Abstract: Methods and compositions for the biological repair of cartilage using a hybrid construct combining both an inert structure and living core are described. The inert structure is intended to act not only as a delivery system to feed and grow a living core component, but also as an inducer of cell differentiation. The inert structure comprises concentric internal and external and inflatable/expandable balloon-like bio-polymers. The living core comprises the cell-matrix construct comprised of HDFs, for example, seeded in a scaffold. The method comprises surgically removing a damaged cartilage from a patient and inserting the hybrid construct into the cavity generated after the foregoing surgical intervention. The balloons of the inert structure are successively inflated within the target area, such as a joint, for example. Also disclosed herein are methods for growing and differentiating human fibroblasts into chondrocyte-like cells via mechanical strain.

Abstract: Superhydrophobic materials are disclosed and described, along with devices, surfaces, and associated methods. Such materials can be coated onto device surfaces, system surfaces, structures, and the like.

Abstract: Therapeutic polymeric materials, therapeutic polymeric materials containing medical implants and methods for making the same, and related materials are described. Methods of making medical implants containing additives antibiotics, therapeutic polymers, and materials used therewith also are described. Methods of spatially controlling additive/antibiotic concentrations, non-homogenous distribution of therapeutic agents in polymeric materials and therapeutic medical implants containing layered constructs of polymeric materials are provided. Therapeutic medical implants containing incorporated therapeutic agents in the polymeric materials, for example, antibiotics into polymeric total joint implants, are useful for delivery of the therapeutic agents into the surrounding mediums.

Abstract: Compositions and methods for the surface appearance of the skin a subject are provided. An injectable composition comprising at least hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof; and an effective amount of at least mepivacaine or a salt thereof are provided. The hyaluronic acid optionally has an average molecular weight ranging from 50,000 to 10,000,000 Daltons, and may be crosslinked hyaluronic acids, non-crosslinked hyaluronic acids, or a combination, in some embodiments. The compositions and methods of the present invention are useful for treating and preventing the cutaneous signs of chronological aging and/or induced by external factors such as stress, air pollution, tobacco or prolonged exposure to ultraviolet (UV) exposure, impaired surface appearance of the skin, impaired viscoelastic or biomechanical properties of the skin, and/or the long-lasting filling of volume defects of the skin.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a dilatation balloon, including plasticized nylon, and plasticized nylon.

Abstract: The invention relates to means and methods for the disinfection of an insertion channel to prevent in particular catheter sepsis, which significantly reduces the carry-over of germs even out of deeper skin layers by means of medical instruments, such as catheters, to be introduced into non-natural openings and also permits the decontamination of perioperatively contaminated medical instruments. The disinfection of the insertion channel is achieved by means of a method for the perioperative coating of a medical instrument to be inserted into an invasively produced opening before use, comprising the application of a viscous or foam-like composition containing at least one anti-infective compound, preferably a gel having octenidine, by means of an applicator, such that when said gel is used, the composition is also specifically effective in the first millimeters of the insertion channel. Furthermore, an immediate disinfecting action is provided over the entire coated surface.

Abstract: A polyelectrolyte coating comprises at least one polycationic layer consisting of at least one polyarginine as herein defined and at least one polyanionic layer consisting of hyaluronic acid. The polyelectrolyte coating has a biocidal activity and the invention thus further refers to the use of said polyelectrolyte coating for producing a device, in particular a bacteriostatic medical device, more particularly an implantable device, comprising said polyelectrolyte coating, and a method for preparing said device and a kit. Also disclosed is a method of preventing a bacterial infection in an individual.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device comprising a hydrophobic analog of a medicament known to inhibit cell proliferation and migration. The invention also provides a method of treating a narrowing in a body passageway comprising placing an implantable medical device comprising a hydrophobic analog of a medicament known to inhibit cell proliferation and migration. The medicaments can be incorporated within or coated on the device. The invention further provides hydrophobic analogs of medicaments known to inhibit cell proliferation and migration.

