Abstract: Examples relate to fluid collection devices, and related systems and methods. A fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier, a fluid permeable body, a tube, and a sump. The fluid impermeable barrier has a distal end region and defines an opening and a chamber in fluid communication with the opening. The fluid permeable body is positioned within the chamber at least partially at the distal end region. The tube extends into the chamber and has an end positioned proximate to the distal end region of the fluid impermeable barrier. The tube includes a tube opening at least proximate to the end of the tube and oriented to face at least a portion of the fluid permeable body. The sump is positioned in the area between the tube opening and the distal end region.

Abstract: An example fluid collection assembly includes a fluid impermeable barrier defining at least one opening, a chamber in fluid communication with the at least one opening, and at least one fluid outlet. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one porous material (e.g., at least one wicking material) disposed in the chamber. The fluid collection assembly also includes at least one conduit attached to the fluid outlet. Further, the fluid collection assembly includes one or more leak prevention features.

Abstract: Examples relate to systems, devices, and methods for attaching a fluid collection device to a user or removing fluid collected from a user in the e fluid collection device using a vacuum source operably coupled thereto. The fluid collection devices include urine collection devices shaped to complement the female anatomy near the urethra, attach to the user with one or more flanges, and the vacuum source is operably coupled to the fluid collection device via one or more sections of conduit.

Abstract: Examples relate to fluid collection devices, and related systems and methods. A fluid collection device includes a fluid impermeable barrier, a fluid permeable body, a tube, and a sump. The fluid impermeable barrier has a distal end region and defines an opening and a chamber in fluid communication with the opening. The fluid permeable body is positioned within the chamber at least partially at the distal end region. The tube extends into the chamber and has an end positioned proximate to the distal end region of the fluid impermeable barrier. The tube includes a tube opening at least proximate to the end of the tube and oriented to face at least a portion of the fluid permeable body. The sump is positioned in the area between the tube opening and the distal end region.

Abstract: Examples relate to fluid collection devices, systems, and methods of collecting fluid from wearers. The fluid collection devices include a retention means for maintaining the position of the fluid collection device with respect to the wearer.

Abstract: Examples relate to garments, systems, and methods for fluid collection or removing fluids from a fluid collection device. The fluid collection garments include a fabric body configured to be worn on the pelvis of a wearer, where the fabric body has a port thereon or therein, where the port holds a fluid collection device therein. The fluid collection device is shaped to complement the female anatomy or male anatomy near the urethra. The fluid collection device can include a vacuum source in fluid communication with the fluid collection device via one or more sections of conduit.

Abstract: An injection device to deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a first medicament is delivered in settable doses with a first medicament dose delivery mechanism and a second medicament is delivered from micro-reservoirs upon activation of a second medicament delivery system, whereby activation of the second medicament delivery system locks out the first medicament dose delivery mechanism.

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

Abstract: The present invention relates to a washing water spraying vessel for a nasal cavity cleaner. A pumping operation of a pumping member is performed only when a pair of buttons formed on both sides of an outer cap are simultaneously pressed, which allows enabling fundamentally blocking the pumping operation through external pressure unintended by a user, thereby not only preventing washing water from being unnecessarily consumed but also preventing an inner part of the overcap from being contaminated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.

Abstract: A substance delivery device includes an elongated tubular body having opposing proximal and distal ends, and a diaphragm that is in slideable sealing engagement with an inside wall of the tubular body. The diaphragm is movable in opposite first and second directions within the tubular body. A substance is contained within the tubular body between the diaphragm and the tubular body distal end, and a slave fluid is contained within the tubular body between the diaphragm and the tubular body proximal end. When pressure is exerted on the slave fluid, the slave fluid causes the diaphragm to move and eject the substance through the tubular body distal end.

Abstract: In a control valve (3) for a medical suction device (1), it is provided that a coupling location (4) of the control valve (3) is includes a guide (8) which, when the control valve (3) is being plugged or fitted into a coupling seat (5) of the medical suction device (1), cooperates with a mating guide piece (9) of the coupling seat (5) for axial guiding and which, in a position turned away from the plugging-in orientation, cooperates with the coupling seat (5) for axially locking the control valve (3) on the coupling seat (5).

Abstract: A device for suctioning nasal secretions, including a nasal tip having an opening through which the nasal secretions are suctioned, a first pipe, a first end of which is connected to the nasal tip and the other end of which communicates via a first opening, and a second pipe, one end of which communicates via a second opening, and these two pipes form an angle no more than 90°, and the opening connected to the nasal tip is aligned with the second pipe and arranged with the air stream exiting the opening of the second pipe.

