Abstract: An ostomy appliance has a waste collection bag attached to an adhesive wafer. The adhesive wafer includes an adhesive layer, a backing layer deposited on a distal side of the adhesive layer, a hole formed through the adhesive layer, and a neutralizing layer deposited on the distal side of the adhesive layer. The neutralizing layer is in direct contact with the adhesive layer and is inside of the waste collection bag. The neutralizing layer has a neutralizer that is adapted to neutralize output from the stoma.

Abstract: Resorbable implants comprising poly(butylene succinate) and copolymers thereof have been developed. The implants implants are preferably sterilized, and contain less than 20 endotoxin units per device as determined by the limulus amebocyte lysate (LAL) assay, and are particularly suitable for use in procedures where prolonged strength retention is necessary, and can include one or more bioactive agents. The implants may be made from fibers and meshes of poly(butylene succinate) and copolymers thereof, or by 3d printing, and the fibers may be oriented. Coverings and receptacles made from forms of poly(butylene succinate) and copolymers thereof have also been developed for use with cardiac rhythm management devices and other implantable devices. These coverings and receptacles may be used to hold, or partially/fully cover, devices such as pacemakers and neurostimulators.

Abstract: A bioink composition and a 3D bioprinted scar tissue model with the bioink composition closely replicates the physiological and architectural characteristics of naturally occurring scar tissue. The 3D bioprinted scar tissue can be used to test scar resolution treatments among others. Also provided is a method of fabricating the 3D bioprinted scar tissue along with an apparatus for bioprinting the 3D bioprinted scar tissue.

Abstract: Provided is an injectable implant configured to fit at or near a bone defect to promote bone growth, the injectable implant comprising lyophilized demineralized bone matrix (DBM) being in fiber and particle forms; alginate; and a liquid carrier, wherein the DBM is in an amount of about 20 wt. % to about 40 wt. % of a total weight of the injectable implant, the alginate is in an amount of from about 3 wt. % to about 10 wt. % of the total weight of the injectable implant, and the liquid carrier is in an amount from about 50 wt. % to about 70 wt. % of the total weight of the injectable implant. A moldable implant and methods of making the implants are further provided.

Abstract: Described herein are compositions comprising decellularized extracellular matrix derived from skeletal muscle or other suitable tissue, and therapeutic uses thereof. Methods for treating, repairing or regenerating defective, diseased, damage, ischemic, ulcer cells, tissues or organs in a subject preferably a human, with diseases associated with muscular degeneration, using a decellularized extracellular matrix of the invention are provided. Methods of preparing culture surfaces and culturing cells with absorbed decellularized extracellular matrix are provided.

Abstract: A simple, highly flexible and scalable platform for making functional complex tissues with heterogeneity and irregularity is provided. The method includes combining undifferentiated cells, such as pluripotent or multipotent stem cells, with a biomaterial to make multiple undifferentiated or naïve subunits, exposing the undifferentiated or naïve subunits to different cell culture environments for induction of differentiation towards different lineages as required by that complex tissue, and combining the then functional subunits with or without the undifferentiated subunits. The differentiated subunits thus combined can be cultured under biological, chemical, and/or physical culture conditions suitable to fine-tune the structural and functional properties of the bioengineered complex tissue to form a bioengineered tissue graft that mimics the structural and functional characteristics of native complex tissue. The bioengineered tissue graft can then used to replace dysfunctional tissue.

Abstract: Methods and compositions for preparing and priming a tissue graft for an accelerated therapeutic effect are provided herein. In one embodiment, the method includes obtaining a tissue containing viable cells from a donor, wherein the viable cells are endogenous to the tissue and remain resident in the tissue; and priming the viable cells with one or more stimuli comprising simulated hypoxia to produce a primed tissue, wherein when grafted to a recipient the primed tissue provides a benefit compared to non-primed tissue.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an absorbable biomedical composite material and a preparation method therefor, wherein the absorbable biomedical composite material comprises: a substrate particle containing a calcium phosphate compound; an intermediate layer which is coated on the surfaces of the substrate particle and has a first glass transition temperature, the first glass transition temperature being not higher than a normal body temperature; and a polymer matrix which is formed on the outer surface of the intermediate layer and has a second glass transition temperature, the second glass transition being higher than the first glass transition temperature. The present invention can provide an absorbable biomedical composite material which not only increases the mechanical strength but also improves the toughness.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods for modifying a substrate having a hydrophobic surface. Also disclosed are modified hydrophobic substrates. The modified hydrophobic substrates and methods disclosed herein advantageously improve cell affinity and antithrombogenicity of hydrophobic surfaces.

