Abstract: Compounds and methods for preventing or treating upper respiratory virus infections in humans and animal species are disclosed. The compounds may exhibit antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, anticoagulant or cytoprotective activities. The methods may deliver compounds to be delivered to the nasal and oral cavities, nasopharynx, and posterior pharynx, the primary sites of upper respiratory infections, such as influenza, SARS, and SARS-CoV-2. Therapeutic swabs comprising one or more compounds are may be used to deliver one or more compounds to deliver the above primary sites of the individuals infected with one or more upper respiratory viruses or other pathogens.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering fluids into a patient's body that includes a tubular member including a proximal end, a distal end sized for introduction into a patient's body, and a fluid delivery lumen extending between the proximal and distal ends; and a flexible pad on the distal end including a tissue contacting surface, a passage communicating with the fluid delivery lumen, and plurality of capillary channels in the tissue contact surface communicating with the passage, the capillary channels configured to deliver fluid from the fluid delivery lumen and passage to tissue contacted by the tissue contact surface.

Abstract: A system relating to improved medical-connector contamination prevention. More particularly, this invention relates to a reduced-touch contamination system for small-bore fluid connectors, including male and female Luer-type connectors.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for treating or/and refreshing an ear canal of a subject, focused on cleaning the ear canal via removing cerumen therefrom. Apparatus includes a treating element formed as an elastic helically shaped coil strip, whose outer and inner surfaces may be coated (covered) by different possible combinations of outer layer, inner layer, and lubrication layer, coatings (coverings). The treating element outer and inner surfaces, as well as the outer layer, inner layer, or/and lubrication layer, are formed of, or/and include, materials exhibiting specific physicochemical properties and characteristics that facilitate particular friction and lubrication phenomena during implementation, which improve efficacy, safety, or/and tolerability of using the apparatus. Also disclosed is a method, including use of the apparatus, for treating or/and refreshing an ear canal of a subject.

Abstract: A rhinotillexis apparatus, devised for controlled insertion into a nasal cavity for collection and removal of mucus therefrom, includes a spatulate head member having a first surface and a second surface convergent at an anterior edge, a neck portion, a shield member, and a handle member for dexterous wielding in the hands of a user. The head member is tautly overlain with an absorbent layer. The shield member prevents over-insertion of the head member into the nasal cavity and shields a user's hands from contamination with mucus during use. Disposal of the apparatus after single-use decreases potential for cross-contamination.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and new file formats are provided for printing 3D microstructures. In some implementations, a new file format is provided that defines 3D objects by a wireframe model expressed as a collection of wires. Because wires and their parameters are defined within the new file format, objects may be processed more efficiently and quickly to support 3D rendering operations. Such methods may be used to print new articles, such as eyelashes, bushes, swabs and other novel items.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and dressing are presented for treating a tunnel wound on a patient. In one instance, a reduced-pressure, tunnel-wound dressing includes a longitudinal core member formed from a closed-cell foam that is surrounded by a first longitudinal concentric member formed from a manifolding material. When subjected to reduced pressure, the longitudinal core member expands and the first longitudinal concentric member compresses. These actions create intimate contact between the tunnel wound and the dressing, oppose collapse of the tunnel, and when reduced pressure is removed provide clearance to remove the dressing. Other embodiments are presented.

Abstract: A medical packing device for use within a body cavity of a subject is provided. The medical packing device comprises an absorbent member having at least a first major side surface and at least one depression that is formed in the first major side surface and has a predetermined shape and volume. The at least one depression is defined by a continuous perimeter wall that is formed in the first major side surface and forms a reservoir capable of receiving and retaining a volume of a medicament therein.

Abstract: An ear cleaning device is provided for removing debris from an ear. In one form, the ear cleaning device includes a shaft, a head connected to the shaft, and a contiguous pocket structure of the head. The contiguous pocket structure includes a plurality of pockets that may be configured to receive debris. In another form, the ear cleaning device has a handle, a bulbous cleaner connected to the handle, and a solid inner core of the bulbous cleaner. The bulbous cleaner has two or more spaced, longitudinal walls disposed outward of the inner core that are configured to remove debris with turning of the ear cleaning device about a longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: A means and a method is disclosed to diminish or eliminate the pain associated with a sharp object penetrating the skin, during such procedures as an injection, biopsy, or deriving a blood sample. To this end, repeated tapping, pressing, or rubbing or vibrating is performed over the skin at or near the site of penetration of the sharp object in conjunction with applying electricity on the skin. The invention discloses a method of using a skin-puncturing means, with enhanced features, to provide local anesthesia at the site of penetration of a sharp object.

