Abstract: Disclosed is an adhesive composition, devices including the adhesive composition and uses of the devices including the adhesive composition. The adhesive composition is for attachment to skin and includes an adhesive polymer component selected from a mixture of a polyethylene copolymer and polypropylene glycol (PPG), and styrene-ethylene/butylene-styrene (SEBS) block copolymer. The composition further includes polyolefin, polybutene, polyacrylic acid (PAA), and at least one further absorbent material.

Abstract: A silicone foam is described that is produced in-situ at a wound site, e.g. in a wound cavity, through a multi-component system, based on a physical foaming process, wherein the gas required to form the foam structure is provided through a blowing agent independently of the curing reaction of polyorganosiloxane components of the multi-component system. Therefore, the blowing agent is provided as a distinct entity of the multi-component system that is, in particular, not the result of any chemical reaction taking place in the multi-component system. A device for producing the foam and the corresponding negative pressure wound therapy kit are also described.

Abstract: Provided are methods of detecting tooth stain prevention and/or removal comprising the steps of providing pellicle-coated hydroxyapatite particles, contacting the particles with a first solution and then a second solution, wherein the first solution is either a test solution or a stain solution and the second solution is the other of said test solution or stain solution, separating from the resulting particles a liquid comprising stain introduced in the contacting step b), and measuring the UV-Vis absorbance of the separated liquid to determine the amount of stain in the liquid.

Abstract: Hydrogels comprising a macromolecular matrix and water may be used to augment soft tissue of a human being, promote or support cell or tissue viability or proliferation, create space in tissue, and for other purposes. A macromolecular matrix may comprise a hyaluronic acid component crosslinked to a silk fibroin component.

Abstract: An implantable composition can include methacrylated solubilized devitalized cartilage (MeSDVC) with or without devitalized cartilage (DVC) particles. These compositions can be hydrogel precursors. After implantation, the MeSDVC may be crosslinked so as to form a hydrogel. The crosslinked hydrogel can include the DVC particles. A hydrogel precursor matrix (e.g., not crosslinked) can include a crosslinkable substance that can be crosslinked into a hydrogel, where DVC particles are included in the precursor matrix. The hydrogel precursor matrix can be located in a tissue defect site, such as a hole or recess in a cartilage or bone, and then crosslinked into a hydrogel that has the DVC particles therein.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for use in repairing and/or regenerating tissues are disclosed. A hydrogel precursor composition comprising functionalized tissue particles and functionalized hyaluronic acid that can be deposited into an implant site and converted into a crosslinked hydrogel network which retains the tissue particles at the implant site is disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of forming functionalized tissue particles and functionalized hyaluronic acid for use herein. Kits containing reagents for producing the hydrogel precursor composition are also disclosed, along with methods of producing the hydrogel precursor composition.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are dry blends of polyanionic and polycationic macromolecules, solvating fluids serving as cell suspension fluids, hybrid gel compositions, and methods for treatment of patients with endocrine disorders by transplantation with such compositions. Hybrid gel compositions that promote a microenvironment suitable for cell viability and growth while maintaining a sufficient structural integrity for three-dimensional cell culture are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides catheters comprising polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) tubes with advantageous combinations of strength, flexibility, and size. Such tubes can exhibit features including an average wall thickness of 0.001? or less, a tensile stress at break of greater than 5000 psi, and a storage modulus of less than 100,000 psi at 37° C. These tubes can be also be provided independently (i.e., not within a catheter) and can be employed in various applications.

Abstract: Antimicrobial catheters and medical devices are provided. In some aspects, a low durometer aliphatic polyether polyurethane may be impregnated with a first antimicrobial agent (e.g., minocycline and rifampin) and coated with a second antimicrobial agent (e.g., chlorhexidine, gendine, or gardine). The antimicrobial catheters may display improved flexibility and resistance to kinking. Methods of producing the antimicrobial catheters are also provided.

