Abstract: A storage apparatus and methods for storing medical devices are provided. A storage apparatus comprises a first container having a first cavity configured to receive a first medical device, such as an endoscope, and a second container having a second cavity configured to receive a supply kit for the first medical device. The second container is positioned proximal to the first container within the storage apparatus.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the effectiveness of a decontamination process, the device including a bacteria cell as the indicator test organism and optionally a substrate, where the indicator test organism may include a Mycobacteria terrae cell, and methods of using the monitoring device to evaluate the efficacy of a decontamination process.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional aroma diffuser, comprising two aroma dispensing units which each can use a different type of aromatic material. The two aroma dispensing units can be used either separately or simultaneously. In one embodiment, the first aroma dispensing unit includes a platform for supporting a first aromatic material, and a lamp for activating the first aromatic material; and the second aroma dispensing unit includes a container for receiving a second aromatic material, and a heater for activating the second aromatic material. The first aromatic material can be a candle-type aromatic wax body, and the second aromatic material can be a disc-type wax pad. In another embodiment, the aroma diffuser has a base support and an alternative support for supporting aromatic materials in different sizes. The aroma diffuser also offers other functions such as supply storage, mobile charging station, and a music player.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multifunctional aroma diffuser, comprising two aroma dispensing units which each can use a different type of aromatic material. The two aroma dispensing units can be used either separately or simultaneously. In one embodiment, the first aroma dispensing unit includes a platform for supporting a first aromatic material, and a lamp for activating the first aromatic material; and the second aroma dispensing unit includes a container for receiving a second aromatic material, and a heater for activating the second aromatic material. The first aromatic material can be a candle-type aromatic wax body, and the second aromatic material can be a disc-type wax pad. In another embodiment, the aroma diffuser has a base support and an alternative support for supporting aromatic materials in different sizes. The aroma diffuser also offers other functions such as supply storage, mobile charging station, and a music player.

Abstract: A volatile material atomizing device comprises a housing having a fan, a fluid outlet, a plurality of air inlets and a plurality of air outlets. The plurality of air outlets are positioned at least partially around the fluid outlet. A fluid reservoir includes a wick and containing a volatile material. The fluid reservoir is disposed within the housing. An atomizing assembly is in fluid communication with the wick and positioned in the housing. The atomizing assembly is configured to dispense the volatile material out of the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A disinfection device comprising: a housing; a reservoir within said housing, said reservoir arranged to contain a liquid disinfectant; a vaporizer in fluid communication with the reservoir, said vaporizer arranged to vaporize the liquid mist; a nozzle in fluid communication with the vaporizer, said nozzle arranged to vent the vaporized disinfectant; a drive unit mounted to the housing for driving the disinfection device along a floor space; wherein the disinfection device is arranged to vaporize and diffuse disinfection mist whilst driving across said floor space.

Abstract: A fan mountable air freshening device for releasing fragrance into circulated air includes a plurality of pads that is configured to couple to a fan. The pads are impregnated with a volatilizable substance. The pads are configured to release the volatilizable substance into air that is circulated by the fan.

Abstract: A wall mountable essential oil diffuser. The wall mountable essential oil diffuser includes a housing and a wall dock. The wall dock is configured to attach to a surface and releasably receive at least a portion of the housing. The wall mountable essential oil diffuser also includes an aperture, where the aperture is configured to receive an essential oil container and a fan, where the fan is configured to move air through the aperture and into the essential oil container. The wall mountable essential oil diffuser further includes an outlet, where the outlet is configured to receive a mixture of air and vaporized essential oil and allow the mixture to exit the housing and a switch, where the switch is configured to allow a user to turn on and off the fan.

