Abstract: A package for medical tubes allows a plurality of medical tubes, which are to be used for a surgical procedure such as a catheter surgical operation, to be primed at the same time. The package holds a plurality of medical tubes in a condition in which the medical tubes are individually connected to a branching member.

Abstract: A combination of carrying assembly with analyte-determining device. The analyte-determining device includes housing, a display and at least one user-input mechanism. The carrying assembly is adapted to magnetically attach the analyte-determining device. One of the analyte-determining device and the carrying assembly includes at least one magnet. The other of the analyte-determining device and the carrying assembly includes a magnetic-attracting portion. The at least one magnet is attracted to the at least one magnetic-attracting portion and attaches the analyte-determining device and the carrying assembly with each other.

Abstract: This packaging for sterile products or products intended to be sterilized by a gas, for example a gas of the ETO type, comprises a tub (2) made of plastic and a cover sheet (14) made of selectively impervious material, fixed to the tub (2) so as to seal the latter imperviously. According to the invention, the packaging comprises a screen (20, 22; 24, 26; 26) against electron radiation (E), placed along the cover sheet (14) on the inside of the tub (2) and dimensioned in such a way as to extend above the products (10) to be sterilized and so as to delimit on the cover sheet (14) a peripheral zone (14a) for fixing this cover sheet (14) to the tub (2).

Abstract: The presently disclosed debris collection system includes an elongate body having a first end, a second end, and a bore extending therethrough. The first end of the elongate body is hermetically closed while the second end has an opening. The elongated body is made of an impermeable material. A cap fixed to the elongated body and has a bore extending therethrough. A port, which is attached to the cap, is designed for introducing fluid into the elongated body. A watertight seal, such as a gasket, is attached to the cap. The seal is also made of an impermeable material. In operation, a liquid is introduced into the debris collection system. A surgical tool must then be introduced into the system. Thereafter, a vortex is created within the system to debride debris from the surgical tool.

Abstract: A vial for dispensing a liquid into a syringe is described which comprises a body section for holding the liquid, the body section having a top and a bottom; a port having a removable seal, where the port is adapted for a syringe connection and where the port is interconnected with the body section at a point near the top of the body section by a passageway which for at least a portion of its length extends above the level of the liquid in the body section when the vial is inverted, thereby preventing leakage of the liquid from the body section when the seal of the port is removed. A method of making the vial is also described.

Abstract: A portable medical sharps disposal device and methods are disclosed including a container having an opening for receiving items including medical sharps for disposal. A reversible cap or lid covers the opening of the container in two different orientations, and locks with the container for disposal. The cap or lid may be provided as having a one side for use in an unlocked orientation, with the cap or lid having another side for use in a locked or sealed orientation. Various embodiments are disclosed in which the cover may be flipped over, rotated, or slid with respect to the opening of the container to facilitate the respective unlocked or locked orientations. The device may alternatively be provided with an indicator for showing when the cover is in the unlocked orientation or when the cover is in the locked.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an endoscopic stent delivery device. The device includes an endoscope having an elongate shaft including a proximal end, a distal end, an outer wall and a longitudinal working channel through the elongate shaft defining an inner wall of the elongate shaft; a stent juxtaposingly disposed to a distal portion of the inner wall; and an inner tubular member slidably disposed within the working channel and having a stent holding member engaging an interior portion of the stent for releasably securing the stent to the distal portion of the inner wall. The device may further include a viewing device disposed at the distal end of the endoscope and/or an illuminating device disposed at the distal end of the endoscope.

Abstract: A device provides for safely and hygienically removing and temporarily storing dirty shoe covers, and includes a container which has first and second sides, a top, and a bottom. A handle is provided as a help for a user to balance themselves while using the container. At least one opening is provided in one of the sides, to accept a foot of a user having a shoe and shoe cover. A lower end of the opening includes an internally facing protruding member or peg which is inclined inwardly and downwardly, and is used to pry off a dirty shoe cover which, when removed, then drops down into a trash bag located in the bottom of the container.

Abstract: A single-use scalpel blade remover (1) removes a blade (33) from a tang (32) of a scalpel (30) and captures it, in a single-handed operation. The remover (1) comprises a housing (2) having a detent (16), and an actuator (3) which is operatively juxtaposed with the housing (2) and moveable alongside the housing in a forward direction from a proximal position (whereat an opening is formed between the proximal ends of the actuator and the housing) to a distal position (whereat the detent (16) engages the proximal end of the actuator). The blade remover (1) also includes a cam-operated mechanism (14,23,20) for automatically separating the heel of the blade (33) from the tang (32) as the actuator (3) is moved to the distal position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of treating patients suffering from, or at risk for, intimal hyperplasia and/or arteriosclerosis. The treatment includes administering a pharmaceutical composition that includes carbon monoxide to the patient.

