Abstract: The present invention relates to fragrance enhancers for use in conjunction with candles to enhance the dispersion of the fragrance therefrom and/or increase the combustion efficiency thereof. In one embodiment, the fragrance enhancer of the present invention comprises a body that is mounted to an upper surface of the holder and further comprises a mounting bracket for holding a fan assembly that is mounted to the holder. In one instance, the fan assembly includes a plurality of inverted blades, and a gap is formed between the body and the holder to enable air flow through the body. In another embodiment the fragrance enhancer of the present invention comprises a cylindrically-shaped perforated body, the cylindrically-shaped perforated body having openings located at both the top and bottom thereof. In this embodiment the fragrance enhancer of the present invention further comprises a fan assembly formed from inclined blades.

Abstract: One or more embodiments are directed to a microfluidic delivery system that dispenses a fluid. The microfluidic delivery system may be provided in a variety of orientations. In one embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system is vertical so that fluid being expelled opposes gravity. In another embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system is orientated sideways so that fluid being expelled has a horizontal component. In yet another embodiment, the microfluidic delivery system faces downward.

Abstract: This application generally relates to systems, devices, and methods for delivering a fragrance. In some embodiments, portable fragrance delivery systems are provided. In further embodiments, improved fragrance delivery systems are provided that provide increased dispersion of scented agents by utilizing a fan formed from a fragrant material.

Abstract: The air freshener consists of a small box formed by coupling together two parts (1, 2) in the form of box halves that can be tightly fitted together, with a perfume-impregnated cellulose block (5) between them. The cellulose block (5) is separated from the bottoms of the boxes and from the side walls by ledges (6) provided on the bottoms of both the female part (1) and the male part (2), and by partitions (7) provided on the male part (2), near the side walls thereof. The box has windows for air inlet (9) and for outlet (8) of the air impregnated with the perfume contained in the cellulose block (5). On the outside of the box there are conformations defining a dovetail joint (10) for securing a clip (11) which, when released from this mounting formed by the conformations (10), can be coupled to an outer recess in the bottom of the male part (2).

Abstract: Burn wound compositions containing leaf lard, yellow beeswax, Oil of Spike, pine rosin, and aloe vera are described for treatment of first, second, and third degree burn wounds.

Abstract: A method for regenerating alveolar bone in which bone tissue is regenerated in the gap between an implant or dental root and alveolar bone, which comprises a procedure consisting of making an incision in the gingiva surrounding an implant or dental root embedded in alveolar bone, blowing a first air into the gap between the implant or dental root and the alveolar bone to remove a portion of infected granulation tissue present in the gap, and irradiating the gap with laser light to degenerate the infected granulation tissue remaining in the gap, followed by blowing a second air containing microparticles having calcium as a constituent thereof and water into the gap to remove the degenerated infected granulation tissue and fill in the gap with the wet microparticles.

Abstract: Provided herein are scaffolds and methods useful to promote the formation of functional clusters on a tissue, for example, motor endplates (MEPs) or a component thereof on skeletal muscle cells or tissue, as well as the use of scaffolds so produced for repairing a tissue injury or defect.

Abstract: A keratin hydrogel matrix serves as an effective acellular scaffold for axonal regeneration and facilitates functional nerve recovery.

Abstract: A process for preparing decellularized isolated bone tissue samples, comprises the steps of a) providing an isolated bone tissue sample, b) treating said sample by immersions in: a solution comprising at least one chelating agent, a solution comprising at least one anionic detergent, a solution comprising at least one non-ionic detergent, a solution comprising at least one enzyme, a solution comprising at least one antibiotic. Decellularized bone tissue samples as obtainable by a process according to the invention can be used as grafts.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are tissue scaffold materials with microspheres of one density embedded in hydrogel of a different density. The disclosed materials have improved ability to facilitate cellular invasion and vascularization for wound healing and tissue regeneration. The inventors have found that materials having components with different densities promotes invasion of cells, including desirable cells such as fibroblasts and endothelial precursor cells, into the scaffold.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for making cross-linked oxidation-resistant polymeric materials and preventing or minimizing in vivo elution of antioxidant from the antioxidant-containing polymeric materials. The invention also provides methods of doping polymeric materials with a spatial control of cross-linking and antioxidant distribution, for example, vitamin E (?-Tocopherol), and methods for extraction/elution of antioxidants, for example, vitamin E (?-tocopherol), from surface regions of antioxidant-containing polymeric materials, and materials used therewith also are provided.

