Abstract: Wound treatment systems and methods (e.g., having hydrophilic wound inserts), such as for negative-pressure and/or fluid-installation wound therapies. Some embodiments include a check-valve assembly between a wound dressing and a vacuum source.

Abstract: A breast pump system having a suction tubing, a milk tubing, a pump, a three way vent valve, a milk bottle, an isolation valve and a breast shield, wherein the first end of the suction tubing and the first end of the milk tubing are fluidly connected to the pump; wherein the second end of the suction tubing and the second end of the milk tubing are fluidly connected to the breast shield; wherein the three way vent valve is fluidly connected between the pump and the breast shield on the suction tubing; wherein the milk bottle is fluidly connected on the milk tubing between the breast shield and the pump; and wherein the isolation valve is connected on the milk tubing between the milk bottle and the pump.

Abstract: A cardiac pump having a turbine with internal blades, includes a pump designed to circulate a fluid, including a housing, and a turbine which is arranged in the housing and is designed to move rotationally relative to the housing. The turbine includes a body designed to move rotationally, a hollow central part which extends through the body from one side to the other and is intended to allow the fluid to pass through the turbine, and at least one blade that is positioned on the inner wall of the body, in the hollow central part, and is designed to circulate the fluid.

Abstract: An implantable pump system is provided, including an implantable blood pump suitable for use as a partial support assist device, the system further including an extracorporeal battery and a controller coupled to the implantable pump, and a programmer selectively periodically coupled to the controller to configure and adjust operating parameters of the implantable pump. The implantable pump includes a flexible membrane coupled to an electromagnetic actuator including a magnetic assembly and electromagnetic assembly, so that when the electromagnetic assembly is energized, the electromagnetic assembly causes wavelike undulations to propagate along the flexible membrane to propel blood through the implantable pump. The controller may be programmed by a programmer to operate at frequencies and duty cycles that mimic physiologic flow rates and pulsatility while operating in an efficient manner that avoids thrombus formation, hemolysis and/or platelet activation.

Abstract: Systems and method for powering an implanted blood pump are disclosed herein. The system can be a mechanical circulatory support system. The mechanical circulatory support system can include an implantable blood pump. The implantable blood pump includes a DC powered pump control unit that can control the blood pump according to one or several stored instructions. The implantable blood pump includes a rectifier electrically connected to the pump control unit. The implantable rectifier can convert the AC to DC for powering the pump control unit. The system can include an external controller electrically connected to the rectifier. The external controller can provide AC electrical power to the implantable blood pump.

Abstract: A system for hemodialysis can include a first dialysis system and a second dialysis system configured to be used in alternate fashion to provide hemodialysis for a patient, wherein the first dialysis system is configured to be worn by the patient, and wherein the second dialysis system is configured to be positioned on a support independent of the patient. The first dialysis system can be configured to be coupled to a belt worn by the patient around a waist of the patient during its operation. The second dialysis system can configured to be coupled to a stationary support during its operation.

Abstract: A device and method are described for the treatment of blood, which device may be used in conjunction with or in place of a failed Kidney. The device includes an ultrafiltration unit to remove proteins, red and white blood cells and other high molecular weight components, a nanofiltration unit to remove glucose, at least one electrodeionization unit to transport ions from the blood stream, and a reverse osmosis unit to modulate the flow of water, to both the blood and urine streams. In one embodiment, a specialized electrodeionization unit is provided having multiple chambers defining multiple dilute fluid channels, each channel filled with an ion specific resin wafer, and electrodes at the extremity of the device and proximate each of the resin filled dilute channels. By selective application of voltages to these electrodes, the ion transport functionality of a given dilute channel can be turned on or off.

Abstract: A device for monitoring fluid leakage. A flexible plastic sheet (11) is provided with a tear-off strip (12), which divides the sheet in a first sheet portion (21) and a second sheet portion (20) and forms a folding line. An adhesive (22) is arranged at the first portion (21). The sheet is folded along the folding line and the first portion is attached to the second portion via the adhesive to form a pocket along the folding line for enclosing a connector and hose assembly to be monitored. An optical sensor having an absorbent pad and an optical fiber is enclosed in said pocket when formed. The exterior end of the optical fiber is connected to an optical detector device for monitoring if the interior end of the optical fiber comes into contact with a fluid, indicating a leakage of the connector.

