Abstract: A flow-through rack assembly (14) includes porous hangers (44) which support items to be decontaminated within a decontamination chamber (12). A plurality of nozzles (16) spray a decontaminant fluid, such as peracetic acid, over the items. The rack assembly includes tubes (42) which convey a portion of the decontaminant fluid under pressure to internal channels (52) of the porous hangers. The fluid permeates the hanger surface, flowing over regions of the items which are in contact with the hangers. The rack assembly ensures decontamination of those regions which may be otherwise inaccessible to fluid sprayed from the nozzles.

Abstract: A controlled medicament security enclosure system that houses liquid filled reservoirs which consists of a portable enclosure (20) formed with a top half (22) and a bottom half (24) that permanently snap together to form a secure inseparable repository for the reservoirs. Inside the enclosure is at least one glass vial (36) for storing the liquid medicament with each vial having a sliding piston stopper (42) within that seals the inside of the vial and slides to maintain the liquid air free regardless of the volume. An adapter socket (48) is removably attached to the stopper and includes a hollow needle that pierces the stopper and permits a flowpath for the liquid. A flexible outlet tube (62) along with connectors on each end transmit the medicament to a mechanical drug delivery system that has a peristaltic pump and a control module.

Abstract: A package is provided for a medical device that a spring-driven button-actuated safety shield. The package includes a tray with a bottom wall and sidewall enclosure that extends upwardly from the bottom wall a distance greater than the height or thickness of the medical device. A flange extends outwardly from edges of the sidewall enclosure opposite the bottom wall. At least two gripping towers are formed unitarily with the bottom wall and project upwardly a distance greater than the thickness or height of the medical implement. Gripping towers are spaced from one another and are configured to grippingly engage the medical implement on opposite respective sides of the actuating button for preventing inadvertent actuation of the safety shield while the medical implement is in the tray. A cover extends removably across the flange and is supported by the gripping towers.

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 method of preparing a sterilized nonwoven web, which method includes providing a nonwoven web; coating the nonwoven web with from about 0.005 to about 3 percent by weight, based on the weight of the web, of an antistatic agent; and exposing the coated nonwoven web to an oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent is adapted to be free of a malodor after exposure of the coated nonwoven web to the oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent may be further adapted to provide a sterilized nonwoven web having a hydrohead value as measured by Method 5514 of Federal Test Method Standard No. 191A which is at least 50 percent of the hydrohead value of the coated nonwoven web before exposure to the oxidizing gas plasma. The antistatic agent also may be adapted to provide a sterilized nonwoven web having a surface resistivity in ohms which is lower than the surface resistivity in ohms of the coated nonwoven web before exposure of the coated nonwoven web to the oxidizing gas plasma.

Abstract: A sterilization cassette and a sterilization method for sterilizing, storing, and dispensing dental instruments. The sterilization cassette includes a mounting bar and a locking bar for dental pliers of various types, a removable instrument tray, and a case with a front side which opens and hinges in two places, allowing the cassette to be arranged in horizontal and vertical configurations.

Abstract: A medical container for holding a medical instrument. The container includes a cover, a base, and a flexible hinge. Portions of the base and cover form a holding portion and a locking portion. The holding portion includes two different holding cavities to hold different shaped medical instruments. The container arrangement allows the medical instrument to be removed during an operation or procedure, and returned to the container after it has been used. This protects the medical instrument from the environment while it is staged during the operation.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container for storage, dispensation, transport and disposal of a medical device such a disposable ultrasonic surgical probe, that allows its dispensation for use, and for its safe storage and disposal after use, thereby protecting the user from the hazards of needle pricks and possible contamination from small-diameter probes. The container of the present invention also provides a mechanism for restricting access to the probe to prevent its reuse, and a method for its safe attachment to and detachment from an ultrasonic medical device. The container comprises a cylindrical tube having two ends and an inner surface defining a space for containing the probe.

Abstract: A glucose sensor package system that includes a glucose sensor and a protective package that indicates exposure to temperature changes to indicate proper temperature control. Also covered are methods of transporting and sterilizing the package. In addition, glucose sensors directed to various sizing and positioning of the electrodes on the glucose sensor are covered.

