Abstract: A method that includes conveying overheated dialysate through a cassette in a manner to reduce the temperature of the overheated dialysate, and a dialysis system including a control unit configured to cause overheated dialysate to be conveyed through a cassette in a manner to reduce the temperature of the overheated dialysate.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature. The stretch resistant member may be formed from a therapeutic and/or bioactive non-metallic material to enhance the therapeutic properties of the vasoocclusive coil.

Abstract: Fluid management systems and methods of operating fluid management systems which may provide one or more functions associated with suction, irrigation, distention, deficit monitoring, infusion, fluid warming, and the like. Some example embodiments may include infra-red lamps arranged to heat fluid flowing through a disposable cartridge. Some example embodiments may provide a three-dimensional fluid path through the cartridge and/or multi-stage heating capabilities. Some example fluid management systems may be selectable between pressure control and flow control modes.

Abstract: A portable therapeutic fluid delivery device with a flow detector comprising a heating element and two temperature sensors is presented. Upon activation of the heating element, a flow condition of the fluid inside the delivery tube is determined based on a signal provided by the temperature sensors. A temperature gradient within the therapeutic fluid is detected. The determined flow condition can be one of: air bubbles within the delivery tube, occlusion within the delivery tube, or leakage within the delivery tube. The device can have two parts, for example, a reusable part and a disposable part. Upon pairing of these parts, the heating element and the temperature sensors touch the delivery tube.

Abstract: A heating system for warming nutritional liquid fed to a neonate or preterm infant may comprise a control module and a heater. The heating system is portable so that the heating system is not connected to a syringe pump or other device used to feed the neonate. The heater of the heating system is mounted to the tube that is used to feed the neonate. The heater is positioned along the tube in close proximity to the neonate so that a temperature drop of the nutritional liquid after the nutritional liquid exits the heater and reaches the neonate is negligible. The heater raises the temperature of the nutritional liquid to a target desired temperature (e.g., body temperature of the mother and neonate or to a temperature above the temperature of the mother and neonate) so that the neonate may consume warm nutritional fluid. Once the nutritional liquid reaches the neonate, the nutritional liquid is at about the body temperature of the mother or neonate or at least above room temperature.

Abstract: A delivery device for administering an active substance to a subject transdermally includes a first plate member having a plurality of first chambers formed therein. Solid form structures including the active substance and of conical shape having a pointed skin penetrating tip are located in the first chambers. A second plate member having a plurality of second chambers including a driving substance is secured to the first plate member with a first membrane of an expandable material sealably located between the respective first and second plate members. Expansion of the driving substance in the second chambers urges the first membrane into the corresponding first chambers for in turn urging the solid form structures to penetrate through a second membrane into the skin of the subject. A third plate member includes a plurality of electrically powered heating elements aligned with the second chambers for heating and expanding the driving substance.

Abstract: Materials and methods for producing localized hypothermia in a patient (e.g., for treatment of acute pancreatitis and pancreatic cancer).

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A system and method for warming a fluid for intravenous administration is presented. The system includes an enclosure, a frangible bladder disposed at least partially within the enclosure, and a first reactant of an exothermic reaction disposed within the frangible bladder. The apparatus includes a second reactant of the exothermic reaction disposed within the enclosure and external to the frangible bladder, and a channel at least partially enclosed by the enclosure. The frangible bladder is configured to be ruptured to mix at least a portion of the first reactant and the second reactant to initiate the exothermic reaction, thereby warming at least a portion of the channel.

Abstract: A fluid warming cassette system in which the cassette has a stiffening frame structure and an integral handle is provided to support a parenteral fluid container. The fluid container is desirably thin to minimize heat exchange inefficiencies. The frame structure permits the thin fluid container to be inserted into the narrow space between fixed position warming plates of a warming unit. The frame structure has a quadrilateral shape with sides and ends. The fluid container is attached, at its periphery to the sides and ends of the frame structure, within the quadrilateral shape. Part of the frame structure is formed into a handle to assist in both the insertion and removal of the cassette from a warming unit.

