Abstract: A package assembly holds at least one applicator nozzle tip and, optionally, a fluid-containing vial adapted for attachment to the nozzle tip. By providing the vial with a fluid-dispensing end, it may be used with or without the nozzle tip. When used in combination, the vial and nozzle tip can be employed to dispense, for instance, a medical adhesive to a wound site.

Abstract: A holder for disposable medical suction tubes, common referred to as Yankauer suction tubes. The holder is adapted with a back panel for attachment to a vertical surface, an in particular, to an equipment column of the type commonly found in medical facilities such as an emergency treatment room. The holder is adapted to receive the sterile packaging of the Yankauer suction tube through a central bore in a supporting bracket affixed perpendicular to the back panel. A base plate secured perpendicular to the back panel below the supporting bracket provides a rest for the sterile packaging and suction tube.

Abstract: A swab assembly is provided which includes a swab fitted with an absorbent material at one end of a stick, and a holder for releasably capturing the swab. The holder includes a connecting bridge area with a central groove traversing along a length direction thereof flanked by first and second gripping wings, the wings being sufficiently flexible to bend between a relatively non-stressed and a stressed position allowing the stick, respectively to be engaged and to be released from the groove.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a suspension package that is used to support and protect sensitive articles such as prosthetics and other medical implants when such articles are being shipped. The suspension package is comprised of a pouch, and a tray member and a cover member. The pouch is designed to be connected to and suspended between the tray member and the cover member. During shipping, the tray member and the cover member protect the packaged article to prevent damage. The pouch includes apertures around its perimeter that allow the pouch to be attached to suspension posts of the tray member. The suspension posts are tapered and include detent grooves that are designed to stretch and retain the pouch to prevent movement during shipping.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of sterilizing a device in a sterilizer, methods of sterilizing a device in an enclosure in a sterilizer, and enclosures for retaining a device capable of being sterilized in a sterilization process. The sterilization process comprises hydrogen peroxide vapor or gas. The sterilization load may include an enclosure, which can be a tray or a container. The tray or container comprises at least a volume of aluminum oxide. The ratio of the amount of hydrogen peroxide gas or vapor introduced into the sterilizer to the volume of aluminum oxide is at least 24 mg/cm3.

Abstract: A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for retaining surgical clips, and particularly clips used in surgical ligating procedures that have an asymmetrical profile. The cartridge comprises a base having a base longitudinal axis. A plurality of axially spaced walls extend from the base and are transversely disposed in relation to the base axis. The walls define a plurality of axially spaced compartments therebetween. Each wall has a central wall axis that is generally perpendicular to the base axis. The cartridge further comprises a plurality of clip support members. Each clip support member is disposed within a respective compartment and comprises an asymmetrically shaped cross-section in relation to the central wall axis.

Abstract: A method of packaging one or more products in suspension in a thermoformed shell includes producing a stand-alone subassembly incorporating a support frame, accommodating a stretch film. The film allows one or more products to be suspended, and a lid is positioned over said support frame and bears, by means of its lower surface in a point-like manner on the one or more products centered on said film. The subassembly is positioned on a thermoformed tray accommodating, on its upper face, a closure in the form of a film for purposes of sealing. The invention aims to provide packages obtained according to the method. The applications are diverse and varied and include the packaging of medical prostheses.

Abstract: A small case for protecting a microkeratome blade while allowing inspection and cleaning of the blade cutting edge incorporates adjacent walls which are hinged together to open and close relative to an inserted microkeratome blade. In position, when the case is closed the blade is set in a recess in one of the walls and held in position by an opposing surface on the other wall. Windows encompassing the cutting edge in each of the walls allow visual inspection and cleaning, if desired. When the case is opened, a converging guide groove extending from a side of one wall into the blade unit and to a point behind the cutting edge allows a surgeon to insert and guide a forceps into the blade unit so that it can be gripped and removed without contacting the cutting edge.

