Abstract: An economical yet effective apparatus and associated method heats and pressurizes a fluid-filled bag of the type used in a surgical setting. The apparatus includes an inner sealed flexible jacket including a sodium acetate solution and activator button therein operative to heat the fluid-filled bag. An outer sealed flexible jacket adjacent to the inner jacket includes a gas inlet for inflation thereof thereby applying pressure to the fluid-filled bag through the heated inner jacket during use.

Abstract: A device and method for stimulating tissue to improve the resorption kinetics of an active substance.

Abstract: Some embodiments includes a system that includes a catheter including a distal portion for location at least partially in an aneurysm, the catheter including a proximal portion, the catheter to transport a biocompatible polymeric strand to an aneurysm, a biocompatible polymeric strand sized to slide through the catheter and a heated excise collar coupled to the distal portion of the catheter, the heated excise collar to provide radial heat from the catheter inward to melt and excise the biocompatible polymeric strand.

Abstract: A dispensing chamber assembly has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, and a level sensor. The dispensing chamber housing at least partially surrounds a dispensing chamber that holds a quantity of a substance. The plunger is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The level sensor detects when the dispensing chamber is substantially full.

Abstract: Systems and methods of tissue remodeling or altering a surface of a skin of a patient are provided. A method includes increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue. Methods can include increasing myostatin activity in a target tissue in addition to various tissue remodeling techniques, including cryogenic cooling of target tissue for tissue remodeling.

Abstract: An apparatus for circulatory isolation and treatment of a part of a patient's body includes a fluid circulation loop having a first end and a second end, a flow obstructer adapted for obstructing blood flow in a patient's blood vessel such that a body part or organ becomes circulatorily isolated from the circulation of the rest of the body, and a flow-through arrangement including first and second flow-through members respectively connected to the first and second ends of the fluid circulation loop, for providing the isolated part of the patient's body with a fluid connection to the fluid circulation loop, allowing circulation of a therapeutic fluid through the isolated body part.

Abstract: Medicament devices include a sealed medicament dose container comprising a cell based medicament that is stored at a temperature less than about ?40 degrees Celsius, then thawed into a liquid prior to administration and a medicament dose cartridge configured and sized to snugly hold the dose container therein during extraction of the liquid medicament. Related dose containers, retainers and extraction/dispensing systems are also described.

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 a system for increasing the temperature of a fluid being infused into a patient's body while the infusion is taking place. The present invention also provides for improved monitoring of air in the infusion system such to prevent the introduction of air into the patient's body receiving the fluid infusion. The present invention also provides for a system pump which provides a variable flow rate that serves a vast amount of infusion needs and purposes. A disposable cartridge in accordance with the present invention will allow for the efficient transfer of heat energy to the fluid being infused into the patient's body. The cartridge will further ensure that deleterious amounts of air will not be introduced into the patient's body.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing vasodilatation and/or controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired vacuum pressure to the skin of the extremity of a mammal. In some cases it is also desirable to provide heat to regions of the extremity of the mammal to further dilate the veins or arteries in the patient. In some cases it is also desirable to apply a contact pressure to regions of the extremity of the mammal to improve perfusion of these regions. In one embodiment, the device includes a device that is adapted to rigidly enclose a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein so that a sub-atmospheric pressure can be applied to the mammal's extremity, which is further discussed below.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly has a glass tube assembly, a chamber housing, a needle, and a temperature control device. The glass tube assembly includes a glass tube with inner and outer surfaces and distal and proximal ends. A plunger is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the glass tube at the proximal end, and a seal is located at the distal end of the glass tube. The chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a chamber for receiving the glass tube assembly. The needle has sharp distal and proximal ends, traverses the chamber housing, and is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the chamber housing. The proximal end of the needle is arranged to puncture the seal when the glass tube assembly is pressed against the proximal end of the needle.

Abstract: A barrier system is provided for use in reducing infections associated with a percutaneous medical device, such as a catheter, that is disposed within a percutaneous incision. Such a barrier system can include: a barrier device having a skin-contacting surface and a catheter-receiving surface; and an adhesive composition configured for adhering to skin, the barrier device, and/or the catheter so as to form a barrier at or adjacent to an incision in the skin where the catheter is percutaneously inserted through the skin. The barrier device can include a conduit configured to receive the catheter. Alternatively, the barrier device can include a groove in a base surface that is configured to receive the catheter. A system that includes a medical device, the barrier device, and adhesive can also be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating body tissue by use of thermal treatment material. The thermal treatment material to be injected into target tissue of a body includes: a carrier substrate; a plurality of first particles operative to generate thermal energy in response to an alternating electromagnetic field applied external to the body; and a plurality of second particles, each of the second particles having a core and a coating surrounding the core. The coating is dissolved at a preset temperature by the thermal energy so that the visibility of the core in an external imaging system is affected as the coating is dissolved to expose the core. The variation of the visibility can be used as an indicator to determine if the material has reached the preset temperature.