Abstract: Provided is a method for delivering a medical fluid. The method includes delivering a fluid volume, which includes contrast and/or a flush fluid, at a preselected total volumetric flowrate during a first duration of a fluid delivery procedure. The amount of the contrast agent and the flush fluid in the fluid volume can be controllably varied during the first duration of the fluid delivery procedure so as to substantially maintain a preselected total volumetric flowrate throughout the first duration of the fluid delivery procedure. Also provided is a fluid delivery system capable of performing this method.

Abstract: A method for controlling a device using a shape-memory alloy wire is disclosed. The method includes determining an ontime for the shape-memory alloy wire based on a target volume to be pumped by a pump plunger, determining the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire and adjusting the ontime based on the temperature of the shape-memory alloy wire.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device comprises a housing having a fluid reservoir. A needle is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir in an engaged position and out of fluid communication with the fluid reservoir in armed and storage positions. A proximal end of a biasing member is coupled to the housing and a distal end of the biasing member is configured to deliver a force to the fluid reservoir. A piston member extends through the biasing member and is coupled to the distal end of the biasing member. The piston member is fixed with respect to the housing in a locked position such that the biasing member does not deliver the force to the fluid reservoir and moveable with respect to the housing in a released position such that the biasing member delivers the force to the fluid reservoir. Transitioning the needle from the storage position to the armed position transitions the piston from the locked position to the released position.

Abstract: A variable rate controlled delivery drive mechanism includes a drive mechanism housing, at least partially within which initially resides a biasing member positioned in an initially energized state within an inner cavity of a piston. The drive mechanism may include a gear drive having one or more screws and one or more corresponding nuts. The piston contacts a plunger seal and is configured to axially translate the plunger seal, by force asserted upon it from the biasing member, from a first position to a second position within a drug container for drug delivery. The biasing member is metered from free expansion from its energized state by the gear drive and a gear assembly mechanism having a motor. A drug delivery pump utilizes such variable rate controlled delivery mechanisms. A status reader configured to recognize one or more corresponding status triggers is utilized to provide feedback to a user.

Abstract: A rolling diaphragm syringe includes a proximal end having an end wall, a distal end having an open-ended discharge neck, a sidewall extending along a longitudinal axis, and a piston engagement portion protruding proximally from a central portion of the end wall and configured for engagement with a piston of a fluid injector. The piston engagement portion has a stem with a first end attached to the end wall, a second end extending proximally from the first end, and at least one protrusion that protrudes radially outward. The sidewall is flexible and rolls upon itself when acted upon by the piston such that an outer surface of the sidewall is folded in a radially inward direction as the piston is advanced from the proximal end to the distal end, and unfolded in a radially outward direction as the piston is retracted from the distal end to the proximal end.

Abstract: A single package infusion set is provided, including one or more of the following inserters: pushbutton-type, squeeze-type, contact-type, skin pinching-type, folding retraction-type, or multistage-type inserter having at least one reusable stage. The infusion set further includes adhesion means with user-selectable degrees of adhesion strength, self-sealing tube connection means, a lens feature to view, a site beneath the set, exemplary tube management and connection elements, insulin supply, adhesion concealment means, finger loops on the inserter and site preparation wipes or sprays, optionally provided as part of the inserter. The system further includes a package which may hold a number of easily released sets, retrievable by an inserter, an exemplary insertion needle handle and shroud, an exemplary squeeze-type latch between an upper portion and a lower portion of the set, and/or a tool removable upper portion of the set.

Abstract: Devices and methods for establishing aseptic connections between a drug container and a fluid pathway connection for a drug pump are provided. A fluid pathway connection includes a connection hub, a piercing member, a piercing member retainer, and a drug container. The drug container includes a cap, a pierceable seal, and a barrel. The piercing member is at least partially disposed in a sterile chamber defined by the connection hub, and the connection hub is configured to be connected to the drug container while maintaining an aseptic condition of a fluid pathway from the sterile chamber to an interior of the drug container.

