Abstract: Electronic imitation candle devices are described that produce a scent while including a flame-like element that simulates a real fire flame. One example device includes a support assembly having a base, a top plate and a support rod that connects the base and the top plate, as well as a flame element and a light source to simulate a real candle flame. The device also includes a fragrance compartment above the top plate that includes a lid removably positioned on top of the fragrance container. The device is further provided with a heating element above the top plate and below the fragrance container to provide heat to the fragrance container, and a switch coupled to the lid of the fragrance container and operable to sense that the fragrance container is covered by the lid and to deactivate the heating element when the fragrance container is covered by the lid.

Abstract: A portable shower diffuser. The portable shower diffuser includes a housing. A vent, such as a plurality of vent openings, are defined through a portion of the housing. The housing further includes a wick receptacle configured to retain a wick within the housing. A power source is coupled to the housing. An electric blower is disposed within the housing. A switch electrically connects the power source to the electric blower. The electric blower includes a blower vent positioned to blow air through the wick receptacle and out of the vent.

Abstract: A scent dispenser device and a head mounting device including the scent dispenser device is provided. The scent dispenser device may be used by a subject watching a motion picture in order to enhance the user experience of a motion picture. The scent dispenser device includes a first housing, which in turn includes a tape cartridge and a drive mechanism. The scent dispenser device is positioned close to the nostrils of the subject, and the tape cartridge includes one or more scent zone. The drive mechanism advances the tape cartridge inside the first housing, and the scent from the one or more scent zone is exposed to the nostrils of the subject, in case the drive mechanism is in operation.

Abstract: A device including a receptacle that defines a neck. A liquid that impregnates diffusion means is housed inside the receptacle. The diffusion means includes a flexible band and a rigid band in contact with each other, the flexible band being in contact with the liquid inside the receptacle. The device also includes an inner closing element that fits tightly inside the neck and a regulation element complementary to the inner closing element. The rigid band is associated with the regulation element, the position of which determines the surface of the rigid band arranged on the outside of the receptacle. The device facilitates accurate regulation of the exposed surface of the rigid band, thereby regulating the intensity of the perfume in a room.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing dental hygiene includes a mechanism to sterilize a head portion based on an ozone generator integrated with a base of the apparatus. The ozone generator includes a corona discharge tube, a micro air pump to circulate air through the corona discharge tube, and a bubble diffuser to diffuse ozone in a fluid. The ozone diffused fluid is transferred to a space around the head portion to sterilize the head portion. The space around the head portion is created by a cap like device connected to the head portion in watertight manner. An ultrasonic mechanism is coupled to the cap like device as an additional sterilizing mechanism, and generates ultrasonic waves through the fluid held around the head portion for sterilizing the head portion.

Abstract: A flexible ion generator device that includes a dielectric layer having a first end, a second end, a first side, a second side, a top side, and a bottom side, at least one trace positioned on the dielectric layer and having a plurality of emitters engaged to the at least one trace. A plurality of lights disposed on the dielectric layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to skin dressings that are useful in the treatment of conditions associated with tissue ischaemia and skin lesions including those that are infected, such as burns and surgical wounds and chronic wounds such as but not limited5 to diabetic foot ulcers and venous leg ulcers. The skin dressings are also useful to effect transdermal delivery of pharmaceutically active agents.

Abstract: Absorbable monofilament fibers and self-retaining sutures with high tensile strengths have been developed. The straight pull tensile strengths of the absorbable self-retaining sutures closely approximate, equal or exceed the average minimum knot-pull tensile standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP). These higher strength absorbable self-retaining sutures can therefore be used either without needing to oversize the suture for a given procedure, or by oversizing the self-retaining suture by no more than 0.1 mm in diameter. In one embodiment, the absorbable self-retaining sutures are made from poly-4-hydroxybutyrate or copolymers thereof. Methods for producing absorbable self-retaining sutures that have high tensile strengths and pronounced sheath-core structures wherein the sheath is harder than the core are also provided.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a tissue integration device. The tissue integration device can be produced by forming a polymer mixture into a shape. The polymer mixture can include a polymer resin and a growth-promoting medium. Next, at least one polymer forming the polymer resin can be oriented in at least one direction. The shaped polymeric material can then be formed into the tissue integration device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a silk-fibroin ink suitable for 3D printing. The ink for 3D printing now disclosed may be used in chemical and pharma industries, medicine, engineering, manufacturing namely for the production of capsules, fibres, membranes, particles, scaffolds, medical devices, microfluidic devices and patient-specific implants.

