Abstract: A catheter assembly including an elongate member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end has at least one drainage opening. A hydrophilic coating is provided on at least a portion of the elongate end of the catheter. A fluid containing member is provided and is either arranged on the elongate member or within a separate area of the container. The fluid containing member contains sufficient hydrating fluid to hydrate the coating of the catheter. A container contains the elongate member and the fluid containing member and incorporates at least one foil layer to prevent evaporation of the hydrating fluid. A method of using the catheter includes inserting a catheter into a user's body and draining fluid from the user's body.

Abstract: A method for remotely applying a force to a tether affixed to a sterilizing swab package to open the package for use of a swab disposed therein. The method may be applied to sterilizing a septum of a vial disposed within a bag.

Abstract: A medical device assembly is disclosed, comprising a medical device, preferably having a hydrophilic surface coating, and a package accommodating said medical device. The package if formed of two sheets of foil material, a first foil of which has been deep drawn into a trough shape, the package further comprising a resealable opening arranged within the bounds of the second foil. The medical device may e.g. be a urinary catheter.

Abstract: A medical device assembly is disclosed, comprising: a medical device; a fluid and a package forming a storage compartment, which at least partly accommodates the medical device, and a fluid compartment, housing the fluid, wherein a first joint separates the storage compartment and the fluid compartment, the first joint forming a first rupture zone.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a catheter, preferably having a hydrophilic surface coating; and a package accommodating said catheter. The package preferably also accommodates a wetting fluid. The package includes a first and a second sheet material connected around the edges; a perforation line extending along a non-closed loop in one of said sheet materials, which defines a flap opening; a third sheet material connected by means of an adhesive over said flap opening. The third sheet material with a margin covers the entire flap opening. The adhesive is adapted to maintain a sterile closure of the package before use, and to be resealable after use. The third sheet material forms a tab not provided with adhesive and the tab provides a grip portion for peel opening of the package.

Abstract: A method is provided for storing a medical device. One step of the method includes providing a medical device having an initial tensile strength. The medical device is placed into a storage container so that at least a portion of the medical device is immersed in a hydrophobic liquid. Next, the medical device is stored in the storage container for a period of time. The initial tensile strength of the medical device is substantially preserved over the period of time.

Abstract: A kit for the packaging and shipping of components of an explanted medical device. The kit includes sealable containers to individually package the components of the explanted medical device. The kit also includes dressing presoaked in a preservation fluid, the dressing being provided in at least one sealed container prior to the removal of the explanted medical device to maintain the dressing a presoaked, sterile condition. The amount of preservation fluid applied to the dressing is controlled, thereby eliminating the need for a reservoir of fluid to be provided.

Abstract: A curtain nozzle is located above an opening portion in a FIMS. A gas curtain formed of inert gas for closing the opening portion is formed. A cover is so provided as to cover a part of the curtain nozzle so as to prevent peripheral gas around an opening of the curtain nozzle from being involved in the gas curtain of the inert gas emitted from the curtain nozzle.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention are generally directed to devices for withdrawing a substance from the skin and/or from beneath the skin of a subject, and/or for delivering a substance to the skin and/or to a location beneath the skin of a subject. In some embodiments, the devices may comprise one or more skin insertion objects, such as needles or microneedles. In some cases, the device also may comprise one or more vacuum chambers. In some aspects, the device may be contained within an environment able to assist with maintenance of such pressures. For example, a package containing such an environment may also have a pressure less than atmospheric pressure, and/or the package may be molded to the device or otherwise have a shape that does not contain substantial gases that can “leak” into the device and alter the pressure of any vacuum chambers that may be contained therein.

Abstract: A pre-wetted intermittent catheter apparatus including a container, a conduit positioned within the container, and a wetting fluid disposed within the container. The container may have a proximal end section, a distal end section, and a middle section connecting the proximal end section to the distal end section. The middle section may have a plurality of pleats along a collapsible section, the collapsible section having a first expanded length and a second collapsed length less than the first expanded length. The conduit may have a proximal end fixed to the proximal end section, a distal end slidably positioned with respect to the container at the distal end section, and a coating disposed on an outer surface thereof.

