Abstract: A fixation apparatus for attaching a medical device to a patient includes an attachment feature attached to the medical device and configured to cooperate with one or more surgical staples to facilitate stapling of the medical device to the patient. The attachment feature includes a staple receiving portion including two ends, each of which has a staple retaining end disposed adjacent thereto. The staple receiving portion is configured to receive surgical staples, and the staple retaining ends are configured to inhibit the staple receiving portion from dislodging from the surgical staples.

Abstract: A holder or organizer has first and second strips releasably fastened together by coupling material such as by hook and loop material. The strips each have two ends, namely a bonding end and a free end. The two bonding ends are coupled together. The first strip has an adhesive on its outside. The second strip has a selvedge area adjacent an edge, which selvedge area lacks releasable coupling material. The selvedge area will not fasten to the first strip. A user can easily grip the selvedge area of the second strip and peel the second strip off of the first strip. A tongue extends in the direction of the bonding ends of the strips and works in conjunction with a non-tongue area of the upper strip to more securely hold an object in the holder.

Abstract: Embodiments of a needle insertion system and method are disclosed. One method embodiment includes transmitting a sound beam along an axis to contact a blood vessel; receiving the reflected sound beam from the blood vessel; processing the reflected sound beam to detect the location of the blood vessel; and, responsive to the detection, receiving a needle in a guideway that is oriented parallel to the axis.

Abstract: Fastener for securing a tube to a patient having a sleeve of variable length capable when lengthened of gripping the tube.

Abstract: An endoscopic bite block system for increasing the speed and efficiency of an endoscopic procedure. The endoscopic bite block system includes a base member including a central opening and at least one tube attachment, a channel member latitudinally extending from an outer edge of the central opening and a strap member removably attached to the base member, wherein the strap member removably attaches the base member to the mouth of the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing an elongated member such as a feeding tube, catheter or similar invasive tube, wire, cable or cord to a person's body. The apparatus may include a belt having an aperture that extends through the belt, and a securable flap that may cover the aperture. Absorbent pads may be positioned proximate the aperture on the interior of the belt. Pads or cushions may also be provided within or on the belt to make the belt more comfortable for the user to wear.

Abstract: A an arm band or strap is provided adapted to be adjustably and comfortably worn about the wrist or forearm of a patient receiving dialysis treatment. Located on the exterior of the band or strap is a pair of oppositely and axially extending tabs having an underside of hook or loop fastener material complimentary to hook or loop fastener material provided on the band or strap exterior. A pair of infusion tubes are adapted to be removably secured respectively between the tabs and the exterior surface of the strap by the interengaging action of the complimentary hook or loop fastener on the surface of the worn band or strap and the underside of each tab, respectively. The worn strap or arm band and the tabs combine to stabilize the infusion tubes during such treatment all of the while permitting safe use of the patient's hands.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a system and device for securing one or more intravenous needles or cannulas to a patient in a treatment site such as on an arm, hand or leg. The device includes a semi-rigid but flexible pad that is placed in a location which is opposite of the treatment site, such as on the opposite side of an arm, hand or leg. The pad has straps emanating from it which extend around the patient and while doing so cross each other to trap a needle or cannula stabilizing feature and then continue around the patient and back to the pad. The pad has a first part of a hook and loop fastening system thereon, while the straps have the second part of the hook and loop fastening system thereon so that when engaged they will securely hold the straps in place. The pads may take on different shapes such as rectangular, oval or triangular shape to be able to be placed at different locations on the patient.

Abstract: A PIV window dressing assembly with integral, built-in tubing anchors for the protection of a PIV catheter insertion site is disclosed that is interchangeably usable on both a right or left-hand side insertion site and that resists detachment from a patient's skin during use. The dressing assembly includes a fabric layer that is bounded by an edge. The fabric layer has an adhesive side, an opposite non-adhesive side, and at least one opening therein to allow for viewing therethrough. At least one reinforcement member is disposed between the fabric layer edge and the opening. The reinforcement member is adhered to the fabric layer adhesive side. A transparent film layer having an adhesive skin adhering side and an opposite non-adhesive side closes each of the openings in the fabric layer. The film layer non-adhesive side is adhered to the fabric layer adhesive side.

