Abstract: Bubble traps for use in medical fluid lines and medical fluid bubble trap systems are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the bubble trap is configured to trap gas (e.g., air) that flows into the bubble trap from a fluid line. In some embodiments, the bubble trap includes an inlet and an outlet and a chamber between the inlet and the outlet. For example, in some embodiments, the bubble trap is configured to inhibit gas from flowing into the outlet once gas flows into the chamber from the inlet. In some embodiments, the bubble trap is in fluid communication with a source container, a destination container, and/or a patient.

Abstract: This disclosure addresses a monitoring device for an infusion system. The device is typically used with an infusion device utilizing a clear reservoir bag holding the supplied fluid. The device uses light sources and sensors to accurately determine the level of the fluid, the amount of fluid being supplied, and when replenishment of the fluid is required. In addition, the device may utilize ultrasound sources and sensors as backups to the light system. The device further includes a data processing module that gathers, stores, and reports data relative to the fluid flow properties of the infusion device.

Abstract: A method for collecting and analyzing urine at the time it is released uses a urine collecting tube joined with a canister. Suction is produced in the collecting tube to join the tube with a penis or to the exterior surface of a female urethra orifice. Once suction is achieved the collecting tube stays in place by suction action. When urine flows into the urine collecting tube a sensor triggers a vacuum pump to produce a higher level of suction to flush the urine into the canister where a level sensor determines the quantity of urine received. Various sensors in the canister determine levels of non-urine partials such as occult blood, drugs, salt, and other substances. When urine is no longer detected within the urine tube, the vacuum pump is turned off and a low-level vacuum remains to assure interconnection with the urine tube.

Abstract: An observed operational state can include an operational state of one or more system devices. A sensor can emit, in response to a detected observable condition reflective of a given operational state, a simulated signal reflective of a different operational state as a proxy for the detected condition. A controller receiving such a proxy signal can, at least partially responsively to the proxy signal, issue a command corresponding to the given operational state. For example, a leak detector can emit in response to a detected leak, or a flow-rate sensor can emit in response to a detected flow-rate of a liquid, a simulated fan-speed tachometer signal representative of a selected fan speed. At least partially in response to observing a simulated tachometer signal, a controller can issue a system command corresponding to an underlying system condition for which the simulated tachometer signal is a proxy.

Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to endoscope cleaning systems and methods. The endoscope cleaning system can include a pump housing that houses a peristaltic pump, an endoscope sheath fluidly connected to the pump housing, and a pump control communicatively coupled to the peristaltic pump. Upon activation of the pump control, the peristaltic pump can supply fluid to the endoscope sheath for cleaning an endoscope. Upon deactivation of the pump control, the peristaltic pump can remove residual fluid from the endoscope.

Abstract: A urodynamic investigation apparatus for receipt of urine from a bladder is provided. The apparatus is characterized by a tubular element, first and second fittings, and a sleeve element, for select passage of urine there through, within the tubular element. The tubular element is characterized by opposing first and second end portions, and a port. The fittings are adapted to be received by the opposing end portions of the tubular element so as to delimit an apparatus chamber. The sleeve element, suspended between the fittings within the chamber, has collapsed and open configurations. The collapsed configuration is indicative of a no urine flow condition, and the open configuration indicative of a urine flow condition, with the sleeve element urine flow condition being a function of pressure applied to the chamber via the port of the tubular element.

Abstract: A fluid-drive device includes a base, a fluid container, a pressing mechanism, and a rotation mechanism. The fluid container is disposed on the base. The pressing mechanism is disposed on the base, and configured to press the fluid container. The rotation mechanism is connected to the pressing mechanism. The pressing mechanism presses the fluid container by rotating the rotation mechanism. The fluid-drive device may guide the flow of the detection fluid in the fluid container in a non-contact manner to reduce the contamination of the fluid specimen and increase the reliability of the detection.