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes a hydrophilic catheter; a wetting fluid for wetting of the catheter; and a receptacle enclosing at least the insertable part of the catheter and the wetting fluid. The wetting fluid is a solution incorporating at least one osmolality-increasing compound, and the total concentration of the osmolality-increasing compound(s) preferably exceeds 600 mOsm/dm3. The wetting fluid could either be arranged in contact with the hydrophilic surface layer of the catheter in the receptacle, for preservation of the hydrophilic surface layer in a wetted state during accommodation in said receptacle and provision of a ready-to-use catheter assembly, or be arranged to keep the wetting fluid separated from the hydrophilic surface layer of the catheter during storage, but to be brought into contact with said hydrophilic surface layer upon activation before an intended use of the catheter.

Abstract: A novel container for storing medical guidewires in liquid is disclosed herein. The container comprises a substantially rectangular basin where the guidewire coils are separated horizontally into individual bays. Specific tabs and dividers hold the coils in place and keep the wires untangled. The horizontal placement of the wires enables a clinician to instantly differentiate between wires, select the right coil without spending time in untangling wires and allows storing of the wires is relatively small amount of storing liquid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to bags made from medical-grade paper for sterilization, with sterilization-process indicators and pigmented-adhesive-based safety features, which is easy to handle and use and can be used to store materials, more particularly surgical medical material, for sterilization. Such bags are produced using medical-grade paper that is treated on the surface thereof with a microbicide for sterilization, and, owing to the structure and design thereof, allow safe, rapid handling of the sterilized material placed within, since there are visual indicators that guarantee the hermetic closure and sealing thereof. Furthermore, generally, the invention has printed indicators that change colour depending on the sterilization process carried out on the bags and on whether said process was carried out correctly.

Abstract: A kit for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprising an enclosure which includes a base portion and a removable top layer releasably secured to the base portion; an adhesive removing device including at least one wiping mechanism which includes at least one absorbent portion; and a biocompatible composition including a solvent and a moisturizing agent embedded in the absorbent portion of the wiping mechanism. A method for storing and applying an adhesive removing device comprises a series of steps for using the adhesive removing device to remove an adhesive from a surface.

Abstract: A disposable sterile breakable vial includes a handle section and a vial section which are completely separable in response to a manually applied separation force. The vial section includes a sterile void dimensioned to contain a unit dose of a sterile therapeutic topical agent. An elongated member comprises a proximal portion supported by the handle section and a distal portion provided with a sterile applicator element, such as a brush. At least the applicator element is completely enclosed within the vial section with the applicator element immersed within the therapeutic topical agent. A hermetic seal between the handle and vial sections maintains sterility of at least the vial section prior to handle and vial section separation. Complete separation of the handle section and the vial section exposes the elongated member and the applicator element for topical application of the therapeutic agent saturating the applicator element.

Abstract: Devices and methods are disclosed for protecting individuals from the sharp ends of medical objects following use on a patient. Such sharp objects include hypodermic needles, scalpel blades, cannulae, trocars, and the like. The invention utilizes a disposable protective cover for the used sharp. The protective cover is designed to surround and embed the sharp in a permanent cover that is blunt and will not permit further puncture or cutting with the sharp. In an embodiment, the protective cover also absorbs any fluids on or in the used sharp and prevents any fluids from escaping the protective cover. The sharp cover is configured to irreversibly lock, once closed. A refillable or replaceable dispenser dispenses the protective covers at points of use. A disposable receptacle receives the used sharp embedded in the protective cover. When the receptacle is full, the entire receptacle may be discarded in a medical waste container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a package comprising a container defining a compartment for containing a liquid and at least partly a medical device. The compartment extends in a longitudinal direction from a bottom of the container towards an opening of the container, wherein a first section of the compartment has a cross-sectional area which is smaller than a cross-sectional area of a second section of the compartment, and where the first section is arranged between the opening and the second section. As the cross-sectional area of the first section is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second section the first section will function as a stop for the liquid in case the container is placed in a horizontal orientation.

