Abstract: This invention relates to a wound dressing, particularly to a stimuli responsive wound dressing comprising a lyophilized hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel, and a plurality of devices embedded within said lyophilized hyaluronic acid hydrogel. Each of the plurality of devices including chitosan and hypromellose and may be formed as biofilms and/or electrospun fiber mats.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to bone cement formulations that have an extended working time for use in vertebroplasty procedures and other osteoplasty procedures together with cement injectors that include energy delivery systems for on-demand control of cement viscosity and flow parameters. The bone cement formulations may include a liquid component having at least one monomer and a non-liquid component including polymer particles and benzoyl peroxide (BPO). The non-liquid component may be further configured to allow controlled exposure of the BPO to the liquid monomer so as to enable control of the viscosity of the bone cement composition.

Abstract: This invention provides aragonite- and calcite-based scaffolds for the repair, regeneration, enhancement of formation or a combination thereof of cartilage and/or bone, which scaffolds comprise at least two phases, wherein each phase differs in terms of its chemical content, or structure, kits comprising the same, processes for producing solid aragonite or calcite scaffolds and methods of use thereof.

Abstract: In certain described embodiments, implantable medical materials comprise a scaffolding material, a liquid organic binder, and entrapped calcium-containing particles. The medical materials can incorporate an osteoinductive factor such as a protein. The scaffolding material can bind the factor. In additional described embodiments, implantable medical materials include an osteoconductive scaffolding material, an incorporated osteoinductive factor, and a biodegradable barrier material effective to delay release of the factor from the scaffolding material. The scaffolding material can bind the factor. Also described a methods for preparing and implanting the described medical materials.

Abstract: A tissue modification apparatus includes at least a first plurality of grippers aligned in a plane adapted to secure a first edge of a patch of tissue. The plurality of grippers are each secured to a first force actuator. The first plurality of grippers are each adapted to pivot relative to the first force actuator about an axis perpendicular to the plane. In some cases, a plurality of grippers are attached to a force actuator by a passive force transfer mechanism. In some cases, individual force actuators are attached by pivoted connections to individual grippers. Methods of treating tissue can secure tensioned tissue to a frame to retain the tension during a treatment (e.g., cross-linking the tissue with a chemical cross-linker).

Abstract: Drug delivery balloons have densely packed crystals of small particle size of the drug thereon. An amorphous drug coating is applied to a balloon surface and annealed to provide the crystals. The balloon surface is nucleated to induce formation of drug crystals in the annealing step to provide the crystals in high density with small size.

Abstract: The present application discloses the use of a polyurethane material in the preparation of a latex product, wherein the polyurethane material comprises a waterborne polyurethane and nano-silver. The polyurethane material of the present application is made of a combination of a waterborne polyurethane and nano-silver, which gives rise to the said latex products not only having a broad spectrum of antimicrobial activity including inactivating HIV-1 and HSV, but also having the ability to inactivate the microorganism in a short time.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to substrates associated with nitric oxide.

Abstract: A system may include an elongate tubular member having a first lumen, a second lumen, and a crossover port extending in between the first and second lumens such that the two lumens are in fluid communication with each other via the crossover port. The first lumen may have a distal opening that is more restrictive than a distal opening of the second lumen. Fluid may be inserted into the first lumen, where it flows distally toward the crossover port. When the fluid reaches the crossover port, at least some of the fluid may enter the second lumen where the fluid passes through the distal opening of the second lumen to outside the tubular member. A blocking structure may be disposed near the distal opening of the first lumen, which may at least partially seal the distal opening of the first lumen.

Abstract: An adapter for use in a system for collecting colostrum and/or breast milk may include: a body having a predominantly cylindrical shape; a first open end of the body for connecting to a funnel device; a second open end of the body for connecting to a source of suction; a blocking member inside the body, between the first open end and the second open end; an aperture in the blocking member to allow suction force applied at the second open end to generate suction at the first open end; a reservoir extending off of a side of the body, between the first open end and the blocking member; and a port disposed on the distal end of the reservoir for connecting the adapter to a fluid collection device.

