Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter which comprises a base having a container attachment portion on a first side and a needle hub attachment portion on a second side opposite the first side. The adapter includes a puncturing member extending along a first axis for entering a container inserted into the container attachment portion. The adapter includes a channel extending substantially along the first axis from the needle hub attachment portion, through the base and along the puncturing member to an axial outlet at, or adjacent, a tip of the puncturing member. The adapter is configured so that a needle comprising a shaft extending from a hub can be inserted into the adapter such that the hub engages the hub attachment portion and the shaft extends through the base and within the puncturing member.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, endplates become occluded by calcified layers, and diffusion of nutrients and oxygen into the disc diminishes. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered and deployed into the intervertebral disc to re-establish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. The intervertebral disc installed with semi-permeable conduits may be used as an immuno-isolated capsule to encapsulate donor cells capable of biosynthesizing therapeutic molecules. The semi-permeable conduits establish the exchange of nutrients and therapeutic molecules between disc and bodily circulation to treat a disease without using immuno-suppressive drugs.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that may be used for collecting target cells or tissue and preparing a cell block are disclosed.

Abstract: A self-cleaning suction device has a user's suction end that self-sanitizes externally and internally before and after use, as well as self-sanitizes internally during use. A cover opens to reveal the user's suction end within a containment unit. As the cover opens, the suction end travels from a lower chamber, proceeds through a middle chamber of a sanitizing agent, and is presented for use. After suction is complete, the suction end retracts through an upper chamber with, a scraping feature that removes debris from the outer surface of the mouthpiece, and proceeds down through the middle chamber of a sanitizing agent and a scraping feature that removes debris and the sanitizing agent from the outer surface of the user's suction end. Upon the sealing closure of the cover, the upper and middle chambers are flushed with a sanitizing agent, which is suctioned away along with any collected debris.

Abstract: A system to prevent leakage of a medicament in a medicated module is disclosed. The medicated module includes a medicated needle that holds a medicament. The medicated needle includes an engagement needle portion and an output needle portion in fluid communication with each other. The medicated module further includes a first seal and a second seal. A proximal end of the engagement needle portion partially pierces the first seal, and a distal end of the output needle portion partially pierces the second seal.

Abstract: An applicator for use with an ultrasound transducer assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, an applicator includes a nozzle body having an interior and an exterior surface; a nozzle liner having an interior and an exterior surface and being engageable with the nozzle body such that a plurality of channels are defined at least in part by the exterior surface of the nozzle liner and the interior surface of the nozzle body, each of the plurality of channels having an inlet and an outlet; a passageway defined by a space between the nozzle body and the nozzle liner, in fluid communication with the inlets of each of the plurality of channels; and an opening sized and shaped for introducing fluid to the passageway to provide fluid flow from the outlet of each of the plurality of channels essentially simultaneously. Kits and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter proximal section is preferably formed from a relatively soft part and a relatively rigid part, and includes a proximal terminal end that defines a perimeter of an opening into a lumen of the catheter. The proximal section may further include a feature for interlocking engagement with an accessory tool. An inner surface of each of the relatively soft and rigid parts may be located opposite one another, on either side of the catheter lumen. The relatively soft and rigid parts may be included in a sealing assembly that further includes an attachment feature for removable connection of the assembly to the proximal section catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing body fluids from a body cavity by suction, such as a thorax, gastric or any other human body cavity or a wound, comprises means (9) to increase the pressure difference between a pressure in a drainage lumen (3) and a pressure in the atmosphere when an auxiliary lumen (5) is open. The apparatus enables removal of clots or other plugs of the catheter and drainage tube in an efficient and not patient disturbing way.

Abstract: The extensible intravenous (“i.v.”) drip line tubing uses a helical accordion support structure on which the i.v. tubing is attached. The helical accordion backbone has some tendency to spring back, but this is not relied upon to extend and return the i.v. tubing it carries. The carrier structure keeps the i.v. tubing from getting tangle or kinked. A centrally located retractable line, which is located within the center of the helical accordion structure, acts as the retracting mechanism, as it tends to allow the accordion structure to be pulled into an extended position, while upon rewinding the central cord, the helical accordion support structure can be pushed toward a collapsed position without the i.v. drip line tubing becoming tanked, kinked, and thereby blocked. As a safety feature, so the i.v. line does not encounter and strain between it and the point of entry of the i.v. line into the patient, is one or more wrist and or armbands to which the i.v. carrier is attached by a short, strong line.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for delivering adhesive material to a patient site. A delivery device includes a housing and a nozzle. Adhesive material exits the end of the nozzle such as to adhesively attach tissue to tissue or a material or device to tissue.