Abstract: An injection device is presented having a housing, a container holder, a first and a second energy accumulating member arranged in the interior of the housing adapted to accumulate and store energy, a sleeve, a plunger holder operationally associated with said first energy accumulating member such that the plunger holder and the container holder are axially moveable in relation to the housing a predetermined distance towards the proximal end of the injection device from an initial position to a position following needle penetration, and a plunger rod being operationally associated with said second energy accumulating member such that the plunger rod is axially moveable in relation to the container holder, wherein in the initial position movement of the plunger holder is substantially inhibited by at least one first biasable member that recoils when being overlapped by an opening and/or recess of the sleeve such that the plunger holder is released.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses are disclosed with regard to syringe-transfer of a solution or other fluid within a carpule. One embodiment includes an apparatus that is a non-standard carpule barrel having a top portion, a bottom portion, and a barrel portion therebetween. The top portion includes an opening for receiving a syringe plunger and at least a first portion of a connection mechanism for connecting to an upper portion of the syringe. The bottom portion includes another opening capable of holding a bottom end of the carpule, wherein the carpule may be a standard carpule or a non-standard carpule. The barrel portion is located between the top portion and bottom portion, wherein the barrel portion includes a cradle, and wherein the cradle has a length capable of holding a standard carpule or a non-standard carpule and a width greater than the standard carpule.

Abstract: A syringe having a mechanical ejection mechanism. The ejection mechanism includes an actuator and a rotational gear. The actuator has a retractable pawl configured to engage the gear when the actuator is displaced from a non-depressed position into a depressed position. Displacement of the actuator causes the gear to rotate by a predetermined angle. The rotation of the gear is translated into linear displacement of the plunger within the barrel, thereby ejecting a predetermined amount of solution from the barrel.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rectal delivery device in the form of a syringe with improved locking mechanism for the delivery of an appropriate dosage of a medicament, thereby minimizing errors. More particularly, the present invention provides syringes with improved lock control units for delivering diazepam formulations for the treatment of patients experiencing epileptic seizures.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament delivery device comprising a drive means configured to act on a medicament container for expelling a medicament; a holding means configured to hold said drive means in a pre-tensioned state; an activation means configured to interact with said holding means for releasing said drive means from the pre-tensioned state; wherein the device further comprises feedback means configured to interact both with said holding means and with said drive means for generating an audible and/or tactile and/or visual signal indicating that the medicament has been completely expelled.

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

Abstract: A preferred method to obtain a painless or near painless needle 8 penetration is disclosed to be in the following manner: Applying electric current using a TENS device in conjunction with physically stimulating the injection site at a frequency that is dependent on the frequency of the electric current applied to the injection site, followed by a needle 8 penetration into the skin 2.

Abstract: A solution for injecting one or more fluids into a patient is proposed. A corresponding injection system (200) comprises one or more supply stations (105a;105b) each one for supplying one of the fluids to be injected from a container (110a;110b); at least one of the supply stations (105a;105b) comprises housing means (115a, 120a;115b, 120b) defining a chamber for housing the container (110a;110b), the chamber having a connection port (132a;132b) for connecting the container (110a; 110b) to a delivery arrangement (135,145) for delivering the fluid to the patient, and a conditioning device (205a;205b) for thermally conditioning the fluid in the chamber, wherein the conditioning device (205a;205b) comprises a first conditioning element (210a;210b) arranged around the connection port (132a;132b) and a second conditioning element (215;215a;215b) extending transversally to the first conditioning element (210;210a;210b).

Abstract: A drug delivery device comprises a housing and a mechanical assembly, which is at least partially accommodated in the housing. The mechanical assembly comprises a predetermined breaking member, which is configured to be damaged when forcefully separated from the housing.

