Abstract: A data collection device for attachment to an injection device, such as an injector pen, includes a sensor arrangement to detect movement of a movable component of the injection device relative to the data collection device during delivery of a medicament by the injection device, and a processor arrangement configured to, based on said detected movement, determine a medicament dosage administered by the injection device. The processor arrangement may monitor the time that has elapsed since the medicament dosage was administered, and control a display to show the medicament dosage and elapsed time to provide a memory aid to the user. In an example embodiment, the sensor arrangement includes an optical encoder and the movable component includes a plurality of light barrier formations. The movable component may be a number sleeve that provides a visual indication of a dose programmed into the injection device.

Abstract: A fixed dose injector pen is provided that includes a transmission element that is rotated to set and deliver a dose of a drug from a multi-dose cartridge. A circular ratchet defines a small number of engagement positions around its circumference and selectively transmits the rotation of the transmission element to a piston rod driver. The circular ratchet transmits the rotation of the transmission element to the piston rod driver only when the transmission element is rotated in a dose delivery direction, and only if the transmission element has previously been rotated in an opposite, dose setting direction through an angle sufficient to reach one of the engagement positions. An axially moving injector element can be used to drive rotation of the transmission element via a helical coupling. When the piston rod has advanced to a predetermined axial position, a last dose lock-out mechanism maintains the circular ratchet in engagement.

Abstract: An insulin injection needle with needle tip protection has a needle body, needle base, main cover and outer sheath. The main cover is provided with the trigger tube, front casing and spring. The trigger tube is used to protect the injection section of needle body before use and the front casing is used to protect the injection section of needle body after use. Before use, the trigger tube extends out of the main cover and is in the state of protecting the needle, and the front casing is in the main cover; after, the trigger tube is in the main cover and the front casing extends out of the main cover and protects the needle. The unlocking of trigger tube and front casing correlate with injection readiness and the tail cover and needle base trigger the unlocking of trigger tube and front casing during the installation.

Abstract: A manual injection device having a lower body (1) for a reservoir (S), a piston (P) and a needle (A); a movable upper body (2) including a piston rod (TP); and an actuator sleeve (10) including a contact end (11) and movable relative to the lower body between projecting positions and an actuated position. The actuator sleeve (10) is in a first projecting position before the manual injection device is actuated, and in a second projecting position after it is actuated. The actuator sleeve co-operates with the lower body (1) or with any element secured to the lower body to define a pricking lock. The piston rod (TP) co-operates with the reservoir or with an element secured to the reservoir to define an injection lock. The force for actuating the pricking lock is less than the force for actuating the injection lock, such that the pricking lock is actuated first.

Abstract: A cassette for use with an injector has a housing, and a cassette identification arrangement (cassette ID) defining a code containing information about the cassette that is detectable and decipherable by an injector. The cassette may further have a sleeve movably disposed within the housing, for holding a drug container, and a locking arrangement for interlocking the sleeve with the housing. The cassette may further have an aperture in the housing, and a cassette cap for removing a needle shield of the drug container. The cassette may have an anti-bending structure to prevent bending or flexing of the cassette cap. The injector may have a processor for controlling operational parameters of the injector and a detector communicatively coupled with the processor for detesting and communicating the cassette ID to the microprocessor to decipher the code defined therein. Also, a method of injecting a drug into a patient with an injector, wherein the sequence of actions performed by the user are controlled.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for bending a needle. A device for bending a needle is disposed around a needle and coupled to an injection device. A force is exerted on the needle to cause the needle to bend upon a bending trough of the device. The device includes a proximal end to interface with the injection device and a distal end having the bending trough. The bending trough is configured to improve bending and prevent breaking of the needle by providing a rounded surface upon which the needle is bent.

