Abstract: One aspect of an intravascular ventricular assist device is an implantable blood pump where the pump includes a housing defining a bore having an axis, one or more rotors disposed within the bore, each rotor including a plurality of magnetic poles, and one or more stators surrounding the bore for providing a magnetic field within the bore to induce rotation of each of the one or more rotors. Another aspect of the invention includes methods of providing cardiac assistance to a mammalian subject as, for example, a human. Further aspects of the invention include rotor bodies having helical channels formed longitudinally along the length of the body of the rotor where each helical channel is formed between peripheral support surface areas facing radially outwardly and extending generally in circumferential directions around the rotational axis of the rotor.

Abstract: A system for acquiring or measuring information relating to a state of dialysance, identifying a dialyzer apparatus, or identifying a membrane filter device during the operation of the dialyzer apparatus in a dialysis treatment of a patient. The dialyzer apparatus includes a housing having an internal volume portion and a membrane filter device arranged within the internal volume portion. The housing allows transmission of radiation. A sensor device connected to the housing of the dialyzer apparatus includes a signal receiving device designed to receive a radiation signal, from the housing, the signal characteristic of the state or the identification of the dialyzer apparatus or of the membrane filter unit of the dialyzer apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal treatment of fluid and a process of setting up a medical apparatus for the delivery or collection of fluids are disclosed. According to the apparatus and the process, a control unit (10) is configured calculate set values of two or more of the fluid flow rates based on a fluid flow rate set by the operator and on a prescribed dose value (Dset).

Abstract: Blood treatment/dialysis systems are disclosed. The systems include a water treatment unit, preferably of the reverse osmosis type, whose outlet has connected thereto a water supply line provided with a number of branch connections having fluidly coupled thereto blood treatment/dialysis machines in a selective manner, and a drain line through which exhausted blood treatment fluid can be discharged from fluidly coupled blood treatment/dialysis machines. Also disclosed is a machine-external heat exchanger, which is connected to the water supply line upstream of the branch connections on one side and to the drain line on the other side.

Abstract: Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus with reservoir status lights and methods of monitoring reservoir status using the same are described. The extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus include a plurality of reservoir scales (30), each of which is configured to weigh a reservoir (32) used in connection with the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. A plurality of reservoir status lights (40) are provided, with one or more of the reservoir status lights (40) associated with one of the reservoir scales (30). The one or more reservoir status lights (40) associated with one of the reservoir scales (30) emit light from a location that is closer to their associated reservoir scale than to any other reservoir scale of the extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of administering nitric oxide (NO) to a patient, the method comprising delivering nitric oxide-containing gas directly into arterial or arterialized blood. The methods of the present invention may be used in the treatment or prevention of a variety of diseases and disorders responsive to nitric oxide, including those resulting from ischemia or hypoxia.

Abstract: A filter apparatus, a method for the manufacture of the filter apparatus, the use of the filter apparatus in medical, chemical and/or biotechnological applications, and an apparatus for use in the manufacture of the filter apparatus. The filter apparatus has a cylindrical housing and a plurality of hollow fibers. The hollow fibers are combined to form a bundle in the housing and are embedded and held in each case at the end sides in a molding compound. The filtrate space is filled with particles of a chemically or physically active substance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for removing leukocytes from a biological fluid are disclosed. The methods and systems include a device that has a magnetic substrate coated with one or more polymeric materials that have an adhesion or adsorption affinity for leukocytes.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treating a lung are disclosed. The method may include deploying a catheter into a blood vessel directing blood towards a portion of the lung, and discharging a media into the blood vessel through the catheter, the media may be configured to at least partially block the flow of blood within the portion of the lung.

Abstract: A pressure relieve valve for cardio pulmonary bypass responsive to abnormal pressure changes due to kinks in conduits used with the valve. In this situation, a principal flow path through a duckbill valve can be bypassed by positive and negative secondary flow paths for pressure relief. The secondary flow paths exist using umbrella valves of opposite orientation blocking holes in a flange separating inlet and outlet extensions of a tubular central body housing the duckbill valve. Each umbrella valve is throttled with a nipple that moderates flow in each of the secondary flow paths for slowing pressure equalization.

