Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for sensing fluid in a dressing on a patient and producing an electrical signal. In one instance, a galvanic cell is used as an electronic detection device. The galvanic cell is placed in the dressing and produces voltage when the dressing is substantially saturated. In one instance, the dressing is a reduced-pressure, absorbent dressing. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a catheter pump is disclosed herein. The catheter pump can include an elongated catheter body having a distal portion including an expandable cannula having an inlet and an outlet. The expandable cannula can have a delivery profile and an operational profile larger than the delivery profile. An impeller assembly can include an impeller shaft, and an impeller body can include one or more blades. The impeller blades can draw blood into the cannula when rotated. Further, an expandable support can have a mounting portion disposed on the impeller shaft distal of the impeller body and a cannula contact portion for reducing a change in tip gap due to bending of the cannula. The cannula contact portion can be disposed distal of the mounting portion.

Abstract: A magnetic impeller for a blood pump such as a magnetically driven, rotary ventricular assist device for pumping blood of a patient, the impeller comprising a magnetic alloy including platinum, cobalt, and boron.

Abstract: A system for improving heart muscle response during a pre-ejection phase in the heart muscle pumping cycle requires a catheter having a pressure transducer and a fluid device mounted at its distal end. Also included is a pump connected to the proximal end of the catheter in fluid communication with the fluid device. A computer will activate the pump in response to a predetermined signal from the pressure transducer to inject and maintain an increased fluid volume in the pumping chamber of the heart for a predetermined time interval ?t during the pre-ejection phase. This supplements the isometric pressure in the heart's pumping chamber in preparation for a subsequent ejection of blood from the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A ventricular assist device is disclosed. The ventricular assist device may include a centrifugal pump and a controller. The controller may be configured to cause the centrifugal pump to operate at a first speed above a predetermined flow rate. The controller may also be configured to cause the centrifugal pump to operate at a second speed below the predetermined flow rate, wherein the predetermined flowrate is indicative of a crossover point between systole and diastole phases of a person's cardiac cycle.

Abstract: Devices and methods for assisting cardiac function. In an exemplary embodiment of a device for assisting heart function of the present disclosure, the device includes a first plate and an opposing second plate, each plate having an inner surface, a cardiac processor coupled to at least one of the first plate and the second plate, a bladder having an inner chamber and disposed between the inner surfaces, and a first catheter having a proximal end in communication with the inner chamber of the bladder and a distal end having a first pericardial balloon coupled thereto, wherein a gas and/or a liquid within the inner chamber of the bladder can be injected into the first pericardial balloon upon compression of the first plate relative to the second plate, and wherein the gas and/or the liquid can be removed from the first pericardial balloon upon retraction of the first plate relative to the second plate.

Abstract: A method that includes pumping medical fluid out of or drawing medical fluid into a chamber of a medical fluid cassette, calculating a theoretical volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber, and multiplying the theoretical volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber by a correction factor to determine a corrected volume of fluid pumped out of or drawn into the chamber.

Abstract: A method for operating a dialysis cassette including a flexible membrane that covers a pump chamber includes allowing a source of fluid to fluidly communicate with the pump chamber of the dialysis cassette, filling the pump chamber with the fluid from the source, mechanically extending the flexible membrane into the pump chamber with a piston head to expel the fluid from the pump chamber through a flow path, and directly sensing a pressure of the fluid flowing through the flow path at a location of the dialysis cassette adjacent to the pump chamber and using the sensed pressure to perform a test prior to delivering fluid to a patient.

Abstract: In the removal of white blood cells from blood, the efficiency of white blood cell removal by a filter is improved. Centrifugal force is applied to blood placed in a blood bag by centrifugal separation to form a plurality of separation layers having a concentration gradient of white blood cells. The separation layers are passed through a filter in ascending order of white blood cell concentration to remove the white blood cells from the separation layers. The separation layers from which the white blood cells have been removed are received in a first blood component bag.

