Abstract: The disclosure describes prodrugs and derivatives of prostaglandins, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, kinase inhibitors, beta-adrenergic receptor antagonists and other drugs, as well as controlled delivery formulations containing such prodrugs and derivatives, for the treatment of ocular disorders.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods useful in the selection of cancer patients suitable for treatment with therapies directed at c-Met. The method employs imaging agents which comprise 18F-radiolabelled c-Met binding peptides suitable for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging in vivo. Also disclosed are methods of treatment, methods of monitoring therapy directed atc-Met and the use of the imaging agents and peptides in the methods of the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a protein contrast agent for enhancing an MRI image and comprising a polypeptide having a conformation presenting at least five oxygen atoms positioned to chelate at least one paramagnetic metal ion such as Gd3+, each oxygen atom being between about 2 angstrom units and about 5 angstrom units from the metal ion; the metal ion has at least one water molecule electrostatically interacting a distance of less than about 10 angstrom units a target-specific moiety conjugated thereto, at least one polyethylene glycol molecule, and a paramagnetic metal ion. Also provided is a method of obtaining an enhanced MRI image using the protein contrast agent to a T2/T1 or T1/T2 intensity ratio of the MRI image; and (d) obtaining an image of the T2/T1 or T1/T2 intensity ratio.

Abstract: A method of reducing radiation exposure of a non-cancerous tissue of a patient diagnosed with a cancer includes administering to the patient an agent capable of competing for binding sites on a surface of the non-cancerous tissue, provided that the administration is carried out after a waiting period that follows administration of a compound including a radionuclide to the patient, the compound having affinity for both a cancerous tissue and the non-cancerous tissue, and, further provided that the binding sites have an affinity for both the agent and the compound.

Abstract: A room decontamination systems, controllers and methods for decontaminating a room. The room decontamination system may be a UV room decontamination system that uses UV radiation to perform a decontamination operation in the room. A controller may determine whether safe conditions for decontamination exist and initiate a decontamination operation on the basis of whether they exist. Determination of safe conditions for decontamination may be based on light actuation detection and/or sensor data, which may include presence detector data and door sensor data. Determination of safe conditions for decontamination may include a determination of whether sensors are functioning properly. The controller may also determine whether decontamination operations are required on the basis of the historical condition data, for example on the basis of whether the room has been occupied since the last decontamination operation.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for a luer connector treatment device are described herein. The luer connector treatment device may include one or multiple sources of UV radiation configured to emit UV radiation capable of sterilizing the contents of a treatment chamber while a first medical device (e.g., catheter) is connected to a secondary medical device, and while the first medical device is separate from a secondary medical device. Sources of UV radiation may be located along both a cap and body of the luer connector treatment device.

Abstract: The present application relates to a method for disinfection of a temperature control device for human body temperature control during extracorporeal circulation which temperature control is conducted by use of a heat exchanger and a temperature control liquid circulating through the heat exchanger and the temperature control device. According to the present application, the temperature control device is connected to a temperature control liquid supply and, during operation of the temperature control device for human body temperature control, a disinfectant is selectively added to the temperature control liquid supply upstream of the temperature control device.

Abstract: Technologies (e.g., devices, systems and methods) for sanitizing reservoirs of humidifiers are described. In some embodiments, the technologies include a sanitization gas system and a connector unit. The connector unit is configured to install into a portion (e.g., wall, bottom, top, or lid) of a reservoir, such as a reservoir of a humidifier. The connector unit includes an inlet passageway for supplying sanitizing gas (e.g., ozone) into the reservoir, and an outlet passageway for removing sanitizing gas from the reservoir. In some embodiments at least a portion of the outlet passageway is disposed radially around the inlet passageway. The sanitization gas system may provide a sanitizing gas to the inlet passageway and receive the sanitizing gas from the outlet passageway.

