Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for detecting or diagnosing diseases by sampling and testing intra-oral fluids.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the arterial gas concentrations of a patient receiving percutaneous oxygenator support. The system comprises a percutaneous oxygenator for providing medical gases to the venous system of the patient via a catheter. Gases are also removed from the venous system via a catheter. The concentrations and flow rates of the gases provided and removed from the patient are monitored. A CPU analyzes the concentration and flow rate information to compute the arterial gas concentration of the patient.

Abstract: An in vivo device (1) for an at least temporary placement in a human or animal body (17), comprising an actuator (2) adapted to be actively triggered from the exterior in order to induce a local impact on the adjacent body area for in vivo treatment of a patient in need, and/or comprising a sensor adapted to be actively triggered from the exterior for sensing a pathological condition in the body (17). An in vivo system comprises at least two and/or a plurality of the in vivo devices (1), wherein the in vivo devices (1) are adapted to communicate with each other and/or with an external controller (24). The use of the in vivo device/s (1) for treating and/or diagnosing a pathological condition in a human or animal body (17) comprises: administering the device/s (1); monitoring the movement of the device/s (1) through the body (17); triggering the device/s (1) from the outside once the device/s (1) reach/es a defined position in the body (17).

Abstract: A treatment assembly is positioned along an AV-fistula and couples therapeutic energy to an adjacent area due to a material response to an applied energy field from a remotely located energy source. The treatment assembly may be delivered into the fistula through a hemodialysis needle, or may be secured to the fistula graft itself and implanted therewith in a patient. A cover provides a shield between an anastomosis area and blood flow. Another AV-fistula includes a valved reservoir that receives a fluid agent from a hemodialysis needle while moving the needle into or from the fistula; the agent leaks from the reservoir into the fistula lumen. Another valved fistula is adjustable between an open condition and closed conditions during and between hemodialysis treatments, respectively. Another AV-fistula has a bladder reservoir coupled to a second refillable fluid reservoir and is adapted to locally deliver a therapeutic agent into the fistula lumen.

Abstract: A process comprises the phases of: activating a pusher, which exerts a push force on a plunger of a syringe containing the infusion liquid; measuring the push force by means of a load cell; comparing the push force with a maximum threshold; halting the pusher when the maximum threshold is exceeded; after a predetermined pause, restarting the pusher and emitting a consent signal indicating correct loading of the syringe if, within a certain time from the restart, the push force again exceeds the maximum threshold. The infusion device serves to inject an anticoagulant into an extracorporeal blood circuit. The control process guarantees against loss of infusion due to an incorrect initial loading of the syringe.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the permeability of a biological membrane, including the skin or mucosa of an animal or the outer layer of a plant to a permeant is described utilizing microporation of selected depth and optionally one or more of sonic, electromagnetic, mechanical and thermal energy and a chemical enhancer. Microporation is accomplished to form a micropore of selected depth in the biological membrane and the porated site is contacted with the permeant. Additional permeation enhancement measures may be applied to the site to enhance both the flux rate of the permeant into the organism through the micropores as well as into targeted tissues within the organism.

Abstract: An oral medicine dispenser for administering liquid medicine to a child includes: a cup having a cap and nozzle with a medicine compartment located therein. When a child sucks the nozzle, the medicine flows from the medicine container into the nozzle. The nozzle has two separate chambers. One chamber of the nozzle delivers the medicine from the medicine compartment to the back of the child's mouth. The other chamber delivers a fluid such as juice from the cup to the front of the child's mouth so as to taste more appealing to the child.

Abstract: One embodiment having features of the invention is directed to a guide block for an MRI device which has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and four parallel passageways extending between the two faces. The first passageway is centrally disposed, the second passageway is disposed vertical or horizontal to the first, the third passageway is located diagonal to the first and has a longitudinal opening in fluid communication with the first passageway, and the fourth passageway is diagonal to the first and in an opposite side of the body from the third passageway. In an alternative embodiment the guide block has at least one passageway that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Medical device components and processes are disclosed. For example, tube-shaped catheter components and processes of making tube-shaped catheter components are disclosed. Devices and systems, including medical devices and systems, such as catheters, containing tube-shaped catheter components are also disclosed.