Abstract: A sound manipulation system is provided. The sound manipulation system includes a flow chamber arranged and disposed to receive a fluid containing a particulate and provide in-line sound wave manipulation of at least a portion of the particulate from the fluid, and a transducer positioned to facilitate the in-line sound wave manipulation within the flow chamber. The flow chamber includes at least a first portion and a second portion, the first portion being self-aligned and secured to the second portion.

Abstract: An irrigation system for a surgical instrument includes an irrigation tube arranged to convey an irrigation fluid and an irrigation clip structurally arranged to receive a portion of the irrigation tube. The irrigation clip includes a proximal portion, a distal portion, a body portion, and an arm portion. The arm portion is structurally configured to selectively attach the irrigation clip to the surgical instrument and to bias the irrigation clip toward the surgical instrument with a biasing force. The irrigation clip includes a tube locking portion structurally arranged to cooperate with the surgical instrument to engage the outer surface portion of the irrigation tube to inhibit rotation and axial displacement of the irrigation tube relative to the irrigation clip in response to the biasing force.

Abstract: An intravenous (IV) fluid monitoring system includes a sensing element, a user locator device, a location server, and an analytics server. The sensing element senses weight of an IV bag and transmits weight data and a first ID signal corresponding to the IV bag. The user locator device transmits a second ID signal corresponding to a user. The location server stores and periodically updates sets of ID data and locations of a set of users and a plurality of IV bags. The analytics server stores and periodically updates a set of weight data of the plurality of IV bags. The analytics server implements a machine learning algorithm to determine a threshold weight and a threshold rate of flow of the IV fluid in the IV bag and transmits a notification signal to a user who is nearest to the IV bag that needs attention.

Abstract: The problem of infusing air into IV tubing and into a patient from a IV fluid bag inside a pressure infusion cuff is solved by collar embodiments that inhibit the air from being forced into the IV tubing. A collar can include one or more curved arms that create a channel in which that part of the fluid bag is protected against being squeezed by a pressure infusion cuff. A collar allows the fluid bag to be squeezed by the pressure infusion cuff until such time that the fluid level is sufficiently reduced that the collar can inhibit further pressure on the fluid bag by the pressure infusion cuff. Also disclosed is a fluid bag and a pressure infusion cuff that are modified to have a collar incorporated therewith.

Abstract: An active agent or drug injecting device (10) includes a main housing (16) containing a trigger mechanism (24) which can be manually activated via release bar (32) or remotely triggered via wireless receiver (70) activating motor (74), and a second housing (80) containing an injection- and needle-assembly (22). The needle (30) encloses a dry carrier (26) having an active agent (12) disposed thereon. The trigger mechanism triggers the injection assembly to propel the needle into the skin (via spring (54)), to inject the active agent into a living organism (either by letting the active agent diffuse out of the needle or by actively flushing it out), and to subsequently retract the needle back into the housing (80) (via spring (64)).

Abstract: A medicament injection device arranged to receive a replaceable container subassembly includes front and rear housings releasably connectable to each other. A reloadable drive mechanism is accommodated in the rear housing for acting on the plunger of a replaceable container subassembly for expelling medicament. A needle hider front is slidably arranged within the front housing. A needle shield remover is arranged to connect with a needle shield of the replaceable container subassembly and to be removably inserted into a proximal end of the front housing through the needle hider front. The needle shield remover is adapted to interact with the reloadable drive mechanism such that a user can reload the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A syringe packaging system including a shell for enclosing a pre-filled syringe is disclosed. The shell includes a first portion having a proximal end and a distal end having a disk-shaped bottom portion; and a second portion having a proximal end and a distal end. With the first portion engaged with the second portion to form the shell, the proximal end of the first portion and the proximal end of the second portion together define a syringe flange having a top wall that defines a shell proximal aperture, a bottom wall, and a sidewall.

