Abstract: Cooling systems for medical probe assemblies are provided. For example, a cooling system comprises a pump assembly including a control unit having a controller, a motor, and a pump head driven by the motor; a fluid reservoir; a lumen for delivering a cooling fluid to the medical probe assembly distal end; tubing extending through the pump head for conveying the cooling fluid from the fluid reservoir to the lumen; and a flow sensor for sensing the cooling fluid flow rate. The pump head is disposed between the fluid reservoir and the medical probe assembly to pump the cooling fluid from the fluid reservoir to the lumen. The flow sensor is disposed between the pump head and the medical probe assembly to sense the cooling fluid flow rate. Methods for controlling fluid flow rate through a cooling circuit and systems for using a plurality of medical probe assemblies also are provided.

Abstract: A device for controlling delivery of a fluid to a patient is disclosed having an injector device having a cylindrical body and a plunger having a head having a valve, the valve capable of opening and closing, the plunger for insertion into the cylindrical body of the injector device. A device for controlling delivery of a fluid to a patient is also disclosed having an inlet end, an outlet end, a side having a portion of elastic material, the elastic material capable of expanding or contracting with the device for insertion between an injector device and a manifold or an injector device and a catheter.

Abstract: An autoinjector is described that includes an outer body, a first trigger, an output needle, and a first compartment. The first compartment is positioned within the outer body and includes (i) a main body, (ii) a first biasing member coupled to the first trigger, and (iii) a protrusion positioned at a distal end of the main body. The autoinjector further includes a second compartment positioned in the outer body and in fluid communication with the first compartment and the output needle. The autoinjector also includes a second biasing member coupled to a second trigger. The first biasing member is configured to, upon application of force to the first trigger, automatically move an ampule in a distal direction relative to the main body to force the ampule against the protrusion, so as to break the ampule and allow a medicament to flow from the ampule to the second compartment.

Abstract: A bodily fluid sampler includes a suction part that sucks the bodily fluid, a main body part that includes a ventilation channel which allows gas for discharging the bodily fluid sucked by the suction part to pass therethrough, and a blocking part that is provided between the main body part and the suction part, and the blocking part preventing the bodily fluid sucked by the suction part from flowing into the main body part. An inner diameter of the opening part formed in the blocking part is smaller than an inner diameter of the suction part at a surface where the suction part and the blocking part make contact with each other, and thus, the bodily fluid is prevented from being sucked by the suction part more than a predetermined amount.

Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: A bladder syringe for a fluid delivery system includes a cylindrical body, a cap-bladder assembly, a plunger element disposed in the cylindrical body, and a mounting assembly to secure the cap-bladder assembly to the cylindrical body. The cylindrical body has a distal end and a proximal end and defines a throughbore. The cap-bladder assembly is adapted for connection to the distal end of the cylindrical body, and includes a cap body and a bladder. The cap body defines an interior cavity and a distal discharge conduit and is adapted to engage the distal end of the cylindrical body. A disc-shaped bladder is disposed within the interior cavity and typically includes a central membrane portion. The plunger element is disposed in the throughbore of the cylindrical body and is vented to enable evacuation of the space between the plunger element and the cap-bladder assembly in the cylindrical body.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided, as are methods for using such cartridges. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: Needle support assembly for a venous blood collection device with evacuated vial, comprising a support body having a coupling seat for a vein needle and coupling seat for a vial needle. The support body is provided with an inner chamber having an entrance and an exit. The support body is made at least partially in transparent or semi-transparent material to permit the visualization of the blood flow. The inner chamber has a mean cross-section greater than the cross-sections of both the coupling seats and is divided into compartments communicating with each other which define one or more channels for the blood flow from the entrance to the exit. Each channel defines a path for the blood which moves away from the entrance to the exit. Each channel defines a path for the blood which moves away from the straight line connecting the entrance and the exit and has a smaller cross-section than the mean cross-section of the inner chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a reaction vial and a transfer mechanism. The housing defines a first flow path and a second flow path. The housing has transfer port defining an opening in fluid communication with the second flow path and a volume outside of the housing. The transfer port includes a flow control member to limit flow through the opening. The reaction vial is coupled to the housing and defines a reaction volume, which is in fluid communication with the transfer port via the second flow path. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer a sample from an isolation chamber of an isolation module to the reaction chamber via at least the first flow path when the transfer mechanism is actuated. The transfer mechanism configured to produce a vacuum in the reaction vial to produce a flow of a sample from the isolation chamber to the reaction volume.