Abstract: Intelligent needles comprise a needle for insertion into the skin to deposit a substance that causes plumping of the skin. The penetration depth of the needle may be adjusted automatically in conjunction with a sensor mechanism that determines a depth the needle can penetrate without contacting blood vessels. Methods of making and using the same for acupuncture and subcutaneous injection are also provided.

Abstract: A temperature sensing device measures the temperature of a fluid at selected locations along an IV fluid line. The device is secured to a selected portion of the IV line and includes a temperature sensor for measuring fluid flowing within that line. The device is coupled to a temperature display device to display the measured temperature. The temperature sensing device may include: a housing with a lower cover to engage the line and a temperature sensor; a holder movable along the line and including a temperature sensor; a housing with a lower member including a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a resilient member with a spiral configuration and a tip to pierce and measure temperature of fluid within the line; a ‘T’-type fitting including a temperature sensor; or a ‘Y’-type fitting including a temperature sensor in the form of a needle.

Abstract: A cooling device for cooling a catheter, the cooling device comprising a main cooling unit adapted for supplying the catheter with a main cooling medium and a precooling unit adapted for precooling the main cooling medium before supply of the main cooling medium to the catheter, wherein the main cooling unit comprises a cooling pathway through which a fluid is guidable as the main cooling medium, and comprising a control unit adapted for automatically controlling the main cooling unit and the precooling unit to perform a predetermined cooling procedure, wherein the control unit is adapted for activating the precooling unit before activating a supply of the main cooling medium by the main cooling unit to the catheter.

Abstract: An automatic feeding/sputum suction device, which mainly comprises a feeding syringe or sputum suction device, an air pump, a liquid food replenishing drum or oxygen/water supply device, three-way control valve, feeding duct or sputum suction duct, controller and detector strap, wherein the three-way control valve is connected with liquid food replenishing drum (oxygen/water supply device), feeding syringe (sputum suction device) and feeding duct (sputum suction duct).

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inducing a therapeutic state of hypothermia in a patient. Cold biocompatible liquid is infused into a patient at a defined temperature and pressure and at a fairly rapid rate to quickly induce hypothermia. In one system, cold liquid is provided from a flowing source. In another, cold liquid is forced out of a refrigerated bag, the pressure on the bag arising from air pressure on the bag, an infusor cuff, or any other technique which may apply such pressure. The cold liquid may be cooled in advance of the infusion or via a cold plate which forms a portion of the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for abdominal dressing that adds liquid coils in the form of a manifold is disclosed. The manifold includes heating coils to warm the bowel with heated water in a counter current method. This takes advantage of the large surface area of the bowel to exchange heat with the heater coils, but allows the abdominal dressing to maintain the initial function: remove pathologic fluid from the abdomen. Methods of treating patients with an open abdomen are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrosurgical instrument (5) for an endoscope or a catheter, which can be operated by means of a high-frequency current, contact electrosurgical treatment and non-contact plasma coagulation in an ionisable gas. A stationary electrode (33) is arranged on the distal end of a guiding tube (7) that can be introduced into the instrument channel (1) of an endoscope catheter (3), and when the electrosurgical electrode for the contact treatment is in the retracted position in the guiding tube (7), the stationary electrode is connected to the electrosurgical electrode (11) by means of a contact element (37).The retracted position of the electrode (11) can, but not necessarily, be maintained by an abutment (21) of a handling device (13) and/or by a suitable arrangement and measurement of the contact element (37). The retracted position of the electrode (11) does not need to be optically controlled.

Abstract: An apparatus, such as a medical device, includes an elongate member having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The elongate member defines a lumen extending from the proximal end portion to the distal end portion. The distal end portion of the elongate member is configured to be inserted into a body of a patient. The apparatus includes a heating element configured to heat the lumen defined by the elongate member such that a material within the lumen is heated and can be delivered to bodily tissue.

