Abstract: There is provided a pressure oscillation damper in order to reduce the level of the pressure oscillations by the use of for a fluid extraction system. The pressure oscillation damper comprises a wall enclosing a main volume, at least two inlets, arranged in the wall and adapted to be connected to fluid extraction units, at least two outlets, arranged in the wall and adapted to be connected to pumping units, and at least one flexible member, arranged in the first volume so as to divide the first volume into at least two secondary volumes, each secondary volume forming a channel between the at least one inlet and at least one outlet, the flexible member being configured to bend toward a secondary volume having a lower pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an expression kit (1) for extraction of breast milk from a female breast, comprising a funnel (2) for receiving the breast therein, a housing (4), a container (5) for receiving the breast milk, a connection port (7) for connection to a vacuum source, and a membrane element (6) arranged in the housing (4) between the funnel (2) and the container (5) for sealing the funnel (2) with respect to the connection port (7), the funnel (2) with respect to the housing (4) and the housing (4) with respect to the container (5).

Abstract: A breastmilk collection device includes breast contacting flange, a vacuum reservoir, flexible diaphragm separating the breast contacting flange and the vacuum reservoir, and a flange receiver between the breast contacting flange and the flexible diaphragm. The breast contacting flange has a wide portion for accepting the breast and a narrow portion. The flexible diaphragm is located between the narrow portion and the vacuum reservoir. The flexible diaphragm moves between a sealed configuration, in which the breast contacting flange is sealed off from the vacuum reservoir, and an open valve configuration, in which the flexible diaphragm acts as a one-way valve to allow expressed milk to flow through a milk flow opening between the flexible diaphragm and the breast contacting flange when an opening pressure is reached in the breast contacting flange.

Abstract: A system for dialysis is disclosed. An example peritoneal dialysis system includes a peritoneal dialysis machine including a pumping mechanism, and a sensor configured to measure a property of peritoneal dialysis fluid. The peritoneal dialysis system also includes a disposable cassette operable with the peritoneal dialysis machine. The disposable cassette includes a fluid source inlet for accepting fluid from a fluid source and a fluid flow path in fluid communication with the fluid source inlet. The fluid flow path includes a pump chamber operable with the pumping mechanism to pump fluid through the fluid flow path. The disposable cassette also includes a concentrate inlet for fluidly communicating concentrate to the fluid flow path, and a sensor chamber located along the fluid flow path and operable with the sensor. The sensor is configured to provide feedback to the peritoneal dialysis machine for mixing the concentrate for forming peritoneal dialysis fluid.

Abstract: A femoral arterial ECMO cannula is provided with a balloon that has dual flow and which provides arterial body blood flow during femoral ECMO (Extra Corporeal Membrane Oxygenation).

Abstract: A pump with a controller for adjusting head pressure using a pressure boost is provided. The pressure boost may be dynamically adjusted during a surgical procedure based on the device being used and inflow and/or outflow settings.

Abstract: A pressure regulation system for discharging a liquid having a predetermined liquid pressure from a liquid opening, including an elastic bag having a liquid phase and a gas phase, where the liquid opening in an operational position of the elastic bag is formed in the lower area of the elastic bag, at least two push elements, at least one drive unit and a control unit. The elastic bag has a gas opening, which extends into the gas phase. The pressure regulation system has a ventilation unit, which is connected to the control unit for communication and which connects to the gas opening of the elastic bag. The ventilation unit regulates the liquid pressure of the liquid discharged through the liquid opening by means of a gas supply into the elastic bag and/or a gas discharge from the elastic bag.

Abstract: An injector pen or medication vial holder and storage device is disclosed. The device includes a base plate having first and second opposing sides. An attachment structure is affixed to the first side of the base plate. Plural retaining members are connected to the second side of the base plate. Each retaining member is configured to receive a respective injector pen. A support member is connected to the base plate and arranged to support one end of each said respective injector pen.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling, regulating, altering, transforming or otherwise modulating the delivery of a substance to a delivery site. The devices, systems and methods optimize the delivery of the substance to an intended site, such as a vessel, vascular bed, organ and/or other corporeal structures, while reducing inadvertent introduction or reflux substance to other vessels, vascular beds, organs, and/or other structures, including systemic introduction.

