Abstract: Described here are paranasal sinus devices for treating paranasal sinus conditions. The devices include a cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion. One or more of the cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion may deliver an active agent for sustained release to treat the paranasal sinus condition. Exemplary paranasal sinus conditions are sinus inflammation due to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and rhinosinusitis.

Abstract: A feminine cleaning device or brush for adult women for cleaning their vagina. The feminine cleaning brush includes a handle, a cleaning portion having rings arranged substantially parallel to one another and a groove positioned between adjacent rings. The number of rings being at least 10 and the number of grooves being at least 10. The feminine cleaning brush includes a middle portion positioned between the handle and the cleaning portion and a tapered tip extending from the cleaning portion. The tapered tip is provided for an easier and smoother insertion into the vagina.

Abstract: Systems, apparatus, and methods described herein relate to a tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube. The tympanic membrane pressure equalization tube can include a tubular body defining a lumen and having a proximal end and a distal end, where the tubular body is configured to be deployed in a tympanic membrane; and a fluid transport element disposed within the lumen and extending at least a length of the tubular body. The tubular body can be configured to transition from a first state in which the tubular body can be disposed within an introducer and a second state in which the tubular body can be retained in an incision formed the tympanic membrane after deployment, and the fluid transport element can enable transport of a fluid across the tympanic membrane.

Abstract: Described here are paranasal sinus devices for treating paranasal sinus conditions. The devices include a cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion. One or more of the cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion may deliver an active agent for sustained release to treat the paranasal sinus condition. Exemplary paranasal sinus conditions are sinus inflammation due to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and rhinosinusitis.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a container containing reference solution for clinical chemistry, whereby the container includes a closure part-covered outlet at which reference solution can be removed by puncturing with a puncturing element. The disclosure further provides a wick that is soaked with the reference solution and arranged in the container to extend from the outlet and such that a majority of its length extends into an interior space of the container.

Abstract: Liquid applicators are described. The applicators include a lever having a hinge, grip and foot integrally formed with a hollow body suitable for receiving a liquid-filled ampoule. The foot is positioned adjacent the ampoule and crushes the ampoule when the lever is depressed. Applicators including a pad with an undulating surface are also disclosed.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying a fluid is provided. The applicator device may include a handle. The handle may comprise an elongate hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one longitudinal, interior rib disposed on an inner surface of an outer wall of the hollow body and configured to orient and guide a container for containing the fluid when the container is disposed within the hollow body. In addition, the applicator device may include a base at the distal end of the hollow body. Further, the applicator device may include an applicator pad coupled to the base.

Abstract: Provided, amongst other things, are dyes of formula II: wherein R1, R2, R3 and R4 are independently H or alkyl, so long as one or more is alkyl, and salts of the compound of formula II. Methods of making, inks, surgical markers and methods of marking tissue and the like are further provided.

Abstract: A device for coating a medical implant includes a container that contains a liquid having at least one pharmaceutically active substance. An elastic head for application of the liquid onto a surface to be coated is connected to an inside of the container through at least one channel.

Abstract: A pet ear cleaning device is disclosed for gently cleaning an animal's ears. The device can be used for home or veterinary use. The pet ear cleaning device comprises a nozzle, a liquid reservoir in fluid communication with the nozzle, an internal pump assembly, and a tip for cleaning a pet's ear. A user would press a manual dispensing component which would activate the internal pump assembly which would then draw fluid from the liquid reservoir and transfer it to the nozzle. The liquid reservoir is typically a reusable reservoir that a user would re-fill with ear cleaning solution when empty, or it can be a replacement cartridge. Further, the nozzle typically comprises threads on its end for retaining the cleaning tip on the nozzle. After use, a user would discard the tip via a manually operated discard component that allows a user to remove the soiled tip hands free.

Abstract: A liquid sanitizer dispenser system for efficiently dispensing a liquid sanitizer. The liquid sanitizer dispenser system generally includes a first dispenser, and a second dispenser pivotally connected to the first dispenser via a hinge. The first dispenser and the second dispenser include a plurality of first apertures and a plurality of second apertures within the inner surfaces respectively for dispensing the liquid sanitizer stored within the dispensers. The first dispenser and the second dispenser further include a first porous material and a second porous material attached to the inner surface of the dispensers respectively. Liquid flow control mechanisms are utilized to control the flow of liquid sanitizer through the apertures.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatuses and kits for providing palliative care. An exemplary apparatus comprises an elongate hollow shaft having a first and a second end. An absorbent material may be attached to the first end and the first end may be perforated such that the elongate hollow shaft may be filled with one or more liquid solutions that flow through the perforated end and disperse evenly throughout the absorbent material. A kit may additionally be provided for providing customized palliative care. The kit may comprise a means for injecting one or more liquid solutions into the elongate shaft. The kit may additionally comprise apparatuses that are prefilled with one or more liquid solutions.

