Abstract: The invention relates to a sterilized thermogelling composition comprising a chitosan having N-acetyl-glucosamine units, glucosamine units, and substituted glucosamine units other than the N-acetyl-glucosamine units, said substituted chitosan preferably having a degree of substitution of the glucosamine units ranging from 10 to 50%, expressed as a number of moles of the substituent based on the number of moles of total units, to its preparation and to its applications.

Abstract: A composite bone graft which comprises an allograft bone component; a synthetic bone substitute, wherein the synthetic bone substitute is in contact with the allograft bone component. The composite is arranged within a resorbable mesh casing.

Abstract: A method for repairing cartilage damage comprising (a) creating a microfracture or performing other bone marrow stimulation techniques on a patient inflicted with cartilage damage; and (b) administering a composition to the microfracture, wherein the composition comprises an agent capable of regenerating organized hyaline cartilage.

Abstract: There is provided a thermosensitive biodegradable hydrogel including MPEG-PCL to which a cell-adhesive peptide binds, and MPEG-PCL. The thermosensitive biodegradable hydrogel has excellent cellular adhesiveness while maintaining thermosensitivity of polymers intact, and is biodegradable in vivo after a predetermined period of time.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a stabilized cross-linked hydrogel matrix comprising a first high molecular weight component and a second high molecular weight component that are covalently linked, and at least one stabilizing or enhancing agent, wherein the first high molecular weight component and the second high molecular weight component are each selected from the group consisting of polyglycans and polypeptides. This stabilized hydrogel matrix may be prepared as bioactive gels, pastes, slurries, cell attachment scaffolds for implantable medical devices, and casting or binding materials suitable for the construction of medical devices. The intrinsic bioactivity of the hydrogel matrix makes it useful as a gel or paste in multiple applications, including as a cell attachment scaffold that promotes wound healing around an implanted device, as gels and pastes for induction of localized vasculogenesis, wound healing, tissue repair, and regeneration, as a wound adhesive, and for tissue bulking.

Abstract: Methods for improving the antibacterial characteristics of biomedical implants and related implants manufactured according to such methods. In some implementations, a biomedical implant comprising a silicon nitride ceramic material may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment so as to increase a surface roughness of at least a portion of the biomedical implant to a roughness profile having an arithmetic average of at least about 500 nm Ra. In some implementations, a coating may be applied to a biomedical implant. Such a coating may comprise a silicon nitride ceramic material, and may be applied instead of, or in addition to, the surface roughening treatment process.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to an article comprising at least one substrate and at least one porous coating formed on the at least one substrate. The substrate may be a medical device, for example a Nitinol stent. The porous coating may comprise a nanotubular coating. The nanotubular coating may comprise a compound of nickel, titanium and oxygen. This porous coating may improve re-endothelialization and/or reduce restenosis when it is used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.

Abstract: A method for enhancing postoperative healing using a low pressure suction apparatus comprising obtaining a preferably both electrically powered and portable treatment apparatus capable of contacting, via a treatment head, a target area of a patient and introducing low-pressure suction, i.e. negative pressure flow, thereto, configuring the treatment apparatus so as to introduce predefined, advantageously, pulsating pressure variation to a suction opening arranged at the treatment head, and applying the suction opening of the treatment head on the target area before the surgery, i.e. during the preoperative period, and optionally after the surgery, while the treatment apparatus is on and providing the suction effect corresponding to the configuration.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgery device for image-guided removal of lesions in the brain by providing suction and irrigation through a small cranial opening. One particular use is for evacuation of intracerebral hemorrhage. Other uses may include evacuation of pus from an abscess, or cystic fluid or necrotic debris from a tumor.

Abstract: A chest drainage system is disclosed, including a flexible tube with an articulable tip and a control assembly. The control assembly is operated by a motor and includes an actuation assembly. The actuation assembly is operatively coupled with the flexible tube and is adapted to articulate the tip.

Abstract: A connector is provided for fluid communication between two anatomical compartments through at least one anatomical wall, wherein the connector comprises a neck adapted and configured to be positioned across the anatomical wall(s); primary means for securing the neck across the anatomical wall(s); and secondary means for securing the neck across the anatomical wall(s). A method for coupling two anatomical walls using said connector is also provided.