Abstract: One embodiment having features of the invention is directed to a guide block for an MRI device which has a block body with a proximal face, a distal face, and four parallel passageways extending between the two faces. The first passageway is centrally disposed, the second passageway is disposed vertical or horizontal to the first, the third passageway is located diagonal to the first and has a longitudinal opening in fluid communication with the first passageway, and the fourth passageway is diagonal to the first and in an opposite side of the body from the third passageway. In an alternative embodiment the guide block has at least one passageway that is not parallel to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: Medical device components, such as tube-shaped catheter components, are disclosed. In some embodiments, a medical device component includes a region that includes a polyamide having a hoop stress ratio of at least about 1.25.

Abstract: A unique four function surgical instrument that performs aspiration, irrigation, dilation and cauterization with an innovative trigger mechanism. An embodiment is “gun-like” in configuration having a housing with a depending handle and a protruding trigger, a forward extending pair of forceps-like arms that terminate in dilation/cauterization tips and a common conduit between the forceps-like arms. The unique trigger mechanism utilizes a pinch valve concept where the trigger button has an elongated portion that has two slide surfaces with offset a recesses that act like tracks on which pinch sliders follow and the pinch sliders act like valve stems that squeeze close and allow to open silicone tubing. The end result, being a single poll, two stage actuator such that a half a pump of the trigger delivers irrigation or aspiration and a full pump delivers the other.

Abstract: An actuating device for a manually operable medium dispenser includes an energy store for storing an actuating energy necessary to actuate the medium dispenser and a control device for liberating the actuating energy. The control device is being configured for a liberation of the actuating energy when a minimum energy stored in the energy store is exceeded.

Abstract: The invention discloses a trabecular stent and methods for treating glaucoma. The stent may incorporate an intraocular pressure sensor comprising a compressible element that is implanted inside an anterior chamber of an eye, wherein at least one external dimension of the element correlates with intraocular pressure. In some embodiments, the sensor may be coupled to the stent. Also disclosed are methods of delivery of the stent and the sensor to the eye.

Abstract: A sheathed catheter system is described where the sheath comprises a distal portion and a proximal portion that are moveable axially relative to each other, and relative to a tube carrying a medical device thereon. The distal and proximal sheath portions can be brought together in order to enclose therewithin the medical device. The distal sheath has a proximal section that is configured to bias radially inwardly to minimize an otherwise exposed annular surface catching on protruding surfaces that may exist on the catheter or other medical tool in use at the time, or to minimize scraping the inner native lumen of the patient upon retrieval.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems and methods for generating, dispersing and delivering chemical compounds utilizing desorption electrospray ionization. Embodiments include an airflow channel into which an airflow is directed, a solvent reservoir containing a volume of solvent, at least one charged droplet source for producing a plurality of charged liquid droplets in the channel, and at least one grounded counter electrode positioned within the channel with the electrodes having at least one surface containing one or more chemical compounds that include releasable ions. In operation, the charged droplets are directed onto the surface or surfaces so that the impact of the charged particles on said surface produces gaseous ions of at least one chemical compound on said surface, after which the gaseous ions are dispersed into the airflow.

Abstract: A stent for assisting urinary release in a male patient includes a first segment, a second segment, and a connecting member disposed between the first and second segments. The first segment includes a multi-winged malecot. When the stent is properly positioned within the patient's urinary system, the first segment is located on one side of the external sphincter with the multi-winged malecot located within the bladder to inhibit migration of the stent, and the second segment is located on the other side of the external sphincter and also tends to inhibit migration of the stent. The connecting segment is sized to extend through the external sphincter to couple the first and second segments together while not interfering with the normal operation of the external sphincter.