Abstract: Use of a pharmaceutical composition for the local treatment or prevention of a tissue infection at an infection site, the pharmaceutical composition comprising at least two different antibiotics of group A or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof, or an antibiotic of group A and at least one antibiotic of group B or pharmaceutically acceptable derivatives thereof. Group A comprises primarily intracellular active antibiotics working as inhibitor of bacterial RNA polymerase; as inhibitor of gyrase; or as inhibitor of bacterial protein synthesis. Group B comprises primarily extracellular active antibiotics working as inhibitor of bacterial cell wall synthesis; or inhibitor of bacterial protein synthesis; or by direct destabilization or rupture of the bacterial cell wall.

Abstract: A method of treating bone deficiencies includes applying a biocompatible structure to an implant surgical site. The biocompatible structure includes multiple polymer layers stacked to have a predetermined shape, multiple bone particle layers disposed between each of two neighboring polymer layers of the multiple polymer layers, and a coating surrounding the polymer layers and bone particle layers. Each of the polymer layers is formed with a polymer and first tissue forming nanoparticles. The predetermined shape is configured to conform to the implant surgical site.

Abstract: Provided is an organic/inorganic hybrid-porous biodegradable polymer scaffold, which includes basic ceramic nanoparticles, an animal tissue or cell-derived bioactive first extracellular matrix material, and a biodegradable polymer and in which inner walls of pores are coated with a second extracellular matrix material.

Abstract: Method of making a balloon catheter includes melt-extruding a thermoplastic polymeric material into a tube, cooling the extruded tube, placing the extruded tube within a capture member and biaxially orienting the polymeric material of the extruded tube while simultaneously tapering at least a section of the extruded tube by radially expanding the extruded tube with pressurized media in the tube lumen and axially expanding the extruded tube with an external load applied on at least one end of the tube as an external heat supply traverses longitudinally from a first end to a second end of the extruded tube in the capture member, wherein an overall axial load on the tubing is varied as at least a section of the tube is heated. The method includes cooling the expanded tube to form a tapered biaxially oriented nonporous thermoplastic polymer tubular member and sealingly securing a balloon proximate a distal end of the tubular member.

Abstract: Provided herein is a biodegradable elastomeric patch that can be implanted on a heart or other portions of the cardiovascular system to repair tissue deficiencies or tissue damage. The biodegradable elastomeric patch may be engineered to have mechanical properties similar to that of soft tissue and to provide mechanical support to the damaged tissue. The biodegradable elastomeric patch also may comprise therapeutic agents to aid in the healing process. Methods also are provided for using a biodegradable elastomeric patch for treating patients suffering from tissue damage or tissue deficiencies in the cardiac or cardiovascular system.

Abstract: The invention relates to medical technology products, for example a medical implant or a medical instrument, having colored markings based on titanium oxides, to the use of coatings based on titanium oxides for the production of coated materials, such as medical technology products, in particular for titanium oxide-based coating for the colored marking of the surface of medical technology products, and to a method for depositing colored markings based on titanium oxides on medical technology products.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug-eluting stent graft for preventing stent graft-related complications as well as treating aneurysm. Specifically, the present invention relates to a drug-eluting stent graft comprising a drug, a drug-retaining agent and a stent graft, and a method for therapy of aneurysm including the use of the drug-eluting stent graft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stent with a drug coating for preventing and treating restenosis, comprising a stent and a drug coating covering the surface of the stent. The active ingredients in the drug coating are guaiane sesquiterpene compounds P1, P2 and P3. P1 is Zedoalactone B, P2 is a stereoisomer of P1, and P3 is Zedoarondiol. Compared with an existing sirolimus eluting stent, the present drug eluting stent can inhibit the intimal hyperplasia and the inflammatory reactions of vascular walls, and promote the endothelialization of blood vessels after the stent is implanted, and thus can prevent the long-term thrombotic complications; and has the advantages of small dosage, low cost, and no toxic side effect.

Abstract: A portable assembly for processing red blood cells RBCs including a disposable blood collection set including a blood bag, an anaerobic storage bag and an oxygen and/or oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device disposed between the blood collection bag and anaerobic storage bag. The portable assembly further provides for a gas circulation device in fluid communication with the oxygen or oxygen and carbon dioxide depletion device, The gas circulation device includes a pressure source that is able circulate flushing gas through the depletion device as RBCs pass from the blood collection bag, through the depletion device and into the anaerobic storage bag.