Abstract: A package for a tip, such as a replaceable tip for a bipolar electrosurgical device, is used for insertion of the tip onto and removal of the tip from the end of a device handle, without requiring any direct contact between the user's hand and the tip. The package includes a housing having a tip cavity shaped to receive the tip and an opening through which the end of the handle is insertable for removable attachment to the tip. A releasable locking mechanism, which is releasable in response to the end of the handle being disposed in the opening for removable attachment to the tip, retains the tip in the tip cavity. The package may be made from a single piece of molded material, such as a clear plastic. The package may also be used with monopolar, diathermized and non-bipolar tips, as well as other sharp tips such as cannulae, pics and blades, that are attachable to the end of a handle.

Abstract: A guidewire holder is provided that stores a coiled guidewire substantially immersed in a storage fluid and allows for a facilitated retrieval of the guidewire. The guidewire holder is generally configured as a shallow pan in a circular shape with an outer periphery to retain the coiled guidewire. The outer periphery includes a concave inner wall and a set of ribs that generally retain the coiled guidewire on the outer periphery. An access area is provided to suspend a portion of the guidewire away from the outer periphery to enable a medical practitioner to reach into the guidewire holder and grasp a portion of the guidewire in order to easily extract the coiled guidewire from the holder. An inner periphery reduces the amount of storage fluid needed to immerse the guidewire and is used in combination with the outer periphery to provide a location for comfortably holding the guidewire holder. Multiple holders may be coupled together so as to be stacked on top of each other.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container is then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. Items which require “stat” sterilization can be placed in a basket (80) with a plurality of vent holes (83) which further limits the amount, and therefore the whole mass, of the instruments placed into the container for sterilization and significantly decreases the time required for sterilization. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a container for storage, dispensation, transport and disposal of a medical device such a disposable ultrasonic surgical probe, that allows its dispensation for use, and for its safe storage and disposal after use, thereby protecting the user from the hazards of needle pricks and possible contamination from small-diameter probes. The container of the present invention also provides a mechanism for restricting access to the probe to prevent its reuse, and a method for its safe attachment to and detachment from an ultrasonic medical device. The container comprises a cylindrical tube having two ends and an inner surface defining a space for containing the probe.

Abstract: A sterilizable bracket (10) for supporting medical instruments (22) includes a resilient body (12) that surrounds and encapsulates a relatively rigid metal skeleton (14) which is attached to a plurality of studs (16) which secure the bracket (10) to a sterilizable tray (18). instruments (22) are received in indentations (24) in the resilient body (12). Each indentation (24) includes a plurality of ribs or fingers (28) which permit sterilizing steam to flow around the instruments (22). The resilient body (12) comprises a silicone material which encapsulates the skeleton backbone (14) which, in turn, gives the bracket (10) strength and flexibility. Threaded studs (16) having a slot (46) at one end and threads (50) at the other are employed to attach the bracket (10) to the sterilizable tray (18). The slot (46) in the head (44) of each of the studs (16) receives the metal skeleton backbone (14).

Abstract: A package for a tip, such as a replaceable tip for a bipolar electrosurgical device, is used for insertion of the tip onto and removal of the tip from the end of a device handle, without requiring any direct contact between the user's hand and the tip. The package includes a housing having a tip cavity shaped to receive the tip and an opening through which the end of the handle is insertable for removable attachment to the tip. A releasable locking mechanism, which is releasable in response to the end of the handle being disposed in the opening for removable attachment to the tip, retains the tip in the tip cavity. The package may be made from a single piece of molded material, such as a clear plastic. The package may also be used with monopolar, diathermized and non-bipolar tips, as well as other sharp tips such as cannulae, pics and blades, that are attachable to the end of a handle.

Abstract: A sterilizable, surgical instrument tray that can deliver, in an instant nearly, 100 ringed surgical instruments held and displayed in a perpendicular fashion in a space and manner similar to that used by surgical scrub nurses on their operating room back tables, as well as hold and display with easy access, a number of forceps, knife handles and retractors. A surgical instrument tray, capable of retaining all the general/major/trauma instruments and arranging these instruments in such a way that said tray may be placed in the operating room in sterile manner, being ready for operational usage. Due to the design and construction of the tray, with recessed sections of applicable shape and size to accommodate certain instruments, upon extraction of the instruments from the tray, the instruments are in ready position to be relayed to the person performing the operation, with no further manipulation of the instruments.