Abstract: An endoluminal and intracorporeal negative pressure, wound care treatment, and prophylaxic system 10 and method includes a pressure distributor 40 for placement substantially within an internal organ or tissue abscess 34. A fluidic communication means 22 is provided between the pressure distributor 40 and a negative pressure source 20. A collection canister 24 is provided between the negative pressure source 20 and the pressure distributor 40 for collecting any effluents 36 that may be drawn from the abscess 34 during application of negative pressure. An introducing conduit 44 is provided for introducing the pressure distributor 40 into the abscess 34. A positioning conduit 46 is provided to properly position the pressure distributor 40 within the abscess 34. Negative pressure is applied to the pressure distributor 40 in order to provide negative pressure therapy within the abscess 34.

Abstract: In a peristaltic medical infusion pump unit, comprising a peristaltic assembly and a counter surface or anvil facing said peristaltic assembly and provided by the inner surface of a door pivotally mounted on a housing of the unit, the door is readily non-destructively removable and replaceable. In use of the peristaltic pump unit, a flexible resilient tube forming part of a medical fluid delivery line is extended between the peristaltic assembly and the counter surface or anvil provided by the door. The medical fluid delivery line has first and second color coded fittings spaced therealong upstream and downstream of the peristaltic assembly and the region of the housing of the pump unit across which the infusion line is extended is provided, correspondingly spaced above and below the peristaltic assembly with correspondingly color coded support means for these fittings.

Abstract: A wiper comprises a rod (20), a wiping body (30) provided at one end of the rod and an outer packing; the rod (20) is of elasticity, the outer packing is a tube-like container (10) having both ends closed permanently and an easy break-off mark (13) provided on the tube wall; the wiper is firm, airtight and capable of being opened easily, and can be used conveniently and rapidly; the rod and the tube-like container are made from thermoplastic materials by technologies such as extruding, injection-molding and the like, both ends of the tube-like container are closed through fusion, mechanical seal and other manners, and the wiper has a simple production technology and is suitable for mass production and wide application.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for delivering obesity therapy to a patient. In general, the methods and devices allow for onset of a patient eating solid food, e.g., the patient beginning a meal, to trigger delivery of an obesity therapy to a patient. The obesity therapy can be delivered to the patient for a limited period of time such that the patient stops receiving the obesity therapy prior to a second onset of the patient eating solid food, e.g., the patient beginning a second meal, which can trigger a second delivery of the obesity therapy to the patient for a limited period of time.

Abstract: An instrument for applying vibrations to the human body is disclosed, comprising a housing in which an axially movable ram is arranged at the distal end, and a drive device for the ram, for setting the ram in a reciprocating motion, wherein the drive device comprises an axially movable projectile arranged proximally of the ram and an accelerating device for the projectile for accelerating the projectile distally in the direction of the ram, the ram being able to execute a stroke of at least 1 mm.

Abstract: A sterilized non-discolored eyelid cleansing pad, which has been sterilized by exposure to ?-radiation in a dose level of 2 Mrad.

Abstract: A nasal cleaning apparatus is described that includes a grip portion and a cleaning portion. The grip portion may include a handle and one or more gripping members attached to the handle. Such gripping members may facilitate rotation of the grip portion or other handling of the apparatus. The cleaning portion includes a head that is attached to a nasal cleaning cloth. The nasal cleaning cloth is disposed around and attached to the head, and is formed of a flexible, anti-microbial material. An extension member connects the cleaning portion to the grip portion. The nasal cleaning apparatus may be disposable and/or modular to facilitate multiple uses of all or only portions of the apparatus.

Abstract: An applicator for providing HIFU therapy to a patient includes a HIFU transducer that is rotatably coupled to a frame. In one embodiment, the rotatable coupling is configured such that the HIFU transducer can be mechanically oriented to position a focal zone of the HIFU transducer at any desired location in a treatment volume radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the applicator while the HIFU transducer remains within a housing that is not more than a defined percentage (e.g., 50%) larger than the maximum diameter of the HIFU transducer. In one embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with a ball and socket joint. In another embodiment, the HIFU transducer is rotatably coupled to the frame with an offset gimble assembly. A pair of linear actuators and drive shafts engage the HIFU transducer to orient HIFU transducer in a desired direction.