Abstract: A swab roller formed from an elongated stem having a first end terminating with a covering and a second end terminating with a covering. A casing tube placed over a portion of the elongated stem is sized to allow the rotation of the elongated stem within the casing tube. The covering is formed from an absorbent material such as cotton or foam. The swab roller can be constructed of inexpensive components, such as paper for general use or from medical grade materials or sterile packaging for specialty use.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an ear cleaning device comprising an integral body, a central handle portion of the integral body that supports a first whisk-like bulbous end. The first whisk-like bulbous end is integral with the central handle portion and comprises flexible intertwined wire-like loops used in the removal of ear wax debris. The first whisk-like bulbous end is of a size that averts insertion thereof to an ear canel.

Abstract: A system for integrating an antibacterial-element receptacle into an autoinjector cap facilitates the pre-injection treatment, the post-injection treatment, and prevents the accidental delivery of the injection. The system includes a cap assembly, an autoinjector body, and an antiseptic-soaked dressing. The cap assembly encloses the needle of the autoinjector and prevents the accidental trigger of the injection mechanism. The autoinjector body refers to the body of any conventional autoinjector. The antiseptic-soaked dressing is applied to the patient's skin prior to the delivery of the injection to disinfect and sterilize the injection area. The antiseptic-soaked dressing is housed in the cap assembly, between a receptacle and a removable cover. The removable cover is releasably mounted to the receptacle to allow access to the antiseptic-soaked dressing.

Abstract: A blood coagulant assembly having a blood coagulant device adapted to be placed into a nostril of a patient suffering from a nose bleed. The blood coagulant device being initially placed within a blood coagulant device container which has a top section and a bottom section each secured to the other in a releasable manner. The blood coagulant device being mounted in a fixed position within the blood coagulant device container prior to removal of the blood coagulant device for insertion into a patient's nose that is bleeding. The blood coagulant device having a handle lower section and a handle upper section with a through opening passing through both the lower and upper handle sections. A blood coagulant material is secured onto an outer surface of the blood coagulant device to be placed against an inner surface of the nostril of a patient that is experiencing a bleeding nose for the purpose of stopping the nose from bleeding.

Abstract: A method of and system for obtaining a consistent volume of a viscous material includes inserting a sample holder portion of a collection device into a body of the viscous material and filling an open, concave sample receptacle of the sample holder portion with the viscous material. A scrapper is used to remove excess viscous material above the open, concave receptacle. The collection device and the viscous material loaded therein are inserted into a sample vial. Then, the sample vial with the collection device therein is inserted into the port of an analyzer.

Abstract: An ear cleaning device is configured for use on a plurality of different sized/aged persons, and includes: first and second posts, transversely disposed at substantially a 90 degree angle, being fixedly secured to each other at a selective location to be coplanar. A first end and a second end of the first post each having a swab material secured thereon to form respective first and second swab members; and a first end and a second end of the second post each having a swab material secured thereon to form respective third and fourth swab members. A length for each of the first swab member, the second swab member, the third swab member, and the fourth swab member is uniquely sized according to a distance from the pinna of the ear to the tympanic membrane, for an infant, for a toddler, for a child, and for an adult, respectively.

Abstract: Implementations of a nose brush are provided. In some implementations, the nose brush comprises an elongated handle having a first end and a second end. The nose brush further comprises a brush head affixed to at least one of the ends of the handle. In some implementations, the brush head comprises a body and fibers extending from the body where the body is tapered such that the width of the brush head at a distal end is smaller than the width of the brush head at a proximal end. In some implementations, the fibers are elongated and are distributed around the brush head and on the top of the brush head. In some implementations, the body comprises an absorbent fibrous material. In some implementations, the handle and brush head are biodegradable and disposable.

Abstract: Implantable devices comprising a scaffold, cells, and/or therapeutic molecules are provided. Uses include inhibition of pathological immunity, elaboration of therapeutic growth factors, and immune augmentation. The implantable device may contain a porous substrate structure to which therapeutic cells are adherent, which can be implanted and explanted from a patient. In another embodiment, a medical device includes a porous substrate seeded with therapeutic cells, said device comprising of an additional layer allowing free exchange of molecules without cell escape. Said medical device is seeded with thymic medullary epithelial cells or progenitors of said thymic medullary epithelial cells. In conditions where tolerance to alloreactive donor cells is desired, the thymic medullary epithelial cells or progenitors thereof are derived from recipient cells.

Abstract: A medical device suitable for assisting in liquid proof shielding of a catheter application area on the body of a living creature is described. The device has a base element tightly placeable on a body area near the catheter application area, and a top element connectable with the base element. One of the base element or the top element is an element with a slit for holding a catheter tube or infusion line and the other element has a protrusion for closing the slit and for forming a feedthrough for the catheter when the elements are connected. A first portion for tightly fitting and a second portion for forming a liquid sealing element for the catheter is used.

