Abstract: A set connector assembly for a fluid infusion device is provided. The set connector assembly includes a connector having a body. The body defines a graspable portion and a coupling portion, and the coupling portion is to be received within a portion of the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion has at least one wing that defines at least one locking tab for locking the connector to the fluid infusion device. The graspable portion is movable relative to the body to move the connector between a first, locked position and a second, unlocked position relative to the fluid infusion device.

Abstract: A fluid infusion device is provided. The fluid infusion device includes a housing that includes a lock and a set connector assembly removably coupled to the housing to define a fluid flow path from the fluid infusion device. The set connector assembly includes a connector having a body that defines a graspable portion and a coupling portion. The coupling portion is receivable within the housing, and the graspable portion has at least one wing that defines a locking tab for engaging the lock. The at least one wing is movable relative to the body to disengage the locking tab with the lock.

Abstract: A device for delivering fluid to a user includes a housing, a drive motor assembly in the housing, a force sensor, and an electronics module. The drive motor assembly regulates delivery of fluid by actuating a piston of a fluid reservoir, and the force sensor generates output levels in response to force imparted thereto during, for example, fluid delivery operations. The electronics module processes the output levels of the force sensor to assess the operating health of the force sensor, to check for occlusions in the fluid delivery path, and to monitor the seating status of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluid from a fluid container comprises a housing to which a fluid container is attachable, a slider movably disposed in the housing and a resilient having a first end connected to the housing and a second end connected to the slider. Upon receiving an external force, the slider moves relative to the housing from a first position toward a second position to deform the resilient member from an original state to a deformed state, and upon release of the external force, the resilient member is allowed to resume to the original state to move the slider toward the first position to urge the slider against the fluid container to deliver fluid from the fluid container under a constant fluid flow rate.

Abstract: An infusion pump is disclosed comprising control unit, container, actuation unit and detection unit. The container can store medicinal liquid for treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. The control unit can receive external control signal comprising infusion interval, concentration of medicinal liquid and dose of medicament for treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism at each infusion. The control unit is configured to activate actuation unit based on infusion interval to cause medicinal liquid to flow out of container. The detection unit can detect output of medicinal liquid from container and feed it back to control unit. The control unit is configured to activate actuation unit based on dose at each infusion, concentration of medicinal liquid and fed-back output of medicinal liquid. According to the invention, sustained, automatic infusions of the medicament for treating hypogonadotropic hypogonadism are allowed without patient intervention.

Abstract: A needleless injection apparatus is provided which forms a suitable contact state between an injection opening and an injection object. The needleless injection apparatus is provided with an expansible bag body, a needleless syringe including no injection needle, and a gas supply unit for supplying the expansion gas to the bag body. Here, the needleless syringe has a nozzle portion for injecting an injection objective substance toward the injection object surrounded by the bag body. Then, the bag body includes a first bag portion arranged at any of locations except an arrangement location of the needleless syringe so as to pressurize the injection object by expansion, and a second bag portion arranged at a location at which the nozzle portion is sandwiched between the second bag portion and the injection object so as to push the injection opening to an injection object side by expansion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a prefilled glass container, such as a prefilled glass syringe, comprising an aqueous botulinum toxin formulation. The aqueous botulinum toxin formulation in the prefilled container is stable at low to ambient temperature for a prolonged time period. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a kit comprising the botulinum toxin prefilled container, and to the use of the botulinum toxin prefilled container in therapeutic and cosmetic applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for automatic injection of a product into an injection site, the device comprising: a container having a displaceable piston; a tubular housing having at least a flexible part which, in a rest state, defines a first opening; a piston rod; and, an intermediate part fixed to the piston rod which defines a diameter larger than the first opening. With sufficient distal displacement of the piston rod, the intermediate part causes the at least a flexible part to deflect outwardly with further distal displacement of the piston rod causing the intermediate part to wholly pass through the first opening with the at least a flexible part returning towards the at rest state, engagement of the at least a flexible part with a surrounding element under force of movement towards the at rest state generating a sound.

Abstract: A component for a syringe is disclosed. The component has formed a structure which has a friction-reducing effect due to its shape in the syringe. The component can be, for example, a cylinder, a piston or a seal for the syringe. The structure comprises, for example, elevations or depressions which have a linear, punctiform, elliptical or polygonal design. Also disclosed is a syringe which has at least one such component. The use of a component with a friction-reducing structure makes it unnecessary to use an additional friction-reducing coating, for example silicone, which can lead to undesirable effects on the medicament to be administered with the syringe.