Abstract: A disposal device used for the disposal of hazardous contaminated sharps, such as hypodermic needles, generated from treating patients. The disposal device is compact enough to fit in medical kits and hospital trays and is able to be used at the patient's bedside, thus eliminating the need to recap or transport contaminated sharps to non-bedside sharp disposal devices. The shape of the device provides enough stability to prevent the device from tipping over if bumped.

Abstract: Systems and methods for supporting a replacement heart valve are presented herein. A bioprosthesis may be stored in a storage container by suspending the bioprosthesis from a support structure. The volume of storage solution may be reduced by using a lid with a boss extending therefrom to displace some of the volume of the storage container. The support structure may rest on the base of the storage container. Additionally, there may be a holder attached to the bioprosthesis above the support structure. The holder-bioprosthesis-support structure may be constrained between the lid and base of the storage container.

Abstract: A device and method of providing vascular intervention is provided. The method involves the steps of inserting a guidewire having a flexible tip into an iliac artery and into an aorta, inserting a sheath having an introducer therethrough, the introducer having an angulated flexible tip, into the iliac artery over the guidewire, wherein the angulated tip of the introducer is also inserted into the aorta, and pulling back the guidewire from the introducer so that the angulated flexible tip of the introducer falls over an aortic bifurcation into a contralateral iliac artery. A kit is also provided, the kit having a sheath, an introducer running through the sheath and extending past a distal end of the sheath, and a guidewire running through the sheath and introducer; the guidewire having a flexible tip at a distal end and a stiff portion proximal to the flexible tip.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include a device for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula that includes an integral fistula creation assembly near its distal end that passes through the skin of the patient, through a first vessel such as an artery, and into a second vessel such as a vein. The fistula creation assembly preferably includes an anastomotic implant that is placed within the fistula to maintain long-term blood flow therethrough. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: The system contains a molded plastic reticulated tray composed of a continuous rib that forms a tray rim and a plurality of intersecting ribs defining relatively large openings therebetween. The intersecting ribs are dished and having opposite ends connected to the continuous rib at spaced apart locations therealong. The plurality of intersecting ribs have rounded surfaces so that a fluid sterilant directed at the plurality of intersecting ribs from the outside, upon flowing through said openings, will follow and intimately contact said rounded surfaces to the tray interior so that those surfaces are cleaned thoroughly.

Abstract: A braided device for use with an endoscope having a selectively lockable braided flexible tube. The braided device may have cables disposed along side the braided flexible tube and capable, upon their retraction, of bending the braided device at a region along its length and holding it at a desired orientation. The braided device has a handle for controlling the steering and the locking of the flexible braided tube. A braided hollow member may be attached to an endoscope for providing space for the endoscope while it operates in an internal cavity or for holding tissue samples.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification (RFID) workstation reader for RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays and a method of using a RFID workstation reader to read RFID-enabled surgical instruments and surgical instrument trays is disclosed. The method, apparatus, and system enable individual instruments or a surgical instrument tray containing several surgical instruments to be quickly and efficiently inventoried and tracked. An instrument or instrument tray is placed on the workstation reader. An RF field generated by a plurality of antennae, causes RFID tags embedded in or attached to the instrument or instrument tray to emit a signal containing item specific identification information stored in the tags. The information is received by a control circuit and passed to a computer for data analysis. A status LED is illuminated on the workstation reader based on the results of the data analysis.

Abstract: A surgical trocar and penetrating tip therefor are provided. The tip includes a generally transparent body having proximal and distal ends and an opaque distal tip portion, an integral penetrating edge arranged at a distal end of the body, and inwardly tapered opposed facets formed on the body, converging with one another at the integral penetrating edge.

Abstract: A kit includes a package, and an absorbent article having a topsheet, a backsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet, the absorbent article being disposed in the package in a storage state and removable from the package in an operative state. The kit also may include a supply, such as a diagnostic device, a therapeutic agent, a therapeutic device, or combinations thereof. The supply may be disposed on or in the package in the storage state and detachable from the package in the operative state.