Abstract: An infusion fluid heating apparatus applicable to various types of infusion tube with different length dimensions includes a front-side tube fitting groove or a rear-side tube fitting groove formed on one of surfaces of a heating plate that receives an infusion tube in a first length between an inlet opening and an outlet opening open at the end surfaces of the heating plate. The groove also receives the infusion tube in a second length shorter than the first length. Therefore, the groove uses the second length for a relatively short infusion tube, capable of heating the tube appropriately and achieving high versatility. In addition, the tube fitting groove uses the first length for an infusion bag with a relatively long infusion tube, capable of heating the tube appropriately and increasing the maximum infusion fluid flow.

Abstract: An ice tip is placed on the front end of a hypodermic needle to cool the flesh during insertion. The ice tip front end is sharp, for penetration, and the rear is provided with a recess, for reception of a hypodermic needle front end. The mold for forming the ice tip can be cooled by a cryogenic fluid being conducted into a main mold surrounding a tip forming heat conducting mold that is used to form the ice tip pointed front end and the recessed rear end.

Abstract: An IV pole mountable, therapeutic infusate processing device is incorporated into a hypothermia system to receive therapeutic fluid(s), such as normal saline, peritioneal dialysis solution, or other crystalloid solution, to heat such therapeutic fluid(s) a few degrees centigrade above normal body temperature and to direct the resulting heated infusate to and through a selected anatomical portion of a patients body to raise the temperature of that body portion so as to affect any cancerous or other tumors that may be located therein. The processing device is provided with touch screen controls and visual indicators to facilitate its proper use; while the system further includes temperature and pressure sensors to monitor the hyperthermia processing to insure patient safety.

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: Devices and methods to cool a target tissue region inside the body are described. Fluid cooled below normal body temperature and blood at a normal body temperature are provided to the tissue region in proportions to cool the tissue region. A system for controlling the temperature of the target tissue region is disclosed. The system includes a catheter and a control system that controls the amount of cool fluid and blood provided to the tissue region. A catheter for providing cool fluid to the tissue region is also provided. The catheter includes a temperature sensor that extends to a location distal to the distal end of the catheter to sense the temperature of the tissue region.

Abstract: The present invention is of an apparatus and method for enhancing skin, muscle and nerve stimulation and controlled delivery of an active substance to a subject's skin. Moreover, the present invention is of an apparatus, featuring a combination of a stimulating device and an exothermic heating source. Preferably, the stimulating device is an iontophoretic device, or an electrical stimulation device, such as, but not limited to TENS, IFC and GC devices or a combination thereof. The present invention also provides a method of using such an apparatus for enhancing skin, muscle and nerve stimulation. Furthermore, the present invention provides a method of use of such an apparatus for enhancing controlled delivery of an active substance.

Abstract: A method for manipulating a tissue by targeted delivery of heat by heating a liquid contained in an injecting means to a predetermined temperature level and injecting a predetermined volume of said heated liquid into a predetermined depth of the tissue through a needle attached to the injecting means, to thereby manipulate the tissue in the injected area.

Abstract: Methods and systems for infusing a cooled infusate to a target location in a patient are described. A temperature of the blood and infusate admixture upstream of the catheter as well as at other locations along the catheter may be monitored and a feedback system utilized to control the volume, temperature, and/or infusion rate of the infusate so as to achieve a predetermined temperature at the target location. Control may also be based on the patient's native vessel flow rate. The system may monitor or calculate hematocrit upstream of the catheter and adjust infusion so as to provide sufficient oxygenation of the blood and infusate admixture. The system may also monitor reflux of the infusate past a distal end of the catheter and reduce infusion upon the detection of reflux.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a wash water storage apparatus for portable irrigator that is used to remove feces contained for a long time in the human large intestine or wash the interior of the women's vagina. More particularly, disclosed is a foldable wash water storage apparatus for use with a portable irrigator having a temperature regulation function, which can remove impurities contained in wash water to be supplied into the irrigator while keeping the wash water at a constant temperature, thereby supplying harmless wash water to a human body, and achieving improved convenience in storage and carrying.

