Abstract: A retrofit device and method adapt an existing, conventional lighting fixture for resisting bio-fouling of a primary window of the lighting fixture when submerged and exposed to biological organisms within a surrounding environment. The primary window is isolated from the surrounding environment by an auxiliary window member, and ultraviolet radiation is directed to the outer surface of the auxiliary window member from a source within the retrofit device, enabling transmission of ultraviolet radiation to the outer surface of the auxiliary window member of an intensity limited to essentially that which is effective in rendering the outer surface of the auxiliary window member immune to permanent adherence of biological organisms to which that outer surface is exposed when submerged, thereby allowing illumination from a source behind the primary window to be projected effectively through the auxiliary window member into the surrounding environment.

Abstract: A sterilizing apparatus is disclosed. A sterilizing apparatus according to one embodiment comprises: a cover main body unit having an accommodation space formed therein so as to accommodate a device to be sterilized, wherein the accommodation space is open toward a bottom surface on which the device to be sterilized is disposed; an ultraviolet light emitting diode provided on a surface facing the bottom surface of the cover main body unit, and turned on so as to emit ultraviolet rays toward the accommodation space; a power supply unit for supplying power to the ultraviolet light emitting diode so as to turn on the ultraviolet light emitting diode; and a control unit for controlling an operation of the power supply unit.

Abstract: A sterilizer may include: a first pipe having an inner wall with a light reflecting property; a second pipe disposed in the first pipe so as to pass fluid therethrough and formed of a light transmitting material; and a plurality of UV LEDs arranged on the inner wall of the first pipe and configured to irradiate sterilization UV light onto the fluid.

Abstract: To simplify management of a sterilization process of a filling nozzle, a method for sterilizing a filling nozzle is provided, hot water or a liquid chemical agent is fed to drink supply piping that feeds a drink to a plurality of filling nozzles at the same time, the hot water or liquid chemical agent is discharged from all the filling nozzles, a flow rate of the hot water or liquid chemical agent is detected at all the filling nozzles, a representative temperature of the hot water or liquid chemical agent upstream or downstream of at least one filling nozzle is measured, and the sterilization process is ended when both the flow rate at each filling nozzle and the representative temperature reach respective target values.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for sterilization, decontamination, and antimicrobial therapeutic treatment, which may include a dispensing means to cover a person, plant, animal, surface, enclosure, room or other structure or area with an antimicrobial solution. Radiation sources may expose the antimicrobial agent to a certain wavelength of radiation. The combination of the solution and the radiation may create a synergistic reaction that causes an effect greater than the radiation or solution separately. The same reaction creates a residual antimicrobial effect. A container, area or passageway including an apparatus dispensing a solution so that a person, plant, animal or object is covered or saturated with an antimicrobial solution.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterilization apparatus. The sterilization apparatus comprises a sterilant extractor configured to extract a sterilant using an auxiliary needle from a sterilant cartridge disposed inside or outside a sterilization chamber and a sterilant supplier configured to receive the sterilant extracted through the auxiliary needle, to vaporize the sterilant through a vaporizer, and to provide the vaporized sterilant to the sterilization chamber or a vacuum pouch disposed inside the sterilization chamber through a main needle.

Abstract: Provided is a decontamination apparatus for rendering an object pathogen reduced. The decontamination apparatus includes a frame to be positioned in suitable proximity to the object to enable the decontamination apparatus to perform a decontamination process that achieves at least a predetermined minimum level of pathogen reduction on the computer peripheral. A light source coupled to the frame to be transported along a decontamination path emits ultraviolet light suitable to deactivate at least a portion of a pathogen population on the computer peripheral. A shield interferes with transmission of the ultraviolet light in directions generally away from the computer peripheral, and a controller operates the light source and transports the light source along the decontamination path during the decontamination process.

