Abstract: Implants including non-resorbable frameworks and resorbable components, as well as methods of use thereof are disclosed. The embodiments include different combinations of a non-resorbable framework (in some case structural and in other cases non-structural), and a resorbable component embedded within and/or around the framework (again, in some cases structural and in other cases non-structural). The disclosed implants provide an efficient means of providing structural support for the vertebral bodies post-implantation, as well as encouraging resorption of the implant and fusion of the associated vertebral bodies without negative side effects and/or failure, such as subsidence of the implant or cracking/fracturing of a portion of the implant when implanted.

Abstract: A material for use in a medical device includes a blend of a non-melt polymer such as Polyamideimide, a meltable carrier polymer such as Polyetherketoneketone and lubricants/rheology modifiers such that the final polymer material can be extruded, pelletized and used to injection mold components for the medical device. The ratios of the Polyamideimide, Polyetherketoneketone and the lubricants are selected to provide sufficient lubricity and glass transition temperature to the material to make it appropriate for use in high temperature applications and additive manufacturing processes.

Abstract: There is disclosed a substrate with an electron donating surface, characterized in having metal particles on said surface, said metal particles comprising palladium and at least one metal selected from the group consisting of gold, ruthenium, rhodium, osmium, iridium, and platinum, wherein the amount of said metal particles is from about 0.001 to about 8 ?g/cm2.

Abstract: A rotatable operating head for removal of obstructive material from a target site in a body lumen or cavity is operably connected to a rotatable, translatable drive shaft that is driven by a drive motor and received through an elongated catheter. The operating head includes a plurality of differential cutting blades, with at least one of the cutting blades being a stepped blade, the stepped blade comprising a raised cutting surface positioned adjacent, or in proximity to, a shoulder region.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device is provided for supporting heart function of a patient. The intracorporeal device is configured to be secured across at least two anatomical walls of the heart. The intracorporeal device is configured to be secured to one or more anatomical walls by a connector. The connector is arranged to be positioned across one or more anatomical walls.

Abstract: A hemodialysis apparatus comprising diaphragm pumps for the movement of both dialysate and blood, and under the control of a controller, is capable of detecting blood flow conditions that give rise to an alarm and implement procedures to adjust, pause, or halt the pumping of dialysate and/or blood. The controller can direct the application of a time-varying pressure to fluid in the control chamber of a blood pump, and monitor the resulting pressure waveform during a fill stroke of the blood pump. A deviation of the measured pressure variation from an expected value can give rise to an alert to a user and to the initiation of an adjustment, pause, or cessation of the dialysate pump's activity.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device for delivery into a patient is provided. The intracorporeal device includes a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end is detachably coupled from the transcatheter delivery device. The device relates to a transcatheter system and corresponding devices and methods of treatment, and is particularly useful for the delivery and implantation into the body of a patient of medical devices, such as mechanical circulatory support devices, but also has a wider variety of applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for optimizing a peritoneal dialysate therapy session based on one or more patient or system parameters obtained from a previous peritoneal dialysis therapy session. The systems and methods include various sensors, flow paths, and processors to adjust a peritoneal dialysis prescription for a subsequent therapy session based on data received during or after one or more previous therapy session. For example, a first peritoneal dialysis therapy session can provide data on patient or system parameters that can adjust the dialysis parameters used to deliver a subsequent peritoneal dialysis therapy session. The method can be computer implemented. The system can also include a peritoneal dialysate generation flow path.

Abstract: A system and method for increasing the speed of blood and wall shear stress (WSS) in a peripheral vein for a sufficient period of time to result in a persistent increase in the overall diameter and lumen diameter of the vein is provided. The method includes pumping blood at a desired rate and pulsatility. The pumping is monitored and adjusted, as necessary, to maintain the desired blood speed, WSS and pulsatility in the peripheral vein in order to optimize the rate and extent of dilation of the peripheral vein.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device includes: a fluid-filled cartridge comprising an outlet; a syringe comprising a substantially cylindrical syringe barrel having an open end and a fluid dispensing end; and a plunger rod configured to be received within the open end of the syringe barrel. The plunger rod comprises: a first end having a sealing member provided in sealing engagement with an inner wall of the syringe barrel such that a first syringe chamber is provided between the first end of the plunger rod and the fluid dispensing end of the syringe barrel; a second end extending out of the open end of the syringe barrel and having a cartridge-receiving chamber having a connection mechanism positioned therein for connecting the outlet of the cartridge thereto. The plunger rod also includes a fluid channel extending from the connection mechanism to the first end of the plunger rod.