Abstract: Compositions containing curable recombinant human collagen, and kits comprising same, which are usable in preparing modeling material formulations for additive manufacturing (e.g., 3D bioprinting) of 3D objects are provided. Methods utilizing such modeling material formulations in additive manufacturing of 3D objects having a collagen-based material in at least a portion thereof, are also provided. The formulations feature a desired viscosity at a temperature higher than 10° C. (e.g., room temperature or 37° C.) and allow performing the additive manufacturing without cooling the system or a part thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bioinks based on undenatured collagen, kits containing the same, and methods of printing three-dimensional structures using the bioinks.

Abstract: The invention discloses micron-nano pore gradient oxide ceramic films with biological activity, which are prepared by the following methods: The surface structures are biomedical engineering materials; Inorganic precursor coating solutions or the organic precursor coating solutions are prepared with or without micron and nanopore additives; The surface structures of the substrate are treated in the following steps: (1) The surfaces of the substrate are coated by the inorganic precursor coating solutions or the organic precursor coating solutions with or without micron and nanopore additives; (2) The substrate with coatings are dried, sintered, naturally cooled, and cleaned. (3) The biomedical engineering materials with the micron-nanopore gradient oxide ceramic films, especially biomimetic micro-nanoporous gradient alumina film, yttrium partially stabilized zirconia film, and alumina doped yttrium partially stabilized zirconia films in this invention greatly improve biocompatibility and biological activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a kidney production method including a step of tissue-specifically removing a metanephric mesenchyme of a metanephros of a non-human animal; a step of transplanting, into the metanephros, a kidney precursor cell derived from a non-human animal which is allogeneic or xenogeneic to the non-human animal; and a step of advancing development of the metanephros, which is a step in which the transplanted kidney precursor cell is differentiated and matured to form a part of the kidney.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the fled of biomedical technology, and relates to a composite membrane comprising a decellularized amniotic membrane, a use of the composite membrane, and a method for preparing the composite membrane.

Abstract: Region-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) biomaterials are provided. Such materials include acellular scaffolds, sponges, solutions, hydrogels, fibers and bio-inks suitable for cell culture.

Abstract: A method for producing a decellularized tissue includes steps of lysing a cell of a biological tissue using a liquid containing a liquefied gas, and degrading a nucleic acid component contained in the lysed cell of the biological tissue using a nucleolytic enzyme.

Abstract: A material for a bone implant contains: (a) a carrier structure has a surface that has at least one biocompatible material; (b) a matrix covalently bound to the surface; and (c) calcium phosphate embedded in the matrix. A medically acceptable, highly compatible and versatile material can be provided, if the matrix has at least one polysaccharide (formula (I)).

Abstract: A biomaterial, particularly for tissue regeneration, includes an open, porous bioresorbable first material portion and a second material portion that is stiffer than the first material portion, wherein the volume fraction of the stiffer material is less than 30% of the total volume of the biomaterial, and the structural stiffness of the second material portion is at least 10 times greater than that of the first material portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for treating soft tissue injuries comprising a collagen matrix and mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the collagen matrix. Methods of making and using compositions comprising a collagen matrix and mesenchymal stem cells adhered to the collagen matrix are also provided.

Abstract: Catheter tubing comprises: an elongate body comprising a base thermoplastic polyurethane; and a compounded thermoplastic polyurethane co-extruded with the base thermoplastic polyurethane to provide a section of catheter tubing discrete from the elongate body, the compounded thermoplastic polyurethane comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and a radiopaque material, wherein the catheter tubing comprises a first elastic modulus under first conditions prior to entry into a patient; and wherein when exposed to second conditions comprising two or more in vivo stimuli for a duration of time the catheter tubing comprises a second elastic modulus that is not more than fifty percent of the first modulus.

Abstract: A biodegradable metal alloy for anchoring detached tissue to hard tissue, a method for making the same and a process for using the same are revealed. The biodegradable metal alloy includes a magnesium-zinc-zirconium (Mg—Zn—Zr) alloy and a magnesium fluoride (MgF2) coating over the Mg—Zn—Zr alloy. The Mg—Zn—Zr alloy is a magnesium alloy containing 2.5-6.0 wt % zinc (Zn) and 0.42-0.80 wt % zirconium (Zr). Thereby the present biodegradable metal alloy not only provides sufficient fixation strength for anchoring detached tissue to hard tissue effectively but also promotes the bone growth and avoids metal/alloy artifacts in images.

Abstract: Provided herein are methods, compositions, devices, and systems for the 3D printing of biomedical implants. In particular, methods and systems are provided for 3D printing of biomedical devices (e.g., endovascular stents) using photo-curable biomaterial inks (e.g., or methacrylated poly(diol citrate)).

