Abstract: A method may include receiving, from a volume meter at a pump configured to deliver medication to a patient, data indicative of a volume of a medication present in a syringe inserted in the pump. A first counter may be updated, based on the data, in response to the medication being delivered to the patient as a first dose type. A second counter may be updated, based on the data, in response to the medication being delivered to the patient as a second dose type. The volume of the medication delivered to the patient may be determined based on the first counter and/or the second counter. An electronic alert may be sent to a mobile device in response to one or more anomalies being present in the volume of the medication delivered to the patient. Related methods and articles of manufacture, including apparatuses and computer program products, are also disclosed.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium on a mobile computing device comprises an inter-application communication data structure to facilitate transitioning and distributing data between software applications in a shared app group for an operating system of the mobile computing device includes a scheme field of the data structure providing a scheme id associated with a target software app to transition to from a source software app, wherein the scheme id is listed on a scheme list stored with the source software app; and a payload field of the data structure providing data and/or an identification where to access data in a shared file system accessible to the software applications in the shared app group, wherein the payload field is encrypted.

Abstract: Medical devices and related systems and operating methods are provided. A method of operating an infusion device capable of delivering fluid influencing a physiological condition to a patient involves obtaining an event indication, such as a meal indication, determining an initial bolus amount based on the event indication, and determining predicted values for the physiological condition of the patient during a time window into the future based at least in part on the initial bolus amount. When the predicted values violate a threshold during the time window, the control system identifies an adjusted bolus amount that results in the predicted values for the physiological condition satisfying the threshold during the time window from within a search space defined by the initial bolus amount and operates an actuation arrangement of the infusion device to deliver the adjusted bolus amount of the fluid to the patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a monitoring unit for a medicament delivery device, where the monitoring unit has a monitoring circuit arranged in the housing that is capable of detecting and monitoring functions of the medicament delivery device. The monitoring device also has an attachment mechanism provided arranged with releasable locking elements, a mechanical interface arranged to interact with a mating mechanical interface arranged on a medicament delivery device, and an activation switch arranged to activate said monitoring circuit.

Abstract: A tip cap is provided comprising a base portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, a body having a top wall with a non-circular cross-section extending from the upper surface, and a shaft extending from the lower surface. A syringe assembly is provided comprising a syringe comprising a barrel, and a syringe tip, extending through the barrel and a connector provided on the syringe tip. The syringe assembly further comprises a tip cap for sealingly covering the syringe tip and comprising a base portion having an upper surface and a lower surface, a body having a top wall with a non-circular cross-section extending from the upper surface, and a shaft extending from the lower surface having connection means for attaching to the syringe tip.

Abstract: A stretchy band that is placed over the plunger head of a syringe. The band is adhered to the underside of the plunger head. A thumb is snugly wrapped with the band to hold the thumb against the plunger head. The band is firmly secured around the thumb for operation of the syringe. A method of using this device is also disclosed.

Abstract: Syringes and methods of using are described which protect materials within the syringe barrel cavity from contaminants and photo-chemical degradation. A syringe is provided having an inspection window for viewing medications or other materials within the cavity of a syringe barrel. The inspection window is located within a housing that is formed in the wall of the syringe barrel. Optionally, the syringe is provided with a contaminant shield for preventing contaminant entry by way of the rear terminal opening of the syringe barrel. The syringe barrel and other syringe components may be clear, colored, opaque, darkened, amber, or tinted; and/or the syringe barrel may have applied thereto light polarizing filters; or materials having light polarizing properties can be used to manufacture the syringe barrel and other components of the syringe.

Abstract: Drive and dosing devices for injection devices are disclosed. An embodiment may include a threaded piston rod moveable in a dispensing direction for dispensing a product. A rotation member may be operatively connected to a stop limiter and threadably engaged with the piston rod. Rotation of the rotation member may cause the piston rod to move in the dispensing direction. An embodiment may include a dose knob rotatable for changing a dose. The device may further include a stop element threadably engaged with the piston rod and having a catch. The dose knob may be coupled with the stop element such that during increase of a dose, the stop element is screwed toward the distal end of the piston rod and the catch is moved towards the stop limiter. The stop element prevents increasing a dose when the catch abuts the stop limiter.

