Abstract: A method for filling needleless injector capsules with liquid drug, whereby dissolved gas within the drug is replaced by a less soluble gas in order to reduce the inclusion of gas bubbles, or to prevent the growth of bubbles during storage and thereby prevent breakage of the capsules.

Abstract: A variable hydraulic resistor for use with implantable pumps is disclosed. The variable hydraulic resistor according to the present invention is particularly useful in varying the flow rate of a medication fluid from an otherwise constant flow implantable pump. An implantable pump is also disclosed, which does not require a complicated clinching system or the like, and which may include an undulating membrane and chamber design to reduce the height of the pump.

Abstract: A device and methods for treating renal failure are disclosed. One embodiment of the device is an implantable peritoneal dialysis device. When in use, the device can have a semi-permeable reservoir implanted in the peritoneal cavity. The reservoir can receive blood waste and drain through one or more conduits, via a pump, to the biological bladder. Solids and/or a solution benefiting dialysis can be pumped to the reservoir and/or implanted in the peritoneal cavity.

Abstract: A barrier of a vacuum pump prevents contamination from entering a vacuum pump air line. The barrier separates parts of the pump and is moveable between an initial state and a distended state. The barrier is assembled within the pump with a pre-load. When the vacuum source is applied to the barrier, the barrier achieves a distended state and when the vacuum source is released, the barrier incrementally self returns to an initial state. The geometry and material construction of the barrier, along with the pre-load, assists in returning the barrier on its own to the initial state from the distended state.

Abstract: An implantable infusion pump system is disclosed. The pump system preferably includes an implantable pump and a removable module. The module may provide for varying flow rates of fluid being dispensed from the pump or may provide for a constant flow rate of such fluid. In the case of varying flow rate capabilities, the module preferably includes one or more sensors to determine information relating to the flow rate, electronics for analyzing the flow rate information, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. Methods of dispensing a medicament to a patient are also disclosed, as are variations of the pump system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an injection device comprising a housing, a container containing medicament to be injected through a needle (34) attachable to said container, drive means (46) operatively acting on said container for injecting said medicament, the drive means comprising a gas spring (50), locking (57) and activating means (56) arranged to hold said gas spring in a loaded state, and when activated, releases said gas spring to inject said medicament.

Abstract: A hand-held remote for a medical fluid injector includes a syringe and a conduit which may be coupled to a pressure transducer on a control circuit of the injector. Movement of a plunger within a syringe body on the syringe creates a pressure which is sensed by the pressure transducer and the control circuit responds to the sensed pressure by causing fluid to be ejected from, or drawn into, a syringe mounted to the injector. The pressure developed by the remote provides tactile feedback to an operator for improved control over injections.

Abstract: A disposable infusion device comprises a base, a cannula arranged to extend from the base to beneath the patient's skin to deliver a liquid medicament to the patient, and a source arranged to provide the cannula with a liquid medicament. The source comprises a piston pump.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container, an actuator, and a biasing member. The actuator is configured to move the medicament container within the housing when the actuator is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The actuator includes a gas container and a puncturer. When the actuator is in the first configuration, a portion of the puncturer is disposed apart from the gas container. When the actuator is in the second configuration, the portion of the puncturer is disposed within the gas container. The gas container has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The biasing member is configured to bias the actuator toward the second configuration.

Abstract: A compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible, pre-filled drug container that contains the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a hardware unit including a piston having a contact surface and a stepper motor configured to move the piston; and a disposable unit received by the hardware unit, the disposable unit including a moveable membrane operable with the contact surface of the piston, the piston moveable towards and away from the disposable unit, wherein (i) the piston and the membrane are positioned relative to each other and (ii) the hardware unit is configured to apply a negative pressure to the moveable membrane of the disposable unit so that the negative pressure causes the moveable membrane to contact and conform to a shape of the contact surface and to follow the piston as the piston is moved away from the disposable unit by the stepper motor, and wherein the shape-contacted membrane moves with the piston as the piston is moved into the disposable unit by the stepper motor.