Abstract: A modular germicidal light system for use in a plenum of a cooling apparatus in which an entrained stream of air flows in a predetermined direction. The system comprises a support assembly comprising at least one elongate member; at least one lamp assembly constructed and arranged to mount to at least one elongate member of the support assembly, and comprising a linear germicidal light source having a longitudinal axis extending at an acute light angle relative to a plane substantially perpendicular to the direction of the flow of said stream of air. Each of said at least one elongate members has a longitudinal axis, and a distal end and a proximal end along said longitudinal axis. The system further comprises one or more anchor members for receiving at least one of the ends of each elongate member for connecting said members to an interior surface of the plenum.

Abstract: The ion device includes: a first discharge electrode which generates positive ions; a second discharge electrode which generates negative ions; a transformer which outputs a high alternating-current voltage; a first diode which rectifies the high alternating-current voltage and applies a voltage thus rectified to the first discharge electrode; and a second diode which rectifies the high alternating-current voltage and applies a voltage thus rectified to the second discharge electrode. The first diode and the second diode are connected, on a high voltage circuit substrate, to an output terminal of the transformer via a conductive body such as a wiring pattern and a soldering pattern. The conductive body is formed in a region where the conductive body causes neither a decrease in strength of an electric field formed by the first discharge electrode nor a decrease in strength of an electric field formed by the second discharge electrode.

Abstract: An absorbent article comprising a topsheet, a backsheet joined to the topsheet, and an absorbent core positioned intermediate the topsheet and the backsheet and comprising a core absorbent material, in which the core absorbent material comprises superabsorbent polymers with a bio-based content from about 5% to about 100% using ASTM D6866-10, method B and the absorbent article comprises a polyolefin content of at least about 90% by weight, based on a total weight of the absorbent article excluding the core absorbent material.

Abstract: This invention describes a wound dressing product for active continuous debridement of devitalized tissues in non-healing wounds including diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, burn injuries and other etiologies. The present invention pertains to the principle of continuous wound debridement which makes necrotic tissue more susceptible for removal and hence enhances progressive wound healing. The dressing contains an active ingredient, such as collagenase which serves to debride wounds in-situ. In the present invention purified Collagenase (90% pure) was deposited onto several wound dressing materials. A key feature of this invention is that the activity level of the Collagenase used was substantially preserved.

Abstract: There is provided a solid cement reactant comprising a dehydrated magnesium phosphate, and/or an amorphous or partially amorphous magnesium phosphate, and/or Farringtonite.

Abstract: Polymeric compositions are described comprising a biocompatible polymer including a biodegradable linkage to a visualization agent and a non-physiological solution; wherein the biocompatible polymer is soluble in the non-physiological solution and insoluble in a physiological solution. Methods of forming the solutions and polymers are disclosed as well as methods of therapeutic use.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue sealant compositions and vasculature closure devices useful for the optical detection of tissue seal and/or clot formation. Compositions and devices of the present invention comprise optical dyes which undergo an observable change as the compositions and/or devices are incorporated into a tissue seal and/or clot, for example a change in fluorescence quantum yield and/or a change in visual color including a change in emission and/or absorption wavelength. Tissue sealants and vasculature closure devices of the present invention are useful for visualizing seal and/or clot formation, for example, during or after surgical procedures, after catheter removal, etc. The present invention further provides methods for formation and optical detection of tissue seals or vasculature puncture closures as well as medical kits useful for the formation and optical detection of tissue seals or vasculature puncture closures.