Abstract: An apparatus for presenting an application status of a medical device that has a unused state and a used state. The apparatus includes a label having an electrochromic element. The label is at least partially disposed on an exterior surface of the medical device and is configured to display a predetermined feature in response to an electric current. A power source is disposed in or on the medical device for providing the electric current. A switch is configured to selectively connect or disconnect the label and the power source to one another for controlling the application of the electric current to the electrochromic element in response to actuation of the medical device from the unused state to the used state. The label may be scanned by a scan device that may connect to a medical organization for communicating information between the scan device and the medical organization.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a medicament delivery device is disclosed. The cap assembly includes a cap configured to be mounted to a proximal end of the medicament delivery device, wherein the cap comprises a cam surface. The cap assembly further includes a squeezer comprising (i) a body defining a first longitudinally extending channel configured to receive a delivery member shield and (ii) a plurality of radial arms flexible in a radial direction. The cap assembly also includes a spinner comprising (i) a proximal end face configured to cooperate with the cam surface of the cap, (ii) a body defining a second longitudinally extending channel configured to receive the squeezer, and (iii) a plurality of holes in the body of the spinner configured to receive the plurality of radial arms of the squeezer.

Abstract: A needle and syringe system that provides ultra-low dosage waste and automatic needlestick protection. A syringe assembly is provided that contains a barrel and a plunger. A tubular spacer is disposed in the barrel. A needle head assembly is provided that includes a collar and a needle. A safety slide is positioned between the needle and the collar. The safety slide has a sheathing tube that surrounds part of the needle. The safety slide can move relative the needle. In a first position, the sheathing tube does not extend beyond the sharpened end of the needle. In a second position, the sheathing tube extends beyond the sharpened end of the needle. When advanced, the plunger head moves the tubular spacer. The tubular spacer passes over the base of the needle and presses against the safety slide. The safety slide is moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: This invention relates to nebulizers, which are machines that change a liquid form to a mist consisting of micron sized droplets. More specifically the invention relates to liquid medicament nebulizers, for example for delivering a mist of medicament to eyes, nasal passages, and lungs. A housing has a form which rolls to house first and second reservoirs, an expansion chamber, and a vibration element. The housing has a center of mass which urges the nebulizer to roll toward a storage position where the liquid drains from the first reservoir through the drain passage to the second reservoir.

Abstract: A medical device can include a housing, a first seal structure, and a seal expander. The first seal structure can have a proximal end and a distal end, and a side wall surrounding and defining an interior chamber. A seal wall can be connected to the side wall and include an expandable opening. A seal expander can be coupled to the housing, and can be at least partially in the interior chamber of the first seal structure. The seal expander can include an expandable neck portion and a seal interface portion, the seal interface portion being near an intersection of the side wall and the seal wall.

Abstract: An electronic cigarette includes a liquid supply including liquid material, a heater operable to heat the liquid material to a temperature sufficient to vaporize the liquid material and form an aerosol, a wick in communication with the liquid material and in communication with the heater such that the wick delivers the liquid material to the heater, at least one air inlet operable to deliver air to a central air passage upstream of the heater, and a mouth end insert having at least two diverging outlets. The electronic cigarette can also include an air flow diverter which directs incoming air away from a heating zone of the heater.

Abstract: The embodied invention is a new inspiration/expiration ventilator flow design, with a constant inspiration flow and intermittent-concurrent expiratory flow based on lung pressure setpoints. This mode is possible by using a new dual lumen tube inserted into a patient Trachea. Additionally, the control provides support for patient initiated breathing which is initiated by a lung pressure drop. This control provides continuous and gentle recruitment of lung alveoli.

Abstract: An airway management device (10) for a human or animal subject (20) includes an airway tube (101) having a first end for disposal external to the subject (20) and a second end (102) for disposal in a portion of an airway of the subject (20). A light emitting element (108) and a photo-sensing element (109) may be disposed at the second end (102) of the airway tube (101). The light emitting element (108) may be configured to transmit light to tissue adjacent to the light emitting element (108). The photo-sensing element (109) may be configured to receive reflectance spectra (204) from the tissue. The location of the second end (102) of the airway tube (101) may be determined from characteristics of the reflectance spectra (204) of the tissue.