Abstract: A disposable syringe, which is enhanced for a safer use, is disclosed. The disposable syringe includes a cylinder having both ends open, an adapter tube inserted in one side of the cylinder, an insertion tube inserted in the adapter tube, and allowing the adapter tube to be in airtight contact with an inner circumference of the cylinder, and a piston inserted in the cylinder.

Abstract: Cells present in processed lipoaspirate tissue are used to treat patients. Methods of treating patients include processing adipose tissue to deliver a concentrated amount of stem cells obtained from the adipose tissue to a patient. The methods may be practiced in a closed system so that the stem cells are not exposed to an external environment prior to being administered to a patient. Compositions that are administered to a patient include a mixture of adipose tissue and stem cells so that the composition has a higher concentration of stem cells than when the adipose tissue was removed from the patient.

Abstract: A device for introducing a catheter into a body site through the skin by means of an security non-piercing cage includes a steel spring flexible blade which is disposed in the cross section of the chamber of the nonpiercing cage near the proximal input thereof perpendicularly to a needle and is penetrable by the needle. The blade and the needle are adapted to interact in such a way that the blade is in a resting position and freely transversable by the needle when the needle is pushed in a distal direction, and the blade stops the needle and is flexed thereby when the needle is pulled in a proximal direction beyond a determined axial position in such a way that the flexed blade tilts the needle and exposes the inclined needle to a restoring force which pushes the needle off in the distal direction until the puncture end is stopped against the chamber wall. The invention can be used for intravenous catheters.

Abstract: Methods for creating an anastomosis between a channel through the chest wall and an opening in the visceral membrane of a lung using a medical device. The methods include creating the channel through the chest wall into the pleural cavity; forming an adhesion between the chest wall and the visceral membrane of the lung; creating an opening in the visceral membrane of the lung which communicates with the channel; and inserting the medical device into the channel. The medical device has a compression structure which spans the channel. The methods include configuring the compression structure to apply a compressive force to tissue surrounding the anastomosis and/or applying agents and materials to the tissue of the anastomosis thereby accelerating the formation and healing of the anastomosis.

Abstract: An introducer apparatus and a method for forming an introducer apparatus. The apparatus comprises an inner liner having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. A coil in a stressed, radially expanded condition is positioned longitudinally around said inner tube. A polymeric outer tube is positioned longitudinally around the coil and the inner liner, and is bonded to the inner liner through the spaces between the turns of the coil. The polymeric outer tube is formed in a manner such that it maintains the coil in its stressed radially expanded condition. In a preferred embodiment, the inner liner and outer tube comprise a polyimide.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, implantable or insertable medical devices are provided which contain the following: (a) one or more porous regions comprising pores and (b) one or more therapeutic agents which are (i) contained within the porous region, (ii) disposed beneath the porous region, or (iii) both. Moreover, the porous regions are capable of undergoing a change in configuration, such that the pores undergo a change in configuration, upon subjecting the porous regions to activating stimuli.

Abstract: The subject invention provides novel, inexpensive, and highly effective methods and devices for convenient and effective wound irrigation. In one embodiment the subject invention provides a discharge means for a reservoir housing containing irrigation solution wherein the discharge means has one or more specifically designed nozzles through which a sufficient volume of the irrigation solution can pass at an appropriate pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle guidance system provided by a needle with a steerable tip. The needle has a cannula and a stylet. The stylet adjacent to its tip has a naturally curved portion. The stylet is movable in two degrees of freedom with respect to the cannula—axial translation and axial rotation with respect to the cannula axis. When extended, the stylet curves off-axis and provides cannula tip steering. Driving and/or steering systems may be provided to the orientation and relatively move the stylet.

