically cooperate with one another when the clutch member is in the clutch stop position, thereby preventing further displacement of the dose member proximally with respect to the housing during setting of the dose.

Abstract: System and methods are described herein for generating an injection guide, which include receiving one or more digital images of a body region of an individual, the body region including one or more physical registration landmarks, generating at least one digital representation of the body region using the one or more digital images, the at least one digital representation including one or more digital registration landmarks corresponding to the one or more physical registration landmarks on the body region, adding one or more digitally registered injection sites to the at least one digital representation of the body region in an injection-treatment pattern, the one or more digitally registered injection sites registered relative to the one or more digital registration landmarks, and generating one or more output signals having information for controlling one or more controllable light-emitting elements to illuminate a location on a surface of the body region of the individual corresponding in location to at

Abstract: A moisture sensor for monitoring an access to a patient for a system by which, via a flexible line, a liquid is fed to and/or out from a patient, for monitoring the vascular access in extra-corporeal blood treatment or for monitoring a central venous catheter for acute dialysis, and a method of producing a moisture sensor are described. The moisture sensor has a substrate material with an electrically conductive structure having conductor paths arranged at a distance from one another and connected together across a terminating resistor. The terminating resistor is an electrically conductive film which is applied in a section of the substrate material on which are formed electrical contacting regions for connecting the terminating resistor to the conductor paths, such that an external terminating resistor is not required and the moisture sensor can be produced easily in large numbers complete with the terminating resistor.

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

Abstract: An internal dry powder delivery system through a working channel of an endoscopic cannula for directly applying the powder form medication to an internal tissue/organ site, includes an elongated tubular delivery channel and a powder supply device for producing pressurized gas mixing with the dry powder for feeding to form a mixture of dry powder and pressurized gas delivering to an internal tissue/organ site through the delivery channel via endoscopic cannula. It ensures a smooth powder release by preventing liquid from accumulation at the tip of the delivery channel and offers physicians a new powder form drug delivery method via endoscope. Also, it offers new minimal invasive application by directly and precisely applying the powder format drug to the internal sites of human gastrointestinal organ via endoscope to achieve hemostasis, anti-inflammation, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor treatment, etc.

Abstract: An aerosol generator is positioned adjacent to a patient as an attachment to a trocar. The trocar has an entry port for insufflation gas. Aerosol generated by a vibrating element is entrained in the insufflation gas and the mixture is delivered through the trocar. The aerosol may contain a medicament. The trocar may be a conventional trocar. Such trocars are typically used for a camera. The delivery of the aerosolized medicament can occur at the start of the procedure and be delivered in bolus. At the start of the procedure, the peritoneum is being inflated by the flow of insufflator gas. This gas flow will help to entrain the aerosolized medicament to the pneumoperitoneum regions. The surgeon can temporarily remove the camera from the trocar port to facilitate insertion and positioning of the aerosolizing unit.

Abstract: The device (1) for supplying micronized medical salt comprises a container (2) for medical salt, having a vertical longitudinal development and a lower end portion (3) provided with a mouth of release (4) of the medical salt, a screw (20) inserted into the container and having an upper end (21) and a lower end (22) which is free, rotation members (30) of the screw mechanically connected thereto for rotating it with respect to the container, where the screw advances the medical salt downward so that the medical salt is released in a controlled manner from the mouth of release (4), the device further comprising a dispenser (50) which comprises a supply duct (51) and a ventilation member (60) which generates an air flow within the supply duct, where the mouth of release is in communication with the supply duct so as to release the medical salt directly in the air flow.

Abstract: The invention concerns a product consisting of distilled water or of an aqueous solution hypotonic or substantially isotonic with respect to blood plasma or, less preferably, hypertonic with respect to blood plasma, to be administered on the nasal mucosa according to a specific operation mode in order to cause an inflammation of an irritative kind, for use in a treatment of stimulation of the endogenous production of inflammatory mediators, in the therapy and prevention of neurological disorders, in particular of degenerative disorders of the central and peripheral nervous system. The inflammatory mediators the endogenous production of which is stimulated comprise NGF, neurotrophin-3, neurotrophin-4, serotonin, substance P, heparin, ECF-A.