Abstract: A portable system for subatmospheric pressure therapy in connection with healing a surgical wound, including a wound dressing dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject and a subatmospheric pressure mechanism dimensioned to be carried or worn by the subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a housing having a control unit adapted to draw a vacuum and a canister associated with the housing. The canister has a collection bag disposed therein, which is in fluid communication with the wound dressing to receive exudates from the wound bed. The collection bag is adapted to expand upon receipt of the fluids and has means to release gas from within the collection bag in connection with operation of the control unit. With this arrangement, the canister is attitude independent, i.e., the canister may be positioned on edge, on its side or on its end etc. while still maintaining operation of the control unit.

Abstract: A system and method for performing tissue therapy may include applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site of a patient. A fluid parameter associated with applying a reduced pressure to the tissue site may be sensed. An audible fluid leak location sound may be generated in response to sensing the fluid parameter. The audible fluid leak location sound may be altered in response to sensing that the fluid parameter changes. By altering the audible fluid leak location sound in response to sensing a change of the fluid parameter, a clinician may detect location of a fluid leak at the drape by applying force to the drape. The force applied to the drape may be a clinician pressing a finger onto an edge of the drape.

Abstract: Apparatuses for use in negative pressure wound therapy are described herein. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a pump assembly having a pump housing, a magnet, an electrically conductive coil, and a diaphragm, wherein the electrically conductive coil is configured to move a portion of the diaphragm to pump a fluid through the pump apparatus, and a dampener positioned within the pump assembly configured to reduce sound generated by the pump assembly during operation of the pump assembly. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a housing having a first section and a second section, and an illumination source disposed within the housing adjacent the first section, wherein the illumination source is configured to illuminate the first section, wherein the first section is one of transparent and translucent, and wherein the first section is thinner than the second section as measured perpendicularly from inside to outside the housing.

Abstract: The invention relates to a wound bed access device for providing access to a wound bed from outside a closed wound. The wound bed access device includes a self-sealing valve connector defining a flow path which is ordinarily closed and is opened when a complementary opening connector is connected to the self-sealing valve connector. The wound bed access device also includes a wound dressing interface, shaped and dimensioned to be closed within a wound dressing covering a wound. The self-sealing valve connector is connected to the wound dressing interface, with the flow path passing from the self-sealing valve connector through the wound dressing interface. In use, the self-sealing valve connector is positioned outside the wound dressing thereby providing access to the wound bed from outside the closed wound.

Abstract: Embodiments of a reduced pressure system and methods for operating the system are disclosed. In some embodiments, the system can include one or more processors responsible for various functions associated with various levels of responsiveness, such as interfacing with a user, controlling a vacuum pump, providing network connectivity, etc. The system can present GUI screens for controlling and monitoring its operation. The system can determine and monitor flow of fluid in the system by utilizing one or more of the following: monitoring the speed of a pump motor, monitoring flow of fluid in a portion of a fluid flow path by using a calibrated fluid flow restrictor, and monitoring one or more characteristics of the pressure pulses. The system can provide external connectivity for accomplishing various activities, such as location tracking of the system, compliance monitoring, tracking of operational data, remote selection and adjustment of therapy settings, etc.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a breast shield arrangement (1) for a breast pump (2) comprising: a breast shield (3) for receiving a user's breast therein, and a sensor (4) for transmitting an input signal into the breast and receiving a corresponding reception signal in response, said reception signal indicating changes in milk flow in the breast.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting heart tissue from an implanted inlet element of a blood pump. The apparatus includes a flange member having a first radially constricted configuration and a second radially expanded configuration, the flange member being biased in its second radially expanded configuration. The flange member defines an opening there through sized to receiving the inlet element of the blood pump. A retaining element extending from the flange member is included, the retaining element being flexible and sized to be disposed about at least a portion of the inlet element.