Abstract: A specimen collection container having a separation chamber includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a valve located between the first chamber and the second chamber. In an open position, the valve permits fluid communication between the first chamber and the second chamber. In a closed position, the valve maintains fluid isolation between the first chamber and the second chamber. A fluid stream passes from the first chamber to the second chamber through the valve permitting a predetermined volume of fluid to pass from the first chamber to the second chamber. When the predetermined volume of fluid passes to the second chamber, the valve transitions from the open position to the closed position so that additional fluid of the fluid stream received by the first chamber is maintained in the first chamber in fluid isolation from the predetermined volume of fluid contained in the second chamber.

Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: A parallel preceding system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: Apparatuses for preparing a sample are disclosed herein. The apparatuses include a chamber, a first valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, a second valve at least partially disposed in the first chamber, and a pump comprising an actuator and nozzle.

Abstract: Cartridges for the isolation of a biological sample and downstream biological assays on the sample are provided, as are methods for using such cartridges. In one embodiment, a nucleic acid sample is isolated from a biological sample and the nucleic acid sample is amplified, for example by the polymerase chain reaction. The cartridges provided herein can also be used for the isolation of non-nucleic acid samples, for example proteins, and to perform downstream reactions on the proteins, for example, binding assays. Instruments for carrying out the downstream biological assays and for detecting the results of the assays are also provided.

Abstract: A parallel processing system for processing samples is described. In one embodiment, the parallel processing system includes an instrument interface parallel controller to control a tray motor driving system, a close-loop heater control and detection system, a magnetic particle transfer system, a reagent release system, a reagent pre-mix pumping system and a wash buffer pumping system.

Abstract: A needle hub and catheter assembly are disclosed herein. The needle hub includes an introducer needle having a lumen extending therethrough. A needle hub is coupled to a proximal end of the introducer needle. A flash chamber is removably coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. An interior of the flash chamber is in fluid communication with the lumen of the introducer needle when the flash chamber is coupled to the needle hub or the introducer needle. As such, the flash chamber can collect a sample of blood that can be accessed when the flash chamber is removed. In some instances, the blood can also be dispensed from the flash chamber into a test strip or other testing device.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a reaction vial and a transfer mechanism. The housing defines a first flow path and a second flow path. The housing has transfer port defining an opening in fluid communication with the second flow path and a volume outside of the housing. The transfer port includes a flow control member to limit flow through the opening. The reaction vial is coupled to the housing and defines a reaction volume, which is in fluid communication with the transfer port via the second flow path. The transfer mechanism is configured to transfer a sample from an isolation chamber of an isolation module to the reaction chamber via at least the first flow path when the transfer mechanism is actuated. The transfer mechanism configured to produce a vacuum in the reaction vial to produce a flow of a sample from the isolation chamber to the reaction volume.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a fluid reservoir, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. The housing defines an inner volume and has an inlet port that can be fluidically coupled to a patient and an outlet port. The fluid reservoir is disposed in the inner volume to receive and isolate a first volume of a bodily-fluid. The flow control mechanism is rotatable in the housing from a first configuration, in which a first lumen places the inlet port is in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir, and a second configuration, in which a second lumen places the inlet port in fluid communication with the outlet port. The actuator is configured to create a negative pressure in the fluid reservoir and is configured to rotate the flow control mechanism from the first configuration to the second configuration after the first volume of bodily-fluid is received in the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a device for sampling blood by capillarity for separating a plasma phase of the blood from the cell phase. The device is a strip and includes a filter having a membrane with no clumping agents, a prefilter for spreading blood over the surface of the membrane; and an absorbent paper downstream from the filter. The membrane is dimensioned to cover only a part of the surface of the prefilter and the migration of blood by capillarity within the prefilter takes place essentially lengthwise relative to the strip before blood comes into contact with the membrane.

Abstract: A fluid handling module that is removably engageable with a bodily fluid analyzer is provided. The module may comprise a fluid handling element, and a fluid component separator that is accessible via the fluid handling element and configured to separate at least one component of a bodily fluid transported to the fluid component separator. The fluid handling element may have at least one control element interface.