Abstract: A tamper evident closure, intended primarily for a luer-slip or like frictional connection between one or more components associated with the closure and a syringe or other medical device, includes a housing having an open end and a tip cap disposed within the housing. An indicator member is connected to the housing in at least partially covering relation to the open end and includes an access opening disposed in accessible relation with the tip cap. A cover is removably disposed in overlying engagement with at least a portion of said indicator member in covering relation to the access opening. The indicator member has an inner segment disposed in contiguous surrounding relation to the access opening and has a reduced breakaway resistance, capable of being easily ruptured, ripped or torn during passage of said tip cap through the access opening, concurrent to the tip cap being connected to the medical device.

Abstract: An adjustable misting system and method for treating a region of a biological surface is presented. In an embodiment, a reconfigurable misting nebulizer includes a first misting panel having a plurality of apertures configured to atomize a formulation, and a second misting panel coupled to the first misting panel having a plurality of apertures configured to atomize the formulation. In some embodiments, a relative position of the first misting panel with respect to the second misting panel is adjustable.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a therapeutic agent may be associated with a cap for a bottle that contains a prescription for a drug to which the therapeutic agent corresponds. When the prescription bottle holds an opioid, the therapeutic agent may be a substance that counteracts the effects of the opioid. The apparatus may include a nozzle that facilitates nasal administration of the therapeutic agent. The apparatus may be capable of attaching to a cap for a prescription bottle, or the apparatus may have a configuration that enables it to serve as the cap for the prescription bottle.

Abstract: A portable heated mist inhaler has a body, a supply tank of liquid, an atomizer for atomizing the liquid, and a thermostatically controlled heated nozzle. The supply tank feeds liquid to the atomizer. The atomizer creates a stream of mist from the liquid and entrained surrounding air. The mist is heated inside the nozzle so that it will be comfortable for the user. The portable heated mist inhaler has a battery which powers the atomizer and the heated nozzle.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an inhaler component for producing a steam/air mixture or/and condensation aerosol in an intermittent and inhalation- or pull-synchronous manner, the inhaler component including: a housing; a chamber arranged in the housing; an air inlet opening for the supply of air from the surroundings to the chamber; an electrical heating element for evaporating a portion of a liquid material; and a wick having a capillary structure, which wick forms a composite structure with the heating element and automatically supplies the heating element with fresh liquid material after evaporation.

Abstract: A personalized drug delivery apparatus including drug containing structure; a spout configured to receive full lung exhalation; a mechanism configured to determine a personalized drug dosage according to the exhalation, the spout further configured to enable inhalation of the determined dosage.

Abstract: A hollow extension tube or extension assembly aids in increasing the quantity of any inhaled or aerosolized substance delivered to a patient's lungs from an inhaler or source. The length of the extension tube reduces the velocity and increases the temperature of the aerosolized substance, easing inhalation. The interior surface of the hollow extension tube has anti-static properties which reduces the amount of aerosolized substance trapped by the interior surface of the hollow extension tube. The interior surface of the extension tube may be formed of cardboard.

Abstract: The embodiments herein provide an internet-based virtual travel system and method that allows people (viewers or virtual travelers) to explore any destination or location in real-time without having to be physically present at those destinations or locations by means of other people (serving as guides or virtual travel guides) who are physically present at the destinations or locations and use one or more mobile devices and/or wearable devices and/or accessories to stream real-time video.

Abstract: Nasal cannulas for providing respiratory therapy to patients can have a curved prong section that has turbulation elements on the inside curve of the prong. A flow of breathing gas moving through the prong may incur less resistance and create less noise when flowing through such a prong due to the promotion of favorable flow dynamics.

