Abstract: Assemblies, kits and methods are provided for catheter assemblies that include a coupling member with first and second access ports to which first and second intrabody members are coupled. The coupling member defines an internal chamber which is in communication with lumens of the first and second intrabody members. In an implantation orientation each of the first and second intrabody members is in a straightened configuration relative to the coupling member and in an implanted orientation each of the first and second intrabody members is in a contracted configuration relative to the coupling member.

Abstract: A method for providing a catheter assembly with a protective sleeve for a stent delivery system wherein the protective sleeve has a removable portion that is removed from about the stent before the system is inserted into a patient, and the protective sleeve made thereby.

Abstract: This invention proposes a urinary catheter set with a urinary catheter disposed in a sterile package, which urinary catheter has a catheter shaft, a catheter tip and a preferably funnel-shaped end on the collecting pouch end, with a cuff being disposed in the package, which cuff encloses the catheter shaft. The cuff is preferably disposed so as to be movable along the length of the catheter shaft.

Abstract: An access tube has a central passage and at least one lumen extending axially between the central passage and an outside wall of the access tube. The lumen carries therein a piercing member for accessing an anatomic space, such as a pericardial space between the parietal pericardia and the visceral pericardia. While the access tube is positioned against the parietal pericardium, a distal end of the piercing member engages and penetrates the parietal pericardium. The distal end of the piercing member entering the anatomic space can then allow the piercing member to advance and form into a supporting structure to create a working space. After the working space is created, an access device can be introduced through the access tube into the pericardial space to perform a variety of procedures inside a patient.

Abstract: A quality control system for measuring parameters in a pharmaceutical product includes a receiver vessel to receive a pharmaceutical product therein. The quality control system also includes a sample tube having a first end attached to the receiver vessel to remove pharmaceutical product from the receiver vessel and an appendage connected to a second end of the sample tube. The appendage includes at least one chamber therein to receive a quantity of pharmaceutical product from the receiver vessel. A valve positioned within the sample tube controls flow of the pharmaceutical product to the appendage and prevents flow of the pharmaceutical product from the appendage back into the receiver vessel. The system also includes a quality control device configured to measure at least one parameter of the pharmaceutical product in at least one of the receiver vessel and the appendage.

Abstract: A surface-mountable storage system for an auto-injection device. The storage system includes a base and a cover. The base has a back surface adapted to be mounted to a generally vertical surface. A support structure secured to the base releasably holds an auto-injection device on end and adjacent the front surface. The cover has a free edge adapted to be substantially continuously adjacent the base. This allows the cover and base to substantially enclose the auto-injection device when the cover is in a closed position with respect to the base. The storage system also has a latch for securing the cover to the base to allow the cover to move between the closed position and an open position that presents the auto-injection device for removal from the support structure.

Abstract: Devices for loading a collapsible implant onto a delivery catheter. In one aspect, a loading device comprises an outer tubular structure and an inner tubular structure. The outer tubular structure comprises a narrowing passage configured to receive a catheter at one end and a collapsible implant at another end. The inner tubular structure is configured to move slidably and co-axially within the outer tubular structure. The inner tubular structure comprises a carrier pin configured to move within the narrowing passage as the inner tubular structure slides into the outer tubular structure. The sliding of the inner tubular structure into the outer tubular structure causes an implant mounted on the carrier pin to collapse as the implant moves through the narrowing passage and into the distal end of a catheter.

Abstract: Object of the present invention is the use of bone marrow stromal cells, in particular autologous stromal cells, for the treatment of injuries to tendons and/or ligaments in mammals, in particular horses and especially racehorses. A further object of the present invention is a process for the treatment of injuries to tendons and/or ligaments in mammals that includes the delivery of bone marrow stromal cells, which are preferably autologous, into the lesions and a composition of bone marrow stromal cells, which are preferably autologous, for the treatment of the injured tendons and/or ligaments of a mammal, in particular a horse.