Abstract: A fluid sensing system (30) including a fluid channel (32) with an inlet (34) and an outlet (36). A thermal device (38) is operably coupled thereto at a first position whereby thermal energy is transferable with fluid in the channel. A section of the fluid channel downstream of the first position has a predefined cross section and flow path. A thermal imaging device (46) is positioned to capture a thermal image of at least a portion of the downstream section. A processor (48) coupled with the thermal imaging device is configured to determine at least one output value representative of a property of the fluid medication or fluid flow using the thermal image. The output value may be the flow volume. In some embodiments, the fluid channel also defines a section upstream of the first position with the thermal imaging device capturing an image that includes at least portions of both the upstream and downstream sections.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to a system that comprises means for obtaining a signal representative of the electrocortical activity of the patient, means for analyzing this signal in order to derive from it a signal of depth of anaesthesia, means for monitoring the value and development over time of this signal of depth of anaesthesia, these means being associated with means for calculation of control commands of the injection means, in order to automatically bring the signal of depth of anaesthesia to below a predetermined value during at least one predetermined period of time, in that the means for injection of anaesthetics comprise first means for injection of a hypnotic and second means for injection of a morphinomimetic, in that the means for calculation of the control commands of the injection means comprise means allowing an operator to input a type of induction of anaesthesia chosen from a group of types of induction that differ in terms of the initial concentration of hypnotic, and in that the means for i

Abstract: Methods and systems for encouraging interactions with a glucose monitoring system include incrementing a score and/or providing a reward based on a variety of different interactions with the glucose monitoring system. The interactions which improve the score may include initiating or changing displays, downloading data, setting operational parameters and other interactions that are independent of a user's glucose measurements. Encouraging these interactions can enhance success in maintaining healthy glucose concentrations.

Abstract: A locking member that locks a mixing nozzle to a cartridge that includes two syringes, the mixing nozzle being configured to mix the materials from the two syringes within the nozzle as the materials are discharged. The locking member includes a support rod supported on the mixing nozzle that is displaceable in a direction orthogonal to the direction in which the nozzle extends, and first and second engaging parts that engage with horizontal parts provided on the cartridge. The locking member further includes an inclined part that is inclined toward the opposite side to the nozzle, and that is provided between at least one of the first engaging part and the second engaging part, or between the second engaging part and the other end of the support rod.

Abstract: A portable auto-injector configured to store a liquid component in a first chamber separately from a dry medication in a second chamber, wherein a first actuation mechanism opens a valve allowing for the initiation of a mixing step prior to injection. An extendable needle guard is provided over the delivery assembly which prevents premature injection as well as inadvertent sticks or other cross contamination of a needle. The needle guard can also form part of a secondary trigger mechanism which injects the mixed components after the mixing stage is complete.

Abstract: An injector may include a container having a wall with an interior surface and a seal assembly with an interior surface, the interior surfaces of the wall and the seal assembly defining a closed sterile reservoir filled with a drug product. The injector may also include a fluid delivery system comprising a clean, unsheathed, rigid container needle having a point disposed only partially through the seal assembly in a storage state, and disposed through the interior surface of the seal assembly into the sterile reservoir in a delivery state. Further, the injection may include an actuator that is adapted to move the container needle from the storage state to the delivery state.

Abstract: An injector may include a container having a wall with an interior surface and a seal assembly with an interior surface, the interior surfaces of the wall and the seal assembly defining a closed sterile reservoir filled with a drug product, including a granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF). The injector may also include a fluid delivery system comprising a clean, unsheathed, rigid container needle having a point disposed only partially through the seal assembly in a storage state, and disposed through the interior surface of the seal assembly into the sterile reservoir in a delivery state. Further, the injection may include an actuator that is adapted to move the container needle from the storage state to the delivery state.