Abstract: Blood pump devices having improved rotor design are provided herein. Such blood pump devices include rotors having cantilevered support through a sealed mechanical bearing disposed outside a blood flow path of the device so as to avoid thrombus formation caused by blood contact with the bearing. The bearing means can be rotatably coupled with a proximal portion of the rotor shaft extending outside the fluid path, while a stator drives rotation of the rotor shaft so that one or more rotor blades on a distal portion of the rotor force blood flow through the device. The bearing means may include one or more radial bearings on a proximal portion of the rotor shaft that are isolated from the blood flow path by one or more rotary seals.

Abstract: A heart pump including: a housing forming a cavity including: at least one inlet aligned with an axis of the cavity; and, at least one outlet provided in a circumferential outer wall of the cavity; an impeller provided within the cavity, the impeller including vanes for urging fluid from the inlet to the outlet; and, a drive for rotating the impeller in the cavity and wherein a flow path through the pump has a minimal cross-sectional area of at least 50 mm2.

Abstract: A blood pump system includes a first implantable housing, an implantable blood pump independent from the first implantable housing, and a percutaneous extension. The first implantable housing includes a rechargeable power storage device. The implantable blood pump supplements the pumping function of a heart. The rechargeable power storage device supplies electrical power to the implantable blood pump. The percutaneous extension is coupled to the rechargeable power storage device and adapted to traverse the skin. The percutaneous extension is configured to releasably connect to an external power supply adapted to provide power for recharging or supplementing the rechargeable power storage device to power the implantable blood pump.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses relate to an implantable device for providing contractile assistance to an organ. The device may include an actuator and anchors located on either side of the actuator. The anchors engage with oppositely positioned tissue walls of an organ chamber, and provide contractile assistance to the organ, repeatedly, at appropriate times. For example, the device may be implanted within the right ventricle, anchored to the right ventricular free wall and the ventricular septum. The device may function to bring the opposing walls of the ventricle toward one another, synchronized with the pacing of the heart, resulting in an improved ejection fraction of blood from the chamber. In some embodiments, the actuator includes a bladder that is configured to contract upon receiving an inflow of pressurized fluid therein. When the fluid exits therefrom, the bladder relaxes back to an initial, extended state.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device comprising a therapeutic device, a controller and at least one rechargeable battery, wherein a single hermetically sealed housing encapsulates a therapeutic device, controller and rechargeable battery. A hermetically sealed housing additionally encapsulates a wireless interface and a commutator.

Abstract: A method for operating a blood treatment apparatus including an extracorporeal blood circuit having a blood filter with a blood chamber and a dialysate chamber, between which a membrane is arranged. The method encompasses operating a blood pump from a first time point, at which an ultrafiltration pump is stopped, at least until a second time point, at which at least one of the following conditions is met for the first time after the first time point: a time interval after has elapsed, the blood pump has conveyed a volume after, a measurement of a fluid in the extracorporeal blood circuit exceeds or falls below a threshold.

Abstract: Extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus (10) having a monitor (20) mounted on a multiple axis monitor mount (30) are described herein along with methods of rotating the monitor about multiple axes (31, 33). In one or more embodiments, the monitor mount is water resistant to facilitate cleaning of the blood treatment 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: A core temperature measurement may be made by varying the heat transfer dynamics of a blood circuit and fitting parameters of a blood circuit heat transfer configuration to measurements under the varied conditions. Then the input temperature of the patient core can be extracted from the model and a current temperature measurement remote from the patient core and optionally other measurements such as blood flow rate.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus in which whether or not the connection of a communicating line is appropriate can be determined more accurately.