Abstract: Inventive concepts relate generally to the field of implantable urological devices, and more particularly to compositions that inhibit crystallization of urine components. Described are implantable urological devices including a surface and a crystallization inhibitor composition, the crystallization inhibitor composition including: (a) an inhibitor of urine component crystallization in combination with a biodegradable polymer, or a polyalkene homopolymer or copolymer, or (b) a biodegradable polymer that includes an inhibitor of urine component crystallization, wherein the crystallization inhibitor composition provides controlled release of the inhibitor of urine component crystallization from the surface of the device into a subject. Methods of making the implantable urological devices are also described.

Abstract: Provided is a method for preventing postoperative adhesion of an organ in a wound site using the application of an antiadhesive material thereto. The antiadhesive material contains a poly-?-glutamic acid having a weight-average molecular weight of 600,000 to 13,000,000, or a kinematic viscosity at 37° C. of 2 cSt to 15 cSt when dissolved in distilled water at a concentration of 0.05% by mass and/or a salt thereof, as an effective ingredient. The antiadhesive material may be in a form such as powder, and therefore, for example, is easy to handle even in relatively localized surgery such as endoscopic surgery and can more reliably prevent adhesion.

Abstract: A degradable, removable, pharmaceutical implant for the sustained release of one or more drugs in a subject, wherein the pharmaceutical implant is composed of a tube comprising an outer wall made of a degradable polymer completely surrounding a cavity, wherein the outer wall has a plurality of openings and wherein the cavity contains one or more sets of micro-particles, which micro-particles contain an active agent or a combination of two or more active agents, and wherein the size of the microparticles is selected such that the majority of the microparticles cannot pass through the openings.

Abstract: The present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials vessel graft systems used in cardiovascular applications and other medical applications, the components utilized in the vessel graft systems and the methods of making and using such systems. More specifically the present invention relates to protein biocoacervates and biomaterials vessel graft systems used in various medical applications and/or the devices used in such vessel graft systems including, but not limited to, vessel grafts as drug delivery devices for the controlled release of pharmacologically active agents, tubular grafts, vascular grafts, protein biomaterial sutures and biomeshes, protein biomaterial adhesives and glues, and other biocompatible biocoacervate or biomaterial devices used in the vessel graft systems of the present invention.

Abstract: A drainage device (1) particularly for aspiration in case of therapies with aspiration, fistulas, dehiscences of surgical wounds, bedsores, traumas and similar lesions, comprising an aspiration pouch (2) which is supported by a sheet-like element (5) which can be associated with the lesion (10) and is connected to aspiration means (3) by way of a connecting element (4).

Abstract: A drainage device (1) particularly for aspiration in case of therapies with aspiration, fistulas, dehiscences of surgical wounds, bedsores, traumas and similar lesions, comprising an aspiration pouch (2) which is supported by a sheet-like element (5) which can be associated with the lesion (10) and is connected to aspiration means (3) by way of a connecting element (4).

Abstract: Embodiments of a negative pressure wound therapy systems and methods for operating the systems are disclosed. In some embodiments, a system includes a pump assembly, canister, and a wound dressing configured to be positioned over a wound. The pump assembly, canister, and the wound dressing can be fluidically connected to facilitate delivery of negative pressure to a wound. The pump assembly can present graphical user interface screens for controlling and monitoring delivery of negative pressure. The system can be configured to efficiently deliver negative pressure and to detect and indicate presence of certain conditions, such as low pressure, high pressure, leak, canister full, and the like. Monitoring and detection of operating condition can be performed by measuring one or more operational parameters, such as pressure, flow rate, and the like.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure abdominal treatment device is presented that has a plurality of liquid-impermeable layers with a foam spacer between two of the liquid-impermeable layers. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers have a coextensive area A1. The foam spacer has a plan-view area A2. A2 is less than 80% of A1 (i.e., A2<0.8 A1). The foam spacer is configured such that, under reduced pressure, a target fluid removal zone experiences reduced-pressure vectors over an angle theta (?) that is typically 360 degrees for a majority of locations in the target fluid removal zone. Applying 360 degrees of reduced pressure helps avoid blockage. The plurality of liquid-impermeable layers may be bonded for various effects. Other devices, systems, and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A reduced-pressure device for wound treatment includes a housing, an air pressure storage unit, a compression unit and a pressure indicating module. The air pressure storage unit is installed in the housing and comprises a pressure storage container, a piston assembly and a piston spring, and the compression unit is mounted on the piston assembly, and the pressure indicating module is engaged to the pressure storage container and the piston assembly. Therefore, the user can see the information shown on the pressure indicating module to be easily aware of how much capacity of negative pressure the reduced-pressure device can continuously be provided in order to determine when to operate the compression unit again for providing the desired negative pressure.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A breast pump for pumping human breast milk has a flexible pumping membrane and a stiff cap, which can be fitted onto said pumping membrane, this resulting in the formation of a pumping chamber for generating a negative pressure. The cap can be, or is, connected to a breast-shield unit via a suction line. The pumping membrane has an encircling collar with a step and a laterally projecting protrusion. The cap has, on its inner side, an encircling abutment region and also at least one form-fitting element, which is spaced apart from the encircling abutment region and establishes a form fit with the protrusion of the pumping membrane. The cap is positioned with a snap fit on the pumping membrane. In the abutment region (53), it establishes a joint frictional fit with a step of the pumping membrane and thus forms a seal. The snap-fit positioning of the cap on the pumping membrane is sufficient for the cap to be retained with sealing action on the pumping membrane.