Abstract: An angiographic injector system and a method of controllably delivering medical fluid to a patient from an angiographic injector system are disclosed. A multiple processor control system is used to actively control the injection process and to monitor sensed functions of the system. The multiple processors provide dual redundancy safety circuits for critical control functions such as syringe motor drive speed and current. A motor/servo-amplifier nested control function is also disclosed. A unique method and apparatus are disclosed for establishing injection parameter default values just prior to an injection procedure that are based on physiological values of the patient to be treated. The injector system uses an interactive display panel that presents sequenced set-up screens to the user and which enables the user to select injection procedures, parameters and other modes of operation directly through the interactive panel.

Abstract: Methods of treating patients for conditions such as breast augmentation, soft tissue defects, and urinary incontinence, are described. The methods include removing adipose tissue from a patient, processing a portion of the adipose tissue to obtain a substantially isolated population of regenerative cells, mixing the regenerative cells with another portion of adipose tissue to form a composition, and administering the composition to the patient from which the adipose tissue was removed.

Abstract: The invention allows an increase in scope of application of a surgical device wherein the operational handpiece is embodied in the form of two parts, one of which includes a handpiece with an injection cannula and the other being a complementary part. The complementary part includes a stabilization handle and can be placed onto the injection cannula in addition to being able to be fixed to the handpiece of the operational handpiece.

Abstract: A system is provided for monitoring glucose in a host, including a continuous glucose sensor that produces a data stream indicative of a host's glucose concentration and an integrated receiver that receives the data stream from the continuous glucose sensor and calibrates the data stream using a single point glucose monitor that is integral with the integrated receiver. The integrated receiver obtains a glucose value from the single point glucose monitor, calibrates the sensor data stream received from the continuous glucose sensor, and displays one or both of the single point glucose measurement values and the calibrated continuous glucose sensor values on the user interface.

Abstract: A medical system includes a folding backpack pouch adapted to be carried by a person, a patient monitoring module, and a laptop computer adapted to display a physiological parameter measured by the patient monitoring module. The patient monitoring module and the laptop computer are held by corresponding first and second panels of the pouch.

Abstract: Methods and tools that insert implants for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea in a cavity created in the patient's tissue are disclosed. Some tools and methods can additionally verify that the cavity has proper cavitation depth and does not have unwanted perforations.

Abstract: A method for placing an implant within a hollow body organ by providing a member with distal and proximal ends. The member has at least one tensioning tether with a first end attached to at least one of the distal and proximal end and a second ends attached to the member between the distal and proximal ends. The step includes moving the member towards the deployed shape by applying tension to the tether.

Abstract: A cylindrical absorbent nasal pack that has a rounded tip for a patient's self application in controlling epistaxis. It is comprised of compressed absorbent cotton to prevent sticking to nasal wall and absorption of blood. The bottom section has a plastic coating or plastic sleeve to help grip the nose pack, conceal the site of blood, prevent blood leakage, and prevent contact of blood when disposing of the nose pack. The nose pack is simply inserted into the nasal cavity while applying gentle pushing force until pack is snug. The pressure that is applied from the pack into the nostril wall assists in the coagulation process, which helps stop the nosebleed. The nose pack is sized to be placed within the nasal cavity upon occurrence of a nosebleed. When the nosebleed is ended, the nose pack may be removed by applying pulling force to the bottom of the nose pack. When removing the pack, blood clot(s) that collected during the coagulation stage will also naturally be released.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a medical device for self testing and monitoring the concentration of analytes in a body fluid, or a blood parameter, or for the controlled administration of therapeutic agents, comprising a connectable, preferably pluggable Braille or Braille-like module for visually impaired users, so that both visually impaired users and users not visually impaired can read the data generated by the medical device and/or control the medical device.

Abstract: An in-vivo bioreactor device producing a dialysis effect by acting within the gastrointestinal tract for the removal of undesirable concentrated intestinal or blood substances or metabolites is disclosed. The ingestible device is comprised of a body wall that surrounds an internal compartment. Along the wall of the shell are openings located around the periphery that allow bodily fluids to enter and exit device. The wall of the device is comprised in whole or at least in part of materials that are impermeable to the passage of external fluids and maintains its physical and chemical integrity in the environment of use during its activity. Semi-permeable membranes located either internally or externally of the device are able to withstand all physiological temperatures and pH and act in a similar manner to dialysis membranes that are used for the separation of substances in suspensions, solutions, tissue cultures, etc.