Abstract: A method of sanitizing liquid for use in a medical device, the method comprising the steps of providing a medical device defining a water circuit with a volume of liquid, sensing the temperature of the volume of liquid with a sensor, heating the volume of liquid from an initial temperature to exceed a threshold temperature, maintaining the volume of liquid above the threshold temperature, determining a time-temperature value for the volume of liquid periodically once the threshold temperature has been exceeded, calculating a cumulative time-temperature value and providing an output signal once the cumulative time-temperature value has reached a level indicative of a sanitizing dose. A medical device and a liquid sanitizer are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for the treatment of edema. In one aspect a method for implanting an indwelling catheter within a vein of a patient is provided. The catheter can extend from a position upstream of at least one outflow port of a duct of the lymph system to a terminal position downstream of the at least one outflow port. In use, a first restriction can be created within the vein proximal to a distal region of the catheter. The first restriction can define a localized low pressure zone distal of the restriction and within a portion of the vein housing the catheter. The low pressure zone can be adjacent to the at least one outflow port to enable fluid to pass from the at least one lymph duct outflow port into the vein.

Abstract: A method for the filling and flushing of a blood tube set including a pump segment for a blood pump, an arterial line connected to an inlet of a dialyser, a venous line connected to an outlet of a dialyser, a substituate line connected to a substitute port and having a pump segment for a substitute pump, and a three-way connector connected to the arterial line, the venous line and a rinse port. The method includes the steps of opening the rinse port, filling and simultaneously flushing the arterial and venous lines with the substituate supplied from the substitute line via the substitute pump, while substituate is drained off via the rinse port, closing the rinse port, and circulating the substituate in the circuit of arterial line, dialyser and venous line by the blood pump.

Abstract: A method of collecting mononuclear cells, comprising separating whole blood into plasma and cellular components, combining the cellular components with plasma replacement fluid to form a first mixture, and separating the first mixture into mononuclear cells and at least one component.

Abstract: A medical container for accommodating a protein solution formulation, in which the medical container is formed from a cycloolefin polymer, sterilized with high-pressure steam, and suppresses oxidization of amino acid residues in a protein in a protein solution formulation accommodated in the medical container.

Abstract: A dose request device for a medicament delivery device can include a housing, a dose request button, a short-range non-contact identifier, a communication interface configured to communicate with the medicament delivery device, and a controller. The short-range non-contact identifier can be configured to be capable of reading an identification code from a tag when the tag is disposed within a first range and not to be able to read the identification code from the tag when the tag is disposed beyond a second range. The controller can be configured and programmed to determine whether the identification code read by the short-range non-contact identifier matches any authorized identification code of a set of one or more authorized identification codes, and if so, and if the dose request button is pressed, the controller can then communicate a dose request to the medicament delivery device via the communication interface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device including a pumping mechanism for administering a fluid to a patient, where the pumping mechanism is characterized as having two or more treatment routes by which to connect to a patient, a controller for controlling the pumping mechanism, one or more inputs for receiving information including an intended route indication, and a display to visually label the medical device according to the selected route indication.

Abstract: A medical system includes an input assembly for receiving one or more user inputs. The input assembly includes at least one slider assembly for providing an input signal. Processing logic receives the input signal from the input assembly and provides a first output signal and a second output signal. A display assembly is configured to receive, at least in part, the first output signal from the processing logic and render information viewable by the user. The second output signal is provided to one or more medical system components. The information rendered on the display assembly may be manipulatable by the user and at least a portion of the information rendered may be magnified.

Abstract: Provided is a connector suitable for securely infixing a catheter, electrode, hollow needle, probe, or other styliform device with its tip stabilized within a nontubular anatomical structure. Secure junctions between fluid lines and/or electrodes and tissue are essential for automatic controls and permanent nephrostomies and suprapubic cystostomies, for example, using synthetic materials. These can be made self-contained and fully implanted to treat one chronic condition, or represent but one module controlled as an axis or channel of control in an adaptive ambulatory hierarchical prosthetic disorder response system used to automatically coordinate the treatment of chronic comorbid disease. Such applications require prosthesis-to-native tissue junctions which are secure, immobile, unsusceptible to leaks or microbial intrusion, and require little if any maintenance. Connection for securely and least disruptively merging catheteric and native lumina is described in nonprovisional application Ser. No.

Abstract: A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button activation assembly can then be used to remove an interlock, allowing a disk or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. This allows the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles into the skin surface, and establishes a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin. The push button activation assembly further allows the release of one or more improved safety mechanisms after use.