Abstract: Contrast administration data that relates to operation of a contrast media injector system (602) may be converted from at least one format (e.g., a CAN-compliant format) to at least one other format (e.g., an HL-7-compliant format) for use by a medical system (600). Data on contrast media prescribed for an imaging operation using an imaging system (690), data on contrast media dispensed from a contrast media storage/dispensing unit (500) for use in this imaging operation, and data on contrast media actually administered/injected by a contrast media injector system (602) for this imaging operation may be stored in a data structure (780). Patient renal function data may be used to control the dispensing of contrast media from the contrast media/storage/dispensing unit (500), to control the operation of the contrast media injector system (602), or both, and may be stored in the data structure (780) as well.

Abstract: The subcutaneous injection device contains a pump and a mechanism for inserting a cannula into the patient's skin. The cannula is fixedly positioned relative to the pump and the insertion mechanism has a flexible surface adhering to the skin. The flexible surface is positioned relative to the cannula in such a way that in a first position the tip of the cannula is concealed by the surface and in a second position the cannula is exposed beyond the surface. The insertion mechanism brings the surface from the first to the second position, thereby pulling the skin against the tip of the cannula.

Abstract: A microfluidic intravital window includes an intravital imaging window adapted for implantation adjacent target tissue of a live animal, and a microfluidic fluid source and delivery system physically integrated into the window for controlled delivery of fluids to target tissue via the window. The microfluidic fluid source and delivery system is self-contained and completely located within the intravital imaging window, and includes at least one preloaded fluid reservoir, at least one fluid port in fluidic communication with both the at least one preloaded fluid reservoir and the target tissue, and at least one light activated fluid flow control device situated between the at least one preloaded fluid reservoir and at least one fluid port, to facilitate simultaneous in vivo viewing and remotely controlled fluid delivery to the target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention provides a micro robot including: a drilling body which has a drilling tip formed at an end thereof; a spiral coupling body which has a magnet disposed therein, and is spirally coupled to an outer circumference of the drilling body; and a system control unit which allows the drilling body and the spiral coupling body to spirally move simultaneously or allows the spiral coupling body to spirally move around the drilling body by providing a rotational magnetic field to the magnet. In addition, the present invention also provides a micro robot system including the micro robot.

Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary method of operating an infusion device to deliver fluid to a body of a user involves obtaining measurement values for a physiological condition influenced by the fluid, autonomously operating the infusion device to deliver the fluid based at least in part on the measurement values, and detecting a nonactionable condition based on the measurement values. In response to detecting the nonactionable condition, delivery of the fluid is limited while maintaining autonomous operation of the infusion device. In one exemplary embodiment, the nonactionable condition is a rescue condition indicative of the user having consumed fast-acting carbohydrates, and thus insulin delivery may be automatically limited in response to detecting the rescue carbohydrate consumption.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a wearable infusion pump system can include a pump device having a drive system to dispense a medicine to a user, an activity sensor that detects a possible change in an activity level of the user, and a controller to activate the drive system to dispense the medicine to the user. The controller device can query the user to indicate whether a detected activity level of the user represents an actual change in the activity level of the user. The controller device can alter the medicine dispensing schedule based on the user indicated changes in activity level.

Abstract: The present invention inter alia relates to an apparatus and a method. The apparatus comprises a body part and a cover part, wherein the body part and the cover part are configured to at least partially form a fluid channel between a surface of the body part and a surface of the cover part. The surfaces of the body part and the cover part may be facing surfaces. The method comprises manufacturing the apparatus according to the present invention.

Abstract: A needle structure for injecting a filler and monitoring a blood backflow situation simultaneously includes a needle, a housing and a partitioning member. The needle includes a needle chamber and a needle opening connected to the needle chamber. The housing includes a housing chamber and a housing opening connected to the housing chamber, and the housing chamber is connected to the needle chamber to form a needle housing chamber. The partitioning member is disposed in the needle housing chamber. The needle housing chamber is separated into a first chamber and a second chamber by the partitioning member. The needle opening is separated into an injection opening and a blood backflow opening by the partitioning member. The first chamber is connected to the injection opening, and the blood backflow opening and the housing opening are connected by the second chamber.