Abstract: An Agrin peptide which induces proliferation of cardiomyocytes for treating a heart disease is provided.

Abstract: An embodiment includes an apparatus comprising: a shape memory polymer (SMP) foam having an outside surface; and a membrane that encapsulates at least 50% of the outside surface of the SMP foam; wherein (a) the SMP foam includes a thermoset SMP, and (b) the membrane includes a thermoplastic polymer. Other embodiments are addressed herein.

Abstract: Systems and methods related to polymer foams are generally described. Some embodiments relate to compositions and methods for the preparation of polymer foams, and methods for using the polymer foams. The polymer foams can be applied to a body cavity and placed in contact with, for example, tissue, injured tissue, internal organs, etc. In some embodiments, the polymer foams can be formed within a body cavity (i.e., in situ foam formation). In addition, the foamed polymers may be capable of exerting a pressure on an internal surface of a body cavity and preventing or limiting movement of a bodily fluid (e.g., blood, etc.).

Abstract: A dialysis system, comprising: a dialysis machine; a voice recognition component configured to identify a voice command in audio information received by a microphone of the dialysis system; an authentication component configured to determine a source of the voice command; and a processor configured to perform a function determined based on the voice command.

Abstract: A method for determining a treatment regimen for altering the treatment parameters when dialyzing a patient over a plurality of treatment sessions taking place on future days includes determining a diffusive total target sodium balance; and determining a transitional treatment regimen by which the diffusive total target sodium balance is achieved over the plurality of future treatment sessions. A control device or closed-loop control device is configured to control a blood treatment apparatus using the method.

Abstract: A portable dialysis cabinet for use in dialysis. The portable dialysis cabinet can have a size and weight that facilitates easy movement of the cabinet from one location to another with relative ease. The portable dialysis cabinet can have additional features necessary to facilitate portability, such as wheels and a handle. In general, the portable dialysis cabinet can contain all the necessary components for performing a dialysis session.

Abstract: A container for warming fluids comprises an inlet port, an outlet port, a fluid conduit configured for fluidly communicating the inlet and outlet ports, and deflection sections. The fluid conduit has a non-constant maximum width in a direction of fluid flow through the fluid conduit. The deflection sections further comprise an entry section and an exit section, each respective exit section being arranged downstream, in the direction of fluid flow, from each respective entry section. The maximum width of the fluid conduit decreases along the direction of fluid flow through the entry section over a first distance and the maximum width of the fluid conduit increases along the direction of fluid flow through the exit section over a second, different distance. An apparatus for warming fluids in, an extracorporeal blood circuit including, and a blood treatment apparatus including the container are also provided.

Abstract: A medical waste collection system includes a medical waste collection device for providing suction at a surgical site, and a manifold releasably couplable to the medical waste collection device. The manifold defines a pathway through which the medical waste collection device is configured to provide suction to the surgical site. The medical waste collection device is configured to control activation of suction based on a proper manifold being present.

Abstract: The device (10, 36, 38, 42, 68) applies a negative pressure to an endoluminal surface in the body of a patient to facilitate healing of a wound in the endoluminal surface. The device comprises a flexible porous element (14) with a peripheral outer face (32) for contact with the wound, the outer face being defined between opposite proximal and distal ends of the porous element. A suction tube (30) for being connected to a suction source externally of the patient's body is provided in fluid communication with the porous element to apply a negative pressure to the wound via the outer face (32) of the porous element (14) upon operation of the suction source. The porous element (14) has at least one through passageway (16) extending from its proximal end to its distal end for passage of bodily substances of the patient through the porous element.

