Abstract: A remote control having an ultraviolet light emitting device for disinfecting the outer surfaces of the remote control is disclosed. In particular, the remote control may include an ultraviolet transmissive housing and internal ultraviolet emitting light emitting diodes. The ultraviolet transmissive housing allows the light from the internally mounted ultraviolet emitters to pass through the remote control's housing and kill bacteria, viruses, and other micro-organisms on the outer surface of the remote control by employing methods to automate safe and effective operations of ultraviolet light.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) footwear illuminator for footwear treatment is disclosed. In one embodiment, the UV footwear illuminator includes an insert adapted for placement in an article of footwear. At least one UV radiation source is located in the insert and is configured to emit UV radiation in the footwear through a transparent window region formed in the insert. A control unit is configured to control at least one predetermined UV radiation characteristics associated with the radiation emitted from each UV radiation source. A power supply is configured to power each UV radiation source and the control unit.

Abstract: Sterilant challenge device for use in steam sterilizers are described, including devices suitable for determining the efficacy of the non-condensable gas removal stage of a sterilization cycle and/or the quality of steam sterilant in relation to its content of non-condensable gas(es) are disclosed. Sterilant challenge devices having a metal tube having a defining a free space which is open at one end for the entry of sterilant and closed at the other end and at least one thermal load located around the tube are also described.

Abstract: Superabsorbent material, comprising first superabsorbent polymers, coated with second clay-crosslinked superabsorbent polymers, said second clay-crosslinked superabsorbent polymers being obtainable by the step of polymerization of a solution/dispersion of polymerizable compounds and clay particles, to obtain said second superabsorbent polymers, crosslinked by said clay particles, of a weight average largest particle dimension of less than 800 nm.

Abstract: An absorbent article includes a chassis comprising a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, and at least one elastically elongatable panel joined to the chassis. The elastically elongatable panel includes a stretch laminate that has at least one cover layer and an elastomeric film attached to the cover layer, the elastomeric film having two surfaces and a skin on at least one of the surfaces. The stretch laminate has at least one anchoring zone and at least one stretch zone and the skin that is located in the anchoring zone has a plurality of wrinkles.

Abstract: A wound dressing material for controlled activation of a wound healing therapeutic compound in the presence of a protease enzyme in a wound fluid, the material comprising: a medically acceptable polymer; a wound healing therapeutic agent; an inhibitor of the protease enzyme; and a linker group which is cleavable by the protease enzyme, wherein the activities of both the wound healing therapeutic agent and the inhibitor are increased by contacting the wound dressing material with a would fluid containing the protease enzyme. For example, the enzyme may be a matrix metalloproteinase, the therapeutic agent may be a reactive oxygen scavenger, and the inhibitor may be a tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP).

Abstract: The present invention provides adhesive hydrogels that negatively swell at physiological temperature. By combining mussel-mimetic chemistry and the thermosensitive nature of poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide) copolymers, novel materials were designed that are suitable as medical sealants and adhesives.

Abstract: Provided herein are polymers having the general formula I as defined herein, A-L-B??Formula I as well as crosslinked polymers having the general formula III: B?-L?-A?-A?-L?-B???Formula III and methods of preparing the polymers, wherein A is a dihydroxyphenyl moiety; A?-A? is a pair of crosslinked dihydroxyphenyl moieties; B, B? and B? are each a biopolymer; and L, L? and L? are each a linking moiety. Further provided are crosslinked adhesives prepared from the polymers, methods of generating same by oxidizing a polymer, and uses thereof. Further provided are kits comprising an adhesive and an oxidizing agent.

Abstract: A biocompatible polymeric composition for cross-linking in-situ in a wound is disclosed comprising 1) one or more polyanionic polymers such as alginates or hyaluronates, able to be cross-linked the surface of the wound and 2) one or more polycationic polymers such as chitosan or DEAE-Dextran, that assists in the solidification process as well as speeds up hemostasis without the need for applying pressure. The biocompatible polymeric composition may further comprise a cross-linking agent such as aqueous calcium chloride. The invention encompasses an initial polymeric composition, the solidified matrix cross-linked and integrated at the wound site, including the methods of using, applying, and cross-linking the composition.