Abstract: An anchoring system provides secure attachment between a portion of a medical article and a body of a patient. The anchoring system comprises a securement device and a first fitting attached to the medical article, the first fitting having a first configuration. Embodiments of the anchoring system also comprise a second fitting attached to the medical article. The second fitting has a second configuration that differs from the first. The securement device includes a mounting surface for attaching the securement device to the patient's body and a receiving area. The receiving area is oriented so as to face away from the patient's body, and includes retainer mechanisms that are capable of engaging one or both of the first and second fittings, which have different configurations.

Abstract: A plaster device serves for fixating a length of a medical tube in relation to a skin surface of an individual having the tube inserted into a body part via an opening. The plaster device has an adhesive part having an upper side, an adherent lower side for attaching the plaster device to the skin, a through-opening for receiving the tube, a support part at least partly attached to the upper side of the adhesive part and arranged for supporting a bent length of the inserted tube, and a fastener for securing the tube on the support part. The support part is an integral unit having a branched-off portion defining at least one recess for accommodating at least a part of the fastener, preferably a fastener that is elastic. A frictional force between the tube and the fastener guarantees that the tube is prevented from moving or displacing to the patient's discomfort. The convex shape of the upper supporting surface provides a smooth anti-kinking support and guidance for the bended tube.

Abstract: An improved biological fluid filtration system is shown having, seriatim, a blood container, a biological fluid filtration device downstream of the blood container, and a blood receiving container downstream of the biological fluid filtration device; a bypass line is provided to allow fluid communication between the blood container and the blood receiving container, the bypass line includes a loop, the loop of the bypass line being configured to be disposed above the blood container at a sufficient height to prevent the passage of fluid around the leukocyte depletion device; the loop of the bypass line being disposed in a tube support device, the tube support device being configured to support substantially the entire weight of the biological fluid filtration system without substantially crimping said bypass line.

Abstract: A wearable liquid medicament delivery assembly comprises a band arranged to at least partially encircle and be secured to a body extremity of a wearer and a liquid medicament delivery device carried by the band.

Abstract: The purpose of this invention is to provide an esophagus stoma button capable of safely forming and maintaining a stoma hole provided in an esophagus and reducing the discomfortableness of a patient. To achieve the object, in the present invention, the stoma button 9 is comprised of a shaft part 1 and a flange part 2 provide at the rear end of the shaft part rounded at the tip thereof. More specifically, in the esophagus stoma button 9, a flange part is provide at the rear end of the shaft part rounded at the tip thereof, and a lumen having a generally circular cross section in the area ranging from the shaft part to the flange part is provided, a means for fixing a catheter for infusion is provided in the flange part with a flat and generally circular shape and a means for tightly closing the opening of the flange part is provided at the opening thereof.

Abstract: A bandage bag provides the dual functions of holding a medical apparatus to a patient for daily wear and of serving as a waterproof bandage, especially for a catheter and its insertion site. The bandage bag comprises a bag and two adhesive layers. The bag opens along a first edge. One adhesive layer is placed along the other three edges on the anterior side of the bag. The second adhesive layer is placed along the first edge on the posterior side of the bag. The bag is attached to a patient's arm near the insertion site using the second adhesive layer. The catheter tubing and port is placed in the bag. The bag is then folded over so the first adhesive layer on the anterior side faces the arm and covers the insertion site, forming a waterproof bandage for the insertion site and the medical apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical-use bandage (1) designed to immobilize a tube implanted in a body, the implanted tube defining an exit site from the body and a part of the tube projecting from the body; the bandage comprising:—a base support (2) having a lower face (21) designed to be applied to the skin and an upper face (22),—first fixing means (3) for fixing the exit site, comprising on the lower face (21) of the base support (2) an adhesive fixing part (32) designed to be stuck at least partly around the exit site to the skin and to a proximal portion of the projecting part of the tube; and—second fixing means (4) for engaging the distal portion of the projecting part of the tube in a defined shape and in a sliding manner, the second fixing means (4) consisting at least partly of a part (43) of the upper face (22) of the support (2).

