Abstract: Disclosed herein are devices and methods of use of that device that assists in the clearing of the airway of a patient and where the device is portable and able to be used with a single hand.

Abstract: A catheter connector assembly which may be included with a corporeal drainage system, and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The catheter connector assembly may include a catheter connector and a drainage line connector. The catheter connector may include a connector body with a coupling feature, a deformable sealing element, and a retaining member. The drainage line connector may include a drainage line body first and second hinge clips, and an actuator. The actuator is designed to deform the deformable sealing element when the drainage line connector is coupled to the catheter connector.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pre-Caesarean method for collecting amniotic fluid from a patient. A needle is inserted into the incision site for the future C-section, which may be under ultrasound guidance, through which the amniotic fluid is drawn under a low level suction and, optionally, gravity to a sterile collection container. The method encompasses filtering and/or irradiating the amniotic fluid to collect biomolecules of interest such as growth factors and/or stem cells. Also provided is the sterile amniotic fluid or filtrates thereof collected by the method described herein.

Abstract: Provided herein is a method for sterilely filtering amniotic fluid from selected caesarean sections of an individual. The amniotic fluid is first centrifuged at 5,000 to 10,000 rpm for 30 to 60 minutes and filtered through filters with about 5 to about 10 ?m pore size. Next, the fluid is sequentially filtered through a series of membrane filters with the pore sizes 1 ?m and 0.45 or/and 0.2 ?m. The filtrate is then aseptically transferred to and sealed in syringes or vials. The fluid is subsequently lyophilized to obtain the lyophilisate of amniotic fluid. Amniotic fluid is reconstituted by adding sterile water to the lyophilisate, and the reconstituted fluid is used for wound healing, cosmetic, orthopedic or ophthalmic applications, particularly for the treatment of dry eyes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention include a method and a device for increasing blood flow and controlling the temperature of a mammal by applying a desired pressure to extremities of a mammal. The device generally includes a pliant body element that is adapted to receive a portion of an extremity of the mammal therein, and then apply a pressure to a portion of the extremity when a pressure is provided to a region in which the extremity is positioned within the pliant body element. By evacuating the region in which the extremity is enclosed, a contact surface area between the extremity of a mammal and the pliant body element is increased, due to the external atmospheric pressure acting on the pliant body element against the skin of the extremity of the mammal. The application of pressure assures that sufficient contact and thermal heat transfer (heating or cooling) is provided to the extremity of the mammal.

Abstract: Sensor for dynamically detecting the residual fluid volume Vres of a collapsible reservoir (1,3) characterized by the fact that it is adapted to detect a threshold pressure Pth which corresponds to a phase within said reservoir (1,3) when only said residual fluid volume Vres remains, said residual volume Vres corresponding to a safety volume sufficient to ensure a safety margin to alert the user before the reservoir (1,3) is empty.

Abstract: An injection device includes a housing, a plunger, a drive gear and a release trigger. The plunger includes a leadscrew and a cap attached thereto where, in use, the cap engages a bung of a cartridge containing medicament. The drive gear within the housing engages with the leadscrew such that rotation of the drive gear around the leadscrew drives the plunger axially through the housing towards the bung. The trigger includes a locking ring having generally axially extending teeth for engaging with corresponding teeth on the drive gear. The trigger is generally axially movable between an engaged position where the teeth are engaged and prevent rotation of the drive gear, and a disengaged position where the teeth are disengaged and enable rotation of the drive gear. Movement of the trigger between the disengaged and engaged position causes counter-rotation of the drive gear and retracts the plunger away from the bung.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a medical aspirator and, in particular, to a medical aspirator comprising: a floor plate; a pressure plate disposed a certain distance away from the floor plate, and defining a discharge hole opened and closed by an opening/closing means; a coil spring installed between the floor plate and the pressure plate; a sealing membrane connecting the edges of the floor plate and the pressure plate, and defining a receiving space capable of receiving bodily fluid between the floor plate and the pressure plate; and a drainage tube connected to the pressure plate, for guiding bodily fluid generated from the body to the receiving space, and including a check valve therein enabling the fluid to flow only in the direction from the body toward the receiving space, wherein the medical aspirator has the effect of preventing contamination from outside air of bodily fluid extracted from the body and stored in the receiving space.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assembly for urinary drainage. The assembly comprises a urinary drainage device for collecting urine from a body opening and a collecting bag for collecting the urine. The collecting bag comprises a compartment between sheets of a foil material and an inlet into the compartment, which inlet is connected to the device such that a urinary flow can be established in a flow path from the device through the inlet and into the compartment. The collecting bag further comprises a flow promoting element arranged between the sheets and having flow promoting properties. The collecting may also comprise suction means for providing suction through a flow path in the collecting bag.