Abstract: A tubular medical fluid flow set comprises a pressure sensing chamber connected in flow-through relation to fluid flow tubing of the set. The pressure sensing chamber defines a movable, flexible, impermeable diaphragm dividing the chamber into two separate compartments. The fluid flow tubing communicates with one of the compartments and is isolated from the other of the compartments. A port is carried on the chamber, the port having a seal therein, and communicating with the other of the compartments. Thus, the other of the compartments is hermetically sealed until the port is opened for connection with a pressure measuring device, to keep the flexible diaphragm in a desired, initial position prior to opening of the seal.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring an access to a patient, an extracorporeal blood circuit and/or a dialyzing fluid system includes a centrifugal pump for conveying blood or dialyzing fluid instead of an occluding pump. Centrifugal pumps bring about a large change in flow rate by even a small change in pressure difference across the pump. The device includes a measuring unit for measuring the flow rate of blood or dialyzing fluid conveyed by the centrifugal pump, and a control and computing unit configured to determine an incorrect vascular access or malfunction if a change in measured flow rate Q is more than a predetermined amount. For example, a small drop in pressure in the venous blood line leads to a marked increase in the flow rate of the centrifugal pump, which is used as a basis for the detection of an incorrect vascular access.

Abstract: An improved nozzle includes a nozzle body having a conical portion and a lower portion. The nozzle is used for irrigating nasal cavities and sinuses. Passageways for fluid are disposed in the conical portion, and fluting is provided on the lower portion to facilitate manual grasping. In one embodiment, each of the passageways is formed as a bore having a central axis aligned at a specific angle to a centerline of the nozzle body. In one embodiment, the passageways are evenly spaced about the central axis, and the specific angle is at 45 degrees.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a centering apparatus for the orderly insertion of objects into a storage container comprising: a plate-like base body, a plurality of first indentations adjacent to one another in an outer edge of the base body, a cut-out in the base body, and a plurality of mutually adjacent second indentations in an edge of the cut-out, wherein the first indentations and the second orientations have the same orientation.

Abstract: A system for measurement automation of a fluid injected into a patient includes a reservoir, a fluid injection apparatus, and a measurement automation apparatus. The fluid injection apparatus includes a delivery conduit, an injector for injecting the fluid into the patient, a diverter assembly disposed between the delivery conduit and the injector, and a connector between the diverter assembly and delivery conduit. The diverter assembly is configured to divert at least a portion of the fluid away from an injection fluid path between the injector and the delivery conduit to the reservoir. The measurement automation apparatus includes an injector sensor module, a reservoir sensor module, a processor configured to receive the data from the sensor modules, and a display.

Abstract: A drug delivery device (50) is provided comprising a drug reservoir (10) and a piston (11). The drug reservoir (10) is provided for comprising a drug and comprises a flexible wall (22) and a dispensing hole (15) for dispensing the drug into an environment of the drug delivery device (50). The piston (11) is provide for pressing against the flexible wall (22) to compress the drug reservoir (10) for pushing an amount of the drug through the dispensing hole (15). An adhesion interface (51) between a surface of the piston (11) and the flexible wall (22) prevents sliding between the surface of the piston (11) and the flexible wall (22).

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to portable devices for transferring fluids from an external source and controllably infusing the fluids into a patient, particularly portable infusion pump devices, and protective housings for such devices, which include a pump unit, a computer, a portable fuel source, and a seal for securing the contents substantially within the protective housings of the device. Some embodiments may be formed as a single infusion pump unit or may be formed when two infusion pump units are engaged. Some embodiments also relate to methods of use of portable devices and method for the manufacture of portable devices and protective housings for such devices.

Abstract: A medical system includes an input assembly for receiving one or more user inputs. The input assembly includes at least one slider assembly for providing an input signal. Processing logic receives the input signal from the input assembly and provides a first output signal and a second output signal. A display assembly is configured to receive, at least in part, the first output signal from the processing logic and render information viewable by the user. The second output signal is provided to one or more medical system components. The information rendered on the display assembly may be manipulatable by the user and at least a portion of the information rendered may be magnified.