Abstract: A sterilization case in which the upper portion of one side of the case functions as a door having a hinge that is positioned horizontally with respect to the height of the case. When the case is closed, the surgical instruments are held securely in position, resting against an internal tray. When the door of the case is opened, the internal tray is raised, thus making the instruments more accessible by elevating them to a position above the top of the open case. The door swings downward to form an angle with the lower portion of the case, acting as a support so that the open case can stand in an upright position. When the door is closed, the internal tray is lowered and the instruments automatically retract into the case. Holes in the front and back covers of the instrument case allow the instruments within the case to be sterilized without removing them from the case.

Abstract: Several embodiments of an implant sleeve are shown for use with implants inserted through a wound into a surgical site. In some embodiments, the sleeve is useful to protect mating implant components from contamination during insertion through the wound. In other embodiments, the sleeve is useful to clean components that have become contaminated during insertion.

Abstract: A guide bushing for a coring reamer having a tapered member with its largest diameter at its first end so that the guide bushing frictionally engages an internal surface of the reamer with a line contact. The guide bushing has a passage sized to slidably receive a guide pin. In use, the bushing advances in the proximal direction within the coring reamer along a guide pin while the excavated bone enters the passageway through the reamer. A storage package specifically designed for the reamer assembly is employed to remove the excavated bone from within the reamer. The package has a closed distal end and an open proximal end closeable with a cap. With the coring reamer received in cantilevered fashion through a central opening of the cap of the tube, and with an adapter that couples the coring reamer to a handpiece installed, a wrench is placed over the adapter and turned while the user grips peripheral surfaces of the cap to prevent rotation of the coring reamer.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed which includes a blister tray and a package for a small device insertable within the blister tray. The blister tray has at least one medical device contained therein. The package includes a pair of end flaps engageable with the medical device such that the medical device, contained within the blister tray, inhibits the removal of the package from the blister tray. A plurality of openings is provided in the package and cooperates with each other to form a receptacle for a medical device, such as a vessel inverter.

Abstract: A sealable sterilising material for packaging medical devices requiring sterilization, has an average burst strength not less than 200 kPa measured according to ISO 2758 standard, an average tear strength not less than 300 mN measured according to the European standard 21974, an average impact strength not less than 0.4 J measured according to the ASTM standard and a bacterial filtering efficiency (BFE) not less than 85%, with a basic weight ranging between 40 and 250 g/m2, preferably between 90 and 250 g/m2, measured according to the ISO 536 standard and includes at least two sterilising packaging sheets (F1) and (F2), one of them at least being sealable directly or after being coated with a sealing product. The sheets are bound irreversibly together by one of their surfaces. The invention also concerns a package made from the material.

Abstract: A packaging device and method can include an inflatable pouch into which a medical device or other bio-hazardous or dangerous device can be contained and eventually shipped. Caps can be provided and placed over sharp parts or other parts of the medical device that may puncture the inflatable pouch or may need added protection. Primary and secondary pouches can also be provided into which the device can be placed before it is sealed into the inflatable pouch. A box, suitcase or other carrying structure can be provided, and the inflatable pouch containing the medical device can be placed into the carrying structure for shipment. In addition, a second inflatable pouch can be provided in an uninflated state such that the receiver of the shipment can return the device in the second inflatable pouch.

Abstract: A package for a drug-coated stent includes a tray adapted to receive a coiled stent delivery system and a pouch adapted to receive the tray and coiled stent delivery system.

Abstract: An integrated package suited to the packaging of medical devices and surgical equipment including devices and equipment used in heart by-pass surgery has a container and a snap-fit lid. The container and the lid have topographies suitable to conform to the medical components in the container and hold them securely. The lid has first and second grooves which engage a projection on the container and permit the lid to be used in a shipping orientation and a disposal orientation.

Abstract: A disposal device for a medical test item such as a blood glucose test strip or a lancet, the device including an outer shell bounding an interior chamber, an opening through the shell in communication with the chamber, and a clip for securing the device to an external structure. Curved or angled panels, or flexible sections of the shell can be provided at or adjacent the opening to resist removal or discharge of contents.

