Abstract: The invention relates to a method for forming a functional network of human neuronal and glial cells, wherein the cells are introduced into a synthetic hydrogel system with the components polyethylene glycol (PEG) and heparin and are cultivated therein. The cells are introduced into the PEG heparin hydrogel system together with one of the gel components, either PEG or heparin, with which the cells were previously mixed such that the cells are already located in the hydrogel system during the formation of the three-dimensional hydrogel.

Abstract: The present invention relates a hydrogel comprising a porous structure of ordered structural elements, wherein said structural elements comprises crosslinked hyaluronic acid. The present invention also relates to the use of said hydrogels and methods for preparing said hydrogels.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods of making a biomimetic hydrogel scaffold comprising a polycation and a polyanion. Also provided are anisotropic biomimetic hydrogel scaffold compositions suitable for use in tissue growth, including bone, muscle, and nerve growth an optionally comprising a carbon allotrope such as graphene. Also provided are methods of producing tissue comprising growing tissue on the biomimetic hydrogel scaffold comprising a polycation and a polyanion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a layered barrier film having a first product component and a second detachable carrier component. The first product component includes a layer of material selected from a group including polyethylenes, polyethylene copolymers, polypropylene copolymers, thermoplastic polyurethanes, thermoplastic polyester elastomers, thermoplastic polyamide elastomers, thermoplastic elastomer compounds, and/or blends thereof, and a second layer made from at least partially inorganic material. The first product component has high barrier properties and is very soft. The second detachable carrier component is a layer of material selected from a group including polyethylenes, polypropylenes, polyesters, polyamides, and/or blends thereof.

Abstract: Medical devices that are formed from a polymeric matrix including a first polymer and a functionalized polymer are provided. The medical devices may include a functionalized polymer such as maleic anhydride functionalized polymer. The burst strength and/or the hoop strength of the medical devices including the functionalized polymer may be greater than the burst strength and/or the hoop strength of control medical devices. However, the durometer of the medical devices may be substantially equal to the durometer of the control medical devices. Methods of manufacturing medical devices including a functionalized polymer are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an efficient method for grafting a properties-imparting compound onto a polymeric substrate containing carbon-hydrogen (C—H) bonds using clip chemistry. The method of the invention includes coating the substrate with the properties-imparting compound and irradiating it with a reactive light source, and repeating this sequence at least once. The present invention further relates to surface-modified polymeric substrates grafted with a properties-imparting compound, in particular obtained with the method of the invention, medical devices comprising same, and non-medical of said surface-modified polymeric substrates.

Abstract: An active implantable medical device comprises an expandable stent, a flexible cover material positioned on at least an outer surface of the expandable stent, a nanoscale source of electrical energy embedded within the cover material, where the nanoscale source of electrical energy is mechanically activatable to produce the electrical energy, and antimicrobial particles distributed on or within a surface region of the cover material. The antimicrobial particles are electrically connected to the nanoscale source of electrical energy. When the active implantable medical device is placed in a body vessel and exposed to pressure changes and/or mechanical stresses, mechanical activation of the nanoscale source occurs, thereby enabling production of the electrical energy and powering of the antimicrobial particles.

Abstract: A composite wound dressing apparatus promotes healing of a wound via the use of a micropump system housed within or above a wound dressing member. The micropump system includes a miniature pump that applies a subatmospheric pressure to the wound to effectively draw wound fluid or exudate away from the wound bed without the need for a cumbersome external vacuum source. Hence, the wound dressing and micropump system is portable which allows the patient mobility that is unavailable when an external vacuum source is used. The patient does not need to be constrained for any period of time while exudate is being removed from the wound.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for collecting liquid from a patient. The apparatus can include positions for collection containers. A manifold is disclosed which includes a housing, and at least one port for connecting to a patient and more than one port for collection container tubes extending from the manifold to a collection container. The ports include valves which are individually operable.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess or maxillary sinus) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: A method for collecting and filtering biological material from blood and other fluids during a surgical procedure includes: attaching a first cover including a suction port and an intake port to a collection trap; attaching a suction source to the suction port; attaching an instrument to the intake port, through which blood and tissue are suctioned and received into the collection trap; filing the collection trap with blood and tissue; removing the collection trap from the first cover; attaching a second cover to the collection trap in place of the first cover, the second cover including a suction port and a plunger, the plunger including a press head having a screen portion permitting blood and other fluids to pass; attaching a suction source to the suction port of the second cover; separating the blood from the tissue by deploying the plunger; and drawing off the blood through the suction port.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure assist with management of tubes and hoses during surgical procedures. The systems, devices, and methods provide for the proper opening and closing of tubes to facilitate performance of steps in a surgical procedure. Systems, devices, and methods of the present disclosure control fluid delivery to and from a medical device, including devices for tissue processing and cleaning.