Abstract: The present invention provides tissue sealant compositions and vasculature closure devices useful for the optical detection of tissue seal and/or clot formation. Compositions and devices of the present invention comprise optical dyes which undergo an observable change as the compositions and/or devices are incorporated into a tissue seal and/or clot, for example a change in fluorescence quantum yield and/or a change in visual color including a change in emission and/or absorption wavelength. Tissue sealants and vasculature closure devices of the present invention are useful for visualizing seal and/or clot formation, for example, during or after surgical procedures, after catheter removal, etc. The present invention further provides methods for formation and optical detection of tissue seals or vasculature puncture closures as well as medical kits useful for the formation and optical detection of tissue seals or vasculature puncture closures.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment there is a wound application comprising at least one film applied over a wound comprising at least 1% green tea, and at least 0.01% sugar, wherein said film comprises a polymeric film comprising united chains and monomeric glucose points. In at least one other embodiment there is a wound application comprising a solution comprising at least trace amounts of colloidal silver, at least trace amounts of sodium chloride, at least trace amounts of dextrose; and water, wherein the colloidal silver, the sodium chloride and the dextrose are dissolved in water. In at least one other embodiment there is an application for treating a wound comprising both a solution comprising at least trace amounts of colloidal silver and a film comprising at least trace amounts of green tea applied over the solution on top of a wound.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a medical dressing comprising a carrier material and a composite material. The composite material comprises oil droplets dispersed in a matrix. The matrix comprises one or more cellulose derivatives and nanocellulose.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of a biomaterial for the treatment, repair and/or enhancement of bodily tissue insufficiencies of the vocal chords, muscles, ligaments, cartilage, post-operative regions, sexual organs and/or weight supporting areas of the feet as well as other conditions of the bones and joints. The biomaterial for use in the invention may comprise an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition wherein the polysaccharide may be succinochitosan glutamate. This invention also relates to the use of a biomaterial comprising an injectable bioresorbable polysaccharide composition in which resorbable particles may be in suspension, the said particles comprising or consisting essentially of chitin and/or chitosan, which may be free of any additional formulation modifying agents, and a process for manufacturing the same. The invention also includes the use of various medicaments in the biomaterial formulations to enhance the treatment of the affected area of the body.

Abstract: The disclosure provides hyaluronic acid (HA) gel formulations and methods for treating the appearance of the skin. The formulations contain hyaluronic acid and at least one additional ingredient. Methods for treating lines, wrinkles, fibroblast depletions, and scars with the disclosed composition are provided as well.

Abstract: A combination comprising, spatially separate from one another, a first component and a second component, where the first component comprises crosslinkable albumin and the second component comprises a polymer, wherein non-terminal monomer units of the polymer comprise at least partially, more particularly only partially, an albumin-crosslinking group. Additionally disclosed is a reaction product obtainable by means of the combination, to a medical device, to a medicinal product for innovative therapies, to a kit, to a discharge apparatus, and to a functionalized hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: Compositions comprising translucent, dehydrated placental tissue and methods of preparing and using those tissues are provided. Repeated dehydration techniques may produce translucent, dehydrated placental tissues, including translucent, dehydrated placental membrane and umbilical cord, with improved visualization and/or handling characteristics. The present invention also includes methods of healing a wound of the skin, eye, nerve, tendon, muscle, dental region, or dura, including burns, comprising applying the translucent, dehydrated placental tissues of the invention to the wound.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and compositions for making and using collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffolds immobilized with biomolecules that are spatially and temporally patterned. The method comprises adding benzophenone to a collagen-glycosaminoglycan three dimensional scaffold in the dark; adding one or more biomolecules to one or more areas of the collagen-glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold (which can be done optionally in the dark or in the light); and exposing the collagen-2glycosaminoglycan three-dimensional scaffold to light at a wavelength of about 350 to about 365 nm.

Abstract: Described herein are tissue grafts derived from the placenta that possess good adhesion to biological tissues and are useful in would healing applications. In one aspect, the tissue graft includes (1) two or more layers of amnion, wherein at least one layer of amnion is cross-linked, (2) two or more layers of chorion, wherein at least one layer of amnion is cross-linked, or (3) one or more layers of amnion and chorion, wherein at least one layer of amnion and/or chorion is cross-linked. In another aspect, the grafts are composed of amnion and chorion cross-linked with one another. In a further aspect, the grafts have one or more layers sandwiched between the amnion and chorion membranes. The amnion and/or the chorion are treated with a cross-linking agent prior to the formation of the graft. The presence of the cross-linking agent present on the graft also enhances adhesion to the biological tissue of interest. Also described herein are methods for making and using the tissue grafts.