Abstract: An example breast pump system can include: a control unit including a processor and memory, the control unit including an interface to control the breast pump system; a vacuum unit controlled by the control unit, the vacuum unit including pump motors to create suction for pumping milk; a support mechanism located remotely from the control unit; and a member extending between the control unit and the support mechanism, the member being movable to allow the control unit to be repositioned relative to the support mechanism. The memory encodes instructions which, when executed by the processor, cause the breast pump system to: select at least a first pump motor from the plurality of pump motors for a first pumping timeframe; and select at least a second pump motor from the plurality of pump motors for a second pumping timeframe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel bioreactor system for cell cultivation. More specifically, the invention relates to a compact bioreactor system which has several integrated functions and enables small scale static culture as well as scale-up rocking culture in the same bioreactor. The bioreactor system comprises tray for positioning of a cell culture bag having adjustable volume, a lid covering the cell culture bag and provided with heating function, an integrated perfusion unit, an integrated cell loading unit, and an integrated unit for automatic cell culture sampling, wherein the bioreactor system is controlled by a single control unit. The invention also relates to a method of cell culture using the bioreactor system for culture of therapeutic cells.

Abstract: A method and system for filling a flexible film bag attached to a face plate with a flowable composition is disclosed. The system includes a chamber for receiving the flexible film bag and a fill tube for dispensing the flowable composition into the flexible film bag, where the fill tube is at least partially disposed in the film bag. The system also includes a first pump in fluid communication with the chamber, where the first pump creates a vacuum between an exterior surface of the flexible film bag and an interior surface of the chamber, such that the flexible film bag expands from an unexpanded state to an expanded state.

Abstract: Systems and devices for maintaining a consistent input fluid height as fluid is consumed during infusion pump testing including a first hook disposed on an end of a first balancer arm; a second hook disposed on an end of a second balancer arm; and an aperture disposed in a connecting member; where the aperture is configured to be a pivot point for the device; and where the device is rotatable between a deployed position and a stored position.

Abstract: A wearable infusion pump assembly includes a reusable housing assembly, and a disposable housing assembly including a reservoir for receiving an infusible fluid. A releasable engagement assembly is configured to allow the reusable housing assembly to releasably engage the disposable housing assembly. A detachable external infusion set is configured to deliver the infusible fluid to a user.

Abstract: An IOP control device for implantation in an eye of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a housing and a multilayer membrane. The housing is sized for implantation into the eye and includes an entrance port and an exit port. The membrane is anchored within the housing to form a flow control chamber on a first side and a fluid flow passageway on a second opposing side of the membrane. The chamber is arranged to contain a gas creating a chamber pressure, and the membrane is configured to affect flow through the passageway from the entrance port to the exit port by deflecting in response to changes in the chamber pressure. The membrane comprises a first layer having a higher permeability and a higher flexibility than the second layer, which is disposed adjacent the first layer and restricts the diffusion of gas in the chamber through the membrane.

Abstract: A device for monitoring the condition of a fluid receptacle such as one that is gradually filling or emptying is disclosed. The receptacle is attached to a torque weighing device, coupled with a transducer that outputs a measurement signal representing the weight of the receptacle. An alert or alarm may be generated by a signaling device in response to the measurement signal.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for a syringe adapter. In one embodiment, an adapter/cap assembly is threadably engaged to a syringe for enteral feeding applications. The adapter cannot be removed from the syringe to prevent the syringe from being used for IV applications.

Abstract: Anti-fouling treatments are applied to polymer substrates for preventing bacterial adhesion. The polymer substrate may comprise a medical device, such as a catheter. The treatment generally comprises a polymer layer graft polymerized to the surface of the polymer substrate. An anti-biofilm agent is contained in the polymer layer or applied to the surface. A polymer over-layer is then applied that encapsulates the anti-biofilm agent. The anti-biofilm agent prevents bacterial adhesion through the polymer over-layer.

