Abstract: An implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to treat an ear of a patient includes a body having a distal end region and a proximal end region. The body defines, at least in part, a reservoir configured to contain the therapeutic agent. The device includes a shaft attached to the distal end region of the body and a lumen extending through the shaft having at least one inlet at a proximal end region in fluid communication with the reservoir and at least one outlet at a distal end region. Upon implantation of the body in a region of the ear, a length of the shaft is sufficient to extend from the body to at least the round window membrane of the ear. The device is configured to deliver the therapeutic agent to the ear from the reservoir via passive diffusion. Related devices and methods are described.

Abstract: A permanent or temporary marker is embedded within a hydrogel plug used in a biopsy procedure to indicate the location of a suspicious lesion so that the marker may be found in a subsequent surgical procedure. A combination of at least one permanent and at least one temporary marker may be used. Inserts of differing sizes and shapes may also be placed into the hydrogel plugs during their manufacturing process and removed from the plugs after the plugs have cured so that air-filled cavities are left in the plug. These cavities are temporary but may be used to augment location of a permanent marker.

Abstract: In various aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for applying ablation therapy to a target tissue region within a patient, which methods include: (a) navigating a catheter to a target tissue region within the patient, the catheter including an elongate body having a proximal portion and a distal portion and a balloon structure positioned at the distal portion of the elongate body, which balloon structure may be permeable to a calcium-ion-containing solution that comprises one or more calcium salts; (b) positioning the balloon structure at the target tissue region; (c) delivering energy to the target tissue region; and (d) eluting the calcium-ion-containing solution from the balloon structure before, during, and/or after delivering the energy to the target tissue region. In various other aspects, the present disclosure provides apparatuses that can be used for performing such methods, among others.

Abstract: A method of fabricating plastic products having a preselected color, comprising preparing a dispersion of pigment of the preselected color in cottonseed oil; supplying a preselected plastic resin for the product to be fabricated to a process machine having a rotating screw; furnishing the dispersion to the process machine at a position adjacent to threaded portion of the rotating screw; and blending the dispersion and the resin by rotating the screw.

Abstract: A test device is provided, including: a test member, including a receive portion and a first connection portion, the receive portion including a receive groove and a wall portion formed the receive groove; a moving member, inserted into the receive groove, being rotatable and movable in an axial direction to the test member, including a second connection portion; a sample collection member, formed of deformed absorption material, disposed on the moving member and disposed within the receive groove; wherein when the moving member is rotated relatively to the test member, the at least one protruding structure is moved along the at least one spiral guiding slot to move the sample collection member to rotatably axially squeeze the wall portion.

Abstract: A tampon applicator has a barrel and a plunger. The barrel extends from a proximal end to a distal end, the distal end having a base opening, and the proximal end having an upper opening exposing an inner chamber. A window formed in the barrel is shaped to receive a tampon. A set of protrusions extends inwardly from the inner chamber proximate the distal end of the barrel, and an inner ring of the inner chamber is proximate the distal end of the barrel. The plunger extends from a first end to a second end, the first end having a base. A top ring is on the base of the plunger, wherein the inner ring of the barrel is adapted to removably snap into the top ring. A annular ridge is on the second end of the plunger for threaded engagement with the set of protrusions of the barrel.

Abstract: A syringe assembly (10) has a syringe barrel (12), a plunger rod (14) and stopper (16) where the syringe barrel has an open end receiving the plunger rod and stopper in a sliding direction. The plunger rod includes a shaft (52) having a longitudinal axis with a first end having a coupling member (62) for coupling with the stopper. The shaft has a least one plunger rod support (82) extending radially outer from the shaft and spaced from the first end for cooperating with an inner surface of the syringe barrel (12) to resist lateral movement and tilting of the plunger rod relative to the longitudinal axis of the axial passage of the syringe barrel. The shaft in one embodiment has at least two spaced apart points of support (41) and (82) for maintaining the axis of the plunger rod on axis with the syringe barrel to limit twisting and tilting of the stopper thereby resisting distortion of the stopper that can cause leakage.

