Abstract: A device for fluidizing and delivering a powdered agent, including a canister extending longitudinally from a first to a second end and defining a space within which a powdered agent is received, an inlet coupleable to a gas source for supplying gas to the space to fluidize the powdered agent to create a fluidized mixture, an outlet via which the gas mixture is delivered to a target area, a tube extending from the outlet into the interior space, the tube including a slot extending through a wall thereof so that gas mixture is passable from the interior space through the outlet via the second end and the slot, and a door movably coupled to the tube so that the door is movable over the slot to control a size of the slot open to the interior space of the canister.

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 pressurized air supply source for a portable nasal irrigator houses an airflow regulating system, instead of external bulky, heavy components, to power the atomization of fluid for irrigation of nasal passages. The airflow regulating system is made up of a pump, a motor to drive the pump, a filter with an inlet air manifold connected to the pump to eliminate additional tubing within the pressurized air supply source, and an optionally rechargeable battery to drive the motor. An external AC/DC power supply may charge the battery or operate the device when the battery is in a discharged state. A canister for holding fluid attaches on top of the pressurized air supply source and an insert fits that over a fluid channel in the canister to create a venturi effect and draw the fluid out. The pressurized air supply source creates a clinically effective airflow despite its small size.

Abstract: A drug delivery device mainly has a housing, which can be easily held and operated. The housing has one end formed with an adjustment seat capable of adjusting a range distance, and the other end connected to a gas pressure control source for providing mainstream and substream gas pressures. Disposed in the housing are a drug delivery pressuring tube, an embedded drug-can connecting seat or an external drug-can connecting seat, a replaceable drug-can container and a gas communication tube. According to this design, the minor liquid drug can be controlled, the drug-can can be replaced and the continuous quantitative injection of drug can be made. Also, all damaged or dirty members of the invention may be disassembled, cleaned or replaced.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and a method for distending a body tissue cavity of a subject by continuous flow irrigation by using a positive displacement pump, such as a pneumatic pump, on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by a the two positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss, into the subject's body system, during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.

Abstract: Drug delivery devices and methods are provided for delivering a substance into a human or animal tissue. The device includes a gas source comprising a gas or capable of selectively producing a gas. The device also includes a drug source positioned and configured to release a drug into the gas. The drug source includes a release-activatable tape having the drug disposed thereon. The device also includes a first collimator fluidly connected with the gas source. The first collimator, which has an inlet end and an outlet end, is adapted to form a collimated gas stream comprising the drug in the gas.

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: The present invention provides a catheter and catheter assembly for delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body and, in particular, to a target site in the heart. The micronized therapeutic agents are delivered in aerosol form or dry powder form. The present invention also provides a method of delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body by placing the therapeutic agents in a catheter, positioning the catheter in the target site, and exposing the therapeutic agents to an energizing mechanism sufficient to create supersonic flow to carry the therapeutic agents from a stationary state in the catheter to a mobile state towards the target site.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter and catheter assembly for delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body and, in particular, to a target site in the heart. The micronized therapeutic agents are delivered in aerosol form or dry powder form. The present invention also provides a method of delivering micronized therapeutic agents to a target site in the body by placing the therapeutic agents in a catheter, positioning the catheter in the target site, and exposing the therapeutic agents to an energizing mechanism sufficient to create supersonic flow to carry the therapeutic agents from a stationary state in the catheter to a mobile state towards the target site.

Abstract: A trocar fixation device includes a cannula and an elongate tube mounted onto and coupled to the exterior surface of the cannula with the distal end of the cannula extending distally beyond the distal end of the elongate tube. The elongate tube includes a plurality of slits cut at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube. The trocar fixation device is activated by rotating the proximal-end region of the elongate tube in a first direction and is deactivated by rotating the proximal-end region of the elongate tube in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. Activation of the trocar fixation device compresses the material positioned between adjacent slits and forces the material radially outwardly, away from the exterior surface of the cannula, thereby forming ridges. Deactivation of the trocar fixation device returns the exterior surface of the elongate tube to a substantially smooth condition.

Abstract: An apparatus is proposed for the dosed dispensing of a fluid, especially an infusion fluid, comprising a housing (1) with a fluid chamber and a pressure medium chamber (3) by which a flexible wall (4) of the fluid chamber can be pressurized from the outside with a pressure medium. In order to provide a re-useable infusion pump with especially simple means it is proposed that the housing (1) consists of two mutually detachably joined housing parts (6, 7), of which the one comprises the pressure medium chamber (3) and the other receives in an exchangeable manner the fluid chamber configured as a leak-proof infusion bag (2), and that the housing part (6) with the pressure medium chamber (3) is sealed by a membrane (5) against the housing part (7) receiving the infusion bag (2) and is connected to a gas pressure source (11).