Abstract: The devices and methods shown provide for the minimization of extravasation during arthroscopic surgery. The extravasation minimization device allows a surgeon to drain excess fluids from the soft tissue surrounding the surgical field while also providing a stable surgical portal for arthroscopic surgical instruments.

Abstract: A system including an implantable delivery device having a housing, a reservoir, fill and catheter access ports, and a denial device. The housing maintains the fill port in fluid communication with the reservoir. The catheter access port includes a septum between an inlet and a well. The denial device includes a pin, a biasing element, and a solenoid. The pin is arranged to be movable between a first position in which the pin blocks passage of a needle into the well and a second position, with the biasing element biasing the pin to the first position. The solenoid is operatively coupled to the pin and provides an energized and de-energized states; in the energized state, the solenoid moves the pin from the first position to the second position to permit access to the well. An external controller effectuating clinician control over operation of the denial device is also provided.

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

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

Abstract: In a control valve (3) for a medical suction device (1), it is provided that a coupling location (4) of the control valve (3) is includes a guide (8) which, when the control valve (3) is being plugged or fitted into a coupling seat (5) of the medical suction device (1), cooperates with a mating guide piece (9) of the coupling seat (5) for axial guiding and which, in a position turned away from the plugging-in orientation, cooperates with the coupling seat (5) for axially locking the control valve (3) on the coupling seat (5).

Abstract: A drug delivery device is formed from an elastomeric element, including an inflatable drug reservoir and a flexible sleeve, and an insert inserted within the flexible sleeve. The insert cooperates with the flexible sleeve to form an at least partially pressure compensated flow regulating mechanism.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for mixing a drug in a vial includes a liquid inlet for connection to a liquid supply, a first vial spike, a second vial spike, a chamber and a valve mechanism. The chamber, the first and second vial spikes, and the liquid inlet are in fluid communication with each other. The valve mechanism may be actuated to control flow between the chamber, the vial receptacles and the liquid inlet.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows for separating and collecting a fraction of a sample. The apparatus, when used with a centrifuge, allows for the creation of at various fractions in the apparatus. A buoy system that may include a first buoy portion and a second buoy member operably interconnected may be used to form at least three fractions from a sample during a substantially single centrifugation process. Therefore, the separation of various fractions may be substantially quick and efficient. Also selected fractions from the sample can be applied to a patient, either alone or as part of a mixture.

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: To provide an irrigation/aspiration apparatus by which a trouble for an operator is reduced and handling is facilitated and which is capable of preventing a sharp decrease of pressure of an anterior chamber with a simple constitution. The apparatus has a chamber storing an irrigation liquid, a vent tube for making the liquid flow into an aspiration tube, a leading vent leading the liquid into the chamber from an irrigation tube, an outflow pipe extended in an up-and-down direction, an opening formed on a wall of the outflow pipe, of which a width is narrow and set such that an opening is closed by the liquid under surface tension when a liquid level of the liquid inside the chamber rises, an outflow vent to which the irrigation tube or a vent tube is connected, and an air chamber which is a space provided above an inflow hole of the outflow pipe.

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: An apparatus and method to suppress vacuum surges in a surgical aspiration system is disclosed and claimed. A vacuum surge suppressor includes a first fluid path for coupling to a surgical instrument, and a filter attached to the first fluid path. A flow restrictor is coupled to the filter with the filter disposed upstream of the flow restrictor. The vacuum surge suppressor also includes a second fluid path for coupling to a vacuum pump. The second fluid path is connected to the flow restrictor and disposed downstream of the flow restrictor. The second fluid path defines a path internal pressure. A third fluid path is coupled to the filter and is connected to the second fluid path, bypassing the flow restrictor. A valve in the third fluid path obstructs flow in the third fluid path in response to the path internal pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a variety of surgical instruments for forming a liquid jet, which are useful for performing a wide variety of surgical procedures. In some embodiments, the invention provides surgical liquid jet instruments having a pressure lumen and an evacuation lumen, where the pressure lumen includes at least one nozzle for forming a liquid jet and where the evacuation lumen includes a jet-receiving opening for receiving the liquid jet when the instrument is in operation. In some embodiments, the pressure lumen and the evacuation lumen of the surgical liquid jet instruments are constructed and positionable relative to each other so that the liquid comprising the liquid jet, and any tissue or material entrained by the liquid jet can be evacuated through the evacuation lumen without the need for an external source of suction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing air embolisms during surgical procedures which involves providing a fluid source in communication with an aperture extending into an anatomical cavity such that fluid may be delivered into the cavity when a condition of negative pressure exists in the cavity, thereby preventing the introduction of air into the cavity.