Abstract: A tracheostoma device for cooperation with a tracheostoma device holder superimposed on a tracheostoma of a person includes a tubular body and a container. The tubular body is at the proximal end of the tracheostoma device. The tubular body includes at least one inlet upon exhalation through the tracheostoma device, and is adapted for cooperation with the tracheostoma device holder. The container being at the distal end of the tracheostoma device, includes at least one outlet upon exhalation through the tracheostoma device and is adapted for housing a heat and moisture exchanging foam. The tubular body and the container have a hardness of 100 Shore A or less.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods automate selection of patient interface(s) according to their size, such as with processing in a processor(s) or in a server(s). Image data captured by an image sensor may be received. The captured image data may contain facial feature(s) of an intended user of the patient interface. The facial features may be captured in association with a predetermined reference feature of known dimension(s). The user's facial feature(s) and the reference feature may be detected in the captured image data. Image pixel data of the image may be processed to measure an aspect of the detected facial feature(s) based on the reference feature. A patient interface size may be detected from standard patient interface sizes based on a comparison between the measured aspect of the facial feature(s) and a data record relating sizing information of the standard patient interface sizes and the measured aspect of the facial feature(s).

Abstract: A sleep mask valve structure for treating a patient suffering from obstructive sleep apnea is provided. The valve structure includes a rigid valve housing comprising an inspiratory valve and an adjustable expiratory valve. The housing defines an outside mask side and an intra-mask side, and further defines an expiratory airflow conduit accommodating airflow from the intra-mask side to the outside mask side and an inspiratory airflow conduit accommodating airflow from the outside mask side to the intra-mask side. The expiratory airflow conduit includes at least two changes of direction, with each direction change greater than or equal to 75 degrees, and the inspiratory airflow conduit includes at least one change of direction greater than or equal to 75 degrees. The two paths share at least one change of direction.

Abstract: A conduit for delivering a supply of gas under a positive pressure includes a conduit wall having a first conduit end and a second conduit end. The first conduit end is adapted to be attached to the supply of gas. The conduit wall is deformable between (a) an open condition in which the conduit wall defines a conduit passage along which the supply of gas can travel between the first conduit end to the second conduit end, and (b) a collapsed condition in which the conduit wall substantially collapses the conduit passage.

Abstract: A conduit for delivering a supply of gas under a positive pressure includes a conduit wall having a first conduit end and a second conduit end. The first conduit end is adapted to be attached to the supply of gas. The conduit wall is deformable between (a) an open condition in which the conduit wall defines a conduit passage along which the supply of gas can travel between the first conduit end to the second conduit end, and (b) a collapsed condition in which the conduit wall substantially collapses the conduit passage.

Abstract: A mask system for delivery of respiratory therapy to a patient includes a nares portion and a mouth portion and an inlet conduit connected to at least one of the nares portion and the mouth portion to deliver the pressurized, breathable gas. The mask system is adapted to selectively utilize the nares portion and/or the mouth portion in a first mode utilizing both the nares portion and the mouth portion, and in a second mode utilizing the nares portion and not utilizing the mouth portion.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a nasal cannula is shaped to fit within a user's nares, where the nasal cannula includes at least one prong allowing high flow delivery of humidified gases and creates positive airway pressure in the patient's airway. The prongs have angled ends such that, in use, gases flowing through the prongs are directed to the user's nasal passages. The nasal cannula body is partially swivelling and preferably has a ball joint connector. In another embodiment the nasal cannula may have at least one flared end prong that preferably seals within a patient's nare.

Abstract: A respiratory mask made of cloth and having a nasal portion and an air delivery arrangement is disclosed. The cloth that is used is impermeable to air and is designed to provide a mask that will inflate to provide therapy to patients at a positive pressure. The air delivery arrangement provides air at positive pressure to the body of the mask via a hermetic seal.