Abstract: An automatic pullback catheter system (2) includes a disposable catheter assembly (6) mountable to a drive assembly (4). The drive assembly includes a body (8) to which a drive. chassis (14) is mounted for movement along a longitudinal path (16) by a motor (20) which rotates a longitudinal drive screw (22) selectively coupled to the drive chassis by a threaded clamp (24). A rotary drive motor (30), mounted to the drive chassis, rotates a first combined connector (34). The catheter assembly includes a hollow sheath (38) housing a rotatable and axially movable cable assembly (44). The sheath includes a proximal hub (42) mountable to the body. The cable assembly includes an elongate imaging cable (46) with a second combined connector (36) at its proximal end. The first and second combined connectors are blind matable connectors and provide for the longitudinal movement coupling, the rotary movement coupling and the data/information connection of the two connectors.

Abstract: Methods, computer program products, and systems are described that include accepting an indication of a schedule for administration of a bioactive agent to an individual and presenting an indication of an artificial sensory experience at least partly based on the accepting an indication of the schedule for administration of the bioactive agent to the individual.

Abstract: A pressure actuated flow control valve for an infusion catheter permits gravity flow of a liquid through the catheter and into a patient while resisting back flow of blood from the patient and into the catheter. The valve has a hemispherical body with an outstanding circumferential flange and a normally closed, diametric slit. The slit is longer on the convex outer surface than on the concave inner surface. Dome thickness diminishes in the area adjacent the slit, reducing total apical deflection upon collapse of the slit toward the concave surface. An inner orthogonal rib biases the slit closed. Upon application of a predetermined pressure, the slit opens toward the concave surface to permit forward fluid flow. At lower pressures, the slit closes to check fluid flow. Greater reverse pressure is required to collapse the slit toward the concave surface to permit reverse fluid flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to an indication device for assisting a patient to follow a self-care regimen. The device comprises a first display area comprising at least two of a first indicator representative of a first type of activity, and a second display area comprising at least two of a second indicator representative of a second type of activity. Each indicator has a first visual state and a second visual state and input means is provided allowing each indicator to be selected and to be switched from the first to the second visual state. The device further comprises controller means for controlling the display areas and the user input means.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device comprising a cell carrier portion containing regenerative cells, e.g., stem and progenitor cells, and a cell carrier containment portion. The device is useful for the treatment of bone related disorders, including spinal fusion related disorders and long bone or flat bone related defects. The device may be used in conjunction with disclosed automated systems and methods for separating and concentrating regenerative cells.

Abstract: A treatment assembly is positioned along an AV-fistula and couples therapeutic energy to an adjacent area due to a material response to an applied energy field from a remotely located energy source. The treatment assembly may be delivered into the fistula through a hemodialysis needle, or may be secured to the fistula graft itself and implanted therewith within a patient. A cover provides a shield between an anastomosis area and blood flow. Another AV-fistula includes a valved reservoir that receives a fluid agent from a hemodialysis needle while moving the needle into or from the fistula; the agent leaks from the reservoir into the fistula lumen. Another valved fistula is adjustable between an open condition and closed conditions during and between hemodialysis treatments, respectively. Another AV-fistula has a bladder reservoir coupled to a second refillable fluid reservoir and is adapted to locally deliver a therapeutic agent into the fistula lumen.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described that are used to separate cells from a wide variety of tissues. In particular, automated systems and methods are described that separate regenerative cells, e.g., stem and/or progenitor cells, from adipose tissue. The systems and methods described herein provide rapid and reliable methods of separating and concentrating regenerative cells suitable for re-infusion into a subject.