Abstract: A system for maintaining drug information and communicating with medication delivery devices includes software designed for use in a hospital, pharmacy or biomedical technical service environments. The software may be provided on a computer readable medium. The software allows a facility to customize a drug library with both hard and soft drug limits and other parameters for use with an infuser having a plug and play module removably inserted into a slot within a housing, or for use with an infuser having a connectivity engine enclosed within the housing. The system supports data transfer to one or more infusers connected to one or more computers. The connection between the computer and the pump can be hard wired or wireless.

Abstract: A gas extraction device for a fluid delivery apparatus includes a first layer and a vent membrane coupled to the first layer. The vent membrane enables a gas to pass through the vent membrane and prevents a fluid from passing through the vent membrane. The gas extraction device also includes a second layer coupled to the vent membrane opposite the first layer. The second layer has a first channel formed therethrough. In addition, the gas extraction device includes an impermeable membrane coupled to the second layer opposite the vent membrane. The first channel is configured to receive a fluid having a gas dispersed therein. The fluid is pressurized to move the fluid through the first channel against the vent membrane and to move the gas through the vent membrane.

Abstract: Described is a medicament container carrier adapted to hold a first medicament container having a first predetermined size and capable of containing more than a first volume of a medicament. The container carrier comprises a body, and an adapter coupled to the body. The adapter is adapted to hold a second medicament container having a second predetermined size different from the first predetermined size and capable of containing no more than the first volume of the medicament.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device is presented having a housing configured to accommodate a medicament container filled with medicament, a drive unit comprising a plunger rod operable to act on the medicament container, a mechanical activation mechanism configured to interact with the drive unit, where the mechanical activation mechanism is movable between certain predetermined states when interacting with the drive unit, a recording unit capable of recording status changes of the medicament delivery device including the status of the mechanical activation mechanism, and detection elements operably connected to the recording unit and positioned such as to detect when the activation mechanism has been moved between certain predetermined states.

Abstract: A medicament delivery device (100; 300; 400) comprises a chassis (124), a drive element (166) for driving a stopper (22) to expel the medicament through a cannula (144). A carrier (126) is arranged for movement with respect to the chassis (124). Insertion means (130, 202) biases the carrier (126) in an insertion direction. A control part (132) is biased for rotation with respect to the carrier (126). A locking element (176) prevents rotation of the control part (132) in an initial state. The locking element (176) is coupled to the drive element (166) such that the control part (132) is released for rotation when the drive element (166) reaches an activation position during a delivery stroke. Rotation of the control part (132) through a predetermined angle causes decoupling of the insertion means (130, 202) from the carrier (126) to allow movement of the carrier (126) in a retraction direction after the end of the delivery stroke.

Abstract: The auto-injector consists of a front unit connected to a rear unit, wherein the front unit contains a syringe holder with a syringe coaxially sliding between injecting and secure positions within an activating element preloaded via an ejection spring to secure a trigger button through a stopper located in the rear unit. The rear unit contains a syringe pusher with a plunger managed via a controller coaxially moved by an injection spring to the front unit upon activating the trigger for injecting medication. After the injection, the activating elements revert to allow the controller to release the syringe which moves into to secure position with the syringe holder and the plunger by the ejection spring. When the syringe enters a safe position, the controller moves by the injection spring between the activating element and the syringe holder to prevent the syringe from sliding toward the injection side.

Abstract: An injection device comprises a housing, a dose indicator positioned within the housing and a dose selector operatively connectable to the dose indicator. The dose selector and the dose indicator are capable of cooperating with one another to set a dose to be ejected from the injection device. The dose indicator comprises an odometer including: i. a units (218) wheel operatively connected to the dose selector so that rotation of the dose selector also rotates the units wheel, and ii. a tens wheel (219) selectively engageable with the units wheel so that rotation of the units wheel also rotates the tens wheel. The dose indicator further comprises an axially-moveable shuttle lock (222) rotationally locked to the tens wheel and selectively engageable with the units wheel and the housing. The tens wheel is selectively engageable with the units wheel via said shuttle lock and, when the tens wheel is not engaged with the units wheel, the shuttle lock is rotationally locked to the housing.