Abstract: An implantable blood pump includes an impeller rotatable about a rotational axis, having a body with a bottom surface at a downstream end and a central opening centered about the axis extending at least partially through the body from the bottom surface. A projecting element, e.g., a shaft, extends from below the bottom surface into or through the opening to support the impeller. The body can be configured to drive a primary downstream blood flow along an exterior of the body to beyond a peripheral edge of the bottom surface, and to provide a secondary downstream blood flow through the opening and along the bottom surface to beyond the peripheral edge, the secondary flow improving washing of a bearing surface.

Abstract: A blood pump comprising a cartridge, the cartridge comprising a first recess therein, said first recess having a surface, and a flexible diaphragm closing said first recess, the first recess and the flexible diaphragm defining a first pump chamber, said first pump chamber having an inlet and an outlet wherein the flexible diaphragm of the first pump chamber is movable between a first position, separated in use from the surface of the first recess, in which said first pump chamber has a maximum volume, and a second position, substantially adjacent to the surface of the first recess, in which said first pump chamber has a minimum volume a pump driver arranged to interface with the cartridge, said pump driver operable to move the flexible diaphragm of the first pump chamber in a first direction into said first recess to, in use, pump blood from the chamber and to move the flexible diaphragm of the first pump chamber in a second direction away from the first recess to, in use, draw blood into said first pump cham

Abstract: The invention relates to a heart pump (6) with a delivery channel and with a delivery device (6b, 6c, 34) for blood, which is arranged in this delivery channel, wherein the delivery channel at least partly runs in a pump tube (6a, 105a). A first sensor device (100, 101, 102) for measuring the oxygen saturation of the blood, is provided on the heart pump, in particular on a wall of the delivery channel, in particular on the pump tube. A control device can also be integrated into the pump. Thereby, additional monitoring and control possibilities result.

Abstract: A flow rate of blood through an implantable blood pump is determined based on a parameter related to the flow, such as a parameter related to thrust on the rotor of the pump. An amount of current supplied to the pump is used to determine each of a first flow rate value and second flow rate values. Each of the first and second flow rate values, in combination with the parameter related to thrust on the rotor of the pump, are used to calculate a flow rate of blood through the pump.

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 dialysis system including a housing, a dialysate pump disposed in the housing, and a dialysate line configured to be operatively connected to the dialysate pump such that the dialysate pump can pump dialysate through the dialysate line when the dialysate line is in fluid communication with a dialysate source.

Abstract: A filter CF1 for filtering dialysis fluid comprises the following: a housing 52 inside of which a filter material 51 is accommodated and which is vertically long; an introduction port 53 that is disposed in the lower part of the housing and that introduces dialysis fluid from an upstream-side flow path 23a; a filtered fluid lead-out port 54 through which filtered dialysis fluid, which has passed through the filter material, is lead out from the upper part of the housing to a downstream-side flow path 23b; and an unfiltered fluid lead-out port 55 through which unfiltered fluid is lead out from the upper part of the housing to a waste fluid flow path 57. When removing the filter from a dialysis fluid circuit 4, fluid is suctioned from the inside of the housing via the upstream-side flow path by using fluid suction means 64A, and a gas is caused to flow into the housing from at least either one of the waste fluid flow path and the downstream-side flow path by using gas inflow means 65.

Abstract: A dialysis bed and additional accessories are provided. The dialysis bed includes a head board, a foot board and a base. The head board includes a head board slot running from a side edge towards a central portion of the head board. The foot board includes a foot board slot running from a side edge towards a central portion of the foot board. The foot board slot aligns with the head board slot. The base connects the head board and the foot board together and is disposed beneath the slots. The present invention further includes a sliding platform. The sliding platform includes a first end having a first handle and a second end having a second handle. The first handle slidably engages within the head board slot and the second handle slidably engages within the foot board slot.