Abstract: A medical pump including an electromagnetic emitter and detector is provided. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength. A pump set that is compatible with the medical pump modifies the emitted electromagnetic radiation when properly installed in the pump. The detector receives electromagnetic radiation, and a filter circuit excludes electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength other than the predetermined wavelength. The pump monitors the filtered signal to determine whether the received electromagnetic radiation corresponds to the emitted electromagnetic radiation as modified by a properly loaded, compatible pump set and determines whether a compatible pump set is properly loaded in the pump as a function thereof.

Abstract: An infusion pump comprising a substance and pushing fluid inlet, a substance outlet, a central chamber communicating with said inlet and said outlet, and injecting means for injecting a substance into a biological object, wherein the infusion pump further includes a pushing fluid outlet in communication with the central chamber in such a way as to allow a pushing fluid to exhaust the pump. The outlet of the infusion pump is advantageously connected to the proximal end of a catheter, the distal end being inserted into the biological object. A sensor, e.g., an optical device, is preferably placed at the outlet of the infusion pump and checks that the outlet is free of gas. The infusion pump is preferably remotely controlled so that it can be placed in limited access locations. It is also preferably computer controlled.

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 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: An apparatus includes a medicament container and an actuator assembly coupled to a proximal end portion of the medicament container. A distal end portion of the medicament container is configured to be coupled to a needle. A piston is movably disposed within the medicament container such that the medicament container is divided into a first internal portion and a second internal portion, the first internal portion containing a medicament. The actuator assembly has a pressurized fluid container, a regulator and a bias member. The pressurized fluid container is configured to move relative to the medicament container between a first position and a second position. The regulator is configured to fluidically couple the pressurized fluid container and the second internal portion of the medicament container when the pressurized fluid container is in the second position. The bias member is configured to bias the pressurized fluid container in the first position.

Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing containing a gas generator controlled by an electronic controller. The gas generator generates gas into a reciprocable chamber, whereby reciprocation of the chamber causes a lever to reciprocate a pawl, and this action causes a ratchet to undergo incremental advancement. The device may also be provided with manual control for delivering a bolus dose of drug when necessary.

Abstract: Embodiments of an implantable device for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient include a reservoir configured to contain a liquid comprising the therapeutic agent, and a cannula in fluid communication with the reservoir. A valve for maintaining a constant flow rate through the cannula independent of the pressure applied to the device may be included.

Abstract: A method and device are disclosed for delivering items into the body of a subject. The device is elongated, and includes a flexible diaphragm having a proximal face and a distal face. The diaphragm is inverted into the device to form a receptacle that holds an item to be delivered. Fluid pressure is applied against the proximal face of the flexible diaphragm to deliver the item from the receptacle and out of the delivery device into the body. In one embodiment, the device is a one-piece device having compressible walls. The diaphragm, which may be a portion of the chamber wall, invaginates within the chamber to form the receptacle. Compression of the flexible walls of the device increases pressure on a proximal face of the diaphragm to evaginate the diaphragm out of the chamber and deliver an item contained in the chamber.

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 compact, nonelectric fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing beneficial agents such as propofol and dexmedetomidine hydrochloride to patients. The dispenser includes a fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solution to the patient and embodies a collapsible drug container that can be filled in the field with the beneficial agents to be delivered to the patient. The unit-dose fluid dispenser of the invention is presented in a sterile and aseptic manner, where the drug has been pre-filled in the system, so that the practitioner cannot mistakenly give the wrong drug to the patient. The dispenser uniquely provides a more efficient medicament delivery system for procedure rooms, such as the endoscopy center, so that a greater number of patients can be treated per day at a higher standard of care with increased profits for the healthcare provider.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for controllably adjusting a fluid delivery device. The device includes an electrochemical pump capable of transporting a fluid. A displaceable member is positioned between a pump product chamber and a reservoir, wherein the pump product chamber is capable of retaining water generated from the pump. The displaceable member is controllably displaced upon generation of water from the electrochemical pump and the reservoir contains the fluid that is delivered upon displacement of the displaceable member.