Abstract: A biological composition made from a mixture of biologic material intermixed with an electrospun matrix for direct implantation has a mixture of biologic material and a volume of an electrospun matrix of collagen. The mixture of biologic material has non-whole cellular components including vesicular components and active and inactive components of biological activity, cell fragments, cellular excretions, cellular derivatives, and extracellular components, or whole cells or combinations of the non-whole cellular components and whole cells. The mixture is compatible with biologic function. The volume of electrospun matrix of collagen is intermixed with the mixture of biologic material. The electrospun matrix forms a three-dimensional electrospun scaffold externally enveloping each of the non-whole cellular components, if any, and each of the whole cells, if any, of the mixture of biologic material to form a biological composition of paracrine-enriched collagen fleece.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are synthetic hydrogels suitable for delivering antimicrobial and/or bone regenerating agents to injured tissues.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a composition comprising a fibrin hydrogel conjugated to peptides of laminin-111 (L1) and methods for repairing damaged salivary tissue using the composition.

Abstract: An implant is provided having an antibiotic coating that is inexpensive and easy to manufacture. The antibiotic coating adheres well and in stable manner to the surface of the implant, can be degraded by the body without forming toxic products, prevents the crystallization of the antibiotics in the coating, and ensures a high immediate locally-effective antibiotic concentration at the implant site. A coating solution useful for making the implant and a method for the manufacture of the implant are also described.

Abstract: Nanofiber structures are provided along with methods of production and methods of use.

Abstract: The invention relates to a bioresorbable implant (1) for supplementing or replacing hard tissue and/or soft tissue, comprising at least one reinforcing fiber/fiber bundle or a fiber structure or fiber construct (2) which is made of a first material component and which is embedded into a matrix (3) after being mixed with a second material component. The material of the first material component contains at least one of the elements of the group consisting of silk, chitosan, collagen, polycaprolactone, poly(D,L-lactide), poly(lactide-co-glycolide), polyglycolide, polyurethane and polypropylene, wherein the second material component is present in granular or powdery form at the point in time at which the material component is mixed with the fibers/fiber bundle, fiber structure or fiber construct (2). The invention likewise relates to a method for producing such implant (1).

Abstract: An embodiment includes a process for treating an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) endoleak with a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam device. First, a bifurcated stent graft is placed within the aneurysm while a micro guidewire is positioned within the aneurysm for future catheter access. Second, after placing the iliac graft extension, a catheter is introduced over wire to deliver embolic foams. Third, embolic foams expand and conform to the aneurysm wall. Fourth, embolic foams create a stable thrombus to prevent endoleak formation by isolating peripheral vessels from the aneurysm volume.

Abstract: According to certain embodiments, an apparatus for applying negative pressure to a wound can include a negative pressure source, a sensor, and a controller. The negative pressure source can be configured to couple via a fluid flow path to a wound dressing and provide negative pressure to the wound dressing. The sensor can be configured to monitor a magnitude or frequency of pressure in the fluid flow path generated by the negative pressure source. The controller can be configured to determine an activity classification, such as breathing, changing positions while lying, sitting, walking, standing, jumping, traversing stairs, leg extending, leg bending, and performing chair squats, based on a change in the magnitude of pressure over time while the negative pressure source maintains the magnitude of pressure in the fluid flow path below a negative pressure threshold. The controller can output an indication of the activity classification.

Abstract: Embodiments of negative pressure wound therapy apparatuses and methods for using such apparatuses are disclosed. In some embodiments, a negative pressure wound therapy apparatus includes a controller configured to determine a level of exudate in a canister (or a dressing) based at least in part on one or more characteristics of pressure signals generated by a negative pressure source and monitored by a pressure sensor. One such characteristic of the pressure signals can be amplitude, which may increase as a level of exudate in the canister (or dressing) increases. The canister (or dressing) can include a filter configured to become occluded in order to prevent overflow of the canister (or dressing). The controller can be additionally configured to detect and indicate a canister (or dressing) pre-full condition before the filter becomes occluded. More efficient and reliable operation of the negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can thereby be attained.