Abstract: A sampling connector for use in sampling a body fluid such as arterial blood or cerebrospinal fluid. The sampling connector comprises at least two apertures in fluid communication via a fluid flow conduit and a one-way valve (14) disposed to allow fluid flow from the first aperture, through the fluid flow conduit and out of the second aperture, but not to allow fluid to flow into the second aperture and through the fluid flow conduit to the first aperture. In use, the sampling connector is connected to a body cavity to enable the sampling of a body fluid by withdrawal of the body fluid through the first aperture, and to prevent the introduction of a separate fluid to the body cavity. The first aperture can be within a male end and the second aperture can be within a female end or vice versa. A sampling device comprising a sampling connector according to the present invention and use of the sampling connector and/or sampling device is also claimed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for a single, handheld device that provides for both insertion of a catheter and collection of a fluid. Some embodiments further include a needle that assists in the insertion of the catheter into a blood vessel, and which includes a retraction feature that protects the user from an accidental needle stick when the device is ready for disposal. Still further embodiments include a protective cover that prevents a user from accidentally being stuck by a second needle used for the introduction of the patient's blood into a collection device.

Abstract: A flow control clamp having a first member and a second member movable from a first open position to a second irreversibly closed position wherein flow through a tube associated with the clamp is irreversibly prevented and cannot be restored. Systems and methods using such clamps are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for collecting body fluids, the device comprising: (a) an internal pressure adjustment means for adjusting the internal pressure of the device, and the internal pressure adjustment means has an internal space and is made of an elastic deformable material; (b) a fluid accommodation means, which is openly connected to the internal pressure adjustment means, for accommodating body fluids collected from the human body; and (c) a perforation means which is connected to the fluid accommodation means, is located at the lower part of the device, and comprises a hollow microstructure for forming an opening on the body.

Abstract: Sampling device for obtaining a sample of an analyte, comprising a feed line (30) and a discharge line (40) as well as an analyte feed chamber (13) in fluidic connection between the feed line and the discharge line, the analyte feed chamber having an opening (14) which is provided with an analyte-permeable membrane (15) to allow the analyte to pass through from a region outside the analyte feed chamber into the analyte feed chamber, the surface area of the opening of the analyte feed chamber being at most 400 times the minimum cross-sectional surface area of the discharge line, more preferably at most 100 times and most preferably 50 to 80 times the minimum cross-sectional surface area of the discharge line. This device will reduce the dead time between the passage of the analyte through the membrane and the detection of said analyte at the sensor.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to kits and methods for extracting a target analyte from a biological fluid in real time. The biological fluid, therefore, does not need to be stored or shipped/delivered. Isolating the target analyte in real-time allows for on-the-spot processing with minimal, if any, down time between collection and testing. Furthermore, isolating in real time may also allow for the biological fluid to be extracted, processed, and returned—similar to that of dialysis—to permit for more volume to be processed and tested. In one aspect, an inner surface of a conduit may include a coating having a high affinity for the target analyte. The conduit may also include features which create turbulent flow to permit all portions of the biological fluid to come into contact with the coating. In another aspect, a capture chip is used to isolate the target analyte from the biological fluid.

Abstract: A ligature device for medical treatment has an operating device that has a ligature tool for medical treatment fitted onto a distal end portion thereof. The operating device is provided with a cutting member that is able to move freely backwards and forwards and is used to cut a ligature wire of the ligature tool for medical treatment. A distal end side of the cutting member has an inclined end portion that is inclined relative to the direction of forward and backward movement, and a blade portion is provided in this inclined end portion.

Abstract: A lancet carrier for an integrated lancet sensor assembly incorporating a lance cover includes an elongated body with a bottom, an open top, a body open end and a body closed end, a lancet-receiving recess with a recess bottom surface, the recess extending between the open end and the closed end, and a trough-forming member forming a trough with a trough open end in communication with the body open end, the trough-forming member longitudinally extending a predefined distance along the bottom from the body open end, the trough replacing a portion of the recess bottom surface at the body open end.

Abstract: A bone marrow aspiration assembly including an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The inner cannula is moved only radially about a longitudinal axis thereof with respect to the outer cannula to selectively align inner openings of only one of distal, intermediate, and proximal opening groups of the inner cannula with outer openings of only one of distal, intermediate, and proximal opening groups of the outer cannula to permit aspiration therethrough.