Abstract: The subject invention provides a drug delivery device for injecting medicament which includes: a tubular reservoir; a stopper slidably disposed in the reservoir; a spring for moving the stopper in the reservoir; at least one needle, the needle having a distal end for insertion into a patient, and a lumen extending proximally from the distal end, the lumen being in direct or indirect communication with the reservoir; a needle driver for displacing the needle; and, an actuator. Activation of the actuator causes the spring to move the stopper and the needle driver to displace the needle. The needle moves relative to, and separately from, the reservoir with the needle being displaced. Advantageously, with the subject invention, a drug delivery device is provided wherein a needle is moved, relative to the reservoir, in being displaced for injection. This permits control of the needle displacement separate from the reservoir.

Abstract: Systems and methods for administering drugs to a patient, including a syringe system. The syringe system includes a plastic needle coupled to an end of a syringe barrel, the needle including a proximal taper and a distal taper. A cannula assembly is removably coupled to the plastic needle, the cannula including mating surfaces for the proximal and distal tapers of the plastic needle. The syringe system can also include a cannula cover with a first and second end with different sizes to respectively attach to the cannula assembly and the barrel when the cannula assembly is removed. The cannula may have a distal tip cut at an angle to ensure maximum removal of drug from a given vial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a telescopic device comprising at least two sections, wherein an extraction force is needed to extend the device from a short telescope configuration to an extended configuration and securing the sections in extended configuration; a separation force is needed to pull the at least two sections apart; retention means coupling at least one of the two sections to at least one attachment point; and the uncoupling strength of the retention means is larger than the extraction force but smaller than the separation force. This allows the telescopic device to be properly extended into its extended configuration before the retention means uncouples the telescopic device from the at least one attachment point.

Abstract: A syringe tip for a syringe and the like in which the bore of the tip tapers so as to increase in diameter from the end of the tip adjacent the barrel of a syringe towards the distal end of the tip; and the outside diameter of said tip tapers so as to decrease in diameter from the proximal end of the tip (adjacent the barrel of said syringe) towards the distal end of the tip.

Abstract: A method of coating a microneedle array by applying a coating fluid using a flexible film in a brush-like manner. A method of coating a microneedle array comprising: providing a microneedle array having a substrate and a plurality of microneedles; providing a flexible film; providing a coating solution comprising a carrier fluid and a coating material; applying the coating solution onto a first major surface of the flexible film; performing a transfer step of bringing the first major surface of the flexible film into contact with the microneedles and removing the flexible film from contact with the microneedles; and allowing the carrier fluid to evaporate.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a nasal delivery device comprising one or more microneedles, and to methods of nasally administering a composition with a nasal delivery device comprising one or more microneedles. In certain embodiments, the nasal delivery device comprises a substrate for administration of a composition to the nasal and/or sinus mucosa, wherein the substrate is non-absorbent and comprises one or more microneedles. In some embodiments, the nasal delivery device comprises a reservoir comprising one or more therapeutic agents, wherein the reservoir is in fluid communication with one or more microneedles.

Abstract: Described herein are cannulas having a stepped exterior. Also described are methods of making and using these cannulas, for example to deliver one or more materials to the central nervous system of an animal.

Abstract: An epidural needle assembly is provided, permitting the accurate introduction of a large bore introducer sleeve needle into the epidural space in the spinal column of a patient using the loss of resistance technique. The large bore introducer needle has a beveled side opening at its tip and with a tissue piercing point at the distal extension of the needle. A syringe needle is received within the introducer needle with a distal head of the syringe needle filling the beveled side opening at the distal end of the introducer needle when the syringe hub is fully seated. The lumen of the syringe needle exits the syringe needle head at the side opening of the introducer needle immediately adjacent the tissue piercing point of the introducing needle. The needle assembly may be inserted and advanced, with precise tactile feedback, into a patient, thus accurately detecting the introduction of the introducer needle into epidural space.