Abstract: A extracorporeal system for lung assist includes a housing, a blood flow inlet in fluid connection with the housing; a blood flow outlet in fluid connection with the housing; a plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers adapted to permit diffusion of gas between blood and an interior of the hollow gas permeable fibers, the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers being positioned between the blood flow inlet and the blood flow outlet such that blood flows around the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers when flowing from the blood flow inlet to the blood flow outlet; a gas inlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with inlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; a gas outlet in fluid connection with the housing and in fluid connection with outlets of the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers; and at least one moving element to create velocity fields in blood flow contacting the plurality of hollow gas permeable fibers.

Abstract: The invention describes a method for the automatic filling of containers for medication for intravenous administration in a machine for the automatic preparation of intravenous medication, the said containers comprising at least one fluid inlet connector closed by a cap that comprises an internal through conduit, said machine comprising injectors with spikes actuated by at least actuating means arranged in the said machine. The said method is characterized in that the said spike causes a piercing of one of the ends of said cap, allowing the direct injection of said component into said container.

Abstract: An infusion pump has an optical cassette detection system for determining whether or not a cassette of an administration tubing set is properly loaded in the pump. Operation of the pump may be enabled or disabled based on a determination of the cassette detection system. The cassette detection system includes a light emitter and a corresponding photosensitive detector aligned along an optical axis, and window carried by the cassette. When the cassette is properly loaded in the pump, a light beam from the emitter enters the window, where a portion of the beam is absorbed and another portion of the beam is transmitted for receipt by the detector. The detector signal is evaluated by signal evaluation electronics to determine if the cassette is loaded. The determination may be based on an expected attenuation of the light beam corresponding to a predetermined light absorptance property of the window.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the aseptic delivery of a biologic medication in a wearable form factor. The apparatus and method allow for standard off-the-shelf drug cartridges to be utilized without compromising the sterility of the biologic. Further, by utilizing a two part assembly, manufacturing costs are minimized.

Abstract: Catheter cannula, catheter, and catheterization method, for administering a fluid or/and substance to, or for draining a fluid or/and substance from, a treatment space of a body vessel, duct, or cavity. In some embodiments the cannula includes: an elongated flexible tube mountable on a needle, and having an invasive section and a non-invasive section; and at least one anchoring element protruding from, a surface of the invasive section in a manner such that an operative configuration of each anchoring element increases outer circumferential diameter of the cannula to an extent less than lumen diameter of the body vessel, duct, or cavity, at the treatment space, thereby anchoring the invasive section to inside the body vessel, duct, or cavity, at the treatment space. The catheter includes a needle and the cannula mounted thereupon.

Abstract: An infusion set adapted to be secured to a skin surface includes a fixed base member and a movable slide member. The fixed base member is connectable to the skin surface. The movable slide member has a needle or cannula connected thereto and is movable relative to the fixed base member. The movable slide member is movable from a first position in which the needle or cannula is not exposed externally of the fixed base member to a second position in which the needle or cannula is exposed externally of the fixed base member. A hub is fixedly connected to the movable member and has a slot extending rearwardly in a lower surface from a first end thereof. The needle or cannula is received in the slot. The movable slide member is locked to the fixed base member in the second position.

Abstract: A control unit for an electronically controlled pump unit controls the pump unit to infuse insulin into a diabetic's body in a substantially continuous way according to a preset infusion schedule as a function of time. The control unit includes an intervention unit that continuously evaluates a blood-glucose indicative input for detecting an actual or expected hypoglycaemia and executes, in response to an actual or expected hypoglycaemia, a temporary hypoglycaemia intervention. The intervention includes, for an intervention time interval, overriding the preset infusion schedule by temporarily suspending insulin infusion or temporarily reducing insulin infusion below the preset infusion schedule. The intervention unit adapts its way of operation with respect to executing the hypoglycaemia intervention in accordance with a control signal that is separate from the blood-glucose indicative input. The control unit automatically generates the control signal as a function of time and/or based on sensor input.

