Abstract: An insertion mechanism for a wearable drug delivery device that deploys a small gauge flexible cannula with support of a coaxial rigid trocar or hollow needle. After insertion, the trocar or hollow needle is withdrawn leaving the cannula in place for drug delivery. The insertion mechanism may also include an insertion mechanism housing having a proximal and distal end, a manifold configured to fluidly connect the hollow interior of the cannula and the fluid pathway connector, and a manifold guide carrying the manifold and movable between a first position and a second position. A hub carries the trocar and is removably connected to the manifold guide. An insertion biasing member may be initially retained in an energized state between the proximal end of the insertion mechanism housing and the hub, and a retraction biasing member may be initially retained in an energized state between the hub and the manifold guide.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for cutting substances inside a body lumen, the medical device including a rotatable tubular drive shaft; a treatment member arranged on a distal side of the drive shaft; and a device handle configured to retract the drive shaft, the device handle comprising: a fixed guide cover disposed to cover the drive shaft and an outer sheath disposed to cover the guide cover; and an annular gap between the outer sheath and the guide cover on a proximal side of a fluid connection configured to supply a physiological salt solution into the outer sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating uterine disorders by effecting necrosis of the uterine endometrium. The apparatus has a catheter with a bladder which can be inflated with a hot medium. To prevent early inflation of the bladder, the apparatus has an occlusion member arranged between a reservoir which contains the inflation medium and the bladder.

Abstract: A system for bone cement includes a vial holder configured for receiving a vial and including a holding structure for maintaining the vial in the vial holder. The vial includes a monomer component for bone cement. A holder chamber is configured to receive and secure the vial holder. The vial holder is advanced toward a vial-breaking device for breaking the vial and releasing its contents into the holder chamber past the elastomeric seal. Once the vial holder is advanced further the elastomeric seal is deformed to form a seal and prevent fumes produced from escaping from the device.

Abstract: A sterile fluid pathway connector includes a piercing member, a connector hub, and a pierceable seal; wherein at least a portion of the pierceable seal is configured to move from a first position in which the piercing member is retained within a sterile cavity between the pierceable seal and the connector hub, to a second position in which the pierceable seal has been penetrated by the piercing member. A filter may be utilized to enclose the sterile cavity from the outside environment. Such fluid pathway connections may be integrated into a fluid container having a barrel and a plunger seal. The components of the fluid pathway connector may further be capable of transmitting a signal to the user upon completion of fluid delivery, for example, upon contact between the plunger seal and the pierceable seal. A fluid delivery pump includes such integrated fluid pathway connectors and fluid containers.

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

Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system for applying reduced pressure tissue treatment to a tissue site is provided. The system includes a manifold delivery tube and a balloon having an inner space. The balloon is capable of assuming collapsed and expanded positions. The system further includes a manifold having a plurality of flow channels. The manifold is disposed within the inner space of the balloon. A sharp tip is configured to be delivered within the manifold delivery tube to puncture the balloon.

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

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

Abstract: 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 pre-filled hypodermic syringe includes a tubular body having two open ends and containing a fluid to be administered to a patient; a plunger which, having at one of its ends a piston mounted to slide in the tubular body, passes through the opening of the first end of the tubular body; a tip for connection in the form of a cone of the Luer or Luer-Lock type, for example for connecting to a needle or to a drip, intended to pass the fluid that is to be administered and comprising a tubular part communicating with the opening of the second end; the tip comprising an obturator connected by a frangible region to the free end of its tubular part, the syringe being made of a synthetic material and obtained by molding, the obturator being molded as one piece with the tip and the tubular body.

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: A catheter system for positioning an instrument within a body that includes a hub defining a lumen therethrough for passage of the instrument toward the body. The catheter system also includes an elongate tubular member defining a lumen therethrough. The lumen of the elongate tubular member is in communication with the lumen of the hub for further passage of the instrument toward the body. The system also includes a slitter member that is coupled to the hub. The slitter member is disposed to slit the elongate tubular member as the elongate tubular member moves relative to the hub.