Abstract: An optical decoding system comprising: a first optical sensor configured to be directed at a first rotatable component of a drug delivery device; a second optical sensor configured to be directed at a second rotatable component of a drug delivery device; and a processor configured to: receive signals from the first optical sensor, wherein the signals from the first optical sensor represent encoded dosage values present on the first rotatable component; receive signals from the second optical sensor, wherein the signals from the second optical sensor represent whether the second rotatable component is rotating or not; and to determine from the received signals whether the drug delivery device is in a drug dose dialling mode or a drug dose delivery mode.

Abstract: A wearable drug delivery device that can deliver a liquid drug stored in a container to a patient is provided. The container can be a prefilled cartridge that can be loaded into the drug delivery device by the patient or that can be preloaded within the drug delivery device when provided to the patient. A sealed end of the container is pierced to couple the stored liquid drug to a needle conduit that is coupled to a needle insertion component that provides access to the patient. A drive system of the drug delivery device can expel the liquid drug from the cartridge to the patient through the needle conduit. The drive system can be controlled to provide the liquid drug to the patient in a single dose or over multiple doses.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of identifying an accurate dosage of medicine in a dosage chamber of a syringe including the steps of providing an accurate dosage of a detailed single dosage medicine for insertion into a dosage chamber of a syringe; identifying the accurate dosage of medicine in the dosage chamber by retaining a notifier of the accurate dosage; securing the notifier with the syringe wherein the accurate dosage of medicine in a dosage chamber of a syringe is shown by the details on the notifier when secured with the syringe and allowing usage of the syringe to dispense the accurate dosage.

Abstract: A medication injection pen comprises a dose set knob rotatable with respect to a housing to set a desired injection dose. The dose set knob comprises at least one internal thread. A leadscrew includes a thread element for advancing in a first direction via a corresponding thread engagement. A driver is rotationally fixed to the leadscrew and is rotatable in a first direction to rotate and advance the leadscrew in the first direction. The setback member is rotationally fixed to the driver. The dose stop member is rotationally coupled to the setback member and is axially movable relative to the dose set knob when the dose set knob is rotated relative to the setback member. Axial movement of the dose stop member limits the user from setting a dose that is greater than an injectable volume of medication remaining in a cartridge.

Abstract: A dose setting mechanism for a medicament delivery device, which dose setting mechanism comprises, a tubular member 10 having a longitudinal track 18 of a predetermined length; a dose drum 40, coaxial with the tubular member 10, and being axially and rotationally movable relative to the tubular member 10; a stop member 90, axially movable but rotationally locked relative to the tubular member 10, and further being in an axially slaved connection with the dose drum 40; wherein said stop member 90 comprises a track follower 98 in engagement with the longitudinal track 18, such that rotational movement of the dose drum 40 relative to the tubular member 10 may cause a maximum axial displacement of said dose drum 40 and said stop member 90, relative to the tubular member 10, corresponding to said predetermined length.

Abstract: A dose setting mechanism for a medicament delivery device is presented having a locking assembly that reliably and consistently unlocks a dose injection button and concurrently a lead screw when the dose setting mechanism is transitioned from a non-activated state to an activated state. This locking assembly uses a rotating plate having a locking protrusion that engages a radial projecting tab on a rotationally fixed plunger rod nut. An alignment member is also presented that prevents rotational drift of a dosing member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to injectors, such as pen-type injectors, that provide for administration of medicinal products from a multidose-cartridge and permit a user to set the delivery dose. The injector may include a housing, a piston rod adapted to operate through the housing, a dose dial sleeve located between the housing and the piston rod, and a drive sleeve located between the dose dial sleeve and the piston rod. The dose dial sleeve may have a helical thread of first lead and the drive sleeve may have a helical groove of second lead. The first lead of the helical thread and the second lead of the helical groove may be the same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery device comprising a dose setting member (70) for setting user variable doses of a medicament and a display for indicating the dose set by the dose setting member (70). The display comprises a number wheel (100), which is rotationally coupled to the dose setting member (70) and is provided with a series of markings on its outer circumference, and at least one prism (90) deviating the image of the markings of the number wheel (100), e.g. by 90°.

Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a drive mechanism for use in a drug delivery device having a cylindrical cartridge, i.e. a handheld injection device for selecting and dispensing a number of user variable doses of a medicament. The drive mechanism includes a base element, a toothed piston rod, which is guided within and movable relative to the base portion, and a drive gear having a pinion, which is rotatably held in the base element and in meshed engagement with the toothed piston rod. The toothed piston rod includes multiple rigid rod pieces which are connected by hinges. The rigid rod pieces comprise a flat plate provided with a straight toothed rack.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a drug delivery device, comprising a housing, a cartridge, the cartridge containing a drug in a quantity sufficient for a plurality of doses of the drug, a bung, the bung being movably retained within the cartridge to dispense a dose of the drug from the cartridge upon movement of the bung with respect to the cartridge, and a drive mechanism, the drive mechanism being operable to transfer a driving force to the bung to dispense the dose of the drug from the cartridge. The drug delivery device is configured such that the maximal driving force which is transferrable to the bung via the drive mechanism varies and is adjusted to the current position of the bung within the cartridge.

Abstract: The present invention relates in a first aspect to a multi-state ratchet mechanism for a drug injection device. The multi-state ratchet mechanism comprises a ratchet gear member and a cooperating ratchet pawl member. An annular inner surface of the ratchet gear member comprises a first ring shaped surface portion with a first predetermined cross-sectional profile comprising a first asymmetrical toothing arranged at a first axial position of the inner annular surface. The annular inner surface of the ratchet gear member further comprises a second ring shaped surface portion arranged at a second axial position of the inner surface axially spaced apart from the first axial position. The second ring shaped surface portion comprises a second predetermined cross-sectional profile differing from the first predetermined cross-sectional profile.

Abstract: A wearable drug delivery device that can deliver a liquid drug stored in a container to a patient is provided. The container can be a prefilled cartridge that can be loaded into the drug delivery device by the patient or that can be preloaded within the drug delivery device when provided to the patient. A sealed end of the container is pierced to couple the stored liquid drug to a needle conduit that is coupled to a needle insertion component that provides access to the patient. A drive system of the drug delivery device can expel the liquid drug from the cartridge to the patient through the needle conduit. The drive system can be controlled to provide the liquid drug to the patient in a single dose or over multiple doses.

Abstract: An injection device that comprises a chamber configured for containing a substance to be injected and a needle operatively associated with the chamber and having a length sufficient to deliver the substance to an intradermal injection site. A collar surrounds the needle, defining a collar cavity. The collar also has a peripheral forward skin-contacting surface that surrounds and is radially spaced from the needle and injection site by an area that is sufficiently large to allow a patient's skin to move into the collar cavity to properly position the needle for intradermal delivery of the substance to the injection site to allow spread of the injected substance under the skin while inhibiting or preventing backpressure within the skin from forcing the substance out through the injection site.

Abstract: In one aspect of the invention, a needle assembly is provided, including: a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a channel located therebetween, the body being configured to be mounted to an injector; a needle fixed to the body, the needle having proximal and distal ends, the distal end extending distally from the distal end of the body and being formed for insertion into a patient, the proximal end of the needle being in communication with the channel; and, a filter disposed in the channel proximally of the proximal end of the needle. Advantageously, a needle assembly is provided which permits mixing of at least two substances in preparation for injection, without modification to the associated injector.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a template for marking injection sites on a biological surface prior to performance of a medical procedure, wherein the template comprises a flexible sheet having marked positions or demarcated areas for each injection site, and wherein each marked position or demarcated area is associated with a unique identifier. Also provided are methods of using such disclosed templates in a medical procedure where an agent or material is injected into a patient.

Abstract: A portable liquid medicine administration device for continuous or intermittent administration of a liquid medicine into a living body includes: a liquid medicine administration device main body filled with the liquid medicine; and a cradle to which the liquid medicine administration device main body is attachable and detachable. The liquid medicine administration device main body includes: an alarm unit configured to output an alarm on a basis of a notification event occurring while the liquid medicine administration device main body is attached to the cradle; and an alarm control unit configured to stop the alarm on a basis of a change occurring in a relative position between the cradle and the liquid medicine administration device main body.