Abstract: In one aspect, a programmable fragrance generating apparatus may include a control center, a plurality of liquid fragrance receiving holes, and a receiving space for at least one EMF platform, wherein the EMF platform is electrically connected with the control center and has a plurality of reservoirs to receive different liquid fragrances from the fragrance receiving holes; each liquid fragrance is controlled by the control center to transport from each reservoir to one or more driving electrodes on the EMF cartridge to mix with one or more other liquid fragrances, which can be further transported to one or more microheater electrodes, atomizers, or nebulizers for fragrance releasing by evaporation at a predetermined temperature.

Abstract: An air freshener apparatus is provided. The air freshener apparatus includes an outer casing, wherein the outer casing includes at least one hole. The air freshener apparatus further includes a fragrance compound housed within the outer casing, configured to scent air coming into contact with the fragrance compound, creating scented air, a blowing apparatus configured to blow the scented air out of the outer casing through the at least one hole, a power supply configured to power the blowing apparatus, and a securing device configured to secure the air freshener apparatus to a surface. The air freshener may be inserted into a shoe, magnetically secured to a metal surface (e.g., a gym locker), and/or clipped lengthwise between a zipper opening (e.g., the zipper on a gym bag).

Abstract: The present invention is intended to provide users with a quietly operating, fragrance emitting apparatus that can be placed in houses or any spaces that require a pleasant smell. The present invention is compactly sized such that a homeowner can conveniently place the apparatus in smaller spaces, such as bathrooms and/or laundry rooms. In order to accomplish its purpose, the present invention comprises a blower device that enables to spread the fragrance in the room where the apparatus is placed. Further, the blower device may be actuated manually with the push of a button, or automatically, wherein the blower device will turn on with the help of an environmental sensor attached within the apparatus. Furthermore, the present invention comprises a lighting device that will turn on automatically when the environmental sensor is turned on.

Abstract: A combination of solutions provides unique utility in stopping and/or diminishing pollutants, and in particular acting on biota that source infections including secondary types such as Healthcare Associated Infections or HAIs. Utility solutions include combinations of: UVc light illumination, activated charcoal filtering and adhesion, ion-exchange filtering, and coarse size HEPA filtering, and along with continuous and/or periodic deployment in two UVc light treatment modes to stop and/or reduce physical, chemical and biological pollutant vectors.

Abstract: An anti-bacterial lighting apparatus includes one translucent housing, at least one light source, and an air circulation mechanism. The translucent housing is air permeable, has as least one air inflow port, and has an anti-bacterial photocatalytic film on its inside surface. The at least one light source is inside the housing, and its light activates the anti-bacterial photocatalytic film on the housing. The air circulation mechanism, such as a fan, is at the air inflow port of the housing. It sucks the ambient air from outside the housing and forces the air through the air-permeable housing. The air-permeable housing traps airborne bacteria and viruses, and the activated anti-bacterial photocatalytic film kills the trapped bacteria and viruses. Moreover, the light shines through the translucent housing while the apparatus is filtering the air and killing the airborne bacteria and viruses.

Abstract: Disclosed is a porous structure including water-soluble chitosan; and a carboxymethyl cellulose-based compound, wherein a weight ratio of the water-soluble chitosan and the carboxymethyl cellulose-based compound is from 65:35 to 25:75, and a process for preparing the same.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are matrices, compositions and methods of making matrices. The matrix comprises a biomolecule and the matrix is a dried, cross-linked foam. The matrix is not lyophilized. The method comprises foaming the composition, crosslinking the composition and drying the composition. Matrices disclosed herein are useful as wound dressings and treating wounds.

Abstract: A biodegradable sealant includes: a polyethylene glycol derivative; a photoinitiator; and a solvent, wherein the content of the polyethylene glycol derivative is about 10-75 wt % in the biodegradable sealant. The polyethylene glycol derivative is obtained by a substitution reaction, and in the substitution reaction, the polyethylene glycol is modified with methacrylic anhydride.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for preparing a glass-ceramic composite, in which a bioactive material is uniformly coated on the surface of a ceramic molded body; a glass-ceramic composite, in which a bioactive material is uniformly coated on the surface of a ceramic molded body; a bone grafting material comprising the glass-ceramic composite; and a bone grafting kit comprising the glass-ceramic composite.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implants comprising a deformable body formed of a polymer comprising functional groups capable of cross-linking to form a cross-link; said body provided in a first configuration which is cross-linked to a second configuration upon application of a selected stimuli; wherein said selected stimuli causes said cross-linking of said functional groups.