Abstract: A medical injection system comprising an injection module, a retract module, and a bi-directional dose setting module. The bi-directional dose setting module comprises a dose plate, and the injection module comprises a dose knob engaged with the dose plate. The medical injection system generates a first response when the dose knob is rotated in the first direction, and generates a second response when the dose knob is rotated in the second direction.

Abstract: An example medical device includes a body portion having a tubular inner wall defining an inner channel, and a tubular outer wall encircling the inner wall. The outer wall defines an outer channel between the outer wall and the inner wall. The body portion also includes an indicator substance disposed within the outer channel. The device also includes an indicator portion defining an indicator channel. The body portion is configured to insert at least in part into a patient, and the indicator portion is configured to remain at least in part along an exterior of the patient when the body portion is inserted into the patient. The device is also configured to transfer at least a portion of the indicator substance from the outer channel to the indicator channel when the body portion is bent.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling a heater arrangement in a device arranged to heat smokable material is described. The method includes implementing a heater control loop, which control loop performs steps in one or more successive control periods. The control steps include determining a current remaining on time for a heating element of a heater arrangement based on the current rate of change of temperature, a target temperature and a current temperature of a zone of the device arranged to heat smokable material.

Abstract: Provided herein is a delivery device and vaporizable formulations that provide users or patients with the ability to safely, reliably, and conveniently obtain a high-quality, therapeutic vapor comprising an ayahuasca-like substance. The delivery device includes a chamber coupled to a power unit capable of providing power to vaporize the formulations for consumption of the substance in a consistently desirable and safe manner. Further included are kits and methods of treating psychological disorders using the delivery device and vaporizable formulations provided herein.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. The devices of systems can also include a fluid remover in the form of a sorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof that is configured to remove fluid from a working channel of the device or system and/or from a surgical instrument inserted therethrough.

Abstract: The invention related to dry powders that contain a therapeutic agent. The dry powders have characteristics, e.g., they are processable and/or dense in therapeutic agent that provide advantages for formulating and delivering therapeutics agents to patients.

Abstract: A device for monitoring adherence of a patient to a prescribed regimen is provided. The device has a pulmonary delivery device fluid, an adapter in communication with the delivery device and a dispenser in fluid communication with the adapter. A pressurized drug, contained in the pulmonary delivery device, can be delivered from the pulmonary delivery device to the patient through the adapter and the dispenser. A sensor is mounted to the adapter or the dispenser for detecting a temperature or pressure change caused by the movement of the drug from the pulmonary delivery device to the patient and generating a feedback signal based on the change. The feedback signal is further processed for generating a signal indicating a successful deliver of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator. The systems and methods include providing, displaying, and/or utilizing internal leak estimation, total leak estimation, and/or external leak estimation during ventilation of a patient with a ventilator.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly is configured to humidify a pressurized flow of breathable gas from a flow generator of a CPAP unit and includes a base configured to be attached to the flow generator, the base including a recess portion. A water receptacle is configured to be received within the recess portion of the base and includes a floor and a flange around an opening at the top of the water receptacle. A lid is hingedly attached to the base and is configured to pivot between an open position and a closed position. This lid includes a top wall, an outer depending wall, an inner depending wall in the form of a double wall, and an outlet pipe. A lid seal is attached to an underside of the top wall of the lid by way of a tongue and groove structure. A catch is located on the base and configured to lock the lid in the closed position.

Abstract: The invention is a laryngeal mask having a head part and an inlet tube, with a passage formed between a laryngeal opening of the head part and an inlet opening of the inlet tube. The laryngeal mask also includes: (1) a covering element encompassing the annular cushion and connected to the outer part of the head part towards the inlet tube from the connection of the annular cushion, where a releasable connection is formed circumferentially in the covering element or at the connection of the head part and the covering element; and (2) a puller element connected to an inner side of the covering element towards the laryngeal opening, and pullable from the inlet tube through the inlet opening, the puller element adapted for removing at least one part of the covering element through the inlet opening of the inlet tube by releasing the releasable connection.