Abstract: Method for the preparation of at least one compound with biological properties from blood, where said method is performed in sealed tubes at a pressure below atmospheric pressure, thereby reducing or preventing the bacterial contamination of the compound through handling. The method comprises the repetition, for as many times as is required, of the following steps: connecting a second container that is vacuum-sealed to an extraction device connected in turn to a first container that contains blood separated into fractions, waiting for a period of time until the required fraction(s) is/are transferred, and removing said second container, with it thus being possible to obtain several second containers with different compounds for different medical applications including biological therapies. The steps may be performed in a closed system, without removing the caps of the containers, or alternatively the first container may be opened prior to the introduction of the extraction device.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the parenteral procurement of bodily-fluid samples. The present invention is also directed to systems and methods for parenterally procuring bodily-fluid samples with reduced contamination from dermally-residing microbes. In some embodiments, a bodily-fluid withdrawing system is used to withdraw bodily fluid from a patient for incubation in culture media in one or more sample vessels. Prior to withdrawing bodily fluid into the one or more sample vessels for incubation, an initial volume of withdrawn bodily fluid is placed in one or more pre-sample reservoirs and is not used for the incubation in culture media.

Abstract: An automatically locking safety device, e.g., for use in a blood collection procedure, can include a housing, first and second needle covers that are at least partly received in the housing, and a needle that is at least partly received in at least one of the first and second needle covers. The needle can include a proximal tip configured for placement into a patient and a distal tip configured for placement into a blood collection vial. In some embodiments, the first and second needle covers are biased by a biasing member. In some cases, one or both of the first and second needle covers can be locked to prevent axial movement thereof after the blood collection procedure. In certain embodiments, a distal end of the device is configured to connect with a medical connector, such as a needleless IV access device.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted lancing system for blood extraction can include a tubular body having a vacuum chamber, a lancing mechanism configured to removably couple with a lance, a vacuum mechanism including a piston slideably coupled within the body, a release mechanism for selectively holding the vacuum mechanism in an energized state, and an opening for allowing fluid communication between the vacuum chamber and an atmosphere surrounding the vacuum chamber. The system can include structure for selectively commencing dissipation of the vacuum and a fixed or adjustable depth controller. A method of manipulating a surface for blood extraction can include coupling the lancing system to the surface, blocking the opening, creating a vacuum, moving the lance coupler from a first position distal from the surface to a second position proximal to the surface, maintaining the vacuum for a period of time, and commencing dissipation of the vacuum by unblocking the opening.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet and outlet end, a flashback chamber, and a venting mechanism therebetween. The venting mechanism includes a blocking member to control the fluid flow in the venting mechanism so that it flows along the longest path through the vent. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. A sealable sleeve covers the external end of the outlet cannula. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber, and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry with an internal vent positioned within the housing to divide the interior into first and second chambers, with the second chamber being adapted to maintain a negative pressure therein relative to the external environment so as to inhibit leakage of blood from the needle tip on withdrawal from the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a lancing end, a lancing mechanism including a lancing shaft slideably coupled with the lancing end of the body, a main shaft slideably coupled with the body and having an actuating end disposed inside the body, a piston coupled to the main shaft and disposed within the body, a spring coupled to the piston, a release mechanism adapted to selectively couple with the main shaft, and a depth controller removably coupled to the lancing end of the body. A method can include coupling a lance having a needle and a base to the lancing shaft, choosing to use a depth controller having a spacer with a top surface and an opening, engaging a lancing surface with the depth controller, actuating the lancing mechanism, penetrating the lancing surface, and contacting the top surface of the spacer with the base.

Abstract: A method of masking pain resulting from a lancing system can include moving a first portion and a second portion of a lancing assembly in a first direction, stopping the first portion from further moving in the first direction, thereby causing a first vibration, allowing the first portion to move in a second direction while the second portion continues moving in the first direction, and lancing a surface with the first portion while the first vibration is occurring. A system for lancing a surface and masking resulting pain may include a device body having an end adapted to sealingly engage the surface, structure for creating a first portion of a vacuum, structure for causing a vibration, and a lancing mechanism adapted to lance the surface while the first portion of the vacuum and the vibration are acting on the surface.