Abstract: A carpule and its method of manufacture, the carpule tubular body composed of a polypropylene or similar polymer, the tubular body being sealed at one end by a seal of a thermoplastic vulcanizate (TPV) or similar polymer, the seal having been injection molded in contact with the tubular body prior to full curing of the material composing the tubular body, such that a chemical fusion bond is created between the seal and the tubular body.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided, principally for use with endoscopic plastic surgery, and adapted for insertion into an incision for engaging subcutaneous tissue, fat, fascia or muscle (STFFM) through a remote access incision, grasping the STFFM, and enabling it to be moved to another location. The STFFM is grasped preferably by engaging it with a needle and passing a suture through it, with the suture being locked by engagement via a hook, all at a location inside the skin that is remote from the opening. This enables the sutured STFFM to be moved, in any direction, but most often toward the incision as the inserted portion of the instrument is removed. A vacuum and an external clamp are provided, for facilitating engagement of the portion of the STFFM that is to be sutured.

Abstract: A device that delivers a powdery medicine for a nasal cavity includes positioning guides that cause a capsule to slide as far as a predetermined position and are provided on the side of cutters to make holes on both ends of the capsule provided between the connection port on the side of a nozzle that sprays the powdery medicine into the nasal cavity. The device further includes a connection port on the side of a pump that supplies spray air to the nozzle in order to make the size of the holes made on both ends of the capsule constant, wherein a distance between the connection ports is made shorter than a distance between blade tips of the cutters.

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

Abstract: A multifunctional suture needle that may be used to draw a suture through tissue surrounding a wound while simultaneously delivering a bioactive fluid through the needle tip. The suture needle possesses an internal cavity capable of containing a fluid, and a fine aperture adjacent to the point of the needle through which the fluid may egress. The fluid may be driven from the needle through the needle tip with a compressed gas that is sealed within the cavity adjacent to the fluid. Alternatively a fluid conducting suture may be employed to deliver fluid through the internal passage of the suture needle and out the aperture adjacent to the tip of the needle. The rate at which the fluid is emitted from the suture needle may be controlled by carefully selecting the fluid viscosity, design of the needle or suture passages, and pressure applied to the fluid.

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: A multi-well assembly according to one embodiment comprises a multi-well block and a guide plate. The multi-well block defines a plurality of wells, with each well having a fluid-impermeable bottom surface. The guide plate defines a plurality of fluid passageways corresponding to the wells of the multi-well block. The guide plate is configured such that, whenever the guide plate is registered with the multi-well block, fluid communication is established between each well and an associated fluid passageway.

Abstract: A dose setting device for a delivery system has a piston rod (6, 9) which successively presses a piston (2) into a cylinder ampoule (1). Doses are set by rotating a second part (9) of the piston rod (6, 9) in relation to a first part (6). The two parts are connected by mating threads so that the total length of the piston rod (6, 9) is increased proportional to the angle of rotation, and a point (18) on the second part is moved away from a stop position fixed in relation to a housing (5) The set dose is delivered when the point (18) is moved back to the stop position. The first part (6) can be axially displaced but not rotated in the housing (5), and the second part (9) can both rotate and be axially displaced. The first part (6) is maintained in abutment with the piston (2) and the second part (9) is coupled to be rotated by a dose setting wheel (20).

Abstract: An apparatus has two principal components: a pressure driver, typically a gas filled cartridge, canister, container or the like, that is activated by opening of a membrane, typically a metal foil by puncturing or rupturing, and a holder, that maintains the pressure driver in an air tight chamber. When the cartridge is opened, the pressurized gas exits the cartridge and enters the air tight chamber, causing it to expand. This expansion creates pressure on the portion of the apparatus holding a fluid filled container, and ultimately forces fluid out from the container, typically into tubing, so that the fluid reaches a patient. A simple valving device, typically in a handpiece, and typically proximate the surgical site, can be used at the end of the tubing to regulate the fluid flow into the patient. Systems employing this apparatus are also disclosed, as are method of use for the aforementioned apparatus and systems.