Abstract: Dermal filler compositions presented herein can contain a vitamin that is conjugated to a hyaluronic acid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of providing a graft scaffold for cartilage repair, particularly in a human patient. The method of the invention comprising the steps of providing particles and/or fibres; providing an aqueous solution of a gelling polysaccharide; providing mammalian cells; mixing said particles and/or fibres, said aqueous solution of a gelling polysaccharide and said mammalian cells to obtain a printing mix; and depositing said printing mix in a three-dimensional form. The invention further relates to graft scaffolds and grafts obtained by the method of the invention.

Abstract: An orthopedic implant having a metal surface and a calcium phosphate layer disposed on at least part of the metal surface is described. The calcium phosphate layer has an average crystallite size of less than about 100 nm in at least one direction and dissolves for more than 2 hours in vitro. The calcium phosphate layer is substantially free of carbonate. The coating, which is formed on a sodium titanate surface, has increased shear strength and tensile strength. The coating is formed by a solution deposited hydroxyapatite process under inert conditions. The pH of the solution varies by less than 0.1 pH unit/hour during coating formation.

Abstract: A method and material composition of a highly porous material that is applied to an object, such as a biomaterial implant and biomedical device, is described. The method involves forming a bijel mixture that is exposed to at least an outer surface of an object. Thereafter, a precursor is added to the bijel mixture to allow the precursor to transport into a particular liquid phase of the bijel mixture. After at least partial transport, the precursor-containing liquid phase of the bijel mixture is solidified to form a bijel-templated material (BTM) that is bonded to a surface of the object.

Abstract: A two-layer gradient coating article is provided that is operable to cause selective adhesion and directional migration of endothelial cells. The first layer includes cell-resisting polymers that repels cells, the second layer includes one layer of peptides that has affinity to and binds specifically to endothelial cells. Furthermore, the peptides are distributed in a gradient in which attached ECs migrate towards the direction of increased concentration, thus enriching the ECs to a desired locus. The combination of a cell-repelling layer and a graded affinity peptide produces a unique result of selective adhesion, directional migration, thus local enrichment of endothelial cells. A method for using such gradient coating article and its potential use in treating cardiovascular diseases are also provided. The invention provides an inexpensive, stable and effective means for attracting ECs to desirable locations.

Abstract: The present invention provides an implantable medical product in a pouch structure, comprising an extracellular matrix (ECM) structure in sheet form. The pouch structure has an internal region and is configured to receive an electrical medical device therein. In particular, a larger pouch structure is designed to accommodate a medical device having a larger size, such as a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillators (S-ICDs). In particular, lock-stitched seamed ECM sheets form a larger pouch structure. It is preferable that the stitches can securely hold the ECM sheets together by providing mechanical strength and durability to withstand the weight of the electronic medical device. The stitches securely hold the pouch structure together and does not fall apart during trimming or cutting of the pouch structure.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to restorative solutions for segmental peripheral nerve (PN) defects using allografted PNs for stimulating PN repair. More specifically, embodiments described herein provide for localized immunosuppression (LIS) surrounding PN allografts as an alternative to systemically suppressing a patient's entire immune system. Methods described herein provide for injection of ISV agents into a nerve graft prior to implantation of the nerve graft into a recipient. Methods described herein also provide for injection of ISV agents with a polymerizable carrier into a nerve graft, polymerization of the carrier within the graft, and implantation of the nerve graft into a recipient. Certain embodiments provide for reinnervation of central nervous system (CNS) axons in a spinal cord utilizing a peripheral nerve graft.

Abstract: The invention provides compositions and methods for treatment of tendon and ligament injuries and/or repair of damaged tendons and ligament. The invention provides compositions comprising a biocompatible matrix and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF).