Abstract: A cannula stabilization device, systems and kits comprising the cannula stabilization device, and methods of using the cannula stabilization device can include a collar removably securable about a longitudinal axis of a cannula. The collar can include a locking mechanism adapted to secure the collar about the cannula. When the collar is positioned on the skin, the collar can stabilize the cannula from at least axial movement in a distal direction. Embodiments of the devices, systems, kits, and methods are useful for stabilizing a cannula during minimally invasive surgery or other percutaneous procedures.

Abstract: A reinforced closure anchor includes a fabric layer having an adhesive side, an opposite non-adhesive side, and an outer edge. An anchor member layer having a reinforcing structure, an adhesive side, and an opposite non-adhesive side is disposed on the fabric layer. The anchor member non-adhesive side is adhered to the fabric layer adhesive side. The anchor member is disposed within the outer edge of the fabric layer.

Abstract: The present invention is an organizational kit designed to help anesthesiologists when providing anesthesia during major surgery such as heart, thoracic, major vascular, and/or major abdominal. The invention helps the anesthesiologist organize the different intravenous and arterial lines, catheters, monitoring cables, pressure transducers and other devices coming from or going to the patient. It also serves as an educational tool for new anesthesia students, residents, fellows and new graduate anesthesiologists to help them understand how to connect the different ports coming out from the distal end of a Swan-Ganz catheter to their matching cables, monitor lines and transducers. The invention may serve as a reference for the doses and methods of administering common drugs used by the anesthesiologist intraoperatively. The invention also helps the practitioner set up the different modes of a pacemaker machine.

Abstract: An infusion site retainer configured to maintain tubing coupled to an infusion port includes a support configured to be secured to a patient and having a patient surface opposite a first surface, at least one guide configured to couple the tubing to the support and permit a first portion of the tubing to slide relative to the support, and a plurality of tubing stops configured to secure a second portion of the tubing in a substantially immobile relationship relative to the support.

Abstract: A device for protecting and cushioning the site of a penetration in a patient's limb and the external portion of a catheter or other medical device inserted partially through the penetration includes a preferably soft and flexible cover to be wrapped around the limb in which the penetration is made over the penetration and catheter, a stiff but deformable stabilizer band disposed within the cover, to be wrapped around the limb with the cover, the stabilizer band to provide protection and cushioning without a propensity to roll along the patient's limb, and fastening means for releasably connecting the device around a patient's limb.

Abstract: A catheter holder is provided. The catheter holder comprises a cushioned platform for shielding a patent's skin from rigid portions of a catheter. The cushioned platforms comprises a central portion and two sections extending in opposite directions from the central portion, each section having a width that is less than a width of the central portion. The catheter holder further comprises a stretchable band extending from at least one of the two sections and a catheter locking mechanism disposed on the central portion of the cushioned platform, the locking mechanism being secured to the central portion at a first location and at least one tab for preventing rotational motion of the rigid portions of the catheter.

Abstract: An improved tubing device, preferably for use in the medical industry is provided. The tubing device provides a seamless transport path by using the tubing itself as the transport means without any other internally wetted parts, or connections, to provide a substantial reduction in the number of fluid contact components, and eliminate the need for cutting tubes into segments to be later bonded via tubing connectors. This can reduce the risk of contamination of the transported materials and can also reduce the use of chemicals such as adhesives and bonding agents.

Abstract: A support system for supporting a feeding tube of a person is disclosed. The support system comprises an elongated flexible band, a disc and a sling mechanism. The elongated flexible band is adapted to circumscribe the person's body, at least partially covering abdomen region of the person. The disc is disposed on the elongated flexible band and is capable of securing the feeding tube. The sling mechanism is functionally coupled to the elongated flexible band and provides support to the feeding tube, for example, while the tube is not being used to feed a user.

