Abstract: A method of culturing human or mammalian mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) or osteoblastic cells to form corresponding cell aggregates evenly distributed in the culturing medium having a reduced content of cells with fibroblast morphology comprises contacting MSC or OC with a water-soluble cellulose derivative over a period of from 1 day to one or two weeks. Also disclosed are a corresponding aggregates, a culture medium and a pharmaceutical composition, and uses of the aggregate, the culturing medium and the composition.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composite hemocompatible material and a method for producing a composite hemocompatible material. The composite material includes a synthetic substrate and an animal biological tissue. The animal biological tissue is interlinked the synthetic substrate so as to bond the animal biological tissue to the synthetic substrate and form the composite hemocompatible material.

Abstract: Described here are delivery devices for delivering one or more implants to the body, and methods of using. The delivery devices may deliver implants to a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the delivery devices have a cannula with one or more curved sections. In some variations, a pusher may be used to release one or more implants from the cannula. In some variations, one or more of the released implants may be a self-expanding device. Methods of delivering implants to one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a bio-degradable implant based on magnesium having a reduced corrosion rate and to a method for the production of such an implant. It is a method for treating a surface of a bio-degradable metallic implant comprising the following steps: providing a dispersed system comprising a colloid-dispersed apatite and adding an apatite powder to the dispersed system, subjecting an implant to the dispersed system such that a surface of the implant which is to be treated is immersed in the dispersed system wherein the implant comprises a magnesium based alloy, applying an AC voltage difference between the implant as a first electrode and a second electrode positioned in the dispersed system for generating a plasma electrolytic oxidation on the immersed surface of the implant so that the immersed surface is converted to an oxide film which is at least partially covered by apatites formed by the colloid-dispersed apatite and the apatite powder.

Abstract: Methods of reducing crimping damage to polymer and drug coating on a scaffold are disclosed. The methods include physically aging a coating including a coating polymer and drug mixture on a scaffold in a manner that takes into account the differing kinetics of aging, that is, the different temperature dependence of the aging rate of the polymer and drug.

Abstract: The present disclosure describes a medical device assembly comprising an expandable medical device wrapped with an improved constraining sleeve. The sleeve in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure is thin walled and translucent, having reduced edge sharpness. The sleeve in accordance with the present disclosure exhibits resistance to ripping and delamination. Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide methods of making sheet material usable for constraining sleeves from flattened film tubes. Methods for making improved constraining sleeves and medical device assemblies that comprise an improved constraining sleeve are also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for reducing the likelihood of stent thrombosis following implantation in a subject is provided. A stent is provided including a body having a plurality of struts and one or more coatings applied to the body including at least one polymer, a therapeutic agent for inhibiting restenosis, a loading dose of a first antiplatelet agent and a maintenance dose of the first antiplatelet agent, and a loading dose of a second antiplatelet agent and a maintenance dose of the second antiplatelet agent.

Abstract: A reduced pressure dressing for applying reduced pressure treatment to a tissue site includes an interface layer adapted to be positioned at the tissue site. An absorbent layer is in fluid communication with the interface layer to absorb liquid from at least one of the interface layer and the tissue site. A pump is in fluid communication with the absorbent layer to deliver a reduced pressure to the tissue site. A cover is positioned over the pump, the absorbent layer, and the interface layer to maintain the reduced pressure at the tissue site, and a liquid-air separator is positioned between the absorbent layer and the pump to inhibit liquid from entering the pump.