Abstract: A blood access device including a fluid conduit configured to convey a flow of fluid to a target vessel, a second lever element pivotally and resiliently connected to a first lever element such that it may move from a first position to a second position. A biasing force is exerted on the second lever element for moving it from the first position to the second position, and a blocking member may be activated by the second lever element, such that a flow of fluid is decreased when the second lever element is moved from the first position to the second position. The lever elements are configured to be fixed to the target vessel when the second lever element is in the first position, and the second lever element moves to the second position and activates the blocking member if the fixation is at least partially lost.

Abstract: Featured is a vascular access device such as an IV catheter device including a housing, a tubular member and a seal member, and a securing mechanism. The housing includes a proximal and distal portion and a chamber that extends between the proximal and distal portions. The tubular member is coupled to the housing distal portion so it is fluidly coupled to the chamber. The seal member is disposed within the chamber and the securing mechanism secures the seal member distal end to the housing proximal portion so the seal member is sealingly and compressibly retained between a chamber proximal end and the securing mechanism. Such a seal member also is constituted so a portion of the seal member moves axially responsive to an axial force applied to the proximal end.

Abstract: A device for suctioning material out of an instrument channel during an endoscopic procedure. The device includes a biopsy valve having a first end, a second end, and an outer circumferential surface. The biopsy valve defines an internal passage leading from the first end to the second end, wherein the first end is adapted for connection to an endoscope instrument channel inlet port. Tubing connects the biopsy valve second end to a suction source connector disposed remote from the biopsy valve. A flow controller is fixed to the tubing and disposed between the biopsy valve second end and the suction source connector. The device may include an irrigation port and an instrument entry port.

Abstract: The device (10) for selective access closure inside a catheter comprises a conduit (14) having a rear extremity (16) for the insertion of a medical instrument and a mechanism (27) for adjusting the cross-section provided within the conduit (14). The mechanism (27) comprises a member (32) for repositioning the device between an opening movement and a closing movement. The direction of movement of the repositioning member (32) along both the closing path and the opening path are identical.

Abstract: An analyzer enabling the user to hardly breathe in a malodor given off from a reagent when exchanging a reagent container is obtained. This analyzer, connected with a reagent container including a flexible container body storing the reagent, comprises an analyzer body analyzing an analyte with the reagent and reagent transporter having a first end connected to the analyzer body and a second end connected to the reagent container. The reagent transporter includes a first connectional part, detachably connected to the reagent container, having a first switching member forming and blocking a first passage between the analyzer body and the reagent container, while the first switching member blocks the first passage when the first connectional part is separated from the reagent container, and forms the first passage when the first connectional part is connected to the reagent container.

Abstract: A pump set for use with a pump to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device is adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and providing an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the feeding pump.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a liquid blocking apparatus and a system thereof, wherein if the liquid contained in an IV bag or a liquid tank is oozed out completely, the flow of liquid is blocked, the alarm lamp is turned on, the alarm sound is generated, and then the supply of liquid is maintained for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A self-closing external vessel plug (1) with an integrated wide-lumen needle for puncturing vessels in the human or animal body has a pressure chamber (8), a closure part (5), a closure element (6), a pressure wall part (7), and flexible wings (13) for fixing on the body. The wide-lumen needle has a cannula (3) integrated with a connection part (2), and a protective cap (12) that can be fitted onto the cannula (3). The cannula (3) penetrates the closure element (6) and the pressure wall part (7). The protective cap (12) that can be fitted onto the cannula (3) is connected to a protective film (11) in such a way that the protective film (11) together with the protective cap (12) is applied to and can be torn off from a layer of medical skin adhesive (10) applied on the pressure wall part (7). The flexible wings (13) are formed by parts of the closure part (5), pressure wall part (7) and protective film (11).