Abstract: A seal anchor member defines a housing defining a longitudinal axis, the housing having leading and trailing ends, and including a plurality of lumens extending between the leading and trailing ends, each lumen being adapted for substantially sealed reception of an object therein and defining a longitudinal axis, wherein at least two of the lumens define longitudinal axes that are intersecting. The seal anchor member may be formed from a compressible material.

Abstract: The invention provides an apparatus for use in aerosolized delivery of a powder, and comprises a first chamber containing gas at a first pressure higher than atmospheric pressure, and a second chamber containing gas at a second pressure higher than atmospheric pressure. The apparatus also comprises a powder, contained within the first or second chamber. The first chamber has a first external wall and a separating wall, the separating wall being shared with the second chamber. The first external wall or the separating wall is configured to rupture if the pressure difference across it becomes equal to or greater than a threshold pressure difference. In particular, the apparatus is configured so that the difference between the second pressure and atmospheric pressure is greater than the threshold pressure difference.

Abstract: A compliance monitoring module for a breath-actuated inhaler comprising: a miniature pressure sensor, a sensor port of said sensor being pneumatically coupled to a flow channel through which a user can inhale; a processor configured to: receive a signal originating from a dosing mechanism of the inhaler indicating that medication has been released; receive data from a sensing element of the sensor; and based on said signal from said dosing mechanism and said data from said sensing element, make a determination that inhalation of a breath containing medication through said flow channel complies with one or more predetermined requirements for successful dosing; and a transmitter configured to, responsive to said determination, issue a dosing report.

Abstract: A dry powder delivery device may be configured to provide micronized dry powder particles to airways of a user. The device may include a cylindrical container delimiting a chamber containing at least one magnetically-responsive object, a motor external to said chamber, a magnet external to the chamber and rotatably coupled with the motor, and an outflow member configured to direct airflow to a user. The magnetically-responsive object may be coated with micronized dry powder particles, and the motor may be operable to rotate the magnet about an axis. Rotation of the magnet creates a magnetic field that causes the magnetically-responsive object to move in response to the magnetic field and collide with a side wall of the container to deaggregate the dry powder particles and aerosolize the dry powder in the chamber.

Abstract: An inhalation system comprising an inhalation device and a flowmeter (12) that comprises a flow chamber (15), a resistor body (20) and a flow indicator (21), wherein said flow chamber (15) comprises an inlet opening (17) that can be connected to the surroundings, an outlet opening (18) that can be connected to an interior of the inhalation device, and a flow resistance device, said inhalation system being configured to guide supply air through the inlet opening (17) into the flow chamber (15), through the outlet opening (18) out of the flow chamber (15) and into the interior of the inhalation device, said resistor body (20) being configured to be able to assume different positions in the flow chamber (15), and said flow indicator (21) being configured to indicate a position of the resistor body (20) in the flow chamber (15).

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus configured to provide a flow of breathable gas to a patient, including a breathable air outlet, an outside air inlet, and an pneumatic block module, wherein the pneumatic block module includes: a volute assembly including an inlet air passage, a mount for a blower and an outlet air passage; the blower being mounted in the mount such that an impeller of the blower is in a flow passage connecting the inlet air passage and the outlet air passage; a casing enclosing the volute assembly, wherein air passages within the casing connect air ports on the volute assembly, wherein the inlet air passage of the volute assembly is in fluid communication with the outside air inlet and the outlet air passage of the volute assembly is in fluid communication with the air outlet.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a device including comprising: (i) a concave surface at a first end of the device, (ii) a conduit at a second end of the device, and (iii) a pair of side surfaces extending inwardly at an acute angle from the first end of the device to the second end of the device.

Abstract: The Non stretch, loop fastening NEO-prene, used in my various products, for our sick & premature neonate's, allows more effective & secure CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) therapy. It also decreases the risks of pressure injury like skin pressure areas, burns, nasal septal damage & deformation of the preterm head (“Prem Head”). It helps prevent loss of CPAP air pressure (“pop off”), as well as decrease retinal damage of the eyes, & inaccurate oxygen saturation readings leading to poor oxygen management in neonates. It also contributes to developmental care of the neonate by limiting damaging loud noises & bright lights, which have detrimental neurological consequences for neonatal development.

Abstract: A shroud (1020) for a mask system includes a retaining portion structured to retain a frame (1040), a pair of upper headgear connectors (1024) each including an elongated arm (1026) and a slot (1027) at the free end of the arm adapted to receive a headgear strap, and a pair of lower headgear connectors (1025) each adapted to attach to a headgear strap. The retaining portion, the upper headgear connectors, and the lower headgear connectors are integrally formed as a one piece structure.