Abstract: An assembly is configured to position a peristaltic tube with respect to a linear peristaltic pump drive of an infusion pump. The assembly can include a peristaltic tube, first and second tube couplers, a frame, first and second securement plates, a free-flow prevention arm, and a biasing mechanism. The frame can include a snap-fit tab configured to releasably secure the assembly to an assembly receptacle of the infusion pump. The free-flow prevention arm can be selectively movable between a free-flow preventing position and a free-flow allowing position. A latching mechanism can be ergonomically manipulable to latch the free-flow prevention arm in a free-flow allowing position, and to unlatch the free-flow prevention arm such that the biasing mechanism is able to bias the free-flow prevention arm to the free-flow preventing position.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides improved methods for calibrating the zero position of at least one drive member of an injector system is disclosed. Automated methods of position calibration of the drive member of a fluid injector are disclosed. These methods address sources of error in positional accuracy and fluid delivery inaccuracies, such as disposable syringe tolerance and injector wear over time. According to other embodiments of the present disclosure, methods and fluid injector systems for determining and correcting for the amount of slack in a fluid injection apparatus are described. An understanding of the calibration and the amount of slack in a fluid injection system allows a processor to correct for the slack, thereby ensuring more accurate fluid delivery to the patient and more accurate imaging processes.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medical device provided with an outer part or shell and an inner functional part which inner functional part comprises a combination of units. The functional combination of units normally constitutes a device comprising a part being able to penetrate the skin of a patient i.e. a subcutaneous part such as a cannula, a sensor, an insertion needle or the like. Examples of such medical devices are inserter devices and infusion devices where each device comprises an outer part and an inner functional part according to claim 1.

Abstract: The invention relates to the technical field of highland first aid, and particularly discloses a field first-aid infusion device for frigid highland zones. The device comprises a storage box, comprising a heat preservation and pressurization device, a marrow cavity puncture needle, a heat preservation infusion tube, a power-assisted puncture tool, a power supply and a power line, the heat preservation and pressurization device is electrically connected with the power supply through the power line, the heat preservation and pressurization device comprises a heating sleeve, magic tape is fixed to the surfaces of the two ends of the heating sleeve, a control box is fixed to the middle of the outer surface of the heating sleeve, and the power line is inserted into the control box.

Abstract: Gesture-informed patient management systems and related medical devices and operating methods are provided. A method of operating a medical device involves identifying a current operational context, predicting an occurrence of an event based at least in part on historical data associated with the patient and a correlation between the current operational context and the event, automatically configuring operation of the medical device to influence a physiological condition of the patient to account for the predicted occurrence of the event, and after configuring the operation of the medical device to account for the predicted occurrence of the event, automatically reconfiguring the operation of the medical device in response to detected gesture data influenced by an output of a sensing arrangement.

Abstract: A cloud big data-based system and method for insulin pump individualized configuration optimization are provided. The system includes an insulin pump, a real-time continuous glucose monitoring system, a smart phone, a glucose monitoring application software installed in the smart phone and a cloud big data server. By means of personal blood glucose measurement historical data of users stored in the cloud, the insulin pump individualized configuration optimization system provides effective calculation of an individualized optimal insulin injection volume and injection rate for each user, thus aiding physicians and patients to formulate diabetes treatment plans with increased effectiveness.

Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for detecting a position of a plunger (4) relative to a bung (3) in a drug cartridge (1), comprising a proximity sensor (5) located close to a distal end (6) of the plunger (4) facing the bung (3) and aligned to receive light reflected by the bung (3).