Abstract: A finger grip for receiving and retaining a syringe body of an injection syringe. The finger grip is easily pressed directly onto the syringe and employs a centering feature and a pair of one way, flexible latches that allow easy attachment to a syringe body yet ensures retention during normal and abnormal use. If a high horizontal component force is applied during normal or abnormal use, the finger grip will not become disconnected in an uncontrolled fashion from the syringe body, which might cause injury and/or damage to a patient being injected. The flexible latches may prevent detachment of the finger grip from the syringe below separation force of about 25 lbs.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device is presented. The assembly comprises a housing and a piston rod having a longitudinal axis, a distal end and a proximal end. The piston rod further comprises a piston rod interaction feature, and a piston rod guide being movable with respect to the piston rod, the piston rod guide further comprising a guide interaction feature corresponding to the piston rod interaction feature, the piston rod guide being movable with respect to the piston rod to switch between a first state and a second state of the assembly, the second state being different from the first state.

Abstract: A dosing mechanism for an injection device includes a dose-setting element with a first element coupled thereto, which, during dose setting, is rotatable relative to a second element about a main rotation axis in a first direction and, during dose discharge, is fixed in rotation relative to the second element. The first and the second elements are coupled via a sleeve-shaped stop element, which forms a stop abutment. The dosing mechanism includes a stop, and the stop abutment, during the rotation of the first element in the first direction, executes a movement to a stop position where the stop abutment strikes the stop and prevents rotation of the first element relative to the second element in the first direction of rotation. The sleeve-shaped stop element is rotatable about a secondary rotation axis, which is offset parallel to or offset at an angle to the main rotation axis.

Abstract: A dual chambered syringe includes: an inner barrel defining a first inner chamber, the inner barrel having an apertured stopper at its distal end, the inner barrel being open at its proximal end; a shaft adapted to fit within the inner barrel, the shaft having a distal end which is engageable with the aperture of the stopper; a device for controlling engaging and disengaging of the distal end of the shaft with the aperture of the stopper; an outer barrel concentric with the inner barrel defining a second inner chamber, the outer barrel having a distal end for receiving and dispensing fluids and a proximal end into which the distal end of the inner barrel is insertable into the second inner chamber; the apertured stopper engages the second inner chamber of the outer barrel and selectively prevents or permits the passage of fluids between the outer barrel second chamber and the inner barrel first chamber; the inner barrel having an engageable surface on its outside surface; and, the outer barrel having operativ

Abstract: A needle protection device and a safety needle assembly are described. The needle protection device comprises a connecting portion and a protection arm rotatable relative to the connecting portion. A pair of holding members are respectively formed on a proximal end portion of the protection arm and the connecting portion and configured to engage with each other in an unretreatable manner. A pair of positioning arms are respectively formed on the proximal end portion of the protection arm and the connecting portion and formed with at least one pair of complementary snap-fitting features. The paired snap-fitting features are configured to engage each other in a separable manner. The needle protection device and the safety needle assembly not only reliably prevents medical instruments from incurring accidental needle-sticks after use and ensures such medical instruments disposable, but also exhibits a simple structure and low costs.

Abstract: A syringe member comprising a safety device to prevent pricking injuries; the syringe member comprises a pricking element, and the safety device includes at least one guided pin and a recess which forms a guide slot for guiding the guided pin in a longitudinal direction of the syringe member during movement of the syringe member relative to the safety device; said guide slot includes a first slot region and a second slot region which are separated by a notional separation line extending in a longitudinal direction of the syringe member; the guided pin can be placed in the first slot region in a starting position and can be moved from the first slot region into the second slot region into a final position by having the guided pin cross the separation line when a distal end of the pricking element is located at the level of an exit opening of the safety device.