Abstract: A needle tip assembly for a pre-loaded syringe or a pen needle injection device, including a needle with a first puncturing end projecting from a front side of a needle support and a second puncturing end projecting from a rear side of the needle support. A body sized to receive therein the needle support and the needle. The body including a front portion, a rear portion, and an overall axial length that is greater than an axial length of the needle. Prior to the needle tip assembly being in an installed condition on the pre-loaded syringe or pen needle injection device, the front portion covers the first puncturing end and the rear portion covers the second puncturing end. Prior to removal from the pre-loaded syringe or pen needle injection device, the body is at least axially movable to a position where the front portion covers the first puncturing end.

Abstract: An attachable needle assembly (2) for use on a medication delivery pen (4), the needle assembly (2) comprising a spike housing (8) that is configured to engage the medication delivery pen (4) and pierce a reservoir septum (6) of the medication delivery pen (4), a needle assembly housing (22) secured to the spike housing (8), the needle assembly housing (22) enclosing a septum (40) with a cavity (42) that is in continuous fluid communication with the spike housing (8), and a plurality of needles (44) configured to pierce the needle assembly septum (40), wherein when the needle assembly housing (22) is in a first position, the plurality of needles (44) are disengaged from the needle assembly septum (40), and when the needle assembly housing (22) is in a second position, one of the plurality of needles (46) enters into fluid communication with the septum cavity (42) and is exposed for medicament delivery.

Abstract: Bubble traps for use in medical fluid lines and medical fluid bubble trap systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the bubble trap is configured to trap gas (e.g., air) that flows into the bubble trap from a fluid line. In some embodiments, the bubble trap includes an inlet and an outlet and a chamber between the inlet and the outlet. For example, in some embodiments, the bubble trap is configured to inhibit gas from flowing into the outlet once gas flows into the chamber from the inlet. In some embodiments, the bubble trap is in fluid communication with a source container, a destination container, and/or a patient.

Abstract: A process and a nebulizer for dispensing a consecutively dose of medicament in the form of a mist, comprising: an energy source (ES), an air-conditioning volume, an air outlet fluidity connected to the air-containing volume, an air actuator adapted to release a flow of compressed air through the air outlet at such time as a predetermined ES pressure has been reached in the volume and at least two valve means in communication with the air actuator. The compressed air is released at a predetermined pressure of about 20 to about 100 psig. The valve means controls the actuation of the air actuator such that when a medication is nebulized, a mist distribution of a medication is formed having droplets size in the range of approximately 1? to approximately 7? which inhaled by a user at a set of predetermined intervals.

Abstract: A decubitus ulcer healing airflow device includes a motorized airflow intake fan disposed within a housing body devised to be attached to a bed rail A tubular airflow outlet is attached to a rear side of the housing body. An air filter slideably engages an access slot and is disposed between a protective grill and an airflow intake fan. At least one strap has a central elastomeric central section engageable onto the bed rail and a pair of u-shaped outer ends. Each strap engages a respective one of a pair of strap support holders disposed on each or one of a top and bottom side of the housing body. A slotted compartment, within the airflow outlet, contains a fragrance or a vaporized medicine to assist in healing the ulcers.

Abstract: A flue-curing device comprises a case, one end of the case is provided with an opening, and a fixing barrel communicated with the opening is defined an inner portion of the case, the fixing barrel is sequentially provided with a heating chamber and an airflow heating pipe; the airflow heating pipe is sleeved by a heat generating assembly configured to heat air that is to flow to the cigarette and to transfer heat to the heating chamber to heat the cigarette; or the airflow heating pipe and the heating chamber are both sleeved by the heat generating assembly configured to simultaneously heat the heating chamber and the airflow heating pipe to achieve a composite heating of the cigarette. The present application can solve the problem that the cigarette evaporation is insufficient or the evaporation is too fast, and satisfy a habit of a user to smoke for a long time.

Abstract: A gas control module for a gas-enhanced electrosurgical system. The gas control module has an inlet port, a first solenoid valve connected to said inlet port, a first pressure sensor, a first pressure regulator, a first flow sensor, a first proportional valve, a second flow sensor, a second solenoid valve, said second solenoid valve being a 3-way valve, a vent connected to said second solenoid valve, a second pressure sensor, a third solenoid valve and an exit port.

