Abstract: An apparatus includes an introducer defining a lumen and a catheter movably disposed in the lumen. The introducer has a distal end portion configured to operably couple to an indwelling peripheral intravenous line at least partially disposed in a vein. The catheter is configured to be moved between a first position, in which the catheter is proximal to the peripheral intravenous line when the introducer is operably coupled thereto, and a second position, in which a distal surface of the catheter is distal to the introducer and disposed at a predetermined distance from a distal tip of the peripheral intravenous line. The predetermined distance defined between the distal surface of the catheter and the distal tip of the peripheral intravenous line is based at least in part on a venous anatomy associated with the vein.

Abstract: A gasket having a novel structure ensuring both the gas tightness and the low-friction slidability is provided. A sliding portion of the gasket (13) includes at least a first annular projection (17A), an annular recess and a second annular projection (17B) arranged in this order in a direction rearward from a distal portion of the gasket serving as a liquid contact portion. The first projection (17A) is designed so that a first peak appears adjacent the distal portion of the gasket when the gasket is fitted in the syringe barrel (11) and a product ? of a contact pressure P1f and a width D1f of the first peak is 0.4???1.0 as determined by an FEM analysis.

Abstract: A device for administering liquids to an animal, in particular therapeutic agents, comprises a vessel (10; 50; 70; 100; 200) defining a collection chamber (11) therein. The following components are provided on the vessel: an inlet opening (13) for the therapeutic agent into the collection chamber, a first outlet duct (14) connected to a cannula element (3) which is prearranged so as to be introduced into the animal, the opening (14a) of the first outlet duct into the collection chamber being provided at a distance from a base (16) of the vessel, a second outlet duct (15) connected to a cannula element (3) which is prearranged so as to be introduced into the animal, the opening (15a) of the second outlet duct being provided substantially at the base of the vessel, and first shut-off means (17) for selectively shutting off the second outlet duct (15), the means being provided for preventing or allowing the flow from the collection chamber through the second outlet duct.

Abstract: A method of alerting a user to a potential unintended bolus delivery includes delivering fluid to a patient along a first fluid flow path. The method also includes transmitting a signal prior to initiation of a change in fluid delivery to the patient along a second fluid flow path connected to the first fluid flow path upstream of the patient, and detecting the signal. The method further includes actuating an alarm to alert the user to a potential unintended bolus delivery if the signal is detected. A system for carrying out the method is also provided.

Abstract: An infusion system includes a pump, a fluid delivery line, at least one sensor, a processor, and a memory. The fluid delivery line is connected to the pump for delivering fluid. The at least one sensor is connected to the fluid delivery line for emitting and receiving signals to detect whether there is air in the fluid delivery line. The processor is in electronic communication with the pump and the at least one sensor. The memory is in electronic communication with the processor. The memory comprises programming code for execution by the processor. The programming code is configured to determine a percentage of the air within an observed volume of the fluid delivery line.

Abstract: A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: The present invention extends generally to a vascular access device that employs a septum and septum activator designed to minimize or eliminate the possibility that fluid will flow into interstitial spaces between the septum activator and the body of the vascular access device. The septum activator can be configured with a proximal end that has an outer diameter that is at least as great as the diameter of the lumen within which the septum activator is contained.

Abstract: A method, computer program product, and infusion pump assembly for determining a first rate-of-change force reading that corresponds to the delivery of a first dose of an infusible fluid via an infusion pump assembly. At least a second rate-of-change force reading is determined that corresponds to the delivery of at least a second dose of the infusible fluid via the infusion pump assembly. An average rate-of-change force reading is determined based, at least in part upon the first rate-of-change force reading and the at least a second rate-of-change force reading.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a field environment filled proximal chamber of a multi-chamber syringe and for filling a prime-free syringe are disclosed. In addition, methods for resetting valves of a multi-chamber syringe without special tools or insertion of foreign objects into the syringe are disclosed. A valve for interfacing with syringes telescopically inserted into a larger syringe and which are generally used as proximal chambers in multi-chamber syringes used in mixing and serial delivery applications is disclosed. Four embodiments of novel resettable valves are disclosed. Also, a syringe assembly for delivering a saline-dose-saline medication sequence is disclosed.

Abstract: A method for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The method prevent air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.