Abstract: A prefilled syringe is configured so that, in order that a liquid medicine injected and administered into the upper layer part of skin is prevented from leaking out of the living body, a pressing section can be held in a position reached when it has been completely pressed in. A prefilled syringe 1 is provided with: a double-ended needle 3 having a needlepoint 9 which can be inserted into a living body; a needle hub 4 for holding the double-ended needle 3; an outer tube 2; a pressing section 22; a liquid medicine storage section 6 for storing a liquid medicine M; a holding section 8; and a sealing body 23. The liquid medicine storage section 6 is disposed within a tube hole 2a of the outer tube 2. The pressing section 22 operates the liquid medicine storage section 6 so that the liquid medicine storage section 6 can move in the axial direction of the tube hole 2a of the outer tube 2.

Abstract: Interventional catheter assemblies, operating systems and adaptive interface components allow operation of a variety of interventional catheter assemblies, including infusion catheters, aspiration catheters and interventional catheters that provide both infusion and aspiration, using a common control console housing infusion and aspiration systems. Control instructions for operating the interventional catheter assembly and authentication protocols for verifying system matches and operating conditions maybe encoded in hardware, firmware or software, such as a memory or storage device, provided in the interventional catheter assembly or in a discrete adaptive interface component. Adaptive components such as tubing cassettes routing aspiration and/or infusion tubing in a predetermined configuration to mate with aspiration and infusion systems on a control console are also provided.

Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.

Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.

Abstract: The microneedle devices disclosed herein in some embodiments include a substrate; one or more microneedles; and, optionally, a reservoir for delivery of drugs or collection of analyte, as well as pump(s), sensor(s), and/or microprocessor(s) to control the interaction of the foregoing.

Abstract: A system for perfusion management that monitors, maintains, diagnoses, or treats perfusion deficiencies.

Abstract: A medical implant includes a flexible container having two layers of flexible surrounding walls, each surrounding wall being provided with a plurality of through holes; a tubular fitting being connected to an open end of the flexible container for inserting or infusing a medical filling material into the flexible container through the tubular fitting; and a thrust part connected to the flexible surrounding walls of the flexible container and at a distal end of the flexible container. The thrust part has a receiving seat and a ring, the receiving seat having a central bore and an annular groove surrounding the central bore and opposite to the central bore, wherein a tubular surrounding wall is inserted into the ring and is folded so that the two layers of flexible surrounding walls are formed with the ring imbedded between the two layers of flexible surrounding walls, and the ring with the two layers of flexible surrounding walls are received in the annular groove and detained therein due to friction.

Abstract: A drug delivery system has a fluid store that has a first tubing having an outlet fitted with a connector of a given configuration that prevents the connector from being coupled to a conventional counterpart connector. The system further has a tube retaining device that has a catheter extending out of one of its ends and an inlet connector at its other end that has a configuration complementary to the configuration of the outlet connector of the first tubing, so that the first tubing may be matingly connected to the tube retaining device to establish a through fluid path from the first tubing to the catheter. A one-way valve may be provided to the tubing to prevent fluid from flowing backwards into the tubing. The tubing can be selectively occluded and opened to regulate the flow of fluid from the tubing to the catheter.

Abstract: An injection needle assembly is an assembly used by being attached to an injector including an injection barrel filled with medicine and a needle tube, and is provided with a sticking needle tube having a needle tip to be stuck into a skin, a needle holding portion, an engagement portion and a connection portion. The needle holding portion holds the sticking needle tube and a fit tube of the engagement portion is engaged with a needle hub of the injection barrel. The connection portion includes a luminal portion in which there are arranged a proximal end on the opposite side of the needle tip of the sticking needle tube and a needle tip (ejection port) at the needle tube of the injector, and the sticking needle tube and the needle tube communicate with each other in a liquid tight manner.

Abstract: Cannula and handle systems and cannulas having substantially continuous interior pathways or channels are provided. The interior pathway may extend from the inlet to the cannula to the outlet, such that tissue collected at the inlet is carried to the outlet without contacting other components. Moreover, the substantially continuous nature of the interior pathway, with an absence of drop-offs, blind pockets or other discontinuities, facilitates cleaning. In addition, inlet holes are sized to promote the transfer of tissue through the channel to the outlet, and to the avoidance of damaging collected tissue.

Abstract: A bowel management system includes a waste collection catheter having at least two distinct sections. The first section is patient proximal when disposed in the patient's rectum and has durometer hardness in the range of about 50 A to about 90 A. The second catheter section is connected to the first section and has durometer hardness in the range of about 5 A to about 49 A. A selectively collapsible, substantially spherical retention balloon is attached coaxially and exterior of the first catheter section such that the proximal-most end of the retention balloon is coincident to the proximal-most end of the first section of the waste collection catheter, the substantially spherical retention balloon having an inflated size so as to be sufficiently large enough to retain the patient proximal end of the catheter in the patient's rectum without being so large as to trigger a defecatory response in the patient.