Abstract: Devices and methods for the effective clearing of artificial tubes, for example, in-situ clearing of artificial tubes in a living being are covered in this disclosure. The devices and methods provide a controller comprising at least one actuator for generating repetitive motion, and a stem coupled to the at least one actuator. The stem includes at least one fluid source, a conduit member in fluidic communication with the fluid source, and a reciprocating member at least partially disposed within the conduit member and configured to accept the repetitive motion. The fluid source includes a deformable reservoir and/or a port.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to conduct fluid away from or deliver fluid to an area of a treatment site of a patient's body. In one aspect of the invention, a catheter includes a terminal end with a fluid exchange portion. The terminal end may further include a diffuser. The terminal end may further include a barrier.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable disposable medical suction system and method of use is disclosed. The system includes a delivery device to provide a conduit from a surgical site on a patient to the portable, adjustable medical suction system. The suction system may be a battery powered vacuum pump with one or more different adjustments directed to a strength of the vacuum, duration of the vacuum and interval between suction. The delivery device may be an intranasal tampon device or a tube inserted into the surgical site. During surgery and recovery at a surgical center or hospital, the vacuum source attached to the delivery system may be an industrial type vacuum source. Upon discharge, the suction system can be connected to the delivery system so that bleeding can be resolved by the patient in the comfort of his/her own home. The system and method of use is safer and mitigates body fluid borne contamination.

Abstract: A portable, adjustable disposable medical suction system and method of use is disclosed. The system includes a delivery device to provide a conduit from a surgical site on a patient to the portable, adjustable medical suction system. The suction system may be a battery powered vacuum pump with one or more different adjustments directed to a strength of the vacuum, duration of the vacuum and interval between suction. The delivery device may be an intranasal tampon device or a tube inserted into the surgical site. During surgery and recovery at a surgical center or hospital, the vacuum source attached to the delivery system may be an industrial type vacuum source. Upon discharge, the suction system can be connected to the delivery system so that bleeding can be resolved by the patient in the comfort of his/her own home. The system and method of use is safer and mitigates body fluid borne contamination.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug and a cover for covering the wound surface and the plug, wherein said plug consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer, one second surface layer and one intermediate space arranged between said surface layers. At least the first surface layer is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space is provided with isolating threads elastically holding the first surface layer and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.

Abstract: Provided is a injection equipment capable of alleviating the force required of a user to inject a medical liquid. A housing chamber S1 for extrusion and a housing chamber S2 for injection are mutually connected so that, when one of the chambers S1, S2 expands, the other one of the chambers contracts. As a result of switching a switching valve 9 to an open position in a state where at least a predetermined amount of the medical liquid is filled in the housing chamber S2, the housing chamber S2 for injection is contracted based on the expansion of the housing chamber S1 for extrusion according to the discharge pressure of the medical liquid pump 2 so as to deliver a predetermined amount of medical liquid.

Abstract: A reservoir for use in a wearable infusion device includes a substantially rigid base having a perimeter, a substantially rigid top having a perimeter, and a flexible rolling diaphragm between the base and the top. The diaphragm has an outer perimeter sealed along the perimeter of the base and an inner perimeter sealed along the perimeter of the top. The diaphragm is arranged to dispose the top and the base immediately adjacent each other when the reservoir is empty and to dispose the top and the base in spaced apart relation when the reservoir is full.

Abstract: An improved implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication is disclosed. The implantable pump comprises a pressurized drug reservoir. The medication metering assembly comprises a fixed volume accumulator positioned between a pair of valves. The valves alternately open and close to admit medication from the reservoir into the accumulator and to dispense a precise volume pulse to an outlet catheter. In order to improve the pump's accuracy and to increase pumping volume while optimizing the pump's overall size and energy usage a two way diaphragm accumulator is used. The unit can be externally programmed or can be used in a fixed rate configuration that is never programmed but set at the factory or in the current programmable configuration.