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: An osmotic delivery system has a membrane plug retention mechanism which can also be used to control the delivery rate of a beneficial agent from the osmotic delivery system. The osmotic delivery device includes an implant capsule containing a beneficial agent and an osmotic agent. Holes are formed along a side wall of the implant capsule at an open end of the capsule. When the membrane plug is inserted into the open end of the capsule the membrane material swells into the holes in the capsule side wall creating a large frictional force which prevents expulsion of the membrane plug. A beneficial agent delivery rate of the osmotic delivery system is controllable by varying the size and number of the holes to change the amount of exposed surface area of the membrane plug. An increase in the surface area of the membrane plug exposed to the exterior environment causes a corresponding increase in the liquid permeation rate of the membrane and thus, increases the beneficial agent delivery rate.

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 method of ligating anatomical tissue using a suture spring device of coiled configuration includes expanding the suture spring device from a relaxed, unexpanded state to an elastically deformed, expanded state, positioning the anatomical tissue in an axial space between rings or coils of the suture spring device when the device is in the elastically deformed, expanded state, and allowing the suture spring device to contract from the expanded state toward the unexpanded state to ligate the anatomical tissue. The rings or coils of the suture spring device can be axially and/or radially expanded in the elastically deformed, expanded state. In the case of the rings being radially expanded, the anatomical tissue is preferably repositioned to be disposed concentrically within a central longitudinal passage or aperture of the suture spring device so that the rings are coiled around the anatomical tissue in the expanded state and able to apply a radially compressive force when contracted.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second fittings including first and second membrane assemblies, respectively, and a stem member. A fluid delivery system includes a connector assembly, a container for holding fluids and tubing which couples the container to one of the first and second fittings. A method for making a contaminant-free connection comprises mating first and second fittings, and establishing a fluid flow path through the first and second fittings. The systems, assemblies and methods according to the invention may be used, for example, to handle a biological fluid while maintaining the fluid free of viable contaminating microorganisms or preserving its sterility.

Abstract: An injection cartridge of the dual-chamber type and containing a solid product in a front chamber and a liquid product in a rear chamber further contains in the front chamber a medium that is soluble in the liquid product, and which preferably is a soluble gas. By this arrangement, the formation of gas bubbles is minimized when the solid and liquid products are mixed.

Abstract: A device for delivering a quantity of material endoscopically to an intended site of application within a body through an incision or entrance wound includes a handle portion with movable trigger means, and an endoscopic portion. A reservoir or cartridge containing material for delivery may be disposed in the handle or endoscopic portion of the delivery device. In operation, the trigger means may be operated in such a manner so as to cause a discharge of a metered quantity of material from the proximal end of the endoscopic tube.

Abstract: A device for delivering a quantity of material endoscopically to an intended site of application within a body through an incision or entrance wound includes a handle portion with movable trigger means, and an endoscopic portion. A reservoir or cartridge containing material for delivery may be disposed in the handle or endoscopic portion of the delivery device. In operation, the trigger means may be operated in such a manner so as to cause a discharge of a metered quantity of material from the proximal end of the endoscopic tube.

Abstract: An injection device (1) has a housing (2) in which is arranged a holder for a deformable, medicament-containing ampoule (4). To a frontal end region is linked an injection needle (5) which communicates with the interior of the ampoule and with a driving device linked to the other frontal end region of the ampoule, opposite the frontal end region facing the injection needle. The ampoule (4) is arranged and held within a support device (13) that extends between both frontal end regions.

Abstract: A device for delivering medication into a human body, comprising a catheter having proximate and distal ends, and first and second lumina extending substantially the entire length of the catheter. A first opening in the catheter near its distal end drains fluid from a body when the catheter is inserted therein. There is a second opening in the catheter between the first opening and the distal end of the catheter. The second opening is fluidly connected with the second lumen. A diaphragm is located adjacent to the second opening for blocking off the second opening from the second lumen, and the diaphragm is burstable by a predetermined pressure for unblocking the second opening for fluidly connecting it with the second lumen. Thus, medications can be safely administered without the possibility of premature contact of the medication with the body. The catheter is particularly well suited to the administration of toxic substances such as BCG vaccine into the bladder of bladder cancer patients.