Abstract: A method for inducing malabsorption in a small intestine of a patient may involve advancing a portion of a catheter into the patient's small intestine and expanding a portion of the catheter to apply force to the small intestine's inner wall to modify mucosal villi and/or crypts. The method for causing weight loss in a patient may also involve dilating at least a portion of the patient's small intestine to modify mucosal villi and/or crypts, destroying mucosal villi and/or crypts of the patient's small intestine using a combined coaxial and radial catheterization of the intestine, or isolating a length of the patient's small intestine and delivering a substance to the isolated length to destroy mucosal villi and/or crypts.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering particles to a target region in a patient's body. The apparatus includes a hub and a catheter having a proximal end coupled to and in fluid communication with the hub. The distal end of the catheter is inserted into the target region. The apparatus also includes: means for directing substrate to the target region, the means being coupled to the hub and in fluid communication with the catheter; a pressure sensor for measuring a pressure of the substrate and generating a signal commensurate with the pressure; and a pressure display for displaying the pressure in response to the signal.

Abstract: In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a method is provided in which post-surgical adhesions at a surgical site in a patient are prevented or inhibited. The method comprises topically applying a liquid composition comprising a hydrophobic species, which has a melting point above normal body temperature, to tissue at the surgical site in an amount effective to prevent or inhibit the formation of adhesions during healing. Application of the liquid composition results in the formation of a solid adhesion barrier layer on the tissue. Moreover, the properties of the hydrophobic species are such that the adhesion barrier sublimes in vivo after the surgical site is closed.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a material comprising an injector barrel in communication with a delivery needle and a plunger, wherein at least a portion of the plunger is slidably disposed within a proximal portion of the injector barrel, and a proximal end of the delivery needle is in communication with a distal end of the injector barrel, and a thermal jacket surrounding at least a portion of the length of the injector barrel is disclosed. The thermal jacket may be used to regulate the temperature of the material to be delivered.

Abstract: A method of structuring a machine to heat a dialysis fluid includes: (i) allowing flow of the dialysis fluid through a disposable fluid conduit; (ii) directing energy from a 2-dimensional energy source to apply energy to the dialysis fluid in the disposable fluid conduit; and (iii) directing energy from a 3-dimensional energy source to apply energy to the dialysis fluid in the disposable fluid conduit.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for heating a flow of intravenous fluid comprising an intravenous tube (3) for connecting a source of intravenous fluid to an intravenous catheter (9), the intravenous tube comprising heating means (21) integrated therein for raising the temperature of the intravenous flow in the tube and a portable unit (2) comprising the energy source for providing electrical power to the heating means integral with a pump (5) for controlling the flow of the fluid. Hereby is provided a path between a source of intravenous fluid and an intravenous catheter ensured to be highly hygienic, because the number of connections wherein the flow of intravenous fluid can be contaminated is limited to a minimum as compared to other systems with multiple connections to external units.

Abstract: Apparatus intended for the injection of pulsed steam into a human or animal vessel comprising an injection unit sending pulses of cold water into a handpiece, a handpiece temporarily attached to an injection unit within which there is a metal tube, of external diameter between 200 ?m and 1,000 ?m and internal diameter between 100 ?m and 500 ?m, the metal tube having its distal end coiled to form a spiral, the tube being sheathed with a material of resistivity such that only the spiral heats to a temperature transforming water from the liquid phase into the vapor phase, a means of distributing the steam into the vessel intended to be connected in a reversible manner to the distal end of the handpiece.

Abstract: A method and a device for a delivery of a chemical substance to the body of the patient are provided. The device includes an infusion catheter configured to be inserted into a tissue, a catheter securing element configured to be adhered to the skin of the patient and further configured to secure the infusion catheter to the skin, a drug delivery pump configured to infuse a drug into the infusion catheter for delivery to a drug infused region on the body of the patient, and a treatment element configured to apply a treatment to the drug infused region to improve pharmacodynamics of the drug during a period of delivery of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: A preferred embodiment includes an MRI compatible catheter that maintains a desired temperature during an MRI procedure. Specifically, the catheter includes a lumen containing sensor wire that is surrounded by an insulating material. This material limits the transfer of heat to the outside of the catheter as the sensor wire heats during an MRI procedure.

Abstract: An infusion unit includes a heating unit with opposed heating plates. A heat exchanger has a fluid flow path receivable between the heating plates to which heat is conducted by contact with the heating plates. Infusate flowing under pressure through the fluid flow path is heated by conduction from the heating plates through the fluid container. When the flow of infusate is stopped or interrupted, infusate trapped in the heat exchanger is displaced to a reservoir in the heat exchanger. Displacement of the trapped infusate reduces friction between the fluid container and the heating plates, which assists in extraction of the heat exchanger from the heating unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for ablation of the gall bladder and appendix through a natural orifice.