Abstract: The present invention is a catheter assembly with a catheter and a package for a catheter. The package and catheter is provided with a seal restricting passage of fluid between the package and the catheter. The assembly allows the catheter to be used without complete removal from the package. During urination, the assembly prevents urine to flow from the outlet of the catheter and back through the package in a direction towards the user of the catheter. The seal allows the catheter to be dispensed from the package while the sealing is maintained and the assembly thus allows non-contaminated insertion and use of the catheter while the catheter is partly maintained in the package.

Abstract: A sterilization container system for sterilizing instruments provides at least two sterilization enclosures separated vertically by a stacking device. The stacking device allows diffusion between the enclosures and into the enclosures through their upper and lower facing portions.

Abstract: Packaged systems for implanting a marker in a patient and methods for manufacturing and using such systems. In one embodiment, a packaged system comprises an introducer having a cannula and a stylet configured to be received in the cannula, a marker in the cannula, and a package having a sterile compartment. The marker can have a casing configured to be implanted in a patient and a resonating circuit in the casing. The resonating circuit can comprise a coil configured to wirelessly transmit a target signal in response to a wirelessly transmitted excitation signal. The introducer is contained within the sterile compartment. In another embodiment, the marker is not loaded in the introducer within the compartment of the package.

Abstract: A sealed tampon package and continuous process for making the package. Heat seals, preferably hermetic longitudinal and cross seals, are preferably peelable. The tampon is sealed under sufficient negative pressure to snugly retain the tampon in place without crushing or misshaping the tampon, yet without bursting the package under normal external pressures realized during storage. The tampon package will remain sealed during normal wear and tear, yet is easily opened when desired by peeling the seals.

Abstract: The invention relates to a package (1) for a device (2), particularly an implant. The package (1) comprises a protective housing (3) and a device holder (4) arranged to support the device (2). The device holder (4) is connected to the protective housing (3) for movement in relation thereto between a device storage position and a device removal position. The package (1) is further provided with guide means (5) defining a predetermined path (6) for said movement of the device holder (4) in relation to said protective housing (3), said predetermined path (6) being arranged so that the device (2), when supported by the device holder (4), is kept apart from the protective housing (3).

Abstract: A device for in-hospital transportation of flexible medical endoscopes comprises: a re-usable tray having an inner compartment defined by a generally planar base, surrounding walls upstanding therefrom, and peripheral lip-portion(s) provided at least partially around said surrounding walls and extending outwardly therefrom; a single-use, disposable tray-liner having margins to embrace and to detachably-engage at least a major part of said peripheral lip-portion(s) thereof; an open-faced pouch provided centrally of said margins, such that in use said pouch is able to conform itself substantially to the inner compartment of the re-usable tray; and a pouch-closing protective cover which in use is capable of being extended from one edge across an open-face of the pouch supported in the inner compartment and detachably secured so as safely to enclose an endoscope when it is within the pouch within the inner compartment.

Abstract: A protective sleeve for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument is provided. The protective sleeve includes a flexible tube having an opening at each end of the tube and a length to cover a desired portion of the surgical instrument. At one end of the tube may be an elastic band that allows the sleeve to be positioned over the instrument or to be retracted to reveal the instrument for use. Additionally, the tube may also include a second band that may be fixed or movable. The tube also may have a perforation running along the length of the tube to allow for the sleeve to be easily removed from the instrument. A circumferential perforation may also be provided. A method for using the protective sleeve is also provided.

Abstract: A wetting apparatus (110) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (103) comprises a wetting receptacle (101) which defines a wetting fluid receiving area (102) for receiving the hydrophilic urinary catheter and a hydrophilic urinary catheter wetting fluid container (106) having a discharge outlet (126) movable from a closed position to an open position on application of a predetermined condition thereto to enable the wetting fluid to be discharged from the wetting fluid container.

Abstract: A detachable balloon system includes an inflatable balloon with a self-sealing valve. The balloon has an elastomeric membrane and a proximal opening. The self-sealing valve is made up of a valve body for receiving an inflation instrument to inflate the balloon. The valve body is preferably formed of a biocompatible elastomeric material and includes a base portion and a sealing portion. The base portion is bonded to the elastomeric membrane so as to seal the proximal opening of the balloon. The sealing portion is located within the balloon and extends distally from the base into the balloon. The sealing portion is compressibly sealable in response to a pressure within the balloon following inflation of the balloon and removal of the inflation instrument. A balloon dispenser for housing a balloon prior to receipt of an inflation instrument is also described.