Abstract: A patient interface device is includes a cushion and a frame assembly coupled to the cushion, the frame assembly including a main frame member and a stiffening structure coupled to the main frame member, the stiffening structure having a main arm, a first Y-portion coupled to a first end of the main arm having first and second front branches extending at upward and downward angles, respectively, from the first end of the main arm, and a second Y-portion coupled to a second end of the main arm having first and second rear branches extending at upward and downward angles, respectively, from the second end of the main arm.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering humidified breathing gas to a patient are provided. The apparatus includes a humidification system configured to deliver humidified breathing gas to a patient. The humidification system includes a vapor transfer unit and a base unit. The vapor transfer unit includes a liquid passage, a breathing gas passage, and a vapor transfer device positioned to transfer vapor to the breathing gas passage from the liquid passage. The base unit includes a base unit that releasably engages the vapor transfer unit to enable reuse of the base unit and selective disposal of the vapor transfer unit. The liquid passage is not coupled to the base unit for liquid flow therebetween when the vapor transfer unit is received by the base unit.

Abstract: A device for stimulation of a patient with acoustic stimulation signals includes a stimulation unit for generating acoustic stimulation signals and a control unit for controlling the stimulation unit. The control unit is configured so that it determines a bandwidth of an auditory filter with a frequency of a predetermined tone as a center frequency, wherein this bandwidth is a reference bandwidth. The control unit determines a frequency of a first acoustic therapy signal such that a measure of coverage between the reference bandwidth around the frequency of the predetermined tone and a first bandwidth of an auditory filter with the frequency of the first acoustic therapy signal as a center frequency assumes a predetermined first value, and controls the stimulation unit such that the stimulation unit generates the first acoustic therapy signal.

Abstract: A method of producing a bendable tip for an instrument, is provided, which includes: mounting a tube for an instrument in a CNC controlled rotational and axially movable holder of a laser cutting machine, with a distal end of the tube extending form the holder; activating a laser cutter; cutting wedge shaped partial circumferential openings in the tube to define a plurality of radially extending ribs at the distal end of the tube, with the ribs being connected together by an axially extending spine, and the ribs having first and second axial sides; during cutting, forming in each of the ribs in at least one of the first or second axial sides, at least one of an axial projection or a recess, and forming in a facing one of the at least one of the first or second axial sides of an adjacent one of the ribs at least one of a corresponding complementary mating recess or a corresponding axial projection.

Abstract: A hose line includes a sheath extending axially between a first hose end and a second hose end, and has an outer face and an inner face, an axial passage enclosed by the inner face and extending between the hose ends, a radial passage which extends through the sheath and connects the axial passage to the outer face, and a closure which is arranged between the radial passage and the second hose end and closes the axial passage in a fluid-tight manner. The radial passage is formed by a sheath portion which is bent and partially separated from the rest of the sheath along a partition line. The closure is formed by placing the sheath portion onto the inner face and connecting the sheath portion to the inner face in a fluid-tight manner. The hose line can be used in a catheter hose line.

Abstract: An intravascular device delivery system includes an elongated member with a proximal end, a distal end, and a longitudinal axis therebetween. The elongated member includes a multilumen catheter having a catheter wall with a plurality of lumen in the catheter wall. The plurality of lumen extends from a proximal end of the elongated member to a distal end of the elongated member. A lumen ratio of the cross-sectional area of the plurality of lumen and the cross sectional area of the catheter wall is greater than 30%.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a flexible catheter having a lumen, a hub having a body including a proximal end and a distal end, the body defining a passageway extending from the proximal end to the distal end, the hub being coupled to one end of the catheter, and the passageway of the hub being in fluid communication with the lumen of the catheter, and a coupler including a base coupleable to and detachable from the hub, the base being coupled to at least one introducer assembly, each of the at least one introducer assembly including a port, a tubing and a hollow needle.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods are provided for delivering chemical and electrical stimulation across one or more neural circuits. The systems, devices, and methods can also be used for sensing and recording specific neural activity. In certain embodiments, a system includes first and second fluid reservoirs, a manifold, and a delivery tube. The manifold may include first and second chambers therein. The first chamber may be in fluid communication with the first reservoir, and the second chamber may be in fluid communication with the second reservoir. The delivery tube may include a first conduit in fluid communication with the first chamber, a second conduit in fluid communication with the second chamber, and a third conduit configured to house an electrode therein. In this manner, a distal tip of the delivery tube is configured to be positionable adjacent to the one or more neural circuits for providing chemical and electrical stimulation thereto.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods of using medical devices are disclosed. An example tissue retraction device includes a first tissue engagement member coupled to an elastic member by a coupling assembly. The coupling assembly including a first coupler body having a first end region and a first compression member. Further, the first end region of the first coupler body is configured to extend into a portion of a lumen of the elastic member and the compression member is designed to compress the elastic member onto the first coupler body such that the elastic member is fixedly engaged with the coupler body.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a balloon and an inner shaft. The inner shaft includes a marker member arranged on an outer periphery of a coil body having a sparsely wound portion in which gaps are formed between adjacent windings of the wire of the coil body. A distal end part and a proximal end part of the marker member are arranged at a position facing a void formed within one of the gaps between the adjacent windings of the wire of the coil body. The inner shaft of the balloon catheter therefore will not buckle, preventing damage to the balloon by contact with the marker member when the balloon catheter is passed through the inside of a curved blood vessel.