Abstract: A system comprising a state changing appliance and a drug delivery device, the state changing appliance comprising first interface means for rotationally locking to a first exterior portion of the drug delivery device, second interface means for rotationally locking to a second exterior portion of the drug delivery device, the first exterior portion and the second exterior portion being angularly displaceable relative to one another from a first relative position to a second relative position, which second relative position defines a set dose to be expelled by the drug delivery device, and limiter means for limiting a relative angular displacement between the first interface means and the second interface means.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for administering a dosage of a medicament includes dosage setting means (7) for setting the dosage of a medicament to be administered; expelling means (15) for expelling a medicament from a medicament container; and coupling means (21) operatively coupled with the dosage setting means (7) and the expelling means (15), wherein the coupling means (21) is arranged to convert displacement of the dosage setting means (7) into a displacement of the expelling means (15) in a first direction, wherein the expelling means (15) includes a ratchet means (18a, 18b), and wherein the mechanism includes a first and a second independently moveable resisting pawl (14a, 14b) means facing a common side of the ratchet means (18), the first and the second resisting pawl means (14a, 14b) being configured to engage with the ratchet means (18a, 18b) and resist displacement of the expelling means (15) in a second direction opposite to said first direction.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided, the assembly comprising an actuator which is configured to perform a setting movement in a proximal direction in order to set a dose of a drug, and which is configured to perform a dispense movement in a distal direction in order to dispense a dose of a drug. The assembly further comprises stop mechanism acting after a maximum amount of a drug has been delivered, which is configured to axially constrain the setting movement of the actuator such that the setting of a dose is inhibited, wherein a limited axial movement of the actuator is allowed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical injection system comprising an injection device (100) and a dose capturing unit (20). The injection device (100) incorporates expelling means (101) for setting and expelling a set dose amount of a drug from a reservoir. The expelling means (101) further comprises mechanical energy storage unit adapted to drive the expelling movement and a movable dosing member (350). In one form the dose capturing unit (20) is configured for being releasably attached to the injection device (100). The dose capturing unit (20) comprises a dose sensor (20d) configured to capture data relating to the movement of the dosing member (350) during dose expelling. When the dose capturing unit (20) is attached to the injection device (100), the systems forms a speed limiting means (F, M) to limit the speed of the dosing member (350) during dose expelling so that a force that counteracts the force exerted by the mechanical energy storage unit is generated.

Abstract: A needle tip assembly for a pre-loaded syringe or a pen needle injection device. The needle tip assembly includes a body comprising a double-ended needle and being installable and removable from the pre-loaded syringe or pen needle injection device. A needle cap is configured to cover a skin puncturing end of the double-ended needle and is removable to exposed the skin puncturing end. An outer cover is structured and arranged to at least install the body onto the pre-loaded syringe or pen needle injection device and remove the body from the pre-loaded syringe or pen needle injection device after the outer cover is re-installed. The body is lockable to the outer cover upon one of re-installation of the outer cover and prior to the body being removed from the pre-loaded syringe or pen needle injection device.

Abstract: A cap assembly mountable to a rigid shield around a needle of a syringe. The cap assembly includes a gripper component and a base cap. The gripper component includes a support frame and a liner that is deformable when sandwiched between the support frame and the rigid shield. When the base cap is installed to the gripper component during manufacture, and with the rigid shield disposed in a bore of the gripper component in any rotational orientation relative thereto, the liner is held by the support frame so as to be deformed against and grip the rigid shield for shield removal purposes so as to allow for removal of the rigid shield from around the needle.

Abstract: A device for administering injections includes a housing having an upper end, a lower end including a bottom surface with an injection needle opening, and an axis extending between the upper and lower ends. The device includes a needle housing with an injection needle. The needle housing is disposed within the housing for moving between a retracted position and an extended position. The device has an injection actuator for commencing an injection cycle including a first stage in which the needle housing and said plunger base are coupled together and move in a first direction along the axis and a second stage in which the needle housing and the plunger base are decoupled from one another so that the plunger base is free to move away from the needle housing in a second direction that is opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A device that is used to reduce the pain of a needle stick to a person, the device having a casing containing a vibratory device and a temperature reducing device, and a method for using the device to reduce the pain of a needle stick by applying both thermal and vibration analgesia to a subject during a needle stick.