Abstract: A tampon comprising an absorbent pledget and a time-lapse indicator associated therewith is provided. The time-lapse indicator includes a sensory material surrounded by, embedded in, covered by, or coated with a release-retarding material that protects the sensory material and prevents its release, until after a predetermined period of time has elapsed. The time-lapse indicator is located on or in the tampon or tampon removal string, or, optionally, the tampon packaging. After the time-lapse indicator is activated and a predetermined period of time has elapsed, the sensory material is released and alerts the user that it is time to change the tampon.

Abstract: Tissue patches and associated systems and methods are described. Certain embodiments are related to inventive systems and methods in which tissue patches can be made quickly and robustly without the use of complicated fabrication or sterilization equipment. For example, in some embodiments, tissue patches are made by applying a compressive force to a liquid medium comprising fibrinogen (and/or fibrin) between two surfaces (e.g., within a syringe or other chamber). A filter can be placed within or near the volume in which the compressive force is applied to the liquid medium such that unwanted material (e.g., water, blood cells, and the like) is passed through the filter while desirable components (e.g., fibrin, fibrinogen, and/or other desirable components) are retained by the filter to form the patch. In this way, the concentration of fibrin (and/or fibrinogen) within the liquid medium can be increased, potentially dramatically, as the compressive force is applied to the liquid-containing composition.

Abstract: An absorbent article that includes a backsheet, a wetness indicator composition having good stability, and an absorbent core. The wetness indicator composition includes a stabilizer, a colorant, and a matrix. The colorant has first and second color states associated with first and second wetness indicator states. The wetness indicator exhibits no color change after 10 days when measured according to the CTH Stability Test.

Abstract: Featured are a biocompatible, injectable, self-setting, cohesive, bone-bonding and remodeling calcium phosphate composite material and its use in methods of repairing defective bone, e.g., in vertebroplasty augmentation and kyphoplasty.

Abstract: An adhesive composition for bonding to bone and bone-like structures includes a polymerizable, multifunctional acidic monomer having a concentration ranging from about 5% to about 45% by weight of the adhesive composition, one or more multifunctional monomers with one or more ethylenically unsaturated groups having a concentration ranging from about 20% to about 60% by weight of the adhesive composition, an organically modified calcium phosphate salt with one or more pendant polymerizable groups having a concentration ranging from about 1% to about 50% by weight of the adhesive composition, and a polymerization initiator system. A method of forming the adhesive composition is also provided.

Abstract: Described are medical products, systems, and methods for treating fistulae having a primary opening, such as in the alimentary canal. Certain methods of the invention include providing an implantable material including a compliant sheet form biocompatible material, and forcing this sheet form biocompatible material into the primary opening so as to deform the sheet form biocompatible material to conform to and block the primary opening. The biocompatible material preferably comprises a remodelable material, for example, a remodelable extracellular matrix material such as submucosa.

Abstract: Methods for treating tissue matrices and tissue matrices produced according to the methods are provided. The methods can include treating a tissue matrix with a proteolytic enzyme to produce a desired pliability of the tissue matrix.

Abstract: Methods and kits for producing cellular fractions enriched in adipose derived stem cells. Methods are provided where adipose tissue obtained from liposuction is enzymatically treated using a solution containing collagenase and divalent cations prior to the application of traditional methods of stromal-vascular fraction isolation. The enzymatic solutions may contain collagenase types I and II to a final concentration of about 0.001 mg/ml to 0.010 mg/ml. The divalent cations may be present as calcium, magnesium, and zinc chloride. The final concentration of calcium, magnesium, and zinc may range from about 0.001 to 0.1 micromolar; about 0.005 to 0.5 micromolar; and about 0.0015 to 0.15 micromolar, respectively. The enzymatic solutions may be generated using a kit where the collagenase and divalent components are held in separate containers until just prior to use. The cellular fractions isolated in this manner may be used in autologous fat grafts in therapeutic applications.

Abstract: A balloon catheter, in particular a balloon catheter for angioplasty, the balloon having an inner or outer surface modified by means of a photoactivation reaction.