Abstract: A steering assembly including a handle portion, the handle portion having a first screw with a first helical thread and a second screw with a second helical thread, the first and second threads being in opposite directions, and an actuator with an outer surface adapted to be actuated by a user, the actuator in operable communication with the first and second screws, wherein actuation of the actuator cause axial movement of the first screw in a first direction, and causes axial movement of the second screw in a second direction opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A system for performing minimally invasive procedures in a body lumen may include a flexible catheter having a plurality of lumens including a main lumen configured to receive an endoscope and at least one tool lumen; a first working instrument slidably disposed within a first tool lumen of the at least one tool lumen; a plurality of support elements disposed at a distal end of the catheter, the plurality of support elements being configured to shift between delivery and expanded configurations, wherein in the expanded configuration, the plurality of support elements forms an expanded cage to reshape the body lumen and form a working space; wherein at least one of the plurality of support elements is a tubular shaft having an opening proximate the working space; and a filament extending through the tubular shaft to a clip disposed outside the opening, the clip being manipulatable by the first working instrument.

Abstract: Aspects of access devices and methods are disclosed. One aspect of this disclosure is a device. The device may comprise: a needle guide body extending along a central axis between a distal end and a proximal end, a needle guide lumen extending through the distal and proximal ends of the needle guide body along the central axis, and a base monolithically attached to the needle guide body to define a non-variable patient-specific insertion path. Additional devices and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of delivering drugs having e.g., anti-proliferative activity in the vascular, preferably, the cardiovascular, system locally or systematically using an at least partially drug-coated guidewire. The drug-coated guidewire, particularly an expansion member or portion thereof, is brought into contact with the target tissue or in circulation and the drugs are quickly released into the area surrounding the device in a short time after the contact step. Once the therapeutic drugs are released, they are quickly and effectively absorbed by the surrounding cells or circulation.

Abstract: Novel catheter constructions comprising thin covering or wrapping materials such as polymer films. A catheter provided with a guidewire catheter lumen having a thin covering that is easily punctured by a guidewire at virtually any desired point along the catheter length. The thin covering may be integral with the catheter shaft, or may be a separate component that covers only the portion of the catheter shaft immediately adjacent the outer portion of the guidewire lumen, or may be a thin tubular construct that surrounds the entire catheter shaft. Moreover, polymer film can be used in combination with one or more elements to produce novel catheter constructions.

Abstract: A method may include accessing an artery in communication with an ophthalmic artery of a subject, and advancing a microcatheter along the accessed artery so as to align a distal end of the microcatheter with an ostium of the ophthalmic artery, wherein the microcatheter includes a lumen having a guidewire positioned therein. In addition, the method includes proximally withdrawing the guidewire relative to the microcatheter so as to enable a distal portion of the microcatheter to assume a curved relaxed configuration, and cannulating the ostium with the distal portion of the microcatheter when the distal portion is in the curved relaxed configuration.

Abstract: A ureteral stent that includes a tubular member and a retaining end adapted to be placed inside a kidney or a bladder of a patient. The retaining end includes a plurality of loops. Each of the loops are centered about a loop axis, and two or more of the loop axes extend in different directions relative to other loop axes.