Abstract: A user-powered medicament injector including a reusable, user-powered automatic injection assembly including a user energizable medicament injection subassembly and a medicament module removably insertable into the reusable, user-powered automatic injection assembly and including a module housing adapted to receive a syringe having a barrel, a needle engaged to said barrel, and a removable needle cap covering the needle; a needle shield configured to be moveable with respect to the module housing and a needle cap remover associated with the needle shield. The medicament module is configured for energizing the user energizable medicament injection subassembly by insertion of the medicament module into the reusable, user powered automatic injection assembly.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an administration mechanism for a medicament delivery device having a movable sleeve, and a delivery member cover having a distal end portion configured to receive the movable sleeve. The delivery member being configured to be linearly displaceable between a first position and a second position relative to the movable sleeve, wherein the distal end portion has an end face defining a guide surface and the movable sleeve has a radially outwards extending first follower structure configured to cooperate with the guide surface when the delivery member cover is moved from the first position towards the second position, causing the movable sleeve to rotate.

Abstract: An injection device is disclosed including a housing assembly defining a pair of ramps and adapted to hold a medicament cartridge. A driver is adapted to advance the piston within the cartridge. A plunger having a pair of arms is moveable between a retracted position and an advanced position. Each of the arms are engageable with a respective one of the ramps as the plunger is advanced. A braking mechanism may include braking members on the arms and braking tracks proximate the ramps. Excessive force exerted on the plunger may flex the arms and engage the braking members with the braking tracks. The plunger arms may be connected together by a material bridge that biases the plunger arms apart from each other. The arms may include detents that engage to prevent the arms from moving due to the biasing force of the material bridge when the arms are in the fully retracted position.

Abstract: The invention is a single use delivery device configured to enable reconstitution of a lyophilized agent (e.g., vaccine, drug, medicament, etc.) stored within for subsequent delivery of the reconstituted fluid agent to a patient in a controlled manner and without requiring specialized skill in reconstituting the agent or administering delivery of such agent. The delivery device is prefilled with an individual dose of a lyophilized agent and configured to be filled on-site and in the field with a dose of diluent for reconstitution of the lyophilized agent, while remaining sterile and preventing the potential for contamination during the filling process. The delivery device is further configured to be rendered incapable of reuse followings its intended use of delivering the fluid agent to a patient, thereby preventing reuse of the device and reducing the risk of the spreading blood-borne diseases through reuse.

Abstract: An autoinjector is described that includes an outer body, a first trigger, an output needle, and a first compartment. The first compartment is positioned within the outer body and includes (i) a main body, (ii) a first biasing member coupled to the first trigger, and (iii) a protrusion positioned at a distal end of the main body. The autoinjector further includes a second compartment positioned in the outer body and in fluid communication with the first compartment and the output needle. The autoinjector also includes a second biasing member coupled to a second trigger. The first biasing member is configured to, upon application of force to the first trigger, automatically move an ampule in a distal direction relative to the main body to force the ampule against the protrusion, so as to break the ampule and allow a medicament to flow from the ampule to the second compartment.

Abstract: Syringe tip caps are described herein. Such syringe tip caps may include a cup, a cap, a locking feature, a peelable seal and an absorbent material. The cap having locking features and a chamber appropriately sized to adapt to and interlock with an annular wall of the cup.

Abstract: A syringe assembly may include a plunger having a stopper. A barrel may be configured to receive the plunger at an open first end. A tip cap may be removably attached to the second end and may form a chamber within the barrel between the plunger and tip cap. The chamber may be configured to contain a sterilization sensitive material. The barrel may be formed of a plastic material having a high barrier property configured to create a barrier between the sterilization sensitive material and gases produced for sterilization purposes such that the sterilization sensitive material remains unchanged during a sterilization procedure.

Abstract: A grip accessory for a manual injection device comprises a housing comprising a generally hollow body configured to support a manual injection device therein. The housing comprises a distal portion comprising a first opening into which a manual injection device can be inserted, a proximal portion having a second opening through which the needle of the manual injection device extends. The proximal portion comprises a skin contacting surface at a proximal end of the device that can be placed against an injection site. An intermediate portion extends between the proximal and distal portions.

Abstract: A needleless injection system includes a pusher that pushes a plunger within a tapered bore of a cartridge. The pusher includes a nib, the tip of which is a ball.