Abstract: A sterile sheath and applicator apparatus for use with a surgical instrument, includes a flexible sheath member defining a longitudinal bore at least extending through the proximal end thereof dimensioned for reception of an elongated portion of a surgical instrument and an applicator mounted adjacent the proximal end of the sheath member for facilitating positioning of the sheath member about the elongated portion of the surgical instrument. The applicator includes a hollow tube portion defining an axial bore therethrough and a handle operatively connected to the tube portion. The tube portion is sufficient in length to support the sheath member in a folded condition thereof with a major portion of the length of the sheath member disposed about the tubular portion.

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 nail polish removal system (310) broadly comprises a hollow applicator handle (316) having an applicator end (318) with an absorbent material (320) attached thereto. The handle (316) has an opening (326) at the applicator end (318). The handle (316) contains a breakable capsule (328). Adjacent to the breakable capsule (328) and opposite to the opening (326), the handle (316) has a seal (330). The breakable capsule (328) is filled with up to one ounce of the nail polish removal solution. The breakable capsule (328) is broken releasing the nail polish removal solution. The released nail polish removal solution saturates the absorbent material (320) by flowing through the opening (326). The nail polish removal solution is prevented from escaping the handle (316), other than through the opening (326), by the seal (330). The nail polish removal system (310) is used and discarded.

Abstract: A swab dispenser comprising a bin adapted to store swabs, a fluid reservoir, and optionally, a cover. The bin may be compartmentalized. The reservoir ceiling has a depression in its outer surface, an aperture at the low point of the depression, and is optionally removable for cleaning and filling. A membrane covers the aperture. The membrane has an opening that is at least two intersecting slits or a circular hole that allows a swab to be inserted into the reservoir by temporarily deforming the membrane. Preferably, the floor of the reservoir is concave with the low point directly below the aperture. Alternatively, the bin and reservoir are separable so one may be replaced without having to discard the other.

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: Cases are provided for carrying medication delivery devices such as auto-injectors, syringes or vials. The cases include a cradling structure to protect the medication delivery device from jostling and impact encountered during transport.

Abstract: A sterilization system for dental and orthodontic tools is provided with a transport rack dimensionally sized to hold a plurality interchangeable cassettes. The interchangeable cassettes are designed and intended to hold kits of dental or orthodontic tools and are provided with top opening, double-hinged covers which lay flat on the surface when opened and used at a dental workstation.

Abstract: A glucose sensor package system that includes a glucose sensor and a protective package that indicates exposure to temperature changes to indicate proper temperature control. Also covered are methods of transporting and sterilizing the package. In addition, glucose sensors directed to various sizing and positioning of the electrodes on the glucose sensor are covered.

Abstract: A prefabricated medical implant made of polymeric material having increased wear resistance without substantially changing its ductility and other physical properties is described. The implant is formed by a method including the steps of heating a sealed, packaged, prefabricated implant, having a reduced oxygen atmosphere, to an elevated temperature below its annealing point at a predetermined rate and held at that temperature for a predetermined time. After this time the packaged implant, while being maintained in a predetermined temperature range, is irradiated with a predetermined amount of gamma radiation. After irradiation, the implant is permitted to cool at a predetermined rate. Thermal conductive and thermal insulation containers are also provided for holding the packaged implants during the process.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel process of creating an admixture of liquefied aspirin or other heart attack medication and administering said admixture to the buccal mucosa of the cheek pouch (mouth), and or the nasal passages of heart attack victims.

Abstract: A medical packaging substrate formed from a cellulosic pulp and/or synthetic fibers and a binder material is provided by the present invention. The substrate is usable to form medical packages for surgical instruments, medical devices, and medical appliances. The fabric is gas-pervious so that gas sterilization techniques may be used to sterilize the contents of any package made from the material. The substrate is manufactured using a latex deposition process wherein the binder material is applied prior to or during formation of the web.

Abstract: A sterilization container includes a base defining a volume for receiving medical instruments and a lid engaging the base and closing the top thereof. A latching mechanism mounted on the lid includes latching rods slidably mounted on the lid for engagement with apertures on the base to thereby secure the lid to the base. A camming member is rotatably mounted on the lid and includes slots engaged with the latching rods so that upon manual rotation of the camming plate in one direction the latching rods are moved into the apertures and upon rotation of the camming plate in the opposite direction, the latching rods are withdrawn from the apertures.