Abstract: The invention generally provides a fluid delivery system comprising: a reservoir (7); a pumping chamber (8) having a volume, an inlet valve (48), an outlet valve (49) and a membrane (47); an actuator (20); and a drive member (21). The inlet valve and the outlet valve each comprise a passive normally closed one-way check valve. The inlet valve provides selective fluid communication between the pumping chamber volume and the reservoir. Fluid in the reservoir is at substantially ambient pressure. The drive member is operatively coupled to the pumping chamber membrane. Energising the actuator moves the drive member in reciprocating motion and thereby displaces the membrane to change the pumping chamber volume between a minimum volume and a maximum volume. The pumping chamber volume is held at a pressure above the ambient pressure in the reservoir when the actuator is at rest.

Abstract: The present utility model discloses a safety mechanism for a retaining needle and a retaining needle having the safety mechanism. The retaining needle comprises a hollow handle and a needle seat at least partially disposed within the handle for receiving a puncture needle, the safety mechanism comprises: a snapping step disposed at an inner side of the hollow handle; at least one elastic arm radially spreading outward disposed on the needle seat, an end portion of the elastic arm has a snapping portion radially protruding outward, the snapping portion being engaged with the snapping step; a button disposed on a distal side portion of the handle; the button, when being depressed, pushing the elastic arm along a radial inward direction, such that while the snapping portion of the elastic arm is disengaged from the snapping step, the needle seat and the puncture needle stretching outside of the handle are retracted into the hollow handle by virtue of vacuum within the hollow handle.

Abstract: A system for infusing medication into a mammalian subject is provided. The system includes an injection system for controlling a flow of fluid from a fluid reservoir to a needle. A sensor is provided that detects a characteristic indicative of the fluid pressure in the needle. The injection system controls the flow of fluid to the needle in response to the characteristic detected by the sensor and the sensor continuously detects the characteristic as the needle is inserted into the subject. The system further includes a conductive element for providing electric nerve stimulation, wherein the system provides electric nerve stimulation in response to the sensor detecting a pressure exceeding an upper limit.

Abstract: Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, and baseplate assemblies, including cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, inserters, and related components and batteries therefor, as well as component combinations and related methods.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery device and method that includes a bellows sensor for detecting the displacement of a bellows within an infusate reservoir. Sensor data from the bellows sensor may enable indirect measurement of the flow conditions of the implantable drug delivery device or connected catheter. A processor within the implantable drug delivery device may use the sensor data to determine whether delivery of infusate to a patient over time is outside normal or acceptable parameters and take an action in response.

Abstract: A device for limitation of the injection pressure of a medical instrument for introduction of a fluid, having a housing, with an entrance of the housing for introducing the fluid at an inlet pressure, with an outlet of the housing for introducing the fluid to the instrument, with a flow-through channel of the housing connecting the entrance and the outlet and with a plunger guided in the housing which is impinged on by the pressure of the fluid and through this pressure is movable against a resetting force. On the plunger a blocking element is arranged, which is located in the flow cross section of the flow-through channel, and that the blocking element releases the flow cross section, when the pressure of the fluid impinging on the plunger lies beneath a value preset by the resetting force, and blocks the flow cross section when the pressure of the fluid impinging on the plunger exceeds this preset value and moves the plunger against the resetting force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical device for pumping fluid through a conduit, the pump including: one or more sensors to detect a parameter associated with the fluid; a circuit to (a) receive from the sensor a first signal indicative of one or more characteristics associated with the fluid; and (b) to determine if an occlusion is indicated based on a signal analysis of the first signal.