Abstract: An oxygen concentrator comprises a product tank that is fluidly coupled to at least one sieve bed, and a product gas accumulator tank that is fluidly coupled to the product tank via a first conduit and to an outlet port via a second conduit, wherein the first conduit and the second conduit are disposed to allow at least a portion of product gas to flow from the product tank to the outlet port through the accumulator tank.

Abstract: An infection containment band (IC Band) that consists of a wrist band with a mouth sized cavity that holds a filter in the filter chamber which is attached to, and/or part of the wrist band-resembling a wrist watch. There are pressure vents on the unit that release the air pressure when coughing or sneezing into the unit. The filter, in preferred embodiments consists of a sub-micron and/or standard filter and/or anti-microbial filter. The foregoing and other objects are intended to be illustrative of the invention and are not meant in a limiting sense. Many possible embodiments of the invention may be made and will be readily evident upon a study of the following specification and accompanying drawings comprising a part thereof. Various features and sub-combinations of invention may be employed without reference to other features and sub-combinations. Other objects and advantages of this invention will become apparent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for facilitating anaesthesia, particularly in Re-Breather anaesthetic circuits. A problem with Re-Breather circuits is that their dynamic response can be relatively slow. The dynamic response is the response of the circuit to delivering changes of anaesthetic concentration. In current circuits, Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic is delivered into the circuit and may be substantially diluted by the gas already present in the circuit. It is therefore difficult to achieve a rapid increase of anaesthetic concentration for delivery to the patient. In the present invention, an accumulator is placed in the Re-Breather circuit to accumulate Fresh Gas containing anaesthetic as it is introduced into the circuit, adjacent an inhalation conduit to the patient. Fresh Gas containing high concentrations of anaesthetic is therefore immediately available to the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a system configured to adjust the duration of individual sensory stimuli provided to a subject. The system is configured to determine a current amount of slow wave activity in the subject, responsive to the subject being presently in slow wave sleep, control one or more sensory stimulators to provide the individual sensory stimuli to the subject, determine habituation of the subject to the individual sensory stimuli and, responsive to the slow wave activity in the subject for a period of time following the providing of the individual sensory stimuli showing habituation, adjust the duration of the individual sensory stimuli.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-contained device for stimulating slow brain waves, capable of being worn by a person, in particular during a period of time when the person is sleeping. The device includes a supporting element, capable of surrounding the head of a person, and on which electrodes are mounted in contact with the person in order to acquire a measurement signal that represents a physiological electrical signal of the person; an acoustic transducer for emitting an acoustic signal stimulating the inner ear of the person; and on-board conditioning and control electronics for, in flexible real time, receiving the measurement signal and controlling the emission of an acoustic signal synchronized with a predefined slow brain wave time pattern.

Abstract: A massage machine includes display means for displaying videos and/or subtitles and output means for outputting pieces of music and/or voices. The massage machine includes a storage portion configured to store at least two selected from the group consisting of the videos, the subtitles, the pieces of music, and the voices, and a selection portion configured to select at least two from the group consisting of one of the videos, one of the subtitles, one of the pieces of music, and one of the voices stored in the storage portion.

Abstract: A method of making a ready-to-use catheter assembly is provided, which can be immediately used by a patient. The ready-to-use catheter assembly ensures that the catheter does not suffer from a loss of quality during its shelf life and a wetting medium are provided. The method comprises: placing a catheter with an inactivated hydrophilic outer surface at least along its insertable length and a wetting medium in a catheter package; treating the catheter package with the catheter and the wetting medium with electro-magnetic and/or particle radiation while at least initially the hydrophilic outer surface at least along the insertable length of the catheter remains inactivated; and activating the hydrophilic outer surface at least along the insertable length of the catheter with the wetting medium during and/or after the radiation treatment and wherein the wetting medium decreases in viscosity when submitted to electro-magnetic and/or particle radiation.

Abstract: A peripheral catheter having a catheter tip diffuser for reducing an exit velocity of an infusant within the catheter. Pluralities of diffusion side holes are provided on the tip portion of the catheter. Some examples further include pluralities of annularly arranged, staggered diffusion holes provided on the tip portion of an intravenous catheter to streamline infusant issued from the diffusion holes. An inner surface of each diffusion hole is further angled relative to the inner surface of the catheter lumen such that an infusant within the lumen exits the catheter though the diffusion holes at an angle less than 90°.