Abstract: In an example is a system for treating a tissue site. The system may comprise a container having a liquid reservoir adapted to be fluidly coupled to the dressing. The container may comprise a liquid-degradable component configured to allow gas communication between the liquid reservoir and an external environment upon a liquid level within the liquid reservoir reaching a predetermined level. The liquid-degradable component may also be configured to restrict gas communication between the liquid reservoir and the external environment prior to the liquid level within the liquid reservoir reaching the predetermined level. The container may also comprise a hydrophobic filter configured to allow gas communication and to restrict liquid communication between the liquid reservoir and the external environment. The system may also comprise a negative-pressure source adapted to be fluidly coupled to the container.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a surgical instrument, a collection canister, outflow tubing coupled between the surgical instrument and the collection canister to define an outflow path from the surgical instrument to the collection canister, and a control console. The outflow tubing includes a valve module including a controllable valve disposed within the outflow path to selectively control flow therealong. The control console is configured to control operation of the surgical instrument and to control the controllable valve.

Abstract: A collection liner for a medical or a surgical operation is disclosed which includes a closed bag portion and inlets opening into the bag portion. The collection liner can include a handle which includes at least one of the inlets inside the handle.

Abstract: In one embodiment, system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration includes a housing having a first port adapted for connection to a vacuum source and a second port adapted for connection with an aspiration catheter, a pressure sensor in fluid communication with an interior of the housing, a measurement device coupled to the pressure sensor and configured for measuring deviations in fluid pressure, and a communication device coupled to the measurement device and configured to generate an alert signal when a deviation in fluid pressure measured by the measurement device exceeds a pre-set threshold. In another embodiment, the system for real time monitoring of catheter aspiration further includes a vacuum source for connection to the first port and an aspiration catheter having an aspiration lumen for connection to the second port.

Abstract: A flow control system for an ultrasonic aspirator handpiece having an aspiration pathway having an inner nosecone operatively connected to the handpiece. A flow control mechanism is disposed over the inner nosecone defining a flow control channel therebetween. The flow control channel is operatively connected to the aspiration pathway. A control aperture of the flow control mechanism is configured for variable engagement by a digit of an operator between an open position and a closed position for corresponding variable adjustment of an aspiration flow rate.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing negative-pressure therapy may comprise a negative-pressure chamber and a pneumatically-actuated service timer, which can be used to indicate an expiration or other service condition of the apparatus. The apparatus may further comprise an actuator operable to engage a timer fluid with a migration medium. The timer fluid and the migration medium may be selected so that migration time through the migration medium corresponds to an expiration condition of the apparatus. The timer may also provide indicia of migration progress or termination.

Abstract: Systems and methods for a reduced-pressure interface for connecting a multi-lumen conduit to a distribution manifold. The interface includes a housing having a flange portion and a cavity wall portion. The cavity wall portion forms a cavity having a tissue-facing cavity opening. The interface further includes an attachment device, a conduit port, and a multi-lumen conduit. The attachment device is coupled to a tissue-facing side of the flange portion for coupling the housing to a sealing member. The conduit includes a distal end and a proximal whereby the distal end extends through a conduit aperture and past the cavity wall portion into the cavity. The conduit further includes a primary lumen and a plurality of sensing lumens. The primary lumen and the plurality of sensing lumens extend from the proximal end of the conduit to the distal end. The conduit is adapted to contact the distribution manifold.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides cell therapy production systems that can suitably be used in a patient bedside setting. Such systems allow for direct removal of a patient's blood, automated processing to produce a cell therapy, and then infusion back into the patient, without the need to remove the system from the patient's bedside. Also provided herein are systems for production of cell therapies in a bedside setting.

Abstract: The invention relates to devices, systems, and methods for performing a precision or personalized Peritoneal Dialysis (PD) therapy session or cycle based on dialysis adequacy measurements in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis treatment. The settings for the precision peritoneal dialysis therapy session can be obtained using one or more flow sensors and one or more uremic solute sensors that measure the uremic solute concentration and volume of the peritoneal dialysate removed from the patient. The desired dialysis adequacy for a specific patient, group of patients, or class of patients, can then be calculated based on the measured peritoneal dialysate concentration and volume. Using the calculated dialysis adequacy, the system and methods can then set one or more peritoneal dialysis parameters for subsequent cycles or sessions.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for preparing a peritoneal dialysis solution at the point of use comprising a disposable having a solution bag and associated filling lines and patient lines; a storage unit for liquid connected to the filling line; a control unit; and actuators for regulating a flow from the storage unit to the disposable, wherein the apparatus furthermore comprises a scale at which the solution bag of the disposable is arranged, with the control unit being configured to initiate a filling of the solution bag with liquid from the storage unit using the actuators and to determine the quantity of the liquid that has flowed into the solution bag using the scale.

Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis system and machine configured to perform dextrose mixing are disclosed. An example dialysis machine includes a pump, a first solution having a first formulation stored in a first container that is placed in fluid communication with the pump, and a second solution having a second formulation stored in a second container that is also placed in fluid communication with the pump. The first container has a first unique identifier indicative of the first formulation and the second container has a second unique identifier indicative of the second formulation. The dialysis machine also includes a logic implementer programmed to receive a therapy prescription and operate the pump if the first formulation indicated by the first unique identifier is specified by the therapy prescription, or the second formulation indicated by the second unique identifier is specified by the therapy prescription.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system may treat blood containing metformin outside the body of a patient. The system may include one or more pumps configured to pump blood in a fluid flow path at a collective rate over 4 liters per minute. The system may include one or more heat exchangers operable to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperature of at least 42 degrees. The system may include one or more convection dialysis modules configured to perform convection dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at least after the one or more heat exchangers allow the blood to cool one or more degrees.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system may treat blood outside the body of a patient. The system may include one or more pumps configured to pump blood in a fluid flow path at a collective rate over 4 liters per minute. The system may include one or more heat exchangers operable to heat at least a portion of the blood to a temperature of at least 42 degrees Celsius and to allow the blood to cool one or more degrees following heating. The system may include one or more albumin dialysis modules configured to perform albumin dialysis on at least a portion of the blood at least after the one or more heat exchangers allow the blood to cool one or more degrees.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus comprises: a blood treatment device (2); an extracorporeal blood circuit comprising a blood withdrawal line (6) and a blood return line (7) coupled to the extracorporeal blood treatment device (2), wherein the blood return line (7) presents a heating zone (14) coupled or configured to be coupled to a blood warmer (15); a blood pump (6) configured to be coupled to a pump section of the blood withdrawal line (6); at least a post-infusion line (13, 13?) connected to the blood return line (7) upstream of the heating zone (14); an air trapping device (9) placed on the blood return line (7) upstream of the heating zone (14).

Abstract: There is provided a sorbent for removing metabolic waste products from a dialysis liquid, the sorbent comprising a layer of immobilized uremic toxin-treating enzyme particles intermixed with cation exchange particles.

Abstract: A controller for a body cavity irrigation system, where the system features a reservoir containing an irrigation liquid and a catheter, includes a housing with a dial attached to the housing and movable between positions corresponding to stages of a body cavity irrigation procedure. The controller is in communication with an electromechanical pump and at least one electromechanical valve that are in fluid communication with the reservoir and the catheter so that the electromechanical pump and at least one electromechanical valve are configured to perform a stage of the body cavity irrigation procedure corresponding to the selected dial position.

Abstract: A cap and container assembly is disclosed which may be used for human body cavity irrigation or other liquid dispensing activities. The cap may include a first channel extending from a base through a neck portion to an opening in a tip portion of the cap. A side body defining a second channel may extend from the first channel near the neck portion of the cap to an opening at a distal end of the side body. An axial dimension of the tip portion may extend at an angle relative to an axial dimension of the neck portion. Liquid may flow out of the first channel under the influence of gravity and as a result of control of air flow into the second channel.

Abstract: An assembly is configured to position a peristaltic tube with respect to a linear peristaltic pump drive of an infusion pump. The assembly can include a peristaltic tube, first and second tube couplers, a frame, first and second securement plates, a free-flow prevention arm, and a biasing mechanism. The frame can include a snap-fit tab configured to releasably secure the assembly to an assembly receptacle of the infusion pump. The free-flow prevention arm can be selectively movable between a free-flow preventing position and a free-flow allowing position. A latching mechanism can be ergonomically manipulable to latch the free-flow prevention arm in a free-flow allowing position, and to unlatch the free-flow prevention arm such that the biasing mechanism is able to bias the free-flow prevention arm to the free-flow preventing position.

Abstract: A platen assembly positionable opposite a pumping mechanism of an infusion pump has a first platen member rotatably coupled to the pump to pivot about a first hinge axis and a second platen member rotatably coupled to the first platen member to pivot about a second hinge axis different from the first hinge axis. When the platen assembly is in a pump operating position, respective platen surfaces of the platen members follow a single surface profile, for example an arcuate surface profile in the case of a curvilinear peristaltic pump. The platen assembly may have a damage-tolerant design including a plurality of alignment counter-features arranged to mate with corresponding alignment features on the pump, wherein the platen assembly may still close after the pump is dropped or damaged only if resulting deformation of the platen assembly is within an allowable tolerance for safe pumping.