Abstract: In the manufacture of a tampon, an absorbent structure composed of an absorbent material can be formed into a tampon blank. In various embodiments, a withdrawal element can be attached to the absorbent structure either before or after the absorbent structure is formed into a tampon blank. The tampon blank can then undergo a compression step which can result in the pledget of the tampon. The pledget, and resultant tampon, can have at least one linear channel and at least one non-linear channel.

Abstract: A method for determining predicted failure rates of drug injection devices includes receiving a set of parameters that specify physical properties of (i) a syringe, and (ii) a liquid drug, and (iii) a drug injection device configured to deliver the liquid drug to a patient via the syringe. The method further includes receiving failure rate data that specifies a measured rate of failure of the drug injection device in response to various peak pressures within the syringe, applying the received set of parameters to a kinematic model of the drug injection device to determine a predicted peak pressure within the syringe, including determining the predicted peak pressure as a function of impact velocity of the liquid drug, determining a probability of failure of the drug injection device using (i) the received failure rate data and (ii) the predicted peak pressure, and providing an indication of the determined probability of failure to an output device.

Abstract: An imaging apparatus includes a hub; a needle extending from the hub, a probe provided within the needle and configured to extend and retract, an imager disposed in the probe, and an interposer provided within the needle. The imager is configured to generate an imaging signal. The interposer includes a substrate and a conductive line patterned on the substrate. The interposer is configured to receive the image signal from the imager via the conductive line.

Abstract: A catheter having a shaft made from polyvinyl alcohol where in the shaft has a varying stiffness along the length of the shaft.

Abstract: A system for measuring fluid absorption and retention properties of various samples having one or more materials, layers and/or articles. The system includes an optically or radiographically transparent fixture. The system enables measuring voxels having a grayscale value that demonstrate a difference in fluid densities and thereby enable the study of fluid flow and movement within and/or amongst various materials and articles in real time.

Abstract: Delivery catheters for in situ forming foams are provided. The catheters include, in various embodiments, coatings, valves, mixing structures, exit ports and combinations of the same.

Abstract: Novel tools and techniques are provided for implementing a tampon retainer to retain a string of a tampon in a vagina. In some embodiments, the tampon retainer comprises a body having a leading end and a trailing end. A fastener is located on the leading end of the body and is attachable to the tampon string. While the tampon and the tampon retainer are in use, the fastener maintains the entire tampon string within the vagina. The trailing end of the body of the tampon retainer is configured to extend from a vaginal opening when the tampon retainer is in use and a user can grasp the trailing end of the body to remove the tampon, the tampon string, and the tampon retainer from the vagina.

Abstract: A valve comprising: (a) a frame having: (i) a plurality of anchors and (ii) a plurality of struts; (b) a membrane connected to and spanning between each of the plurality of struts; wherein each of the plurality of struts have a free state and a loaded state and in the loaded state the membrane is substantially taut between two or more of the plurality of struts that are in the loaded state and in the free state the membrane is substantially taut between two or more of the plurality of struts that are in the loaded state.

Abstract: The present application describes nasal tube devices, methods for placing and securing a nasal tube to a patient, as well as adapters and connectors for a nasal tube. In one exemplary embodiment, the nasal tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and one or more lumens. A securing device may be attached to the proximal portion of the nasal tube and may be configured to attach a flexible line of a retention system to the nasal tube. The securing device may also be configured to selectively compress the proximal portion of the nasal tube. In certain embodiments, one or more medical tubes are disposed in the lumen of the nasal tube and may be selectively secured in the lumen with the securing device. The nasal tube device may also have a retention flange for attaching a flexible line of a retention system to the nasal tube.

Abstract: A flushable catheter assembly that includes at least one shrinkable portion that shrinks from a first configuration to a second compact configuration to reduce the size of the catheter assembly for passage through the sewer system. The flushable catheter may also be made from a water disintegratable polymer that dissolves, degrades or hydrolyzes while within the sewer system.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an endoscope tip assembly for use on an endoscope, during procedures. The endoscope tip assembly may include a base, configured to receive an endoscope tip configured to not disengage from the endoscope tip during a procedure. The endoscope tip assembly may also include a plurality of struts, connected by a webbing, that may fold flat during insertion, and may assume a balloon-like shape during withdrawal.