Abstract: Embodiments described include devices and methods for forming a porous polymer material. Devices disclosed and formed using the methods described a spacer for spinal fusion, craniomaxillofacial (CMF) structures, and other structures for tissue implants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include silica fiber compositions useful for treatment of animal wounds and tissue, as well as for other applications in industry. The fiber compositions may be formed via electrospinning of a sol gel produced with a silicon alkoxide reagent, such as tetraethyl ortho silicate, alcohol solvent, and an acid catalyst.

Abstract: An elastomer molded body for a medical device includes an elastomer portion and a plurality of silica particles. The elastomer portion contains a fluorine-based elastomer. The plurality of silica particles are more densely distributed in outside of a center portion of the elastomer portion than inside of the center portion, such that at least some of the plurality of silica is exposed to a surface of the elastomer portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stents made of a magnesium alloy degradable under physiological conditions having an inorganic coating comprising magnesium fluoride and having an organic coating. The stents according the invention can additionally be coated with at least one antiinflammatory, antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, antirestenotic, and/or antithrombogenic active agent.

Abstract: Oriented resorbable implants made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate (P4HB) and copolymers thereof, have been developed that contain one or more antimicrobial agents to prevent colonization of the implants, and reduce or prevent the occurrence of infection following implantation in a patient. These oriented implants are particularly suitable for use in procedures where prolonged strength retention is necessary and there is a risk of infection. Coverings and receptacles made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate and copolymers thereof, containing antimicrobial agents, have also been developed for use with implantable devices to prevent colonization of these devices, and to reduce or prevent the occurrence of infection following implantation of these devices in a patient. These coverings and receptacles may be used to hold, or partially or fully cover, devices such as pacemakers and neurostimulators.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a coating for medical devices. The lubricious coating includes a primer layer and a top coating layer as well as methods of making and using the same. The primer layer includes a reaction cured product of a multifunctional acrylate and an acid functionalized monoacrylate. The top coating layer includes a reaction cured product of a mixture that includes a hydrophilic polymer comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone, an acid functionalized monoacrylate, and a hydrophilic monomer. The lubricious coating may be coated onto medical devices to form a sensing guide wire, an ultrasound imaging device, and an intravascular imaging device. Associated devices and methods are also provided.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided inter alia a medical device for delivering a paclitaxel to a tissue, the device the device having a coating layer applied to a surface of the device, the coating layer comprising components i), ii) and iii), wherein component i) is a therapeutic agent which is paclitaxel; and component ii) is urea or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof, or a urea derivative or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof; and component iii) is succinic acid, glutaric acid or caffeine, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt of any one thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions comprised of oxidized cellulose (OC) and glycerol, with the ratio of glycerol to OC being at least about 0.5:1 w/w glycerol:OC and/or with the viscosity of the composition being at least 10% higher than that of the glycerol and lower than about 2.6×109 cP, with the total water content being less than about 8% w/w. Further provided is adhesion prevention powder comprised of OC having a carboxyl content of equal to below 18% characterized by high adhesion prevention potency. Uses of the compositions as hemostats or as adhesion prevention material, and methods for the preparation thereof are further provided herein.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a multi-orientation liquid collection canister to collect liquid from a tissue site is provided. The apparatus includes a substantially planar, liquid-air separator disposed on at least one wall of the multi-orientation liquid collection canister to prevent the liquid from exiting the multi-orientation liquid collection canister. The apparatus further includes an elongated member connected to the liquid-air separator and extending away from the liquid-air separator into a first space of the multi-orientation liquid collection canister. The elongated member has a membrane defining a second space along at least a portion of a length of the elongated member. At least a portion of the membrane allows gaseous communication between the first space and the second space.