Abstract: An object is to provide a medical liquid infusion apparatus suitable for a portable use and capable of suppressing an abrupt change in flow rate even when the environmental temperature rises. A medical liquid infusion apparatus 1 is provided with a driving portion 2 and configured to infuse a medical liquid inside a medical liquid container 3 to a patient by applying a pressure to the medical liquid container 3 using a driving force of the driving portion. The driving portion 2 includes a compressed gas cylinder 4 filled with a compressed gas, and it is configured in such a manner that the driving force is generated by the pressure inside the compressed gas cylinder 4.

Abstract: A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an illumination instrument that provides the user with an opportunity to illuminate and inspect a targeted location. The illumination instrument can be useful in situations where the ambient lighting is insufficient for the user's inspection needs (e.g., during the night, during presentation or movie in which the lighting is low, or the like). In some embodiments, illumination instrument can be employed to visually inspect one or more components of the pump system, the infusion set, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use.

Abstract: An injection device includes a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, the housing defining a distal opening, and a first opening in a side of the housing and between the proximal and distal ends; a propellant disposed inside the housing and spaced from the distal end; and a movable member disposed inside the housing and between the distal end and the propellant, wherein the propellant is in fluid communication with the movable member and the first opening.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container, an actuator, and a biasing member. The actuator is configured to move the medicament container within the housing when the actuator is moved from a first configuration to a second configuration. The actuator includes a gas container and a puncturer. When the actuator is in the first configuration, a portion of the puncturer is disposed apart from the gas container. When the actuator is in the second configuration, the portion of the puncturer is disposed within the gas container. The gas container has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The biasing member is configured to bias the actuator toward the second configuration.

Abstract: A drug delivery system (10) has a positive pressure drug reservoir (15). A pump (19) is in fluid communication with the reservoir (15) via a first fluid passageway (18). The outlet (19b) of the pump (19) is in fluid communication with a first regulator (21). The regulator (21) includes a housing (24) that has a first subchamber (24a) and a second subchamber (24b). The second subchamber (24b) is divided into a lower chamber (28a) and a middle chamber (28b) by a diaphragm (28). A third fluid passageway (32) is positioned between the lower chamber (28a) and the drug reservoir (15), whereby accidental flow from the reservoir (15) to an outlet (21b) is prevented.

Abstract: An improved, very wieldy anesthetic syringe that allows for precise and repeated injection has a first hydraulic chamber behind a feed piston and a second hydraulic chamber behind the first hydraulic chamber, the hydraulic chambers being connected so as to allow for regulation of the flow resistance. A special receiver for cannulae that have been specifically developed for use with the proposed syringe is also provided.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a medicament container and an actuator. The actuator includes a release member and an energy storage member having a first position and a second position. In the first position, the energy storage member has a first potential energy. In the second position the energy storage member has a second potential energy. The energy storage member is configured to convert a portion of the first potential energy into kinetic energy when moved from the first position to the second position to move the medicament container within the housing. The energy storage member has a longitudinal axis offset from a longitudinal axis of the medicament container. The release member is configured to selectively deploy the energy storage member from its first position to its second position.

Abstract: Apparatuses for automatic medicament injection and methods for manufacturing automatic medicament injectors are described herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus includes a housing, a needle, an energy storage member, an actuator, a locking member, and a needle guard. The needle is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle is contained within the housing. In its second position, at least a portion of the needle extends from the housing. The energy storage member has a first configuration and a second configuration and is configured to produce a force when moving between its first configuration and its second configuration to move the needle from its first position to its second position. The actuator is configured to move the energy storage member from its first configuration to its second configuration.