Abstract: An interventional catheter assembly comprising a catheter for insertion and guidance to a target site in a body lumen or a cavity and an operating head mounted in proximity to a distal end of the catheter and comprising a system for removing obstructive material from the target site is provided. In certain embodiments, the catheter assembly includes at least one aspiration port located proximal to the operating head that communicates with a first sealed lumen for withdrawing fluids and obstructive material from the target site. The catheter assembly may also include at least one liquid infusion port that communicates with a second sealed lumen for supplying fluid to a location in proximity to the target site. Kits including the interventional catheter assembly with an aspiration and/or infusion conduit are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are several embodiments of a negative pressure apparatus and methods of using the same in the treatment of wounds. Some embodiments are directed towards improved fluidic connectors configured to transmit irrigation fluid and to apply aspiration to a wound, for example using softer, kink-free conformable layers. Some embodiments may comprise a first channel for delivering irrigation fluid to the wound and a second channel for transmitting negative pressure and removing fluid comprising irrigation fluid and wound exudate from the wound, wherein the channels comprise a flexible spacer material. Some embodiments are directed toward an irrigation manifold attachable to or incorporated as part of a distal end of an irrigation and aspiration fluidic connector.

Abstract: A method for sterilely recovering amniotic fluid is provided. The amniotic fluid is used for regenerative medicine purposes. The method utilizes a suction device that does not harm the infant.

Abstract: A coring knife can be used to make a circular incision. The coring knife can include an abutment that can be inserted into heart tissue. The circular incision is made by pressing the circular cutting edge of the coring knife against the abutment.

Abstract: Provided is a slide device which includes a fixed-side slide member having an annular-shaped first slide surface, and a rotary-side slide member having an annular-shaped second slide surface, with the slide device being configured such that the first slide surface and the second slide surface are positioned opposite to each other, and an outer peripheral side of the fixed-side slide member and an outer peripheral side of the rotary-side slide member are brought into contact with a liquid containing a blood component, and a region where the first slide surface and the second slide surface face each other along the rotary-side slide member, the first slide surface and the second slide surface are brought into contact with each other on an outermost periphery of the opposite-facing region of the first and second slide surfaces.

Abstract: Methods are provided for controlling the speed of a pump based on a valve state index and/or for deriving a valve state from time-series signal representing a pressure difference or a flow rate. The methods may be employed in blood pump systems or in blood pump control systems.

Abstract: A flow loop for hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration for the treatment of pathological conditions such as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) that has a controlled compliant flow path for preparing fluids required for a hemodialysis therapy session from water. The controlled compliant flow path modifies water into any one of a solution for priming a hemodialysis system, a physiologically compatible solution for contacting blood, a physiologically compatible solution for infusion to a subject, and a solution for blood rinse back to a subject. The controlled compliant flow path has a means for selectively metering in and metering out fluid from the flow path.

Abstract: A life support system such as a heart-lung machine may include a plurality of medical devices a control panel and an excellent control position. The control panel may have separate control elements for operating the medical devices. The control panel may be constructed protruding essentially flat over a floor area of the majority of the medical devices. The control panel may be constructed to protrude in such a manner, that a control element, aligned only with a particular device and with the control position, is assigned to each device.

Abstract: An air separator (1) comprises a first chamber (2) where blood or other fluid can be received, an inlet and an outlet port associated to the bottom wall (4) and in fluid communication with the first chamber. A first channel (14) extending along the lateral wall of the separator and has a first and a second portion (16 and 18). The channel second portion (18) terminally forms an orifice (15) facing the chamber and extending in an area closer to a top wall (5) of the chamber (2) than to the bottom wall of the same chamber. The orifice faces the top of the separator and has a flow passage cross section greater than that of a first portion (16) of the channel.

Abstract: Restenosis or neointimal formation may occur following angioplasty or other trauma to an artery such as by-pass surgery. This presents a major clinical problem which narrows the artery. The invention provides a balloon catheter with a particular electrode configuration. Also provided is a method whereby vascular cells in the area of the artery subjected to the trauma are subjected to irreversible electroporation which is a non-thermal, non-pharmaceutical method of applying electrical pulses to the cells so that substantially all of the cells in the area are ablated while leaving the structure of the vessel in place and substantially unharmed due to the non-thermal nature of the procedure.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for reducing the accumulation of gases in an implantable infusion device. In one example, an implantable infusion device (IID) includes a housing, an expandable and contractible reservoir, and a standoff member. The expandable and contractible reservoir is configured to store a therapeutic agent and is arranged within the housing. A first end of the reservoir is configured to collapse toward a second end of the reservoir as the reservoir contracts. The standoff member is interposed between the first end and the second end of the reservoir and is configured to hold at least a portion of the first end offset from the second end when the reservoir is in a contracted state.