Abstract: A method for providing a negative pressure wherein a pump is cycled on and off to achieve a target negative pressure, which is set slightly lower than the therapeutic negative pressure. A device determines the actual pressure by averaging samples which may occur at a different rate than the pump cycle.

Abstract: The present application relates generally to a suction regulator device and, more specifically, to a method and system for signaling responsive to sensing that the suction regulator device has become contaminated.

Abstract: A system including tubing and a filter configured to be fluidly coupled to a vacuum source and to a heater/cooler unit by the tubing. The filter includes a filter container having negative air pressure in the filter container provided by the vacuum source to pull aerosol from the heater/cooler unit into the filter container and eliminate and/or reduce the aerosol emitted from the heater/cooler unit.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure treatment system for debriding a treatment area of a tissue site and applying reduced pressure is disclosed. The reduced-pressure treatment system includes a hydrogel having a blocked acid debriding agent. The hydrogel is adapted to cover the treatment area and enhance autolytic debridement at the treatment area. The reduced-pressure treatment system includes a manifold that is adapted to cover the hydrogel and distribute reduced pressure to the tissue site. The reduce-pressure treatment system also includes a sealing drape for forming a fluid seal over the tissue site and manifold. Other systems, methods, and dressings are presented.

Abstract: A dressing for treating a tissue site with negative pressure is described. The dressing includes a tissue interface and a sealing member. The dressing further includes a sealing tape configured to be coupled to the sealing member and epidermis. The sealing tape includes a bonding adhesive and a sealing adhesive coupled to a side of the sealing tape. The sealing tape includes a layer of the bonding adhesive disposed on a film layer and a layer of sealing adhesive having one or more apertures disposed on the bonding adhesive. The sealing tape can include a layer of the bonding adhesive disposed on a portion of a film layer and a layer of the sealing adhesive disposed on a uncovered portions of the film layer.

Abstract: A sealing system that includes a switchable drape is presented. The drape provides enhanced sealing by using a high-strength adhesive. In one instance, the switchable drape has a plurality of perforations through which a switching solution may be delivered to the high-strength adhesive. The switching solution causes the high-strength adhesive to become less adhesive so that the switchable drape may be removed more easily. Other systems, methods, and drapes are presented.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a supply device for a channel (8), in particular within a hollow catheter (1), and to a method for operating a supply device of this type that supplies a channel (8) with a liquid and has two pumps (10, 19) arranged at points of the channel distanced from one another, characterised in that the parameter values of at least one operating parameter of both pumps are coordinated with one another in a controlled manner. As a result of the method, interruption-free and precisely controllable operation is to be ensured with simple structural means, in particular in the case of use of wear-free diaphragm pumps.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided herein for treating a patient in cardiogenic shock. An intravascular heart pump system is inserted into vasculature of the patient. The heart pump system has a cannula, pump outlet, pump inlet, and rotor. The heart pump system is positioned within the patient such that the cannula extends across the patient's aortic valve, the pump inlet is located within the patient's left ventricle, and the pump outlet is located within the patient's aorta. Data related to time-varying parameters of the heart pump system is acquired from the heart pump system. A plurality of features are extracted from the data. A probability of survival of the patient is determined based on the plurality of features and using a prediction model. The heart pump system is operated to treat the patient.