Abstract: A surgical instrument holder for positioning of a surgical tool on the holder for sterilization and containment of sharp ends, The holder includes a first end having a first biased flap for containment of a first end of the tool. A second end of the holder includes a second biased flap for containment of a second end of the tool with each biased flap being folded onto the tool when positioned therebetween to limit longitudinal movement of the tool. A retainer clip is positioned between the first end and the second end and is adapted to receive the surgical tool therethrough to limit the lateral movement of the tool. The first biased flap includes a flap extension for positioning against the surgical tool for biasing the tool in a partially open position during sterilization. A method of preparation of a surgical tool for sterilization is also disclosed.

Abstract: The main part of the container is a square shape box, the inside of which is divided crosswise with partition walls, and each stock space has a flap lid to prevent loss of the substance placed inside, and alto to prevent infection. Numbers are applied on top of the flap lid to facilitate counting and distinguishing of each stock space. The material used for parts other than the bottom plate is transparent resin, to visually reconfirm the stored substances in a safe manner. The container is made of uniform molding method enabling affordable manufacturing of the container. With the above means, a safe easy-to-use medical container for counting, keeping, and storing and disposing of used surgical needles, gauze pieces, extracted stones and organ pieces, is provided.

Abstract: A package assembly or kit can be used in conjunction with storing and dispensing adhesive materials. The package assembly can include an enclosure in which an applicator and a container may be positioned. The container contains adhesive material. The enclosure may include a base and a cover. The base preferably includes one or more cavities, with at least one applicator disposed in one of the cavities. Further, the container may be disposed in another of the cavities. The cover may be provided with a plurality of wells. The container may include a restrictor positioned within a neck of the container. The restrictor is provided to limit the volume of adhesive material retained in an absorbent end of an applicator such as a swab. The package assembly can be provided in a sterilized condition.

Abstract: An embolic protection system comprises an embolic protection filter 1 having a collapsed delivery configuration and an expanded deployed configuration. The filter 1 is housed in the collapsed configuration in a reception space of a delivery catheter 20. The delivery catheter 20 containing the filter 1 is housed in a sealed sterile pouch 35. The filter 1 may be coated with a non-thrombogenic coating and an adhesion preventer 9 such as a silicon gel is used to substantially prevent adhesion of adjacent folds of the filter 1 when the filter is in the collapsed configuration in the delivery catheter 20.

Abstract: A set of sterilization bags is provided, each bag being capable of holding a multiplicity of medical instruments, wherein each bag comprises at least two sides affixed together to form a bag with an opening capable of being in an open position to receive medical instruments and a closed position for sterilization, and further wherein at least two bags in the set are differentiated by a feature in at least one side of each bag.

Abstract: A device for holding scalpels or other instruments is provided. The device includes a non-fixed sterile body having at least one instrument mounting station that includes a holding portion for releasably holding the proximal end of a surgical or medical instrument while allowing access to the proximal end for grasping and removal of the instrument from the device by a user.

Abstract: A packaging enclosure for receiving a flexible endoscope during a sterilization procedure and sterile storage thereafter has a portion thereof which is semi-permeable. Provision is made for hanging the packaging enclosure over a hook or peg. In one embodiment the packaging enclosure conforms to the endoscope so that its two flexible portions may hang over opposite sides of the hook. Alternatively, a hook or aperture may be provided on the packaging enclosure for hanging it over the hook.

Abstract: A device for supporting and displaying interrelated medical components, such as cardiopulmonary bypass circuit components. The device includes a rigid or flexible chassis having openings therein for receiving the components. A plurality of retainers, such as straps, hooks, or tabs, are provided adjacent the openings for releasably securing the components therein. The chassis may be formed of a thin, flexible polymer sheet having tabs cut therein and adapted to be bent out of the plane of the sheet for securely retaining the various components. The pre-arrangement of the components in close proximity greatly simplifies the task of setting up a particular medical circuit, and reduces the potential for error. For cardiopulmonary bypass circuits, the support device enables the tubing lengths to be reduced, thus reducing the prime volume of the circuit. The chassis is provided with apertures for mounting on rods in the operating room, which rods may extend from the operating table.