Abstract: Methods to produce thermoforms from P4HB homopolymer and blends thereof have been developed. These thermoforms are produced from films and sheets including P4HB, wherein the intrinsic viscosity of the P4HB is less than 3.5 dl/g, but greater than 0.35 dl/g, and the thermoforms are produced at a temperature equal to or greater than the softening point of P4HB, and more preferably at a temperature higher than the melting point of P4HB. A preferred embodiment includes a P4HB thermoform wherein a film or sheet including a P4HB polymer is thermoformed at a temperature between its melting point and 150° C. In a particularly preferred embodiment the thermoform is a laminate made from a P4HB film and a P4HB mesh.

Abstract: Provided herein is a femoral component of a hip implant device, comprising a neck having a central axis; and a body distal to the neck and having a tapered portion, wherein the body has a largest cross section perpendicular to the neck central axis, the largest cross section perpendicular to the neck central axis having a maximum height dimension and a maximum width dimension, wherein the maximum width dimension is 18.5 mm or less. The hip implant can optionally be used in patients of Asian descent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a fenestrated bone wrap graft and a method of preparing cortical bone in thin sheets then fully demineralizing it to give it formed flexibility and then creating fenestrations in the cortical bone in a fashion similar to, but not identical to, skin grafts.

Abstract: Described herein are placental tissue grafts produced by chemical dehydration followed by freeze-drying the placental tissue to produce the tissue graft. The tissue grafts retain their biological properties preferably at the same level as the placental tissues before they are processed. The placental tissue grafts have numerous medical applications. Methods for making the tissue graft compositions are also described herein.

Abstract: An encapsulated three-dimensional (3-D) bone matrix composition for inducing bone growth includes a 3-D bone matrix, an oxygen carrier incorporated into the 3-D bone matrix, and an encapsulation material which encapsulates the 3-D bone matrix incorporated with the oxygen carrier. Methods are disclosed for preparing an encapsulated 3-D bone matrix that can be maintained in packaging.

Abstract: A double-structured tissue implant and a method for preparation and use thereof for implantation into tissue defects. The double-structured tissue implant comprising a primary scaffold comprised of collagen and a secondary scaffold comprising a soluble collagen solution in combination with a surfactant generated and positioned within the primary scaffold. A process for preparation of the double-structured implant or the stand alone secondary scaffold comprising lyophilization and dehydrothermal treatment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to hydrogel membranes comprising a hydrogel, said hydrogel comprising a plurality of tetramer amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids capable of self-assembling into three-dimensional macromolecular nanofibrous networks, which entrap water and form said hydrogels, wherein at least a portion of said plurality of tetramer amphiphilic peptides and/or peptoids is chemically cross-linked. The present invention further relates to stratisfied biostructures and devices comprising at least two hydrogel membranes of the invention, which can be used e.g. to rebuild human skin and for tissue engineering of organs and tissues. The present invention further relates to corneal implants and devices comprising a hydrogel membrane of the invention.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a nerve regeneration-inducing tube with excellent pressure resistance, shape recovery property, anti-kink property, film exfoliation resistance, resistance to invasion of outer tissues, and leakage resistance. The tubular body is formed by weaving together fibers made up of biodegradable polymer. The outer surface of the tubular body is coated multiple times with a collagen solution. The lumen of the tubular body is filled with collagen. Viscosity of the collagen solution that is first applied to the outer surface of the tubular body is between 2 to 800 cps. Viscosity of the collagen solution that is subsequently applied is higher than viscosity of the first applied collagen solution.

Abstract: The invention concerns a high performance polyethylene (HPPE) member comprising at least 5 wt-% of a radiopaque component, the HPPE member is biocompatible and the radiopaque component is a particulate at least partially arranged inside a HPPE filament of the HPPE member. Furthermore, the radiopaque component has a particle size of at most 1 ?m, preferably the radiopaque component has a particle size if at most 0.5 ?m. The invention also concerns a method of making the HPPE member and various medical devices and repair products comprising the HPPE member.

Abstract: Methods of treating with a biodegradable polymeric stent made from poly(L-lactide) and a low concentration of L-lactide monomer is disclosed. The concentration of L-lactide is adjusted to provide a degradation behavior that is suitable for different treatment applications including coronary, peripheral, and nasal.