Abstract: A ventricular assist system includes a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) and an expandable stent. The VAD may include a pump and an inlet element defining an inlet opening communicating with the pump, the inlet element being adapted for positioning with the inlet opening disposed within a ventricle of a heart when the system is in an operative condition. The expandable stent may be adapted for positioning within the ventricle when the system is in the operative condition. The pump may be operated to draw blood from the ventricle and return the blood to the artery, and a wall of the ventricle may be held away from the inlet opening with the stent. The stent may be passed through a channel in the ventricular assist device while the stent is in a collapsed condition.

Abstract: An implantable pump system is provided, suitable for use as a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) system, having an implantable pump, an extracorporeal battery and a controller coupled to the implantable pump, and a programmer selectively periodically coupled to the controller to configure and adjust operating parameters of the implantable pump. The implantable pump includes a flexible membrane coupled to an actuator assembly that is magnetically engagable with electromagnetic coils, so that when the electromagnetic coils are energized, the actuator assembly causes wavelike undulations to propagate along the flexible membrane to propel blood from through the implantable pump. The controller may be programmed by a programmer to operate at frequencies and duty cycles that mimic physiologic flow rates and pulsatility while operating in an efficient manner that avoids thrombus formation, hemolysis and/or platelet activation.

Abstract: A method includes monitoring an indicator of fluid volume of a patient via a sensor device, and setting an initial fluid volume removal prescription for a blood fluid removal session based on the monitored indicator of fluid volume. The method may further include transmitting data regarding the indicator of fluid volume from the implantable sensor device to fluid removal device. The system includes a blood fluid removal device and control electronics configured to set the initial fluid removal volume and rate prescription. In some embodiments, the fluid removal device sets or calculated the initial fluid volume removal prescription based on the data received from the implantable sensor. The indicator of fluid volume may be an indicator of tissue fluid volume or an indicator of blood fluid volume.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dialysis apparatus comprising a membrane having at least one protein from the lipocalin family bound thereon. The disclosure further relates to methods of removing non-polar, hydrophobic and/or protein bound uremic toxins from a target subject utilizing the dialysis apparatus described herein as well as methods of extracorporeal detoxification.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a blood filter includes: (i) pumping a physiologically safe fluid back and fourth through the insides and/or the outsides of a plurality of hollow fiber membranes of the blood filter to remove or loosen blood residuals, such as blood clots, proteins and/or biological fluid; (ii) injecting air into the physiologically safe fluid to form an air/fluid mixture; (iii) pumping the air fluid mixture through the insides and/or outsides of the plurality of the hollow fiber membranes of the blood filter to further or remove or loosen blood residuals therefrom; and (iv) removing the air/physiologically safe fluid mixture along with the removed or loosened blood residuals to drain.

Abstract: An artificial lung in a circulation apparatus can be monitored and be maintained in a safe condition without manual assistance. As an extracorporeal circulation mode starts, it is determined first whether or not gas exchange of the artificial lung is carried out within a normal range, based on oxygen concentration which is detected by an oxygen sensor positioned at a downstream place in the artificial lung. If the gas exchange is carried out within the normal range, an estimated value for gas supply volume of a gas blender is maintained. When oxygen concentration exceeding the normal range is detected, the gas blender is controlled so as to revise the gas supply volume downward. In addition, when oxygen concentration falls below the normal range, the gas blender is controlled so as to revise the gas supply volume upward.

Abstract: The application is directed to an extracorporeal blood processing system capable of using dialysate to prime the system. A plastic molded compact manifold supports molded blood and dialysate fluidic pathways along with relevant sensors, valves and pumps. The compact manifold is also disposable in one embodiment and can be detachably installed in the dialysis machine. A two-way valve in the manifold is used to direct the dialysate flow through the blood circuit to prime the circuit for use in treatment.

Abstract: A method of securing an access port to a vessel can include positioning an access port adjacent to a wall of the vessel. The access port can include an implantation passageway and a guidance passageway that is connected to the implantation passageway. The implantation passageway can be open, during the positioning of the access port, at a position proximal to a location at which the implantation passageway and the guidance passageway are connected. The method can further include forming an opening in the wall of the vessel via instruments that extend through the implantation passageway. The method can include securing the access port to the vessel such that the implantation passageway is in fluid communication with an interior of the vessel via the opening in the wall of the vessel. The method can also include sealing the implantation passageway at the position proximal to the guidance passageway.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for organ retroperfusion along with regional mild hypothermia.