Abstract: A barrier system is provided for use in reducing infections associated with a percutaneous medical device, such as a catheter, that is disposed within a percutaneous incision. Such a barrier system can include: a barrier device having a skin-contacting surface and a catheter-receiving surface; and an adhesive composition configured for adhering to skin, the barrier device, and/or the catheter so as to form a barrier at or adjacent to an incision in the skin where the catheter is percutaneously inserted through the skin. The barrier device can include a conduit configured to receive the catheter. Alternatively, the barrier device can include a groove in a base surface that is configured to receive the catheter. A system that includes a medical device, the barrier device, and adhesive can also be provided.

Abstract: A medical article, such as a catheter, is secured to a patient with a support structure and a plurality of attachment/receiving surfaces that permit the catheter to be reoriented in multiple positions relative to the support structure including rotating the catheter about a longitudinal axis. The support structure may be an anchor pad, strap, or other structure. The plurality of attachment/receiving surfaces may be hook and loop type fasteners that are adhered to the catheter body and to the support structure. The placement of the support structure on the patient is not critical as the catheter position is not fixed relative to the support structure.

Abstract: A gel pad for use with a retainer for securing a medical article. The gel pad is formed from a soft, tacky elastomer. A first surface of the gel pad is placed in contact with a patient's skin. A second surface that faces in an opposite direction away from the first surface receives the retainer. The retainer has a channel configured to retain at least a portion of the medical article. In some embodiments, a securement member is employed to affix the retainer relative to the patient. A securement system including the gel pad and retainer is further disclosed along with a method of securing a medical article to a patient.

Abstract: A nasal tube retaining system having a flexible member with a magnet attached to the first end for insertion into the first nostril of the patient, a tape portion attached to an end of the flexible member, a guide for guiding the tape portion through a portion or all of the flexible member, a rod, and a retrieving member with a magnetic distal end for insertion into the second nostril of the patient to retrieve the flexible member. The system further includes a fastening means to secure the nasal tube to the tape portion.

Abstract: A urine collection system includes a urine collection device and a support system. The urine collection device includes a catheter and collection component. The suspension system includes a waist band, an extension strap depending from the waist band, and a thigh band attached to the strap. A pair of securing straps is provided for securing the urine collection tubing. A fastener is provided on the extension strap for securing the catheter and for resisting movement of the catheter due to relative pulling of collection tubing or a collection bag. The catheter further includes a branch, which, along with the fastener, resists the downward motion of the catheter.

Abstract: A urine collection system includes a urine collection device and a suspension system. The urine collection device includes a catheter and a urine bag. The suspension system includes a waist band, an extension strap depending from the waist band, and a thigh band attached to the strap. A pair of securing straps is provided on the thigh band for securing the urine bag. A fastener is provided on the extension strap for securing the catheter and for resisting pulling by the urine bag. The catheter further includes a branch, which, along with the fastener, resists the downward motion of the catheter.

Abstract: A medical garment wrap for safely holding lines or tubing implanted in a human or animal patient for medical purposes. The garment has a wrap portion for passing around a patient's body. The wrap portion has a pouch for holding multiple incoming lines. The pouch is closed by fasteners to hold the lines. The hub of the line into the patient's body is received and held in a hub holder. Typically several lines divide from the hub holder into ports, and the ports are held by one or more holders for lines and clamps. The pouch, the hub holder and the line holders are attached to the wrap portion. One end of the wrap has fingers with hook-and-loop fasteners that define an opening for passage of the line from the hub holder into the patient's body, through the wrap portion when the fingers are fastened to the opposite end of the wrap portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A flexible belt-shape garment to be use around the torso of a person requiring a gastrostomy tube to be nourished is disclosed. The garment comprises a totally flexible main elongated body having an upper end, a lower end a first lateral side and a second lateral side, an outer surface and an inner surface intended to be in contact with the patient's body. It also comprises an aperture or opening in cooperative action with a flap cover that creates an internal pocket when close, wherein the gastrostomy tube is safely stored; a second mechanism for covering the internal pocket by overlapping the closed cover flap with of one of the lateral sides of the main body and optional ties or laces that are wrap around the installed belt and tie up for maximizing the protection of the gastrostomy tube and the stoma area.