Abstract: One embodiment provides an extravasation detection device having an enclosure, an attachment coupled to the enclosure to be removably connected to a patient, and a detection assembly enclosed within the enclosure, in this embodiment, the detection assembly includes a housing and a transducer coupled to the housing to generate a signal representative of a force or pressure applied to the detection device caused by extravasation of medical fluid from the patient. This embodiment of a detection device may be attached to the patient's hand or other injection site. When extravasation occurs, and a swelling or blister presses against the transducer, an alarm can be triggered to warn a clinician, or the device can cause a powered injection system to automatically shut down or halt the injection process.

Abstract: A device, method, and system of deploying an embolic protection device at a location distal to a treatment site in a vessel of a patient. A delivery catheter is encircled by a sealing member which is expandable from a delivery configuration to a deployed configuration. The device creates a seal to prevent the flow of blood during the treatment of vascular disease. A distal protection element is delivered by the delivery catheter and deployed to filter or remove embolic debris.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a catheter that is configured to self-regulate aspiration rates through a working lumen of the catheter. The catheter comprises a compliant member in communication with the working lumen that is configured to transition from an open position to a closed position when a predetermined aspiration threshold is exceeded. In the closed position, the compliant member is temporarily drawn inward to at least partially occlude flow through the working lumen, thereby mitigating the rate of aspiration imposed upon a patient's vessel. When the rate of aspiration is reduced below the threshold level, the compliant member returns to the open position.

Abstract: A artificial blood vessel for facilitating the introduction of fluids into or withdrawal of fluids from the vascular system of an individual, or both, includes a tubular portion that lies beneath skin of the individual and is grafted to a natural blood vessel. Located along the tubular portion where it is offset laterally from the tubular portion is at least one pocket which encloses a chamber that communicates with the lumen of the tubular portion. The artificial blood vessel also includes a port which is attached to the pocket and has grommet that lies over the skin and contains access bore. The port also has a valve which lies at the end of the access bore to normally prevent blood from escaping through the access bore, but does allow access to the chamber for medical procedures.

Abstract: A buret with foot valve for medical infusion equipment, including a transparent cylindrical container having a bottom wall with a central outlet hole for outlet of the liquid and a lateral graduated scale for indication of the level of the liquid. A float disk co-operates inside the container with the graduated scale for immediate identification of the level of the liquid, and a valve obturator is associated to the float disk for closing the outlet hole when the liquid inside the container comes to an end. The valve obturator is floating with respect to the float disk.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes may combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. Advantageously, fluid within the catheter flows through all of the exit holes, resulting in uniform distribution of fluid within an anatomical region. In one particular embodiment, the catheter comprises a tube having elongated exit slots therein. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament injection apparatus that permits injection of a fluid medicament into a patient through a needle. If the needle is withdrawn before the injected medicament has properly dispersed locally from the injection site within a patient, the injected medicament may escape through the needle wound and not be dispersed into the patient. Unfortunately, it is common for a user to become impatient and withdraw the needle when the user feels a suitable dispersal period has elapsed. Often the waiting period determined by the user is less than the required period for dispersal of the medicament resulting in the problem identified. A medicament injection apparatus is disclosed comprising a timer and a display, the timer being actuated upon commencement of an injection operation, in which the timer runs to a predetermined time subsequent to completion of the injection operation and the display is operated while the timer runs.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medicament injection apparatus, particularly suitable for use by those with diabetes in which, in use, once a desired dosage of medicament has been selected and expelled from the medicament cartridge into the body of the patient, the injected medicament is allowed to disperse locally from the injection site within the patient's body before the needle arrangement is removed from the patient's body. It is considered to be a problem that in known medicament injection devices the injection interval, that is the time elapsed since a previous injection, is measured following completion of a delivery stroke rather than from dispersion of the injected medicament. A medicament injection device is disclosed in which the time elapsed following an injection operation is calculated from the end of a predetermined period during which medicament is permitted to disperse subsequent to completion of an injection stroke.