Abstract: A catheter configured for partial implantation into a patient and drainage of a body cavity may be provided with microtextured surface on one or more inner diameter surfaces and/or outer diameter surfaces of the tubular catheter body. The microtexturing may include surface features dimensioned to inhibit colonization and/or migration of microbes. The microtexturing may also include channels or other recesses containing an antimicrobial agent such as chlorhexidine gluconate or any other effective antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: The disclosed technology includes a catheter or sheath assembly and a method for manufacturing same. The manufacturing process includes obtaining a catheter or sheath having a distal end and a proximal end, and obtaining a hub pre-formed separately from the catheter or sheath. The hub can include a pre-formed receptacle portion configured to receive a portion of the catheter or sheath. A portion of the catheter or sheath can be inserted into the pre-formed receptacle portion of the hub. The receptacle portion can be melted to a semi-fluid state and can be compressed against the portion of the catheter or sheath in the hub.

Abstract: A multi-conductor cable for use in a catheter is described. The conductor-cable is isotropically flexible to allow catheter steering, but is also longitudinally stiff enough to push and pull the entire cable through the catheter lumen. In one implementation, the multi-conductor cable is bundled for most of its length, to provide longitudinal stiffness and support pushing and pulling the cable through a catheter lumen. However, in one such implementation, the portion of the cable within a steerable section of the catheter is unbundled and divided into individual conductors or groups that are flexible enough that they do not bias or otherwise interfere with the steering of the catheter. In one such approach, a spring wire or other stiffening element is added to the cable at that location to preserve or enhance longitudinal stiffness (tension and compression) of the cable through the unbundled flexible section.

Abstract: Aspects of articulating devices and methods are disclosed. An exemplary articulating device may comprise an interior core with a reinforcing extending along a central axis, an exterior layer bonded to the interior core by an interface, and a lumen extending through the exterior layer, exterior of the reinforcing element, and parallel to the central axis. A steering wire may be moveable in the lumen to articulate a distal end of the device relative to the central axis in response to a force applied to the steering wire. Related methods of manufacturing an articulating device are also described.

Abstract: A modular handle assembly for supporting and controlling a steerable catheter having at least one deflection wire includes a handle portion which extends along an axis for being secured about a portion of the steerable catheter. The modular handle assembly includes at least one barrel that is rotatably connected to the handle portion for rotation about said axis and at least one actuation screw shaft that is disposed within said handle portion and which extends through the barrel for connection with the deflection wire of the steerable catheter. At least one pinion gear is disposed radially between the actuation screw shaft and the barrel and is threadedly interconnected with the actuation screw shaft and the barrel for translating rotational movement of the barrel about the axis into axial movement of the actuation screw shaft to provide for movement of the deflection wire to curl the steerable catheter.

Abstract: A ventriculostomy patch system is disclosed herein. The ventriculostomy patch system including a base-ring, and a window assembly. The base-ring includes a circular body, with the circular-body having an outer-surface, an inner-surface, a top-surface, and a bottom-surface. The bottom-surface includes a catheter-notch; the catheter-notch is configured for removably retaining a ventriculostomy catheter. The base-ring further includes at least two dome-tabs, each of the at least two dome-tabs located upon the outer surface of the base-ring. Preferably, the base-ring is constructed from anti-microbial materials. The window assembly includes an external-ring and a window, where the window assembly is removably affixable to the top-surface of the base-ring.

Abstract: An elongated, tubular-shaped balloon for a balloon catheter includes three regions along its length, in sequence: a proximal region, an intermediate region, and a distal region. The intermediate region is defined by a curved outer surface that is established by a radius of curvature r1. Similarly, a curved inner surface for the intermediate region is established by a radius of curvature r2, wherein r1?r2. Balloon thickness at the center of the intermediate region is tc, while balloon thickness in both the proximal and distal regions is t (t>tc). The stretchability and bendability of the balloon material is directly proportional to the thickness of the balloon, to thereby shape the balloon as a prolate spheroid when inflated.

Abstract: A tissue dilator includes a plurality of segments pivotable between a first configuration to define a first channel, and a second configuration, to define a second channel, larger in size than the first channel.