Abstract: This invention provides a budesonide/formoterol dry powder inhaler (10) comprising: a reservoir (14) containing a dry powder medicament and an arrangement for delivering a metered dose of the medicament from the reservoir; a cyclone deagglomerator (10?) for breaking up agglomerates of the dry powder medicament; a delivery passageway (34) for directing an inhalation-induced air flow through a mouthpiece (24), the delivery passageway extending to the metered dose of medicament, wherein the medicament comprises micronised formoterol fumarate, micronised budesonide and a lactose carrier, the lactose carrier having a particle size distribution of d10=20-65 ?m, d50=80-120 ?m, d90=130-180 ?m and <10 um=<10%.

Abstract: A multi-dose dry powder inhaler with a blister folding device is provided. The inhaler comprises a housing containing a blister strip, and a blister opening device. The blister strip comprises a plurality of individual blisters, each blister containing a dose of medicament for inhalation by a user. The blister opening device comprising a blister support element for supporting one of said blisters, and a blister folding element co-operable with the blister support element, the blister folding element and the blister support element being movable relative to each other between a first position, permitting movement of said blister into or onto the blister support element, and a second, burst, position in which the blister folding element has co-operated with the blister support element.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dose indicator for a pressure-actuated metered dose inhaler (pMDI) device. In an embodiment, the dose indicator comprises a chassis element having a viewing portion, a display element located within the chassis element, a resilient deformable element, and an indexing element having an axis, translation of the indexing element along its axis from a first position to a second position causing deformation of the resilient deformable element in the same direction as translation of the indexing element resulting in generally greater displacement of portions of the resilient deformable element nearer to the axis relative to portions thereof further from the axis, the displacement of the portions of the resilient deformable element in the same direction as translation of the indexing element inducing indexing of the display element from a current position to a subsequent position relative to the viewing portion of the chassis element.

Abstract: A dry powder inhalation device is disclosed. In one optional aspect, the device includes a housing, a base plate, a receptacle for a medicament and a mouthpiece. The base plate is engageable with the housing to form a main space with a main air inlet. The mouthpiece includes an inner conduit connected to its outlet and is engageable with the base plate to fluidly connect the inner conduit to the receptacle. The receptacle is fluidly connected to the main space, so that upon inhalation by a user, air can be drawn through the main air inlet into the main space and onward through the receptacle into the inner conduit. The mouthpiece and the base plate form an auxiliary space with an auxiliary air inlet, wherein the auxiliary space is fluidly connected to the main space.

Abstract: There is disclosed a device for nicotine delivery, comprising: a vapour outlet conduit for coupling to, and for fluid communication with, a vapour creation system, said vapour outlet conduit defining a fluid passage therethrough for delivery of vapour from a vapour creation system to a user; wherein said vapour outlet conduit comprises a nicotine carrier unit region configured to accept a nicotine carrier unit and retain said nicotine carrier unit in said fluid passage. Also disclosed is a system for nicotine delivery and kits-of-parts for assembling the device and system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system (10) and a corresponding method for estimating the respiratory drive (R_DRIVE) of mechanically ventilated patients, and for preferably apportioning this respiratory drive into one, or more, components related to the chemical drive—i.e. the drive due to the chemoreceptor response—and/or the muscular drive—i.e. the contraction of respiratory muscles, for example the diaphragm. The principle of the invention is that respiratory drive can be obtained from measuring the patient's response to small changes in mechanical ventilation settings (Vt_SET), and that this can be apportioned into chemical and/or muscular effects depending upon the changes in respiratory frequency, and/or arterial or end tidal CO2 levels, and/or arterial blood p H.