Abstract: A bi-level pressure support system and method of treating disordered breathing that optimizes the pressure delivered to the patient during inspiration and expiration to treat the disordered breathing while minimizing the delivered pressure for patient comfort. The pressure generating system generates a flow of breathing gas at an inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) during inspiration and at an expiratory positive airway pressure (EPAP) during expirations. A controller monitor at least one of the following conditions: (1) snoring, (2) apneas, (3) hypopneas, or (4) a big leak in the pressure support system and adjusts the IPAP and the EPAP based on the occurrence of any one of these conditions.

Abstract: The systems and methods include controlling pressure and/or flow during exhalation. The systems and methods include novel exhalation for ventilating a patient. The systems and methods decrease the amount of time it takes the patient to passively expire an inspired volume of gas. For example, the systems and method may determine one or more pressure profiles based on one or more criterion and may select and utilize the pressure profile that provides for the fastest rate of lung emptying.

Abstract: In a bilateral bite block, a broad upper component extends bilaterally between a front end and a back end for overlying a person's tongue and at least some of the person's lower molars and for underlying at least some of the person's upper molars. Molar blocks extend downward from both sides of the broad upper component and are disposed for contacting the person's lower molars. A groove is disposed within a top surface of a handle and the broad upper component for receiving an endotracheal tube. An aperture is disposed within the groove in the broad upper component for grasping a received endotracheal tube that can extend within the groove from the handle to beyond the back end of the upper component so that a received endotracheal tube that extends within the groove can contact the person's tongue and thereby enhance the grasp of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a respiratory mask of the type used in CPAP treatment includes a porous disk portion that is attached to a biasing member such that the disk portion is maintained in a substantially sealed position against a main vent to minimize airflow through at least one side vent of the vent assembly. Debris build-up on the disk portion can cause the biasing member to deflect to provide an additional path for airflow through the at least one side vent. In another embodiment, the vent assembly can also include an anti-asphyxia feature to provide an airflow path from the environment to the user. An oxygen diverter valve may be disposed between the breathing apparatus flow generator and an oxygen injection port.

Abstract: Headgear for a respiratory mask includes a strap arrangement comprising front strap portions adapted to be disposed over a patient's cheeks and each having a connector adapted for attachment to an airway interfacing portion, and a cover provided to each front strap portion and structured to at least partially encapsulate the front strap portion. The cover includes side portions adapted to be wrapped around the front strap portion and releasably fastened to one another.

Abstract: A method for ventilating a patient in which nasal mask having an exhalation scoop formed of a flexible or resiliently deformable material, fixed adjacent a lower portion of mask, is positioned to overlie an upper lip of a patient. When needed, the exhalation scoop is folded back on itself to provide access to the patient's mouth.

Abstract: An entrainment method for stimulation of a visual field in a subject includes presenting a visual stimulation field to a subject, the visual stimulation field disposed at a distance of at least about 6 inches from the subject; and flashing at least one zone of the visual stimulation field for a selected duration and at a selected flash frequency.

Abstract: A capping device that includes a cap, a first member, a second member, and a living hinge is provided. The cap is for covering the top of a medical access connector. The first member is connected with the cap. The living hinge is located between the first member and the second member. Capping and uncapping the medical access connector with the cap is transparent to a user that is manipulating the medical access connector.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for making catheters having intermediate layers that minimize or eliminate gaps during layup.