Abstract: A system for connecting medical tubing or any other type of fluidic circuit conduits (e.g., cannulae) to a ventricular assist device (“VAD”) or any other pumping device used for blood pumping during cardiac circulatory support for vascular surgery. The system prevents air bubbles from entering a cardiac circulatory support system when connecting cannulae to a VAD that may later enter the blood stream of a patient during cardiac surgery, and also provide for purging any air bubbles that may have entered the cardiac circulatory support system during a cannulae-VAD connection.

Abstract: A drug delivery device comprising: a device body, an operating member which is configured to be movable relative to the device body for operating the drug delivery device, a preventing member which prevents movement of the operating member relative to the device body for operating the drug delivery device, wherein the preventing member is removable to allow movement of the operating member relative to the device body for operating the drug delivery device.

Abstract: A method of removing air from a flow path of a medical fluid injection system is described. An exemplary method performed by the medical fluid injection device includes delivering a first amount of fluid to a fluid flow path, isolating fluid flow along the flow path, forming a vacuum condition upstream of the fluid isolation, re-establishing fluid communications along the flow path, and delivering a second amount of fluid to the flow path.

Abstract: A bubble entrapment device has a cylinder, a plunger, and a centre tube. Threads on the centre tube engage threads of the cylinder and the plunger respectively. The device has a chamber with a tapered end configuration provided by the fact that the cylinder has a funnel-shaped base and the plunger has a corresponding concave shape. Rotation of the tube handle while holding the cylinder causes the chamber to change in volume, but the chamber outlet remains in the centre of volume throughout. During use, the chamber will be retained at or near maximum volume, but near end of dose this may be reduced so that residual liquid is expelled. This is particularly advantageous for applications such as neo natal delivery systems, where dose volumes are small.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an exsanguination preventing device includes a collection container having an inlet configured to receive blood from a patient and an outlet configured to discharge the blood; a pump operatively coupled to the collection container; a conduit fluidly coupled to the collection container, which receives the blood from the collection container, the blood being moved by the pump; and an insertion device, which delivers the blood from the conduit to a bodily part of the patient. The collection container is configured to be sealingly coupled to a wound on the patient and air entrapped within the exsanguination preventing device is removed by an air removal system, such to prevent unwanted discharge of air into the bodily part of the patient. All the components of the exsanguination preventing device are sized such to make it portable in a pocket of a garment or backpack of a soldier.

Abstract: An automated reservoir filling system for a portable medical device is disclosed. The system includes a vial sealed by a septum partially filled with a liquid and a gas occupying a headspace. The system further includes a reservoir with a volume defined between a reservoir septum and a plunger head. The plunger head is coupled to a plunger arm which is further coupled to a drive system. Further included is a transfer system with a vial end that pierces the vial septum and remains in contact with the liquid, and a reservoir end that pierces the reservoir septum and remains in the reservoir volume. A controller coupled to the drive system to actuates the drive system automatically drawing fluid from the vial to the reservoir through the degas system.

Abstract: Detection of fluid conditions in an administration set. A light source is positioned to transmit an infrared light through administration set tubing and any fluid therein. A light sensor senses the infrared light transmitted through the tubing and generates an output signal. A frequency of the output signal is a function of an intensity of the light transmitted through the tubing. A processor receives and determines the frequency of the output signal, and compares the determined frequency to threshold frequency values to determine whether fluid is in the tubing. The processor also monitors the generated output signal to determine if the frequency of the output signal changes over time, and determines whether fluid is flowing in the tubing as a function of the determined change in frequency.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof.

Abstract: In part, the invention relates to catheters, methods, and blood clearing technologies suitable for use in an optical coherence tomography system. The optical coherence tomography system includes a control system, a probe including a catheter defining a lumen and a rotatable optical fiber located within the lumen, a fluid cartridge holder in communication with the lumen of the probe, a pump to move fluid from the fluid cartridge to the lumen of the probe; and a motor configured to rotate and pull the optical fiber through the lumen of a blood vessel. The pump and the motor are controlled by the control system. The catheter can include a wall that bounds the lumen of the probe, which defines a flush port and includes a valve in fluid communication with the flush port, the valve configured to permit fluid from the lumen to pass through the wall.