Abstract: The invention relates primarily to the field of packaging sterile articles for use in the medical device field. In an embodiment, the invention includes a package for a repetitive volume sectionally separable medical device. The package can include support material for receiving and retaining a repetitive volume sectionally separable medical device. The support material can have a plurality of sealable portions suitable for sealing after placement of the medical device in contact with the support material. The package can also include indicia placed on said sealable portions of the support material. Other embodiments are included herein.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff may be adapted to seal a patient's trachea when associated with an endotracheal tube. Packaging and transporting of these cuffs while inflated may provide for decreased wrinkles and thereby improved sealing of the trachea. Provided is a package for a medical device with an inflatable region, comprising a substantially non-stretchable region that substantially conforms to the shape of the inflatable region of the medical device when the inflatable region is inflated.

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: 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: Embodiments of the invention include a packaging for a medical kit. The packaging includes a bottom configured to receive a plurality of medical products and a top having at least one protrusion extending therefrom. The bottom and the top are shaped so that the bottom receives the top with the at least one protrusion extending towards the bottom. The at least one protrusion is configured to deform about the plurality of medical products to restrict movement of the plurality of medical products.

Abstract: A method for collecting air-transportable evidence samples from objects and clothing: (a) utilizes a collection tube having open upstream and downstream ends, and at a point between these ends a constriction in the cross-sectional area of the tube, (b) utilizes an applicator stick having proximate and distal ends, the length of this stick being less than the length of the collection tube between its constriction and downstream end, and the distal end of this stick having an air permeable tip, (c) places the proximate end of the applicator stick in the upstream end of tube, (d) orients the stick so that its tip is proximate the tube constriction, and (e) imposes a suction force on the downstream end of the tube so that any air-transportable evidence sample proximate the upstream end of the collection tube is sucked into the tube and becomes lodged on the stick's tip.

Abstract: A sterile, compact packaging is provided to present components in order of preferred or required use in a medical procedure. Pockets are arranged along one or more endsections of the packaging, and an absorbent material is at least partially adhered to the moisture proof sheet at a workspace thereon. Components are placed in the pockets in order of use, and the packaging is folded up. The folded packaging is sealed in a gas-permeable pouch, which maintains the components in a sterile condition until use. In use, the packaging is unfolded to expose the medical components.

Abstract: A method of treating an instrument after contamination of one of its surfaces includes the steps of placing the instrument into a container, covering the surface with a foam, maintaining the foam on the surface to keep the surface moist, after the foam has reduced in volume, reconstituting the foam. The foam keeps the instrument moist so that a subsequent cleaning will not be made more difficult by the contamination drying onto the surface.

Abstract: The present invention is a packaged system that includes a housing to protect a treatment device mounted on a distal portion of a catheter. The housing holds the device suspended such that there is little or no contact between the housing and the device, protecting the device from physical damage and also from exchange of chemical components between the device and the packaging materials, which can occur when a device remains in contact with packaging materials over an extended period of time. A port in the housing allows a controlled environment, for example a vacuum, to be maintained within the housing. A hollow stylet inserted into the distal end of the catheter before the catheter is placed in the housing precludes compression of the catheter and provides an injection port through which the catheter may be flushed with a fluid prior to use, eliminating the need for a separate flushing cannula.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device comprising: a packaging box for the flexible material part, dimensioned to hold said part flat; folding means for folding said part without direct handling; and a reception tube for receiving said folded flexible material part. The invention is characterized in that the reception tube is not longitudinally slit, and the folding means comprise; a traction suture connected to the flexible material part, which passes through the tube, and, walls forming a funnel whereof the base emerges proximate to the opening of the tube through which the flexible material part is designed to be inserted into said tube, said funnel being designed, when a traction is exerted on the traction suture, to gradually fold down the zones of the part located laterally relative to the tube towards the zone of the part located opposite the opening of said tube, to enable the part to be inserted into the tube.

Abstract: A handle-sheath may be molded for of a flexible material and may be shaped and dimensioned so as to be stretched over a conventional handle, thereby permitting the sheath to be conveniently removed and replaced. An internal flushing mechanism is preferably provided for sanitizing the interior of the sheath without requiring the sheath to be removed from the handle. The handle sheath may be molded from a tear-resistant, soft touch, elastic polymer such as thermoplastic elastomer (otherwise known as “TPE”). The interior may be provided with inwardly facing support studs and/or channel walls which define a plurality of individual-contact areas between the sheath and the handle, each of which providing a respective localized intimate contact area for frictionally securing the sheath to the handle, and at the same time defining channels which facilitate the maintenance of a sanitary condition between the handle sheath and the underlying structure, as will be described in more detail hereinafter.