Abstract: An instrument for removing debris from an eye during the treatment of an ocular disorder has a swab and a rigid member. The swab includes a tip portion sized to provide access to the debris on an eyelid of the eye. The rigid member has a distal end portion affixed to the swab and a proximal end portion with a cross-sectional member profile. The cross-sectional member profile is non-circular and has a first groove. The first groove extends longitudinally along the proximal end portion for cooperating with a chuck such that rotation of the proximal end portion within the chuck is inhibited.

Abstract: A container holding pre-dosed applicators for applying a material. The container holds the pre-dosed applicators upright with the absorbent end of the pre-dosed applicator contacting an absorbent pad on the bottom of the container containing a solution with a desired material to be applied. The absorbent pad holds a predetermined quantity of material for dosing the applicators. The packaging and dosing of the applicators can be performed concurrently facilitating manufacturing and making packaging more efficient and cost effective.

Abstract: An apparatus provides targeted placement of openings for infusing fluids into a body. The apparatus provides a driving force to a penetrating medical device, such as a needle, when the apparatus tip encounters material of high resistance. When the apparatus tip encounters a low resistance material, no further driving force is applied to the apparatus due to contraction of an element made of interlaced flexible elements. A multi-opening needle is provided in some embodiments wherein placement of one of the openings in a target region with a relatively lower external pressure allows pressurized fluid to exit the needle while openings remaining in higher pressure, non-target regions do not release substantial amounts of the fluid.

Abstract: A foldable absorbent apparatus to ameliorate bleeding of a wound which includes a first and second absorbent pad layer to absorb a fluid, and a malleable material layer enclosed within the first and second absorbent layer configured to be formed in various shapes, wherein the malleable material allows the first and second absorbent pad layers to be formed in various shapes to apply a pressure to a wound while at the same time absorbing fluids from the wound to promote healing of the wound.

Abstract: An ear cleaning device for more facile and healthier ear wax removal includes a tube and a pair of cups. Each cup is coupled singly to and extends from a respective opposing end of the tube. Each cup comprises an annular wall that extends between a bottom and a top to define an internal space. The bottom is positioned adjacent to the tube. The top is open. The tube is configured to be grasped by the digits of a hand of a user. The cups are configured to insert into an ear of the user. Debris, such as wax, that positioned on a wall of the ear canal of the ear is collected upon an external surface of a cup as the cup is rotated within the ear canal. Debris that is positioned proximate to the wall of the ear canal is collected in the internal space of the cup.

Abstract: Methods and devices for collection of fluids, including cells and cellular materials, from the uterus. A device having a central tubing member to which, at least, a flexible tubing member and an absorbable member are connected at least at one point. The absorbable member is connected to at least one portion of the central tubing member and to at least one portion of the flexible tubing member. The devices are useful in methods of collection of uterine fluids, including blood, cells and cellular material.

Abstract: A tampon applicator barrel includes an insertion tip at a forward end of the barrel, a main body section that extends from the insertion tip, and a reverse taper section that is joined to the main body section so that the main body section is between the insertion tip and the reverse taper section. The main body section tapers toward the insertion tip section. The reverse taper section tapers in a direction away from the insertion tip section. A finger grip section extends from the reverse taper section to a plunger receiving end of the barrel opposite the forward end. The barrel is straight from the forward end to the plunger receiving end that receives a plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.

Abstract: Provided is a surgical applicator and applicator tip configured to attach in fluid communication, for the delivery of beneficial fluids. The applicator tip may also be configured to reversibly attach, in fluid communication, with a pledget. For example, the applicator tip may include male or female threads, and the pledget has threads that are complementary to the thread configuration of the tip. The applicator tip may further comprise at least one fluid transfer lumen for transfer of a fluid from the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment of the invention, the tip includes male threads and the pledget includes a pledget attachment portion. There are also provided methods for connecting the tip to the pledget. In one embodiment, a tip comprising male threads is attached to the pledget, comprising a pledget attachment portion, by tapping or pressing the tip into the pledget attachment portion.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a tongue includes a body having a top surface, an opposite bottom surface, a proximal section, and a distal section. An upwardly projecting ridge is centrally disposed at the proximal section. The ridge has a first downwardly sloping side which is shaped and dimensioned to receive one of the two fingers, and a second downwardly sloping side which is shaped and dimensioned to receive the other of the two fingers. The bottom surface forms a cavity at the proximal section, the cavity is shaped and dimensioned to receive the thumb. A tongue-cleaning pad is disposed on the bottom surface at the distal section. The device can be held by either hand and used to clean the tongue.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device (10) for collecting a biological sample, the device comprising an elongate handle (40) extending generally along a handle axis, and a sample collecting head (20) removably supported or supportable on the handle, the head being formed from a porous folded planar or sheet material, optionally including a plurality of arms (22-28 FIG. 2) each extending away from the handle axis in a different direction. An ejection handle is provided. Disclosed also is an efficient method for extracting DNA information from the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum sponge unit (2) for use in human or animal bodies, comprising a fluid collecting member (10), in particular a sponge unit, and a fluid communication member (20), in particular a drainage tube, which is disposed at least partially in the fluid collecting member (10) and is connected in fluidic communication to the fluid collecting member (10). In order to improve known devices, the inventions proposes developing the vacuum sponge unit (2) such that the fluid collecting member (10) has a channel (11) for guiding a guide member (3), in particular a guide wire, and/or a delivery member (4), in particular a probe unit and/or an endoscope, through the fluid collecting member (10).