Abstract: According to the invention, thermoreversible hydrogels are provided, which are prepared from chain-extended poloxamers, having advantageous properties. In addition, the invention provides thermoreversible hydrogels, including biological materials, and a process for the preparation thereof, thermoreversible hydrogels including living cells, application systems for pharmaceutical applications, and an in-vitro-method for forming a composition on a surface.

Abstract: A system and method for a vacuum wound device. The system includes a wound vacuum device. The vacuum device includes a compressible sponge, vacuum tubing, and a delivery tube sized to house the wound vacuum device. The wound vacuum device is connected to a vacuum pump which creates and delivers the vacuum.

Abstract: An intraocular drainage device may include a monolithic silicone body having a flap, a rigid bottom plate having a portion configured to contact a corresponding portion of the flap, and a tube having a proximal end disposed between the flap and the rigid bottom plate. The corresponding portion of the flap may be configured to separate from the portion of the rigid bottom plate responsive to a fluid pressure in aqueous humor received from the tube. A plurality of parallel microgrooves may be formed on one or more portions of one or more outer surfaces of the intraocular drainage device.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly includes a barrel and a plunger. The barrel has a proximal opening, a distal opening, and a wall. The wall has an interior surface that defines a channel extending from the proximal opening to the distal opening, and includes a beveled portion that defines the proximal opening. The channel is configured to releasably retain a tampon. The plunger is disposed in the barrel and configured for slidable passage through the channel of the barrel.

Abstract: A self-lubricating tampon applicator includes a barrel having opposed insertion and proximal end portions and having a continuous side wall that defines an interior area and a plurality of spaced apart apertures and proximate the insertion end portion. A tampon is positioned in the interior area of the barrel. A piercing member is positioned between the tampon and the plurality of apertures. A lubricant reservoir is positioned between the tampon and the plurality of piercing members. A plunger situated in the barrel engages a proximal end of the tampon and is slidable from a starter configuration extending from the proximal end portion of the barrel to a deployed configuration positioned inside the barrel. Pressure applied to the plunger pushes the tampon and the reservoir downstream and the reservoir is pierced by the piercing member, dispensing lubricant through the plurality of apertures onto an outer surface of the barrel.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, and/or simulating various surgical procedures are disclosed. For example, devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, and/or evaluating physician competency in various surgical procedures or techniques are disclosed. As another example, devices, systems, and methods for practicing, teaching, simulating, and/or evaluating surgeon competency for a surgical procedure, such as a vaginal hysterectomy, and/or technique are disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments herein comprise a hemostatic composition comprising a plurality of liquid expandable articles capable of expanding upon contact with a liquid. A suitable composition comprises a plurality of liquid-expandable articles that may be mechanically uncoupled from one another and therefore may be capable of moving independently from one another. The plurality of liquid-expandable articles may comprise a compressed material capable of a high-degree of expansion upon liquid contact.

Abstract: A stand-alone system for assessing wound exudates from the wound of a patient is described. The system contains functionality to detect, process and report various wound parameters. The system also may make treatment determinations based on these findings. The system may detect one or more physiological values of the wound exudates from the wound of the patient. The system may also compare detected physiological values to predetermined physiological values, in order to obtain a comparison result in real time. The system may include a processor (15) which provides an electronic signal based on the comparison result in which the electronic signal may corresponds to guidelines for treating the wound (3). The system described may be an accessory, which may be used on its own, or in conjunction with other wound treatment devices (9).

Abstract: Methods, medical probe kits, and systems are provided for treating a tissue region within a patient, e.g., a margin of tissue surrounding an interstitial space created by removing abnormal tissue. A delivery cannula is introduced within the patient. A hydrophilic electrode is advanced through the cannula adjacent the tissue region, e.g., within the interstitial cavity. An ablation probe is advanced though the cannula into contact with the hydrophilic electrode, and ablation energy is conveyed from the ablation probe into the tissue region via the hydrophilic electrode.