Abstract: A respiratory treatment apparatus implements pressure delivery control settings by improved set-up procedures. In such an embodiment, a processor may automate setting of parameters for delivering a controlled flow of breathable gas. Data sets of pressure delivery parameter settings may be associated with one or more respiratory pathology indicators. The respiratory pathology indicators may each represent a different respiratory condition diagnosis. The processor may then prompt for an input of at least one of the respiratory pathology indicators. In response to the input, a particular set of pressure delivery parameter settings associated with the input respiratory pathology indicator may then serve as a basis for setting controls for delivering a controlled flow of breathable gas for respiratory treatment.

Abstract: A medical ventilation monitoring system is provided. The system includes: a patient ventilation unit defining an airflow path, and arranged so that when the unit is applied to a patient, the airflow path is in fluid communication with the patient's airway. The patient ventilation unit includes: an airflow sensor positioned to sense the presence of ventilation airflow to or from the patient and a communication link. The system also includes at least one processor arranged to communicate with the ventilation unit by the communication link. The at least one processor is configured to: provide an initial treatment protocol for providing care to the patient, receive data regarding a current condition of the patient from the ventilation unit, and determine an updated treatment protocol. The updated treatment protocol includes applying ventilation at an updated ventilation volume or at an updated ventilation rate based on information from the airflow sensor.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of controlling a respiratory assistance apparatus delivering a flow of gas, particularly a flow of air, having the steps of measuring at least one parameter indicative of the flow of gas; converting at least one parameter indicative of the flow of gas into at least one signal indicative of the flow of gas; processing at least one signal indicative of the flow of gas in order therefrom to deduce at least one item of information relating to cardiac massage being performed on a patient in cardiac arrest; on the basis of at least one deduced item of information, automatically selecting a given ventilation mode from among a number of stored ventilation modes, and controlling the respiratory assistance apparatus by applying the selected ventilation mode. Respiratory assistance apparatus capable of implementing this control method.

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube introducer (1) has a patient end region (10) on which the tube (2) is mounted and that is curved in one sense. The introducer has a machine end region (11) projecting from the rear end of the tube (2) to provide a handle that curves in the opposite sense to the patient end region (10) so that the introducer has an S shape along its length. A bore (24) for a guide member extends from the patient end tip (14) of the introducer and opens in the machine end region (11) through a side opening (25). The introducer 1 is provided in a kit (200) with the tracheostomy tube (2) and a dilator (202) having the same general S shape as the introducer.

Abstract: A tracheostoma valve to be applied to a tracheostomized person's neck comprises an air passage to be connected with the tracheostoma for connecting the trachea with the surroundings. A valve member is provided in the air passage, wherein the valve member is normally open and allows for inhalation and exhalation through the air passage. The valve further comprises a manually activated member for establishing an uninterrupted seal to block patient exhalation, thereby to direct it to the patient's pharynx, esophagus, sinuses, and mouth for speech following surgical removal of the larynx.

Abstract: A medical face mask is provided which includes a mask body having a mask interior and contoured to fit against the face of a patient. A permanently-open nasal aperture is provided in the mask body to facilitate insertion of an equipment, instrument or device into the mask interior and into the nose of the patient. A permanently-open oral aperture is provided in the mask body to facilitate insertion of an equipment, instrument or device into the mask interior and into the mouth of the patient. A one-way oxygen port is provided in the mask body to facilitate introduction of oxygen and/or medical gases into the mask interior of the mask body. A one-way valve port is provided in the mask body to facilitate discharge of carbon dioxide from the mask interior. A capnography or gas sampling port may be provided in the mask body to capture gases for analysis.

Abstract: A patient interface includes a sealing arrangement adapted to provide an effective seal with the patient's nose, an inlet conduit arrangement adapted to deliver breathable gas to the sealing arrangement, and a cover that substantially encloses the sealing arrangement and/or the inlet conduit arrangement.