Abstract: A physiologic sensor module includes at least one wearable sensor that is configured for wearing on a human body part and for measuring at least one biological signal. The module further includes at least one controller communicatively coupled to the wearable sensor and configured to receive the biological signal from the wearable sensor. The controller is further configured to process the biological signal in real-time, extract one or more clinical features from the biological signal, and based on the clinical features, determine detection of anaphylaxis.

Abstract: An integrated circuit includes circuitry to control a process. The process includes adjusting fuzzy-logic control parameters based on received and retrieved blood glucose-related data, predicting blood glucose levels based on the received blood-glucose-related data, and generating control signals to control dispensing of insulin based on the received blood glucose-related data and the fuzzy-logic control parameters. The process may include predicting blood glucose levels based on the retrieved blood glucose-related data. The process may include transitioning between a post-meal correction protocol and a fasting protocol. The process may include transitioning from a post-meal correction protocol to a fasting protocol when a fasting criteria is satisfied.

Abstract: A method of making a delivery device for therapeutic agent, drug or vaccine. 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 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: The subject matter described herein relates to a supplementary device for attachment to an injection device, the supplementary device comprising: a first imaging arrangement and a second imaging arrangement each configured to capture an image of a moveable number sleeve of the injection device from different respective angles. The supplementary device also comprises a plurality of light sources and a processor arrangement configured to control operation of the first imaging arrangement and the second imaging arrangement and the plurality of light sources and to receive image data from each of the imaging arrangements, wherein the processor arrangement is configured to combine images captured by the first imaging arrangement and the second imaging arrangement into a single image.

Abstract: A drug delivery device adapted to receive a cartridge and comprising a housing, an expelling assembly with a threaded piston rod, a threaded nut and a drive element arranged in non-rotational engagement with the piston rod, a drive coupling actuatable between a resetting state in which the piston rod can be moved proximally, and an operational state in which the drive element can drive the piston rod distally, wherein the drive element and the threaded nut are not moved axially relative to the housing when the drive coupling is actuated.

Abstract: A device for delivering a medicament into a patient's body by injection into or through the patient's skin includes a body having a reservoir disposed therein for containing the medicament, an injection needle for penetrating the skin of the patient, the needle having a lumen and communicating with the reservoir, and a pressurizing system for pressurizing the reservoir. The device also includes indicator means visible outside the device for indicating that delivery of the medicament is substantially complete.

Abstract: According to the invention, a safety device for a pre-filled syringe with an injection needle comprises of a support body adapted to mount the pre-filled syringe, a needle shield slidably arranged with respect to the support body, a retention and locking means (M) for retaining and locking the needle shield with respect to the support body in a first and a second advanced position (PA1, PA2) and in a retracted position (PR). The needle shield comprises an annular flange adapted to rest on the skin of the patient receiving an injection. The retention and locking means (M) are arranged at a distal end of the safety device.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drug delivery device (1) comprising a dose delivery mechanism and a blocking structure (80, 180) for preventing inadvertent activation of the dose delivery mechanism. The blocking structure (80,180) enables and disables the dose delivery mechanism dependent on the position of a needle holder (30, 130) relative to a drug cartridge holder (20, 120).

Abstract: An oxygen distributor (1) positionable, in use, in a wound for supplying oxygen to the wound has an oxygen delivery area (17) for, in use, receiving a supply of oxygen. At least one tube (19A) extends from the oxygen delivery area, having a tube wall with an oxygen-permeable, liquid-impermeable section. Oxygen delivered to the oxygen delivery area can flow away from the oxygen delivery area along the, or each, tube.

Abstract: A dose unit including at least one isolated bioactive agent applied on a carrier material in thermal contact with an electrically heating element configured to vaporize a pre-determined amount of the agent for pulmonary delivery thereof is provided herein, as well as devices for effecting vaporization and pulmonary delivery of the isolated agent, and methods for preparing the dose unit, controllably releasing the agent therefrom, methods for pulmonary delivery thereof and methods of treatment of medical conditions treatable by pulmonary delivery of the isolated bioactive agent.