Abstract: A tampon applicator that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The tampon applicator can be discreetly disposed of in a toilet without the risk of clogging sewer pipes. The tampon applicator includes a molded thermoplastic composition containing at least one partially hydrolyzed polyvinyl alcohol a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive characteristics of the tampon applicator may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the thermoplastic composition from which the applicator is formed, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.

Abstract: A tampon applicator that is water-sensitive (e.g., water-soluble, water-dispersible, etc.) in that it loses its integrity over time in the presence of water is provided. The tampon applicator can be discreetly disposed of in a toilet without the risk of clogging sewer pipes. The tampon applicator includes a molded thermoplastic composition containing a cellulose derivative, a synthetic water-soluble polymer, and a plasticizer. The desired water-sensitive characteristics of the tampon applicator may be achieved in the present invention by selectively controlling a variety of aspects of the thermoplastic composition from which the applicator is formed, such as the nature of the components employed, the relative amount of each component, the manner in which the composition is formed, and so forth.

Abstract: A fibrous sheet having a basis weight of between 20 and 1000 g/m2 that disintegrates in water, has 10% to 70% starch on the basis of the total weight of the dry fibrous sheet. The disintegration time in water, measured in accordance with standard NF Q34-020 applied to a specimen of the sheet of 9×8 cm2, is less than 50 seconds. A loss of strength of the sheet measured in accordance with a defined table test corresponds to a loss of strength of a specimen of said sheet forming an angle of at least 85° after having being wetted with water for a duration of 6 seconds, and/or a residual wet strength of the sheet relative to its dry strength, as measured according to a defined ring crush test, is less than 1%. The fibrous sheet may be used for the manufacture of a water disintegrable core in a roll of tissue paper.

Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: A dual mode absorbent tampon comprising a mass of absorbent material compressed into a generally cylindrical shape, in a first mode of the tampon. The mass of absorbent material comprising a homogeneous mixture of a plurality of fibers which comprise at least a first type of fiber and a second type of fiber, where the first type of fiber is bondable to fibers of the plurality of fibers. At least a portion of the first type of fibers are bonded in a pre-determined pattern to adjacent fibers of the plurality of fibers wherein absorption by the tampon causes at least a portion of the mass of absorbent material to expand into a non-cylindrical shape which is dependent upon the pre-determined pattern, in a second mode of the tampon.

Abstract: A tampon skirt is disclosed. The tampon skirt can comprise a finger cover associated with the tampon that expands or opens when a user unwraps a tampon, or an integrated tampon wrapper/cover that expands or opens when a user unwraps a tampon. The tampon skirt is associated with a tampon and conforms around a surface of the tampon. The cover is deployable to cover a finger of a user when the user prepares to insert the tampon. The user's grips the withdrawal end underneath the extended tampon skirt when the user is inserting the tampon. The tampon skirt is appropriately sized to cover a user's fingers and/or hand to prevent contact with menstrual discharge. When the user finishes inserting the tampon with the associated tampon skirt, the user disposes of the remaining tampon applicator and associated tampon skirt.

Abstract: A method of assembling a tampon applicator includes providing a barrel with internal ridges that define a guide channel having an effective diameter. The method includes providing a plunger that has a finger flare with a circular shape and a flare diameter that is at least 15% larger than the effective diameter of the guide channel. The method includes assembling the plunger and the barrel by pushing the finger flare into the guide channel and deforming the finger flare into a non-circular shape while moving the finger flare through the guide channel. The method includes moving the finger flare out of the plunger end of the barrel and reestablishing the circular shape of the finger flare.