Abstract: A medical cleaning device includes an introducer having a tail. A cleaning thread includes a microfiber strand bonded to a foam strand. The cleaning thread is folded to form a loop and woven to itself and the tail to form a scrubber. The introducer is configured to couple the cleaning device to a pulling device. The microfiber strand may be sonic welded to the foam strand. The woven cleaning thread may be sonic welded to itself and the tail at points along the scrubber. The foam strand may be composed at least partially of open-cell urethane foam. The pulling device may include a rod including a clip coupled to an introducer loop on the introducer.

Abstract: An ear cleaning device is provided for removing debris from an ear. In one form, the ear cleaning device includes a shaft, a head connected to the shaft, and a contiguous pocket structure of the head. The contiguous pocket structure includes a plurality of pockets that may be configured to receive debris. In another form, the ear cleaning device has a handle, a bulbous cleaner connected to the handle, and a solid inner core of the bulbous cleaner. The bulbous cleaner has two or more spaced, longitudinal walls disposed outward of the inner core that are configured to remove debris with turning of the ear cleaning device about a longitudinal axis of the device.

Abstract: An anesthetic dispensing device (100) particularly adapted to apply anesthetic agent to the oral cavity and upper tracheal area of a medical patient prior to intubation of such patient. An exemplary dispenser (100) includes a handle (110) operably connected to a retractor (112) that carries an anesthetic dispensing device (104). A currently preferred dispensing device (104) includes a fluid-dispersing nozzle (118) in fluid communication with a syringe (116). Sometimes, an optical device (164) is coupled to the dispenser (100) to permit direct visualization of the application of anesthetic agent.

Abstract: A disposable plastic device insertable into an ear canal that is used to scrape wax and debris from the ear canal without injuring the ear canal and ear drum when rotated inside the ear canal. The device is constructed using an elongated shaft which is adapted to be grasped and rotated. Accordingly, the preferred embodiment consists of a first plurality of blades attached to the first end of the elongated shaft having a curved concave clockwise shape. And a second plurality of blades attached to the second end of the elongated shaft having a curved convex clockwise shape in the opposite direction. The device has a dome tip at the shaft first end and the shaft second end that are tapered from the shaft first tip and shaft second tip respectively, to the midpoint of the blades.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a housing member having leading and trailing ends that define a longitudinal axis. One or more ports longitudinally extend between the leading and trailing ends, and are configured and adapted to receive a surgical instrument therein in a substantially sealed relation. At least one cleaning port longitudinally extends between the leading and trailing ends, and is configured and adapted to receive a cleaning device therein. The cleaning device is configured and adapted to clean surgical instruments positioned within the one or more ports without necessitating removal of the surgical instruments from the one or more ports.

Abstract: A surgical apparatus includes a housing member having leading and trailing ends that define a longitudinal axis. One or more ports longitudinally extend between the leading and trailing ends, and are configured and adapted to receive a surgical instrument therein in a substantially sealed relation. At least one cleaning port longitudinally extends between the leading and trailing ends, and is configured and adapted to receive a cleaning device therein. The cleaning device is configured and adapted to clean surgical instruments positioned within the one or more ports without necessitating removal of the surgical instruments from the one or more ports.