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

Abstract: A novel device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts is disclosed having a vaporization element for being fluidly coupled with an input port of a waterpipe. The vaporization element having a resistive heater for heating of phyto material extract for vaporization thereof and for inhalation of vapor from an inhalation aperture of the waterpipe. The device for vaporization of concentrated phyto material extracts having an adjustable clamping mechanism and a plurality of batteries for powering of the resistive heater.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, a surgical method may include making an incision in a patient. The method may also include opening the incision in order to create an open surgical site in the patient. The method may further include receiving a gas from a source. The method may further include humidifying and warming the gas received from the source. The method may further include successively reflecting the humidified and warmed gas off a plurality of non-porous surfaces within a non-porous gas delivery mechanism to create a flow. The method may further include delivering the flow of the humidified and warmed gas adjacent to or into the open surgical site.

Abstract: A unit dose container for the containment of an intranasal formulation for use with the POD device.

Abstract: The present invention is a collapsible/expandable and disposable spacer for use with a metered dose inhaler (‘MDI’).

Abstract: A fan unit which in use forms part of a gases supply unit, the gases supply unit suitable for use as part of a system for providing heated humidified gases to a user, the fan unit having a casing that has an inlet aperture and an outlet passage, the outlet passage including an exit aperture, the fan unit also including a fan which is located inside the casing and which is adapted for connection to a motor to drive rotation of the fan in use, the fan drawing gases into the casing via the inlet aperture, and forcing these gases out of the casing via the outlet passage as a gases stream, the outlet passage further including at least one bypass vent hole independent of the exit aperture and arranged at an angle to the path of the gases stream through the outlet passage.

Abstract: An umbrella-like scraper for cleaning tubes and pipes may include a scraper, an actuator and a hinge configured for selective deployment of the scraper by manipulation of the actuator.

Abstract: A patient interface structure for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a front plate configured to conform to the shape of the patient's face; a mouth cushion defining a breathing chamber and provided to the front plate and configured to seal around the patient's mouth; and a nasal cushion configured to seal the patient's nasal airways. The nasal cushion is supported by the mouth cushion, does not contact a bridge of the patient's nose in use, and extends at least partially into the breathing chamber. A patient interface system includes a patient interface structure and a patient interface structure positioning system configured to position, stabilize and secure the patient interface structure in sealing engagement with the patient's face.

Abstract: A method and system for generating and delivering nitric oxide directly to a patient. A reaction chamber is provided that is located at or in close proximity to the patient and reactants within the reaction chamber react together to produce a predetermined amount of nitric oxide. The reaction is controlled by metering at least one of the reactants into the reaction chamber to generate a predetermined quantity of nitric oxide as required by the patient. The reactants can include a nitrite salt, such as sodium nitrite, and a reductant such as ascorbic acid, maleic acid or a mixture thereof. By generating and delivering the nitric oxide directly to the patient in close proximity thereto, the formation of NO2 is minimized. One or both of the reactants may be in liquid form.

Abstract: The gases temperature supplied to a patient when the patient is undergoing treatment such as oxygen therapy or positive pressure treatment for conditions such as Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) or Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is often measured for safety and to enable controlling of the humidity delivered to the patient. The invention disclosed is related to measurement of properties, particularly temperature (thermister 23), of gases flowing through a heated tube (3), supplying gases to a patient, which utilises the heating wire (21, 28) within the tube.

Abstract: An electrically conductive plastic (ECP) material can be used to heat water in a reservoir of a respiratory humidifier to encourage heating and/or humidification of gases passing through the respiratory humidifier. The electrically conductive plastic material can at least in part overmould the base and/or walls of the chamber and/or the reservoir of the respiratory humidifier. The reservoir can also partially or fully be formed from the electrically conductive plastic material. Furthermore, the humidification system can be configured to create substantially equal or differential heating of water in the reservoir.

Abstract: Secretions that have accumulated at or near an airway of a subject (12) as the subject (12) is being mechanically ventilated are removed by suctioning. Before, during, and/or after the removal of the secretions, steps are taken to mitigated the impact of the suctioning used for secretion removal on the subject (12). As such, the timing of suction used to remove secretions may be influenced or controlled, ventilation of the subject (12) during suction may be adjusted, ventilation of the subject (12) prior to secretion removal may be adjusted to prepare the lungs of the subject (12) for secretion removal, ventilation of the subject (12) subsequent to suction for secretion removal may be adjusted, and/or other techniques for reducing the impact of suctioning for secretion removal on the subject (12) may be implemented.