Abstract: An anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip having a suction opening and an interior defining a suction channel. An ejection wire channel extends to a wire exit opening into the suction channel that is located proximate the suction opening. An ejection wire including a ball tip at an end thereof occupies the ejection wire channel and is transitionable between a retracted configuration and an advanced configuration such that, in the retracted configuration, the ejection wire including the ball tip is retained within the ejection wire channel and does not obstruct suctioning of debris through the suction channel; and in the advanced configuration, the ball tip of the ejection wire does not extend more than three millimeters beyond the suction opening.

Abstract: Materials and methods related to blood pump systems are described. These can be used in patients to, for example, monitor arterial pressure, measure blood flow, maintain left ventricular pressure within a particular range, avoid left ventricular collapse, prevent fusion of the aortic valve in a subject having a blood pump, and provide a means to wean a patient from a blood pump.

Abstract: The invention relates to extracorporeal blood circuits, and components thereof (e.g., hollow fiber membranes, potted bundles, and blood tubing), including 0.005% to 10% (w/w) surface modifying macromolecule. The extracorporeal blood circuits have an antithrombogenic surface and can be used in hemofiltration, hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, hemoconcentration, blood oxygenation, and related uses.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for centrifugal blood component separation including temperature sensing in each of a plurality of separation cells. The temperature of unit of bloods over time is recorded. If the temperature of any of the units exceeds a pre-determined maximum, portions of the blood separation device may be cooled. A controller may determine which of the units to process first, generally proceeding from the warmest unit to the coolest. The order of unit processing may be changed during processing. The detected temperature may be used to calibrate a pressure sensor used to predict the volume of a component separated from a composite fluid by predicting the volume of the composite fluid from sensed pressure and predicting the volume of other separated components from sensed movement of the other components to collection bags.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for administering a first medicament and a second medicament includes a first fluid reservoir configured to contain the first medicament and a second fluid reservoir configured to contain the second medicament. The fluid delivery device may include one or more basal drive mechanisms to provide a basal delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments. The fluid delivery device may further include one or more bolus drive mechanisms to provide a bolus delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide an infusion preparation in which the Maillard reaction between an amino acid and a reducing sugar does not occur during storage and the size of fat particles in the fat emulsion does not increase during storage, and in which various types of vitamins can be incorporated in a stable manner, in spite of the fact that it is a two-chamber infusion preparation. Furthermore, even if only one of the infusions (of the infusion preparation) is administered, the patient is unlikely to develop hyperkalemia, vascular pain, or phlebitis. The present invention provides an infusion preparation containing two chambers separated by a partition that can be communicably opened, wherein a first chamber contains a first-chamber infusion containing a sugar and a fat emulsion, a second chamber contains a second-chamber infusion containing an amino acid and an electrolyte, the first-chamber infusion is substantially free of potassium, and has a relative osmotic pressure of 2.0 to 3.

Abstract: A tool or computer-readable medium for interfacing with an infusion pump includes i) computer-readable code for generating a drug library, generating a run profile, or a combination thereof, and ii) computer-readable code for configuring the infusion pump.

Abstract: A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire is disclosed. The method includes determining an ontime for the shape-memory alloy wire based on a target volume to be pumped by a pump plunger, determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire.

Abstract: Unexpected changes in the volume of therapeutic fluid in the reservoir of a fluid delivery device are detected based on changes in the pressure of the reservoir measured over a period of time by a pressure sensor. Additionally, an ambulatory reservoir fluid volume gauge is provided to indicate an actual volume of therapeutic fluid in a fluid delivery device reservoir. The actual volume of therapeutic fluid in the reservoir indicated by the ambulatory reservoir fluid volume gauge is determined based on changes in the pressure in the reservoir measured over a period of time by a pressure sensor.

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 extravasation detecting apparatus is provided which is capable of detecting at an early stage the dislodgment of a tip opening of a solution supplying tool from a blood vessel.