Abstract: An ear medication delivery device for delivering a treatment liquid and retaining the treatment liquid within an ear canal of a patient including a unitary, one piece earplug formed of a soft resilient material including an ear canal engaging portion and an external portion and defining a single internal passage therethrough. The external portion includes a major disk and an annular medication applicator receiving portion in fluid communication with the internal passage. The ear canal engaging portion includes at least two minor disks of progressively different size extending outwardly in a generally radial direction. The ear canal engaging portion defines a molded resilient valve unitary with the earplug that is shiftable from a closed position to an open position in either direction under a preselected fluid pressure and that resiliently returns to the closed position below the preselected fluid pressure.

Abstract: Internal nasal valve involves injecting a biomaterial filler into the internal nasal valve of the patient. The injected biomaterial filler in the internal nasal valve increases an internal nasal valve angle.

Abstract: An applicator device for applying an agent to a target site with a malleable tip that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors and a malleable tip with a formable tube that that can be cut to length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors. The malleable tip is configured for passage of fluid theretrough and includes a malleable member. The malleable member is made of a soft metal that is strong enough to retain the shape of the tip after is has been bend into configuration, but soft and weak enough to be easily cut with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or the like. A method for preparing an applicator device that is suitable for applying an agent to a target site during or before an operation, comprising providing an applicator device with a formable tip, forming said tip to a desired configuration and cutting said formable tip to a desired length with a pair of nursing dressing scissors or similar type of scissors.

Abstract: A device for substance delivery to and/or extraction from the tympanic cavity, comprising: a housing, having a distal surface, a proximal surface that is opposite to the distal surface, and a circumscribed surface that connects the distal surface and the proximal surface; at least one piercing element having at least one proximal piercing end and at least one distal piercing end, disposed within the housing in such manner that the at least one distal piercing end is/are generally facing the distal surface of the housing; and a means for flexing the tympanic membrane toward the distal end of the at least one piercing element.

Abstract: A cannula assembly (10) comprising a hub (76) and a cannula (12) mounted in the hub (76). The cannula defines an inner space (36). The cannula comprises a distal end (16) and a proximal end (18). A first medicament (40) is provided in the inner space of the cannula. In one arrangement, the hub of the cannula assembly is configured to be coupled to an injection device (26). The cannula assembly may be removably or permanently coupled to the injection device containing a second medicament (17).

Abstract: The intervertebral disc is avascular. With aging, endplates become occluded by calcified layers, and diffusion of nutrients and oxygen into the disc diminishes. The disc degenerates, and pain ensues. Conduits are delivered and deployed into the intervertebral disc to reestablish the exchange of nutrients and waste between the disc and bodily circulation to stop or reverse disc degeneration and relieve pain. The intervertebral disc installed with semi-permeable conduits may be used as an immuno-isolated capsule to encapsulate donor cells capable of biosynthesizing therapeutic molecules. The semi-permeable conduits establish the exchange of nutrients and therapeutic molecules between disc and bodily circulation to treat a disease without using immunosuppressive drugs.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cannula (5) for a laryngotracheal anesthesia device (1) comprising a semi-rigid elongate tube (6) including a proximal end (14), to be connected to a syringe (2) containing the anesthetic liquid, and a distal end (15), to be inserted into the cavity of the larynx up until it is inside the trachea of a patient, a plurality of anesthetic liquid outlets (16) being provided, from the distal end (15), on a predetermined area of the length of said tube (6). According to the invention, said tube (6) is inwardly curved over the entire length thereof between said proximal end (14) and said distal end (15), and said tube (6) is open at the distal end (15) thereof and makes it possible to receive an assembly forming a flexible tip (9) comprising an axial outlet (33) for liquid anesthetic.

Abstract: To prevent a coating agent applied to the surface of a needle tube from being infiltrated into the clearance between the needle tube and a needle hub, a device comprises a needle tube that has a needle tip capable of puncturing a living body and that is coated with a coating agent on the surface of a tip-end portion on the side of the needle tip; and a needle hub adapted to hold the needle tube in a state where the needle tip of the needle tube is protruded. The needle hub has a through-hole through which the needle tube is inserted, and a discharge hole extending from the through-hole to the outer surface of the needle hub and adapted to discharge the coating agent infiltrated into the through-hole.