Abstract: A medicine injection device comprises a cartridge having a cartridge barrel and a plunger having a plunger shaft slidable within the cartridge barrel. The cartridge may have, e.g., a pre-filled medicine. The medicine injection device further comprises a body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a cavity in which the cartridge barrel is disposed. The proximal end of the body may optionally form a finger grip. The medicine injection device further comprises a plunger locking mechanism attached to the proximal end of the body. The plunger locking mechanism comprises a member with an aperture slidably engaged with the plunger shaft. The locking mechanism is configured for preventing the plunger from being removed from the cartridge barrel. For example, the plunger shaft may include a locking stop, e.g., a flange, that engages with the aperture in an interference arrangement.

Abstract: Various embodiments relate to a resetting mechanism for resetting a screw spindle of a drug delivery device including a driving element including two opposite driving pillars, connected to a sidewall and disposed in a chamber, a limiting element, movably engaged with the driving element, and two opposite clamping elements, movably disposed on two sides of the screw spindle, each of the clamping elements including a sliding base wherein the sliding base has a guide rail and a recess and a clamping jaw, connected to the sliding base and disposed in the chamber, wherein the opposite driving pillars slide in the guide rails along with the movement of the driving element, when the driving element moves toward the limiting element, the driving pillars drive the two clamping elements to move toward the screw spindle to make the two clamping jaws clamp the screw spindle and when the driving element moves away from the limiting element, the driving pillars drive the two clamping elements to move away from the screw sp

Abstract: A surgical device that provides a suction force against a patient's body. The device includes a handle and a suction head pivotally attached to the handle. The suction head includes an open-ended suction chamber having a rim positioned to engage the patient's skin. An actuator on the handle operates a pump to draw a negative pressure in the suction chamber, causing the rim to seal against the patient's skin via the suction force. Once the suction force is initiated, the user may lift the handle away from the patient's body to lift tissue. The lifted tissue provides a site for insertion of a trocar or Veress needle for a laparoscopic procedure in some embodiments. A gimbal disposed between the handle and the suction head provides at least two degrees of freedom such that the handle can be rotated and pivoted to optimize the direction of applied lifting force.

Abstract: A flow sensor is provided to enable volumetric dose data to be acquired automatically by sampling flow rates of insulin measured by a flow sensor exposed to a flow manifold though which the insulin flows. The flow sensor preferably connects to a standard insulin pen on one end, and to a standard pen needle on the other end. Particular geometries and algorithms are utilized to accommodate the unique requirements of insulin flow determination during an injection event.

Abstract: In a medicament dispensing device (1), when a medicament preparation-containing syringe (11) is replaced, a microprocessor (23) detects the time at which the replacement is performed as the time of the start of use of the preparation, and counts the elapsed time after the use of the preparation has started. Then, the microprocessor (23) notifies the result of the counting by a LCD (10), etc. to the user. Also, the microprocessor (23) detects that a syringe needle for dispensing the preparation has been mounted, and after detecting the mounting of the syringe needle, the microprocessor (23) counts the elapsed time after the start of use of the preparation. When an effective use period has expired, the microprocessor (23) issues a message in a step S17 that the effective period of a medicament has expired.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to the field of nebulizers for aerosol generation and methods of using same for treating diseases and disorders.

Abstract: A gas apparatus for use in a medical procedure may include a housing, a heater, a port, and a dispensing device. The housing defines a chamber having a gas inlet and a gas outlet. The heater warms a gas flowing through the chamber. The port is positioned in fluid communication with the chamber. The dispensing device is inserted within the port for delivering water in aerosol form to warmed gas as it exits the gas outlet.

Abstract: A dilution spacer for a metered-dose inhaler comprises an enclosure defining a dilution chamber. An ambient air inlet and an outlet are in fluid communication with the dilution chamber. The ambient air inlet is positioned opposite the outlet whereby suction through the outlet from outside the enclosure draws ambient air into the enclosure through the ambient air inlet to generate an airflow path from the ambient air inlet through the dilution chamber and out of the outlet. The dilution spacer may include an actuator inlet configured to securely releasably interengage a metered-dose inhaler actuator mouthpiece, or may include a receptacle having an actuator nozzle and configured to receive a metered-dose inhaler canister. A metered-dose inhaler plume entering the dilution chamber intersects the airflow path thereto and airflow along the airflow path entrains and redirects at least a portion of the metered-dose inhaler plume toward the outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to a speech valve for laryngectomy or tracheotomy patients, comprising a cover element, a housing part and a filter, the cover element comprising a piston-shaped closure element and said closure element being connected to the cover element to form one piece therewith. The cover element comprises an elastic material and by deforming at least part of the cover element the closure element closes the speech valve distally of the filter.