Abstract: Provided is a bleeding conduit assembly attached to a heart and used for introducing blood in the heart into a ventricular assist pump from the heart. The bleeding conduit assembly includes: a bleeding conduit made of a porous material; and a cuff mounted on one end portion of the bleeding conduit, wherein a first gas non-permeable material layer is formed on an outer peripheral surface of the bleeding conduit. The bleeding conduit assembly according to the present invention can overcome at least any one of three drawbacks which occur attributed to the presence of an inflow cannula in a conventional bleeding conduit assembly.

Abstract: A blood purification device includes: a control device that controls supply of a dialysis solution to a blood purifier; a dialysis solution supply tube in which a dialysis solution flows from the control device toward the blood purifier; a dialysis solution discharge tube in which the dialysis solution flows from the blood purifier toward the control device; a supply side coupler that connects between the dialysis solution supply tube and a dialysis solution inflow pipe of the blood purifier; and a discharge side coupler that connects between the dialysis solution discharge tube and a dialysis solution outflow pipe of the blood purifier. At least one of the supply side coupler and the discharge side coupler includes a light source unit configured to irradiate the interior of the coupler with ultraviolet light.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to devices for the extracorporeal treatment of a patient having a complement factor related disease. The devices are adapted to remove said complement factors from the blood or blood plasma of a patient in need. The disclosure further relates to extracorporeal circuits comprising such devices and methods for the treatment of a patient suffering from a complement factor related disease.

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 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: According to embodiments, priming systems, methods, and devices are disclosed which allow medical treatment devices which pump fluid to be primed with minimal operator intervention and a high level of convenience. A blood circuit with a filter fitted with one or more air vents on a non-blood compartment is attached to a treatment system and priming fluid pumped slowly through the blood circuit in a loop. The source of fluid may be elevated, or the pumping may generate pressure, such that priming fluid is forced through the membrane of the filter and out the air vent(s). In embodiments, the vents are hydrophobic which prevent fluid from being ejected, so the priming system can run without intervention.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and apparatus that can substantially reduce the recirculation of venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV ECMO) associated with the two-site, single-lumen cannulation approach. Actively-controlled flow regulators comprising balloon, occluder and reservoir can be individually or collectively equipped on the drainage and/or infusion cannulas to accomplish the goal of maximizing VV ECMO support efficacy. Three specific embodiments are introduced to illustrate the practical enforcement of the proposed blood flow control in reference to the heart rhythm, aiming at achieving the maximal reduction of oxygenated blood flow recirculating back to the VV ECMO circuit.

Abstract: A method and automated system for processing blood in which the automated system includes a programmable controller, a database, and an interactive display screen for displaying information and receiving operator input. The programmable controller is configured to automatically control the system to perform the method. Upon activation of the system, the screen displays a listing of different blood processing procedures that may be performed using the system. The operator may then input into the controller an identification of a specified blood processing procedure that is to be performed, such that an initial list of parameters that are associated with the specified blood processing procedure are displayed on the screen. The operator may then input into the controller an identification of the parameters that are to populate the display screen during performance of the procedure and indicate a format in which the selected parameters are to be presented on the display screen.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning a colon or other portion of an intestine include optional use of sensors to detect conditions of blockage of flow of materials within an evacuation channel used to remove fecal material from the body; and devices and methods for purging such blockages from the evacuation channel.

Abstract: Percutaneous musculoskeletal lavage devices, and procedures for simultaneous therapeutic and diagnostic purposes, performed with a needle or catheter and various combinations of a syringe, reciprocating syringe, stop-cock, check valves, depth indicator, compressive sleeve or brace, and specialty catheters, provided individually or in a kit. The lavage fluid can be analyzed for factors of medical interest and used to determine personalized treatment, and has intrinsic medical benefit by virtue of clearing the tissues of noxious substances in an enhanced fashion.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump system is disclosed. The medical infusion pump system is a multi-reservoir infusion device for dispensing at least compositions of insulin and an amylin analog for treatment of subjects. Insulin and the amylin analog are stored in separate reservoirs, each reservoir being operatively connected to a motor for providing discharge pressure to the reservoirs. The motors may act independently such that insulin and the amylin analog may be injected at incongruent times. The medical infusion pump may automatically dispense the amylin analog into a subject's blood once the subject's blood-glucose levels rise above a specific threshold, or may dispense the amylin analog based on expected levels of blood glucose.