Abstract: There is provided a fluid delivery system (100), comprising a pump (102) for pumping fluid from a cartridge (400) to an outlet. The pump comprises a housing (302), a cartridge which can be removably attached to the housing, and a switch (308) for activating the pump. The switch is arranged such that attaching the cartridge to the housing activates the switch to automatically activate the pump. The system may also include a control unit for wireless connection with the pump.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus, system, and method for a nested syringe assembly. The nested syringe assembly (100) includes a first syringe (104) having a cylindrical body defining an inner diameter and a second syringe (102) having a cylindrical body defining an outer diameter. The outer diameter of the second syringe is less than the inner diameter of the first syringe. At least a portion of the cylindrical body of the second syringe is disposed within the cylindrical body of the first syringe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism for a drug delivery device, comprising: a piston rod to operably engage with a piston of a cartridge to displace the piston in a distal direction during a dose dispensing action, at least one actuation member mechanically coupled with the piston rod to induce a distally directed displacement of the piston rod when actuated by a user, a control to ascertain at least one predefined condition of use, and at least one interlock member coupled with the control to mechanically obstruct displacement of the piston rod if the condition of use is not fulfilled.

Abstract: A cartridge carrier assembly for a medicament delivery device comprises a cartridge carrier adapted to receive a cartridge defining a cavity containing a dose of a medicament, a needle hub being part of the cartridge carrier or coupled to the cartridge carrier such that the needle hub is fixed relative to the cartridge carrier, the needle hub adapted to receive a distal end or part of the cartridge, an injection needle having a tipped proximal needle section adapted to pierce a sealing element distally arranged on the cartridge, and a removable needle cap attachable to a distal end of the cartridge carrier. The needle hub comprises a cartridge retention feature adapted to abut the cartridge or a part thereof to limit axial movement of the cartridge in the distal direction such that the proximal needle section is spaced from the sealing element.

Abstract: An injection device comprises a barrel having a proximal end for a needle to protrude therefrom; a needle assembly having a double-pointed hollow needle and a biasing means operable to bias the double-pointed hollow needle away from the proximal end of the barrel; a cartridge; and a mechanism operable to cause the cartridge to be punctured by the first end of the needle, and to cause the second end of the needle to protrude from the proximal end of the barrel and to be locked in the protruded position.

Abstract: An add-on for a self-injector including an adaptor including at least one coupling sized and shaped to couple the adaptor to a fluid reservoir, a bent fluid path configured at a first end to penetrate tissue and coupled at a second end to said adaptor. The add-on coupled to the fluid reservoir forms an integral self-injector cartridge unit configured to be sterilized and filled with an injectable. The adaptor is configured to couple to a self-injector at least one of a plurality of reservoirs having different sizes and tip types.

Abstract: A single use pre-filled delivery device is disclosed having a deformable container including a side wall having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, a clip element, and a locking element. The deformable container further includes a closed proximal end and an open distal end including a male luer tip having a passageway therethrough providing fluid communication with the chamber. The male luer tip may be removably connectable to a female luer connection of a vascular access device. The clip element includes a distal end, proximal end, and a pivot located between the distal end and the proximal end of the clip element for collapsing the deformable container to drive fluid out of the chamber by movement of the proximal end towards the distal end. The pivot may be a hinge, which may be in the form of a living hinge. The deformable container may be attached to the clip element. The locking element may be disposed on the clip element.

Abstract: A synthetic-resin barrel for a syringe has an injection needle fixed to an open distal-end portion thereof or a distal-end portion thereof and is sterilized by radioactive rays or electron beams. The synthetic resin forming the barrel contains a phenol-based antioxidant. The amount of phenoxyl radicals of the synthetic resin measured by the electron spin resonance apparatus is 0.1 to 1.0×1012 spins/mg.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a drive means configured to act on a medicament container for expelling a medicament; a holding means configured to hold said drive means in a pre-tensioned state; an activation means configured to interact with said holding means for releasing said drive means from the pre-tensioned state; wherein the device further comprises feedback means configured to interact both with said holding means and with said drive means for generating an audible and/or tactile and/or visual signal indicating that the medicament has been completely expelled.

Abstract: Injection systems with storage compartments to house various materials are described. The storage compartments facilitate provision of medical care in space- and time-efficient manners and are particularly useful in providing care in non-medical facilities.