Abstract: An extra-labia urine voiding apparatus including a container sized and shaped to externally cover a vulval region of a female anatomy. The container has an open side and defines a reservoir that is adapted for receiving urine. The container also includes a surface disposed at a top of the container adapted to face and generally surround a periphery of the vulval region. The voiding apparatus also includes a conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir of the container and adapted for draining urine from the reservoir.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (1) includes an inner member (12) having a proximal end (15), a distal end (13), and a lumen configured to store a hydrating fluid (28) An outer member (10) has a proximal end (19), a distal end (16), and a lumen configured to receive therein a portion of the inner member (12) The outer member (10) is movable relative to the inner member (12) at least one of between a first position (FIG. 1) preventing fluid (28) from passing out of the at least one drainage opening (14) from within the lumen of the inner member (12) and a second position (FIG. 2) allowing fluid (28) to pass out of the at least one drainage opening (14) from within the lumen of the inner member (12).

Abstract: A flushable article such as a wipe that includes a substrate that includes fibers, and a dried binder composition in contact with the fibers, the article (e.g., wipe) being insoluble in water having a pH of no greater than 6, and disintegrating in water having a pH of at least 6.5.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.

Abstract: Package for a catheter, with a catheter having catheter tube with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being provided with a catheter connector. A main body is provided for holding the catheter, and a cap for closing off the main body. A gel container is positioned inside the main body, the gel container being provided with a cavity for holding an amount of a lubricating agent. The gel container includes a first opening at a distal end thereof, and a second opening at a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tearable packaging (1) for receiving at least one substance (6) and an applicator (7, 11), comprising a, for example, film-like carrier (2) in which at least one depression (4a, 4b) open on one side is formed which can be sealed towards the outside with a cover film (3) to form at least one chamber and comprising a channel (5a, 5b) formed between the carrier (2) and the cover film (3) in which the applicator (7, 11) is accommodated at least in sections in such a manner that the applicator (7, 11) is completely enclosed by the carrier (2) and the cover film (3).

Abstract: A portable surgical tray unit can include a portable surgical tray for housing a processing unit, and that includes an opening extending entirely therethrough. The portable surgical tray unit can also include a plurality of instruments connected to the portable surgical tray and operably coupled to the processing unit, and a user input device positioned on at least one of the instruments. The user input device can be operably coupled to the processing unit and can be configured to receive a user input for controlling an operating parameter of one or more of the instruments. The processing unit can be configured to receive user input through the user input device and transmit an operating command to the one or more instruments. The portable surgical tray and the plurality of instruments can be sterilized and prepackaged in a single package.

Abstract: Package for a catheter, with a catheter having catheter tube with a distal end and a proximal end, the proximal end being provided with a catheter connector. A main body is provided for holding the catheter, and a cap for closing off the main body. A gel container is positioned inside the main body, the gel container being provided with a cavity for holding an amount of gel-like lubricating agent. The gel container includes a first opening at a distal end thereof, and a second opening at a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal apparatus for receiving and retaining waste articles, such as catheter fittings, and the like, for controlled and facilitated handling and disposal of such waste articles, during and following the performance of treatment procedures on a patient by a practitioner. The waste disposal apparatus includes a first retaining member, mounted on a base panel, for receiving and retaining a waste article placed there by a practitioner during a treatment procedure, and further includes at least one side panel, for covering the waste article, after placement of the waste article on the first retaining member. Alternative configurations of retaining members are provided.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention includes a tray and a method for loading a medical device on a catheter assembly. The tray can include a tray body defining a first receptacle for seating the handle assembly of the catheter assembly, an elongate receptacle for seating a delivery shaft of the catheter assembly, and a reservoir for holding a fluid. A portion of the elongate receptacle slopes downward towards the reservoir. The reservoir has a bottom surface that is below a portion of the elongate receptacle that is contiguous with the reservoir. Accordingly, when the reservoir is filled with a fluid and the catheter assembly is seated in the first receptacle and the elongate receptacle, the distal tip of the catheter assembly is submerged in the fluid in the reservoir. The tray body is also configured to prevent movement of a catheter assembly seated therein.