Abstract: An embodiment of a fluid infusion device includes a fluid pump mechanism having a rotor and a stator. The rotor includes a reference surface and a cam element rising from the reference surface. The stator includes a cam element having a stator cam surface. The cam elements cooperate to axially displace the rotor as a function of rotation. A biasing element provides force to urge the cam elements together. A drive motor is coupled to actuate the rotor to pump medication fluid from a fluid cartridge module to a body, via a subcutaneous conduit. A force sensor is coupled to the rotor to generate output levels in response to force imparted thereto. The force sensor cooperates with a detection circuit that obtains and processes the output levels to detect occlusions in a fluid path downstream of the fluid pump mechanism.

Abstract: A system for at least partial closed-loop control of a medical condition is disclosed. The system includes at least one medical fluid pump. The medical fluid pump including a sensor for determining the volume of fluid pumped by the pump. Also, at least one continuous analyte monitor, and a controller. The controller is in communication with the medical fluid pump and the at least one continuous analyte monitor. The controller includes a processor. The processor includes instructions for delivery of medical fluid based at least on data received from the at least one continuous analyte monitor.

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: Embodiments include a displacement-generating battery cell for driving a drug-delivery device. The cell includes at least one volume-changing element. The cell also includes a housing formed according to a concertina-shaped design with folds in the walls thereof and containing an internal chemical reaction system. The arrangement of the chemical reaction system is such that as the cell is discharged, the volume-changing element expands, thereby lengthening the battery and thus reducing the extent of said folds, such that the cell becomes taller to reflect the expansion of the volume-changing component.

Abstract: The present invention provides an emergency supply valve to support the in situ administration of a drug to a subject in need thereof, comprising an infusion needle connected to a movable piston, wherein said piston is forwarded by infusion solution unable to pass the regular drug line due to kinking or obstruction thereof, a self-sealing membrane that is disrupted by the infusion needle when the piston is in a forward position, a connecting unit that connects the needle to the regular drug conduit when the needle is in a forward position, and a pressure sensitive mechanism that retracts the piston from the forward position when an increased pressure of the drug supply is normalized and its use for the treatment of subjects in need thereof.

Abstract: A system for modulating delivery of a fluid medium to a selected site within a patient's body includes a syringe for injecting the fluid medium, a delivery catheter including a conduit for delivering the fluid medium from outside of the body to the selected site within the body, a medium reservoir configured to receive a portion of the fluid medium, and a flow diverter assembly disposed in a fluid medium flow path between the syringe and the delivery catheter. The syringe includes a chamber for receiving the fluid medium therein. The flow diverter assembly is configured to divert the portion of the fluid medium from the chamber of the syringe away from the delivery of the medium through the delivery catheter conduit during injecting with the syringe, and simultaneously increase medium fluid flow resistance with increasing pressure level of the fluid medium within the flow diverter assembly.

Abstract: A novel enhanced infusion pump system is adapted for dispensing medicament from a flow material reservoir Software used in conjunction with a pressure sensor can determine a backstroke volume of medicament that can be used to calculate the volume of medicament in the flow material reservoir.

Abstract: The application concerns an autoinjector comprising a syringe, a driver for driving the plunger of the syringe and a stabilizing adaptor for holding the injector on the skin of a patient. The stabilizing adaptor has an adhesive base with a long axis to short axis ratio of at least 1.5 to 1. The syringe is orientated with its axis at an angle of between 60 and 120 degrees to the base during operation of the autoinjector.

Abstract: A method of making a delivery device (10) for therapeutic agent, drug or vaccine is disclosed. The method includes providing a flat panel wafer, forming a plurality of reservoirs, with each reservoir defining a cavity, within the flat panel wafer, and attaching a cover layer (20) across the plurality of reservoirs. The method also includes filling the plurality of reservoirs with at least one of a therapeutic agent, drug, and vaccine to form a plurality of filled reservoirs, and providing a housing portion adjacent each of the plurality of filled reservoirs to form a composed layer. The method also includes separating the composed layer into a plurality of delivery devices, wherein each delivery device includes a reservoir. The delivery device may be suitable for self-injection use.