Abstract: A device for applying a liquid, pasty or other flowable substance includes a pack with a receiving section comprising a wet portion for receiving the substance and a closure section defining a dry portion. The closure section is separated from the receiving section by a tear line. The wet portion is separated from the dry portion by means of a separation element comprising an orifice closed off by a closure element which is releasable from the separation element after tearing open the pack along the tear line.

Abstract: A cotton swab and cotton swab holder, which can be used together in a cotton swab holder assembly. The cotton swab having a shaft and a cotton portion disposed on an end of the shaft. The cotton swab holder having a handle portion; and a cotton swab holding portion connected to the handle portion, the cotton swab holding portion having a mechanism for holding the shaft of the cotton swab. Also provided is a cotton ball including: a cotton body; a wall defining a cavity disposed on an interior of the cotton body; and one of a liquid or gel contained in the cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device, a system, and a method for application of fluids.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying a fluid is provided. The applicator device may include a handle. The handle may comprise an elongate hollow body having a proximal end and a distal end and at least one longitudinal, interior rib disposed on an inner surface of an outer wall of the hollow body and configured to orient and guide a container for containing the fluid when the container is disposed within the hollow body. In addition, the applicator device may include a base at the distal end of the hollow body. Further, the applicator device may include an applicator pad coupled to the base.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sanitary tool having functional liquid comprising an inner barrel having a liquid storage part for storing a predetermined functional liquid therein, an absorbent member mounted to the inner barrel to absorb the functional liquid stored in the liquid storage part, an outer barrel separably connected with the inner barrel, and a cleaning member mounted to the outer barrel to wipe out the functional liquid. Accordingly, the sanitary tool having functional liquid can be more conveniently stored, carried and used.

Abstract: An assembly and an associated method for collecting a sample of material desired to be characterized with diagnostic equipment includes or utilizes an elongated member having a proximal end with which the assembly is manipulated by a user and a distal end. In addition, a collection tip which is capable of being placed into contact with the material to be characterized is supported upon the distal end. The collection tip includes a body of chemically-inert porous material for binding a sample of material when the tip is placed into contact with the material and thereby holds the sample of material for subsequent introduction to the diagnostic equipment.

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.

Abstract: A device for applying a spreadable composition to a part of the human or animal body, wherein the device comprises a container containing the spreadable composition, an applicator for the spreadable composition and means for urging the spreadable composition out of the container and into contact with the applicator, provided with positioning means connected to the container for positioning the applicator in a position in which composition urged out of the container can be brought into contact with the applicator.

Abstract: The invention concerns an application or cleaning stick including at least one tubular body, capable of containing at least one liquid to flow through one first open end. The tubular body is closed at the second end, having a cleavable zone proximate the latter on which it includes an applicator tip. The tip extends well above the cleavable zone on the side of the second end and towards the first, protecting the cleavable zone after it has been ruptured and maintaining securely the second end to the tubular body after rupture. The tip is pre-colored with at least a color different from that of the tip of the first end of the body.

Abstract: A nose and throat anti-influenza solution is described that decreases the likelihood influenza infection and its spread. The solution's components are readily available and have been used to treat humans for other ailments previously, leading to an easily implemented, scalable, safe, and cost-effective solution. The core components of the solution include: specially denatured alcohol (SDA); Triton x-100; sodium saccharin; 1,8 cineole (eucalyptol); thymol; methyl salicylate; menthol; sorbitol and/or glycerin; sodium benzoate; poloxamer 407; polysorbate 80; and distilled water. Optionally, the solution also includes one or more of the following: citric acid; sambucus nigra agglutinin; a lectin that binds 2,3 sialic acid; nonoxynol-9; sialyllactose; a protease; a protease inhibitor; and/or chloroquine. The solution is applied to the nasal cavity via a pre-moistened cotton swab or a pre-moistened facial tissue and the solution is applied to the back of the throat via a spray, gum, or gargle solution.

Abstract: An apparatus for prepping surgery patients in an operating room. The apparatus comprises a shaft member having a predetermined shape and a predetermined size. An antiseptic solution is disposed in the shaft member, such antiseptic solution being present in a predetermined amount. A sponge member having a predetermined size is disposed on each end of the shaft member. There is a means disposed either in or on the shaft member for releasing the antiseptic solution to the sponge member.