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: The present embodiments provide apparatus and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. The apparatus generally comprises at least one container for holding a therapeutic agent, and a pressure source for facilitating delivery of the therapeutic agent. In one embodiment, the pressure source may be placed in selective fluid communication with a proximal region of the container and fluid from the pressure source may flow through at least a portion of the container to urge the therapeutic agent through container towards the target site. In an alternative embodiment, the container and the pressure source may be coupled to first and second inlet ports of a connecting member, respectively, such that the therapeutic agent flows through an outlet port of the connecting member and towards the target site.

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 system for testing a negative pressure wound dressing, includes a simulated wound having a housing and a wound cavity within the housing, and having a shape and dimension representative of an actual wound type, a wound dressing positionable at least over the simulated wound, a negative pressure source in fluid communication with the wound cavity, at least one sensor adapted to record at least one parameter within the simulated wound, an air leak model including a valve in fluid communication with the wound cavity whereby opening of the valve simulates an air leak within the wound cavity, a fluid source in fluid communication with the wound cavity for delivering fluid to the wound cavity to simulate presence of exudates and a computer coupled to the at least one sensor for recording and analyzing data recorded by the at least one sensor to thereby providing an indication of functioning of the system.

Abstract: The delivery of a fluid cutaneously is effected by generating a suction force on a surface of a housing. A surface of a cutaneous layer is received under the suction force about which the proximal end of a needle thereby to pierce the cutaneous surface and to effect an injection of fluid. There is generated a suction force to operate the movement of a needle in the housing. The needle is moved under the suction force from the housing thereby to permit piercing a cutaneous layer. The bladder for containing fluid is emptied under the suction into the distal end of the needle and thereby permit the expulsion of fluid through the proximal end of the needle for injection below the cutaneous layer.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a first and second component of a biological adhesive, such as fibrin glue. At least one of said components may contain a suspension of fibrin microbeads (FMB) or a suspension of cells. The present invention uses a single supply of pressurized gas to force the components from the applicator using positive fluid pressure and to atomize them into a convergent spray. Another embodiment of the present invention also provides for the endoscopic application of the biological adhesive directly to tissue defects. The application of positive pressure allows precise metering of the components and application of the adhesive, prevents internal coagulation of the fibrin or clogging by suspended particles and reduces waste and contamination of the components.

Abstract: A tranquilizer bracelet which can be locked onto A wearer's wrist. The bracelet contains A power source, an electronic control module, and means for injecting A tranquilizing agent into the wearer. Instructions can be sent to the control module remotely, such as by using radio transmissions. The bracelet is provided with A lock to secure it to the wrist. It can only be opened using A mechanical key or electronic code. Thus, once the bracelet is installed, it cannot be removed by the wearer. In the event that tranquilization is necessary, A remote signal is sent to the control module. The signal activates A mechanism within the bracelet which causes the injection of the tranquilizing agent. Anti-tampering mechanisms are also provided, which will produce an alert signal if the bracelet is somehow removed by the wearer.

Abstract: A needle-less injector suitable for injecting fluid through a surface includes a housing, a driver, an engine and a trigger. The housing contains a fluid and the engine contains a compressed gas. Upon application of sufficient force to the trigger, the compressed gas is released from the engine forcing the driver through the interior of the housing, expelling the liquid from the housing at a speed sufficient to pierce an injection surface. In one embodiment, the needle-less injector includes a mechanism for mitigating the kickback associated with releasing compressed gas from the engine. In another embodiment, the housing includes finger rests that provide stability and resistance to activate the device. In another embodiment, the engine is fitted with a reusable valve.

Abstract: A dental instrument includes a pneumatic pressure intensifier that supplies a handpiece having an orifice to generate a high velocity liquid jet. A pneumatic system includes valves to supply the pressure intensifier and control the output to the handpiece. A jet forming assembly includes an orifice mount in the handpiece, and a guide tube assembly secured to the orifice mount. The guide tube assembly is variably positioned to select the minimum distance from the jet orifice to the tissue target, so that the jet force may be controlled.