Abstract: A dual port vascular access assembly comprises a first access port and a second access port. The linkage is coupled between the first access port to close the second access port in the absence of an access tube in the first access port. Such port assemblies are particularly useful for implantation in patients receiving hemodialysis. By connecting the first access port to the blood withdrawal side of the system, blood withdrawal will be automatically terminated upon cessation of blood returned to due loss of the return access tube in the port assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing free flow through an infusion set utilizes an occluder disposed within the infusion set to selectively prevent flow therethrough. The occluder may be responsive to a pressure differential within the infusion set or may respond to compression of the infusion set. When a pair of occluders are used in sequence, an inline pump may be formed.

Abstract: A syringe has a sensor for sensing physical contact between a syringe needle and the syringe. As the sensor detects that a syringe needle has just been installed into the syringe, a counter is set to “zero”, indicating the number of injections given with the installed needle. The counter automatically and cumulatively counts each injection given to the animal during a period of continuous physical contact between the syringe and the syringe needle. When the number of cumulatively counted injections equals a predetermined maximum number of injections, a syringe needle change warning mechanism delivers a needle change warning to the operator of the syringe.

Abstract: With this device the rinsing fluid is located in a container which may be set under pressure with a gas and into which pressurised gas via a cannula may be introduced and from which rinsing fluid may be removed via another cannula. The respective filled condition of the container is acquired with a sensor, wherein the temporal course of the gas pressure in the container or of the gas flow into the container is measured and on ascertaining a gas pressure fall or gas flow rise after points in time specific to the system the means may be deactivated.

Abstract: The present invention provides medical devices comprised of ionically crosslinked polymer, especially, stents, catheter or cannula components, plugs, and constrictors. The medical devices of the present invention are prepared by treatment of ionically crosslinkable polymer compositions with crosslinking ion compositions to provide ionically crosslinked materials.An important aspect of the present invention is that these medical devices can be disintegrated in-vivo at a desired time through the exposure of the medical device to a chemical trigger which generally is described as an agent that acts to displace the crosslinking ion in the ionically crosslinked material through binding or simple replacement with a non-crosslinking ion.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displace in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The device also includes an optical occlusion sensor which is synchronized to operate in phase with the movement of the cam followers to measure pressure within the delivery tube at one pump phase, thereby sensing downstream occlusions, and to measure vacuum within the delivery tube at a second pump phase, thereby sensing upstream occlusions. The occlusion sensor is optical, and measures the degree of total internal reflection at the interface of the tube and the plate assembly, occlusion in the tubing.

Abstract: An access port comprises a base and a flexible conduit. The port is subcutaneously implanted and the conduit is attached directly or indirectly to a blood vessel or other body lumen or cavity. An actuator mechanism is provided with a linkage which opens a valve in the port in response to percutaneous insertion of a needle into the access port. In particular, insertion of the needle opens the clamping mechanism to permit flow through the conduit between the blood vessel and the needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sampling kit for obtaining, in a rapid and gentle manner, a defined volume of lacrimal fluid for the purpose of reproducibly determining components of the lacrimal fluid.

Abstract: An intravenous metering device having automatic stopper comprises a connecting tube that can be inserted into a liquid bottle at one end such that a fluid communication therebetween can be establish. The transfusion tube being connected to a liquid barrel that has a relative larger diameter and is adjacent to the liquid bottle. The liquid barrel serves a buffering device in which the liquid from the bottle is firstly and temporary stored thereof. The second end of the transfusion tube is connected with a catheter that can be punctured into the vein of patient. A regulating device being enveloped onto the transfusion tube at suitable position. Characterized in that the junction between the lower end of the liquid barrel and the upper end of the transfusion tube is formed with a cone-shape recess in which a valve that can be axially engaged thereof is disposed. The valve is floated over the liquid surface of the liquid barrel. The lower end of the valve is provided with a cone-shape stopper.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for relieving insufflation pressure in a body cavity (18) in excess of a predetermined value are provided. A conduit assembly (24) extends from the body cavity (18) through the surface (61) of a fluid reservoir and has a port (63) positioned beneath the fluid surface (61). The relief pressure is selected by setting the relative positioning of the open end (63) and fluid surface (61). The apparatus avoids insufflation gas leakage problems associated with known insufflation pressure relief devices.