Abstract: Guided relay infusion systems and methods are provided. The guided relay system may be a portion of an infusion pump that can simultaneously deliver a medical fluid from two syringes. When a first one of the syringes is running out of the medical fluid and a second one of the syringes is more full of the medical fluid than the first one of the syringes, guided relay messages are provided for a relay handoff from the first one of the syringes to the second one of the syringes that ensures a smooth continuous delivery of more of the medical fluid than the first one of the syringes holds.

Abstract: Systems and methods of micro-infusion of medical fluids are disclosed. Micro-infusion systems may include a pump, a patient interface, tubing between the pump and the interface, and a micro-infusion device along the tubing. A first portion of the tubing above the micro-infusion device is longer than a second portion of the tubing below the device. The micro-infusion device may include a chamber in-line with the tubing, a first valve between the chamber and the first portion of the tubing, a second valve between the chamber and the second portion of the tubing and a third valve between the chamber and a dump chamber. The second valve may be slidably disposed within the chamber. A medical fluid may be provided into the chamber that slides the second valve displacing another fluid in the chamber through the third valve into the dump chamber.

Abstract: Infusion systems, infusion devices, and related operating methods are provided. An exemplary method of operating an infusion device to deliver fluid to a user in accordance with an operating mode involves identifying a fluid type associated with the fluid currently onboard the infusion device from among a plurality of possible fluid types that is different from a previous type of fluid previously onboard the infusion device. The identified fluid type has pharmacokinetics characteristics that are different from pharmacokinetics characteristics associated with the previous fluid type. The method continues by updating one or more parameters referenced by a control module of the infusion device implementing the operating mode to reflect the pharmacokinetics characteristics associated with the identified fluid type and autonomously operating the infusion device to deliver the fluid of the identified fluid type to the user in accordance with the operating mode and the one or more updated control parameters.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a vent arrangement integrated with a refill port disposed on the outer shell of an implantable drug-delivery device. The vent arrangement may utilize a tiered structure with two septums in a space-efficient configuration that facilitates both venting of pressure and refill of the drug reservoir.

Abstract: A medical device and method of use thereof that provides a new means for administering injectable compounds into a targeted area of skin on the body of a human in an automated or semi-automated way, which eliminates the human factors of subjectivity with regards to placement, depth, volume and coverage.

Abstract: A safety needle system includes a safety mechanism for a needle assembly, such as a Huber needle. A main body has a channel having a proximal end to encompass tubing and a distal end for positioning proximate a needle. The main body further has a first hinge mechanism and a first latching mechanism. A movable cover has needle receptacle, a second hinge mechanism connected with the first hinge mechanism of the main body, and a biasing member for pivoting movable cover about the first and second hinge mechanisms relative to the main body. The movable cover has a second latching mechanism to latch with the first latching mechanism in a closed position, in which the safety mechanism can be undocked from the needle and slid away from the needle along the tubing. The movable cover has a release mechanism to allow pivoting of the movable cover about the hinge mechanisms such that the needle receptacle of the movable cover at least partially receives the needle of the needle assembly in an open, locked position.

Abstract: A monitoring device provided for monitoring the delivery of fluids through a drip chamber. The device includes an electromagnetic radiation (EMR) source and an EMR detector. The device includes a tubing set mount for receiving a flange or other portion of a tubing set, such that fluid falling through the drip chamber of the tubing set is detected by the detector.

Abstract: An infusion set (1) includes: a first flow path (10a) having a first connector (11a) and a downstream connector (19); a first open/close valve (12a), a first liquid surface sensor (13a), a second liquid surface sensor (13b), a drip chamber (14), and a variable valve (17) that are provided in this order on the first flow path from the first connector side toward the downstream connector side; a droplet sensor (15) with which the drip chamber is provided; a second flow path (10b) having a second connector (11b); and a second open/close valve (12b) provided on the second flow path. The second flow path is in communication with a portion of the first flow path between the first liquid surface sensor and the second liquid surface sensor. The controller is configured to control the first and second open/close valves and the variable valves based on signals from the first and second liquid surface sensors and the droplet sensor.

Abstract: An infusion pump (10) includes a fluid chamber (28) having an outlet valve (34) and a piezo-stack actuator (36) comprising a stack of piezo-electric layers (38). An electronic processor (18) is programmed to operate the outlet valve and the piezo-stack actuator to pump fluid through the fluid chamber at a programmed flow rate.