Abstract: A hygienic applicator for applying a cleaning solution to the umbilical cord area of a newborn. The hygienic applicator includes a support member that is substantially cylindrical in shape. The support member includes two ends. Superposed on each end is a tip made from an absorbent material that is designed to retain a desired cleaning solution and assist the user in applying the cleaning solution to the desired area. The support member is further enclosed in a container having a cavity of sufficient size to substantially enclose the support member therein and prevent the evaporation of the cleaning solution for the applicator. The container further includes an opening mechanism for facilitating the easy opening of the container.

Abstract: A device for applying a treatment liquid to a wound caused by piercing of a body part is described. The device includes one or more receptacles having a well therein, suitable for accommodating a foam tablet. The receptacles are joined by a strap so that the well openings face in the substantially the same direction when the device is in an open position. An open-cell foam tablet is inserted into the well so that a portion of the foam tablet extends above a top end of the well. The strap may be a hinge or flexure so that the device may be bent about a central region of the strap. A treatment liquid for cleaning or disinfecting the wound may be charged into the foam, and the wound treated by bending the device position so that the extended foam portions are brought into contact with the area to be treated.

Abstract: Device for treating pathological conditions of skin surfaces, which comprises a main component that includes a body and a contact layer superimposed to one another, wherein the body is porous to provide storage capacity for liquid medicament fed to it and permeable for transmitting the medicament to the contact layer by compression or capillarity or both. The contact layer is also porous for transmitting the medicament received from the body to the skin surface being treated and has a mildly or strongly abrasive outer surface for removing damaged surface skin tissue. The device also comprises a delivery apparatus for feeding liquid medicament to the body of the main component and, an optional storage container for the liquid medicament.

Abstract: A vaginal cleaning device includes an elongated applicator including an axial support post having a front end and a rear end, a head with a rear surface connected to the front end of the axial support post; a circular disk disposed around the rear end of the axial support post; and a flexible absorbent material disposed around the axial support post between the head and the circular disk. The device has an elongated handle with a front end connected to the rear end of the elongated applicator, a hollow tube with a front open end and a rear open end, disposed around the elongated applicator, and a removable lid on the front open end of the hollow tube. Also disclosed is a method of using the personal vaginal cleaning device.

Abstract: An applicator system and assembly is provided with a user-friendly medical applicator device and closure cap for easy and effective application of medicine or other material. The applicator device comprises an ergonomically designed front applicator portion, a special intermediate applicator portion, and a multi-use handle.

Abstract: A sliding piston opening means enclosed within an elongated container to release the fluid sealed within the elongated container by squeezing the elongated container at or near the sliding piston. After the sliding piston opening means is opened, the fluid sealed within the elongated container is released for application. Before the content of the container is depleted, the sliding piston opening means is used to re-close the opening thereby re-sealing the fluid remaining within the container.

Abstract: In a pretreatment instrument and a pretreatment method of saliva, used for identification and quantitation of Streptococcus mutans in saliva by the immunochromatographic method utilizing an antigen-antibody reaction, the instrument includes a swab and a mixing container for saliva and a treatment liquid, the swab having a stick and a soft synthetic resin-made sponge capable of absorbing a predetermined amount or more of saliva, and the mixing container being made of a transparent or translucent soft synthetic resin and comprising a bag-like portion formed integrally with and continuously to a constricted portion as the end of a tapering introduction portion having an opening thoroughly larger than the sponge, wherein the constricted portion and the bag-like portion have elasticity such that the sponge can be squashed by a finger pressure in a state that the sponge is inserted therein; the constricted portion has a width such that a pressure can be applied by fingers and has a shape such that when the sponge i

Abstract: Sample collection assemblies and methods that use a collection wand having a working end and an operating end, a collection tube having a barrel portion, an assay chamber, and a partition member, with the working end of the collection wand having a scoop configured for collecting a predetermined sample volume, and with the partition member having an orifice with a boundary complementary to a cross-section of the scoop, whereby an excess of sample material can be excluded from entering the assay chamber.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser applicator for preoperative preparation of a target area of a patient's skin is comprised of two integrated components, a handle portion and a canister vessel. The two components are locked by a locking and sealing ring mechanism to prevent accidental rupture of the sterile antiseptic fluid in the canister vessel. When the lock is unlocked, the unit contains a perforator designed to initially slit the membrane followed by pushing it open further and thereafter venting it to provide dual-staged self-venting by the perforator for ease of flow.

Abstract: A medicinal germfree dry smearing piece attached on a shell containing germfree medicinal solutions includes a smearing piece and a shell for containing germfree medicinal solutions. The smearing piece is attached on an intermediate portion of the shell where an easily bent neck is formed. In using, the shell is bent into two halves and folded on each other to make the neck crack open to let the solutions in the shell to flow out and at once absorbed by the smearing piece to be used for swabbing on a wound or the like. Thus the smearing piece with the shell not yet used can be carried out conveniently in a hygienic condition and with safety in use.