Abstract: The present invention includes compositions and methods useful for removing microorganisms and/or biofilm-embedded microorganisms from the surface of a medical device or subject's body. The present invention further includes compositions and methods useful for coating medical devices. The present invention further includes compositions and methods useful for preventing or reducing the growth or proliferation of microorganisms and/or biofilm-embedded microorganisms on the surface of a medical device or subject's body.

Abstract: This invention provides a new class of medical devices and implants comprising amorphous metal alloys. The medical devices and implants may be temporary or permanent and may comprise other materials as well, such as polymers, ceramics, and conventional crystalline or polycrystalline metal alloys. Specifically, this invention provides implantable surgical fabrics comprising amorphous metal alloys. The presence of amorphous metal alloys in these fabrics can serve a variety of purposes, including structurally reinforcing the surgical fabric and/or imparting to the fabric the ability to shield against harmful radiation. The fabric may be used inside or outside the body during medical procedures. Further, the implantable surgical fabrics may be woven or non-woven fabrics.

Abstract: A tubular parison for forming a medical device balloon. The parison is formed of a polymeric material, for instance a thermoplastic elastomer. The parison has an elongation at break which is not more than 80% of the elongation of the bulk polymeric material. The elongation of the parison is controlled by altering extrusion conditions. Balloons prepared from the parisons provide higher wall strength and/or higher inflation durability than balloons prepared from conventional parisons of the same material.

Abstract: A material that is less populated by biofilms than known materials and is well tolerated by the body is provided. The material is an element introducible into or attachable on a human or animal body and includes a glass and/or glass ceramic and/or ceramic material at least in some areas thereof, which inhibits the formation of biofilms and/or on which human or animal cells grow if the element is introduced into the human or animal body or attached thereto, wherein the glass and/or glass ceramic material comprises at least: SiO2 in a range from 60 to 75 wt % and ZnO in a range from 1 to 7 wt %.

Abstract: Medical devices for local bioactive delivery are described. A medical device includes a first biodegradable layer, a second biodegradable layer, and a bioactive disposed between the first and second biodegradable layers. The first and second biodegradable layers are positioned such that a surface of the first biodegradable layer faces a surface of the second biodegradable layer and such that a peripheral portion of one biodegradable layer is folded over a peripheral portion of the other biodegradable layer. Methods of making medical devices and methods of using medical devices are also described.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a medical material including a copolymer having a repeating unit (A) represented by the following formula (1): wherein R11 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, Z is an oxygen atom or —NH—, R12 is a C1-6 alkylene group, R13 and R14 are each independently a C1-4 alkyl group, and R15 is a C1-6 alkylene group, and a repeating unit (B) represented by the following formula (2): wherein R21 is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group, R22 is a C1-6 alkylene group, and R23 is a C1-4 alkyl group. The repeating unit (A) is contained in a proportion of 0.6 to 7 mol % based on all the structural units of the copolymer. The disclosure makes it possible to provide a medical material and a medical device, which exhibit excellent antithrombogenicity even when used under severe conditions prone to thrombus formation.

Abstract: A portable negative pressure wound therapy system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.

Abstract: A portable suction pump unit for aspirating body fluids and/or air from a patient has a pump module housing for a pump module and a fluid collection container. The pump module housing has a pump-side suction connector, and the fluid collection container has a container-side suction connector for leaktight connection to the pump-side suction connector. The two suction connectors define a common axis. The fluid collection container can be secured on the pump module housing via a repeatedly releasable and restorable connection. This connection is releasable and/or restorable by means of a rotation movement of the fluid collection container relative to the pump module housing about said axis. The suction unit according to the invention is inexpensive to produce and permits an easily manageable connection between housing and container.