Abstract: The injection device comprises a housing designed or suitable for manual gripping, a container for a preparation attached/enclosed in the housing, an outlet for the preparation exposed with respect to the housing and a mechanism arranged for moving the preparation at least from the container through the outlet. The system comprises a set of at least two elements having different properties in at least one respect. The elements are designed for mechanical attachment to one and the same area part of the housing, one at the time. The method includes the steps of providing at least two elements having different properties in at least one respect, the elements being designed for mechanical attachment to one and the same area part of the housing, one at the time, selecting one element from the set, and attaching mechanically the selected element to said area part of the housing.

Abstract: A hair roots coloring kit includes a plurality of kit components carried in a drawstring bag for mixing and applying standard hair coloring materials to the uncolored outgrown roots of a user's hair. One or more measuring devices such as a measuring cup, a syringe, or an eyedropper are used for measuring the hair coloring materials to produce a matching color to previously colored hair shafts of the hair. A reusable mixing bowl or a plurality of disposable mixing bowls hold the measured hair coloring materials. A reusable stirring stick or a plurality of disposable stirring sticks are provided for mixing together the measured hair coloring materials in the mixing bowl. An applicator brush is used for applying the mixed matching color of hair coloring composition to the uncolored hair roots. A pair of protective gloves are provided to protect the user's hands during application of the hair coloring composition to the hair roots. A cleaning brush is used to aid in cleaning the kit components following use.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide for a syringe cartridge system that can be used in combination with multiple couplings and injection systems. The syringe cartridge system can be provided in a vacuum packaging assembly configuration. Alternatively, the syringe cartridge system can be provided with a coupler attached to a safety device, a hypodermic needle, or a Luer adaptor. The syringe cartridge system can also be used in combination with an automatic injector.

Abstract: A kit containing various kit components suitable for use in a surgical procedure is disclosed. Methods of using the kit and its components are also disclosed.

Abstract: Extravascular system packaging systems are adapted to facilitate opening of the package and to facilitate one or more auxiliary uses of the packaging systems. Auxiliary uses include the use of at least a portion of the packaging system as a pre-insertion table and as a temporary disposal receptacle. In its use as a pre-insertion table, the packaging system is adapted to provide a stable temporary storage tool where the extravascular system is readily accessible to the medical practitioner. In its use as a temporary disposal receptacle, the packaging system is adapted to provide a stabilized receptacle adapted to temporarily receive a deployed needle assembly until the needle assembly can be properly disposed of in a sharps container.

Abstract: A packaged kit for performing a photodynamic laser myringotomy includes a plurality of ear needles having different shaped absorbent applicators on distal ends of the needles, a vial of a single dose of an otologic formulation of mitomycin-C, a diluent carrier containing sterilized water, and a syringe. The component parts of the kit are used together to reconstitute the contents of the vial with the water in the diluent carrier, and then draw the reconstituted drug into the syringe. A selected one of the plurality of ear needles is then communicated with the syringe. The syringe and needle are then used to inject the reconstituted drug into the absorbent pad at the end of the needle, and the absorbent pad containing the drug is used to apply the drug to the tympanic membrane. The application of the drug to the tympanic membrane prepares the membrane for a myringotomy procedure, and in particular, a photodynamic laser myringotomy.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system comprising a hood assembly defining a passage therethrough and a disposable container configured to be positioned below the hood assembly and defining an open end sized to receive medical waste. A deck component is configured to be mounted adjacent the open end of the disposable container and defines an opening for the passage of medical waste into the disposable container. The deck component comprises a first connector configured to removably receive the hood assembly and a second connector configured to receive a lid. The lid is configured to substantially close the deck component opening when the lid is positioned on the deck component, thereby blocking the disposal path.