Abstract: A patient interface for delivering breathable gas to a patient includes a sealing portion including a nose tip engagement portion adapted to form a seal with the patient's nose tip, an upper lip engagement portion adapted to form a seal with the patient's upper lip and/or base of the patient's nares, and nostril engagement flaps adapted to form a seal with the patient's nares. The nose tip engagement portion, the upper lip engagement portion, and the nostril engagement flaps are all structured to extend or curve outwardly from a supporting wall defining an air path.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-usable medium for utilizing personalized audio selection to facilitate achieving a target state comprising: identifying a target state for a user; identifying a set of audio selections for the user to achieve the target state; monitoring reactions by the user to the set of audio selections to determine an assessment; and responsive to determining when the assessment is below a desired level, adjusting the set of audio selections.

Abstract: A package for a medical device such as an intermittent catheter has a case and a cap connected by threads. The case includes a hollow tube which is closed at one end and open at the other. A shoulder is formed near one end of the case. Above the shoulder is a cylindrical ferrule that includes external threads. The cap has internal threads selectably engageable with the threads on the ferrule to form a liquid-tight seal between the cap and case when the cap is installed on the case.

Abstract: An insertion device for the insertion of a medical implant into a human and/or animal body. The device has at least one outer shaft, which has a proximal end and a distal end opposite the proximal end. A receiving element is connected to the outer shaft, for the implant. The outer shaft and the receiving element are surrounded at a transition between the outer shaft and receiving element by a locally placed sleeve, which dampens mechanical tensile and/or compressive stresses.

Abstract: Systems and methods for assisting the placement of a catheter within a vessel of a patient via an ultrasound imaging system are disclosed. The systems and methods described herein relate to an automatic size comparison tool to enable a clinician to determine, prior to insertion of the catheter, whether a particularly sized catheter will fit within a designated vessel of the patient without violating a user-defined rule setting a maximum percentage of the vessel that may be occupied by the catheter. This in turn ensures that the catheter is properly sized for the vessel in which it is placed, according to user-defined preferences. Though described herein as implemented in connection with an ultrasound imaging system, in other embodiments the system and methods described herein can be included with other devices as well.

Abstract: An insertion aid for catheter manipulation is disclosed. The insertion aid can be used for urinary catheters, such as hydrophilic urinary catheters for intermittent use. The insertion aid includes first and second plate-like arms arranged overlying each other and with a separation distance there between. The insertion aid also includes a resilient hinge connecting adjacent marginal edges of the plate-like arms together. At least one of the plate-like arms includes a groove on its clamping inner surface for holding a catheter shaft. The groove extends at least partly in the same direction as, and essentially parallel to, the resilient hinge, and is arranged at a distance both from the resilient hinge and from the marginal edge of the plate-like arm. Corresponding catheter set and catheter assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: A securement device holds a medical article having flexible portions in position upon the body of a patient and inhibits movement of the medical article. The medical article may be insertable into the securement device from above, from below, or along a longitudinal axis of the device. The securement device may have abutment surfaces which interact with the flexible portions of the medical article to further inhibit rotation of the device.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a device for securing a medical implement to the body of a patient. The device preferably comprises a base having a locking device and an articulation strap connected to a cover. The cover further comprises a gear rack, where the gear rack is insertable into the locking device. The base further comprises a top surface with an adhesive film and release paper and a bottom surface attached to a patient attachment member. The base also has a cutout section. The base is preferably sloped at an angle between five and ten degrees. The cover preferably has at least two living hinges and the articulation strap has at least two living hinges. The locking device further comprises a sliding surface.

Abstract: Medical article securement systems comprising a viscoelastic polymer and optionally a base layer for securing a medical article to the body of a patient, and particularly, for securing various catheter systems, tubes, or other elongated medical devices to the body of a patient and methods of making and using such.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, a catheter hub fixed to the proximal end portion of the catheter, a hollow inner needle removably located in the catheter and including a distal end portion at which is located a needlepoint to puncture skin of a patient, and a guide wire slidably positioned in the inner needle. The guide wire is longer than both the inner needle and the catheter. A wire operating member is connected to the guide wire and is displaceable in the forward direction relative to the inner needle and the catheter. A main body is detachably connected to the catheter hub and includes a finger-engaging projection at a distal portion of the main body that is engageable by a user's finger to advance the main body and the catheter in the forward direction. The wire operating member is superimposed on the main body.