Abstract: Apparatus (130) for use in wound therapy of mammals is described, the apparatus (130) comprising: a dressing covering the wound, the dressing being substantially sealed to prevent ingress of ambient atmospheric air to the wound; aspiration means (132) operably connected to a space between the dressing and the wound by an aspiration conduit (142) sealed to the point of entry between wound and dressing against ingress of ambient atmosphere, said conduit (142) being for aspiration of said wound and for removal of fluid from said space between said wound and said dressing; a waste container (148) for receiving aspirated fluid to be discarded operably connected to said aspiration conduit; and heating means (144) for heating said fluid in order to increase the vapor pressure thereof and to cause evaporation to reduce the volume of the fluid in the waste container (148). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention the waste fluid is also provided with a sparge gas.

Abstract: Multi-conduit connector apparatuses for use in negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) apparatuses to wound dressing, and methods for installing multi-conduit connector apparatuses in NPWT apparatuses.

Abstract: A wound dressing for use in a vacuum wound therapy treatment includes a backing layer for positioning over a wound to define a reservoir in which a reduced pressure may be maintained over the wound. A portal member affixed to the backing layer provides a connection to a reduced pressure source through an opening in an ambient surface. A primary port extends between the opening and a primary aperture in a reservoir surface to providing fluid communication between the reservoir and the reduced pressure source. At least one supplemental port establishes fluid communication between the primary port and a supplemental aperture in the reservoir surface that is distinct and substantially spaced from the primary aperture.

Abstract: A medical drainage tube for treating wounds with negative pressure includes a suction tube, a suction connector, and a ventilation sleeve. The suction tube includes a suction lumen, and a ventilation lumen including a lumen outer wall and an opening. The ventilation sleeve is arranged at the opening to surround the suction tube. The ventilation sleeve includes a sleeve wall including a sleeve inner wall arranged towards the suction tube, an annular groove arranged in the sleeve inner wall, a filter compartment arranged in the sleeve wall, a bacterial filter arranged in the filter compartment, and an air inlet arranged in the filter compartment. The annular groove communicates with the opening. The bacterial filter communicates with the annular groove. The air inlet connects the bacterial filter with the atmosphere. A part of the ventilation lumen between the annular groove and a proximal end of the suction tube is sealed off.

Abstract: A device for expressing human breast milk has a breast shield for bearing against a mother's breast, a vacuum pump for generating a vacuum, a line which connects the vacuum pump to the breast shield and is intended for transmitting the vacuum generated to the breast shield, and a chamber. The line ends on the pump side in a first port of the chamber. The chamber has a second port for connection to a milk collecting container. The two ports in the chamber are connected to each other in terms of fluid communication. During the expressing operation, the line forms a milk line for transporting breast milk expressed in the breast shield to the chamber and from the chamber to the milk collecting container. The pump can be designed to be quiet and small.

Abstract: An axial-flow blood pump for pumping blood includes a substantially cylindrical outer enclosure. A tubular housing concentric with and located within the outer enclosure has at one end an inlet and at an opposite end an outlet. A motor stator is concentric with and located between the outer enclosure and the tubular housing. An impeller is concentric with and located within the tubular housing. The impeller is suspended in operation by a combination of passive magnetic forces between magnets within the impeller or magnetized regions of the impeller and the motor stator and hydrodynamic thrust forces generated as blood flows between the tubular housing and a plurality of hydrodynamic thrust bearing surfaces located on the impeller. A volute may be in fluid-tight connection with the outlet of the tubular housing for receiving blood in the axial direction and directing blood in a direction normal to the axial direction.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device includes a pump such as an axial flow pump, an outflow cannula connected to the outlet of the pump, and an anchor element. The anchor element is physically connected to the pump, as by an elongated element. The pump is implanted within the left ventricle with the outflow cannula projecting through the aortic valve but desirably terminating short of the aortic arch. The anchor element is fixed to the wall of the heart near the apex of the heart so that the anchor element holds the pump and outflow cannula in position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a separation membrane for blood processing, comprising a polysulfone polymer, a hydrophilic polymer and a polymer having a hydroxy group in a side chain and having a solubility of 0.5 g or less in water (100 g) at 20° C., in which the content of the polymer falls within a specific range, and a blood processing apparatus having the membrane installed therein.