Abstract: A device for removal of a gas from a liquid in a medical infusion line has a housing containing a plurality of hollow fiber membranes. Preferably liquid passes on the exterior of the membranes and gas bubbles in the liquid pass into the lumens of the hollow fiber membranes. This is for removal by a vacuum. The device can include its own vacuum chamber. When the device has its own vacuum chamber, it can include a warning system to alert a user to replace the device when the provided vacuum is no longer sufficient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the prevention of air embolisms during a catheterization procedure. The device includes a bulb element configured to secure to a sheath assembly. The bulb element includes a flexible wall, including a proximal section and a distal section, and an interior chamber in fluid communication with a pressurized fluid source. The proximal section of the bulb element includes a proximal hub, and the distal section of the bulb element includes a distal hub. The bulb element is collapsible, under the action of an external force, from a first, relaxed state in which the interior chamber has a first volume, to a second, collapsed state in which the interior chamber has a second volume less than the first volume, and wherein the bulb element is configured to assume its first, relaxed state in the absence of the external force.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides for an airless intravenous (IV) bag which contains a specialized device, referred to herein as the airless intravasculature infusion device (AIVID). The AIVID allows one to view the amount of fluid in the IV bag but substantially decreases or completely prohibits the risk of an inadvertent air infusion into a patient.

Abstract: A flushable catheter assembly having features to enable selective activation of fluid flow through the catheter assembly is disclosed herein. A septum is placed within the catheter adapter of the catheter assembly and includes a pathway that is closed prior to being biased open via a septum activator also positioned within the catheter adapter. A plurality of air vent channels is interposed between the septum and the inner surface of the catheter adapter to permit “flashback” of blood during insertion of the catheter into a patient. The septum activator is advanced through the pathway of the septum as a coupler is attached to a proximal opening of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A perfusion device and method is provided in various examples. In an example, the device includes a container having a first internal chamber configured to hold the material; a port for introducing the liquid into the chamber; a vent for releasing gas and liquid from the chamber; and a flow control device for sealing the vent to allow a vacuum to be drawn on the first chamber. In an example, the container includes a syringe that defines the internal material chamber and includes an end cap and a plunger. The vent may be formed by a venting passageway in the plunger and/or the cap. In various examples, the vacuum may be created by a medical syringe coupled to the container. In some examples, the medical syringe may also be used to deliver the liquid into the container.

Abstract: A transseptal sheath defining a sheath lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end. A valve disposed within the sheath lumen proximate the distal end. The transseptal sheath defining at least one port along a portion of its periphery proximate the valve.

Abstract: A fluid trap apparatus includes an inlet configured to receive a flow of composite fluid into the apparatus. The composite fluid contains at least a first fluid and a second fluid. An outer wall defines an interior chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed within the interior chamber. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid to circulate through the interior chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid separate as the composite fluid circulates through the interior chamber. A method of separating a first fluid from a second fluid includes introducing a flow of composite fluid into a separate chamber. A pressure gradient is created within the separation chamber. A flow diffuser is interposed in a flow path between an inlet and an outlet. The flow diffuser directs the flow of the composite fluid within the separation chamber. The first fluid and the second fluid are separated.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to limiting a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from a reservoir. In various embodiments, a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. Also, in various embodiments, a plunger head within a reservoir is shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir. In some embodiments, both a reservoir and a plunger head within the reservoir are shaped so as to limit a presence of air bubbles in a fluidic medium expelled from the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for detecting and removing a gas bubble from a vascular infusion line, comprising a disposable cassette adapted for disposition intermediate the fluid line, the disposable cassette comprising a body comprising an inlet port, a chamber, an outlet port, and a purge port, a first passageway connecting the inlet port to the chamber, the first passageway comprising a first bubble detection section where a gas bubble may be detected within the first passageway, a second passageway connecting the chamber with the outlet port, and a first pinch valve disposed along the second passageway intermediate the chamber and the outlet port, and a third passageway connecting the chamber with the purge port, the third passageway comprising a second bubble detection section where a gas bubble may be detected within the third passageway, and a second pinch valve disposed along the third passageway intermediate the chamber and the bubble detection section.