Abstract: A pump for immersion in a fluid includes—an inductor having guide vanes to induce linear fluid flow; —a rotor with a central, flared body, this rotor being downstream of the inductor relative to the direction of fluid circulation; —a helical blade provided around the central body; this helical blade having a flared external profile and having turns with an increasing winding pitch, and the internal casing volume being complementary to the flared helical blade, —a casing around the rotor; —a diffuser having blades making the flow of fluid linear and disposed downstream of the rotor to evacuate the fluid from the rotor; and—a diffuser insert having blades and an outlet orifice with a diameter less than the inlet diameter of the diffuser insert, the blades directing the fluid from the diffuser towards the orifice to increase the orifice outlet pressure.

Abstract: A bearingless and sealless rotary blood pump is disclosed which provides multidirectional flow intended to provide low-pressure, high-volume right-sided partial assist circulatory support in a univentricular Fontan circulation on a permanent basis. The pump includes a housing and an impeller suspended in the center of the housing. The housing incorporates flow optimization features between inlet and outlet ends, as well as with the impeller surface. Large fluid gaps maintained between impeller and housing eliminate any potential for blood flow obstruction. The impeller contains some motor components. It includes a central stator and surrounding rotor. The motor includes a brushless DC outrunner electrical motor design. An electromagnetic stator core is surrounded by a circumferential passive magnetic ring. The rotor is further levitated about the stator spindle by a plurality of axially and radially located passive magnetic and hydrodynamic journal bearings on both ends of the spindle.

Abstract: An implantable blood pump including a housing having an inlet cannula, a rotor disposed within the housing, the rotor in fluid communication with the inlet cannula, a stator disposed within the housing, the stator configured to rotate the rotor when a current is applied to the stator, and at least one ultraviolet light emitter disposed within the housing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to kits and methods for calibrating a pump through performance of a thermal knockdown process including demagnetization of an impeller of the pump where the impeller is separate from the pump. By heat treating the impeller, a property of magnetic interaction of the pump is reduced in a repeatable manner. A kit includes a pump with impeller, a controller and an oven. The method generally involves an iterative process of testing the pump for a property related to magnetic interaction of the elements of the pump, removing the impeller from the pump, heating the impeller under controlled conditions, then placing the impeller back into the pump to repeat the test performed initially.

Abstract: A cardiac assistance system is provided that comprises two pumps and cannulae connected thereto. A first pump of the two pumps is configured to connect to a right heart system via a first fluid channel. The first fluid channel formed at least partially by a first two cannulae of the cannulae. A second pump of the two pumps is configured to connect to a left heart system via a second fluid channel. The second fluid channel formed at least partially by a second two of the cannulae. The two pumps are configured as rotary pumps for arrangement outside a patient's body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning and disinfecting a medical therapy device that delivers any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration and hemofiltration. The system has a base module that has at least one segment of a controlled compliant flow path and at least one pair of jumpered ports configured on the base module. One or more components have connections connectable to the jumpered ports of the base module to provide for fluid communication between the segment of the controlled compliant flow path in the base module and a flow path defined by the one or more components. The base module is connected to the one or more components that define a flow path configurable for carrying out in part at least one function performed during any one of hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration or hemofiltration.