Abstract: A needle puncture device comprises: a needle base; a needle; a first structural member disposed outside of the needle base, slidably engaged with the needle base in an extending direction of the needle, and provided with a first restriction mechanism configured to restrict the first structural member from separating from the needle base along the extending direction of the needle; and a second structural member disposed outside of the first structural member, slidably engaged with the first structural member along the extending direction of the needle, and provided with a second restriction mechanism configured to restrict the second structural member from separating from the first structural member along the extending direction of the needle. The present invention has the advantages of both operational convenience for an operator and skin comfort for a patient, and the structural members above the needle base can quickly cover the needle after use.

Abstract: Devices and methods are discussed directed to the use of a low profile laser ablation catheter for use in laser ablation removal of arterial plaque blockages to restore blood flow in the treatment of arteriovenous fistulas. Also discussed are devices and methods directed to packaging, long term storage and sterilization of liquid core ablation catheters.

Abstract: A method for treating a patient using a catheter insertion device. The catheter insertion device includes a housing, a needle, a catheter, a guidewire, and an actuator mechanism. The needle is attached to a needle carrier, the catheter is positioned coaxially around the needle such that a distal end of the needle extends distal of a distal end of the catheter, and the guidewire has a distal end positioned in a lumen of the needle. The method includes holding the catheter insertion device, inserting the distal end of the needle and catheter into a blood vessel, advancing the distal end of the guidewire out of the lumen of the needle into the blood vessel, moving the catheter over the guidewire in the blood vessel, and activating the actuator mechanism to simultaneously retract the distal end of the needle and the distal end of the guidewire into the housing.

Abstract: The device presented is designed to cause, in a mode of operation referred to as “normal” mode, a fluid to flow along this fluid path successively through the first cavity, the filter, the second cavity then the flow restrictor. The device is also designed to cause, in a mode of operation referred to as “purge” mode, a fluid to flow along this same fluid path through the filter but in the opposite direction to the normal flow of the fluid (in the normal mode of operation). Thanks to the “purge” mode, the fluid will detach impurities that have become trapped on the filter in order to clean same.

Abstract: A modular dilation device (100) is provided for inserting multiple dilators into a target patient tissue site. The modular dilation device includes a first dilator (104) and a second dilator (530). The first dilator has a first dilator distal end (108) and a first dilator inner lumen (114). The first dilator has a first dilator side wall opening (118). The first dilator distal end has a first dilator open tip (116). The first dilator has a first dilator open slit (120). The first dilator open slit extends between the first dilator side wall opening and the first dilator open tip. The second dilator has a second dilator distal end and a second dilator inner lumen. The second dilator distal end has a second dilator open tip. When the second dilator is joined to the first dilator, the second dilator open tip is adjacent to the first dilator side wall opening.

Abstract: Disposable gynecologic instrument for dilation of body cavities by fluid injection, the construction according to the invention, include the instrument body (1) to which it has from the bottom tightly fixed a handle (2) with the reservoir (3) whilst is on the frontal part of the instrument body (1) projected is the trigger (4) positioned slidingly and designed for pressing with two fingers, which is by screw (41) connected to the main piston (42) movable within the cylinder, around which is placed a bigger spring (43) and where the outlet of cylinder is connected to one branch of the three-way pipeline (44), the other two of which are connected, one on the upper irreversible valve (12), and the other to the lower irreversible valve (22); and where is also on the front side of the instrument body (1) by screw thread and sealingly attached the main pipe (5), formed with longitudinal ribs (51) positioned crosswise and a series of aslope placed ribs (52) of circular perimeter, which increase the stiffness of the