Abstract: Intravenous sensor systems and methods for determining in vivo characteristics are disclosed, as well as systems for cooling bags of intravenous fluid. The intravenous sensor systems include a probe configured for placement in a peripheral vein. The probe includes one or more sensors for obtaining sensed information, such as body temperature, blood oxygen saturation level and blood pressure. An interface unit determines the in vivo characteristics based upon sensed information received from the one or more sensors. The determined in vivo characteristics may be displayed on the interface unit and/or transmitted to a remote computer.

Abstract: The advantages of this invention are provided by a surgical tool for repairing a damaged spinal disc of a patient comprising: a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end; a guide wire contained within the catheter so that when the guide wire is pulled, the catheter will flex into a non linear shape allowing it to be steered once inserted in the patient; a heating element carried by the catheter, probe or heating member, and connected to a power source so that the heating element can be activated and provide heat to treat a disk; a grasping probe that extends from the catheter so that the grasping probe can be extended out of the catheter; and, a grasping member that can from the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for temperature modification of selected body regions including an induced state of local hypothermia of the brain region for neuroprotection. A heat exchange catheter is provided with heat transfer fins projecting or extending outward from the catheter which may be inserted into selected blood vessels or body regions to transfer heat with blood or fluid in the selected blood vessels or body regions. Another aspect of the invention further provides methods and apparatus for controlling the internal body temperature of a patient. By selectively heating or cooling a portion of the catheter lying within a blood vessel, heat may be transferred to or from blood flowing within the vessel to increase or decrease whole body temperature or the temperature of a target region. Feed back from temperature sensors located within the patient's body allow for control of the heat transfer from the catheter to automatically control the temperature of the patient or of the target region within the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for cooling and warming the central nervous system of a patient comprises a delivery tube with one of the ends couplable to a supply of fluid. A head structure is coupled to the other end of the delivery tube and cooling or warming fluid is directed through the tube to the head structure. The head structure is configured to be placed within the rectal cavity of a patient such that either a contact surface on the head structure or the fluid itself directly contacts a portion of the rectal mucosal membrane. A means for reversing the vertebral venous flow of blood through Batson's plexus supplies cooled or warmed blood directly to the vertebral structures. Unique methods of utilizing the system to selectively cool and warm the central nervous system structures of a patient are set forth herein.

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: A method for cerebral and systemic cooling by circulating a cold liquid through a nasal catheter looped through the patient's nasal cavities and around the nasal septum. The nasal catheter is inserted into the patient's first nostril, advanced through the nasal cavity, around the nasal septum and out of the patient's second nostril. A cold fluid having a temperature between about ?20° C. and about 37° C. is flowed though a lumen in the nasal catheter to cool the nasal cavity. The nasal catheter may have one or more flexible balloons mounted on the catheter such that when the catheter is looped around the nasal septum, the balloon(s) are positioned in a portion of the patient's first and second nasal cavities. When a cold liquid is circulated through the catheter lumen, the flexible balloons expand to a contact the inner walls of the nasal cavities and provide direct cooling of the nasal cavities.

Abstract: An infusion system utilizes a solution reservoir divided into a first section and a second section which are fluidly isolated but volumetrically connected such that introduction of a pumping fluid into the first section of the reservoir causes displacement and flow of a solution out of the second section of the reservoir. The use of a separate reservoir, separation member, and delivery tubing allow for significantly decreased loss of feeding solution and the like due to dead volume.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides improved medical devices, systems, and methods. Embodiments may be particularly well suited for the treatment of dermatological and/or cosmetic defects, and alternative embodiments may be configured for treatment of a wide range of target tissues. Some embodiments of the present invention apply cooling with at least one small, tissue-penetrating probe, the probe often comprising a needle having a size suitable for inserting through an exposed surface of the skin of a patient without leaving a visible scar. The cooling may remodel one or more target tissue so as to effect a desired change in a composition of the target tissue and/or a change in its behavior. Exemplary embodiments make use of replaceable needle probes supported by a probe body handle, with small needle probes often being replaced during treatment of a single patient. Unlike the large format cryogenic cooling systems of the past, small cryogenic cooling needle probes may dull or be damaged by insertion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to heat-retaining syringe jackets for reducing the cooling rate of medical fluids held inside syringes and methods of using such syringe jackets. An exemplary syringe jacket of the invention may include a material that experiences a phase transition at a phase transition temperature. Additionally or alternatively, the exemplary syringe jacket may include a material exhibiting a high specific heat.