Abstract: A method for operating a portable dialysis device, comprising the following steps: continuously and alternately filling and emptying a hydraulic chamber with hydraulic fluid by a pump, wherein upon filling the hydraulic chamber, an at least partially flexible delivery membrane is moved towards a blood chamber adjoining the hydraulic chamber, in which blood is received, and wherein the blood flows tangentially along an inner wall of the blood chamber through an inlet side, whereby the blood chamber is compressed to eject the blood, and enhancing a return flow of the blood from the blood chamber while avoiding dead points in the flow in the blood chamber, and wherein upon emptying the hydraulic chamber, the delivery membrane is moved away from the blood chamber so that the blood chamber expands to receive the blood, so that a continuous, alternate compression and expansion of the blood chamber by the delivery membrane occurs, such that a continuous uninterrupted exchange of the blood in the blood chamber is per

Abstract: A dialyzer composed of: first and second dialyzation chambers, and an intermediate chamber interposed between the first and second dialyzation chambers. Each of the chambers has a respective one of a blood inlet or outlet and a dialysate inlet or outlet arranged so that blood and dialysate flow in counter-current to one another in both chambers. The intermediate chamber is connected to form a dialysate-free blood flow passage between the blood chambers and is configured to maintain a substantially uniform blood flow.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis machine is provided having a machine housing and a weighing pan for receiving one or more solution bags. The weighing pan is connected to a weighing cell for weight measurement, wherein one or more torque limiting devices are provided which prevent the occurrence of a torque or of a torque exceeding a limit value in the weighing cell. The torque limiting device is configured such that with a torque acting on the weighing pan, it moves the weighing pan such that it comes into contact with the machine housing or with an element connected to the machine housing such that the torque is led off into the machine housing or into the element.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for adjusting one or more dialysis parameters for delivering a peritoneal dialysis cycle to a patient based on patient or system parameters. The systems and methods include various sensors, flow paths, and processors to adjust the dialysis parameters used to deliver peritoneal dialysis therapy, for a specific peritoneal dialysis cycle. For example, a first peritoneal dialysis cycle can provide data on patient or system parameters that can be used to adjust the dialysis parameters used to deliver a subsequent peritoneal dialysis cycle. One or more peritoneal dialysis cycles are contained in a particular peritoneal dialysis therapy session. Patient parameters can include patient blood pressure; volume of fluid removed; patient goal; blood solute level; effluent solute level; effluent temperature; effluent color or clarity; patient posture; tidal volume remaining in patient; and intraperitoneal pressure.

Abstract: An automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) system using gravity to deliver fluid from one or more source dialysate bags to the patient as the destination, and using gravity to deliver fluid from the source patient to the destination drain container or drain receptacle, and heats at least one dialysate bag placed onto a heated plate, and using a disposable tubing set is used for dialysate delivery to and from the patient, and using one or more solenoid-operated, normally closed, electronically-controlled pinch valves which pinch or release the disposable tubing set's tubing to stop or start fluid flow, respectively.

Abstract: A system and methods of using a multi-lumen catheter and a blood pump to increase cardiac output and blood oxygenation are described. The system diverts deoxygenated blood from the right atrium to the left atrium, through the atrial septum. The catheter is adapted for simultaneously pumping blood to and from a patient's heart. A gas exchanger may be used as part of the system to remove CO2 and add o2 to the blood that is pumped via the system. Components or portions of the system may be implantable in the patient.

Abstract: A method for determining at least one parameter of an extracorporeal blood circuit includes the steps of filling an extracorporeal blood circuit, e.g., encompassing a medical functional device, a treatment device and/or a blood tube set, by introducing a fluid, and detecting a volume of the introduced fluid which is required for filling the extracorporeal blood circuit by a detection device. A control device, a treatment apparatus, a computer readable storage medium, a computer program product as well as a computer program are also described.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and infusion pump assembly for determining a first rate-of-change force reading that corresponds to the delivery of a first dose of an infusible fluid via an infusion pump assembly. At least a second rate-of-change force reading is determined that corresponds to the delivery of at least a second dose of the infusible fluid via the infusion pump assembly. An average rate-of-change force reading is determined based, at least in part upon the first rate-of-change force reading and the at least a second rate-of-change force reading.