Abstract: A diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure is applied to measure values of impedance-related parameters for one or more sensing electrodes. The parameters may include real impedance, imaginary impedance, impedance magnitude, and/or phase angle. The measured values of the impedance-related parameters are then used in performing sensor diagnostics, calculating a highly-reliable fused sensor glucose value based on signals from a plurality of redundant sensing electrodes, calibrating sensors, detecting interferents within close proximity of one or more sensing electrodes, and testing surface area characteristics of electroplated electrodes. Advantageously, impedance-related parameters can be defined that are substantially glucose-independent over specific ranges of frequencies. An Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) enables implementation of the EIS-based diagnostics, fusion algorithms, and other processes based on measurement of EIS-based parameters.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery device comprising a drug container comprising at least one bellow, wherein the at least one bellow comprises a first surface and an opposing second surface, wherein the first surface is comprised of a first Belleville spring and the opposing second surface is comprised of a second Belleville spring, wherein the second Belleville spring has a higher spring rate than the first Belleville spring.

Abstract: A device for the measurement of forces on the tip of a jet injector drug ampoule. Sensor consists of multiple spokes with strain sensing capability where each spoke has formations to allow for quasi-free bending behavior on one spoke end. By using the strain output of all three full bridges in parallel, it is possible to discriminate between lateral forces and axial forces directed collinear with the center axis of the ampoule applied to the tip of the nozzle. This information can be relayed to the user to attain, for example, a pre-determined contact force between the nozzle and an area receiving an injection.

Abstract: An adapter is provided with a central, longitudinal, inner through hole and has a rounded off tip-part to be inserted into the external urethral orifice, a sealing collar and a cylindrical connecting part known connectable to the appropriate part of a dosing device, advantageously to the ISO 594 standard Luer Slip or Luer-Lock tip of a syringe. The adapter is connected by known method to the appropriate part of a dosing device containing the active and/or contrast agent, then the active and/or contrast agent is ingested leakage-free into the urethra or into the urethra and the bladder through the adapter, then through the external urethral orifice by using overpressure in the dosing device and inserting the tip-part into the external urethral orifice and squeezing the sealing collar in a proper way to the external urethral orifice.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needleless injection device or a device for the needleless injection of a substance into a tissue or body, with which device a substance, in particular an active substance, can be injected by means of high pressure. A device according to the invention comprises a chamber (11) containing a pyrotechnic material, wherein the chamber has a fixed double membrane (13, 15) at a discharge opening, wherein the skin-side membrane (15) of the double membrane (13, 15) is provided with a substance application (25). A successful injection lies in the fact that sufficient substance is introduced into the body through the tissue barrier or body barrier, in particular such as the skin.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes: a retaining portion; and an elastic member that includes a close contact portion that closely contacts and retains the needle tube such that the needle tube protrudes toward a fitting opening, and a deformation portion that extends from the close contact portion toward the fitting opening and is configured to deform when the drug ejection portion comes into contact with the elastic member, and which is provided in a fitting portion. Further, the length of the deformation portion is in a range of 35% or more and 50% or less with respect to the length of the elastic member, and the length of a portion of the needle tube which protrudes from the close contact portion toward the fitting portion is in a range of 45% or more and 245% or less with respect to the deformation portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an auto-injector (1) for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M), comprising: a tubular chassis (2) telescopable in an elongate chassis (12), a carrier subassembly comprising a tubular carrier (7) slidably arranged partially inside the chassis (2) and inside the case (12), the carrier (7) adapted to contain a syringe (3) with a hollow injection needle (4), a drive spring (8) and a plunger (9) for forwarding load of the drive spring (8) to a stopper (6) of the syringe (3), wherein the syringe (3) is lockable for joint axial translation with the carrier (7), a control spring (19) arranged around the carrier (7), a needle insertion control mechanism (24) for coupling a proximal end of the control spring (19) to either the carrier (7) for advancing it for needle insertion or to the chassis (2), wherein the needle insertion control mechanism (24) comprises a first collar (20) biased by the control spring in a proximal direction (P), wherein at least one fifth clip (2.

Abstract: An apparatus for discharging a dose of a fluid substance to an animal, the apparatus including: a delivery assembly adapted to discharge the dose of the substance to the animal; and a control system operatively associated with the delivery assembly so as to selectively operate the delivery assembly, wherein the control system is adapted to measure the discharge of the fluid substance from the delivery assembly such that the dose is discharged when the delivery assembly is operated.

Abstract: An injection device has a housing in which a syringe can be received that has an injection needle, a receiving chamber, a piston and a piston ram, and a control arrangement for controlled actuation of the syringe during an application procedure that includes at least one puncture stroke, one injection stroke and one return stroke. The control arrangement has an actuation element for applying a drive force to a syringe holder which is movable relative to the housing and on which the receiving chamber can be secured, a ram holder which is movable relative to the housing and on which the piston ram can be secured, and a transmission mechanism by means of which the ram holder can be coupled to the actuation element. Provision is made that the transmission mechanism has a toothed gearing by means of which the ram holder can be driven, according to a relative movement of the actuation element with respect to the housing, and which for this purpose has teeth on the housing.