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 comprises 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: Various embodiments of a medical device for displacing a bodily fluid inside a patient's body and the related methods are disclosed. In one exemplary embodiment, the medical device may include a source heat exchanger containing a heat generating in source and being configured to transfer heat from the heat generating source to a working fluid. The medical device also includes a hollow shaft comprising a plurality of permanent magnets, an impeller shroud disposed inside the hollow shaft, where the impeller shroud defines an internal passageway through which the bodily fluid passes through. The medical device further includes an impeller disposed inside the internal passageway of the impeller shroud, where the impeller is magnetically coupled to the permanent magnets of the hollow shaft.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment machine, preferably a dialysis machine, including a fluid circuit, preferably a dialysis fluid circuit, and a disinfectant supply line including an SOS generator integrated in the blood treatment machine which can be selectively connected to the fluid circuit by the disinfectant supply line and is adapted to provide a super-oxidized solution or SOS for disinfection of the fluid circuit from dialysis concentrate and osmotic water, and a method for disinfection of an extracorporeal blood treatment machine.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and an apparatus or system for dialysis. The method and apparatus or system are useful for removing an undesirable protein-binding substance such as a toxin from a biological fluid such as blood or blood plasma. As such, the method and apparatus or system are useful for treating a subject in need of dialysis such as a subject suffering from hepatic disease. The methods feature a) dialyzing a biological fluid against a dialysis fluid containing an adsorber for a protein-binding substance to be removed through a semipermeable membrane, b) adjusting the dialysis fluid so that the binding affinity of the adsorber for the protein-bound substance to be removed is lowered and the substance to be removed passes into solution, and c) balancing the volume or flow of one or more fluids in the apparatus or system suitable for dialyzing a biological fluid containing a protein-binding substance to be removed.

Abstract: Described herein are systems and methods for performing peritoneal dialysis. According to one aspect, the disclosure in provides a sterile interface connection for connecting a water purification system to a disposable source of dialysate concentrates. The sterile interface connection can include a chamber comprising an inlet adapted to be connected to the water purification system on a proximal end and a valve on a distal end. The sterile interface connection can also include spring-loaded needle disposed in the chamber. The spring-loaded needle can move between a retracted configuration in which the spring-loaded needle is fully retracted into the chamber and the valve is closed and sealed, and an extended configuration in which the spring-loaded needle extends through the valve into the disposable source of dialysate concentrates.

Abstract: A hemofilter system. In one embodiment, the hemofilter system includes a container having a first surface, a second surface, and one or more wall surfaces, the first surface, the second surface and the one or more wall surfaces defining a volume; an input port in fluid communication with the first surface; an output port in fluid communication with the second surface; a filter bed comprising a plurality of planar magnetic meshes stacked in close juxtaposition and positioned within the container volume and coplanar with the first and second surfaces; a first magnet positioned on a first surface of the container; a second magnet positioned on the second surface of the container; a first input conduit in fluid communication with the input port; and a first output conduit in fluid communication with the output port. In another embodiment, the hemofilter system includes a pump in the input conduit.

Abstract: A system and device for intelligent bladder irrigation, including an irrigation sensor structured to detect the presence of blood in an effluent liquid exiting a bladder during irrigation, a discrepancy mechanism structured to measure a difference between an inflow of an irrigant to a patient's bladder and an outflow of the effluent from the patient's bladder, and a flow varying mechanism for adjusting the inflow rate of the irrigant. The system also includes a control device structured to receive data from the irrigation sensor and the flow discrepancy mechanism, and generate a control signal in response.

Abstract: Disclosed is a small molecule dye for use in imaging in the near-infrared window, namely between 1000 nm-1700 nm wavelength. The present dyes are also useful for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy. The dyes have a structure of a D-A-D (donor-acceptor-donor) fluorescent compound core and side chains rendering the compounds water soluble and easily conjugated to hydrophilic polymers and/or targeting ligands. Further disclosed is compound, CH1055 that can be PEGylated, conjugated to a targeting ligand, or conjugated to taurine. Key steps utilized to assemble the core structure of the target included a cross-Suzuki coupling reaction, iron reduction and N-thionylaniline induced ring closure. Four carboxylic acid groups were introduced into the donor-acceptor-donor (D-A-D) type fluorescent compound to impart a certain aqueous solubility and to allow facile conjugation to targeting ligands.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for delivering multiple medicaments from multiple reservoirs to a patient. The devices and methods may be configured to prevent or reduce the incidence of a user transferring a fluid to or from an incorrect reservoir.