Abstract: One embodiment is directed to a system for injecting, comprising a syringe body defining an interior medicine chamber; a stopper member configured to be inserted into the interior medicine chamber to contain medicine within the medicine chamber; a plunger member configured to be manually manipulated to insert the stopper member relative to the syringe body; and a needle having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end comprising an anchoring geometry configured to be at least partially inserted into the stopper member such that upon retraction of the stopper member, the needle is pulled proximally along with the stopper to be at least partially contained within the interior medicine chamber.

Abstract: An assembly for the administration of a selected dosage of insulin or other medicaments from a cartridge by moving a plug guided in said cartridge, comprises an adapter assembly for adapting cartridges with different dimensions or contents. The adapter assembly comprises a first threaded element threaded with a thread lead and movable in a moving direction to move the plug, and a second threaded element threaded with a thread lead for setting a selected dosage, pivotably screwed to said first threaded element and limiting the movement of said first threaded element, and wherein said thread lead of said first element and said thread lead of said second threaded element are adapted to the dimensions and/or the contents of said cartridge.

Abstract: A handheld injection device includes a housing and a dose indicator positioned within and axially constrained to the housing and rotatable with respect to the housing during dose setting and during dose dispensing. The dose indicator includes a flexible clicker arm which, only during dispense, is displaced in a first radial direction and, when the device reaches its minimum dose position, in a second, opposite radial direction.

Abstract: Pen needle packaging concepts provide sterile packaging which can be made with fewer small parts and which can be opened with one hand, streamlining the process of installing the pen needle on the medication pen. In some instances, the packaging operates as a sharps container to store the pen needle after use.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device includes a housing with a compartment for a medicament container, an injection needle arranged to housing and connectable to the medicament container for delivering a dose of medicament, a manually operated activation mechanism, an actuation mechanism operably connected to the activation mechanism and configured to extend the injection needle, upon activation of the activation mechanism, from a first position inside the housing to a second position for penetrating a patient, a plunger rod in the housing configured to act on the medicament container for delivering a dose of medicament through the injection needle, a driver configured to acting on the plunger rod for delivering the dose, and a needle cover operably arranged in the housing between a position inside the housing and an extended position outside the housing for shielding the injection needle when the injection needle is in the second position.

Abstract: An auto-retracting hypodermic syringe has a housing extending axially to form a collar and housing interacting syringe components, an outer barrel is fixed within or forms part of the housing and an inner barrel is slidably mounted within the outer barrel for rearward movement within the outer barrel, the inner barrel has a mount for mounting a hypodermic needle on it or a needle already within a mount; a plunger has a piston on its distal end for withdrawing liquid dosage into the inner barrel when the plunger is pulled back and for injecting dosage when the plunger is pushed forward; axially-spaced, different-diameter discs on the plunger engage with radially pivoting, hinged latching arms formed on the proximal end of the housing and there are other associated latch members on the inner barrel and the housing which move inwards and outwards in correspondence with forward and rearward movements of the plunger; a coil spring is placed between the housing and inner barrel to exert needle retraction force agai

Abstract: Described is an autoinjector comprising a case, a drive carriage disposed in the case, and a plunger coupled to the drive carriage. The plunger is adapted to releasably engage a needle retraction mechanism in a syringe. Translation of the drive carriage in a distal direction relative to the case causes the plunger to engage the needle retraction mechanism and translation of the drive carriage in a proximal direction relative to the casing case the plunger to needle retraction mechanism the stopper.

Abstract: A safety needle assembly for an injector is provided herein which, in a first aspect of the subject invention, includes a needle having a distal end formed for injection, a carrier for supporting the needle, and a shield for selectively covering the distal end of the needle. The shield includes at least one through aperture formed therein, wherein the at least one through aperture is superimposed over the distal end of the needle in an initial state prior to the injection. In a further aspect of the subject invention, a safety needle assembly is provided which includes a needle having a distal end formed for injection, a carrier for supporting the needle, and a shield for selectively covering the distal end of the needle. The shield includes a proximal and, a distal end and a sidewall extending therebetween.