Abstract: A device for cooling cutaneous and sub-cutaneous tissues includes an applicator. The applicator has a head and a handle. The head has ports that are operative to dispense a pressurized fluid. The device also has a pressurizing section where the pressurizing section comprises at least one pump. The pump delivers pressurized fluid at a pressure of less than or equal to about 2 bars to the applicator.

Abstract: A gas vent valve assembly may be attached or incorporated to a disposable fluid transfer set used with a fluid warmer to administer an infusate to a patient. The gas vent valve assembly has a housing having a fluid inlet, a gas outlet and a fluid outlet. The gas outlet is located at the top of the housing while the fluid outlet is located at the bottom of the housing. The fluid inlet is located at a side lower portion of the housing. Inside the housing is an actuator float that has an upper seal and a lower seal. The dimension of the float relative to the chamber of the housing is such that the float is freely movable within the housing to an upper position whereby its upper seal closes the gas outlet while the fluid outlet is opened, and to a lower position whereby its lower seal closes the fluid outlet and the gas outlet is opened. The movement of the float is dependent on the respective amounts of air and fluid in the housing, and the buoyancy of the float relative to the fluid in the housing.

Abstract: A method for producing a temperature control means (5c, 5c) of an elastic heating profile (1), which heat and/or cool a medical instrument inserted into a cavity (3) of the heating profile (1), are provided in bores (4a, 4b, 4c, . . . ) having a bore diameter (110, 110?) which is smaller than the outer diameter (120, 120?) of the temperature control means (5c, 5e) to be inserted into the bores (4a, 4b, 4c, . . . ). A positive and/or non-positive connection between the heating profile (1) and the received temperature control means ensures good thermal contact. The production costs for an operable heating profile or temperature control means are also reduced.

Abstract: A system for controlling temperature of intravenous fluids includes a thermal treatment device and a temperature sensing device to measure a temperature of the fluid flowing through the sensor. The temperature sensing device may simultaneously collect two temperature measurements. For example, the sensing device may include sensors that measure the temperature of the fluid at two disparate locations along the medical fluid line. Additionally, the sensors may measure the temperature of the fluid within the medical fluid line, as well as the ambient temperature outside of the line. The thermal treatment device includes a conduit configured to have a nonlinear flow path through the device. The thermal treatment device thermally treats fluid within the conduit to a desired temperature or range.

Abstract: A microfluidic delivery system (10) includes a reservoir (3) to hold a predetermined volume of fluid, such as a dose of a drug. An outlet (5) allows delivery to a patient. A piston (15) can move in the reservoir (3) to dispense fluid through the outlet (5). Movement of the piston (15) is provided by an actuator (9) including a coil (19) of shape memory allow. Other examples use SMA wires. The SMA element (19) is controlled by an electrical current.

Abstract: Medical devices and related methods are disclosed for delivering an implant into the body of a patient. The devices include a damping assembly having an internal chamber with a varying inner diameter, and a piston slideably disposed therein. The piston is operably connected with a catheter portion such that movement of the piston is associated with concurrent movement of the catheter for implant delivery. The varying inner diameter of the damping assembly results in a decrease in damping force during implant delivery, thus providing a substantially constant velocity of implant delivery.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a cannula useful for introducing a thermally responsive polymer in situ. In embodiments, the cannula possesses more than one cannula, with the thermally responsive polymer introduced in one cannula, and a material such as a coolant in a second cannula which prevents premature gelling of the thermally responsive polymer.