Abstract: A lenticular label for attachment to a surface of a medical device to be used in a pre-set orientation is disclosed. The lenticular label has a first face with a lens structure and a second face including a lenticular graphic resulting from a composition of a plurality of images. The images are aligned with the lens structure so that a different visual impression is obtained by changing a viewing angle from which the lenticular graphic is viewed with respect to the first face. The plurality of images includes a compliance image. The lens structure is arranged such that the compliance image is visible by a user when the lenticular label is attached to the medical device and the medical device is in the pre-set orientation. A medical device with such a lenticular label, and methods of use thereof are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wearable drug delivery device that can deliver a liquid drug stored in a container to a patient is provided. The container can be a prefilled cartridge that can be loaded into the drug delivery device by the patient or that can be preloaded within the drug delivery device when provided to the patient. A sealed end of the container is pierced to couple the stored liquid drug to a needle conduit that is coupled to a needle insertion component that provides access to the patient. A drive system of the drug delivery device can expel the liquid drug from the cartridge to the patient through the needle conduit. The drive system can include a spring coupled to a plurality of force transfer elements. The force transfer elements can have a variety of shapes and configurations.

Abstract: According to an embodiment, a cartridge driving module comprises a motor and a shaft extending along a rotational axis of the motor, a power transmission screwed to the shaft and moving forward when the shaft rotates in a forward direction and moving back when the shaft rotates in a backward direction, a pusher connected to the power transmission and exerting a pressure to a medicine cartridge containing a medicine when the power transmission moves forward, and a position maintaining unit exerting an external force to the power transmission in a direction along which the power transmission moves forward, when the power transmission moves back up to a predetermined stop position.

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

Abstract: A protective device for the needle tube of a syringe, including a housing which can be pivoted on a support base which has an open housing side in the pivot plane, so that the needle tube can be pivoted into the housing after being used for injection and wherein on the housing side, a retaining device is provided for the needle tube which has been pivoted inwards. The invention proposes that in addition to the connection of a film hinge in order to form a pivot axis, the support base and the pivotable housing are additionally connected together via a predetermined breaking point and wherein after being used for injection, the housing can be pivoted back over the destroyed predetermined breaking point.

Abstract: A method includes protecting an entire length of a needle of a needle-based device protruding from a needle mount coupled to a body thereof based on providing a needle shield completely encompassing the entire protruding length of the needle in a first state of disuse, and retracting the needle shield in a first direction toward the body of the needle-based device to apply a first force in the first direction to cause the needle to emerge out of the needle shield to prepare the needle-based device for a second state of use. The method also includes transitioning the needle-based device back to the first state of disuse following the second state of use in accordance with applying a second force in a second direction diametrically opposite to the first direction, and providing a lock button to lock the needle shield in the first state of disuse.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system and a fluid conduit assembly suitable for use with the system are disclosed herein. The system includes a fluid infusion pump and a fluid conduit assembly coupled to the pump to deliver medication fluid to a user. The fluid conduit assembly includes a structure defining a flow path for the medication fluid, and a gas trapping filter coupled to the structure and positioned in the flow path. The gas trapping filter functions to filter particulates from the medication fluid and retain gas bubbles from the medication fluid.

Abstract: Provided is a high-frequency ultrasonic atomizer structure, comprising a main machine and a master frequency ultrasonic atomizer connected to the main machine. The master frequency ultrasonic atomizer comprises an outer sleeve, an upper cover and a base that are respectively and detachably connected at upper and lower ends of the outer sleeve, an inner tube support body and an ultrasonic atomization unit that are successively arranged inside the outer sleeve, and a liquid storage chamber formed between the inner tube support body and an inner wall of the outer sleeve. The upper cover and the inner tube support body form an air flow chamber therebetween. The master frequency ultrasonic atomizer further comprises a suction tube in communication with the interior of the air flow chamber arranged on the upper cover, and a plurality of air inlet holes in communication with the interior of the air flow chamber.