Abstract: A single use delivery device is disclosed having a manually deformable liquid container defining an inner chamber, the container having a distal end, a body, a proximal end, and an outlet on the distal end; a tip projecting from the outlet on the distal end of the container, the tip in fluid communication with the inner chamber of the container; and a primer element for removing one or more air bubbles from the chamber, said primer element being attached to and in fluid communication with the deformable container. A method of administering a fluid to or flushing a vascular access device using a single use pre-filled delivery device as described herein is also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for controlled delivery of medicinal fluid includes a fluid pathway assembly defining a fluid pathway and including means for calculating a first calculated fluid flow rate using gas laws. The fluid pathway assembly has an inline flow sensor element received within the fluid pathway movable in response to fluid flowing in the fluid pathway. A flow control device is removably attached to the fluid pathway assembly and has a sensor for sensing a position of the inline flow sensor element in the fluid pathway, the position of the inline flow sensor element being representative of a second calculated fluid flow rate. The fluid pathway assembly includes a variable flow resistor adjustable to regulate a rate of fluid flow in the fluid pathway assembly. A drive mechanism attached to the flow control device is operably coupled to the variable flow resistor when the flow control device is attached to the fluid pathway assembly.

Abstract: A device for inhaling powdery substances, in particular of a medical nature, contained in capsules, can be brought into an emptying position via a receptacle that can be moved in a flat housing, in which position the capsule wall can be pierced via movable needles for the purpose of sucking out the capsule content through a mouthpiece channel, which extends in axial extension of the capsule chamber. The receptacle is designed as a part of the narrow lateral wall of the flat housing that can be pivoted out to a limited extent about an axis and a partial region of the narrow lateral wall plane is designed as a spring-loaded push-button for the needle bearings, in such a way that the partial region moves back to the plane of the narrow lateral wall at a maximum.

Abstract: An intubation system of the present disclosure intubates based on an airway pattern indicating a trachea opening. The airway pattern is determined from analysis of airway data detected by a trachea identifying device disposed on a moveable guide stylet of the intubation system. A navigation element is generated based on the airway pattern. In one embodiment, the airway pattern is a gas exchange pattern indicating a trachea opening. In another embodiment, the trachea opening transition pattern is a topographic pattern indicating a trachea opening. The guide stylet is capable of moving in a plurality of degrees of freedom in the airway following the guidance from the navigation element.

Abstract: Described herein is a nasal cannula apparatus. The apparatus is configured to detect the pressurized flow of breathable gas to and/or from the airway of a subject through the nose of the subject. The apparatus comprises a body, a first nasal cannula system formed in the body configured to engage a first nostril of a first nasal passage, and a second nasal cannula system formed in the body configured to engage a second nostril of a second nasal passage of the subject. The second nasal cannula system is joined to first nasal cannula system by a bridge such that the first nasal cannula system engages the first nostril and second nasal cannula system engages the second nostril at the same time. The apparatus is configured to transmit expiratory and inspiratory nasal pressurized flow to connective conduits.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube apparatus is provided which comprises an endotracheal tube insertable into a trachea of a patient, wherein the endotracheal tube has a sidewall and includes a first passageway, wherein the first passageway is a ventilation passageway to provide ventilation to the patient; a fluid sampling port connected to the sidewall of the endotracheal tube; the fluid sampling port including a fluid sampling passageway, the fluid sampling passageway to obtain a fluid sample comprising one or more gases exhaled from the patient; and the fluid sampling port including a connector to connect the fluid sampling port to an analyzer to detect a presence of carbon dioxide gas in the fluid sample.