Abstract: A method may include generating a first plurality of insulin delivery profiles that include a first series of insulin delivery actions spanning a first time interval, projecting a first plurality of future blood glucose values for each profile of the first plurality of profiles using up-to-date blood glucose levels, selecting one of the first plurality of profiles based upon comparing future blood glucose values for each profile and target blood glucose levels, delivering insulin for a second time interval that corresponds to a first action of the first profile, generating a second plurality of insulin delivery profiles for a third time interval, projecting a second plurality of future blood glucose values for each profile of the second plurality of profiles for the third time interval, and delivering a second dose of insulin for a fourth time interval shorter than the third time interval.

Abstract: A testing assembly for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The testing assembly can include a pressure vessel having a sealed pressure chamber that is configured to be pressurized to a predetermined pressure. The pressure vessel further defines an injection opening extending from an exterior thereof to the pressure chamber. A pierceable barrier extends over and seals the injection opening. The testing assembly further includes a measurement device disposed within the pressure chamber and a container aligned with the injection opening, such that the container is configured to collect a dose of a drug delivered via a drug delivery device through the pierceable barrier and the measurement device is configured to measure the dose of the drug.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a feedback mechanism for a drug delivery device, the feedback mechanism comprising a bushing, the bushing comprising a central aperture adapted to accommodate a piston rod, wherein one or more resilient flaps are provided on the bushing, the flaps extending into the central aperture to allow them to engage one or more transversal ribs on the piston rod.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug delivery device comprising: a syringe with a body from which a needle extends and an inner sheath; a piston rod comprising a piston and an actuation head, a support sheath for holding the body. It is envisaged that the support sheath and the actuation head comprise corresponding indicators.

Abstract: An injector allowing retraction/pulling of stem cells from adipose tissue via a suction tip and conservation of thereof in a tube without human touch or exposure to air, and it is characterized in that it has a movable modular piston allowing stem cells to be pulled into the tube via the suction tip, and a modular piston pin allowing the modular piston to stay in the tube and having a modular structure detachable from the modular piston.

Abstract: Described herein are syringe accessories that can be attached to standard syringes. These accessories utilize one or more mechanisms that can provide at least one additional sensory feedback to the user when performing an aliquot or dosed injection. In other embodiments, the accessories can prevent overdosing.

Abstract: A supplementary device for attachment to a drug delivery device is provided. The device includes an attachment mechanism for coupling the supplementary device to the drug delivery device, an imaging arrangement for providing image data representing a captured image of one or more numbers present on a number sleeve of the drug delivery device and a processor arrangement. The processor arrangement is configured to receive the image data; perform optical character recognition on the image data to determine a quantity of a currently set dose of medicament; cause display of the quantity of the currently set dose; process the image data to identify one or more characteristics of the number sleeve; determine from the identified characteristics whether the currently set dose is a permitted dose; and if the currently set dose is not a permitted dose, cause an indication that the currently set dose is not a permitted dose.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed for accurately loading a small volume dose of a medication within a syringe and for delivering the small volume dose of the medication at a treatment site. The kit generally includes a loading and delivery system in accordance herewith, a syringe, and a medication. The loading and delivery system includes a syringe delivery ring and a syringe loading guide, which may be used for example, to administer a small volume dose of a medication at the end of an ocular surgery.

Abstract: A dispensing mechanism for delivering a dosage of medicament including a housing having a proximal-distal axis; a plunger rod having a screw thread and configured to advance along the proximal-distal axis relative to the housing; a user-operable push button moveable along the proximal-distal axis relative to the housing; a twist driver threadably engaged with the push button such that movement of the push button towards the distal end of the housing causes rotation of the twist driver about the proximal-distal axis; and a driver engaged with the twist driver such that rotation of the twist driver causes rotation of the driver, the driver also engaged with a portion of the plunger rod such that rotation of the driver causes rotation of the plunger rod, advancing the plunger rod along the proximal-distal axis relative to the housing.