Abstract: A wound dressing apparatus includes a wound dressing member dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed. The wound dressing member including an internal vacuum reservoir and has a port in communication with the vacuum reservoir for applying subatmospheric pressure to the vacuum reservoir to facilitate removal of fluid from the wound bed. The wound dressing member includes a visual pressure indicator associated therewith for indicating a level of pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The visual pressure indicator includes color indicia having a plurality of colors corresponding to a condition of the pressure within the vacuum reservoir. The wound dressing member includes a lower absorbent member positionable adjacent the wound bed and an upper member which at least partially defines the vacuum reservoir. At least one of the top member and the lower absorbent member has the visual pressure indicator mounted thereto.

Abstract: A tubeset module includes one or more elements of a negative pressure wound therapy (“NPWT”) system, such as a valve, a calibrated leak, a pressure sensor, etc. The tubeset module may communicate with a controller of the NPWT system via a communications interface provided by the tubeset module. The communication between the tubeset module and the controller may be used to fully automate one or more processes involving the operation of the components of the NPWT system included in the tubeset module, allowing the NPWT system to, e.g. estimate a wound site volume, estimate a volume of fluid to be instilled, monitor wound healing progression, etc. without requiring any user interaction or involvement. The tubeset module may be defined by one or more housing elements. The tubeset module may be incorporated into any of the tubing, fluid canister, wound dressing and/or therapy device housing components of the NPWT system.

Abstract: In one example embodiment, a system for treating a tissue site is disclosed that may comprise a manifold including a non-porous film having a plurality of closed cells defined by a sealed region perforated with apertures extending through the sealed region, wherein the manifold is adapted to contact the tissue site. The system may further comprise a cover adapted to provide a fluid seal between a therapeutic environment including the manifold proximate one side of the cover and a local external environment on the other side of the cover. In one embodiment, the plurality of closed cells is adapted to form distal channels with the cover and the apertures are adapted to provide fluid communication between the distal channels and the tissue site. The system may further comprise a negative-pressure source fluidly coupled to the therapeutic environment and adapted to provide negative pressure through the distal channels and the apertures to the tissue site.

Abstract: The invention is a wearable breast pump system including a housing shaped at least in part to fit inside a bra and a piezo air-pump. The piezo air-pump is fitted in the housing and forms part of a closed loop system that drives a separate, deformable diaphragm to generate negative air pressure. The diaphragm is removably mounted on a breast shield.

Abstract: The present invention provides a negative pressure generator such as a suction cup and so on, with which the shape of the negative pressure transmitter remains constant when the negative pressure transmitter deforms so that no part thereof comes into contact with another member. The negative pressure transmitter 80 includes an opening 81, a closed bottom portion 83, and an intermediate portion 82 connecting the opening to the bottom portion, wherein the intermediate portion includes at least a plurality of rigid portions 84a that are formed at predetermined intervals so as to inhibit deformation, and flexible portions 86a that are formed between the plurality of rigid portions from a flexible material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a flexible catheter (1) with a drive shaft (2), with a sleeve (6) surrounding the drive shaft (2) and with a sheath (7) surrounding the drive shaft (2) and the sleeve (6), wherein the drive shaft, the sleeve (6) and the sheath (7) are pliable, wherein the drive shaft (2) at a proximal end of the drive shaft (2) comprises a coupling element (5) for connecting the drive shaft (2) to a drive motor (18), wherein the drive shaft (2) at least regionally consist of a alloy which contains at least 10% by weight of chromium, nickel and cobalt in each case. The invention moreover relates to a blood pump arrangement with such a catheter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pump, in particular a blood pump having a proximal and a distal end and a pump housing arranged therebetween, a driveshaft arranged in an interior of the pump housing along the longitudinal direction, a conveying element arranged on the driveshaft, and a cannula. Here, the pump housing, the shaft arrangement and the conveying element are coordinated with one another in such a way that these guarantee the best possible efficiency and longevity of the pump.