Abstract: Pressure infusion apparatus (10) of the type that includes a chamber (13) for at least one infusion bag (21). In the chamber a pressure apparatus (18) applies pressure on the infusion bag to press out infusion liquid through an infusion tube (24). The pressure apparatus (18) includes a pneumatic pressure chamber (25) and a pressure source (27). Between the pressure storage chamber (25) and the pressure source (27) there is a pressure reduction valve (26) that significantly reduces the pressure in the pressure source (27) relative to the maximum loading pressure in the pressure storage chamber (25). The pressure source (27) includes an essentially unstretchable, air tight, flexible membrane (27a) which divides the chamber (13) into an infusion chamber and a pressure chamber (27b) and which presses directly on the bag (21). At least one flow regulating valve (28) giving a calibrated flow per unit time is attached to the infusion tube (24) or its extension from the infusion bag (21).

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided that includes a pressure tube and a first cap assembly having a control system, with the first cap assembly coupled to a first end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat. The apparatus also includes a second cap assembly coupled to a second end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat, with the second cap assembly supporting a fluid container that is housed in the interior space of the pressure tube.

Abstract: With this device the rinsing fluid is located in a container which may be set under pressure with a gas and into which pressurised gas via a cannula may be introduced and from which rinsing fluid may be removed via another cannula. The respective filled condition of the container is acquired with a sensor, wherein the temporal course of the gas pressure in the container or of the gas flow into the container is measured and on ascertaining a gas pressure fall or gas flow rise after points in time specific to the system the means may be deactivated.

Abstract: A surgical anti-friction device for use with highly flexible, reinforced swan neck liposuction cannulas. The flexible cannulas are constructed of metal and plastic, with the metal cannulas having diameters of between 2.0 and 3.5 mm, and with the plastic cannulas having diameters greater than 3.5 mm (i.e., 3.5 to 6.0 mm), and are inserted through the surgical anti-friction device. These long shaft flexible cannulas, when utilized in combination with a reinforced neck, allow the cannula point of entry to act as a fulcrum (with an optional interposed insert) in concert with the surgeon's guiding hand to deflect the cannulas. The surgical anti-friction device protects the incision through which the cannula passes.

Abstract: A manually operated dispensing device for delivering ophthalmic solution to the surface of an eye in a desired spray pattern with an impact pressure on the eye that is comfortably tolerated by an individual. The device comprises a pressure container having a closed bottom and an open top defining a neck, for accommodating a pressurized gas and a pouch; a sealed pouch, for said ophthalmic solution, made of a barrier material and exhibiting a valve which is integrated with a mounting cup adapted to fit the neck of the container; and an actuator adapted to fit the mounting cup of the sealed pouch, comprising a nozzle member including a cylindrical tube member, adapted to interact with the valve, and an actuator button for activating the interaction between the nozzle member and the valve, in order to accomplish said desired spray pattern.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided that includes a pressure tube and a first cap assembly having a control system, with the first cap assembly coupled to a first end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat. The apparatus also includes a second cap assembly coupled to a second end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat, with the second cap assembly supporting a fluid container that is housed in the interior space of the pressure tube.

Abstract: A pressure container for applying pressure to a flexible bag received in it and filled with a medical fluid, in order to deliver the fluid from the flexible bag, has a housing that has an opening for introduction of the bag. Also provided are a cover for covering the opening, an aperture for leading a fluid discharge line of the bag out of the pressure container, and a closure for sealed joining of the cover and housing. In the interest of simpler design and easier handling, it is proposed that the housing be configured as an upright hollow-cylindrical body, closed at the bottom and open at the top, the cross section of which has a flattened oval shape and corresponds roughly to the cross-sectional contour of a bag; and that the two opposing large-area upright sidewalls each have, in mirror-image fashion, the shape of a segment of a cylindrical shell whose lateral ends are joined by joining segments.

Abstract: A drug delivery system includes a container having proximal and distal ends and a rapidly openable divider, replaceably disposed within the container to separate the container into a proximal chamber that is selectively gas impermeable and able to receive a pressurized gas and a distal chamber having an opening at a distal end thereof. A membrane is disposed between the opening in the distal chamber of the container and a biologic material, such as a patient's skin, treated with a medicament. In operation, rapid opening of the divider causes a shock wave to be generated and transmitted through the opening in the distal chamber to impinge on the membrane which transfers the shock wave to the biologic material. The system may further include a drug housing mountable in a fluid tight manner on the biologic material and an optional sealing element by which the fluid tight seal is created.

Abstract: A disposable medicine delivery unit for use in a needleless hypodermic injector is configured to allow economical replacement, after each injection, of a patient contact surface and the entire injection flow-path of the medicament, to thereby ensure sterility with less need for repeated equipment cleaning and sterilization procedures. The delivery unit includes a piston seal configured to prevent improper reuse. The piston seal deforms and sticks in a conical end of the medicine delivery chamber at the end of its injection stroke. A push-only connection between the piston seal and a piston drive rod of the injector ensures that the latter cannot be used to retract the former. Preferably, the piston seal also includes a protruding nipple which enters and destroys the injection orifice following an injection, to further disable the delivery unit.