Abstract: A system and method for inserting a catheter into a patient, the system comprising a frame including a catheter hub configured to provide a first anchoring point on a patient and receive a catheter insertable in the patient at an insertion site, a stabilization hub configured to provide a second anchoring point on the patient, and a flexible tubular lateral member, extending between the catheter hub and the stabilization hub; a fluidic channel configured to fluidically communicate with the catheter and transfer fluid to the catheter; a flush fluid source configured to couple to the fluidic channel and supply flush fluid to the catheter; a housing comprising a needle mount and a flash chamber; and needle having a distal end insertable through the frame and the catheter and a proximal end coupled to the needle mount, wherein the needle is configured to provide a fluid path to the flash chamber.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nano-enhanced device for substance transfer between the device and a tissue. The device comprises a substrate with substantially aligned carbon nanotubes anchored within the substrate, and with at least one end of the carbon nanotubes protruding from the substrate. The protruding nanotube ends may be coated with a drug for delivery of the drug into body tissue. The present invention may be incorporated into an angioplasty catheter balloon or into a patch that is worn on the skin. The carbon nanotubes can be grouped in clusters to effectively form nano-needles which can transfer fluid to or from the subdermal tissue. The nano-needles can be used in conjunction with a sensor to ascertain body fluid information such as pH, glucose level, etc.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A warming unit and method for warming an infusion medium prior to introducing the medium into a patient's body. The apparatus includes an outer casing, inlet and outlet tubes secured to the outer casing, a fluid conduit for transporting the infusion medium through the warming unit, and a heating element disposed proximate to the fluid conduit for warming the infusion medium flowing therethrough. The warming unit can form part of a system, which further includes a controller for controlling various functions of and separate from the warming unit, a reservoir containing the infusion medium, and a power source for powering the warming unit.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medicament container for a liquid medicament, the medicament container comprising a bag with an outlet, the bag being compressible or shrinkable by subjection of at least a part of the medicament container to an energy source.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for delivering adhesive material to a patient site. A delivery device includes a housing and a nozzle. Adhesive material exits the end of the nozzle such as to adhesively attach tissue to tissue or a material or device to tissue.

Abstract: A pump system selectably and dynamically controls the flow rate of a fluid being delivered to a patient's body over a wide range of flow rates. The pump system includes an infusion tubing, a pumping mechanism, a motor drive assembly in mechanical communication with the pumping mechanism, a user input control, and an electronic controller in electrical communication with and at least partially controlling the motor drive assembly. The electronic controller include a digital signal processing controller in electrical communication with the motor drive assembly that is configured to receive a signal from the user input control and to cause power to be supplied to the motor drive assembly in response at least partially to the signal from the user input control. The pump system may selectably deliver fluid at rates from about 1 milliliter per hour to at least about 3000 milliliters per minute.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an immune response in a vertebrate subject is described. The method includes providing at least one energy stimulus configured to modulate one or more nervous system components of the vertebrate subject, and administering one or more immunogen to the vertebrate subject, wherein the at least one energy stimulus and the one or more immunogen are provided in a combination and in a temporal sequence sufficient to enhance an immune response in the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: Surgical fluid management systems and methods of operating surgical fluid management systems which may provide one or more functions associated with suction, irrigation, distention, deficit monitoring, infusion, fluid warming, and the like. Some example embodiments may include infra-red lamps arranged to heat fluid flowing through a disposable cartridge. Some example embodiments may provide a three-dimensional fluid path through the cartridge and/or multi-stage heating capabilities. Some example fluid management systems may be selectable between pressure control and flow control modes.

Abstract: A replaceable heating cartridge for use with a warming device to heat or warm a fluid. The replaceable heating cartridge comprises a heater having first and second sides, a first connecting portion to receive a fluid from an external source, a second connecting portion to supply a heated fluid, a plurality of barrier members disposed on each side of the heater, and a pair of cover members. Each cover member is disposed on one side of the heater and configured to couple to each other with the heater and the barrier members therein between to form a body with a fluid path. The fluid path wraps around the heater multiple times to warm the fluid flowing through the fluid path from the first connecting portion to supply the heated fluid at the second connecting portion. An air filter is disposed on the fluid path to remove air from the fluid. Preferably, one of the cover member further comprises a plurality of openings to discharge the air removed from the fluid by the air filter.