Abstract: The present invention relates to kits including compounds that may be used as a carbon monoxide source and optionally as a reducing agent in the preparation of transition metal carbonyl complexes.

Abstract: A multilayer web article, including a first layer of a porous material, e.g., Tyvek® film, and a second layer overlying and sealed to the first layer. The second layer is non-porous to passage of gas therethrough and includes a peelable film, e.g., of polyethylene, in contact with the first layer of porous material. The peelable film permits peeling removal of the second layer from the first layer to expose the first layer of porous material for passage of gas therethrough. In a specific construction, the web article constitutes one of opposedly facing panels of a lay-flat bag article, in which the facing panels are bonded to one another along superposed edges thereof. After pressurization integrity testing of the bag, the peelable film is peeled away to enable steam - and/or ETO-sterilization of the bag and its contents to be carried out.

Abstract: The invention relates to a serialization set, in particular for surgical instruments or appliances, consisting of a container and an electronic apparatus (17) for recording at least one serialization parameter. The container includes a valve (11) arranged opposite a wall (7) of said container capable of allowing a sterilizing agent to penetrate, said valve being stressed towards a closed position by elastic means (29) and comprising catching members (15) capable of extending through the wall (7) when a force is exerted on said valve (11) countering the action of the elastic means (29). The electronic apparatus (17), designed to be attached to the container wall (7), comprises means for locking (19, 21) the catching members (15) of the valve (11) and automatic disengaging means (25) for producing the release of these catching members, once the serialization parameters are fulfilled.

Abstract: A package for a sterile reamer. The package has an outer foldable package and an inner foam retainer. A sterile surgical instrument in a sealed pouch is contained in the retainer. The package provides economical, protective and space efficient containment for heavy surgical instruments.

Abstract: The present invention provides an endoscope comprising an elongated insert portion having flexibility, the insert portion being inserted into a space targeted for inspection, a connector portion linked with a proximal end side of the insert portion and having a unit which controls flexible bending and image acquisition of the insert portion mounted thereon, an apparatus main body which controls the connector portion, and an endoscope housing case which houses the insert portion and connector portion and the apparatus main body therein, the endoscope apparatus having an insert portion housing member in which the endoscope main body having the connector portion and apparatus main body assembled with each other is attachable to/detachable from the endoscope housing case, and which is attachable to/detachable from the endoscope main body while the insert portion is held.

Abstract: A pain management kit for the administration of medication and a related method of use is disclosed. The pain management kit includes the primary medical supplies for performing a continuous nerve block procedure, preferably in a single, sterile container. Specifically, the kit may contain medical supplies to create a sterile field, perform a local anesthetic procedure and to perform a continuous nerve block procedure. Preferably, the contents of the kit are arranged in the general order of their use.

Abstract: A portable kit (20) in which is conveniently retained the materials required for a user to pulmonarily delivery inhaleable medication. The kit (20) includes a carrying case (22) in which a plurality of individual doses (5) of an inhaleable medication are removably mounted. An inhaler (40) is also mountable in the case (22), and when removed from the case (22) is operable to pulmonarily administer one of the medication doses (57) loaded by a user into the inhaler (40). A dosing guidance system (70) is also provided within the case (22) in registry with the plurality of individual doses (57) of medication, which dosing guidance system (70) provides a quick, visual reminder to assist the user in taking doses as prescribed by her physician.

Abstract: The grooved angled tray for ring-handled surgical instruments includes a horizontal top, a horizontal base that is disposed parallel to the horizontal top, a front wall, a rear wall, and a set of parallel sidewalls. The front wall is inclined and slopes outward from the top. The horizontal top and the front wall are adapted to hold and isolate a variety of ring-handled instruments. The horizontal top is provided with a series of grooves that receive the ring handles of the ring-handled instruments. The front wall has an inclined ramp that allows lower portions of the ring-handled instruments to rest. In another embodiment, the horizontal top and front wall are together provided with a series of grooves that receive the ring handles and the lower portions of the ring-handled instruments.

Abstract: A storage container (1) for a suspension used for medical purposes, in particular for ultrasonically assisted treatment of periodontitis, dental cleaning or dental preparation, comprises a flexible pouch (2), the interior of which is accessible via a charging and discharging nozzle (5). Situated in the interior of the pouch (2) is a distance element (6), in which a groove system (8, 9, 10) is incorporated. The groove system communicates with the interior of the charging and discharging nozzle (5). When the pouch (2) of said storage container (1) is pressed flat during removal of the suspension it contains, the opposing sides (3, 4) of the pouch (3) are applied during the final phase of emptying against the distance element (6). The groove system (8, 9, 10) contained in the latter however remains clear and forms a path, via which even the last residues of the suspension may be reliably removed from the pouch (2).