Abstract: A delivery probe for delivering a therapeutic agent to tissue is described including at least one delivery capsule for accommodating the agent, at least one delivery device in fluid communication with the capsule, an actuation mechanism for moving the capsule between an activated position and an inactivated position by providing at least one of a fluid and a vacuum, and a delivery mechanism for forcing the agent out of the capsule. A method of delivering a therapeutic agent to tissue is also described including providing a catheter with a delivery probe at a distal end, positioning the delivery probe next to the tissue, supplying fluid to an actuation chamber to position the probe into an activated position, supplying fluid to a delivery chamber to force the agent out of the probe, and establishing a vacuum in the actuation chamber to position the probe into an inactivated position.

Abstract: A variable stiffness catheter includes an elongate tubular body having proximal and distal body ends and defining a lumen extending longitudinally between a fluid inlet in the proximal body end and a fluid outlet in the distal body end. The catheter includes a vacuum responsive stiffener coupled with the elongate tubular body, which may include a stiffening medium such as an open cell foam having an expanded state and a vacuum collapsed state. The stiffening medium can transition between the expanded state at which it is relatively flexible and the vacuum collapsed state at which it is relatively inflexible via withdrawing fluid from the vacuum responsive stiffener by way of a vacuum device.

Abstract: A multipurpose catheter includes an un-tapered portion and a tapered portion, the latter being disposed distally of the former. The catheter has an arrangement of echo reflective features over at least a portion of the tapered portion. The echo reflective features may be echo reflective solely due to their shape, or may be made of radio opaque materials, and thus may provide a degree of echogenicity not only due to their material but also due to the reflectivity of their shape.

Abstract: A medical device control handle or catheter includes deflection assembly and at least one of the following: a disk actuator, a lever actuator and a ring actuator for actuating additional puller wires in manipulation of multiple features of the medical device or catheter independently of each other. The disk actuator has a common rotational axis with but is rotationally independent of the deflection assembly. The lever actuator has a separate rotational axis. The ring is mounted outside of the control handle and rotatable relative to the control handle to actuate another puller wire for manipulating another feature of the catheter. Each of the disk, lever and ring actuators are of a design that allows existing control handles and catheters to be readily modified to include these actuators.

Abstract: We have disclosed dressing devices that combine the functions of coverage of a catheter insertion site, fluid handling capacity for the puncture site of a catheter, and fixation of the catheter. More specifically, we have disclosed dressing devices comprising a base, a pad, and a dressing film, and the devices possess antimicrobial properties. We further disclose a method of making the disclosed dressing devices, a kit comprising the disclosed dressing devices and a catheter fastener means, a method of installing the dressing devices on a patient's skin over an indwelling catheter, and a method of replacing the disclosed dressing devices.

Abstract: A medical balloon (10) of a balloon catheter assembly (70) includes a balloon wall (22) formed of at least two layers (30, 32). The first layer (30) is made of an impervious polymeric material. The second layer (32), which is integral with the first layer (30) is made of a radiopaque and/or echogenic material and a polymeric material. In the preferred embodiment, there is provided 60 to 80% by weight of radiopaque material in the second layer (32). It has been found that these concentrations of radiopaque material provide good visibility of the balloon under ultrasonic imaging.

Abstract: A drug delivery balloon apparatus is disclosed herein, comprising: (a) at least two lumens, comprising a first lumen and a second lumen, (b) a balloon inflation port in communication with the first lumen, (c) a drug delivery port in communication with the second lumen, (d) a guidewire port in communication with either the second lumen or a third lumen, (e) an occlusion balloon, (f) a drug delivery balloon having an outer surface with a plurality of grooves, where the occlusion balloon is disposed between the drug delivery balloon and the balloon inflation port, and the occlusion and drug delivery balloons are in communication with the first lumen, (g) one or more drug delivery channels extending the length of the second lumen, and (h) one or more drug delivery ducts extending from the one or more drug delivery channels to an exterior surface of the second lumen.

Abstract: The composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a vacuum pump. The vacuum pump applies a vacuum pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed. The vacuum pump is tethered to the wound dressing and is portable, preferably, carried by the patient in a support bag, which permits patient mobility. Moreover, the patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

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