Abstract: Flexible manifolds configured for use in a wearable artificial kidney are provided and can include an array of manifold plates defining one or more flow path and which are adapted to receive dialysis components including cleaning columns and dialyzers. Wearable artificial kidneys are also provided. For example, a wearable artificial kidney can include a flexible manifold, a first flow path, a second flow path, a third flow path, a first cleaning column, a first dialyzer, a second dialyzer, a second cleaning column, and at least one pump. Systems for performing dialysis are further provided. The systems can include a wearable artificial kidney and manifold inlet and outlet lines for connecting the peritoneum of a dialysis patient to the wearable artificial kidney. Methods for performing dialysis utilizing the flexible manifolds, wearable artificial kidneys, and systems containing the same, are also provided.

Abstract: An artificial liver system for treating liver failure includes a reservoir to provide albumin-containing dialysis fluid to the patient's peritoneum, an implantable device including a pump to pump the fluid from the peritoneum to the bladder via respective catheters, control circuitry, battery and transceiver; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge the battery and communicate with the implantable device to retrieve data reflective of the patient's health; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable device and charging and communication system. The monitoring and control software allows a treating physician to remotely adjust the volume, time, and frequency with which fluid is pumped from the peritoneal cavity to the bladder based on the data reflective of the patient's health.

Abstract: Systems and methods for the washing and processing of biological fluid/biological cells are disclosed. The systems and methods utilize a disposable fluid circuit including a spinning membrane separation device to wash the biological cells.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device, comprising a control unit, a drive unit, a pressurizing medium container arranged to contain a pressurizing liquid, a drug container arranged to contain a drug and a discharge nozzle, wherein the drive unit when controlled and energized by the control unit is arranged to generate a pressure gradient in the pressurizing liquid thereby propagating the pressure to the drug container and at least partially displacing the drug from the drug container through the discharge nozzle, wherein the drive unit is arranged as an electro-osmotic actor.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may be configured to provide a desired level of resistance to liquid ingress to the pump casing while contemporaneously providing air transmissibility for equalization of air pressure differentials between the interior and exterior of the pump casing. Further, some embodiments can detect when moisture inside a casing of the infusion pump system is greater than or equal to a threshold level and can initiate one or more patient safety countermeasures.

Abstract: An implantable device has an outer shell that includes an aperture through the housing of the device and, spanning the aperture, a membrane structure permeable to gas but not to liquid. In this way, excess gas may be vented from the device. The membrane and aperture are designed to discourage or even prevent tissue ingrowth.

Abstract: An automatic injection apparatus uses non-continuous fluid-flow of drugs to identify an intended injection site and includes a drive mechanism, a sensor and a controller for establishing fluid flow and pressure and preventing fluid flow until the pressure drops below a predetermined threshold. The pressure threshold is determined based on an internal pressure generated during an injection and more fluid will not flow until it drops below a predetermined pressure. An injection is performed to establish an initial pressure threshold and then to stop the fluid flow into a patient until the pressure drops below a predetermined pressure which allows fluid flow to resume, thus identifying a fluid filled tissue space. The initial pressure threshold is used as a control parameter to a microprocessor below which controls the rate of injection. Fluid flows below certain pressures are also used to identify a specific location within the body during injections.

Abstract: The injection device includes a static structure including a first gear member. The injection device also includes a dynamic structure including a medicine container, a mechanism for pushing liquid medicine out of the medicine container for its injection to a patient, and a second gear member engaged with the first gear member. The injection device additionally includes a drive member for driving one of the first and second gear members so as to cause the dynamic structure to move relative to the static structure along a predetermined direction due to the engagement between the first and second gear members. The injection device further includes a clutch mechanism for maintaining engagement between the first and second gear members in normal condition of the injection device, and for allowing disengagement of the first and second gear members upon a shock received by the injection device along the predetermined direction.