Abstract: A protector for use with an anesthesia machine and anesthesia instruments. The protector includes a container member having a cavity for holding an anesthesia instrument and having an open mouth for allowing ingress and egress into the cavity; and securing structure for securing the container member to the anesthesia machine.

Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose device for the safe handling of sharp surgical implements and comprises a molded thermoplastic body that includes a container portion and a scalpel holder section. Magnetic material in the container holds scalpel blades and/or needles after use and magnetic material on the holder section presents a needle for pick-up by a needle holder. The scalpel holder section supports a scalpel or scalpels in cantilever fashion for convenient gripping and withdrawal by a surgeon. The body has a shape and surface characteristics that assures a secure hand grip even in wet conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container (10) for medical instruments, packaging system and method for use by a medical provider in connection with a medical procedure such as surgery. The container includes a first container portion (12) adapted to contain medical instruments and a second container portion (14) configured to attach to the first container portion, with fasteners (16, 18, 20, 22) attached between the first and second container portions which are associated with reminder indicia (e.g., 17A, 19B, 21A, 23B). Among other things, the container is designed to ensure the provision of an appropriate medical procedure on the proper patient at the proper site.

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 continuous web of breather pouches separated by detachment lines and automated method of packaging medical devices using such a continuous web.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for supporting medical instruments and the like. The assembly includes a support member formed with lines of vent holes, the vent holes in each line being spaced apart a selected distance. The bracket includes a base strip having a plurality of feet extending down for the base strip, the feet having footprints larger than those of the vent holes and being spaced apart along the base strip a distance substantially equal to an intregal multiple of the selected distance. This allows the bracket to be aligned with a line of vent holes in the support member so that its feet overlie selected ones of the vent holes in that line. A plurality of anchors is provided for anchoring the plurality of feet to the support member at the selected vent holes so that any segment of the base strip between the feet is spaced above the support member so as not to obstruct any underlying vent holes in the support member.

Abstract: A child resistant container for stick applicators is described that is directed to keeping children out of the container prior to use, and to secure the container and its contents after use. In one embodiment, the container includes a combination cap and plug. The plug has a first and a second position relative to the cap, and the cap is not removable when the plug is in its first position and pulled, and is removable when the plug is in its second position and pulled. In another embodiment, a plug cap cannot be removed from the container unless a bottom cap is rotated to a go radial position and pushed in. When it is pushed into the tube container, the applicator functions as a push rod to open the top cap. The used applicator may be reinserted in an altered orientation, e.g., shortened or turned upside down and inserted, with the bottom cap pushed in, and the top cap reinserted into the top, access to the used applicator is inhibited.

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: Featured is a package or carrier for releasably holding any of a number of medical devices including a rigid member that is interconnected to a flexible member such as suture-needle combinations. The package includes a support unit having a long axis, which support unit is configured so as to include a handle/cover member, a face cover member, a stationary panel, a plurality of folding panels, and a plurality (i.e., two or more) of securing members that releasably secure or retain portions of the medical device and/or portions of the interconnected flexible member to the package. The handle/cover member is foldable in either of two positions. In the first position a part of the handle/cover member covers a portion of the stationary panel that is not covered by the face cover member. In the second position, this portion of the stationary panel becomes uncovered to expose the medical devices that are secured therein and.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a tool holder convertible between storage and display configurations and a method of manufacture therefor. In one embodiment, the tool holder includes a flexible wrapper including first and second parallel major and minor edges and a fold line located between the first and second major edges. The first minor edge includes a first notch proximate a corner thereof. The tool holder also includes a first fastener including first and second portions located proximate the first and second minor edges, respectively, that is alignable in opposition to allow a coupling of the first and second minor edges.

Abstract: A container (11) is disclosed for holding a sharp instrument during surgical procedures, the sharp instrument having a handle portion and a cutting portion, the container having an instrument recess (15) adapted to receive at least the cutting portion of the sharp instrument, and guide means (20, 21) for guiding a sharp instrument placed in the container to the instrument recess; the arrangement being such that a sharp instrument received within the instrument recess is positioned therein such that the cutting portion thereof is not directed towards the opening of the instrument recess whereby a user's fingers are substantially prevented from contacting the cutting portion.