Abstract: An ostomy garment apparatus includes a shirt with a front wall, a back wall and a pair of sleeves attached together. An upper end of the shirt has a neck opening therein. A bottom end of the shirt has a torso opening extending therein. An aperture for receiving a tube extends through the front wall. The aperture is positioned nearer to the torso opening than the neck opening. A resiliently stretchable band is attached to and is coextensive with a perimeter edge of the aperture.

Abstract: An apparatus for securing one or more drainage systems, such as one or more surgical drains associated with post-operative recovery, is presented. The apparatus includes a base fabric comprising material which acts as the hooks of a hook-and-loop fastener on its rear side for securing the drain system to a supporting structure, such as post operative dressing. The front side of the base comprises substantially of fabric acting as the loops of a hook-and-loop fastener for securing the reservoir bulb and extension tube of a surgical drain system. A transparent netting type fabric which includes a hooks type fabric provides removable coupling of the reservoir bulb to the front side of the base. A flexible strap which is configured as a hooks fabric on one side and loops fabric on the other side provides removable coupling of the extension tube to the front side of the base.

Abstract: A catheter/IV cover including a covering portion, having at least one loop extending from one side of the cover, a strap of flexible material extending from the opposite side of the covering material, with the strap and loops capable of engagement, through any type of fastener, Velcro®, or buckle, when securing the catheter/IV cover in place about the arm, the wrist, or the hand. There may be provided an aperture through the covering portion, which allows for viewing of the underlying and emplaced catheter, and its tubing, or there may be a mesh material, or other material of softness and transparency, to allow for viewing of the catheter when in place, and which allows flexibility when covered by this cover, which also allows for freedom of bending of the hand, or the arm at the elbow, while the cover is affixed.

Abstract: Adjustable IV catheter cover devices are provided that include a sleeve defining a cavity therethrough. The sleeve can have first and second ends. First and second cuffs are integral to the sleeve at the respective first and second ends. The first cuff defines a first opening leading into the cavity and the second cuff defines a second opening leading into the cavity. The first and second cuffs each have an elastic portion, a fastening portion disposed next to a first end of the elastic portion, and a folding portion disposed between the elastic portion and the fastening portion. First and second fastening tabs are secured to the respective first and second cuffs at second ends of the respective elastic portions. The first and second fastening tabs are configured to engage the fastening portion of the respective cuffs to adjust the size of the respective first and second openings.

Abstract: A gastrostomy tube retainer comprising a patient base, a venting tube extension cover connected to the patient base, and a torso wrap connected to the patient base. The patient base and venting tube extension cover protectively surround the retention button and venting tube extension of surgically implanted gastrostomy tube and are secured to the gastrostomy tube recipient by the torso wrap. In operation, the gastrostomy tube retainer tends to inhibit the non-prescribed removal of the gastrostomy tube by the tube recipient.

Abstract: An appliance for facilitating the blood drawing process comprising a band to be worn across the wrist of the phlebotomist intending to draw the blood, the wrist band including a holder for retaining a blood collection barrel in place on the phlebotomist's wrist and in clear view while both of the phlebotomist's hands are free to perform the blood drawing process.

Abstract: A multiport infusion device used as an intravenous administrator of prescribed fluid is provided. The device includes a band adapted to be secured to a user's body part near an intravenous therapy location. A multiport body is secured to the band and includes a multiport fluid exchange route fluidly communicating between a first port and at least a second port of the body's ports.

Abstract: An arm immobilizer comprises a closeable sleeve of a compressible material which can be placed around the patient's arm above and below the elbow joint with an opening on the inside of the arm positioned to give access to an intravenous site. One or more stays running the length of the immobilizer prevent excessive flexure movement at the elbow, while the compressible foam permits smaller movements that will not dislodge or impede the operation of the intravenous site and attached tube.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter retainment device for use on young children and babies that supports and overlies a portion of the forearm and hand having an inserted intravenous needle therewithin. An overlying portion of said cover is of a stretchable see through netting that conforms to the hand and lower forearm securely holding it in place on a rigid support board. The netting allows for visual inspection of the IV site and is releasably secured to the support board for ease of selected access thereto.