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system comprising an outer enclosure defining an interior and an opening providing access into the interior of the outer enclosure. A disposable container is positioned and substantially enclosed within the interior of the outer enclosure. A hood assembly is positioned and supported at least partially within the outer enclosure above the open end of the disposable container so as to at least partially define a passage extending between the opening defined in the outer enclosure and an open end of the container. A lid is configured to be positioned over and substantially close the open end of the container while the container is enclosed within the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: A method of medical waste disposal comprising (a) positioning an open end of a container relative to a hood assembly such that the hood assembly substantially covers the open end of the container; (b) depositing medical waste in the container through a passage defined by the hood assembly until the container is at least partially full; (c) placing a lid over the open end of the container such that the open end is substantially closed; (d) disposing of the container; (e) sterilizing the hood assembly; and (f) repeating step (a).

Abstract: A medical waste disposal system comprising a disposable receptacle defining an opening and a hood assembly defining a passage therethrough and configured to be removably connected to the disposable receptacle such that the hood assembly passage aligns with the opening of the disposable receptacle and defines a disposal path into the disposable receptacle. A lid is coupled to the disposable receptacle and movable between an open position to permit passage of medical waste through the opening of the disposable receptacle and a closed position to substantially close the opening of the disposable receptacle and thereby substantially close the opening.

Abstract: A storable gas inflation/evacuation system and sealing system. The systems are removably connectible to a proximal portion of a guidewire assembly which has an occlusive balloon at a distal portion. The invention includes provision for indicating the presence of oxygen which is undesirable. The storable aspect concerns a sealable container isolating systems components from ambient atmosphere and an oxygen-sensitive material located within the sealable container. The oxygen-sensitive material is initially inactive but activated by exposure to radiation so as to visually change in response to post-radiation oxygen exposure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a biodegradable barrier network comprising at least two polypeptides, one being anionic and the other one cationic. The invention also relates to applicators and kits comprising components to be used to create said biodegradable barrier network. The invention also relates to the use of said applicator or kit in therapy, such as in medicine, veterinary medicine and horticulture.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to an ergonomic urological catheterization/irrigation tray. The tray includes a tray structure having a recessed area that includes at least a bottom, opposite side walls, a front and a back, wherein the front has a first width of a predetermined dimension and the back has a second width of a predetermined dimension less then the first width, such that the recessed area is wider at the front than it is at the back. The recessed area has at least one drain located at a lower area thereof. The tray further includes a top flange extending at least outwardly each of the opposite side walls, wherein a user may rest the flange on front upper portions of legs when in a supine position, for urinary bladder evacuation into the tray. Surgical kits contain the aforementioned tray and specified components.

Abstract: An intravascular device having an elongate shaft and a proximal hub assembly. The proximal hub assembly includes an interference fit member (IFM) which forms an interference fit with a carrier tube to reduce the tendency of the device to fall out of the carrier tube during handling and to provide for easy removal of the device when ready for use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a medical transport carrier, as well as a medical waste disposal container. The medical transport carrier includes a carrier tray and a medical waste disposal container. The carrier tray includes a supply area adapted for containing medical supplies. The medical waste disposal container is interengagably and removably mated with the carrier tray and is located at a location remote from the supply area. The present invention is also directed to a medical waste disposal container adapted for engaging with a carrier tray having a supply area for containing medical supplies. The medical waste disposal container is interengagably and removably matable with the carrier tray and is adapted for containing medical waste at a location remote from the supply area of the carrier tray.

Abstract: A medical syringe container comprising a housing, an outlet through which a new syringe can be removed from the housing, an inlet through which a syringe can be replaced into the housing, and holding means to prevent a second syringe from being removed from the housing until a used syringe has been replaced into the housing. The container is particularly useful with needle exchange programs.

Abstract: A wetting apparatus (1) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (3), comprising: a wetting fluid container (4) containing a wetting fluid and being openable by the application of a pulling force thereto; a wetting receptacle (2); and a hydrophilic urinary catheter (3) to be wetted by said wetting fluid and being arranged within said wetting receptacle (2). The wetting fluid container (4) is arranged within the wetting receptacle (2), and the wetting receptacle is extendable, for opening the wetting container without rupturing a sealed condition of the wetting receptacle.