Abstract: This invention is an air block for industrial, medical, and non-medical uses. For example, the air block is connected to the proximal end of a vascular access catheter. The air block is either removably connected to the proximal end of the catheter or it is integral to the proximal end of the catheter. The air block permits introduction of other catheters or instrumentation through its central lumen and on into a lumen of the catheter while minimizing fluid loss or gain into the catheter. The air block further prevents air from entering the catheter and provides for removal of the air or other gas from the central lumen before it can enter the catheter where it could cause harm to the patient. The air block can be attached to various standard proximal catheter terminations including Luer fittings and hemostasis valve outer barrels.

Abstract: A transseptal sheath defining a sheath lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end. A valve disposed within the sheath lumen proximate the distal end. The transseptal sheath defining at least one port along a portion of its periphery proximate the valve.

Abstract: A method of preparing a graft material for a bone surface at a surgical site includes providing a first syringe having continuous side wall having an inner surface and an outer surface wherein the syringe has a first end and a second end wherein the inner surface defines a chamber. An adapter is removably attached to the distal end of the syringe wherein the adapter has a throughbore in fluid communication with the chamber. A first selected amount of solid bone graft material is disposed within the chamber. A plunger is inserted into the chamber to define a selected volume between a distal end of the plunger and the second end of the first syringe. A second syringe containing a selected amount of a liquid biomaterial is attached to the adapter wherein the second syringe is in fluid communication with the adapter and the first syringe such that the liquid biomaterial is transferred from the second syringe to the first syringe.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for inhibiting the introduction of air into the body during a percutaneous procedure.

Abstract: This invention is an air block for industrial, medical, and non-medical uses. For example, the air block is connected to the proximal end of a vascular access catheter. The air block is either removably connected to the proximal end of the catheter or it is integral to the proximal end of the catheter. The air block permits introduction of other catheters or instrumentation through its central lumen and on into a lumen of the catheter while minimizing fluid loss or gain into the catheter. The air block further prevents air from entering the catheter and provides for removal of the air or other gas from the central lumen before it can enter the catheter where it could cause harm to the patient. The air block can be attached to various standard proximal catheter terminations including Luer fittings and hemostasis valve outer barrels.

Abstract: One aspect of the invention is a method to vent gas from a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure. A body cavity is in fluid communication with an exhaust gas inlet of a vacuum break device. The vacuum break device has a chamber in fluid communication with both the inlet and an outlet. The chamber may comprise one or more openings in fluid communication with the atmosphere. A conduit in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outlet may be connected directly or indirectly to a suction source. The suction source may be activated.

Abstract: In an infusion circuit (1), a peristaltic pump (7) displaced the infusion fluid along a line (3), sourcing it from a batch container (2). When a weight sensor (5) detects an emptying of the batch container (2), the pump is halted. If on stopping the pump the pressure measured by a sensor (6) operating in an expansion chamber (4) does not drop in excess of a predetermined threshold with respect to a non-empty container (2), a non-secure situation is signalled, due to an excessive quantity of air in the expansion chamber.

Abstract: An air trap is disclosed that includes a body having a sealed interior space with an inner wall, a center axis, and an inlet and an outlet on the center axis. The air trap also includes at least one projection disposed within the interior space and coupled to the inner wall. The at least one projection extends from the inner wall toward the center axis with an inner edge nearest to the center axis.

Abstract: A system for preventing air from entering a first catheter of a multi-catheter system. Air is prevented from entering the proximal end of the first catheter by an axially elongate chamber having an impeller, the chamber being affixed to the proximal end of the first catheter. The air is removed through a port near the centerline of the chamber. Liquid removed with the air is returned to the chamber to minimize liquid loss during the procedure. A second catheter inserted through the chamber and into the first catheter is unable to entrain gas into the first catheter because any gas that enters the chamber is routed to the centerline of the chamber where it is removed. Inflow of fluid from an external pump scrubs the second catheter shaft of air bubbles attached by surface tension.

Abstract: A filter device of the present invention includes a hydrophilic filter located in a vertical space in a filter housing to filter off solid impurities in an introduced liquid, at least one hydrophobic filter located corresponding to at least one gas discharge hole provided in the filter housing, the hydrophobic filter allowing gas in the introduced liquid to be discharged to the outside before and/or after the liquid passes through the hydrophilic filter, and a blocking member for preventing gas in the liquid passing through the hydrophilic filter from flowing into the outlet tube, the blocking member being installed in the filter housing to block the outlet tube, the blocking member having a longitudinal passage formed in a center portion thereof so that the liquid is introduced into the outlet tube through the passage and discharged therefrom.