Abstract: A packaging system includes a packaging container, an absorbent pad, a protective wrap, an insulator, and a shipping container. The packaging container includes a vessel and a lid which attach securely together through a plurality of locking tabs and tab receptacles to form an air tight seal. The protective wrap surrounds the medical substance during shipment and limits the movement of the medical substance within the vessel. The medical substance is stored inside the vessel on the absorbent pad, the vessel is positioned within the insulator, and the insulator is placed within the shipping container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to pharmaceutical treatment kits and to methods for administering a pharmaceutical active.

Abstract: The present invention includes a peel-away protective cover to help prevent contamination of a connector prior to insertion into a radiation source delivery device. The protective cover comprises a top sheet and a bottom sheet that are sealed together to create a protective pouch within which a connector may be positioned. The top sheet and bottom sheet may be peeled away in a proximal to distal direction in order to expose the connector for insertion into a radiation source delivery device. The proximal to distal peel-away directs any contaminants present on the protective cover away from the exposed connector. In one embodiment, the protective cover may be completely peeled away from the connector. In another embodiment, the protective cover may be partially peeled away so that the separated top and bottom sheets shield the connection to the radiation source delivery device.

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: 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 method and an apparatus for sterilizing a lumen device. A lumen and a container having an interface on a wall of the container are enclosed in a chamber. The lumen is placed across the interface so that one end of the lumen is in the container and the other end is in the chamber. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two ends of the lumen, so that the germicide flows through the lumen. The lumen may alternatively be placed across an interface which separates the chamber into two areas. Germicide is introduced into the chamber, and a pressure difference is created between the two areas of the chamber, causing the germicide to flow through the lumen.

Abstract: The present invention is a device where a needle cap rim is captured between a front wall and abutment means behind it. This is done by making aligned slots in the front wall and abutment means with side to side widths greater than the diameter of the needle cap body (without ridges) but less than the outside diameter of the needle cap rim. However, the rim of the needle hub is located outside the front wall slot, where the intervening needle hub rim to needle shaft part of the needle hub passes through the front wall slot and into the needle cap for friction fit contact.

Abstract: A film-made sheath is formed of a transparent film and a shrinkable film. These transparent and shrinkable films are in a contiguous relation and are adhered or fusion-bonded at edges thereof into sheath-shaped configurations. The transparent and shrinkable films may be dimensioned such that the sheath can accommodate therein a mouth insert portion of an intraoral camera. The mouth insert portion of the intraoral camera can be covered with the film-made sheath by inserting the mouth insert portion into the sheath such that a light-receiving portion of the intraoral camera is located on a side of the transparent film, and then heating the shrinkable film.

Abstract: A transport package for containing sample tubes and similar materials prone to leakage comprises a rigid, crush resistant tube e.g. wound from cardboard and having an integrally formed super-absorbent lining, the ends of the tube being closed by end caps. The transport package may be placed into a protective envelope comprising a closely fitting pouch for the package and a further pouch for accompanying documentation. Several such packages or packages in envelopes may be placed in a tertiary container comprising a tube forming a main body of the tertiary container. This tube may be divided into two sections, held together by a shrink fit band or outer covering. One end of the tube is formed with a permanent closure and the other end is closable by a lid having an inner rim with a lip that engages between the two sections of the tube.

Abstract: This disposal unit comprises a means for applying a dissolvent to medical sharps, thereby converting the hazardous and possibly contaminated sharps into metallic ions existing in solution within the dissolvent. The dissolvent is absorbed in a perforatable pad and the sharp is plunged into the pad to effect its disposal. After the sharp has been dissolved, the syringe or handle for the sharp falls into an antiseptic solution and is disinfected. After disinfectation, a net facilitates removal of the residual plastic parts for recycling.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a swab storage unit, that has an automatic swab extraction and retention structure and a methods of extracting a swab and manufacturing the unit. In one embodiment, the unit includes: (1) a container adapted to receive at least one swab having a fiber-tipped head and maintain the head proximate an opening thereof and (2) a cap, adapted to mate with and cover the opening, that has barbs coupled thereto to engage fibers of the fiber-tipped head and exert an extraction force to withdraw the swab from within the container as the cap is separated therefrom.

Abstract: A catamenial device having a portion which faces and/or contacts the garment worn by the user wherein the catamenial device is colored to match the color of the garment worn directly over the device by the user of the device.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biological sample collection kit which can be utilized to collect samples of biological origin for use in any recovery and identification method.