Abstract: A needleless injection system and method for injecting a medical product including a needleless injection device having a nozzle assembly defining an ampule chamber for holding medication, an energy device for pushing medication out of the nozzle assembly, and an energy device actuating mechanism is disclosed. These components are operatively contained in a housing configured for hand held operation. The energy device is a self-contained gas spring operatively connected to a plunger operating within the ampule chamber. The gas spring is preferably stepped which can be used in many different applications, an air gun being one. The injection device can be provided with a coupling device for coupling a medication supply vial to the nozzle assembly. The nozzle assembly is removably situated in the housing with the plunger removable therewith.

Abstract: A liquid delivery pumping device for the delivery of liquids enterally or parenterally comprises a housing including a gas generating chamber, wherein a gas is generated intermittently when two reactants, such as the components of an effervescent couple, are caused to react, a pumping chamber for a reciprocating pumping unit operable by the gas and to which chamber the gas is conveyed once generated, the pumping unit forming part of a mechanism which receives and regulates the liquid to be delivered in response to the reciprocation of the pumping unit, and means for controlling the gas pressure within the pumping chamber to enable controlled reciprocation of the pumping unit. The device provides precisely controlled rates of liquid delivery to a patient irrespective of the viscosity of the liquid to be delivered.

Abstract: The device includes a handpiece 1, its handle-shaped portion constituting an under pressure air receptacle 2. The handpiece 1 contains a pneumatic jack 15 fed by means of a pressure reducing valve 11 with constant air under pressure derived from the receptacle 2. The jack 15 pushes against a recall spring a catapult 16 bearing an injection needle 21. The piece 1 also bears a movable syringe 23 containing the liquid and connected to the needle 21 by a flexible pipe 22. A piston 29 moving in the syringe 23 is propelled by the air of a pressure chamber 35 fed from the receptacle 2 through a second pressure reducing valve 30. A squeezing piece 25 brings about a flattening of the pipe 22 by prohibiting the flowing of the liquid and it is pushed back at the outlet end of travel of the jack 15 so as to free the pipe 22 from squeezing.

Abstract: A needleless, low pressure, air powered medicine injector with a quick disconnect medicine delivery assembly removably connected to the injector housing. Low pressure air drives a biased piston through a discharge stroke, beginning from the retracted position into the medicine chamber, thereby forcing medicine through a one-piece nozzle. A removable chamber filling mechanism connected to the housing is coupled to the medicine chamber through fill ports, such that the medicine chamber is filled utilizing a positive pressure medicine distributor. A movable spacer collar positioned in front of the nozzle provides an air gap between a patient's skin and the one-piece nozzle. A safety interlock coupled to an activating mechanism and the chamber filling mechanism prevents unwanted discharge of the injection.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) and method for delivering an oxygen-supersaturated physiologic solution (12) into a lumen (14) of a blood vessel (16) to replace arterial blood beyond an angioplasty catheter (18) during clinical angioplasty without bubble formation.

Abstract: A new intravenous fluid delivery system is disclosed. It consists of an inner product containment envelope that is covered on both sides by outer pressure envelopes. The seams of both the inner and outer envelopes are sealed together along their perimeters resulting in the outer envelopes forming a double wall around the inner product envelope. An outlet port is provided for the product containment envelope for removal of the fluids. This outlet port is similar to those found on common IV bags. A second pressure entry port is provided opposite to the outlet port. The second entry port is in communication with both outer pressure envelopes. Thus, as pressure is induced into the pressure entry port, product will be forced out of the outlet port once it is opened. As pressure in added to the outer envelopes, the inner envelope will be compressed, continuously draining the product within the product envelope until it is evacuated.

Abstract: A laparoscopic irrigation system and bottle pump for controlling a source of gas pressure driving a source of irrigation solution that includes a monitor for monitoring the source of gas pressure and indicating when the gas pressure falls below a predetermined value. Also, the liquid level of the source of irrigation solution is monitored via infrared radiation and when the level falls to a predetermined value it is detected, a visual and an audible signal is actuated and an alternative source of irrigation solution is selected. Further the level of gas pressure driving the source of irrigation solution is controllable with an electronic circuit containing a stepping motor mechanically connected to a pressure regulator.