Abstract: An injection device having a delivery element with an inner thread may be driven by rotation and includes a cylindrical outer wall region, which is substantially smooth. Such features provide a delivery element configured such that it is less intimidating to patients than known threaded rods, and may facilitate easy cleaning. The delivery element may be non-rotatably guided and axially spring-loaded, and may be inserted axially into the housing when the reservoir is replaced. The driving thread element for the delivery element may be mounted in the vicinity of the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: A multiple dose syringe has a first valve defining a first valve opening pressure and a second valve defining a second valve opening pressure. A storage chamber in fluid communication with the second valve stores multiple doses of a substance therein and includes an outlet for dispensing multiple doses of the stored substance therethrough. A compression surface is movable between first and second positions and defines a compression chamber between the compression surface and the first valve. Movement of the compression surface in a direction from the first position toward the second position dispenses substance in the compression chamber through the first valve and out of the syringe. Movement of the compression surface in a direction from the second position toward the first position causes substance to flow from the storage chamber through the second valve and into the compression chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a cap assembly according to the present invention. The cap assembly comprises a medicament delivery device comprising a body having a proximal and a distal end. Further, the cap assembly comprises a graspable cap removably attached to the proximal end of the body. Further, the cap assembly comprises a graspable sleeve element having a proximal and a distal part, the sleeve element is arranged to at least partially enclose the body. The sleeve element is arranged to be non-removably attached to the body, but able to rotate relative to the body. The sleeve element is arranged to interact with the cap such that the cap is displaced proximally in relation to the body when the sleeve element is rotated relative to the body.

Abstract: Some embodiments are directed to a needle assembly that includes a needle having a textured portion and non-textured portion adjacent to the textured portion, and a hub arranged over at least a part of the textured portion of the needle. The textured portion includes laser etched grooves formed on an outer surface of the needle and oriented in a circumferential direction of the needle. Each of the laser etched grooves has two protruded portions and a dented portion interposed between the two protruded portions. Each of the two protruded portions has a top surface located above an outer surface of non-textured portion, and the dented portion has a bottom surface located below the outer surface of non-textured portion.

Abstract: Disclosed is a single use self-disabling syringe capable of preventing the syringe from being reused after the syringe is used once on a patient, thereby preventing syringe reuse. The single use self-disabling syringe includes: a barrel having a needle attached to a tip end thereof and a fluid containing space defined therein, the fluid containing space being open at a rear end of the barrel; a plunger contained in the barrel and configured to draw in and expel a fluid; and a syringe reuse prevention means provided in the barrel along an inner surface thereof in an axial direction and configured to tear a part of the plunger so as to prevent the syringe from being reused.

Abstract: The technical problem of the present invention to provide a medical device, which exhibits an increased safety of the device and facilitates a safe use is solved by medical device for delivering at least one drug agent, comprising a sensor, a control unit and an attachable dispense assembly, wherein the sensor is configured to detect attachment of the dispense assembly to the medical device, wherein the control unit is configured to determine at least based on a signal from the sensor whether the end of life of the dispense assembly is reached and wherein the medical device is configured to indicate the end of life of the dispense assembly. The technical problem is further solved by a method according to the invention.

Abstract: An inhalation device having a liquid reservoir for storing liquid before being discharged, and a discharge head for dispensing the liquid in droplet mist. The discharge head has a nozzle arrangement for generating the droplet mist and housing on which a discharge channel is provided for use as a respiration piece or for attachment of a separate respiration piece. A main axis of extent of the discharge channel encloses an angle of >0° with a central dispensing direction. In alignment with the central dispensing direction of the nozzle arrangement, either an aperture is provided in the outer housing through which aperture the droplet mist emerges from the discharge head if it is not sucked into the discharge channel by respiration of the user, or a liquid buffer is provided for receiving the droplet mist if it is not sucked into the discharge channel by respiration of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus suitable for pressurized liquid transfusion is disclosed. The apparatus includes a nozzle assembly enclosed by the combination of a casing and a check nut. The nozzle assembly includes an elastomeric ring and a nozzle received by the combination of a cap and a receptacle. The elastomeric ring surrounds the nozzle and a proper seal is created therebetween. The dimension of the internal contour of the elastomeric ring is a bit smaller than the nozzle. The elastomeric ring is stretched so as to receive the nozzle. Additional processing may be applied to the elastomeric ring to achieve a different type of proper seal. Pressurized liquid passes through the apparatus so as to be transfused. The aforementioned seal serves to avoid leakage or pressure loss at the apparatus so as to avoid undesired aerosolization effects of an aerosolizer the apparatus is installed in.

Abstract: A system for respiration-controlled application of aerosol in powder form during artificial respiration or assisted respiration of a patient including an interface contacting the patient's respiratory tract, a unit for generating a respiratory gas flow, at least one inspiration line through gas flow is conducted to the interface, an aerosol generator, at least one aerosol line through which the generated aerosol is conducted from the aerosol generator to the interface, and a respiration sensor that detects the patient's respiration signal. A valve in the at least one aerosol line is controlled based on the detected respiratory signal. An intermediate store for generated aerosol in powder form is arranged between the valve and the aerosol generator. The gas flow has a first pressure that is higher than or equal to ambient pressure and the aerosol has a second pressure that is higher than or equal to the first pressure.