Abstract: Embodiments of the current disclosure are directed toward systems, devices and methods for diabetes management. In particular, the present disclosure relates to devices and methods for dispensing insulin to a patient. A portable fluid infusion device, comprising a disposable part (DP) and a reusable part (RP) is disclosed. The DP comprises a first reservoir and a second reservoir, the second reservoir less than or equal to the first reservoir in length, while the RP comprises a first compartment configured to receive the first reservoir, a second compartment configured to receive the second reservoir and a gasket for sealing a junction between the second reservoir and the second compartment upon connection of the RP and the DP.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for calibrating the zero position of at least one drive member of an injector system is disclosed. Automated methods of position calibration of the drive member of a fluid injector are disclosed. These methods address sources of error in positional accuracy and fluid delivery inaccuracies, such as disposable syringe tolerance and injector wear over time. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and fluid injector systems for determining and correcting for the amount of slack in a fluid injection apparatus are described. An understanding of the calibration and the amount of slack in a fluid injection system allows a processor to correct for the slack, thereby ensuring more accurate fluid delivery to the patient and more accurate imaging processes.

Abstract: A fill-finish cartridge includes a carrier, a fluid pathway connection, a needle insertion mechanism, and a drug container. The cartridges enable drug containers to be filled with pharmaceutical treatments using standard filling equipment and process systems, while maintaining the sterility and container integrity of the fluid pathway. The fill-finish cartridges of the present invention can be nested or removably housed in fill-finish trays for batch filling in standard operating processes. As such, the adaptable fillfinish cartridges of the present invention may be flexibly inserted, attached, mounted, or otherwise removably positioned in fill-finish trays. These embodiments, accordingly, may provide novel and cost-efficient assemblies and cartridges which are readily integrated into drug filling processes. Methods of assembly, manufacture, and use are also provided.

Abstract: A device, kit, and method for producing medically-deliverable intravenous solution may include supplying a water to a housing, pumping the water through the housing while purifying the water, metering concentrated intravenous solution into the water to create a medically-deliverable intravenous solution, and dispensing the medically-deliverable intravenous solution, such as immediate intravenous infusion to a patient.

Abstract: Method of safely refilling or accessing a reservoir of an implanted fluid delivery device. The method includes guiding a bent or angled needle into the reservoir while observing an image the implanted fluid delivery device and with the bent or angled needle being oriented in a direction that faces away from an imaging device probe oriented in a substantially vertical orientation and overlying the implanted fluid delivery device.

Abstract: Disclosed is a light-based artificial pancreas system for dispensing drug formulations to a diabetic patient that monitors the status of the patient to ensure that blood glucose levels remain within a customizable range. Drug formulations dispensable by the system contain at least one photoswitchable compound, including insulin, whose dosage amounts are controllable by light energy and based on both light wavelength and light intensity. The system dispenses drug formulations based on light generated by a set of LED arrays that includes blue or violet LED's; the light is detected by photoreceivers within a drug reservoir that contains the drug formulations. The system is designed such that multiple drug formulations used simultaneously are each controlled by a separate LED array and by separate photoreceivers operating at separate wavelengths such that the drug formulations, LED arrays, photoreceivers and wavelengths do not interfere with each other.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to systems, methods and devices to monitor, diagnose and/or treat diseases or disorders comprising a calibration phase and a real-time diagnostic, treatment or monitoring phase, the calibration phase correlating a plurality of nerve activity measurements from a chronically implanted electrode in a subject with a plurality of concurrent measurements of levels of cytokines and/or glucose in the blood to obtain a functional relationship between blood cytokine and/or glucose levels and vagus nerve activity, and the diagnostic, treatment or monitoring phase analyzing the subject's real-time vagus nerve activity in accordance with the previously obtained functional relationship to initiate a treatment method.

Abstract: One aspect of the present disclosure is a system for hemodynamic resuscitation. The system includes an intravenous access device having a pressure sensor element configured to detect a peripheral venous pressure value in response to an occlusion of a peripheral vein. The system also includes a controller device that is configured to receive a signal from the pressure sensor comprising the peripheral venous pressure value, to process the signal to determine a hemodynamic parameter based on the peripheral venous pressure value, and to generate a resuscitation score based on the hemodynamic parameter.