Abstract: A micropump, which in particular is a pump for a medicinal active substance and which may be an insulin pump or an analgesic pump, has at least one valve, which has a valve chamber, and has a pump chamber. At least one immobile structural element, which reduces the valve chamber volume, is provided in the valve chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical fluid dispenser. Medical fluid to be additionally administered to an administration target such as a patient is supplied into a balloon, when a button is operated. As medical fluid is supplied into the balloon, the balloon inflates to store the medical fluid therein. The inflated balloon contracts using its own restoring force to discharge the medical fluid that has been stored therein. Thereby, an additional administration of medical fluid can be continued for a predetermined time period without the need for repeatedly operating the button.

Abstract: An ophthalmic aspiration pump roller-head assembly 10, includes a plurality of rollers 12, a base 16 attached to a first end of the rollers 12, and a face-plate 18 attached to a second end of the rollers 12. The face-plate 18 has at least one groove formed in the face-plate 18 for drawing a tube onto the rollers 12.

Abstract: Provided is a device for treatment of wounds using reduced pressure, which includes a pump, a gas barrier cover, a first compressible material which expands after compression, and a second material capable of absorbing wound fluids several times its own weight. The first and second materials are arranged inside the cover and form a reservoir connected to the pump. The device also includes an inlet for connecting the reservoir with a wound, a wound pad to be arranged in the wound cavity, and a sealing covering the wound and the wound pad. A third material with high liquid spreading capability is arranged around at least a major part of the first material, and the second material is in the form of at least one layer arranged outside the third material and separated from the first material by the third material.

Abstract: Remote controls, including a communication device, a button or other communication device actuator and a movable structure that allows actuation of the actuator in one position and prevents actuation of the actuator in another position to prevent inadvertent signal transmission.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a tool is employed in filling a drug-delivery device. The tool may include, for example, a needle that is admitted through a fill port of the drug-delivery device.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatus, systems and methods for delivering drugs using an implantable diaphragm based drug pump which can deliver precisely controlled doses of drug to selected target tissue sites in the brain, digestive system, blood stream heart or other selected site. Various embodiments of the pump include multi-chamber bellows or other diaphragm based pumps which can rapidly deliver drug to the selected target tissue site.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus comprises a reservoir for containing a fluid, a first actuator, a transfer structure, and a second actuator. The first actuator is configured to exert a first force on the reservoir when moved from a first configuration to a second configuration such that a first volume of fluid within the reservoir is communicated out of the reservoir. The transfer structure is disposed between the first actuator and the reservoir and has a surface configured to engage the reservoir such that the first force exerted by the first actuator is distributed across a surface of the reservoir engaged by the transfer structure. The second actuator is configured to exert a second force on the reservoir when the second actuator is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration such that a second volume of fluid within the reservoir is communicated out of the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: According to an example embodiment, a delivery device may include a needle and a pump operatively coupled to the needle, the pump having an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration, the pump being biased to its expanded configuration such that fluid stored in the pump will exit the pump via the needle in response to pressure being applied to the pump, and in response to the pressure being released from the pump, the pump is configured to receive fluid from outside of the delivery device via the needle.

