Abstract: In some examples, an introducer apparatus includes an outer elongated member defining a lumen extending therethrough, the lumen having a lumen dimension in cross-section, and a dilator configured to be received within the lumen of the outer elongated member, the dilator may comprise a proximal section, a distal section comprising a distal end of the dilator, and an intermediate section disposed between the proximal section and the tapered distal section. In some examples, the intermediate section may define a through-opening that configures the intermediate section to be collapsible from an expanded configuration to a collapsed configuration. In the collapsed configuration, the intermediate section may have a first dilator dimension in cross-section that is less than a second dilator dimension in cross-section when the intermediate section is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: There is provided an oral hygiene swab (10) for a patient. The swab has a stem (12) formed of a first relatively rigid material and a head portion (14) formed of a second relatively softer material overmoulded onto the stem. The second material of the head portion is shaped to provide outwardly protruding cleaning formations (32, 36) for contact with the patient's mouth. The swab may be a suction swab and the stem may have a hollow interior.

Abstract: A tracheal and pharyngeal suction device includes a handle including an interior cavity within the handle body, a connector positioned within the interior cavity and moveable along at least a portion of a length of the interior cavity, a proximal suction catheter having a coupling portion and a treatment portion, wherein the coupling portion is coupled to a proximal side of the connector; and a distal suction catheter coupled to a distal side of the connector.

Abstract: In accordance with embodiments of the present invention, a debris removal system is provided for a body-space drainage system having one or more body tubes with a body tube lumen disposed therein. The debris-removal system comprises an elongated cleaning member and a cleaning head adapted to be advanced distally at least a portion of a length of the body tube lumen to dislodge debris therein. A collapsible sheath can be used to maintain a sterile field in the body tube lumen while the cleaning member is being used by enclosing at least a portion of the cleaning member that is not contained within the body tube lumen, and permitting external digital manipulation of the cleaning member through the sheath to advance and/or retract the cleaning member, and cleaning head, in the body tube lumen.

Abstract: Multiple surgical devices that may be used during surgical procedures are shown and described herein. A surgical device includes an outer cannula and an inner member that has a pair of electrodes positioned at a distal end. The inner member defines an aspiration delivery channel with an opening. A handle assembly actuates the outer cannula relative to the inner member, thereby adjusting a size of the opening of the aspiration delivery channel. In another exemplary configuration, an irrigation hub is provided to deliver irrigation through the surgical device.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes an elongated probe having a central longitudinal axis, a proximal end, a distal end, and an aperture. A tissue penetrating tip includes a proximal base secured to the distal end of the probe. A sharp distal point distal to the proximal base lies on the central longitudinal axis. Each of a first, second and third concave surface is configured to extend from the base to the sharp distal point. The second concave surface is located to intersect the first concave surface to form a first curved cutting edge. A third concave surface is located to intersect the first concave surface to form a second curved cutting edge and is located to intersect the second concave surface to form a third curved cutting edge. Each curved cutting edge extends from the base to the sharp distal point. A tissue cutting device is coaxial with the probe.

Abstract: Provided herein is technology relating to collecting and preparing samples. For example, the technology relates particularly, but not exclusively, to devices, systems, and kits that allow a subject to collect and prepare a sample for analysis.

Abstract: A buoy or float can be positioned within a separation container to assist in a physical separation of components of a whole material positioned in the separation container. The buoy can be positioned within the container to move from between and separation a first end and a second end of the container substantially unaffected by a portion of the whole material, including a clotted portion thereof. A first port can be provided near the first end of the container for introduction of the whole material and a second port can be provided near the second end of the container for removal of at least a portion of a separated material.

Abstract: A medical insertion aid for surgical instruments and/or optical systems includes a shank forming an insertion duct, at the inner wall of which at least one groove extending in the longitudinal duct direction or being longitudinally orientated is formed. In addition or as an alternative, a medical insertion aid includes a distal end portion (axial central portion preferably in the distal end area) and a radially outwardly extending, preferably closed peripheral fluid flow inhibiting edge in the distal end portion. The inhibiting edge preferably forms at least one axially opening circular channel or groove, with the opening being directed distally and/or proximally.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides methods and devices for removing fluid from a surgical instrument. Surgical access devices and seal systems are generally provided having one or more valves or seal assemblies to create a closed system between the outside environment and the environment in which the surgical access device is being inserted. In one embodiment, a seal assembly is provided and can include a seal having an opening configured to receive a surgical instrument therethrough and a fluid remover in the form of an absorbent element, a scraper element, a wicking element, or any combination thereof can be associated with the seal and configured to remove fluid from the opening and/or a surgical instrument.

Abstract: A cyst extractor allows a medical practitioner to retract, aspirate, ligate and amputate a cyst or cystic mass within a patient under regional anaesthesia and minimally invasive incision. A cyst extractor may include a transparent tubular member with a cap coupled to one end. The cap may have at least one view port that has a magnifying lens. The cap may also have a needle port through which a needle is inserted to puncture the cyst. A trap may be in fluid communication with the transparent tubular member. A suction post is in communication with the trap in order to pull the contents of an aspirated cyst into the trap. A light post containing a light source may be connected to the transparent tubular member in order to illuminate the interior of the extractor. A ligature deployer and a cutting wire may also be coupled to the tubular member.

Abstract: The devices and methods shown provide for the minimization of extravasation during arthroscopic surgery. The anti-extravasation surgical portal plug allows a surgeon to drain excess fluids from the soft tissue surrounding the surgical field during arthroscopic surgical procedures.

Abstract: This invention aims at developing a sanitary body cavity sealing device which prevents leakage of substances in the rectum of a corpse due to anal muscle relax after die, simplifies the postmortem treatment work for persons working on it or nurses and prevents infection to the persons, nurses or those around due to leakage of body internal substances. The body cavity sealing member (10) is made of porous fiber elements that absorb water on contact with body fluids in a body cavity to expand up to approximately 2.5 or more times its diameter, its end part (15) is cut into a tapered shape and the cut surface (15) is processed, for example, by heat treatment, to form a smooth surface. By inserting the body cavity sealing member (10) with the end part first into the anus, it can be inserted into the rectum without being interfered with by the inner walls of the anus and rectum.