Abstract: Drug delivery devices and methods of administering drugs to patients are provided. A device (50) includes a reservoir (60) containing a drug (58). The reservoir (60) is defined by a wall (64) having a water-permeable portion, such that the water-permeable portion permits water to enter the device (50) and contact the drug (58). A restraining plug (56) closes off an opening of the device (50) such that transient microchannels (62) form between an elastic portion (54) of the device (50) and the restraining plug (56), upon the generation of a sufficient pressure within the reservoir (60), to release the drug (58) from the device (50). Methods of treating patients for neurogenic detrusor overactivity resulting from a spinal cord injury and/or for idiopathic overactive bladder and urinary incontinence are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include devices for time release of measured quantities of an active ingredient and storage of animal management information. One embodiment disclosed herein releases an active ingredient, and then, at optionally varied intervals, releases additional doses into the same environment. The active ingredients are compartmentalized and, upon receiving an appropriate signal, open to dispense the active ingredient into the animal. Accordingly, in one embodiment, a device includes an engagement member to move a cap to dispense the active ingredient, and in another embodiment, includes a pellet that is attached to the cap to move the cap and dispense the active ingredient.

Abstract: A device for treating the skin comprises a handpiece assembly having a distal end and a proximal end, a cartridge comprising an interior cavity and a tip on the distal end of the handpiece assembly. The handpiece assembly includes a fluid delivery conduit and a waste conduit. In addition, the cartridge is coupled to the handpiece assembly with the interior cavity of the cartridge being in fluid communication with the fluid delivery conduit. Further, the tip is configured to contact the skin. The tip comprises a peripheral lip, a first opening in fluid communication with the fluid delivery conduit, a second opening in fluid communication with the waste conduit and an abrasive element. The first opening, the second opening and the abrasive element of the tip are generally positioned within the peripheral lip.

Abstract: An end effector includes first and second members that each have a tissue contacting surface and are moveable relative to one another. The first and second members are configured to clamp tissue therebetween when in an approximated configuration. The tissue contacting surface of the first member defines a first groove. The end effector also includes a bladder that is defined within the first groove and is configured to receive and retain fluid.

Abstract: A patient may be treated by implanting a combined arterial venous fistula graft implant in a limb of the patient. The combined implant includes a body with a vessel segment in contact with an artery and a first tubular segment for attachment to an end of a vein to form an arterial venous fistula, and a second tubular segment with an attached segment of artificial tubing for attachment to the vein at a second location to form an arterial venous graft. The arterial venous graft may be exclusively used to form hemodialysis for a period of time after the implanting step, while the arterial venous fistula matures.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a catheter hub being connectable to a device for the infusion or withdrawal of fluids; a hollow extension tube connected at its distal end to the catheter hub, the extension tube connectable at its proximal end to a device for infusing fluid into the chamber within the catheter hub; a valve assembly disposed within the chamber of the catheter hub having a first valve member and a second valve member preventing the flow of fluid through the chamber to or from the proximal end of the catheter hub. A needle guard assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Pinch clamps are provided which generate positive displacement while also preventing rebound. To prevent rebound while providing positive displacement, the upper and lower clamping surfaces may be configured to form a pinch profile along which the tubing is compressed with the pinch point being formed at the distal end of the pinch profile. To further prevent rebound, the lower arm of the pinch clamp can include blocking ribs that interface with the upper clamping surface to prevent distal travelling of the pinch point even if the upper arm is forced into an over-engaged position.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravascular blood pump comprising an expandable and collapsible region distal to a pump assembly and proximal in certain embodiments to inlet apertures in the pump housing. In some embodiments, the expandable and collapsible region may comprise expandable and collapsible proximal and/or distal transition sections adjacent a central expandable and collapsible region. Support structure, e.g., an expandable and collapsible stent may comprise at least a part of the expandable and collapsible region.