Abstract: Provided is a injection equipment capable of alleviating the force required of a user to inject a medical liquid. A housing chamber S1 for extrusion and a housing chamber S2 for injection are mutually connected so that, when one of the chambers S1, S2 expands, the other one of the chambers contracts. As a result of switching a switching valve 9 to an open position in a state where at least a predetermined amount of the medical liquid is filled in the housing chamber S2, the housing chamber S2 for injection is contracted based on the expansion of the housing chamber S1 for extrusion according to the discharge pressure of the medical liquid pump 2 so as to deliver a predetermined amount of medical liquid.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: A patch-sized fluid delivery device may include a reusable portion and a disposable portion. The disposable portion may include components that come into contact with the fluid, while the reusable portion may include only components that do not come into contact with the fluid. Redundant systems, such as redundant controllers, power sources, motor actuators, and alarms, may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, certain components can be multi-functional, such a microphones and loudspeakers that may be used for both acoustic volume sensing and for other functions and a coil that may be used as both an inductive coupler for a battery recharger and an antenna for a wireless transceiver. Various types of network interfaces may be provided in order to allow for remote control and monitoring of the device.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, oncolytics, hormones, steroids, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from prefilled containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser uniquely includes a stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable elastomeric member of novel construction that provides the force necessary to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device further includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for delivering medicament, comprising a container (12) arranged to contain medicament, which container further comprises an opening arranged to expel medicament from the container, pressure means (16, 18) arranged to exert pressure on the medicament inside the container (12) for expelling a certain predetermined quantity of the medicament through the opening, driving means (26, 42) for driving said pressure means (16, 18), and activation means (46) for activating said driving means (26, 42) wherein said device comprises pressure release means (20) which are adapted, arranged and designed such that, when the predetermined dose has been expelled through the opening, the pressure on the medicament is released.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for infusing medication into a patient's body using a medication chamber referenced to ambient pressure. The apparatus includes a medication chamber enclosed by a peripheral wall which includes a movable portion configured to transfer exterior ambient pressure into the chamber. Means are provided for exerting a negative bias force acting on the movable portion in a direction opposed to the ambient pressure force. Thus, the resultant pressure in the chamber will be negative with respect to ambient pressure, reducing the risk that the chamber can be overpressurized and produce an unintended medication discharge.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical fluid dispenser. Medical fluid to be additionally administered to an administration target such as a patient is supplied into a balloon, when a button is operated. As medical fluid is supplied into the balloon, the balloon inflates to store the medical fluid therein. The inflated balloon contracts using its own restoring force to discharge the medical fluid that has been stored therein. Thereby, an additional administration of medical fluid can be continued for a predetermined time period without the need for repeatedly operating the button.

Abstract: A body-insertable apparatus which can make the volume smaller by simplifying a mechanism taking in or throwing out predetermined fluid is realized. The body-insertable apparatus has a configuration having, in a housing, a balloon member, a communication adjusting mechanism, a control circuit, and a power source part and forms a storage chamber by the balloon member and an outer circumferential member (sheet holding substrate and part of the housing) covering the outer surface of the balloon member. In the body-insertable apparatus, a first communication pipe communicated with the inner space of the balloon member and a second communication pipe communicated with the outer space are formed. The communication adjusting mechanism communicates the first communication pipe with the second communication pipe based on an electric current output from the control circuit. The inner space of the balloon member is communicated with the outside of the body-insertable apparatus.

Abstract: A multiple reservoir or chambered implantable pumps is disclosed. The pump according to the present invention is particularly useful in allowing for multiple constant flow rates to be provided from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. The pump is also useful in allowing for housing of multiple active substances. A multiple reservoir implantable pump is also disclosed, which has at least one chamber capable of providing a constant flow rate and at least one chamber capable of being utilized for patient controlled injections.

Abstract: A multiple reservoir or chambered implantable pump is disclosed. The pump according to the present invention is particularly useful in allowing for multiple constant flow rates to be provided from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. The pump is also useful in allowing for housing of multiple active substances. A multiple reservoir implantable pump is also disclosed, which has at least one chamber capable of providing a constant flow rate and at least one chamber capable of being utilized for patient controlled injections.

Abstract: A system, process, and method for home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis to be carried out by the patient or other non-professional users based upon re-circulation of dialysate from small dialysate containers which allows for very small dialysate consumption and easy portability. The system thereby also allow for long-duration dialysis without use of large volumes of dialysate. The invention may be implemented as a hemodialysis system, a process for administering dialysate, or as a method for performing dialysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body fluid suction reservoir including a flexible bag, two plates for supporting the bag, and a spring put between the two plates. The body fluid suction reservoir further includes a lock having a hook and a release part and consisting of a member different from the two plates, by which lock the spring is held in a state compressed between the two plates, and the held state is releasable. The lock has flexibility and is held by one of the plates so as to be deformable from a first state in which the hook is engaged with the other plate to a second state in which the hook is not engaged, and the lock is urged to take the first state.