Abstract: A covering sheet for covering a skin adhesive surface of a device for holding a tracheostoma device over a tracheostoma of a patient may include a central/medial element for covering the central/medial part of the skin adhesive surface of the device. The covering sheet may include first and second elements arranged laterally of the central/medial element. Lateral peripheral borders of the central/medial element may be positioned adjacent medial peripheral borders of the first and second elements. The peripheral borders may be defined by division lines.

Abstract: A patient interface structure for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a front plate configured to conform to the shape of the patient's face; a mouth cushion defining a breathing chamber and provided to the front plate and configured to seal around the patient's mouth; and a nasal cushion configured to seal the patient's nasal airways. The nasal cushion is supported by the mouth cushion, does not contact a bridge of the patient's nose in use, and extends at least partially into the breathing chamber. A patient interface system includes a patient interface structure and a patient interface structure positioning system configured to position, stabilize and secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's face.

Abstract: An electrically conductive plastic (ECP) material can be used to heat water in a reservoir of a respiratory humidifier to encourage heating and/or humidification of gases passing through the respiratory humidifier. The electrically conductive plastic material can at least in part overmould the base and/or walls of the chamber and/or the reservoir of the respiratory humidifier. The reservoir can also partially or fully be formed from the electrically conductive plastic material. Furthermore, the humidification system can be configured to create substantially equal or differential heating of water in the reservoir.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly for a CPAP includes a base housing with a gas inlet configured to receive respiratory gas from the CPAP unit. The base housing includes a first connecting device located at a sidewall of the base housing and configured to directly, removably connect the base housing to the CPAP unit. The base housing also includes a second connecting device configured to be coupled to an air delivery hose. The humidifier assembly further includes a liquid storage container that is removably received in the base housing. The liquid storage container includes a liquid storage space configured to store liquid and a humidifying region configured to receive the respiratory gas from the gas feed opening and receive a partial amount of the liquid stored in the liquid storage space to enrich the respiratory gas with moisture.

Abstract: A venturi connector includes a housing having a mixing chamber defined therein and at least one window that is in fluid communication with the mixing chamber and is open to atmosphere to allow air to be entrained into the mixing chamber. The connector includes a nozzle actuator member includes a body having a plurality of discrete nozzles formed therein. The nozzles are defined by different sized venturi orifices through which gas flows, thereby allowing the concentration of the gas delivered to the patient to be varied. The nozzle actuator member is disposed within one window formed in the housing between the gas port and the mixing chamber such that the position of the nozzle actuator member within the housing can be adjusted so as to position one of the discrete nozzles into the gas flow path, thereby controlling the flow rate of the gas into the mixing chamber and ultimately the concentration of gas delivered to the patient.

Abstract: Dream stage enhancement uses a headband with EEG-EOG sensors, onboard processors, memory, coarse and fine time REM waveform detection modules, LEDs and an audio playback unit. After normalization to the user's EEG waveforms, the user's EEG-EOG signals are processed, REM and NREM stages detected and light, sound or AV stimuli are presented to the user based upon user-supplied light-sound-AV stimuli commands. To provide a reality check control (“RCC”), the head unit has a user actuatable RC interface whereby during sleep, RC stimuli are presented when the user depresses the RCC control which plays back the user supplied stimulus. In a “learning mode,” the user selects “Recall” or “No Recall” (“NR”) after the sleep period. If NR, then the system changes the color of light stimuli, light intensity, flash, audio sound type, audio intensity, and AV. If “Recall” the user supplied stimuli commands are carried out.