Abstract: A fluid dispenser device including a body and a reservoir, and an opening mechanism. The device includes an inhalation piece and an inhalation trigger system that has a deformable air chamber and a trigger element, such that during inhalation through the inhalation piece, the air chamber is deformed and the trigger element actuates the opening mechanism. The air chamber has a deformable side body; an open first end including a peripheral edge that surrounds an opening forming the inlet of the hollow pouch; and a second end forming the bottom of the hollow pouch. The said second end includes a connection mechanism for connecting the air chamber to the trigger element. The side body is in the form of a bellows having bellows portions arranged axially one after another, the bellows-forming side body has bellows portions having outside and/or inside diameters that are different.

Abstract: A nebulizer is proposed as depicted in exemplary FIG. 7 which comprises a replaceable container, a counting device and a lock for locking the nebulizer against further use. The container is provided with an electronic storage which is electrically connected to the counting device. The nebulizer comprises an electric drive for actuating the lock. This allows secure operation and/or simple handling of the nebulizer.

Abstract: A suction device has an upper section with an upper end formed as a handle and a lower end shaped as a torus. A lateral component is integrally formed with the suction device and extends from adjacent to the upper end and adjacent to the lower end. The lateral component has a passageway there through. The suction device and the lateral component are fabricated of a generally rigid plastic material. An intubation guide stylet is slidably positioned in the passageway of the lateral component. The top of the intubation guide stylet is positionable above the lateral component and the bottom is positionable below the lateral component.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a negative-pressure oral apparatus capable of relieving discomfort of soft tissues in the oral cavity and improving fixation of the oral apparatus to prevent the oral apparatus from falling off due to mouth opening. The oral apparatus is compact and elastic so that it fits various shapes and sizes of the oral cavity and is easy to be put on and taken off to provide convenience and safety to the user. In another embodiment, a method for maintaining a negative oral pressure and collecting liquid by coupling the oral apparatus to a liquid collecting apparatus capable of effectively providing the oral cavity with a negative pressure to expel liquid in the oral apparatus and deliver the liquid to an absorbing element in the liquid collecting apparatus so as to prevent liquid leakage or contamination.

Abstract: An interface includes a mask. The mask includes a frame and a seal supported by the frame. Headgear is connected to the mask. The interface includes at least one of (i) an adjustment mechanism that can be set to a use length for a loop defined by the mask and the headgear; and (2) a break-fit assembly that can selectively lengthen the loop defined by the mask and the headgear and return to the use length.

Abstract: Systems and methods for collecting samples from a patient for diagnosis are provided. In many embodiments, the sample collection and analysis system concentrates particles emanating from a patient's cough, sneeze, or breathe in a sample for the diagnosis of a respiratory tract infection or other ailment of the patient. The sample collection and analysis system has a pre-collection assembly (that is patient interface, a collector in fluid communication with a sample reservoir that function in combination to: efficiently capture the volume of air expelled from the subject, direct the expelled air towards a sample reservoir, and separate the desired particle sizes from the expelled air into the sample reservoir.

Abstract: An elongated flexible conduit (4) includes an flow element (24) having a first elongated wall segment (32) and a second elongated wall segment (44) that are connected together at their sides to form a wall (28) that is continuous in a circumferential direction perpendicular to the direction of elongation (8). The flow element is movable between a first configuration and a second configuration (68), with the first configuration being an expanded configuration, and with the second configuration being a collapsed configuration. The flow element can be moved from its expanded configuration to its collapsed configuration, such as for purposes of packing during traveling, and can then be moved from its collapsed configuration back to its expanded configuration in any of a variety of fashions in order to return the flow element to a condition in which it can carry a flow of breathing gas from a CPAP machine (12) to a CPAP mask (16).