Abstract: A nasal cannula according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: an oxygen supplying portion which forms a space inside in which a nose and a mouth of a user can be disposed and is able to supply oxygen in a state of being put on by the user into the nose of the user; and a mask portion to which the oxygen supplying portion is attached in a detachable manner therein and is configured to be put on a face of the user. Since a space in which a nose and a mouth of a user can be disposed is provided inside the oxygen supplying portion so that a user can put on the nasal cannula in a convenient state and the oxygen supplying portion is put on in a state of being supported by the mask portion, oxygen can be supplied into the nose of the user and at the same time external air can be filtered.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to identify the source of oxygen delivery failure to a patient. The apparatus includes a pressure sensor to detect a patient's breathing pressure and ambient pressure, an oxygen flow analyzer to measure oxygen flow to the patient, and a processor to analyze the breathing pressure values, ambient pressure value, and oxygen flow rate values. When the oxygen flow rate value is greater than a predetermined threshold value, the processor is programmed to compare the breathing pressure values to the ambient pressure value and output an apnea alarm or an oxygen delivery device displacement alarm.

Abstract: A system is configured to prevent damage from liquid spills in a humidified pressure support therapy device. The system includes a decoupler configured to decouple a humidification chamber in a humidifier from a pressure generator of the pressure support therapy device in response to a cover of the humidifier being opened. This eliminates and/or reduces the possibility of liquid in an overfilled humidification chamber unintentionally and/or otherwise entering the pressure generator and damaging sensitive mechanical and/or electrical components. In some embodiments, the system includes one or more of a pressure generator, a humidifier, a subject interface, a sensor, the decoupler, a processor, electronic storage, a user interface, and/or other components.

Abstract: A respiratory assistance apparatus has a gases inlet configured to receive a supply of gases, a blower unit configured to generate a pressurised gases stream from the supply of gases; a humidification unit configured to heat and humidify the pressurised gases stream; and a gases outlet for the heated and humidified gases stream. A flow path for the gases stream extends through the respiratory device from the gases inlet through the blower unit and humidification unit to the gases outlet. A sensor assembly is provided in the flow path before the humidification unit. The sensor assembly has an ultrasound gas composition sensor system for sensing one or more gas concentrations within the gases stream.

Abstract: This disclosure describes a micro-cutting machine for forming cuts in catheters, guidewires, and similar products. The micro-cutting machine can directly control the dimensions of the resultant beams being cut into these types of products, and can also capture images of each cut for feedback control and accuracy verification. The micro-cutting machine has two cutting blades each with cutting edges aligned with a vertical axis. Motors operate to move the cutting blades in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the stock material being cut to form a pair of opposing grooves in the stock material with each cut.

Abstract: A ureteral catheter for placement in a kidney, renal pelvis, and/or in a ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis of a patient, includes: an elongated tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending between the proximal end and the distal end of the tube defining at least one drainage lumen extending through the tube; and an expandable retention portion configured to transition from a retracted position to a deployed position and which, in the deployed position, defines a three-dimensional shape positioned to maintain fluid flow from the kidney through at least the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: Ureteral catheters and assemblies are provided including: a drainage lumen including a proximal portion configured to be positioned in at least a portion of a patient's urethra and a distal portion configured to be positioned in a patient's ureter and/or kidney, the distal portion including a coiled retention portion including at least a first coil having a first diameter and a second coil having a second diameter, the first diameter being less than the second diameter; or wherein the retention portion extends radially outwardly from a portion of the distal end of the drainage lumen portion, the retention portion including a proximal end having a first diameter, a distal end having a second diameter, and a wall and/or surface extending therebetween, the retention portion having a second diameter is greater than the first diameter when deployed; or wherein the retention portion includes a plurality of drainage tubes.

Abstract: A guide wire assembly includes a dispenser coil, a guide wire and multiple clips. The dispenser coil is resilient and spirally coiled with coiled portions over an entire length of the dispenser coil. The guide wire is resilient and received inside the dispenser coil. The multiple clips are thermally joined to corresponding coiled portions of the dispenser partially over the entire length of the dispenser coil, and are spaced apart from each other by gaps. Each clip is resilient and has multiple circular grooves parallelly formed in and traversing across a bottom of the clip. The dispenser coil is partially thermally joined to the multiple clips and the coiled portions of the dispenser coil are uniformly curved and flush with each other, ensuring that the guide wire assembly can be produced in a time-saving fashion without compromising the capability against deformation to the guide wire.