Abstract: A sterilizable package is formed of a first sheet connected to a second sheet. The first sheet forms a first side of the package and a portion of the second side of the package. The second sheet is connected to the first sheet to define an interior chamber of the package. The second sheet forms a portion of the second side of the package. The second sheet has a first edge. A plurality of slots are disposed along the first edge at predetermined spaced apart locations. The first sheet is folded over along a fold line, thereby forming a folded portion. The folded portion is connected to the second sheet. The folded portion forms a portion of the second side of the package. The fold line forms a first edge of the package. The first edge of the second sheet is in the interior of the package between the first side and the folded portion of the first sheet.

Abstract: A sterilization container system comprises a lid. The container system has a wall positionable on a tray. The lid has a large aperture and small attachment apertures. A support is formed with an interior central circular disk. An exterior circular ring is provided. Ribs connect the ring and the disk. The disk has a central aperture. Small attachment apertures are provided for coupling the upper surface of the ring to the lower surface of the wall. A thin plate has a central aperture and a periphery. Also provided is a spring positioned between the disk and the plate. The spring and plate are adapted to expand when heated. A space is created between the plate and the disk whereby medical instruments within the container system will be sterilized. The spring and plate are adapted to contract when cooled. Any space between the plate and the disk will be eliminated.

Abstract: A moisture resistant package for storing and transporting sterile items, such as specimens of human or animal tissue, comprises an inner tray that fits within a moisture resistant outer tray. The inner tray has a cavity for storing the specimen. The specimen is enclosed within the cavity by a non-porous inner lid that is sealed to the inner tray by an adhesive to create a moisture and microbial contaminant resistant environment that prevents moisture uptake into the specimen. The inner tray is enclosed within a complementary shaped cavity of the outer tray by an outer lid sealed to the outer tray to complete the assembly of the package. Thereafter, the package is terminally sterilized (using gas or radiation) so that the inner tray can be introduced into a sterile environment when it is removed from the outer tray.

Abstract: The invention is an easy to open package, in particular a package of the kind comprising two blanks of a sheet material (101) joined along the edges, thereby constituting one or more enclosed compartments (102) e.g. for a medical utensil, such as a urinary catheter. The edge joint comprises at least one peeling zone (18) permitting separation of the two foil walls and at least one foil sheet comprises or defines gripping means to enable a firm grip, such as a tear-open flap (12), a gripping string (499) or a flap with a finger-size hole (11). The package may further comprise means for one-hand opening, e.g. an adhesive element (2299) for bonding the package to exterior objects.

Abstract: Methods and kits for delivering pharmaceutical agents to the adventitia surrounding a blood vessel utilize a catheter having a microneedle. The microneedle is positioned in the perivascular space and delivers an amount of pharmaceutical agent sufficient to circumferentially permeate around the blood vessel and, in many cases, extend longitudinally along the blood vessel and in some cases to the adventitia surrounding other blood vessels.

Abstract: A surgical suture needle counter with the structure of having a needle fixing body made of thin plate formed of continuous projections and hollow parts in a waveform, wherein needles are inserted into the aperture of the projections and dropped into the hollow part to be fixed and held. Side rods protrude in both sides of the base of the hollow parts of the needle fixing body to clarify the precise position for the needle to be dropped when seen from above. The curved form of the hollow part of the needle fixing body is made to match the cross-section form of the needle to enable the inserted needle to fall into the aperture and fit closely onto the tray base. When the lid is open wide and turned to the base of the tray, the inside of the tray is inclined to facilitate easier visual confirmation of the fixed needles.