Abstract: Skin antiseptic composition dispensers and methods of use are disclosed. The skin antiseptic composition dispenser may include a container with one or more walls that are substantially impermeable to ethylene oxide gas during normal ethylene oxide sterilization processes. In some embodiments, the container may include flexible walls free of metallic foil barrier layers. The containers may also include one or more vents in addition to one or more openings used to dispense the skin antiseptic composition within the container. The dispenser may include an applicator with a hydrophilic foam.

Abstract: A suture passer including a longitudinally-extending hollow cannula having a central passage slidingly receivable of a surgical suture; a manually graspable handle connected to the hollow cannula for manipulation thereof, the handle having an upper surface; first guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate a distal end of the handle, for releasably, guidingly holding the surgical suture; and second guide means, connected to the upper surface of the handle, proximate to the first guide means, for releasably, guidingly holding the surgical suture. The suture passer can be provided in a kit, for use in the suturing of internal tissue, along with a cannula bender, various hollow surgical needles and surgical suture material. The suture passer finds particular use in the suturing of internal tissues which are at least partially accessible through a body cavity, e.g. arthroscopic surgery.

Abstract: Skin antiseptic composition dispensers and methods of use are disclosed. The skin antiseptic composition dispenser may include a container with one or more walls that are substantially impermeable to ethylene oxide gas during normal ethylene oxide sterilization processes. In some embodiments, the container may include flexible walls free of metallic foil barrier layers. The containers may also include one or more vents in addition to one or more openings used to dispense the skin antiseptic composition within the container. The dispenser may include an applicator with a hydrophilic foam.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and devices for controlled delivery of a therapeutic agent to an internal cavity of the ear, particularly to the inner ear. In general, the invention uses a drug delivery unit for inner ear treatment which employs a portion of carrier media material containing one or more therapeutic agents therein. The carrier media material is designed to release the therapeutic agents in a controlled manner over time. The drug delivery unit is shaped and sized for placement of at least a portion thereof in the round window niche of a patient. The released therapeutic agents come in contact with the round window membrane and pass therethrough into the inner ear for treatment purposes. This system provides many benefits ranging from the ability to deliver drugs in a site specific, highly controlled manner to the transfer of such materials with minimal patient discomfort and monitoring requirements.

Abstract: A liquid applicator includes an elongated hollowing body having opposed first and second open ends in fluid communication with one another, and a tip attached to the first open end and including a porous material. A closed, frangible ampule is supported within the second open end of the body and contains a liquid to be disposed.

Abstract: An applicator includes a shank, an application liquid impregnated part disposed on at least one end of the shank, and a film covering the shank and the application liquid impregnated part. The film includes a shank cover region and an impregnated part cover region formed integrally with and separable from the shank cover region. The shank cover region of the film is formed to have a small width capable of being gripped by a user in the state that the shank is covered with the film. Therefore, it is avoidable that the user's hand becomes dirty with application liquid such as medical liquid by separating only the impregnated part cover region and then gripping the shank through the film covering the shank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are agents for enhancing the contrast in an ultrasound image. These agents are extremely small bubbles, or “microbubbles,” comprised of specially selected gases. The microbubbles described herein exhibit long life spans in solution and may be produced at a size small enough to traverse the lungs, thus enabling improved ultrasound imaging of the cardiovascular system and other vital organs. Also disclosed herein is a method for selecting gases from which contrast agents may be produced. The method is based on calculations using inherent physical properties of gases and describes a means to associate the properties of a gas with the time for dissolution of microbubbles comprised of the gas.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and monitoring increased or decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase in biological samples are provided. A collection device for detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase in biological samples is also provided. Detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase is useful in the diagnosis of inflammatory responses such as infections mediated by bacteria, yeast or viruses, transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial cystitis and cancer.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to two inserts to be used in conjunction with the nozzles of known liquid flow through applicators. The inserts have a proximate flange detailed to fit into a wider portion of the applicator and a bristle or dabber portion at its distal end detailed to extend beyond the applicator. The bristle or dabber portions are connected by an elongated rod portion. In one embodiment the rod portion is crisscrossed with a clockwise thread and a counter-clockwise thread whereby two disparate liquids may be mixed together through the flow transitory passage of the liquids in the nozzle. In the second embodiment the rod portion is essentially smooth. However, the external diameter of the rod is substantially less than the internal diameter of the passage of the applicator whereby an annular space is formed.