Abstract: In a breathing apparatus and a method for the operation thereof, a gas monitor monitors at least one gas and includes a pump that controls a sidestream flow from a patient circuit to the gas monitor via a sampling line having a first end connectable to the gas monitor and a second end connectable to the patient circuit. At least one pressure sensor measures a pressure at the sidestream gas monitor and provides a first pressure signal indicative of the measured pressure. A processor determines if a leakage is occurring in the sampling line based on the pressure signal.

Abstract: A mixer-heater device provides controllable reduction in aerosol droplet size. Additionally, an intermittent delivery mode for administering an aerosol to a patient may take into account patient expiration and reduce aerosol losses without prolonging treatment time. Depositional losses in aerosol delivery systems may be reduced by streamlining the three dimensional geometry of conduits which change stream direction or flow path diameter. Ventilation systems may also benefit from streamlined components, in particular Y-connectors, with resulting advantages such as reduced rebreathed CO2.

Abstract: A medical tube has a tube wall, a first end and a second end. At least one heater wire is wrapped around the wall. Near or at one of the first end or the second end, there is at least one recess in an outer surface of the wall. The heater wire passes over the at least one tube recess such that the wire does not contact the wall in the area of the tube recess. Also disclosed are methods of making the tube and components used in making the tube.

Abstract: A gas generating system for health use is provided, including a hydrogen-oxygen gas generator and an atomized/volatile gas generator. The hydrogen-oxygen gas generator has a first casing. The first casing accommodates an electrolysis device for electrolyzing water in order to produce a gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen. The atomized/volatile gas generator has a second casing, the second casing accommodates a gas mixing camber coupled to the electrolysis device to receive and combine the gas mixture of hydrogen and oxygen with water vapor, an atomized medicine, a volatile essential oil or any combination thereof in order to produce a healthy gas for a user to inhale.

Abstract: The invention relates to an inhaler component for forming a vapor-air mixture and/or condensation aerosol by vaporizing a liquid material and optionally condensing the vapor formed, including: a heating element for vaporizing a portion of the liquid material; a wick for automatically supplying the liquid material to the heating element, wherein the wick includes at least two end sections arranged apart from each other; a first capillary gap for automatically supplying the liquid material to the wick, wherein a first end section of the wick projects into the first capillary gap. In order that the heating element can be supplied more quickly and more reliably with the liquid material, a second capillary gap is provided, which receives therein the second end section of the wick.

Abstract: Various equipment and methods associated with providing a concentrated product gas are provided. In one embodiment, the equipment includes an input device first and second sieve tanks, a variable restrictor, and a controller. In one embodiment, the method includes: a) selecting a desired output setting for the concentrated product gas from a plurality of output settings, b) separating one or more adsorbable components from a pressurized source gaseous mixture via first and second sieve tanks in alternating and opposing pressurization and purging cycles to form the concentrated product gas, and c) selectively controlling a variable restrictor based at least in part on the desired output setting to selectively provide flow between the first and second sieve tanks such that the flow for at least one output setting is different from the flow for at least one other output setting in relation to corresponding pressurization cycles.

Abstract: A urinary catheter includes a tube and a tip. The tube has a tube wall defining a lumen extending between a distal tube end and a proximal tube end, with an opening formed in the tube wall. The tip extends from the proximal tube end to a closed proximal tip end. An inside diameter of the lumen increases constantly along an entire length of the tube from a first inside diameter measured at the proximal tube end to a second inside diameter measured at the distal tube end, where the first inside diameter is smaller than the second inside diameter such that the lumen is formed in a conical shape that diverges from the proximal tube end to a wider cross-sectional opening at the distal tube end.

Abstract: A shaft of a catheter is disclosed, the shaft has a thin portion, which constitutes a distal side of the shaft, a thick portion which is provided further on a proximal side than the thin portion, and a tapered portion which is provided between the thin portion and the thick portion. The tapered portion is formed more flexibly than the thick portion. The thick portion has a first thick portion and a second thick portion which is provided between the tapered portion and the first thick portion. The second thick portion has a smaller outer diameter than the outer diameter of a proximal end of the tapered portion and the outer diameter of the first thick portion, and is formed more flexibly than the first thick portion.