Abstract: A vascular access device may form part of an extravascular system and function as an adapter including a gas permeable vent. A method of venting a medical device may include providing a vascular access device as part of an extravascular system, providing a gas permeable vent within the vascular access device, venting gas from the system through the vent, and closing the vent.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to equalizing pressure in a reservoir containing fluidic media, possibly due to imperfect installation of the reservoir or an external influence such as an altitude or a temperature change. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled from the reservoir through a needle and contained in an interior volume of a pierceable member before the needle pierces the pierceable member to establish a flow path to a user. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a port of the reservoir into a chamber. In further embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a channel in a plunger head and out a passage in the reservoir when the channel and passage are aligned. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be expelled through a valve, and the valve may be pierceable by a needle to establish a flow path to the user.

Abstract: Fluidic components, systems, and methods for use in ophthalmic surgeries are disclosed. In some embodiments, a fluidics cassette for use with an ophthalmic surgical console system is provided. The fluidics cassette includes a housing, a fluid passageway extending through the housing, a membrane positioned in fluid communication with the fluid passageway such that a fluid passing through the fluid passageway contacts the membrane, and an opening extending at least partially through the housing such that the opening is in communication with the membrane and is configured to be coupled to a vacuum source. When the vacuum source is coupled to the opening, fluid passing through the passageway is subjected to the vacuum generated by the vacuum source through the membrane to remove dissolved gasses from the fluid.

Abstract: A method and pump that accurately senses air in a fluid delivery line pulses or activates and deactivates the air sensor(s) multiple times during the pumping phase of the fluid delivery cycle and can generate alarms based upon a single indication or a cumulative indication of air in the line. The pump can include multiple air sensors spaced along the delivery line so that the method can use the multiple signals therefrom to distinguish real moving air bubbles from false positives and/or air bubbles adhered to the inner wall of the line.

Abstract: A pierced septum valve is disclosed herein. The pierced septum valve includes a septum that is located within a lumen of a body. A septum activator is positioned proximal the septum within the lumen of the body. A seal is disposed between an outer surface of the septum activator and the body to seal the portion of the septum activator distal the lumen from the portion of the septum activator proximal the lumen. One or more vents are disposed between the seal and the lumen of the body to permits the passage of air but not blood past the seal.

Abstract: A septum activator is disclosed herein. The septum activator has an outer tubular body and an inner tubular body. The outer tubular body and the inner tubular body each have a plurality of openings therein. The inner tubular body has a first position relative to the outer tubular body and a second position relative to outer tubular body. In the first position, the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body do not overlap with the plurality of openings in the outer tubular body. In the second position, the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body overlap with the plurality of openings of the inner tubular body.

Abstract: A method of removing air from a flow path of a medical fluid injection system is described. An exemplary method performed by the medical fluid injection device includes delivering a first amount of fluid to a fluid flow path, isolating fluid flow along the flow path, forming a vacuum condition upstream of the fluid isolation, re-establishing fluid communications along the flow path, and delivering a second amount of fluid to the flow path.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body, housing, neck, and a septum with a substantially non-gaseous cross section. A method of operating a septum of a vascular access device may include providing a vascular access device in an external environment and actuating the septum without transferring a substantial amount of gas from within the device to the external environment of the device.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to portable infusion devices, systems, and methods of using the same for dispensing materials. In some cases, the devices, systems and methods may be used for infusing a material such as medicament, e.g., insulin, into a body in need thereof.

Abstract: A bubble entrapment device includes at least one entrapment chamber between an inlet and an outlet. The chamber outlet port is approximately in the centre, and so bubbles will rise in the chamber into a space above the chamber outlet port.

Abstract: An administration instrument for medical use that can perform injection of a drug solution with stability and with great reliability. For example, at administration, it is possible to prevent a force that presses the injection button from acting in a direction of inserting the needle that is inserted into the skin deeper, and enables the administration under a stable state where the needle does not wobble, thereby alleviating physical and mental pain of the administration patient. With a structure in which an injection button is pressed at an angle that is not parallel to the needle with respect to a direction in which the needle is inserted into the skin, it is possible to prevent the force of pressing the injection button from being transmitted in a direction of inserting the needle into the skin deeper than the initial insertion of the needle, thereby achieving an administration under a stable state.