Abstract: Described here are devices, methods, and kits for acupuncture or acupressure therapy. The devices may include a tissue-piercing member and a reservoir containing an agent. The devices and agents may be packaged as kits useful for relieving pain and/or treating various medical conditions. The devices, methods, and kits may enable less skilled practitioners to administer acupuncture or acupressure therapy, and may extend the duration of pain relief or other symptom relief.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pneumatic injector that includes a pressurized gas source, an actuator, a driver, and a dispenser. The dispenser of the injector includes a reservoir for containing a desired amount of a chosen medicament and a needle, such as a hypodermic needle, suitable for subcutaneous, intramuscular, or intra-articular delivery of the chosen medicament. The actuator actuates the transmission of pressurized gas from the pressurized gas source to the driver, and as pressurized gas is delivered to the driver, the driver exerts at least an injection force. The injection force is of sufficient magnitude to expel a chosen medicament through the needle of the dispenser within a desired amount of time.

Abstract: An implantable infusion pump system is disclosed. The pump system preferably includes an implantable pump and a removable module. The module may provide for varying flow rates of fluid being dispensed from the pump or may provide for a constant flow rate of such fluid. In the case of varying flow rate capabilities, the module preferably includes one or more sensors to determine information relating to the flow rate, electronics for analyzing the flow rate information, and a mechanism for physically altering the flow rate. Methods of dispensing a medicament to a patient are also disclosed, as are variations of the pump system.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for administering a first medicament and a second medicament includes a first fluid reservoir configured to contain the first medicament and a second fluid reservoir configured to contain the second medicament. The fluid delivery device may include one or more basal drive mechanisms to provide a basal delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments. The fluid delivery device may further include one or more bolus drive mechanisms to provide a bolus delivery of one or more of the first and second medicaments.

Abstract: Tissue sensors house one or more sensor elements. Each element has a housing mounted substrate and a superstrate with a planar antenna between. A transitional periphery (TP) of a superstrate outer surface interconnects a base to a plateau. At least some of the TP has a generally smooth transition. Plural elements are spaced by the housing. Alternately, the superstrate TP is flat, the housing extends to the outer superstrate surface and a shield surrounds the element. The housing is flush with or recessed below the superstrate and defines a TP between the housing and superstrate. A method converts a reference signal to complex form; plots it in a complex plane as a reference point (RP); converts a measurement signal to complex form; plots it in the complex plane as a measurement point (MP); determine a complex distance between the MP and the RP; and compares complex distance to a threshold.

Abstract: A medical pump including an electromagnetic emitter and detector is provided. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength. A pump set that is compatible with the medical pump modifies the emitted electromagnetic radiation when properly installed in the pump. The detector receives electromagnetic radiation, and a filter excludes electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength other than the predetermined wavelength. The pump monitors the filtered signal to determine whether the received electromagnetic radiation corresponds to the emitted electromagnetic radiation as modified by a properly loaded, compatible pump set and determines whether a compatible pump set is properly loaded in the pump as a function thereof.

Abstract: Fluid dispensing system comprising a system of interconnected micro chambers (13) communicating with at least a fluid inlet (22) and with at least a suction port (26). Each micro chamber (13) has an output communicating with a needle (15) and has at least one side defined by a deformable membrane (34) subjected to a variable pressure so that a decrease of the pressure with respect to the pressure present at fluid inlet (22) is transferred to the system of micro chambers (13) through the suction port (26) thereby establishing a suction of fluid from the inlet (22) towards the chambers (13) that are filled. An increase of the pressure, causing the deflection of the membrane (34) towards the inner side of each micro chamber, will close each dispensing unit and provoke the ejection of the fluid contained in each chamber (13) of the dispensing unit content through the outlets.

Abstract: A self-contained portable apparatus for administration of a drug solution is disclosed, comprising: a housing having an enclosure for receiving a flexible pouch containing a drug solution, the output of which is connectable to a conduit for delivering said drug solution to a recipient. A pressurization system is arranged for providing a constant and controllable gas pressure to the housing, wherein a controllable pressure is obtained for a controllable delivery of the drug solution. The pressurization system comprises: a pressure source for delivering positive pressure gas; a pressure accumulation tank connected to said source and to said second chamber, arranged to provide a positive pressure reservoir; a one-way valve arranged between said pressure source and said pressure accumulation tank, enabling gas to flow solely in the direction from the pressure source to the pressure accumulation tank; and a mechanical pressure regulator arranged between said pressure accumulation tank and said housing.