Abstract: A catheter having a catheter shaft and a tip. The catheter shaft includes an inner layer, a first reinforcing layer disposed around an outer periphery of the inner layer, an intermediate layer, a second reinforcing layer disposed around an outer periphery of the intermediate layer, and an outer layer that covers the second reinforcing layer. The tip includes a proximal end portion that extends in an axial direction of the catheter and is joined to at least the intermediate layer and the outer layer, between the first reinforcing layer and the second reinforcing layer. The proximal end portion increases the joining strength between the intermediate layer and the tip and the joining strength between the outer layer and the tip. As a result, it is possible to prevent the tip from easily detaching from the catheter shaft.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for releasing a catheter from an implant may include a catheter comprising first and second elongate elements, first and second elongate element lumens, a tissue anchor lumen, apertures corresponding to each of the lumens, and retaining portions between adjacent apertures. The first elongate element may extend out of its lumen through the first elongate element aperture, across the retaining portion transversely with respect to a longitudinal axis, and towards the second elongate element aperture. The first elongate element may then extend into the second elongate element aperture, loop over the second elongate element, and extend back across the retaining portion and into the first elongate element lumen. In some instances, the second elongate element is retracted to uncouple the first and second elongate elements from each other and to open a channel for the release of tethered tissue anchors.

Abstract: A packaged closed intermittent urinary catheter system equipped with a dispensing system and method of dispensing a packaged catheter using the dispensing system. The dispensing system is a pair of separately translatable movement control devices, each operably engaging the catheter for permitting unidirectional movement of the catheter in a first axial direction relative to the movement control devices. The movement control devices may be mounted to a hand-grippable assembly with a sliding or pivoting movable member reciprocal to a base member. Alternatively, the movement control devices are mounted to a coupling member and a spring member biases them apart.

Abstract: Provided is a system for advancing an article along a path. The system may include a head member; a dispatching member, and an eversion sleeve configured with an inverted portion having a sleeve end configured to be fixed to the dispatching member. The system may also include an everting portion configured for articulating to the head member and an un-inverted portion configured to extend from the everting portion towards the dispatching member, at least partially within the inverted portion.

Abstract: An introducer has a shaft with a central lumen, a control handle with a deflection assembly, and a tensile member with a distal portion extending along opposing sides of within the shaft and a proximal portion extending within the control handle. The deflection assembly has a deflection arm, and a rotatable member rotationally coupled to the deflection arm, wherein the rocker member has at least one pulley engaged with the proximal tensile member portion. Rotation of the deflection arm in one direction draws the proximal tensile member portion for deflecting the shaft.

Abstract: A handle assembly is provided for use in navigating a deformable shaft within a body. The assembly includes a first guide member defining first and second linear channels and a second guide member configured for rotation relative to the first guide member. First and second connectors are disposed within, and movable within, the first and second linear channels along first and second parallel axes, respectively, and are configured for coupling to first and second steering wires, respectively. The assembly includes means, such as a flexible coupling connected to the second guide member and the connectors, for translating rotation of the second guide member into linear movement of the first connector in a first axial direction and linear movement of the second connector in a second axial direction, opposite the first axial direction such that the first and second steering wires move in opposite directions.

Abstract: In some examples, a burr hole cap assembly includes one or more markers that indicate a rotational orientation of a therapy delivery member relative to the burr hole cap assembly, where the therapy delivery member extends through an opening defined by the burr hole cap assembly. In addition, in some examples, the burr hole cap assembly includes a feature that indicates the rotational orientation of the therapy delivery member after the therapy delivery member is implanted in the patient. The feature can include the one or more markers in some examples.

Abstract: A medical device such as a needle subassembly is disclosed including a cover over a magnetized portion of a tissue-penetrating medical device having a shielding material associated with the cover that prevents the magnetized portion of the tissue-penetrating medical device from being de-magnetized when the cover is positioned to cover the tissue-penetrating medical device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes: a catheter; a hollow inner needle that is removably disposed in the catheter and has a lumen through which a guide wire is insertable; a needle hub that is fixed to a proximal end portion of the inner needle; and a guide member that is attachable to a proximal end portion of the needle hub and configured to guide the guide wire towards the inner needle.