Abstract: An abrasion device and method for delivery of substances into the skin using a microabrader for delivering a substance into the skin are disclosed. An abrasion device with a cover is also disclosed. Such devices and methods can be effectively used to deliver bioactive substances into skin.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for implantation into a patient is provided that includes at least one device element that includes a substrate having a plurality of discrete reservoirs disposed therein, the reservoirs containing drug molecules and a degradable matrix material which controls in vivo release of the drug molecules from the reservoirs, wherein the drug delivery device is adapted to conform to a curved bone tissue surface. In one embodiment, the substrate is flexible and conforms to a bone tissue surface. In another embodiment, the device has two or more device elements attached to or integral with a flexible supporting layer.

Abstract: The invention provides a suction-cleansing device that is capable of forming a swirling stream at a position close to skin and has both a cleansing and a massaging effect by adequately maintaining a state of minute air bubbles in the stream of water, comprising a vessel body having a hollow portion converging from the rear part side thereof toward the front part side thereof, an air/liquid jetting port secured at the front end portion of the vessel body, a liquid-introducing pipe 4 connected to the circumferential wall at the rear part side of the vessel body in the tangential direction, and an air/liquid jet-guiding portion that is disposed at the outer circumferential portion of the air/liquid jetting port and is widened to open from the air/liquid jetting port toward the jetting direction.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of gases and discharge through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a bulb connected to a tube which enters the pneumostoma. A flow control device regulates air flow in and out of the pneumostoma via the tube. A hydrophobic filter traps discharge in the bulb while allowing gases to escape.

Abstract: A polymeric material comprised of (i) at least one random copolymer comprised of ethylene oxide and one or more other alkylene oxide(s) and (ii) at least one non-random polymer comprised of one or more poly(alkylene oxide)s has been discovered. Preferably, it is a polymer alloy. Alkylene oxide homo-polymers or block copolymers may be the non-random polymer. In a related discovery, an adhesive material can be made by suspending (a) particles in (b) a matrix of at least one poly(ethylene oxide) copolymer of ethylene oxide and propylene oxide, or a combination thereof. The handling characteristics may be adjusted for different utilities (e.g., from runny oil to hard wax). Applications include use as adhesive, cohesive, filler, lubricant, surfactant, or any combination thereof. In particular, the hard materials may be used for cleaning or waxing.

Abstract: A method for making a tubular device includes coating a first surface of a thin sheet, rolling the sheet such that side edges of the sheet are disposed adjacent one another with the coating disposed inwardly, creating a longitudinal seam along the side edges to create a sleeve, and attaching a tubular structure around the sleeve. In another embodiment, the method includes coating a first surface of a thin sheet, wrapping the sheet partially around a mandrel with the coating disposed inwardly, positioning a slotted tube around the sheet and mandrel, attaching the tube to the thin, and trimming any excess material of the sheet. In another embodiment, the method includes coating an outer surface of a thin sleeve, inverting the sleeve, and attaching a tubular structure around the inverted sleeve, thereby providing a tubular device including a lubricious, hydrophilic, and/or otherwise coated inner surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to a fluid jet device for producing a liquid used to remove, in particular, biological tissue. The fluid jet device comprises housing in which a pump set is arranged for producing high liquid pressure within a range of up to 800 bars. A pressure supplying source and the nozzle which produces the liquid jet can be connected to the pump set, the nozzle being connected by a flexible connecting line. The hole diameter of the nozzle outlet measures between 20 to 120 micrometers. The weight of the housing with the pump set and the separate pressure supplying source for the pump set respectively is such that they are especially suitable for mobile use and can therefore respectively be carried by hand.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device is disclosed, which is structured and arranged to be inserted through the vascular system into a body vessel adjacent to the heart and/or into the heart, and to be subsequently subjected to a change of shape in order to penetrate into the heart tissue. The tissue cutting device may thus be used for treating disorders to the heart rhythm regulation system. A kit of devices provides a plurality of devices for creating a lesion pattern for treating such disorders.