Abstract: Fluid delivery and measurement systems and methods are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a new device for washing wounds and surgical sites that is equipped with a grip (1) with a generically linear shape, on which different interchangeable tips or terminals (7), having a straight or inclined direction, may be applied. The grip (1) includes an independent power source, such as a set of batteries. The pump (2) is actuated by a switch, which has a limited number of positions, for example, a position in which no electric power is supplied to the pump (2), a position in which electric power is supplied to the pump (2) and a position in which reduced power is supplied to the pump (2). The irrigating end of the internal pipe (7.5) is provided with a rotating sprinkling mechanism (7.5a) for spraying a washing liquid.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method for controllably adjusting a fluid delivery device. The device includes an electrochemical pump capable of transporting a fluid. A displaceable member is positioned between a pump product chamber and a reservoir, wherein the pump product chamber is capable of retaining water generated from the pump. The displaceable member is controllably displaced upon generation of water from the electrochemical pump and the reservoir contains the fluid that is delivered upon displacement of the displaceable member.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an illumination instrument that provides the user with an opportunity to illuminate and inspect a targeted location. The illumination instrument can be useful in situations where the ambient lighting is insufficient for the user's inspection needs (e.g., during the night, during presentation or movie in which the lighting is low, or the like). In some embodiments, illumination instrument can be employed to visually inspect one or more components of the pump system, the infusion set, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing containing a gas generator controlled by an electronic controller. The gas generator generates gas into a reciprocable chamber, whereby reciprocation of the chamber causes a lever to reciprocate a pawl, and this action causes a ratchet to The device may also be provided with manually control for delivering a bolus dose of drug when necessary.

Abstract: A method is provided for regulating fluid pump pressures by detecting an elevation differential between a fluid flow control device and the distal end of a fluid line in communication with the fluid flow control device. A fluid flow control device, for instance a peritoneal dialysis device, is at a first height, a distal end of a fluid line is at a second height, and a valved outlet, when open, affords communication between the fluid flow control device and the distal end of the fluid line. The elevation differential is correlatable with a pressure measurable during a calibration procedure provided as a part of the methodology.

Abstract: A disposable syringe (2) is disclosed. Withdrawal of a plunger handle (18) in the direction of arrow B to fill the syringe causes a moveable safety bobbin (20) to lock, and shaft (16) slides in the direction of arrow B relative to safety bobbin (20) and washer (22). Subsequent depression of plunger handle (18) in the direction of arrow A causes safety bobbin (20) to move along barrel (4), from which position it can not be withdrawn. This therefore prevents subsequent withdrawal of piston (14) and therefore prevents re-use of the syringe.

Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing containing a gas generator controlled by an electronic controller. The gas generator generates gas into a reciprocable chamber, whereby reciprocation of the chamber causes a lever to reciprocate a pawl, and this action causes a ratchet to The device may also be provided with manually control for delivering a bolus dose of drug when necessary.

Abstract: Disclosed is a portable device for delivering a medicament or the like into the body of a human or animal subject, the device comprising: a medicament compartment containing the medicament or the like to be delivered; delivery means comprising an orifice through which the medicament or the like is expelled from the device; and an internal combustion engine which provides the motive force by which the medicament is expelled from the device.

Abstract: An infusion pump for infusing solutions from IV bags, particularly large one liter bags, through tubing to patients includes housing that has a compartment to receive an IV bag in a solution-dispensing position. The bag rests over a bladder within the compartment, and the bladder is expanded by a pressurized fluid to apply a pushing force against the bag to force solution through the tubing at a prescribed pressure. The fluid for the bladder is pressurized by a pump controlled by a control circuit that includes a pressure sensor sensing pressure of the fluid in the bladder. A preferred form of the infusion pump includes a high-pressure gas cartridge in a parallel and redundant system for applying pressure in the bladder.