Abstract: The invention concerns a device and a process for administering a liquid g preparation, in particular by infusion, by implantation or percutaneously, at a given flow rate for relatively long period of time, using a technique involving the retractation of an elastic membrane. More specifically, using this technique, said drug preparation is placed in a tubular reservoir (13) where it is subjected to the action of at least one movable wall (112, 112a). The movable wall is displaced by the pressure of a hydraulic fluid (10), the entry of which is controlled by a capillary tube (4) fed with hydraulic fluid (10) under pressure by a hydraulic accumulator subject to the thrust of a previously dilated retractable elastic membrane (8).

Abstract: A pushbutton for use with a spray device for mixing a primary substance with a predetermined quantity of a secondary substance stored in such a manner as to be sheltered from the air. The pushbutton is constituted by a first piece (2) which is moveable relative to a second piece (1) containing the emission channel (11) of the pushbutton. The first piece (2) includes containers (22) advantageously disposed like rounds in the cylinder of a revolver. Each container (22) contains the desired quantity of the secondary substance and is hermetically closed by a membrane (23). When the user actuates the pushbutton, a suitable resilient piece (3) and suitable connection pieces (15, 25) ensure that the user automatically displaces the first piece (2) in such a manner that the membrane (23) of one of the containers (22) is pierced and the corresponding dose of secondary substance is delivered into the emission channel (11) so as to be sprayed out together with the main substance.

Abstract: The septum includes a fill chamber having a port that is reinforced or otherwise protected by a needle stop structure. The needle stop structure prevents a needle that has accessed the fill chamber from penetrating the fluid flow structure that extends from the fill chamber. In one embodiment of the invention, the needle stop structure overhangs the port thereby preventing a needle from entering the port. In a further embodiment of the invention the needle stop structure includes a nozzle-like annular collar which extends from the port into the fill chamber. In another embodiment of the invention, the needle stop structure includes a nozzle-like annular collar that extends from the port into the fluid flow structure. In yet another embodiment of the invention, the needle stop structure includes a cup-shaped structure that extends from the port into the fluid flow structure and has an opening in the fluid flow structure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable, handheld eyewash dispenser for discharging an eyewash liquid. The eyewash dispenser includes a housing and an expandable rubber bladder mounted in the housing. The housing and the rubber bladder conjointly define a chamber for accommodating the eyewash liquid therein. A propellant cartridge containing a propellant under pressure is mounted in the rubber bladder. A pressure valve responsive to a predetermined pressure of the eyewash liquid is mounted in the housing. A release mechanism is provided for acting on the propellant cartridge for discharging the propellant therefrom to inflate and expand the bladder thereby imparting pressure to the eyewash liquid causing the latter to be expressed through a nozzle. The housing is configured to permit the user to comfortably grasp the dispenser in one hand.

Abstract: A hypodermic device including a main body having a plurality of open sockets with a corresponding number of upstanding needles therein. In one embodiment, each upstanding needle is commonly interconnected to a main passage through the body. The ends of the upstanding needles are capped with resilient plugs which are displaced when one or more vacuum tubes are pressed onto the ends of the upstanding needles. In an alternative embodiment of the device, the upstanding needles are secured to movable plugs with each plug having a passage therein which is selectively movable into coaxial alignment with the main passage through the body. In yet another embodiment of the device, the sockets are spaced apart along the length of the main body with valves being connected to the main body in the spaces between the sockets. Each valve is slidably movable within a well formed within the body.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a one-way disposable syrup package and associated dispensing attachment for use in a post-mix beverage dispenser system are described. The dispensing attachment includes a threaded socket for operatively engaging the threaded portion on the neck of a container constituting the syrup package, a cutting edge for puncturing a sealing member over the discharge end of the container, an inlet for supplying a compressed fluid into the container and an outlet for propelling the syrup concentrate toward the discharge opening of the container. The dispensing attachment is screwed onto the threaded portion of the container neck, preferably while the container is in an upright position until the cutting edge punctures the sealing member. Suitable conduits are then connected to the inlet and outlets of the attachment to connect the syrup package to the post-mix beverage dispenser system.