Abstract: The sealing cuff (10) on a tracheal tube has a collar (31) at its patient end inverted within the inflatable part (32) of the cuff and attached with the shaft 1 immediately adjacent its patient end (6). The cuff (10) has a patient end region (33) of frusto-conical shape inclined to the axis of the shaft at about 30° and extending by about half the length of the inflatable portion.

Abstract: A tracheostoma device holder for holding a tracheostoma device superimposed of a tracheostoma of a person is provided. The tracheostoma device holder includes a flexible skirt for attachment over a tracheostoma via a skin adhesive proximal side thereof, and the skirt is provided with a through hole. A tubular tracheostoma device fitting is arranged circumferentially of the through hole, and the tubular tracheostoma device fitting extends distally from the distal side of the skirt. The skirt has at least two sheets, in form of a distal end sheet comprising a skin adhesive hydrogel or hydrocolloid, and a support sheet proximally of the distal end sheet. The support sheet includes polyurethane.

Abstract: A face mask for extended wear by a user including a customized, contoured facial mask portion constructed and configured to cover and matingly contact a corresponding contoured surface area of a human face, preferably formed by 3D printing methods and materials. The face mask includes strap attachments and at least one strap for securing the customized, contoured facial mask portion to the face.

Abstract: A face mask for extended wear by a user including a customized, contoured facial mask portion constructed and configured to cover and matingly contact a corresponding contoured surface area of a human face, preferably formed by 3D printing methods and materials. The face mask includes strap attachments and at least one strap for securing the customized, contoured facial mask portion to the face. The face mask includes at least one replaceable air filter for filtering out viral or bacterial pathogens.

Abstract: A connector for a component of a medical breathing circuit. The connector comprises an inner body and an outer body. The outer body is configured to be slidable along the inner body between each of an inoperative orientation and an operative orientation with respect to the inner body. The outer body and the inner body are configured to be in engagement or in an operative association with each other when the outer body is provided in the operative orientation. The outer body and the inner body are disengaged from each other or in an inoperative association with each other when the outer body is provided in the inoperative orientation. At least one or each of a surface of the inner body or a surface of the outer body comprises of a surface relief feature(s) providing for a resistance to the outer body being moved from the inoperative orientation to the operative orientation.

Abstract: A component useable with one or more tube comprises a body engageable with one or more external surface recesses of the one or more tubes. The component has a pair of jaws extending from the body for gripping an item. The component is configured, such that, in use, in a first orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is movable along a length of the tube(s); and, in a second orientation of the body relative to the respective tube(s) recesses, the component is resistive to movement along a length of the tube(s).

Abstract: A pressure regulating or pressure relief device comprises an inlet and an outlet chamber with an outlet. The inlet is in fluid communication with the outlet chamber. A valve seat is located between the inlet and the outlet. A valve member is biased to seal against the valve seat, and displaces from the valve seat by an inlet pressure at the inlet increasing above a pressure threshold to allow a flow of gases from the inlet to the outlet via the outlet chamber. The flow of gases through the outlet causes an outlet pressure in the outlet chamber to act on the valve member together with the inlet pressure to displace the valve member from the valve seat.

Abstract: A catheter for measuring a fractional flow reserve includes a proximal shaft, a distal shaft coupled to a distal portion of the proximal shaft, and a pressure sensor coupled to the distal shaft. The proximal shaft includes a distal portion configured to extend through a stenosis in a vessel. The distal portion of the proximal shaft includes a radially expanded configuration having a first diameter and a radially collapsed configuration having a second diameter, wherein the first diameter is larger than the second diameter. The distal shaft includes a guidewire lumen configured to receive therein.