Abstract: Provided is a syringe cap including a projection extending in the circumferential direction of a cap body, wherein the projection includes an apex located radially outward of the cap body from the outer circumferential surface of the cap body, a first inclined surface having a starting end located at the apex and having a terminal end located at a position on the side closer to the proximal end of the cap body than the starting end is, and a second inclined surface having a starting end located at the apex and on the outer circumferential surface of the cap body having a terminal end located at a position on the side closer to the distal end of the cap body than the starting end is, on the outer circumferential surface of the cap body, and the shortest distance from the starting end to the terminal end of the first inclined surface is smaller than the shortest distance from the starting end to the terminal end of the second inclined surface.

Abstract: A syringe assembly includes a barrel having a barrel tip portion, a puncture needle projecting from the barrel tip portion, and a cap that is detachably mountable to the barrel so as to seal a distal end of a needle hole. The cap has a receiving hole that receives the puncture needle, a bottom wall portion into which the puncture needle is inserted, and a stopper portion that defines an insertion length of the puncture needle relative to the bottom wall portion. In a state in which the cap is mounted to the barrel, the length from the most proximal position of a contact region between the cap and the puncture needle to the most proximal position of an edge surface is 1 to 3 mm.

Abstract: An inhaler is disclosed wherein medicament in a dosing chamber is aerosolized with a vibrator piezoelectric transducer. A spacer is provided between a face of the transducer and a wall of the dosing chamber.

Abstract: A nebulizer includes: a suction mechanism configured to suck a liquid for humidification from a water bottle containing the liquid and form an aerosol of the sucked liquid by a negative pressure produced by an oxygen gas jetted from a gas jetting part of a nozzle member; a liquid receptor configured to store the liquid residing in the form of droplets into which the aerosol turns; and a receptor-side aerosol forming member configured to suck the liquid from the liquid receptor and form an aerosol of the sucked liquid by the negative pressure. Consequently, germs are prevented from getting into the liquid in a container during use, and the liquid is prevented from dripping when the container is replaced.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol in an intermittent and inhalation- or pull-synchronous manner, the inhaler component including: a housing; a chamber arranged in the housing; an air inlet opening for the supply of air from the surroundings to the chamber; an electrical heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material; and a wick having a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite structure with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with fresh liquid material after evaporation.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol in an intermittent and inhalation- or pull-synchronous manner, the inhaler component including: a housing; a chamber arranged in the housing; an air inlet opening for the supply of air from the surroundings to the chamber; an electrical heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material; and a wick having a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite structure with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with fresh liquid material after evaporation.

Abstract: There are provided pressurized surgical instruments for use in pressurized surgical environments. The pressurized surgical instruments include pressurizing systems for maintaining a neutral or positive pressure flow within the surgical instrument during use. The pressurizing systems include a primary sensor for detecting the pressure of the surgical environment and a pressurizing mechanism for balancing the pressure of the surgical instrument with the surgical environment. The pressurizing mechanism includes a controller to receive and compare the signal sent from the primary sensor to the ambient or internal instrument pressure and a pressure delivery system to provide positive pressure to the interior of the surgical instrument in response to a signal received from the controller. The sources of pressure for the pressure delivery systems may be external or self contained within the surgical instrument.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol in an intermittent and inhalation- or pull-synchronous manner, the inhaler component including: a housing; a chamber arranged in the housing; an air inlet opening for the supply of air from the surroundings to the chamber; an electrical heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material; and a wick having a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite structure with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with fresh liquid material after evaporation.

Abstract: A portable device including a housing comprising a first opening and a second opening and a resuscitator bag. The resuscitator bag is disposed at least partially within the housing and includes an air inlet supported at the first opening of the housing, an air outlet supported at the second opening of the housing, and a self-inflating bag. The portable device also includes a double-sided compression mechanism disposed within the housing. The double sided-compression mechanism includes a pair of arms at least partially surrounding the self-inflating bag. The pair or arms are configured to move towards each other to compress the self-inflating bag to provide positive pressure ventilation via the air outlet and to move away from each other to enable re-inflation of the self-inflating bag via the air inlet; and, a motor coupled to the pair of arms for moving the pair of arms towards and away from each other.