Abstract: An atomization assembly of an inhaler includes: a liquid reservoir defining a main liquid storage chamber therein for storing liquid and an auxiliary liquid storage chamber, the liquid reservoir further defining a liquid-draining aperture between the main liquid storage chamber and the auxiliary liquid storage chamber; an atomizing core connected to the liquid reservoir; and a movable member configured to move back and forth between a first position towards the liquid-draining aperture and a second position away from the liquid-draining aperture, wherein when the movable member is in the first position, the movable member seals the liquid-draining aperture, such that the main liquid storage chamber is isolated from the auxiliary liquid storage chamber; when the movable member is in the second position, the movable member is separated from the liquid-draining aperture, thereby communicating the main liquid storage chamber with the auxiliary liquid storage chamber.

Abstract: A method is described for supplying a metered amount of a liquid medicament to an aerosolizing device. The method utilizes a dispenser comprising an elongate dispenser body having a proximal end and a tip at a distal end through which a liquid medicament is dispensed. The dispenser further comprises a dispensing mechanism that operates to dispense a metered quantity of the liquid medicament from the tip each time the dispenser body is compressed. The dispenser is grasped with one hand such that the fingers wrap around the dispenser body, with the thumb closest to the proximal end and the last finger closest to the tip. The tip is inserted into an opening of an inhaler and the elongate body is forced toward the tip to cause the dispenser body to compress, thereby operating the dispensing mechanism and causing a metered quantity of the liquid medicament to eject into the inhaler.

Abstract: A brushless DC motor including a rotor, a magnet provided to the rotor, a pair of bearings to rotatably support the rotor, a stator assembly that at least partly surrounds the rotor and magnet thereof and adapted to control movement of the rotor, and a bearing tube having an exterior surface and an interior surface that defines a tube interior. The stator assembly is provided along the exterior surface of the tube and the bearings are provided along the interior surface of the tube to support the rotor and magnet within the tube interior. The motor has sample application for use in PAP devices for delivery of positive airway pressure therapy for users or patients.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a pressure support ventilator or respiratory monitor, provides operations for a patient, such a patient with heart failure, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or other respiratory insufficiency. In some embodiments, the apparatus may detect a respiratory condition, such as a decompensation event and/or exacerbation event, from respiratory parameters. A clinical alert message may be transmitted or displayed for a physician based on the results of query presented to the patient in response to an analysis of the one or more respiratory parameters. In some embodiments, the apparatus generates a potential relapse indicator that may provide a prediction of a risk of an oncoming clinical event such as for evaluating whether to release the patient from a hospital.

Abstract: A method, system and computer-readable medium are provided for weaning patients from ventilation, the method including the steps of receiving infusion and ventilation information, and determining whether to initiate termination of the ventilation. The method further including determining whether a timing of an extubation was performed according to the rules and protocols, and providing a notification to a client device regarding the timing of the extubation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an integrated sleep diagnosis and treatment device, and more particularly to an integrated apnea diagnosis and treatment device. The present invention additionally relates to methods of sleep diagnosis and treatment. The sleep disorder treatment system of the present invention can use a diagnosis device to perform various forms of analysis to determine or diagnose a subject's sleeping disorder or symptoms of a subject's sleep disorder, and using this analysis or diagnosis can with or in some embodiments without human intervention treat the subject either physically or chemically to improve the sleeping disorder or the symptoms of the sleeping disorder. The diagnostic part of the system can use many different types of sensors and methods for diagnosing the severity of the symptoms of or the sleep disorder itself. The treatment part of the system can use a device to physically or chemically treat the subject's symptoms or sleep disorder itself.

Abstract: A stylet is disclosed for insertion into an endotracheal tube for guiding the tube during intubation. The stylet has a body (3) with a pivotable tip portion (5) at its distal end which is movable in either of two opposing directions away from the axis of the stylet. The tip portion (5) may carry an image acquisition device for video imaging. A control mechanism for controlling the pivot angle of the pivotable tip has a hand-operated actuator (7) at the proximal end of the stylet and flexible control wires (23) extending down the stylet to connect the actuator to the pivotable tip portion (5). Also disclosed is an endotracheal tube (100) usable with the stylet and having a bending portion (103), defined by a concertina or thinned portion, at its distal end to facilitate bending of its tip portion (104) by the stylet tip portion (5).