Abstract: A flow regulator for a blood collection assembly includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet, which defines an interior space between the inlet and the outlet. A membrane having a first surface and a second surface is disposed at least partially within the interior space. The membrane has a first position where a flow path between the inlet and the outlet is substantially open, and a second position where the flow path between the inlet and the outlet is at least partially restricted. The membrane is configured to move between the first and second positions in response to a pressure differential acting on the membrane.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a sealing device coupled to a lancing end, a lancing shaft slideably coupled to the lancing end, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a release mechanism, a main shaft slideably coupled with a free end of the device body in communication with the release mechanism, a piston coupled to the main shaft, a vacuum spring coupled to the piston, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft. The system can include a lance tool having an insertion portion and a removal portion. A method can include creating a first portion of a vacuum, lancing a surface, and creating a second portion of a vacuum.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a first device body having a lancing end and a free end, the lancing end including a sealing device, a lancing assembly having a lance coupler slideably coupled with the lancing end, a main shaft slideably coupled with the body, a first piston disposed within the body, wherein the lancing assembly is adapted to create a vacuum prior to lancing and dissipate the vacuum at a controlled rate. The system can include a second device body fluidicly coupled to the first device body and having a second shaft and a second piston. A method of extracting blood can include coupling the sealing device to a surface, creating a vacuum, lancing the surface, and dissipating the vacuum at a controlled rate.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a lancing end and a free end, a lancing shaft having an actuating end, a stop coupled to the body, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a main shaft having an actuating end, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft, wherein a first portion is coupled to the actuating end of the lancing shaft and a second portion is coupled to the actuating end of the main shaft. A method of extracting blood can include coupling the actuating end of the main shaft to the actuating end of the lancing shaft, moving the lancing shaft toward the free end of the device body, stopping the lancing shaft, uncoupling the actuating ends, and moving the lancing shaft toward a surface to be lanced.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a flow control mechanism, and an actuator. At least a portion of the flow control mechanism is movably disposed within the housing. The apparatus further includes an inlet port and an outlet port, and defines a fluid reservoir. The outlet port is fluidically coupled to a second fluid reservoir and is fluidically isolated from the first fluid reservoir. The actuator is configured to move the flow control mechanism between a first configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the fluid reservoir such that the fluid reservoir receives a first flow of bodily-fluid, and a second configuration, in which the inlet port is placed in fluid communication with the outlet port.

Abstract: A tissue penetrating system has a housing member. A plurality of penetrating members are positioned in the housing member. A tissue stabilizing member is coupled to the housing. A penetrating member sensor is coupled to the plurality of penetrating members. The penetrating member sensor is configured to provide information relative to a depth of penetration of a penetrating member through a skin surface.

Abstract: An integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device constructed to permit digital as well as alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis, the device comprising: a housing; at least one skin-penetration member; and a member constructed for the application of circumferential or vacuum pressure to an appendage; wherein the member is detachably or retractably connected to the housing in a manner such that the integrated monitoring and body fluid sampling device can perform digital or alternate-site body fluid sampling and analysis. Additional arrangements and techniques are also described.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line is described herein. The apparatus includes an introducer and a cannula and is configured to advance the cannula through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the cannula to place the cannula in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced, the cannula is configured to transport a bodily fluid to a volume outside of the body.

Abstract: Described herein are devices, systems, kits and methods for measuring intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) from a patient catheterized with a urinary catheter system. Devices may include a bypass lumen configured to connect to a pressure transducer, a sampling port connector connected to the bypass lumen, a drain tube housing configured to at least partially enclose a portion of the drain tube of a urinary catheter system, and a clamp mechanism. The sampling port connector may be configured for removable attachment to the sampling port of the urinary catheter system to form a fluid connection between the urinary catheter system and the bypass lumen of the IAP device. The clamp mechanism may be configured to controllably occlude the lumen of the urinary catheter system drain tube.

Abstract: A sampling device includes a body, a needle, a sealing element and an element for feeding and removing a liquid. The needle has at least one groove located between the sealing element and the sampling end of the needle. The sampling end has a sampling hole opening out on a lateral wall of the end. The sampling device leakage problems encountered in the conventional art to be overcome while at the same time resolving the problems of placing the inside of a tube containing a product to be analyzed at atmospheric pressure.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to systems and methods for automatically inserting a needle into an insertion-target region of a living subject in response to a machine-vision system locating the insertion-target region. In an embodiment, a needle insertion system includes a moveable needle configured to be inserted into a living subject, a machine-vision system configured to locate an insertion-target region of the living subject, control electrical circuitry, and an actuator coupled to the control electrical circuitry. The control electrical circuitry may be coupled to the machine-vision system to receive location information therefrom about the insertion-target region, and configured to output needle targeting instructions. The actuator may be coupled to the control electrical circuitry to receive the needle targeting instructions therefrom and coupled to the moveable needle.