Abstract: Disclosed are applicators and methods for injecting a liquid, such as anesthetic, into a patient with no or minimal pain. The applicator includes a coupling and a blade rotatably mounted on the coupling. The coupling is arranged to receive a cartridge in which a cannula is mounted such that the cannula extends through a proximal channel of the coupling and into a distal channel of the blade. The coupling is further arranged to secure the applicator to a source of liquid such that the liquid can be selectively introduced into and through the cannula into the tissue of the patient. The blade is thin enough for atraumatic insertion into a gingival sulcus of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a detent mechanism for controlling translation between two components in a longitudinal direction (P, D), the detent mechanism comprising at least one clip on one of the components arranged to be in a ramped engagement with a recess in the other one of the components in an initial state in such a manner that translation between the components is constrained and that application of a translative force between the components in one longitudinal direction (P, D) with the clip engaged with the recess deflects the clip out of the recess when a predetermined value of the translative force, at least depending on the resilience of the clip, is overcome so as to allow translation between the components.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a drug-delivery device is proposed, the mounting arrangement comprising: a plug element with a longitudinal axis (L) and a housing part having a recess with a side wall which is adapted to receive the plug element. At least one of the plug element or the side wall of the recess are provided with a protrusion for fixing the plug element in a given position relative to the housing part by a force-fit engagement. Furthermore, a coupling assembly is proposed, the coupling assembly comprising the plug element and the housing part being mechanically coupled to each other.

Abstract: A mounting arrangement for a drug-delivery device is proposed, the mounting arrangement comprising: a plug element with a longitudinal axis (L) and a housing part having a recess with a side wall which is adapted to receive the plug element. At least one of the plug element or the side wall of the recess are provided with a protrusion for fixing the plug element in a given position relative to the housing part by a force-fit engagement. Furthermore, a coupling assembly is proposed, the coupling assembly comprising the plug element and the housing part being mechanically coupled to each other.

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 a plunger rod having first and second ends. The first end of the plunger rod is pivotally secured to the plunger adapter. The plunger rod has a pre-use position where the second end of the plunger rod is positioned adjacent to the syringe barrel, and a use position where the plunger rod is configured to displace the stopper relative to the syringe barrel. A recessed portion of the plunger adapter receives a portion of the first end of the plunger rod when the plunger rod is in the pre-use position and the use position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a torsion spring operatively connected to a dose setting member being adapted to set a dose to be ejected from the injection device. A rotatably mounted display member adapted to display the dose to be ejected in accordance with a setting of the dose setting member is also provided. The rotatably mounted display member is adapted to be rotated over an angle corresponding to at least one revolution of the display member. The display member may be implemented as a dose indicator barrel having numerals arranged along a helical path on an outer surface thereof, or alternatively, as a counting device having two or more display wheels having numerals arranged on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A dose setting mechanism that prevents dispensing of a drug when an incorrect cartridge assembly is attached to the dose setting mechanism. Dispense of a drug may be allowed by preventing rotation of a spindle nut of a drug delivery device, and dispense of a drug may be prevented by not preventing rotation of the spindle nut. Preventing dispense of a drug may be accomplished by preventing rotation of the spindle when an incorrect cartridge assembly is inserted. Preventing dispense of a drug may be accomplished by preventing the spindle from applying an axial force on the cartridge when an incorrect cartridge assembly is inserted.

Abstract: A resettable dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device comprising a driver for driving a spindle of the drug delivery device is provided. Said driver comprises a first component and a second component rotationally coupled to said first component. During resetting of said drug delivery device, said first component is rotationally decoupled from said second component.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided the assembly comprising a cartridge adapted and arranged to contain at least one dose of a drug, a bung being slidably arranged within the cartridge, a housing comprising a distal end and a proximal end, and a piston rod adapted and arranged for moving the bung in the distal direction with respect to the housing for dispensing a dose of the drug. The assembly further comprises a drive member and arranged for transferring movement to the piston rod for dispensing the dose, and an engagement member configured to mechanically cooperate with the piston rod and with the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection needle assembly having opposite distal and proximal ends, and wherein the assembly comprises an injection needle having proximal and distal pointed ends, wherein the distal pointed end is arranged to penetrate a membrane arranged at the proximal end of a medicament container; a tubular needle holder comprising distal engagement means and proximal engagement means; a tubular cap comprising proximal outer engagement means and proximal inner engagement means; a tubular needle cover comprising first engagement means arranged to cooperate with the proximal engagement means, and second engagement means arranged to cooperate with the proximal outer engagement means of the cap; characterized in that said needle cover is arranged to be displaced from a first position wherein the second engagement means and the proximal outer engagement means prevents the needle cover and the needle holder to be axially displaced by a linear displacement, to a second position wherein the ne

Abstract: An autoinjector including a housing, in which can be mounted a syringe having a plunger, a barrel and needle at one end thereof through which medicament can be delivered to an injection site; a syringe support means capable of causing said syringe to move therewith along an axial path with respect to said housing; biasing means capable of biasing said syringe support means so that said needle is normally inside said housing, blocking means selectively moveable by a user from a first position in which rearward movement of the syringe along said axial path is substantially prevented, to a second position in which rearward movement of the syringe along said axial path relative to said housing is possible and said biasing means causes said needle to retract inside said housing.