Abstract: Various embodiments may include methods of manufacture of a retrofitted neural injection system. Various embodiments may include acquiring an injection needle comprising a hollow cannula with an open distal end. Then, forming at least one side port in the hollow cannula proximate to the distal end. Then, sealing the open distal end of the hollow cannula with a biocompatible sealant so as to eliminate fluid communication between an inside and an outside of the hollow cannula via the distal end. In some embodiments, the biocompatible sealant may be comprised of a thermosetting material. In some embodiments, the biocompatible sealant may be comprised of a cured epoxy resin. In some embodiments, the biocompatible sealant may be comprised of an aliphatic polymer. In some embodiments, the biocompatible sealant may be comprised of a polyfluorocarbon.

Abstract: Flexible packaging with an integrated component for controlled dispensing of a flexible elongate tubular product, such as a catheter, retained within the packaging. The dispensing control device is disposed at one end of the packaging and includes a housing and a locking member. The housing member is attached to one end of the packaging and provides a linear exit passageway through the packaging. The locking member is hingedly attached to the housing within the product retention chamber, and has an orifice that extends through the locking member. The locking member is pivotable relative to the housing as between a first dispensing position wherein the central axis of the orifice is aligned with the central axis of the passageway, and a second locked position wherein the central axis of the orifice is misaligned with the central axis of the pathway through the housing.

Abstract: In some examples, a medical device package includes an elongated tube member defining a lumen, wherein the lumen is configured to receive an elongated medical device. The elongated tube member defines a non-concentric shape, such as a shape that includes a plurality of clockwise turns and a plurality of counterclockwise turns.

Abstract: The present invention provides a flexible catheter system and method for providing easier access and delivery of therapeutics and or devices via the human vasculature. The flexible catheter system comprises a luer connector attached to a flexible catheter body by a proximal shaft. The method includes the steps of providing a patient in need of an interventional procedure, obtaining a flexible catheter system, inserting the flexible catheter system into the patient through the right radial artery located in the right arm of the patient, and tracking the flexible catheter body from the right radial artery to the heart of the patient.

Abstract: The invention provides a deflectable catheter capable of forming many variable radius spiral forms from a single, flexible, distal end section. In one aspect, the catheter employs a variable radius control wire to extend or deform a pre-formed loop structure into a three dimensional spiral-like form or geometry. The ability of a single catheter to create a multitude of shapes and sizes allows users to access to a number of anatomical areas without changing the catheter during a procedure or treatment. In another aspect, the invention encompasses methods of producing deflectable variable radius catheters, where two or more regions of the catheter having common control wires are fused or formed onto one another.

Abstract: A needle steering system and apparatus provides active, semi-autonomous control of needle insertion paths while still enabling a clinician ultimate control over needle insertion. The present teaching describes a method and system for controlling needle path as the needle is inserted by precisely controlling the rotation of the needle as it continuously rotates during insertion. This enables underactuated 2 degree-of-freedom (DOF) control of the direction and the curvature of the needle from a single rotary actuator. Control of the rotary motion is therefore decoupled from the needle insertion. The rotary motion controls steering effort and direction, while the insertion controls needle depth or insertion speed. In one implementation, the proposed method does not require constant velocity insertion, interleaved insertion and rotation, or known insertion position or speed. The insertion may be provided by a robot or other automated method, may be a manual insertion, or may be a teleoperated insertion.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a wire guide having a helical outer wire and a non-helical core wire slidable within the outer wire between an advanced position and a retracted position. The outer wire includes a steering tip having a medium stiffness and a bending bias, and the core wire includes a higher stiffness and a straightening bias. The assembly further includes a catheter slidable over the outer wire to a steering configuration. A distal catheter end includes a compliant lower stiffness, and is adjustable in the steering configuration between a straight shape and a curved shape.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to medical devices and related methods. In some embodiments, the methods include applying a material to the balloon and then removing the material from one or more regions of the balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for dilating an upper esophageal sphincter. The apparatus includes an elongated expandable member having a cross-section shaped to support a natural shape of an upper esophageal sphincter. A catheter extends from the elongated inflatable member.