Abstract: An introducer for a catheter and a closed-end infusion catheter are provided. The catheter may be porous or may have a number of holes in which to infuse anesthetics into a body area of a patient. The introducer allows for introducing and proper placement of the catheter in the body of the patient. In addition, a method for using the introducer to place the catheter in the body of the patient is provided. The introducer may pierce the skin of the patient and may be inserted through the subcutaneous layer to an exit site. After a portion of the introducer protrudes through the exit site, the catheter may be attached to the introducer. The introducer may be pulled into the body, through the subcutaneous layer and out of the body at the original entry site. The introducer may then be removed, and the catheter may be pulled into place and sutured to the skin.

Abstract: An operating trocar according to the invention includes a guide tube inserted through a body surface to introduce an endoscope and an operating instrument into a living body, and a flange portion provided on the guide tube to make a predetermined angle with a plane approximately perpendicular to an axial direction of the guide tube, the flange portion being fixed to an outer surface of the body surface. Preferably, the operating trocar also includes a gastightness retaining portion provided in the guide tube to retain gastightness between a circumferential surface of an internal hole of the guide tube and a medical instrument such as an endoscope and an operating instrument inserted in the internal hole of the guide tube.

Abstract: A gastrostomy tube retainer comprising a patient base, a venting tube extension cover connected to the patient base, and a torso wrap connected to the patient base. The patient base and venting tube extension cover protectively surround the retention button and venting tube extension of surgically implanted gastrostomy tube and are secured to the gastrostomy tube recipient by the torso wrap. In operation, the gastrostomy tube retainer tends to inhibit the nonprescribed removal of the gastrostomy tube by the tube recipient.

Abstract: A transparent cover for a venipuncture site providing a transparent window to view the status of the catheter, skin and puncture site and to protect that site from exposure to water, germs and other contaminants. The cover is comprised of one piece of flexible transparent material which conforms to the contour of the skin and has a main body foldably attached to an arm. The arm is adhesively attached behind the catheter to the skin, while the main body is folded on top of the arm and adhesively attached on one side to the arm and to the catheter lying on top of the arm and on its other sides to the skin. A method for applying and removing the cover is also disclosed.

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: The present invention relates to strap assemblies. More specifically, the present invention relates to strap assemblies for supporting one or more devices mountable on an individual or patient, such as a drainage reservoir or other medical devices. Furthermore, the strap assemblies of the present invention are designed to alleviate some of the discomfort in wearing such an assembly. The strap assemblies of the present invention generally comprise a waist strap, a shoulder strap device and one or more front straps.

Abstract: A hydrophilic dressing device for use with a gastrostomy tube. The device has a disc-shaped configuration with a central opening. A radial cut extends from the central opening to a peripheral edge of the device to create a pair of opposed free ends that are releasably attachable to one another to facilitate attachment of the device around the tube. The device is positioned in overlying relation to the patient's skin to absorb leaking bodily fluids and prevent skin irritation. The core of the device is a hydrophilic material such as hydrophilic polyurethane foam. The core is covered by nylon because the open mesh structure of nylon allows the fluids to be absorbed by the core material and because nylon does not stick to the patient's skin. The device is washable in a residential washing machine and can be re-used indefinitely.

Abstract: A compression element and a retention assembly using the compression element to retain an article on a flexible substrate are disclosed. Also disclosed is a method of making an assembly including an article retained on a substrate by a compression element. The retention assembly, compression element and method provide replacements for, e.g., mechanical staples. The retention assemblies, compression elements and methods are particularly useful for attaching elastic articles to the surfaces of flexible substrates without piercing the substrate. One example of attaching an elastic article to the surface of a flexible substrate is the attachment of an elastic strap to a respirator.