Abstract: A swab for collecting biological specimens is of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fibers with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fibers cover said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: A disposable sterile breakable vial includes a handle section and a vial section which are completely separable in response to a manually applied separation force. The vial section includes a sterile void dimensioned to contain a unit dose of a sterile therapeutic topical agent. An elongated member comprises a proximal portion supported by the handle section and a distal portion provided with a sterile applicator element, such as a brush. At least the applicator element is completely enclosed within the vial section with the applicator element immersed within the therapeutic topical agent. A hermetic seal between the handle and vial sections maintains sterility of at least the vial section prior to handle and vial section separation. Complete separation of the handle section and the vial section exposes the elongated member and the applicator element for topical application of the therapeutic agent saturating the applicator element.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a swab for collecting biological specimens of the type consisting of a rod terminating in a tip covered with fiber with hydrophilic properties to allow absorption of said specimens, wherein said fiber covers said tip in the form of a layer deposited by flocking.

Abstract: A device for coating a medical implant includes a container that contains a liquid having at least one pharmaceutically active substance. An elastic head for application of the liquid onto a surface to be coated is connected to an inside of the container through at least one channel.

Abstract: The invention discloses a novel uterine stimulant, which is in the form of the stick. The uterine stimulation stick, on administration, helps a woman's uterus to contract, or to increase the frequency and intensity of the contractions. Such medicine can be suitably used to induce (start) or augment (speed) labor; facilitate uterine contractions following a miscarriage; induce abortion; or reduce hemorrhage following childbirth or abortion. The proposed medicine produces normal result for desired purpose, without any significant side effect for the mother or fetus.

Abstract: A personal hygiene device is provided to assist a user to wipe him or herself, another, or an area of the home. The device contains a gripping head constructed of a flexible material and contains a gripping element, which may hold a wipe within it. The device also contains a rigid housing, and a pump at the opposite end of the gripping head, such that upon actuation of the pump increased fluid pressure inside the gripping head opens the internal grips to an extent that any wipe held therein will be released. In an embodiment of the invention, the housing contains a hinge so the unit may be folded for storage, or extended and locked in place for use.

Abstract: A device and method for removing residual water from the external ear canal of an individual comprise using a portion of dry, pre-compressed, absorbent sponge material that is die-cut or otherwise fashioned to have a bluntly pointed tip on at least one end. The bluntly pointed tip is placed into the external ear canal of an individual, and this bluntly pointed tip is held in place until there is visible and/or tactile evidence of water absorption by the sponge material, as indicated by swelling and/or softening of the bluntly pointed tip. These steps may be repeated as necessary to remove further residual water from the individual's ear canal.

Abstract: A wiper comprises a rod (20), a wiping body (30) provided at one end of the rod and an outer packing; the rod (20) is of elasticity, the outer packing is a tube-like container (10) having both ends closed permanently and an easy break-off mark (13) provided on the tube wall; the wiper is firm, airtight and capable of being opened easily, and can be used conveniently and rapidly; the rod and the tube-like container are made from thermoplastic materials by technologies such as extruding, injection-molding and the like, both ends of the tube-like container are closed through fusion, mechanical seal and other manners, and the wiper has a simple production technology and is suitable for mass production and wide application.

Abstract: A unitized apparatus for collection and/or drying and/or transport and/or analysis of a specimen is provided having a desiccant chamber that permits variable quantities of desiccant to be loaded into the device and to allow the desiccant to be recharged within the device without contacting or causing damages to the specimen collected thereon.

Abstract: A composition for dissolving or reducing the viscosity of sputum on a surface of a device includes an effective amount of glycerol and an effective amount of dextran sulfate in a saline solution. The effective amount of glycerol is between about 30-50% and the effective amount of dextran sulfate is between about 10-30%. The composition may further include an antimicrobial agent.

Abstract: A closure for a tubular access port in a medical fluid flow line or other container comprises a removable cap for enclosing and sealing the tubular access port. The cap has a closed end wall. The end wall carries an extending poker to facilitate the pushing of an antiseptic-carrying material into a lumen of the access port. The poker has an outer diameter that is less than the inner diameter of the access port. A method of using the poker is also described.

Abstract: A system and method for preparing samples to test an environmental surface for an analyte of interest. The system can include a deformable self-supporting receptacle comprising a reservoir, and a loaded substrate positioned in the reservoir of the deformable self-supporting receptacle. The loaded substrate can include a substrate and a source collected from the surface. The method can include combining the loaded substrate and a diluent in the reservoir, and agitating the loaded substrate and the diluent to form a liquid composition comprising the source and the diluent.

Abstract: A swab applicator for collecting debris and other materials from small and hard to reach spaces and cavities and applying materials to selected areas, including small and hard to reach spaces and cavities. The swab applicator includes an elongated member having two opposite ends having respective end members extending from the ends. One of the end member loops to form one or more through openings and has a surface made from or covered with an absorbent material. The other end member is different from the first end member and, in one configuration, is a wad mounted on the end of the elongated member.