Abstract: A housing having an interior and an exterior. A pump rotor is configured to be received within the interior of the housing, the pump rotor includes a magnet. A stator having a delivery configuration and an operative configuration is included, the stator in the delivery configuration has a delivery diameter, the stator in the operative configuration being configured to be disposed around the exterior of the housing and to form an assembled pump having a diameter greater than the delivery diameter.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring fluid flow in an extracorporeal blood circuit are described. The blood circuit of such systems can include plod pump having a pumping chamber of the blood pump separated from a control chamber of the blood pump by a flexible diaphragm. The control chamber can be configured to transmit positive or negative pressure to operate the diaphragm. The system can include a pressure sensor configured to measure pressure in the control chamber of the blood pump, and a controller configured to receive information from the pressure sensor and to control the delivery of pressure to the control chamber of the blood pump. The controller can also be configured to cause the application of a time-varying pressure waveform on the blood pump diaphragm during a fill-stroke of the blood pump, and to monitor a pressure variation in the control chamber measured by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure are directed toward implantable medical devices, systems, and methods for cardiac assistance.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for extracorporeal blood treatment, comprising a blood treatment unit 1 that comprises at least one compartment 3. The invention further relates to an apparatus 15A, 15B for collecting blood clots for a blood line 5, 7 for supplying blood to or removing blood from a blood treatment unit 1 of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus, and to a method for determining a hemodynamic parameter during extracorporeal blood treatment using an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. In order to determine the hemodynamic parameter, the conveying direction of the blood pump 10 is reversed from a “normal” blood flow to a “reversed” blood flow. It has been found in practice that, in the event of a reversal in the conveying direction of the blood pump in order to carry out a measurement for determining a hemodynamic parameter, there is a risk of blood clots reaching the patients, although the dialyser traps blood clots.

Abstract: A method includes: receiving measurements of a blood-related parameter corresponding to a patient undergoing hemodialysis; estimating a value of one or more hemodialysis treatment-related parameters by applying a vascular refill model based on the received measurements of the blood-related parameter, wherein the one or more hemodialysis treatment-related parameters are indicative of an effect of vascular refill on the patient caused by the hemodialysis; determining, based on the one or more estimated values of the one or more hemodialysis treatment-related parameters, a hemodialysis treatment-related operation; and facilitating performance of the treatment-related operation. The vascular refill model is a two-compartment model based on a first compartment corresponding to blood plasma in the patient's body, a second compartment based on interstitial fluid in the patient's body, and a semi-permeable membrane separating the first compartment and the second compartment.

Abstract: A blood purification apparatus that includes a blood purifier, a vascular access flow path, a cleaning solution flow path, and a drainage flow path. The blood purifier has an inner portion divided by a semi-permeable membrane into a first portion and a second portion. The vascular access flow path is connected to the blood purifier and is in communication with the first portion. The cleaning solution flow path is connected to the blood purifier and is in communication with the first portion. The drainage flow path is connected to the blood purifier and is in communication with the second portion. The cleaning solution flow path is provided with a blood pump capable of bidirectionally feeding a fluid. An open-close valve is provided in each of the vascular access flow path and the drainage flow path.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and kits are provided for performing hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, and peritoneal dialysis on a portable machine suitable for both clinical and home use. Peritoneal dialysate can be flowed into and out of the peritoneal cavity, and can also be regenerated within the system, without the need for introducing fresh dialysate. Common hardware and software can be utilized for both peritoneal dialysis and other forms of dialysis such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration, allowing for facile transition between different dialysis modes using the same dialysis machine.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a method for preventing infection and microbial ingress in medical device connections between peritoneal dialysis transfer sets and peritoneal dialysis catheters. A peritoneal dialysis transfer set includes a male connector with a distal tip and a recess at the distal tip configured to deliver and confine an antimicrobial composition into solution within a cavity formed by the recess. The surface of the recess includes an antimicrobial composition. In certain implementations the antimicrobial composition contains chlorhexidine acetate.

Abstract: The present invention has to do with a method and system for preformed peritoneal dialysis (PD) catheter weighted anchors. The peritoneal dialysis catheter weighted anchors can be inserted and retrieved using standard techniques and available insertion/retrieval systems. The peritoneal dialysis catheter weighted anchors can be attached and secured to all types of PD catheters as an ancillary anchor device.