Abstract: A whole blood treatment device includes a first conduit, a second conduit, and a rotating or reciprocating element having a channel. The first and second conduits are fluidly coupled to the rotating or reciprocating element such that the channel is fluidly continuous with the first conduit when the channel is fluidly discontinuous with the second conduit, and such that the channel is fluidly discontinuous with the first conduit when the channel is fluidly continuous with the second conduit. The first conduit is configured to receive whole blood, and the second conduit is configured to receive a regeneration fluid. The channel comprises a surface that is modified with an affinity agent at a concentration effective to allow removal of a target compound from whole blood.

Abstract: An infusion state detection system includes: a pump unit configured to deliver a liquid in an infusion line; a pressure detector configured to detect a pressure in the infusion line; and a determination processing unit configured to: when the pressure detected by the pressure detector is at a predetermined value or above, stop driving of the pump unit for a stop period, and determine an infusion state on the basis of a value of the pressure detected by the pressure detector during the stop period.

Abstract: Techniques for modeling therapy fields for therapy delivered by medical devices are described. Each therapy field model is based on a set of therapy parameters and represents where therapy will propagate from the therapy system delivering therapy according to the set of therapy parameters. Therapy field models may be useful in guiding the modification of therapy parameters. As one example, a processor compares an algorithmic model of a therapy field to a reference therapy field and adjusts at least one therapy parameter based on the comparison. As another example, a processor adjusts at least one therapy parameter to increase an operating efficiency of the therapy system while substantially maintaining the modeled therapy field.

Abstract: An optical circuit detects PPG signals reflected from skin tissue at one or more different wavelengths. A processing circuit integrated in the biosensor or in communication with the biosensor processes the PPG signals to obtain a level of vasodilation or a period of vasodilation. The processing circuit may determine a circulation level using a phase offset between the PPG signals and/or a correlation value between the PPG signals.

Abstract: A biosensor is implemented in an earpiece and includes an activity monitoring circuit that detects an activity level of a user and an optical circuit that detects a plurality of spectral responses at a plurality of wavelengths from light reflected from skin of the user. The biosensor determines a heart rate and an oxygen saturation level using the plurality of spectral responses and determines whether the heart rate or the oxygen saturation level reaches a predetermined threshold for the activity level of the user. The biosensor generates an alert and transmits the alert wirelessly to a remote device.

Abstract: An auto-injector includes a base housing, an ampule, a needle arrangement, at least one drive assembly and a securing assembly which secures the drive assembly in its position with respect to the base housing until activated for the injection procedure. The securing assembly includes a securing cap with a cap jacket, a cap wall and a securing pin arranged inside the cap jacket. Arranged between the securing cap and the base housing is a guide arrangement with a first and a second guide element which define an adjustment path delimited in the axial direction on the side directed away from the distal end. In its release position, the securing cap is still arranged and held on the base housing.

Abstract: An autoinjector having a body (1) adapted to receive a reservoir containing fluid and including a piston (P) and a needle. The body (1) has a distal portion, a middle portion, and a proximal portion, the middle portion including at least one middle window (12) making it possible, before use, to see 100% of the fluid contained in the reservoir and, after injection, to see the piston (P). The middle window (12) has an external shape of an arrow that points towards the proximal portion. The proximal portion (121) of the middle window (12) includes a triangular end portion, forming the point of the arrow, the base of the triangular end portion, remote from the point, forms the widest portion of the middle window (12).

Abstract: A container is provided. The container includes a body, a first plug, and a second plug. The body has a first end, a second end, and a bypass with a length L disposed between the ends. The first and second plugs are slideably disposed in the body and define a first compartment. A second compartment is in the body between the second plug and the second end. The second plug has a first edge; a second edge; and a plurality of primary conduits, each primary conduit extending from first openings in the side wall to second openings in the bottom surface. The bottom surface does not define a plane oriented substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A distance D extends longitudinally from the first edge to the second edge. A distance E extends longitudinally from the first edge to the first opening. D?L and E<L.