Abstract: Folded fibrous structures, more particularly, folded sanitary tissue products, especially in rolled form, are provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preserving a sensor in a container, said sensor comprising a sensing area of metallic or a semi-conducting material covered with molecules having a MW>100 Dalton, said molecules being bound to the material wherein at least the sensing area of the layer is kept submerged in a storage solution, said storage solution having a composition that consists for at least 80% by volume of at least one compound chosen from water, ethanol, triethylene glycol and isopropanol, with the provisios that if the concentration of ethanol is at least 80 vol. % of the storage solution ethanol is present in a concentration of no more than 93% by volume of the storage solution; if water is present, it is present in a concentration of less than 80% by volume of the storage solution. The invention also relates to a container containing a sensor and a storage solution.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (110, 210) comprising a catheter (130, 230) and a receptacle (120, 220) is disclosed. The receptacle is arranged to accommodate at least part of said catheter and having at least one opening (123) for withdrawal of said catheter. Further, the receptacle is provided with an antimicrobial compound (301) at least in the vicinity of the opening and at least on the outer surface of the receptacle, said antimicrobial compound inhibiting microbes from being transferred to said catheter while being withdrawn through said at least one opening.

Abstract: An apparatus and techniques for determining whether a medical electrode, such as a defibrillation electrode coupled to an automated external defibrillator, is in a condition for replacement. The determination can be made as a function of one or more data. In one exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more measurements of an impedance of a hydrogel bridge in a test module. In another exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more environmental condition data from one or more environmental sensors.

Abstract: A body washing system provides an integrated single-use package co-locating a moist towelette and a dry towelette, the latter sized and design to permit drying of an individual after applying the moist towelette to his or her body in a washing process. The compact size and availability of the dry towelette substantially increases at the availability of bathing systems to individuals to whom conventional bathing or showering is inaccessible.

Abstract: A catheter product package and method of forming same in which the package comprises a sheet material wrapped about the catheter product to form a package for the catheter product. The catheter product extends generally longitudinally within the package, and the sheet material extends from a point beyond the proximal end to a point beyond the distal end of the catheter product. The sheet material of the package is wrapped about the catheter product in a manner defining confronting proximal end edges, confronting distal end edges, and confronting side edges. The confronting proximal end edges, distal end edges and side edges of the sheet material are joined by a seal after the sheet material is wrapped about the catheter product to define a sealed cavity. The sheet material has a tear strip affixed to it which causes the sheet material to tear along the tear strip to thereby cause the package to open along an intended opening line.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter and a receptacle enclosing said catheter. The receptacle has a first part and a second part, which parts are foldable over each other. Further, at least one sticky adhesive area is arranged on the surface of one of the parts of the receptacle in such a way that the sticky adhesive area is covered by the other part when the receptacle is in a folded disposition, and exposed to the environment when the receptacle is in an unfolded disposition.

Abstract: A foodstuff or medical device is subjected to a treatment with non-thermal plasma and ozone generated from a modified atmosphere packaging gas comprising a mixture of CO2 and O2, wherein a vol/vol ratio of O2 and CO2 ranges from 9:1 to 1.5:1.

Abstract: A cover that protects a tip of a surgical instrument. The tip can be placed within a housing of the cover. The housing has openings on each end that allow sterilization fluid to flow across the tip during an autoclave procedure. The tip can be placed on a handle of the cover. The handle can be rotated relative to the housing to allow for the easy insertion and removal of the tip from the cover.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating on at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube which may be surrounded by a sleeve. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package with a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. The catheter assembly is ready to use due to exposure of the hydrophilic coating to a vapor produced by the vapor donating liquid.