Abstract: A portable irrigation system comprising a reservoir for an irrigating liquid; a probe for arrangement in a user; and an electrical system.

Abstract: Some embodiments an infusion pump system can be used to determine a user's total insulin load (TIL) that provides an accurate indication of the insulin previously delivered to the user's body which has not yet acted. In particular embodiments, the TIL can account for both the bolus deliveries and the basal deliveries that have occurred over a period of time. Such information may be useful, for example, when the infusion pump is operated in conjunction with a continuous glucose monitoring device.

Abstract: A pump for infusing fluid, the pump including a pumping mechanism, a fluid delivery device, a plurality of electric field sensors, and a measurement component. The plurality of electric field sensors is configured to estimate either an electric field that is associated with a patient, or an electric field that is associated with a fluid path of the pump, or both. The measurement component is configured to receive the electric field estimates from each of the electric field sensors and further configured to measure the difference between the electric field estimates.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device comprises a housing having a fluid reservoir. A needle is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir in an engaged position and out of fluid communication with the fluid reservoir in armed and storage positions. A proximal end of a biasing member is coupled to the housing and a distal end of the biasing member is configured to deliver a force to the fluid reservoir. A piston member extends through the biasing member and is coupled to the distal end of the biasing member. The piston member is fixed with respect to the housing in a locked position such that the biasing member does not deliver the force to the fluid reservoir and moveable with respect to the housing in a released position such that the biasing member delivers the force to the fluid reservoir. Transitioning the needle from the storage position to the armed position transitions the piston from the locked position to the released position.

Abstract: An implantable medical device is capable of delivering therapeutic output to a patient. A controller, programmable by a medical professional, is operatively coupled to the implantable medical device to, in part, program the therapeutic output to be delivered to the patient. The controller has an interface allowing the medical professional to graphically select an amount of the therapeutic output to be delivered to the patient in at least one of a series of discrete timer intervals. The graphic selection may be aided by the use of a light pen or other pointing device to sketch the infusion pattern. Computer programs using algorithms may be utilized to translate the information inputted through the light pen into an infusion program.

Abstract: An implantable infusion device includes a reservoir for housing an infusion medium and a drive mechanism having an inlet chamber, a piston and a piston channel. The inlet chamber is in fluid communication with the reservoir. The piston channel is in fluid communication with the inlet chamber, and has a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being closer to the inlet channel than the distal end. The piston is axially moveable within the piston channel to drive infusion medium out of the distal end of the piston channel. The clearance between the piston and the channel is sufficiently small to prevent undissolved gas in the inlet chamber from passing through the clearance. The inlet chamber may be sufficiently large to allow undissolved gas to accumulate without adversely affecting the performance of the infusion device.

Abstract: Methods for programming an implantable drug delivery device using a mobile computing device that include establishing a connection with a telemetry unit configured for wireless communication with the implantable drug delivery device, displaying user-selectable drug delivery settings for the implantable drug delivery device, receiving at least one selection of a drug delivery setting, translating the received selection into a signal format readable by the telemetry unit, and sending the translated signal to the telemetry unit to program the implantable drug delivery device. Further embodiments include telemetry units for communication with an implantable drug delivery device, and patient programmers and a method for patient modification to a programmed drug delivery regimen.

Abstract: A liquid injector that additionally supplies charged liquid to a patient is provided. The liquid injector continuously supplies a fixed quantity of liquid to a patient only when the fixed quantity of liquid has been charged.

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: Flexible housing filters for filtration of fluids and methods of making such filters are disclosed. The filters include a molded frame with no peripheral seal that houses a filter medium.

Abstract: A pump cassette includes fluid lumen adapted for passage of an infusion fluid toward a patient. A rotary valve assembly can be actuated to regulate fluid flow through the fluid lumen and a frame is coupled to the fluid lumen and the valve assembly. The frame is adapted to be inserted into a seat of a pump device, wherein the frame provides a platen relative to the fluid lumen. The frame is configured to be inserted into the seat only when aligned in a predetermined orientation relative to the seat.

Abstract: An endovascular microvalve device for use in a vessel during a therapy procedure includes an outer catheter, an inner catheter displaceable within the outer catheter, and a filter valve coupled to the distal ends of the inner and outer catheters. The valve is constructed of a braid of elongate first filaments coupled together at their proximal ends in a manner that the first filaments are movable relative to each other along their lengths. A filter is provided to the braid formed by electrostatically depositing or spinning polymeric second filaments onto the braided first filaments. The lumen of the inner catheter delivers a therapeutic agent beyond the valve. The device is used to provide a therapy in which a therapeutic agent is infused into an organ.