Abstract: A position confirmation sheet 20 of a sanitary tampon comprises: a disposition indicator unit 21 that indicates a position for aligning the confirmation sheet along the strand member disposed outside the body with the absorber being inserted into the body; and an insertion position indicator unit 22 that indicates an appropriate position of the end of the strand member 12d disposed outside the body when the absorber is appropriately inserted into the body and the position confirmation sheet is aligned along the strand member according to the disposition indicator unit.

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: Described are lyophilized compositions comprising cidofovir, hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC) or hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) and, optionally, a plasticizer. In particular, described are such compositions that form a sheet-shaped porous solid matrix. Also described are methods for producing such compositions and their use in treating human papillomavirus (HPV) infections and HPV-associated malignancies, in particular, HPV lesions and cervical cancer.

Abstract: A surgical method of operating on the spinal column includes the steps of making a slit in the back of a patient proximate to the spinal column, such to divide a first muscle portion around the spinal column into a pair of separate side muscle portions, and detaching at least one of the separate side muscle portions from the spinal column by force-fitting an elongate gauze member into the slit and compressing the gauze member between the spinal column and the at least one of the side muscle portion, such to controllably detach an additional separate muscle portion of the side muscle portions from the spinal column.

Abstract: A fluid volume alarm system is presented. The alarm system has a container for storing fluid, and alarm module coupled to the container for notifying a user or observer that the fluid within the container has reached a predetermined level. The container has at least one exterior wall and defines an interior volume for at least temporary storage of fluid. In one aspect, there are at least two electrodes disposed on an interior portion of the exterior wall of the container and positioned at a position thereon an interior portion of the exterior wall corresponding to a predetermined fluid level at which it is desirable to receive an alarm. The system also has an alarm module configured to alert the practitioner that the fluid has met or has exceeded the predetermined level.

Abstract: A pull-activated applicator includes a barrel, a pledget, a finger grip, and a deployment element. The pledget includes a withdrawal string and is located within the barrel. The barrel, the pledget, and the deployment element are configured such that application of a force to the deployment element in a first direction deploys the pledget and withdrawal string from the barrel in a second direction generally opposite the first direction.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus that includes a scaffold with a gel or liquid composition deposed on at least a portion of a luminal surface, the gel or liquid composition adapted to include microbubbles. Also provided is a system that includes a source of reduced pressure, the above scaffold, a manifold adjacent the scaffold, and a conduit for providing fluid communication between the manifold and the source of reduced pressure. Additionally provided is a method that includes implanting the above scaffold at the tissue site and disrupting a substantial portion of the microbubbles to induce fluid flow to the scaffold. Further provided is an apparatus that includes a scaffold that comprises a slowly degradable material and a quickly degradable material. Additionally provided is a system for coupling nerve tissue and a microchip assembly.

Abstract: A tampon applicator assembly with an insertion end and a rear end containing a tampon made from absorbent material and an applicator comprising an outer tube and an inner tube able to slide in it in a telescopic arrangement, and the outer tube has at its insertion end at least two integrally formed, inwardly directed closure portions, and the tampon protrudes out from the insertion end of the inner tube by means of its insertion end and is completely accommodated inside the outer tube. The internal surface of the outer tube is smooth-walled from the closure portions to at least half the length of the outer tube without any inwardly extending projections. This assembly is extremely simple to manufacture. During use, the tampon is pushed forward by pushing the inner tube forward in the outer tube until it forces the closure portions of the outer tube outwards and protrudes out of the outer tube by an amount.

Abstract: A drug delivery device 10 has a support structure 20 and a medicine-laden member 100 affixed or otherwise attached to the support structure 20. The device 10 is sized to fit into the mouth and upon exposing the medicine-laden member 100 to saliva, medicaments 101 are released into the mouth. The drug delivery device 10 permits a new method of medication delivery. The method of oral transmucosal drug delivery has the steps of providing a drug delivery device 10 that fits into the mouth, the device 10 having a medicine-laden member 100; wearing the drug delivery device 10; activating release of medicine 101 by contact with saliva; and transmitting the released medicine 101 transmucosally to the bloodstream.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to alleviating the uncomfortable and unpleasant sensations that may accompany insertion and removal of personal care devices. Specifically, the present disclosure is directed to a personal care device that includes a moisture-activated composition that becomes lubricious only upon contact with moisture, such as from mucosal surfaces in the body.