Abstract: With a push device for the axial insertion of an elongate, flexible body (8, 10), in particular of a flexible tube, a cable or similar elements into a sheath, and axial force introduction unit (19, 20, 47, 49) is provided, which by way of a non-positive fit or a positive fit, applies a push movement onto the elongate body and is arranged in a stationary manner relative to the sheath (2) or is guided on a predefined movement path.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for a reinforced steerable sheath assembly that is usable with an actuator comprising a shaft section defining a sheath that is operable to be deflected, and one or more pull wires that are coupled to the sheath via a coupling at a point of contact between the pull wires and the sheath. The pull wires being operable to be coupled to the actuator for actuating the pull wires. The reinforced steerable sheath assembly further comprises a means for preventing displacement of the coupling, wherein the means for preventing displacement to minimize failure at the coupling at the point of contact between the pull wires and the sheath upon actuation of the pull wires upon actuation of the actuator to deflect the sheath.

Abstract: A bi-directional cannula feature capture mechanism is described herein. Generally, the capture mechanism comprises an inner housing, an outer housing, and a cannula. The inner housing comprises a proximal and a distal cannula feature mating component. The outer housing is adapted to slidably receive the inner housing in a proximal direction. Additionally, the cannula extends through the inner housing and the cannula's feature has a proximal engagement and a distal engagement. The proximal and distal engagements are respectively configured to irreversibly engage the proximal and distal cannula feature mating components when the cannula tip is moved into a shielded position.

Abstract: A method for treating back pain in a patient in need of such treatment is provided. The method includes positioning a balloon catheter in or adjacent to a treatment zone containing a basivertebral nerve. A chemical denervation agent is administered with the balloon catheter such that the chemical denervation agent chemically ablates at least a portion of the basivertebral nerve. Kits, systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: For treatment of a patient who has a lesion in each of left lower limb artery and right lower limb artery, lesions at both sides can be rather easily and completely treated. A catheter is introduced from an artery of an arm of the patient, and an atherectomy catheter is used for a lesion at one side and continuously used for a lesion at the other side without being extracted to the outside of a human body, and thus damage of an excision portion of the atherectomy catheter and an unexpected situation such as no passage through twisted blood vessels are avoided so that a burden on the patient can be reduced, the treatment can be completed within a short time, and cost reduction can be achieved by reducing the number of catheter to be used.

Abstract: A catheter (24) and catheter assembly (22) having a drainage member (46), defining a generally ring-shaped opening (48).

Abstract: A fluid management system for the treatment of ascites, pleural effusion or pericardial effusion is provided including an implantable device including a pump, control circuitry, battery and transceiver; a charging and communication system configured to periodically charge the battery and communicate with the implantable device to retrieve performance data; and monitoring and control software, suitable for use with conventional personal computers, for configuring and controlling operation of the implantable device and charging and communication system. The implantable device includes a number of features that provide automated movement of fluid to the bladder with reduced risk of clogging, with no patient involvement other than occasional recharging of the battery of the implantable device. The monitoring and control software is available only to the treating physician, such that the physician interacts with the implantable device via the charging and communication system.

Abstract: Provided herein are devices and methods for topically and controllably delivering cargo across or into biological tissues, particularly the skin. These devices permit delivery of cargo to deeper cell layers of a tissue. These devices include microstructure arrays comprising nanochannels. Also disclosed is a device comprising a one or more microstructure arrays encased in a frame.

Abstract: A surgical port includes an end face with a channel extending through the end face. The channel has a cross section shaped to receive a surgical instrument cannula. A lateral wall extends around a perimeter of the end face. The lateral wall and end face enclose an open volume. A rim extends radially inward from the lateral wall and projects into the open volume. An apron portion extends radially outward from the lateral wall and in a direction axially away from the end face. Surgical systems may include surgical ports. Methods relate to using surgical ports.

Abstract: Described is a medical adapter assembly comprising an end including a neuraxial fitting that is not directly connectable to a standard luer fitting, an opposing end including a standard luer fitting connectable to a standard luer fitting of an intravenous medical device, and a check valve that allows fluid flow from the end with the standard luer fitting to the end with the neuraxial fitting, but prevents fluid flow from the end with the neuraxial fitting to the end with the standard luer fitting. Methods of using the medical adapter assembly and kits containing the medical adapter assembly are also described.