Abstract: A computer-controlled vacuum suctioning device for subglottic aspiration, in which the timing of the pump operation is regulated so as to be synchronized with the operation of a mechanical respirator.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube and gastrointestinal tube attachment device for positively securing an endotracheal tube and a gastrointestinal tube to a patient and allowing selective lateral positioning and locking of the gastrointestinal tube without removing the device or tube from the patient is disclosed. The device includes an elongated strip of flexible material adapted to be adhesively attached to an upper lip region of a patient and a tube holder which is slideably mounted upon the strip. The tube holder has an arm extending in a direction perpendicular to and away from the strip and a securement strap is provided for positively securing the endotracheal tube along the length of the arm. The strip includes a fastener for fastening the gastrointestinal tube.

Abstract: A system and method for supporting a patient gas delivery tube includes an elongated support member having a cylindric cross section and including first and second distal ends. A generally planar, rigid base secures the first distal end so as to extend from a surface of the base. The support member includes a biasing portion configured to bias arcuate movement between the first and second distal ends. A mount secured to the second distal end secures an associated tube to the second distal end.

Abstract: A novel tube stabilizer with a collar and an aperture. A tube from a medical airway device can pass through the aperture. The laryngeal mask stabilizer slides along the tube and fits into the mouth of a patient on which an airway device is being used during a medical procedure. The apparatus stabilizes the airway tube.

Abstract: An improved medical gas supply mask adapted to allow insertion of a broncoscope or endoscope into a patient's mouth without removing the mask. The mask's gas supply portal is located below the mouth instead of directly below the nose. The mask has an attached, typically extendable, tubular bite block that has an outer orifice on the outside of the mask. The surgeon can thus manipulate a scope tube or other instrument into the esophagus or trachea as desired while still providing oxygen to the patient. The mask includes small closed side-ports to receive items like a CO2 monitor tube and the like. Instruments up to approximately 4 cm may be inserted.

Abstract: The system of the preferred embodiments includes a mask shell, where an opening of at least one square inch is located in the mask over the user's mouth, where the mask shell is designed to fit over the user's mouth and nose; a strap connected to either lateral side of the mask shell and adapted to go at least one of behind the user's head and around the user's ears to pull the mask onto the user's face; an oxygen supply tube connected to the side of the mask shell over the user's cheek, and in fluid communication with the inside of the interior cavity of the mask shell; a second tube connected within a half inch of the oxygen supply tube, wherein the distal end of the second tube connects to a carbon dioxide sensor, wherein the second tube is adapted to convey exhaled gas to the carbon dioxide sensor.

Abstract: A fixing tool for attaching an artificial ventilator includes a forehead-side fixing band 2 which is composed of a belt-like member made from a stretchable mesh cloth having multiple pores 1a formed therein and/or a belt-like member made from a stretchable cloth having a stretch rate of 140 to 180% and which can fix an artificial ventilator in a circumferential direction from the forehead through the head and a mouth-side fixing band 3 which can fix the artificial ventilator in a circumferential direction from the mouth through the neck. The forehead-side fixing band 2 and the mouth-side fixing band 3 are connected to each other by connection bands 4, 5 and 6 each being made from the same material as that of the mesh cloth.

Abstract: A medical circuit comprising a medical tube and a connector transports gases to and/or from a patient via a patient interface. The connector has a plurality of rigid components at least partially surrounded by an overmold. The medical tube has a first elongate member and a second elongate member. The first elongate member is substantially hollow. A vent can be coupled to the first elongate member such that it maintains gaseous communication with the lumen. The vent may provide a pathway between the lumen and the atmosphere, such that gases may move into and/or out of the lumen during cleaning. The vent may also provide a barrier to liquid and/or substance ingress into the first elongate member during cleaning of the medical circuit. The medical circuit can be reusable.

Abstract: A gases humidification system includes a measuring chamber and a mixing chamber. The mixing chamber has one or more mixing elements that improve a mixing of gases before reaching the measuring chamber. Ultrasonic sensing is used to measure gases properties or characteristics within the measuring chamber. A baffle or a vane may be used to control and direct the gases flow through the mixing chamber as the gases flow moves into the measuring chamber.

Abstract: A flow of gases in a respiratory therapy system can be conditioned to achieve more consistent output from sensors configured to sense a characteristic of the flow. The flow can be mixed by imparting a tangential, rotary, helical, or swirling motion to the flow of gases. The mixing can occur upstream of the sensors. The flow can be segregated into smaller compartments to reduce turbulence in a region of the sensors.

Abstract: Inhalation of low levels of nitric oxide can rapidly and safely decrease pulmonary hypertension in mammals. A nitric oxide delivery system that converts nitrogen dioxide to nitric oxide employs a surface-active material, such as silica gel, coated with an aqueous solution of antioxidant, such as ascorbic acid.