Abstract: A catheter-based/intravascular fluid injection system with application to renal denervation includes a multiplicity of needles which expand open around a central axis to engage the wall of a blood vessel, or the wall of the left atrium, allowing the injection of a cytotoxic and/or neurotoxic solution for ablating conducting tissue, or nerve fibers around the ostium of the pulmonary vein, or circumferentially in or just beyond the outer layer of the renal artery. The expandable delivery system includes expandable components that facilitate positioning of a multiplicity of injection needles against the inside wall of a blood vessel from where they can be advanced. The system also includes means to limit and/or adjust the depth of penetration of the ablative fluid into the tissue of the wall of the targeted blood vessel.

Abstract: Provided herein is a delivery system, including: (a) an optical sensor configured to detect data to create a map of a patient bodily surface; and (b) a dispenser operatively associated with the optical sensor and configured to deliver compositions (optionally including cells) to the patient bodily surface based upon the data or map. Methods of forming a tissue on a patient bodily surface of a patient in need thereof are also provided, as are methods, systems and computer program products useful for processing patient bodily surface data.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method of pulmonary delivering to a subject at least one pharmacologically active agent being in a plant material, which is effected by pulmonary delivering the agent to the subject using a metered dose inhaler device that is configured to vaporize at least one pre-determined vaporized amount of the agent upon controllably heating the plant material, wherein the pre-determined vaporized amount is selected so as to achieve at least one pre-determined pharmacokinetic effect and/or at least one pre-determined pharmacodynamic effect induced by the agent in the subject.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter for ventilating a patient, with a ventilation channel for alternately delivering and removing air and/or oxygen to and from the patient's airways, the catheter having a maximum external diameter of at most 6 mm, preferably 2 to 5 mm, and the ventilation channel having an open end, and a connector end for connection to a gas flow reversing element. According to the invention, the catheter is provided with means or elements for measuring the pressure outside the ventilation channel near the open end. The catheter preferably has a pressure measurement channel, with an open measurement end near the open end of the ventilation channel, and a measurement connector piece for connecting a pressure display device. Of particular advantage is a catheter with an expansion body (cuff) that is fluidically connected to a supply channel through which the expansion body can be increased or reduced in size by means of a fluid.

Abstract: A respiratory interface device is provided. The respiratory interface device includes a manifold assembly including a manifold body and a rotational coupling. The manifold body includes an elastic portion. The rotational coupling includes a rigid conduit. The rigid conduit is rotatably coupled to the manifold body elastic portion. The rotational coupling and the elastic portion decouple the remaining portions of the manifold body from external forces applied to the rigid conduit.

Abstract: A vent assembly for use with a mask assembly includes a first vent, a second vent and a selector to switch the flow of exhaled gas from a patient between the first and second vents.

Abstract: A temperature-measuring device for a respiratory humidifier (1) with a liquid container (5) is provided, wherein the temperature-measuring device comprises a flow channel (9) for breathing gas and an infrared detector (21), which is directed from the outside toward the flow channel (9) for the contactless detection of the temperature of the breathing gas in the flow channel (9), wherein the flow channel (9) comprises on its lateral surface (13) a measurement portion (15), which is aligned with the surrounding areas of the lateral surface (13) and toward which the infrared detector (21) is directed, wherein the flow channel (9) comprises a flow guide element (17), which conducts the breathing gas stream to the measurement portion (15) at a previously determined inflow angle of preferably greater than 10° and less than 170°.

Abstract: A portable mechanical ventilator having a Roots blower provides a desired gas flow and pressure to a patient circuit. The mechanical ventilator includes a flow meter operative to measure gas flow produced by the Roots blower and an exhalation control module configured to operate an exhalation valve connected to the patient circuit. A bias valve connected between the Roots blower and the patient circuit is specifically configured to generate a bias pressure relative to the patient circuit pressure at the exhalation control module. The bias valve attenuates pulsating gas flow produced by the Roots blower such that gas flowing to the mass flow meter exhibits a substantially constant pressure characteristic. The bias pressure facilitates closing of the exhalation valve at the start of inspiration, regulates positive end expiratory pressure during exhalation, and purges sense lines via a pressure transducer module.