Abstract: An intravenous fiber membrane oxygenator is disclosed in several embodiments wherein the fibers either run at a transverse angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the oxygenator and/or are of a reduced length to optimize the gas transfer efficiency of the oxygenator. Various helical or spiral wraps of fibers are disclosed. One embodiment utilizes two sets of longitudinally extending fibers wherein the oxygen gas is moved in opposite directions from a central location of the oxygenator.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for dispensing medicinals encapsulated in a biodegrble polymer in surgical and other wounds are described. The apparatus, a microcapsule drug applicator, allows the caregiver to implant or spread measured and uniform quantities of microencapsulated medicinals in or on surgical or traumatic wounds to prevent and/or treat infections. Specific examples where microencapsulated antibiotics may prove useful include, soft-tissue wounds, following debridement and reduction or fixation of open fractures, to osteomyelitic bone after surgical debridement, after surgical insertion of prostheses such as hip/knee replacements (arthroplasty), and following vascular surgery or grafting.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes an elongated, hand-held instrument for applying a solution spray to a surgical area of a patient during surgery. The instrument includes an elongated handle having an outer ribbed surface to be hand-held. The handle has a central passageway between an inlet end and a discharge end. A nose is secured to the discharge end of the handle with a flow control valve secured within the handle. Nozzles are selectively connected to the nose to create selected flow patterns at the surgical site. The valve has an external pushbutton actuator to control the solution flow through a passageway in the body and nose. A pressurized liquid supply includes a sealed disposable, liquid solution filled bag and a sterile tube connected to the inlet end of the body. The solution bag is releasably supported within a pressurizing bag which in turn is carried on a portable stand unit.

Abstract: A laparoscopic irrigation system and bottle pump for controlling a source of gas pressure driving a source of irrigation solution that includes a monitor for monitoring the gas pressure and indicating when the gas pressure falls below a predetermined value. Also, the liquid level of the source of irrigation solution is monitored and when the level falls to a predetermined value it is detected and a visual and an audible signal is actuated. Further the level of gas pressure driving the source of irrigation solution is controllable.

Abstract: A suction catheter and method of using same in which oxygenated irrigating fluid is provided to the suctioning site. The oxygenated fluid can be formed using a Y-connector to mix oxygen and fluid in a single conduit, a reservoir of fluid having oxygen bubbled into it, or through the use of an oxygen exchanger. Pressurized oxygen-containing gas may be fed to the Y-connector to force the gas and irrigating fluid out through the catheter. The suction may be a dual lumen catheter or a tube within a tube.

Abstract: A pneumatic retinopexy injector includes a syringe to which is communicated a controllable gaseous pressure source. A desired volume of a gaseous substance can be injected by the syringe by utilizing a controller to introduce the pressurized gas to the syringe to cause the piston of the syringe to eject any contents of the syringe. The manual controller can comprise a foot pedal having a variable flow pneumatic valve. The invention can also utilize a vacuum source which is switchable to the syringe to allow automatic filling of the syringe.

Abstract: A device for injecting serum or the like into animals while remaining at a distance from the animal. The device uses air pressure from a tank built into the device to eject the serum from a syringe on the tip of the wand. The wand is long enough to provide relative safety for the user.

Abstract: A sub-gingival medicament applicator comprising an aerosol container having a gingival medicament filling and a nitrogen propellant. A wand is secured to the container and has an end portion extending angularly to the rest thereof. The wand has a passageway therethrough. A valve, provided with an actuator, is provided for controlling fluid flow through a passageway in the wand to permit application of the medicament through the end piece onto the gums of the user in a manner for optimum benefit.

Abstract: An apparatus for aspirating the lens cortex which comprises an aspirator and a negative pressure generator. The aspirator comprises a handpiece having an aspirating nozzle and an irrigating nozzle adjacent to the nozzle, an aspirating tube being connected to the aspirating nozzle to provide an aspirating channel extending from the aspirating nozzle through the tube, the aspirating channel having a shutoff member for opening or closing the channel. The negative pressure generator comprises a barrel attached to a mount frame and fitted with a plunger, the barrel having an open connecting end for holding the barrel in communication with the aspirating nozzle, the plunger having a weight engaging portion.

Abstract: A pressure infusion system including a flexible bag containing a quantity of liquid to be infused, a pressure cuff for causing the liquid to be forced from the bag, and a control assembly for controlling the pressure cuff. The control assembly includes a manually operative valve for allowing pressurized gas to inflate the pressure cuff to force liquid from the bag, and for allowing a vacuum to be applied to the pressure cuff to quickly deflate the pressure cuff.