Abstract: The device for laparoscopically delivering a solid material through a trocar into a body cavity comprises at least: a hollow tube defining a void therein and having a hub at a proximal end thereof, the hub having a proximal opening therein which forms a continuation of the hollow tube; the hollow tube having a prepackaged solid material therewithin; the tube having an outer diameter less than an inner diameter of a trocar through which the tube is inserted into a body cavity, the tube extending past a valve in the trocar when positioned therewithin; the hub having a diameter greater than the inner diameter of the trocar so as not to pass therethrough; and the material being suitably anchored by a string to the device so as not to become lost within the body cavity after being pushed out of the tube.

Abstract: A sanitary product for use by women for the absorption of menstrual fluid, having a plug and a pad joined by a sheath. The plug is substantially cylindrical so that is fits comfortably in a vaginal cavity. The pad remains outside the vaginal cavity, but has an absorbent layer on an inward side proximal to the plug and a liquid impermeable layer on an outward side. In use, a wearer can insert a finger into the sheath from the outward side of the pad to assist with insertion of the plug into the vaginal cavity. A string is provided that extends inside the sheath from the outward end of the plug to aid removal of the product. A line of weakness extends along the major axis of the pad, about which the pad is disposed to fold in use.

Abstract: A tampon applicator comprises: an outer cylinder in the interior of which an absorbent; an inner cylinder for outwardly pushing the absorbent by moving into the outer cylinder; and a flange part extending outward in the radial direction from an outer peripheral surface of a grip cylinder part of the outer cylinder. The flange part is provided with a flange identifying unit comprising at least one from among: an identifying display portion; an identifying friction portion; and an identifying shape portion.

Abstract: A device and a method for manufacturing said device, the device comprising an applicator member and a flexible retention web (1) intended to be introduced into a vaginal cavity (17), said web being equipped with a means (7) for removal and being made from an a traumatic material whereof the dimensions are adapted so as to be able to retain and/or slow down bodily discharges of small quantity, characterized in that:—the applicator member comprises a body (8) that is at least partially hollow defining an internal storage volume (9), said body having a proximal end (10) on the one hand, and on the other hand, a distal end (11) intended to be inserted into the vaginal cavity of a user, said distal end having an open section emerging in the internal volume,—the web comprises a central zone (13) housed in the internal volume, and at least one peripheral zone (14) protruding from the body so as to cover at least the distal end of the body.

Abstract: A tampon applicator includes an outer cylinder in which an absorber is housed, and a push-out opening through which the absorber is to be pushed out is provided at one side and a grip cylinder unit is provided at the other side, and an inner cylinder which is inserted into the grip cylinder unit and being moved into the outer cylinder to be thereby able to push out the absorber outward through the push-out opening. The tampon applicator includes a grip jaw unit configured to extend from an outer circumferential face of the grip cylinder unit of the outer cylinder outwardly in a radial direction, wherein a finger hook unit by which a finger of a user is to be hooked is formed at the grip jaw unit.

Abstract: A cylindrical absorbent cotton nasal pack has a rounded tip for a patient's self application in controlling epistaxis. The pack comprises compressed absorbent cotton or cellulosic fiber in the shape of a bullet or capsule to prevent sticking to nasal wall and absorption of blood. One end has a rounded tip and the other end has a flat bottom section (optional dual rounded ends). The flat bottom section has a plastic coating or plastic sleeve made of polyurethane to help grip the nose pack, conceal the site of blood, prevent blood leakage, and prevent contact of blood when disposing of the nose pack. The nose pack is simply inserted with the cotton rounded side up into the bleeding nasal cavity while applying a gentle pushing force until pack is snug at top of nasal cavity. The constant pressure applied from the pack to the nostril wall assists in the coagulation process, which helps stop the nosebleed. The nose pack is sized to be placed within the nasal cavity upon occurrence of a nosebleed.