Abstract: A two-component tooth whitening system which incorporates an increased peroxide content, wherein the components are adapted to be mixed and applied to the teeth from a dental bleaching tray is provided. A first component includes both carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide and a second component comprises an orally compatible activator gel.

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 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. The tray contains at least one recess adapted to retain an oxygen or moisture scavenger pack.

Abstract: The present invention 10 is a portable insulin and accessory kit for diabetics that is a case 24 made of polymeric or waterproof material having an inside portion divided in three equal sections, each section securing and storing insulin and accessories such as an insulin pen or syringe 26, alcohol cloths 16 or similar accessories for sterilization and a supply of additional needles 18. The kit is foldable and provides hook and loop fasteners 20 for a secure closure. In addition, a polymeric, portable insulin storage box 28 is provided having a hingedly attached cover 32 attached to a bottom portion having divided sections for the storage of insulin and accessories such as an insulin pen or syringe 26, alcohol cloths 16 or similar accessories for sterilization and a supply of additional needles 34.

Abstract: A method and system for intermittent female catheterization by a patient a patient's caregiver, or a health care provider are revealed. The system contains apparatus for at least one intermittent female catheterization and includes at least one female catheter, antibacterial soap, a lubricant, a mirror, step-by step instructions, and a container, where the above named items are positioned inside the container. The method includes self-care documentation for a medical professional to instruct a patient in the use of the system and to keep a record that the instruction of the patient was performed.

Abstract: A surgical kit is provided for a “pull” percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure. The kit includes offset planar surfaces and at least one article recess defined in the planar surfaces. The recesses are adapted to hold at least one article used in performing a “pull” PEG procedure.

Abstract: A surgical kit is provided for a “push” percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) procedure. The kit includes offset planar surfaces and at least one article recess defined in the planar surfaces. The recesses are adapted to hold at least one article used in performing a “push” PEG procedure.

Abstract: A surgical kit, for example a percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy kit, includes a tray having a plurality of recesses formed therein for receiving surgical implements. A substantially rigid accessory item container is received in a container recess defined in the tray. The container is removable from the tray and includes a base member and a lid. A securing device may be configured between the base member and the lid so that the container is reclosable.

Abstract: In order to design a sterile container for the accommodation and sterile storage, in particular, of surgical instruments or material, comprising a receiving area formed by a container base and container walls, such that it is easy and inexpensive to use it is suggested that the receiving area comprise a plurality of separate chambers and that each chamber have its own closure element.

Abstract: A safety transport box is provided with an inner enclosure configured for releasably engaging specimen collection equipment. The safety transport box further includes an outer enclosure for protectively enclosing the inner enclosure. The inner and outer enclosures are spaced from one another for preventing contact related damage to the specimen collection equipment. Both the inner and outer enclosures are selectively openable for accessing the specimen collection equipment.

Abstract: A method and system for performing intermittent male catheterization by a patient, a patient's caregiver, or a health care provider are revealed. The system contains apparatus for at least one intermittent male catheterization and includes at least one male catheter, antibacterial soap, a lubricant, step-by step-instructions, and a container, where the above named items are positioned inside the container. The method includes self-care documentation for a medical professional to instruct a user in the use of the system and to keep a record that the instruction of the patient was performed.

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: An epidural anesthesia kit preferably includes a skin-preparation package that is readily accessible before having to unfold a packaging towel, a plurality of pre-filled syringes, and a cup having a removeable lid for quick access to saline or other injectable fluid. Methods of manufacturing such kits and using them are 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 single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.