Abstract: A shunt device for directing fluid from a human head, and methods thereof are provided herein. The device can be mounted at a skull and include a first catheter that extends into a portion of the head such as a lateral ventricle. The first catheter can covey fluid through, and past a valve to a shunt body. The shunt body can include openings, allowing the fluid to reenter the head, for example at the subarachnoid space. The shunt body can also include other openings that can be associated with a second catheter. Fluid can thus also be conveyed out of the body or to a subgaleal pocket.

Abstract: A method of treatment and a nasal delivery device for dosages containing dissolved gaseous carbon dioxide in saline fluid for treating head ailments includes: a) a main housing having a hollow central area containing the dosage; b) a dosage dispenser head located at the distal end of the main housing, having at least one flow channel for movement of the dosage from the main housing through the dosage dispenser head and externally of the dosage dispenser head; c) a dosage release control component located between the main housing and the dosage dispenser head to permit flow of the dosage through the dosage dispenser head in response to increased pressure against the dosage at a flow rate of less than 1 cc per second; and d) a pressure-changing moveable component located on the main housing.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a transdermal drug delivering device which solves the problems that in the prior art, because absorptive force of an outer annular cavity caused by negative pressure is weakened, an application disk is prone to falling off.

Abstract: An applicator for applying a fluid to a surface is provided, the applicator comprising a support comprising an upper outer surface and a lower holding surface; a flexible membrane comprising a central opening, an inner wall comprising a lower end and an upper end, an outer wall at least partially surrounding the upper outer surface of the support, the outer wall comprising a lower end and an upper end, and an upper folded wall connecting the upper ends of the inner wall and outer wall; and a membrane holder for fixedly securing the lower end of the inner wall of the flexible membrane to the upper outer surface of the support; wherein the upper surface of the membrane holder and the inner wall of the flexible membrane define a reservoir for holding a fluid, and wherein the lower end of the outer wall of the flexible membrane is free to move axially relative to the upper outer surface of the support when pressure is applied to the upper folded wall of the flexible membrane.

Abstract: The present disclosure generally relates to methods and compositions for treating skin. In some embodiments, the method uses an exfoliation tool. In some embodiments, the method uses an exfoliation tool together with selected skin care agents or compositions.

Abstract: A tattooing apparatus including a needle having at least one tip. The needle is configured to move between a first position in which the tip is located above the surface of a skin, and a second position in which the tip is located at a penetration depth underneath the skin surface. The needle is further configured to deposit an ink between the skin surface and the penetration depth. The tattooing apparatus further includes a needle drive mechanism configured to move the needle between the first position and the second position. The tattooing apparatus includes a sensor configured to output a feedback signal corresponding to a skin thickness characteristic. The tattooing apparatus further includes a controller configured to receive the feedback signal, wherein the controller is configured to adjust the penetration depth based on the skin thickness characteristic.

Abstract: An assembly for identifying a power injectable vascular access port, including a vascular access port and an identification feature. The port is structured for power injection and includes a housing and a septum together defining a reservoir. A radiographic feature incorporated into the port is perceivable via x-ray following subcutaneous implantation, the radiographic feature identifying the port as suitable for flowing fluid at a fluid flow rate of at least 1 mL/sec therethrough. A structural feature of the port is perceivable via palpation following subcutaneous implantation, the structural feature identifying the port as suitable for accommodating a pressure within the reservoir of at least 35 psi. The identification feature is separated from the port and confirms that the port is both suitable for flowing fluid at a rate of at least 1 mL/sec therethrough and suitable for accommodating a pressure within the reservoir of at least 35 psi.

Abstract: An access port for providing subcutaneous access to a patient is disclosed. The access port includes a septum including palpable identification indicia thereon. In particular, the access port in one embodiment includes a body that defines a fluid cavity and a needle-penetrable septum covering the fluid cavity for providing access thereto. The septum defines an outer periphery. One or more palpation features are included on the septum. The palpation features each include a portion that extends in a radial direction beyond the outer periphery of the septum. The palpation features are therefore disposed relatively farther away from each other, simplifying palpation and identification thereof after the port has been subcutaneously implanted into a patient. The palpation features can be indicative of an attribute of the port, such as its ability to withstand fluid pressures and flow rates associated with power injection, for instance.