Abstract: The invention presents an apparatus and techniques for determining whether a medical electrode, such as a defibrillation electrode coupled to an automated external defibrillator, is in a condition for replacement. The determination can be made as a function of one or more data. In one exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more measurements of an impedance of a hydrogel bridge in a test module. In another exemplary embodiment, the determination is a function of one or more environmental condition data from one or more environmental sensors.

Abstract: Packaging for prosthetic heart valves including an assembly for securely retaining a heart valve within a sterile jar and facilitating retrieval therefrom. The assembly includes a packaging sleeve that fits closely within the jar and has a clip structure for securing a valve holder. A delivery handle on the end of a shaft couples with the valve holder while the packaging sleeve engages the jar to prevent rotation. The assembly of the packaging sleeve, valve, and holder can then easily be removed from the jar.

Abstract: A cover that protects a tip of a surgical instrument. The tip can be placed within a housing of the cover. The housing has openings on each end that allow sterilization fluid to flow across the tip during an autoclave procedure. The tip can be placed on a handle of the cover. The handle can be rotated relative to the housing to allow for the easy insertion and removal of the tip from the cover.

Abstract: A metal implant, in particular a dental implant, with a hydrophilic surface for at least partial insertion into a bone, and a method for the production of said implant are described. A particularly advantageous hydrophilic surface for improved osteointegration properties is made available if it is briefly treated, at least in some areas, in a weakly alkaline solution. These excellent osteointegration properties can be achieved in a method in which, optionally after a preceding mechanical surface modification by material removal and/or chemical surface modification, at least the areas exposed of this surface exposed to bone and/or soft tissue are chemically modified in an alkaline solution.

Abstract: A packaging assembly includes a substantially rigid base having a cavity dimensioned to receive a medical implant, a sleeve positioned in the cavity of the substantially rigid base and defining an opening dimensioned to receive the medical implant, and a skin pack lid sealed over the substantially rigid base to enclose and secure the sleeve within the cavity of the substantially rigid base. The sleeve has a shape substantially similar to a shape of the medical implant and substantially envelopes the medical implant when the medical implant is positioned in the opening of the sleeve. The skin pack lid has a geometry that substantially conforms to the shape of the sleeve.

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: It has been determined that gamma sterilization of biodegradable polymer stents does not cause significant polymer cross-linking and collapse. Using sufficient spacing can lead to stents that display little if any detrimental effects from the procedure. In certain embodiments, using structures in the general region of about 100 micron spacing between the struts leads to highly functional stents that do not fuse. Further, the resulting stent has radially homogenous mechanical properties. Therefore, the stent has a uniform expansion within the lumen.

Abstract: An assembly (100) for wetting a medical device (101) is provided. The assembly (100) comprises a compartment (120) for the fluid medium and a package (110) for a medical device (101). The fluid medium in the compartment (120) may be used for wetting a hydrophilic coating disposed at an outer surface of the medical device (101. The compartment (120) comprises an outlet (140) and the package (110) comprises an inlet (130) for the fluid medium. Prior to use, when the assembly (100) is in a storage-position, a gap between the outlet (140) and inlet (130) may be present. The outlet (140) and inlet (130) may both be closed by a barrier film (160) preventing contamination of the outlet (140) and inlet (130) prior to use. When the assembly (100) is to be used, the barrier film (160) is removed thereby opening the outlet (140) and inlet (130). The removal of the barrier film (160) may be connected to the opening of the package (110) such that the package (110) is opened as the barrier film (160) is removed.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter, preferably having a hydrophilic surface coating; and a package accommodating said catheter. The package preferably also accommodates a wetting fluid. The package comprises: a first and a second sheet material connected around the edges; a perforation line extending along a non-closed loop in one of said sheet materials, said perforation line defining a flap opening; a third sheet material connected by means of an adhesive over said flap opening, wherein said third sheet material with a margin covers the entire flap opening. The adhesive is adapted to maintain a sterile closure of the package before use, and to be resealable after use. Further, the third sheet material forms a tab not provided with adhesive, said tab providing a grip portion for peel opening of the package.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.