Abstract: Aspects include a method, system and computer program product for alleviating an episode of a movement disorder condition for a patient. The method comprises deploying an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to a location of a patient based on an occurrence of an episode of a movement disorder condition. A first gross sensory change stimulus is selected with a processor. The first gross sensory change stimulus is projected from the UAV. An attempt to alleviate the episode of the movement disorder condition is performed based at least in part on the projecting of the first gross sensory change stimulus from the UAV. The alleviating of the episode of the movement disorder condition is detected based on the gross sensory change stimulus from the UAV.

Abstract: A method for communicating with devices may include monitoring brain activity of a subject via an EEG monitoring system coupled to the subject. The method also may include detecting a predefined state of brain activity of the subject. Further, based on the detecting the predefined state, the method may include wirelessly transmitting instructions from the EEG monitoring system to the at least one household device to adjust a setting of the at least one household device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for improving sleep by transdermal electrical stimulation (TES). In general, described herein are methods for applying TES to a subject, and particularly the subject's head (e.g., temple/forehead region) and/or neck with an TES waveform adapted to improve sleep, including reducing sleep onset (falling to sleep) more quickly and/or lengthening the duration of sleep. TES waveform(s) particularly well suited to enhancing sleep are also described herein.

Abstract: The present disclosure pertains to a system configured to manage a sleep session of a subject. In some embodiments, the sleep session is a nap and the system is configured to increase the restorative value of the nap by enhancing and/or maintaining sleep slow waves (and/or slow wave activity estimated using an EEG) in the subject during the nap with sensory stimuli. The present system is configured to enhance restorative sleep during a nap by delivering sensory stimulation to the subject during lighter NREM sleep stages (e.g., during a portion of stage N2 sleep) while still avoiding arousals. In some embodiments, the system is configured to facilitate a “powernap” by delivering the sensory stimulation to the subject in such a way so as to prevent transition into deep sleep (e.g., stage N3 sleep).

Abstract: At least two vertically-oriented lighting columns are respectively arranged on opposite lateral sides of a space that is at least partially enclosed, so as to be perceptible within a viewer's peripheral vision without obstructing or otherwise interfering with the viewer's primary field of focus. The structure that encloses the space defines a horizontal reference. A sensor detects angular movement of the structure, such as roll and/or pitch, and a controller illuminates points on the first and second lighting columns to define an angle with respect to the horizontal reference, which varies inversely relative to the sensed angle of movement. A virtual horizon represented by the defined angle provides orientation for the viewer, to reduce the likelihood of motion sickness.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catheter includes a process of supplying a resin material in a melted state to the periphery of a core wire (90) and molding a hollow tube (82) having the core wire (90) inserted thereinto; a process of arranging the hollow tube (82) having the core wire (90) inserted thereinto, on an outer peripheral side of a main lumen forming region of a tubular body part (10) made of resin; a process of extracting the core wire (90) from the inside of the hollow tube (82) to form a sublumen after the core wire (90) inside the hollow tube (82) is elongated and reduced in diameter to peel off the hollow tube (82) and the core wire (90), and a process of inserting an operating wire into the hollow tube (82).

Abstract: Medical device kits for use in placing, maintaining, altering, and/or removing medical devices in, on, and/or from the body of a patient are disclosed. Such medical device kits can include one or more wrap assemblies for use in the placement/maintenance procedure. In accordance with present embodiments, the one or more wrap assemblies of the medical device kit can include various features to assist the clinician performing the particular procedure. In one embodiment, a medical wrap assembly is disclosed, comprising a foldable wrap body that includes a front surface, wherein the front surface is configured to define a sterile field. A plurality of pockets is included on the front surface of the wrap body. The pockets are configured to contain therein a plurality of medical components. The medical components are arranged in the pockets in a predetermined order of use for the medical procedure.