Abstract: A luer connector which facilitates connection of a hypodermic syringe to the vial, comprising a luer connectable to a syringe and which extends to a sharpened end capable of being driven through a puncturable vial closure to thereby puncture the closure; a luer support, mountable on a vial, and which initially supports the luer in a first position in which the sharpened end of the conduit is pointed toward the closure; a luer driver such that movement of the driver relative to the support causes the luer to be driven so that the sharpened end punctures the closure and enters the vial.

Abstract: A suture holder allows a scrub nurse to “load” (i.e., retrieve a suture needle and thread onto a surgical needle driver) with one hand during a surgical operation. The suture holder is made of spring loops arranged on a supporting base to hold suture packets. Leaf springs can also be employed on a suture holder to hold and secure suture packets during surgery.

Abstract: A packaging container for a heart valve includes a container having a first inner barrier member and a second inner barrier member. A support shelf is mounted in the first inner barrier member of the container. A heart valve has a first side and a second side, first side being engaged with the support shelf. An insert member is engaged with the second side of the heart valve and is engaged with the second inner barrier member the packaging container is mounted within an outer barrier container.

Abstract: A swab dispenser comprising a bin adapted to store swabs, a fluid reservoir, and optionally, a cover. The bin may be compartmentalized. The reservoir ceiling has a depression in its outer surface and an aperture at the low point of the depression. A membrane covers the aperture. The membrane has at least two intersecting slits that allows a swab to be inserted into the reservoir by temporarily deforming the membrane. Preferably, the slits extend completely across the aperture. Preferably, the floor of the reservoir is concave with the low point directly below the aperture.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a biological sample collection kit which can be utilized to collect samples of biological origin for use in any recovery and identification method. The biological sample collection kit comprises a sterile device for collecting a sample, a collection and dispersing device for depositing and holding the sample, a device for transferring the sample, and a container for storing the sample to be tested. There may also be a labeling system for identifying the sample and for diluting the sample. The biological sample collection kit preferably contains an outer bag which holds, in a sterile environment, all of the items used in the testing procedures. Additionally, a container of collection fluid is preferably included in the sample collection kit.

Abstract: An assembly for stowing and laundering trach ties is provided with a semi-rigid trach tie carrier and with a compliant laundry bag element that is attached, inverted and "inside-out", to the trach tie carrier and that envelops the trach tie carrier when manipulated to an "outside-out" condition.

Abstract: A tissue valve holder for holding a tissue heart valve bioprosthesis such that the tissue valve may be supported without contacting any surface, regardless of whether or not the valve is in a container. The tissue valve holder includes a holder assembly adapted to be secured to the tissue valve. The holder assembly may include a holder body and a removable disk. The holder assembly and the tissue valve secured thereto rest on a support structure. The support structure may comprise a support surface and a plurality of support legs. The support surface, in turn, may comprise an annular ring with the support legs connected thereto. The holder assembly rests on the support surface with the tissue valve suspended in the center of the ring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of administering a percutaneous access catheter directly into the jejunum of a patient. The apparatus including a wire having a proximal and distal end. The distal end of the wire includes a probe and the proximal end includes a bend. The needle is provided within a sheath which movably surrounds the wire such that the probe is emergent from the sheath. The method including the steps of administering the sheath and wire of the present invention such that the wire enters the mouth of the patient, passes through the esophagus and extends into the jejunum of the patient, moving the wire to expose the probe beyond the sheath, piercing the wire through the jejunal wall and through the abdominal wall. The method further including attaching a percutaneous access tube to the proximal end of the wire and pulling the wire from its distal end, thereby pulling the tube such that it extends from inside the jejunum to outside the patient's abdominal wall.

Abstract: A storage container for autoclaving and storage of a medical instrument cassette includes a tray portion and a lid assembly which are securely closed together by means of a pair of spring-biased end latches. The lid assembly includes a lid gasket which is compressed by an outer lip of the tray portion and further includes a pair of low profile filter assemblies. Each filter assembly includes a retainer plate with an assembled edge seal, a paper filter, and a cover plate. The stack of these components creates a low profile design whose overall thickness in a direction normal to the surface of the lid is less than 3/8 of an inch. The cover plate is easily attached and removed for replacing the paper filter by means of keyhole-shaped apertures in the cover plate and lock studs assembled to the lid assembly which fit within the keyhole-shaped apertures. The two latch assemblies provide a visual indication as to whether the lid assembly is securely sealed onto the tray portion or is open.