Abstract: A system and method of treating urinary incontinence including a catheter and injection guide operatively disposed together. At least one needle is operatively disposed within at least one lumen and at least one channel extending through the catheter and injection guide respectively. The injection guide is transformable from a pre-injection configuration for placement in the bladder to an injection configuration for injection of a pharmaceutical such as botulinum toxin into the bladder tissue. Upon introduction of the pharmaceutical to the bladder tissue, symptoms of incontinence are alleviated.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A catheter includes a first expandable membrane having a first pressurization limit and a second expandable membrane, having a second pressurization limit, wherein the second pressurization limit is greater than the first pressurization limit, the first expandable membrane defines a cooling chamber, the second expandable membrane being disposed around the first expandable membrane to define an junction therebetween. The catheter includes a coolant injection lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid inlet port and the cooling chamber, and a primary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the cooling chamber. The coolant injection tube, the cooling chamber, and the primary coolant return lumen define a first fluid pathway. The catheter further includes a secondary coolant return lumen in fluid communication with the at least one fluid outlet port and the junction. The junction and the secondary coolant return lumen define a second fluid pathway.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A catheter guidance system and method for guiding a catheter through the bloodstream of the patient's cardiovascular system in a medical procedure. The catheter has a front tip with a heating element for slightly heating a media surrounding the front tip in a blood vessel of the patient's cardiovascular system, and two temperature measuring elements located adjacent to and in front and behind the heating element respectively for measuring temperatures in the media at their respective locations. A guidance device is coupled to the catheter for converting the heating power and temperature measurement signals to digital signals, processing the digital signals, and displaying guidance information indicative of the location of the front tip of the catheter relative to the blood vessel wall of the patient's cardiovascular system. The guidance information may be shown by an intuitive traffic light type display.

Abstract: Catheter devices and methods for intravascular heating and/or cooling of human or veterinary patients. The catheter devices generally comprise catheters having inflow and outflow lumens and at least one curvilinear balloon connected to the inflow and outflow lumens such that heat exchange fluid may be circulated through the balloon(s). The catheter is inserted into the vasculature and heated or cooled fluid is circulated through the balloon(s) to heat or cool blood flowing in heat-exchange proximity to the balloon(s), thereby effecting heating or cooling of all or a portion of the patient's body.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: The present invention improves significantly the success rate of lithotripsy and reduces the risk of tissue damage, by injecting a temporary plug in front, and optionally behind a concretion (for extracorporeal lithotripsy) or behind a concretion (for intracorporeal lithotripsy). One aspect of the present invention relates to injecting an inverse thermosensitive polymer solution into a lumen, thereby preventing the migration of a concretion, or its fragments, upon extracorporeal or intracorporeal lithotripsy.

Abstract: A method for enhancing an immune response in a vertebrate subject is described. The method includes providing at least one energy stimulus configured to modulate one or more nervous system components of the vertebrate subject, and administering one or more immunogen to the vertebrate subject, wherein the at least one energy stimulus and the one or more immunogen are provided in a combination and in a temporal sequence sufficient to enhance an immune response in the vertebrate subject.

Abstract: A catheter is adapted to exchange heat with a body fluid, such as blood, flowing in a body conduit, such as a blood vessel. The catheter includes a shaft with a heat exchange region disposed at its distal end. This region may include hollow fibers which are adapted to receive a remotely cooled heat exchange fluid preferably flowing in a direction counter to that of the body fluid. The hollow fibers enhance the surface area of contact, as well as the mixing of both the heat exchange fluid and the body fluid. The catheter can be positioned to produce hypothermia in a selective area of the body or alternatively positioned to systemically cool the entire body system.

Abstract: A dental obturation system, which is configured such that a power terminal unit is installed between a rotary unit and a cartridge unit such that a heating unit can heat a filling material and a needle member, mounted to the front end of a main body having a battery therein, can be rotated while applying the heated filling material to a root canal, so that an operator can easily and conveniently administer dental treatment without changing his/her posture or the orientation of the main body according to the location of a decayed tooth of a patient.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: A novel dispensing system for dispensing medicaments to a patient that includes means for controllably heating fluid medicaments within the dispensing system by converting a chemical component, such as calcium chloride or the like, into a solution or solvent by adding a suitable solution or solvent to create an exothermic process causing an increase in temperature of the mixed solution.