Abstract: Valves, valved fluid transfer devices and ambulatory infusion devices including the same.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a dual insertion set for supplying a fluid to a body of a patient and for monitoring a body characteristic of the patient. Typical embodiments of the invention include a base, an infusion portion coupled to a first piercing member and a sensor portion coupled to a second piercing member. The infusion portion includes a cannula coupled to the first piercing member for supplying the fluid to a placement site. The sensor portion includes a sensor coupled to and extending from the base having at least one sensor electrode formed on a substrate and is coupled to the second piercing member in a manner that allows the sensor to be inserted at the placement site. The base is arranged to secure the dual insertion set to skin of the patient.

Abstract: A quantitative syringe-type ejector capable of ejecting the contents packed in one syringe in small quantities is provided. The quantitative syringe-type ejector includes a syringe and a plunger. The plunger includes a piston holding member and a plunger operation member. The piston holding member has at least one arm having: a slide projection slidable on an inner peripheral surface of the syringe; and a lock projection to be releasably locked to a back end of the syringe. The plunger operation member has a lock part to be releasably locked to the back end of the syringe.

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 a delivery dose. An injector may include a housing, the cartridge containing a medicinal product, the cartridge being retained within the housing, a dose dial sleeve for selecting a dose of the medicinal product to be expelled, and a piston rod for expelling the selected dose of the medicinal product. The housing may be a unitary housing within which the dose dial sleeve for selecting the dose and the piston rod for expelling the selected dose are moveably retained.

Abstract: A substance delivery device that includes a hypodermic needle with a tube for receiving and containing a volume of a substance. The substance delivery device includes a rod, a portion of which is of a size and shape to fit within the tube of the hypodermic needle. The rod can be displaced into and within the tube to contact and apply a force to a volume of substance contained within the tube to cause, at least in part, the volume of substance to be discharged out of the tube. The substance delivery device includes a rod displacement mechanism that applies a force to the rod to cause the rod to be displaced into and within the tube. The substance delivery device also includes a needle retraction mechanism that is configured to apply a force to the hypodermic needle to cause the hypodermic needle to retract from within a patient.

Abstract: The application relates to needle protection assembly (1)) comprising:—a support (2) of the needle (3),—a needle shield (8) having a longitudinal axis A,—urging means (13) for displacing said needle shield (8) from a “in, use” position to a “after use” position,—a locking element (10) intended to prevent said needle shield (8) from moving back from its “after use” position to its “in use” position, characterized in that said locking element (10) has a longitudinal axis B and is radially movable with respect to said needle shield (8) between a “free” position, in which the longitudinal axis A of the needle shield (8) and the longitudinal axis B of the locking element (10) are merged and in which said needle shield (8) is movable from its “in use” position to its “after use” position, and a “locking position”, in which the longitudinal axis B is radially spaced apart from the longitudinal axis A and in which movement of the needle shield (8) from its “after use” position to its “in use” position is prevented.

Abstract: A cannula insertion device includes a housing defining an opening for receiving therethrough a cannula and further defining a channel, and a cannula forming a lumen, the cannula adapted for sliding movement within the housing from a retracted position to an extended position. When the cannula is in the retracted position, the lumen is located remotely from the channel and the channel is in fluidic communication with the opening. When the cannula is in the extended position, the lumen is in fluidic communication with the channel.

Abstract: An indicating device for indicating the number of dosages of a substance that have been dispensed from or remain in a container includes a first housing member having laterally spaced apart first and second guide members and a second housing member. The first and second housing members are moveable relative to each other along a longitudinal axis. The second housing member includes laterally spaced apart first and second guides shaped to receive the first and second guide members respectively, and wherein the first and second guides are not shaped to receive the second and first guide members respectively. A biasing member biases the second member relative to the first member along the longitudinal axis. An indicating member is disposed between the first and second housing members.

Abstract: A respiration system for noninvasive respiration includes a respiration drive, which is controlled by a control device, and includes a patient module (4) with electrodes for picking up electrode signals from the surface of the chest of a patient. The control device is set up to suppress ECG signals in the electrode signals in order to obtain electromyographic signals (EMG signals) representing the breathing effort and to control the respiration drive as a function of the EMG signals. Provisions are made for deriving ECG signals from the electrode signals before said ECG signals are suppressed and for making data representative of the ECG available for display.