Abstract: A nebulizer for a fluid, particularly for medical aerosol treatment is proposed. To allow easier operation and confer improved operational reliability a sealed container holding the fluid is already arranged in the nebulizer when it is supplied and the nebulizer is constructed so that the container is opened inside the nebulizer before or during the first use of the nebulizer. For this purpose, a transportation lock is provided for the sealed container which, in the delivery state, is in engagement with the sealed container in a manner preventing the sealed container from moving axially in the nebulizer.

Abstract: A method for generating a ventilation harm index. The method includes accessing data from a plurality of ventilators in operation, analyzing an aggregate of the data, and generating the ventilation harm index based on the analyzed aggregated data.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance component is disclosed that changes shape when an electrical charge is provided. The amount of electrical charge that is applied may be based on values, characteristics, or user controlled parameters of the respiratory assistance system. The component may be all or part of a patient interface, a tube, a flow generator, and/or a sleep mat.

Abstract: A connector (36) is employed in a patient interface (2) that provides a flow of breathable gas to an airway of a patient. The connector includes a support apparatus (48) and a connection apparatus (50). The support apparatus is connected with a source of a breathable gas (4). The connection apparatus is disposed on the support apparatus and is engaged with the cushion. The connection apparatus includes an engagement element (78) and a retention apparatus (80). The engagement element has a frusto-conic engagement surface (84) that is structured to receive against it at least a portion of the cushion. The retention apparatus includes at least a first retention element (86) engaged with the cushion and retaining the at least portion of the cushion in a condition received against the engagement surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a dual lumen endobronchial tube provided with a flexible wall dividing a cylindrical main tube into two lumens, where the outside wall of the main tube is reinforced, preferably by metal wire but alternately by a sufficiently rigid polymer ribbing which will achieve a desired reduction necessary outside wall thickness. The achievement of a reduction in necessary wall thickness enables sufficient hydraulic cross sectional area so that each lumen is capable independently of providing adequate ventilation to a patient even while a ventilation lumen is partly occluded when the insertion end of a bronchoscope or tube is inserted into the adjacent lumen to examine or treat the other lung.

Abstract: A medical apparatus having a nasogastric tube with hypopharyngeal suctioning capability. In one embodiment, the medical apparatus has a flexible nasogastric tube for insertion through a patient's nose. The nasogastric tube has a first end defining a first opening, a distal, second end that defines a second opening, and a length sufficient to allow the second opening to be positioned in a patient's stomach. The medical apparatus also has a flexible oropharyngeal tube for insertion through a patient's mouth. The oropharyngeal tube has a first end defining a first opening and a distal, second end that defines a suction intake. The oropharyngeal tube has a length that is less than the length of the nasogastric tube and which allows the suction intake to be positioned in a patient's hypopharynx region.

Abstract: According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention there is provided a bite block assembly adapted for capnography and oxygen delivery to a subject, the bite block assembly (50) including a first capnography passageway adapted for passage therethrough of exhaled breath from the subject to a capnograph and a second oxygen delivery passageway, separate from the first passageway, adapted for passage therethrough of oxygen from an oxygen source to the mouth of the subject.

Abstract: A pressure support system configured to deliver a pressurized flow of breathable gas to the airway of a subject is further configured to provide information to a user position, fit or seal between the subject and the patient interface through which the pressurized flow of breathable gas is delivered. Such information may include, for example, a location on the patient interface at which the integrity of the seal is compromised, adjustments that could be made by the subject to enhance the interface between the patient interface and the subject, different types and/or sizes of patient interfaces that could be used to enhance the fit and seal between the system and the subject, and/or other information.

Abstract: A nasal tube fastener for securing a nasal tube to a person's clothing so as to reduce the opportunity for the tube to be entangled with other objects or to get in the way of the wearer of the tube, such fastener comprising a pair of engageable magnetic fasteners of opposite polarity to each other, the magnetic portions preferably connected to each end of a strap engagement portion connected to each magnetic fastener and extending transverse thereto.