Abstract: A procedural sheath and methods of use that assists in maintaining a fluid path while the procedural sheath is positioned within a vascular conduit of a patient. The procedural sheath includes one or more channels extending longitudinally along a working length of the body of the sheath. Each channel includes one or more fluid paths configured to allow blood to flow from the vascular conduit into a device receiving lumen of the sheath. One or more elongate members selectively coupled to the body operatively cooperate with the channels to fluidly control fluid access into the device receiving lumen through the fluid paths.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a catheter having a balloon including at least one first radiopaque marking. A guidewire guides the balloon to the treatment area, and includes at least one second radiopaque marking adapted for corresponding to the at least one first radiopaque marking of the balloon when positioned at the treatment area. Related aspects and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical probe includes a hollow guidewire, a balloon, and a magnetic position sensor. The hollow guidewire is configured for insertion into a channel of an organ of a patient. The balloon is fixed to a distal end of the hollow guidewire, is configured to be inserted into the channel using the hollow guidewire, and is further configured to be inflated by pumping of fluid through the hollow guidewire. The magnetic position sensor is fitted at the distal end of the hollow guidewire.

Abstract: A guidewire retention clip is provided to prevent the accidental, complete insertion of a guidewire into a patient during various procedures. As provided herein, the guidewire retention clip may include a body having a portion configured to hold a guidewire; a sensor associated with the body configured to detect movement of the guidewire to and from the body; and an audio and/or visual indicator arranged on the body, wherein the audio and/or visual indicator is triggered when the sensor detects movement of the guidewire. Methods of using the guidewire retention clip are also provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter and control box apparatus and related methods that are useful in delivering liquids, including liquids comprising nucleic acid molecules into cells. In particular, the invention provides a catheter that stabilizes fluid flow within a vein to deliver a volume, pressure charge of saline solution, exogenous compositions, and isolated vectors to kidney cells, using the renal vein as a guide and under hydrodynamic pressure. The catheter and control box apparatus and related methods described herein are useful to research, prognose, ameliorate symptoms of kidney injury, and treat kidney pathologies.

Abstract: A balloon catheter includes a shaft extending in one direction; a balloon disposed on the shaft; a first lubrication region; and a second lubrication region. The balloon in an expanded state includes a straight pipe portion; a first tapered portion disposed at a first end of the straight pipe portion in a long axis direction of the shaft; and a second tapered portion disposed at a second end of the straight pipe portion positioned opposite to the first end of the straight pipe portion in the long axis direction. Each of the first tapered portion and the second tapered portion tapers away from the straight pipe portion, and the first lubrication region extends over the straight pipe portion and the first tapered portion.

Abstract: A balloon catheter is disclosed, which is capable of improving accuracy of an inspection result of a tube wall of an elongated member constituting a catheter shaft and achieving further improved product quality through the inspection, and a method of manufacturing an elongated member for a balloon catheter, which is used for the balloon catheter. In an outer tube of a balloon catheter, distal from a proximal end of a guide wire lumen is formed of a transparent material. From a distal end toward a proximal end, an inner tube of the balloon catheter has at least a first region and a second region, the second region being a transparent region that is more transparent than the first region.

Abstract: A stent has a center length section, two end sections, and an elastically deformable woven wire mesh, which enables the stent to expand from a small diameter to a larger diameter, with the diameter of the end sections being larger than in the center length section in the expanded state. The wire extends in a zig-zag manner from an outer end of one end section toward the outer end of the other end section, and back in a zig-zag manner to the one end section. The peripheral direction of the woven wire changes at the transition from an end section to the center length section, such that the wire intersects on the return path to the one end section in the center length section and overall forms an 8-shaped loop having two closed eyes, wherein a plurality of interconnected loops are arranged offset to each other over the circumference.

Abstract: A method for removing fluid from a patient is provided, the method including: deploying a ureteral stent or ureteral catheter into a ureter of a patient to maintain patency of fluid flow between a kidney and a bladder of the patient; deploying a bladder catheter into the bladder of the patient, wherein the bladder catheter comprises a distal end configured to be positioned in a patient's bladder, a drainage lumen portion having a proximal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween; and applying negative pressure to the proximal end of the bladder catheter to induce negative pressure in a portion of the urinary tract of the patient to remove fluid from the patient. Systems and kits related thereto also are provided.