Abstract: To make it possible to integrally form a needle tube and a needle hub by reliably holding and fixing the needle tube with a chuck member and then performing insert molding, a device has a needle tube having a needle tip capable of puncturing a living body; and a needle hub that is adapted to hold the needle tube in a state where the needle tip of the needle tube is protruded and that is formed with a retention hole into which a chuck member is inserted, the chuck member being adapted to hold and fix the circumferential surface of the needle tube when performing insert molding.

Abstract: Equipment for use in changing a catheter, preferably of the type used for drainage of the urinary tract. The urinary catheter is used as an aid in emptying the urinary bladder in conditions where this cannot be done in the normal manner. The equipment of the present invention includes a sleeve mounting unit which is mounted to an indwelling catheter, and which has a branch member formed in one piece therewith and extending at an acute angle therefrom, for reception of an elongated sleeve having a longitudinal slit. The sleeve is positioned on the branch member and then progressively advanced onto the catheter, causing the slit to become enlarged as the sleeve surrounds the upstream portion of the catheter in a yielding manner. The catheter may then be quickly removed through the sleeve and a new catheter inserted in its place.

Abstract: A pen needle assembly is provided herein which includes: a hub having a body with a transverse wall; an arrangement, disposed on the hub proximally of the transverse wall, for mounting the hub onto an injector; a first needle cannula extending distally from the transverse wall, the first needle cannula terminating at a distal end, formed for insertion into a patient, with a first lumen extending proximally from the distal end, the first needle cannula being of a first gauge; and, a second needle cannula extending proximally from the transverse wall, the second needle cannula extending from a distal end and terminating at a proximal end with a second lumen extending distally from the proximal end. The first and second lumens are in communication. Further, the second needle cannula is of a second gauge, the second gauge defining a larger external cross-section than the first gauge. Advantageously, with the subject invention, two needle cannulas may be arranged in series of different gauges.

Abstract: Drug delivery device, comprising a needle, which a distal end and a proximal end comprises an inner surface forming a channel, an outer surface, a first salient located on the outer surface.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle system and method for reducing the incidence of infections due to administering fluids by injection to humans or animals is provided. The hypodermic needle system may include a needle with an insert disposed within its hollow channel to substantially prevent bacteria, fungi and/or other organisms/contaminants, which may be present on the exterior surface to be penetrated, from adhering to the inner surfaces of the needle's channel or become trapped in the needle bore. The hypodermic needle system may include a film that covers at least one surface of the needle or insert, and/or have a bent or curved tip to reduce the ability of infectious agents to adhere to said surface/space within the needle. Additionally, the hypodermic needle system may include an anti-infection agent, such as an antibiotic or antiseptic to further reduce the incidence of infections, and may include an attachment member which reduces the risk of infection.

Abstract: A device includes a plurality of skin penetrating devices for delivering or withdrawing a substance through the skin of a patient. The device has a support formed with a top and bottom end and a plurality of channels extending axially through the support. A plurality of the skin penetrating members is positioned in the channels with a tip extending from the bottom end of the support. A coupling member is attached to the support for coupling with a fluid supply and directing the fluid to the skin penetrating members. The skin penetrating members have a length of about 100 microns to about 2000 microns and are about 30 to 50 gauge.

Abstract: A set of instruments configured to deliver a therapy to a bone can include a cannulated syringe. The cannulated syringe can extend along a longitudinal axis between a proximal and a distal end. The cannulated syringe can have an inner tube and an outer tube that are interconnected at the distal end as a single fixed unit. A first cannulation can be formed along the longitudinal axis of the cannulated syringe within the inner tube and a second cannulation can be formed within an annular space between the inner and outer tubes. The outer tube can define an opening through a sidewall thereof. The cannulated syringe can be closed from fluid communication between the inner and outer tubes.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a quantity of fluid to bone marrow of a bone or providing access to remove fluids from a target site is provided. The apparatus may include a driver, a plunger operating and cartridge assembly mechanism, a cartridge assembly having a fluid reservoir and a bone penetrating needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method that may be used for collecting target cells or tissue and preparing a cell block are disclosed.

Abstract: Magnetic stainless steel needles are detectable in processed meat. The previous non magnetic versions, made of 304 stainless steel, aren't. Disposable hypodermic needles made from martensitic and ferritic stainless steel are easily detectable at the smallest size. Needles are conveniently made from 420 martensitic stainless steel or 430 ferritic stainless steel.