Abstract: A drug supply system for CED (convection-enhanced delivery) catheter infusions is provided, the system including a drug conducting system having a drug depot and a catheter supply line and a conveying device that provides for conveying the drug from the drug depot into the catheter supply line. The drug conducting system is a system that is closed to the outside in a fluidic seal The drug supply system further includes a conveying fluid conveying system arranged between the conveying device and the drug supply system and is connected to the conveying device and to the drug depot, via a drug displacement element, without fluid-drug contact.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible and conformal wearable, self-contained medical device. The medical device comprises an integral housing formed by a flexible upper portion and a flexible lower portion joined along their perimeters. The medical device is also provided in a plurality of shapes and configurations for increasing the flexibility and conformability of the housing. The components contained within the housing, such as a drug reservoir, printed circuit board, and power supply are preferably constructed from flexible materials and are formed, connected and positioned according to the configuration of the housing in a manner for enhancing flexibility of the housing. A thermal bubble micropump is provided for controlling flow of a drug from the flexible reservoir, that utilizes a thermal resistor provided locally to a thermal expansion fluid that causes a surrounding membrane to expand and displace a volume of drug to be provided to the user.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the apparatus reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the apparatus reservoir to the patient.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for delivering a drug to an individual. The microfluidic device includes a body that defines a reservoir for receiving the drug therein. A valve interconnects the reservoir to an output needle that is insertable into the skin of an individual. A pressure source urges the drug from the reservoir toward the needle. The valve is movable between a closed position preventing the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an open position allowing for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle in response to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids of the individual.

Abstract: The invention concerns an injection device with a housing adapted to receive a syringe having a discharge nozzle and a plunger. There is a trigger and a drive arranged to act upon the plunger on actuation of the trigger to advance the syringe from a retracted position to an extended position through an opening in the housing. A locking mechanism is arranged in and moveable relative to the housing. The locking mechanism is engaged with the plunger when the syringe is not in its extended position and disengaged from the plunger when the syringe is in its extended position. This means that movement of the plunger relative to the syringe is prevented when, in use, the syringe is advanced from a retracted position to an extended position. Hence the contents of the syringe are not expelled from the syringe during advancement from the retracted position to the extended position. The contents are only expelled when the syringe reaches the extended position.

Abstract: A jet injection device with a fluid chamber in a housing member for holding about 0.02 ml to about 3 ml of a medicament. An injection-assisting needle has an injection end that extends from the housing for inserting into a patient to a depth of up to about 5 mm. A force-generating source is configured to apply a pressure reaching about 100-1000 psi to the medicament in the chamber to expel the medicament through the injecting end of the needle.

Abstract: A needle-less injector device that includes an outer housing and an inner housing that is slideably supported from the outer housing is disclosed. The inner housing supporting a vial that includes a nozzle for delivering a fluid held within the vial. A spring powered ram that is adapted for pushing a seal and plunger is mounted within inner housing. A skin tensioning spring mounted between the inner housing and the outer housing is used for pushing the leading end of the inner housing away from the outer housing. A trigger that cooperates with the spring-powered ram is used to release the ram from the cocked position only when the inner housing is in a firing position.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices that provide support or pressure to tissue. Devices contain a material that is capable of being contracted from its relaxed state to an evacuated state. The material applies pressure to the tissue of a patient when the material is in its relaxed state. Reduction of pressure by application of a vacuum results in a contracted state of the device, so that the device can be applied or delivered to a patient. Release of vacuum results in a return to the relaxed state, thus providing a maximum desirable pressure to tissue and avoiding the possibility of over-pressure which can result in tissue damage or necrosis.

Abstract: A catheter having a drug delivery unit at the distal end thereof. The drug delivery unit includes an actuator capable of assuming an activated and an inactivated configuration. The drug delivery unit also includes a receptacle capable of accepting a therapeutic agent. The actuator and receptacle are in communication with each other such that the actuator transmits force to the receptacle and the receptacle accepts force from the actuator in an activated configuration of the actuator. Also provided is a method of delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site using the catheter of the present invention.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable electrolytic pump include a drug reservoir, a cannula fluidly coupled to the reservoir, a pumping mechanism for forcing liquid from the reservoir through the cannula, control circuitry for operating the pumping mechanism, and a power source comprising primary and auxiliary batteries in a stacked configuration, only the main battery being operatively coupled to the control circuitry during normal operation, the control circuitry operatively coupling the back-up battery upon detection of an electrical fault. The pump may further include a hermetic enclosure containing the control circuitry and the power source.

Abstract: A jet injection device with a fluid chamber in a housing member for holding about 0.02 ml to about 3 ml of a medicament. An injection-assisting needle has an injection end that extends from the housing for inserting into a patient to a depth of up to about 5 mm. A force-generating source is configured to apply a pressure reaching about 100-1000 psi to the medicament in the chamber to expel the medicament through the injecting end of the needle.