Abstract: A syringe comprising: a body delimiting a chamber; a piston able to slide in the chamber of the body along a longitudinal axis of the syringe, wherein the piston comprises a rod, a head, and a finger rest, which are all in one piece; and a deformable retention device designed to prevent the piston from leaving the body entirely, wherein the retention device is force-fitted in the chamber, extends around the piston over an angular sector strictly greater than 180° when it is in the assembled position, and has protruding external ribs which extend parallel to the longitudinal axis and are plastically deformable when the retention device is assembled in the chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a bearing for a piston rod body for a drug delivery device. The bearing has an axis and comprises a first and a second surface which are spaced apart in the direction of the axis and a third surface, wherein the third surface connects the first and the second surface, wherein an opening is provided in each of the first and the third surface, and wherein the opening in the first surface is connected to the opening in the third surface. Further, the present disclosure concerns a piston rod body and a piston rod arrangement comprising said bearing and the piston rod body.

Abstract: A plunger rod system for syringes is provided. The system comprises at least one plunger and an associated rod for imparting force to the plunger. The rod comprises an end with a threaded member, and the threaded member comprises threads of a certain geometry that enable ease of installation of the rod within the plunger while also providing resistance to pull-out forces such as may be imparted when pulling or extracting the rod or plunger from a barrel.

Abstract: A supplemental device for attachment to an injection device, the supplemental device comprising: an electromechanical switch arrangement having an open state and a closed state, the electromechanical switch arrangement comprising a protrusion configured to contact a surface of the injection device when a dose of zero units is dialled into the injection device, wherein the state of the switch arrangement is configured to change when a dose dialled into the attached injection device is decreased from one unit to zero units; and a processor arrangement configured to: detect one or more changes in the state of the electromechanical switch arrangement; and determine from the one or more state changes that a dose of zero units is dialled into the injection device.

Abstract: A dose setting mechanism comprising a first element and a second element; the first element being moveable with respect to the second element; the first element and the second element being coupled by a ratchet mechanism allowing motion of the first element with respect to the second element from a first position to a second position only in a first direction while preventing motion in a second direction that is opposite to the first direction; once passing the second position, the first element being moveable with respect to the second element in the first direction and in the second direction.

Abstract: A medicine delivery device includes a main housing having a guide rail in a bottom side thereof, a main control unit with built-in control program mounted in the main housing, a transmission module mounted in the main housing and electrically coupled to the main control unit, the transmission module including a transmission unit, transmission shaft rotatable by the transmission unit and a push rod threaded into the transmission shaft with an axial guide groove thereof coupled to the guide rail for axial displacement upon rotation of the transmission shaft, a push-button unit mounted on the outer surface of the main housing and electrically coupled to the main control unit, and a power supply unit mounted in the main housing for providing the main control unit with the necessary working electricity.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a needle assembly adapted to couple with a medicament delivery device including a needle having a proximal tip and a distal tip, a needle hub coupled to the needle, a body adapted to engage the needle hub, a removable needle cap adapted to cover the distal tip, and a removable sealing element. The sealing element is adapted to seal an open proximal end of a compartment of the body, including the proximal tip, in such a manner that the proximal tip is housed in a sealed environment before use of the needle. The disclosure further relates to a medicament delivery device including such a needle assembly.

Abstract: A removal device (121, 221) for removing and disposing of a pen needle (113, 213) connectable to a drug delivery device (111, 211) includes a body (123, 223) having a cavity (141, 241) for receiving the pen needle of the drug delivery device such that a patient end (116, 216) of a needle (115, 215) of the pen needle is covered by the body. An ejector (151, 251) is movably connected to the body (123, 223) for engaging the received pen needle (113, 213) and selectively ejecting the engaged pen needle from the body. The pen needle (113, 213) is securely retained within the removal device (121, 221) without exposing the needle (115, 215) of the pen needle until the pen needle (113, 213) can be properly disposed of, such as in a sharps container, thereby substantially preventing an accidental needle stick.