Abstract: A packaging component for use with storage hoops for catheters made from standard catheter hoop tubing to permit storage of an OTW/SW catheter and guide wire exchange system. The packaging component mounts onto the tubing end of a conventional catheter storage hoop. The packaging component includes a passageway extending therethrough and a cavity for receiving the guide member during storage of the OTW/SW catheter in the catheter storage hoop. Resilient members extend into the passageway to prevent passage of the guide member through the packaging component unless sufficient force is applied.

Abstract: A clarinet weather shield cover for shielding the hands of a musician from weather conditions while playing a clarinet outdoors has a tubular envelope. The envelope has rear and forward openings that seal about the clarinet and a length greater than that portion of the clarinet containing the clarinet's finger holes and keys but less than the length of the clarinet so that both the mouth piece and the flared forward end of the clarinet extend beyond the tubular envelope. The lower portion of the envelope has hand openings through which the musician inserts his/her hands to play the clarinet. Preferably, the ends of the envelope are semi-rigid, the upper portion of the envelope is transparent to permit the passage of sunrays, and the bottom portion of the envelope is opaque to absorb the sunrays to warm the interior of the envelope.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus are provided for administering medical liquids to a patient. The invention is particularly apt for use in the intravenous administration of multiple doses of a flush solution over an extended period of therapy. In certain aspects of the invention methods and apparatus are directed to the provision and utilization of a packaged syringe filled with a medical liquid and having a tubing length interconnected thereto, wherein the volume of pre-filled medical liquid is sufficient to allow for multiple administrations to a given patient. By way of primary example, where the syringe is pre-filled with a flush solution, a volume of at least about 40 ml. is preferred. In other aspects, methods and apparatus are directed to the administration of medical liquids from a pre-filled syringe utilizing an apparatus that is particularly adapted for administering a medical liquid in successive increments over a plurality of separated time intervals.

Abstract: A kit for obtaining an endoarterial biopsy sample from a patient comprising: (i) packaging material enclosing one or more kit components; (ii) wherein the kit components comprise one or more of the following: a) an endoarterial biopsy catheter; b) Percutaneous Access Needle; c) Short Introducer Sheath with Dilator & Guidewire; d) Floppy Guidewire; e) Endhole Catheter with inflation syringe; f) Stiff Guidewire; g) Flushing Syringes; h) Long Introducer Sheath with Dilator; i) Biopsy specimen removal tool; j) Biopsy Cassettes; k) Specimen Containers; l) Connective Tubing; m) Vacuum Gauges & Canisters; and, n) Vacuum pump.

Abstract: A needle holder for use with a needle assembly for blood collection is provided. The needle holder includes a generally tubular housing having a needle shield at a first end thereof, and a cutaway notched portion at the other end thereof. A plurality of such needle holders can be stacked in a nested fashion within each other with the cutaway notch of one needle holder accommodating the needle shield of another needle holder.

Abstract: An epidural anesthesia kit preferably includes a skin-preparation package that is readily accessible before having to unfold a packaging towel, a plurality of pre-filled syringes, and a cup having a removeable lid for quick access to saline or other injectable fluid. Methods of manufacturing such kits and using them are also provided.

Abstract: A method and system for performing intermittent male catheterization by a patient, a patient's caregiver, or a health care provider are revealed. The system contains apparatus for at least one intermittent male catheterization and includes at least one male catheter, antibacterial soap, a lubricant, step-by step-instructions, and a container, where the above named items are positioned inside the container. The method includes self-care documentation for a medical professional to instruct a user in the use of the system and to keep a record that the instruction of the patient was performed.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fluid manipulating system, comprising a reservoir of fluid (7), a bubble trap (9) connected to the reservoir, a heat-exchanger (11) and an appliance (21) forming with the bubble trap a closed circuit of fluid, and a pump (21) circulating the fluid in the closed circuit, thereby enabling to control easily the volume of fluid in the apparatus and the temperature of said fluid. The invention is useful for manipulating coupling and cooling fluid of rectal tubes in ultrasound therapy.