Abstract: One of the most significant safety concerns in the automation of extracorporeal blood treatments such as dialysis is the risk of blood leakage. Such systems draw blood at such a high rate that a loss of integrity in the blood circuit can be catastrophic. The most reliable leak detection method known is the detection of infiltrated air in a blood line, but this only works in blood lines under negative pressure. According to the invention, a leak detector for return lines is provided by periodically generating a negative pressure, which may be brief or at a 50% duty cycle, in the blood return line to draw air into it and thereby reveal the leaks using an air sensor. Although the return line is ordinarily under positive pressure, during the negative pressure cycle, the blood return line draws air through any leaks or disconnects. If air is detected, the system is shut down and an alarm generated.

Abstract: A vacuum extractor for extracting a fetus from a birth canal during childbirth is provided. The vacuum extractor includes a cup, a stem, and a handle. The handle has a first end, a second end, and a passageway extending therethrough from the first end to the second end. The handle is connected to the stem such that the first and second ends of the handle extend substantially laterally from the stem and the passageway of the handle in fluid communication with the vacuum cup. The first end of the handle is adapted to be connected to a vacuum source, and the second end is adapted to receive a vacuum release valve.

Abstract: The invention relates to a nasal aspirator which is used to dislodge and remove secretions, mucus and debris from a nasal passageway of the user. The device is provided with a housing, one end of which is adapted for mounting on a faucet of a liquid fluid source. The second end of the housing serves as an outlet of the device. A vacuum container is in fluid communication with the housing in such a way that opening of a fluid source through the housing causes creation of at least partial vacuum within the container. A nasal valve is in fluid communication with the housing and the vacuum container. The nasal valve includes a nasal seal, one end of which is positioned in the nasal passageway and which is carried by a tube, the second end of which unseats the valve element of the nasal valve to open the fluid communication between the nasal passageway and the housing.

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: An inexpensive, disposable aspirator is provided with a cover of unitary construction threadable onto a container for retaining body fluids removed from a patient. Instead of sterilizing the aspirator after the removal of body fluids, the aspirator is simply thrown away, thus minimizing contact with body fluids contaminated with infectious diseases such as AIDS. The aspirator is provided with a valve for controlling the flow of gas through the aspirator.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a system for providing control of multiple functions needed to perform eye surgery. A microprocessor based system controls a vacuum generation system using venturis and linear valves and a pneumatic system for driving vitrectomy probes and pneumatic scissors in either a variable frequency, multicut mode or a proportional cut mode where the cutting pressure is proportional to the position of a foot operated position sensor. The frequency of the vitrectomy probe cutting action can also be controlled and the level of vacuum can be controlled from a foot operated position sensor which can also be used to turn on or off a fragmentation device. The footswitch can also be used to turn irrigation fluid on or off, and the flow rate can be controlled from a control on the front panel. By making a certain foot motion in any certain aspiration modes, reflux of the aspiration line can be controlled.

Abstract: A modular, portable water-jet system for attachment to the faucet of a kitchen or bathroom sink. The system includes a diverter valve assembly that can be screwed to the faucet and which has one outlet having an aerator and another outlet to which is removably attached a control valve assembly to which is removably attached a jet-flow device, such as an oral cleaning nozzle. The diverter valve assembly includes a spool valve slidably mounted in the housing. One end of the spool valve forms a passage from the inlet of the housing leading to the outlet port to the control valves assembly. A modular solution mixing and metering container can be optionally positioned between the diverter valve assembly and the control valve assembly when a liquid medicant or cleaning agent, for example, is desired. A cross-channel at the top of the container opens to the container where water mixes with and pressures the resulting mixture up a vertical pipe back to the cross-channel where it is pressured to the jet-flow device.

Abstract: A suction catheter for sucking body fluids at surgical operations. The catheter comprises an inner and an outer tube manufactured through a coextruding procedure and which form an integrated unit. The outside of the inner tube and/or the inside of the outer tube is provided with longitudinal profilings, which form channels between the inner and outer tube. The channels communicate with the ambient air and provide an air supply to the suction channel when the catheter opening is stopped up.

Abstract: A vacuum device for removing a lodged mass or bolus from the throat of a choking victim. The device includes a pump for creating a vacuum chamber communicating with a mouthpiece having a frangible membrane. A resilient striker fractures the membrane to generate a substantially instantaneous vacuum to the mouthpiece to dislodge the mass. In one embodiment, the membrane is substituted by a manually displaceable sealing member, which is resealed after use of the device by movement of a vacuum-generating plunger.