Abstract: A shoulder strap is provided with raceway provisions for medical tubing. The shoulder strap has opposite ends provided with male and female side-squeeze buckles. The raceway provisions are formed by an inner leaf and outer leaf which fold and fasten together for safely enclosing the medical tubing. The medical tubing extends between a nose piece and a connector end, wherein excess length of the medical tubing is usually coiled up in coils near the connector end. The shoulder strap further includes tubing traps which safely secure the coils. The tubing trap can be formed from snaps, buttons and/or hook-and-pile fastener material. The inner and outer leaves of the shoulder strap can be formed of any suitable material, such as that used in book bags except also provided with foam (cushion) cores.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to determine timing of sensory stimulation provided to a subject to increase sleep slow waves during a sleep session. The system generates output signals conveying information related to a sleep stage of the subject during the sleep session with one or more sensors; detects slow wave sleep in the subject based on the output signals; controls one or more sensory stimulators to provide first sensory stimulation to the subject to induce sleep slow waves; determines a representative slow wave; and determines timing of second stimulation provided to the subject, the second stimulation configured to increase sleep slow waves in the subject during the sleep session, the timing determination based on the representative slow wave.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for providing a breathing biofeedback session utilizing thermal measurements. In one embodiment, a system includes at least one inward-facing head-mounted thermal camera (CAM) that takes thermal measurements of a region below the nostrils (THROI) of a user. THROI are indicative of the exhale stream. Optionally, each CAM is located less than 15 cm from the user's face and above the user's upper lip, and does not occlude any of the user's mouth and nostrils. Optionally, THROI include thermal measurements of at least first and second regions below right and left nostrils of the user. The system also includes a user interface configured to provide feedback, calculated based on THROI, as part of a breathing biofeedback session for the user. Optionally, the system includes a computer that calculates the feedback.

Abstract: A tubular wall, which may be employed in a medical catheter or medical electrical lead, is formed by stranding together a plurality of polymer fibers and at least one metal filar, wherein the stranding forms a braid matrix of the polymer fibers and a coil of the metal filar interlaced therewith. Then, while the braid matrix secures a pitch of the coil, a polymer material is extruded around an entire length of the tubular wall, and, in some cases, the extrusion process causes the plurality of polymer fibers to melt and coalesce together with one another, while the pitch of the coil is maintained. Alternately, a reflow process, which follows extrusion, causes the polymer fibers to melt and coalesce along all, or just a discrete length of the tubular wall.

Abstract: An implantable prosthesis is provided for repairing a fistula, such as an anal fistula. The prosthesis or fistula repair device may include a body with a shape configured for placement in the fistula. The prosthesis may also include an anchor or base that is located at one or both ends of the body to facilitate anchoring the prosthesis in position. The prosthesis may include one or more channels to create one or more pathways for drainage and/or irrigation of the fistula. The channel may have a relatively uniform dimension along its length or a tapered shape that increases along its length. The prosthesis may have an adjustable length for accommodating fistula tracts of varying lengths. The prosthesis may include elongated body segments that provide a wicking or capillary function to facilitate drainage of the fistula tract.

Abstract: Packaging for catheter treatment devices, such as catheters including multi-electrode arrays, are disclosure herein. In one embodiment, for example, a catheter package assembly comprises a tray, a lid, and a coiled sheath disposed in the tray. The tray includes at least one pocket adapted to receive a distal end portion of a catheter. The tray and lid each include cooperative latching features. The sheath defines a lumen that is configured to receive an elongate shaft of the catheter.

Abstract: Catheters adapted for use in small body vessels are described. A catheter includes an elongate shaft having a main body that defines first and second lumens. An inner tubular member is disposed in the second lumen and is formed of a material that has a stiffness that is greater than a stiffness of the material forming the main body and that has an elastic modulus greater than or equal to about 400 MPa.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to medical tubes and methods of manufacturing medical tubes. The tube may be a composite structure made of two or more distinct components that are spirally wound to form an elongate tube. For example, one of the components may be a spirally wound elongate hollow body, and the other component may be an elongate structural component also spirally wound between turns of the spirally wound hollow body The tube need not be made from distinct components, however. For instance, an elongate hollow body formed (e.g., extruded) from a single material may be spirally wound to form an elongate tube. The elongate hollow body itself may in transverse cross-section have a thin wall portion and a relatively thicker or more rigid reinforcement portion. The tubes can be incorporated into a variety of medical circuits or may be employed for other medical uses.