Abstract: A body-fluid-and-medication leak-proof and closed medical connector has a first connecting assembly and a second connecting assembly. The first connecting assembly has a first sleeve and a first resilient valve. The first resilient valve tends to seal a first opening of the first sleeve. The second connecting assembly has a second sleeve and a second resilient valve. The second resilient valve tends to seal a second opening of the second sleeve. The two resilient valves can avoid leakage of the medication remaining in an injector and a vial, or remaining in a fluid infusion tube and a catheter. The two resilient valves also can seal in two directions to avoid leakage during connecting or separating the two connecting assemblies after supplying medication. Therefore, the transfer of the medication is more hygienic and safe, and the waste of medical resources is effectively reduced.

Abstract: A swabable valve (10) comprising a valve stem (100) that collapses into a valve body (12), said valve body (12) including a generally cylindrical reduced diameter section (18) having a generally circular rim, said valve stem (100) having a generally cylindrical reduced diameter portion (38) that extends fully into said cylindrical reduced diameter section (18) of said valve body (12), said cylindrical reduced diameter portion (38) including a through-slit (52) that opens when said valve stem (100) collapses into said valve body (12), said valve stem (100) having a concave curvilinear surface (102) that is substantially flush with said circular rim of said cylindrical reduced diameter section (18) of said valve body (12) when said valve stem (100) is not collapsed into said valve body (12); said concave curvilinear upper surface (102) of said valve stem (100) extending rim-to-rim within said cylindrical reduced diameter section (18) of said valve body (12).

Abstract: Methods and devices for implanting a ventricular assist device employ a coupler that engages an aperture formed in a heart wall and provides a conduit by which blood is pumped from the ventricle via the ventricular assist device. A method includes penetrating a distal end of a delivery device through a wall of a heart into a ventricle of the heart to form an aperture having a diameter in the wall. A coupler is deployed from the delivery device so that the coupler engages the aperture, expands the diameter of the aperture, and forms a conduit for a flow of blood from the ventricle. The delivery device is removed from the ventricle by retracting the delivery device through the conduit. The ventricular assist device is coupled to the coupler to receive the flow of blood from the ventricle and pump the flow of blood to assist circulation in the patient.

Abstract: A non-occluding intravascular pump comprises a shroud providing an inlet for incoming blood flow and an outlet for outgoing blood flow, wherein the shroud is a cylindrical housing; an impeller positioned within shroud, wherein a central axis of the shroud and impeller are shared; a motor coupled to the impeller, wherein the motor rotates the impeller to causes blood to be drawn through the inlet and output to the outlet, and the motor is centrally disposed and shares the central axis with the shroud and the impeller; and a plurality of pillars coupling the motor to the shroud, wherein the pillars secure the shroud in close proximity to the impeller. Various design features of the pump may be optimized to reduce hemolysis, such as, but not limited to, inlet length, impeller design, pillar angle, and outlet design.

Abstract: A system for detecting a suction condition in an implantable blood pump including a controller in communication with the blood pump. The controller includes a control circuit configured to calculate a present value during a time period, the present value corresponding to a pump speed divided by a pump current, determine a plurality of data values during the time period based on the present value, and determine a suction detection threshold value using the plurality of data values. The control circuit is also configured to compare the present value during the time period to the suction detection threshold value and generate an alert when the present value exceeds the suction detection threshold value on a plurality of instances during the time period, the alert corresponding to a suction condition.

Abstract: A blood pump for supporting a patient's heart includes a flow cannula having a distal portion including a distal end and a proximal portion including a proximal end opposite the distal end, the distal end of the flow cannula configured to be connected to the patient's heart or a blood vessel to establish fluid communication between the blood pump and the patient's heart and blood vessel, respectively. The flow cannula further includes an intermediate portion attached to the distal portion and the proximal portion, wherein the intermediate portion allows twisting thereof with a lower force than the distal portion and the proximal portion. The intermediate portion can be fully occluded by twisting it. At least a portion of the intermediate portion either alone or in combination with the distal portion is adapted to be permanently attached to the patient's heart or a blood vessel.