Abstract: A system for delivering a fluid to a Eustachian tube (ET) of a patient includes a guide member and a tubular member. The guide member includes a shaft having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a bend at the distal portion. The bend is configured to provide access to an opening in the ET. The system further includes a tubular member comprising a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The tubular member is sized to fit within the ET. One or both of the tubular member and the guide member comprises a first stop member configured to engage the other of the tubular member or the guide member. The first stop member is configured to restrict a distal advancement of the tubular member relative to the guide member.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are aspects of portable vaporizers and isolated vapor dispensers wherein material in the vapor dispenser is placed in the fluid pathway of heated air from a convection heat source such as a furnace. A printed circuit board in signal communications with temperature sensor controls the temperature produced by heating elements in the furnace. A rechargeable battery power supply is mounted in a body to supply power the heating element. The vapor dispenser is removable and may be disposable. A smell reducing accessory module reversibly mates with the body of the vaporizer.

Abstract: Representative embodiments of the present invention provide for novel, minimally invasive implantable devices and methods for targeted tissue drug delivery of cardiovascular drugs.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus includes an elongated body having a distal portion including a distal end, a plurality of flexible segments, and at least one intermediate segment that is less flexible than the flexible segments. Adjacent flexible segments are spaced from each other longitudinally by the at least one intermediate segment. Each of the flexible segments include a sidewall having at least one elongated gap extending at least partially therethrough and forming interlocking members. The at least one intermediate segment is shorter than the flexible segments.

Abstract: A method of detecting and treating a microvascular obstruction is provided. In one embodiment, a catheter is provided for both detecting the microvascular obstruction and treating or removing the obstruction.

Abstract: An activator attachment that can be attached to the proximal end of a catheter adapter and can activate a blood control valve within the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A urinary catheter deployment cassette or system includes a catheter pack, a urinary catheter, and an introducer aid. The catheter pack defines an interior compartment having a rotatable spindle at least partially positioned therein. The urinary catheter is at least partially received within the interior compartment of the catheter pack and associated with the spindle. The catheter pack includes a deformable or pierceable cover that the spindle engagement member of the introducer aid is pressed to rotate the spindle and deploy the catheter from the catheter pack. In another embodiment, a catheter pack includes an associated drainage adaptor for draining fluid from the catheter pack or a urinary catheter positioned within the catheter pack. In another embodiment, a cassette includes a rotatable drum with a two-piece catheter wrapped around it and a joining tube that places the pieces of the catheter in fluid communication.

Abstract: A catheter cartridge assembly includes a cartridge and a catheter member. The cartridge has a cartridge housing with proximal and distal ends. A pre-loaded tip and a protective sleeve associated with the pre-loaded tip are at least partially positioned within the cartridge housing. The catheter member has a proximal end configured to be advanced proximally into and through the cartridge housing to engage a distal end of the pre-loaded tip for proximal advancement out of the proximal end of the cartridge housing with the pre-loaded tip, with the protective sleeve covering at least a portion of the catheter member.

Abstract: The present invention provides for devices and methods for providing endovascular therapy, including facilitating establishment of vascular access, placement of endovascular sheaths, catheter tip localization, and administration of vascular occlusion. The invention includes a vessel cannulation device, an expandable sheath, an occlusion catheter, and a localizer each of which may be provided separately or used as part of a system. One embodiment of the invention is a vessel cannulation device including: a housing having a distal end with a distal tip and a proximal end; a guidewire lumen passing through the housing and at least the distal tip; a sensor coupled to the guidewire lumen; and an advancing member, which is configured for advancing at least one of a guidewire or a sheath and which is operably coupled to the sensor.