Abstract: The pharmaceutical injection device of the present invention comprises a cartridge holder, a main case, a piston, a motor, an opening component, an open/closed detection switch, and a controller. The motor drives the piston in either an insertion direction in which the piston is inserted into a pharmaceutical cartridge, or a pull-out direction in which the piston is pulled out of the pharmaceutical cartridge. The opening component opens the cartridge holder in conjunction with the movement of the piston in the pull-out direction. The open/closed detection switch detects whether the cartridge holder is open or closed. When the open/closed detection switch detects that the cartridge holder is open, the controller controls the motor so as to stop the piston.

Abstract: An autoinjector including: a housing, in which can be mounted a syringe (28) having a plunger, a barrel and needle (19) at one end thereof through which medicament can be delivered to an injection site,—a syringe support means (30) capable of causing said syringe to move 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; and engagement means (180) selectively moveable by a user from a first position in which rearward movement of the syringe along said axial path is substantially prevented when said syringe is in an extended position where at least part of said needle is out of the housing, 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; wherein said housing includes an outer housing (16) and said autoinjector further comprises a sleeve (18) intermediate

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments provide wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient's body at fast, controlled rates, for example, in a single fast bolus. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for assembling wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient at fast, controlled rates. Exemplary embodiments also provide methods for using wearable automatic injection devices for administering a therapeutic agent to a patient at fast, controlled rates.

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

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns an attachment for an operable drug delivery device, comprising a gripping sleeve member that is configured to receive a first member of the operable drug delivery device, wherein the gripping sleeve member comprises a first gripping sleeve member part comprising a first engagement feature at its inner surface that is configured to engage the first gripping sleeve member part in a torque-proof manner with the first member of the operable drug delivery device. Further, the present invention concerns a use of the attachment or a system of attachments for operating the operable drug delivery device.

Abstract: A dosing mechanism (6) for delivering a plurality of single metered doses includes a dose delivery mechanism; and a non-return mechanism (10), arranged to prevent the dose delivery mechanism from returning toward a primed position until a full metered dose has been delivered. The non-return mechanism includes a track defining an actuation path and a return path and an engagement member arranged to be received within the track. The track and engagement member are relatively moveable such that the engagement member is arranged to move along the actuation path during actuation of the dose delivery mechanism and along the return path during priming of the dose delivery mechanism. At least a portion of the actuation path is provided with a toothed profile to prevent reverse movement of the engagement member in the actuation path.

Abstract: Drug delivery device adapted to receive a cartridge and including a housing, a front-loaded cartridge holder adapted to receive and hold a cartridge in a loaded position, and stop structure adapted to engage a proximal surface of a received cartridge The stop structure is actuatable between a receiving state in which the stop structure is positioned in a first axial position thereby defining how far proximally a received cartridge can be inserted, and an operational state in which the stop structure allows an inserted cartridge to be moved axially to a second more proximal position.

Abstract: A handheld injection device comprising a housing, a piston rod defining a first longitudinal axis and located within the housing, a driver coupled to the piston rod, a dose setting means, which is rotatable about a second longitudinal axis during dose setting, and optionally a power reservoir for driving the driver and/or a release clutch preventing rotation of the driver during dose setting and allowing rotation of the driver during dose dispensing. The first longitudinal axis is spaced from the second longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A dose delivery device is disclosed wherein a dose can be set by rotating a dose setting member, whereby a push button (4) is elevated from one end of the device a distance proportional to the set dose from a position fixed relative to the housing, and wherein the set dose can then be injected by pressing the push button back to its non-elevated position, through which motion a piston rod will move approximately the same distance. The invention provides a method of forcing a numbered scale drum to rotate both during dose setting and injection to allow the user to read the remaining dose at any time during setting and injecting a dose.