Abstract: An insertion tool having an insertion guide tube that maintains a perimodiolar or other pre-curved electrode assembly in a substantially straight configuration while preventing the electrode assembly from twisting in response to stresses induced by the bias force which urges the assembly to return to its pre-curved configuration. This generally ensures that when the electrode assembly is deployed from the distal end of the insertion guide tube, the electrode assembly and insertion guide tube have a known relative orientation.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for making and using medical devices are disclosed. An example medical device may include a guide extension catheter. The guide extension catheter may include a proximal member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a proximal diameter. The guide extension catheter may additionally include a collar member attached to an extension portion of the proximal member, where the extension portion may be located at the distal end of the proximal member. The extension portion may allow a delivery device to be inserted through the guide extension catheter to extend along a surface of the extension portion and align with a lumen of a distal sheath of the guide extension catheter.

Abstract: In some examples, a catheter includes a catheter body including an outer jacket and an inner liner. The inner liner may include a proximal section including a proximal end of the inner liner and a distal section including a distal end of the inner liner. The distal section may include an inner liner defining a plurality of cuts. Each cut may extend at least partially through the liner wall. The one or more cuts defined in the liner wall of the distal section of the inner liner may increase a bending flexibility of the distal section relative to the proximal section of the inner liner, while maintaining a suitable tensile strength of the distal section.

Abstract: A bi-directionally articulable endotracheal tube includes an articulator with a lever, pivoted on a bite block that, via two attached diametrical wires threaded through the tube wall, controls an articulee with two asymmetric notches sequestrated by three nested, specialized cuffs. A connector having an oval cross-section can effectively house and stopper a video stylet whose flexible tip is nimbly responsive to the articulator. The endotracheal tube can be partially styletted for routine intubation in a direct or video laryngoscopy, or video styletted as a ubiquitous alternative to intubative fiber optic bronchoscope and in combination with a video laryngoscope for dual imaging intubation.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter has an elongate flexible catheter body having a lumen extending longitudinally therethrough, and an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally through the lumen of the catheter body. The ultrasound transmission member has a proximal end that is coupled to a separate ultrasound generating device, and a distal tip that is attached to the distal end of the ultrasound transmission member and which is located at the distal end of the catheter body. The distal tip has at least one dimensional step. The ultrasound transmission member is directly attached to the catheter body and/or to a guidewire tube, either directly or via an attachment device. The catheter has an additional radiopaque marker positioned on the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A system for operating a catheter having a distal end adapted to be navigated in the body, and a proximal end having a handle with a translatable control and a rotatable control for acting on the distal end of the device includes a support for receiving and engaging the handle of the catheter; a translation mechanism for advancing and retracting the support to advance and retract a catheter whose handle is received in the support; a rotation mechanism for rotating the support to rotate a catheter whose handle is received in the support; a translation operator for engaging the translatable control of a catheter whose handle is received in the support and operating the translatable control to act on the distal end of the device; and a rotation operator for engaging the rotatable control of a catheter whose handle is received in the support and operating the rotatable control to act on the distal end of the device.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a connector fitting or extension set, is stabilized on a patient with a retainer and a dressing integrally attached to an anchor pad supporting the retainer. The connector fitting or extension set may be integrally formed with the retainer. The connector fitting or extension set may comprise a spin nut configured to secure to a catheter hub having a catheter connected thereto. One or more of the anchor pad, dressing, and catheter may comprise an antibacterial or antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: Intravascular devices, systems, and methods are provided. In some embodiments, the intravascular devices are catheters with a plurality of openings in a distal portion to facilitate taking pressure measurements from within a lumen of the catheter. The intravascular device includes a tubular member that has a proximal portion and a distal portion; a lumen extending from the proximal portion to the distal portion along a longitudinal axis of the tubular member, the lumen sized and shaped to receive a pressure sensing device; and openings spaced along the distal portion of the tubular member, the openings sized and shaped to provide fluidic communication between the lumen and a region surrounding the tubular member to allow the pressure sensing device to measure an ambient pressure of the region surrounding the tubular member from within the lumen. An intravascular system and a method for obtaining pressure measurements are also provided.