Abstract: Actuators for steerable medical devices are disclosed that not only deflect or steer a portion of a medical device (e.g., a distal portion of a catheter shaft), but also include mechanisms for actively returning the deflected portion of the medical device to an initial configuration (e.g., straight or substantially straight). These active return-to-straight mechanisms may return a catheter shaft from a deflected configuration to a substantially straight configuration throughout a medical procedure, may employ one or more tension members extending along the catheter shaft, and may comprise a gross return actuator and a fine return actuator. For example, the gross return actuator may be configured to partially reverse the deflection of the distal portion of the catheter; and the fine return actuator may be configured to continue reversing the deflection. The gross return actuator may automatically trigger or actuate (mechanically or electromechanically) the fine return actuator.

Abstract: A deflectable catheter shaft section is disclosed comprising an elongated body extending along a longitudinal axis with a distal end and a proximal end. First and second pull wires can extend along the elongated body and can have a proximal end and a distal end. First and second pull wire liners can be disposed over a portion of one of the first and second pull wires, respectively. Each of the first and second pull wires can have a proximal end and a distal end. A first gap can exist between the proximal end of the first pull wire liner and the proximal end of the elongated body and a second gap can exist between the proximal end of the second pull wire liner and the proximal end of the elongated body.

Abstract: A catheter system including an insertion device and a catheter device. The insertion device includes a housing, a latch, a needle for insertion into a patient; and a spring. The catheter device includes a housing comprising a chamber, and a seal disposed in said chamber. The seal is configured to reseal when the needle is withdrawn from the seal such that blood is sealed in the chamber. The spring relaxes and thereby retracts the needle entirely into the housing of the insertion device when the latch decouples from the catheter device.

Abstract: An insufflation pump includes a pump body having a first end and a second end. The pump body includes a syringe mechanism at the first end and an actuation mechanism at the second end. The syringe mechanism includes a plunger. The plunger of the syringe mechanism and the actuation mechanism are linked by a toggle assembly facilitating transfer of power from the actuation mechanism to the syringe mechanism.

Abstract: A balloon catheter which can rather smoothly move inside living body organs, and can improve trackability and pushability. The balloon catheter has an inner shaft that includes a guidewire lumen into which a guidewire can be inserted, an outer shaft that forms a fluid lumen for introducing a fluid on an outer periphery of the inner shaft, a membranous material that causes a space portion into which the fluid can flow to communicate with the fluid lumen, and that partitions the space portion on the outer periphery of the distal portion side of the inner shaft, and an inflatable and deflatable balloon in which a lumen into which the fluid can flow is formed on an outer periphery of the membranous material.

Abstract: Various fixation techniques for implantable medical device (IMDs) are described. In one example, an assembly comprises an IMD; and a set of active fixation tines attached to the IMD. The active fixation tines in the set are deployable from a spring-loaded position in which distal ends of the active fixation tines point away from the IMD to a hooked position in which the active fixation tines bend back towards the IMD. The active fixation tines are configured to secure the IMD to a patient tissue when deployed while the distal ends of the active fixation tines are positioned adjacent to the patient tissue.

Abstract: Implant tools and techniques for implantation of a medical lead, catheter or other component are provided. The implant tools and techniques are particularly useful in implanting medical electrical leads in extravascular locations, including subcutaneous locations. An implant tool for implanting a medical lead may include a shaft having a proximal end, a distal end, an open channel that extends from near the proximal end to the distal end, and an attachment feature configured to couple to the medical lead. Such an implant tool provides a user with the versatility to use the same implant tool to either pull the lead through a tunnel formed via the implant tool or push the lead through the tunnel via the open channel in the implant tool.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for insertion of implantable medical devices, and more particularly to insertion of implantable devices with a vibrating insertion tool. More specifically, a vibrating insertion tool is described, the insertion tool comprising an insertion tool controllable by a user to support and guide movement of an object, the insertion tool comprising an elongate arm having a proximal end region and a distal end region, the distal end region having a receiving region, a user-controllable vibration source for generating vibrations in accordance with a selected vibration profile, and an elongate rigid spine, connected to the vibration source and the receiving region, configured to deliver the vibrations to the receiving region.