Abstract: A non-electric heater apparatus for controllably heating and cooling fluid medicaments flowing from a medicament dispenser through the fluid delivery member of the apparatus by adding a suitable solution or solvent to a chemical component, such as magnesium chloride, or the like, to create an exothermic process that can be used to heat the fluid delivery member and the fluid flowing there through.

Abstract: A cooling system for an indwelling heat exchange catheter includes a heat exchange bath that is configured to receive a conduit that carries saline to and from the catheter. A heating/cooling fluid is in the bath and exchanges heat with the saline. The heating/cooling fluid flows through a heat exchanger that includes a refrigerant and two variable speed DC compressor for removing heat from the refrigerant. A gear pump circulates the working fluid to and from the catheter and is removably engaged with a pump support platform.

Abstract: A heat exchanger has a laminar fluid flow path receivable between the heating plates of a high flow rate infusion unit to which heat is conducted by contact with the heating plates. A bubble trap and a valve are integrated with the heat exchanger. The bubble trap collects air from the infusate exiting the laminar flow path, and includes an air vent in contact with the infusate that vents the air from the bubble trap. The valve shuts off the flow of infusate if air is detected in the bubble trap.

Abstract: A method for controlled delivery of a substance into a body includes administering a plurality of containment vessels into the body, in which each of the plurality of containment vessels includes a quantity of the substance loaded therein prior to the administering; and providing a time-varying magnetic field such that the plurality of containment vessels are exposed thereto to cause a release of at least a portion of the substance from the plurality of containment vessels. Each of the plurality of containment vessels has an average outer diameter less than about 1 ?m.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: A vasoocclusive coil is reinforced with a stretch resistant member to improve safety during retraction of the coil. The stretch resistant member is fixedly attached at one end to the vasoocclusive coil, and the other end of the stretch resistant member is detachably mounted to an elongated pusher member to allow for placement and release of the vasoocclusive coil within the patient's vasculature.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods and devices for maintaining cellular viability and function for therapeutic purposes. The invention provides methods and devices for maintaining the proliferative and developmental potential of cellular preparations by protecting the from physical and physiological damage during storage, preparation, and delivery to a site (e.g., a tissue site). The invention also provides methods and devices for evaluating tissues and organs, and selecting appropriate sites for cellular delivery.

Abstract: Stabilizing an object in the body of a patient involves the injection of a lower critical solution temperature (LCST) material or other flowable material into the body of the patient so that the material contacts the object. The LCST material or other flowable material then forms a gel in the body such that the object is contained at least partially within the gel and thereby stabilized by the gel such that the object can then be easily fragmented within the body and/or retrieved from the body.

Abstract: In various embodiments, an ophthalmic injection device may include a dispensing chamber to hold a substance (e.g., a drug) to be injected into an eye, a thermal feedback layer with at least one thermal sensor, and a temperature control layer to apply or remove heat from the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, the thermal feedback layer and the temperature control layer may be coupled to each other and/or coupled to the dispensing chamber. In some embodiments, at least one of the thermal sensors may be secured between the temperature control layer and the dispensing chamber using a thermal adhesive.

Abstract: A system and method of topically applying an anesthetic, or other medication, to one or both lips of the mouth. An applicator device is provided that has a curved first wall, a curved second wall, and a horizontal shelf that joins the first wall to the second wall. The first wall, the second wall and the horizontal shelf combine to define either one or two curved lip compartments. A volume of the anesthetic, or other medication, is placed within the curved lip compartments. The applicator device is partially placed in a person's mouth so that the second wall is positioned between the back of the lips and in front of the teeth. While in this position, the lip of the user passes into the curved lip compartment and is contacted by the anesthetic.