Abstract: A holder for disposable medical suction tubes, common referred to as Yankauer suction tubes. The holder is adapted with a back panel for attachment to a vertical surface, an in particular, to an equipment column of the type commonly found in medical facilities such as an emergency treatment room. The holder is adapted to receive the sterile packaging of the Yankauer suction tube through a central bore in a supporting bracket affixed perpendicular to the back panel. A base plate secured perpendicular to the back panel below the supporting bracket provides a rest for the sterile packaging and suction tube.

Abstract: An integrated package suited to the packaging of medical devices and surgical equipment including devices and equipment used in heart by-pass surgery has a container and a snap-fit lid. The container and the lid have topographies suitable to conform to the medical components in the container and hold them securely. The lid has first and second grooves which engage a projection on the container and permit the lid to be used in a shipping orientation and a disposal orientation.

Abstract: A pre-packaged inflatable breast implant that has been pre-tested, rolled, and encompassed in its own insertion sheath, complete with handle marked with indices to show how the implant is to be properly oriented in the retro-mammary space, by the manufacturer before being sterilized and shipped to the surgeon. The invention implant/insertion sheath complex is long enough and small enough in diameter to permit introduction of the implant in the retro-mammary space through a small, distant incision (e.g., the umbilicus). Use of the invention implant/insertion sheath complex simplifies the breast augmentation procedure and shortens the time in which the surgeon can perform the breast augmentation procedure.

Abstract: A kit is disclosed which includes a blister tray and a blister card sized and shaped to be inserted within the blister tray. The blister card includes indicia printed thereon relating to the medical device. A main panel and retaining mechanisms for retaining the blister card within the blister tray are provided.

Abstract: A retainer card is disclosed which includes a pair of fold lines, a main section, and a center section. Opening(s) formed in the main section cooperate with opening(s) formed in the center section so as to form at least one receptacle for a surgical or medical device. The main section is deflectable from a relaxed configuration to a flexed configuration when a surgical or medical device is inserted into a corresponding one of the receptacle(s). The retainer card and the surgical or medical device(s) contained therein can be inserted into an outer sterilizable envelope.

Abstract: A sterilization container for sterilizing, storing and transporting medical instruments is provided with a collar-shaped base, a lid, and a removable bottom received within the base. Circumferentially spaced channels are provided on the walls of the base which receive removable inserts which not only secure the bottom against upward movement relative to the base but also provide landings to support insert trays received within the container. The inserts can also be provided with slots that support dividers within the container.

Abstract: The disposable set includes an infusion device having an outflow conduit and a needle. The packager is defined by a single bag made of transparent, flexible, plastic material and having a first compartment enclosing the medicinal fluid, and a second compartment enclosing the infusion device. The two compartments are formed from two sheets of the aforementioned material, heat sealed along the outer edges of the sheets, so as to be sealed with respect to the outside environment, and the compartments are also separated in airtight manner from each other by another seal. The conduit communicates with the first compartment via a chamber formed by a further seal and acting as a drip for visually controlling the infusion treatment.

Abstract: A surgical instrument holder for use in surgery having a holder body (10) able to hold one of a plurality of surgical instruments used together in surgery, such as a diathermy pencil and a separate suction means or two laproscopic instruments or the like, but allow easy removal of the surgical instruments. A holder attachment means (41) supports the holder body (10) and connects adjacent elongated cylinders (11, 13) at or near respective circumferential points on the elongated cylinders (11, 13) along an intersecting line between respective axes of the adjacent elongated cylinders (11, 13). A connection part (48) associated with the holder attachment means (41) enables the surgical instrument holder (10) to be removably mounted on or near a patient so that the surgical instrument holder (10) provides simultaneous access to each of the adjacent elongated cylinders (11, 13) allowing easy removal of the surgical instruments.

Abstract: An enclosure for a medical pumping device generally comprises a front shell, a back shell and a polymeric substrate interposed therewith. The polymeric substrate comprises at least one gasket seat corresponding to the perimetric edge of each shell. In use, various components are securely placed within the plurality of component compartments within the polymeric substrate and thereafter encased within the enclosure between the front shell and back shell. According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the polymeric substrate also serves to form bumpers about the edges of the enclosure when the shells and substrate are assembled together.