Abstract: An implantable access device which permits the introduction of an external filament such as a catheter, guide wire or optical fiber into a patient for communication with an internal catheter located within the body of the patient. The device includes a housing having an inlet opening, an outlet opening and a passageway communicating between the openings. The inlet opening is generally funnel shaped and guides the external filament into the passageway. A valve assembly normally remains closed prevents the flow of fluids through the passageway. When open, the valve assembly enables the filament to communicate with the internal catheter. The device is provided with a mechanism that limits the extent to which the filament can be inserted through the device.

Abstract: A free flow prevention system for preventing undesired free flow of fluid through IV tubing of the type used in an infusion pump. The system comprises a spring clip having a base and a spring arm defining a channel adapted to receive the IV tubing. The spring arm is resiliently biased to a closed position in which the IV tubing is squeezed by the spring clip to close the lumen to prevent fluid flow, and the spring arm is movable against the bias to an open position wherein the lumen of the IV tubing is allowed to open to allow flow. The system also includes a clip-opening pin in the infusion pump for moving the spring arm of the clip from its closed position to the open position.

Abstract: The invention features a needle defining a flowpath, a housing comprising a proximal end and a distal inner seat leading to and defining a lumen, and a viscous material contained within the housing. The needle is slidable through the housing and the viscous material contained therein. The viscous material is fluid enough for the needle to slide therethrough, yet semi-solid enough to conform to the housing distal inner seat so as to form a seal thereat and prevent flow of fluid or air through the lumen.

Abstract: A blood collecting apparatus includes a measuring device provided with a sensor for measuring the amount of collected blood when blood is collected into a blood container, and a controller for calculating the amount of collected blood based on an output y of the measuring sensor. The output y is a function of an n-times measured weight w of collected blood such that y=aw+b, wherein a and b are constants characteristic of the measuring sensor. The controller detects the output yi of the measuring sensor in n+1 units of respective known amounts wi of collected blood, and corrects the constants a and b on the basis of such detected data. The controller, moreover, automatically detects the output yO of the measuring sensor every predetermined cycle in a state where the measured weight w of collected blood is zero, and corrects the constant b of the function y=aw+b on the basis of such detected output yO.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided to communicate fluid pressure to a body cavity for diagnostic or surgical proceedings. A pump control unit generates fluid pressure and a monitor control circuit provides feedback to the pump control unit to substantially avoid a build up of excessive fluid pressure within the body cavity. In combination with a hysterscope, the irrigation system extends a uterus in a safe manner so that fluid absorption within the uterus is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A cradle for use in blood donating processes comprises surface (2) which is intended to support a blood-collecting bag and to be rocked reciprocatingly on an axle (4) which extends perpendicularly to the surface, by means of a crank (5, 7). The cradle is provided with a weight measuring device (8) which functions to measure the quantity of blood that has flowed into the bag, and is also fitted with a clamping device (11) which functions to clamp-on or squeeze the hose such as to prevent blood from flowing therein and which is operable electromagnetically. The cradle is further provided with a control circuit (21) which is constructed to control at least the clamping device (11).

Abstract: An angioscope has irrigation system with at least two presettable irrigant flow rates. A footswitch under manual control is operatively connected to a roller pump for switching from a high first flow rate to a low second flow rate. Upon an initial filling of a blood vessel under observation with clear irrigant at the high flow rate, the operator switches to the low flow rate. The rate of fluid flow may alternatively be continuously variable under manual control.

Abstract: A dual source parenteral infusion system includes a primary controller which controls the flow rate of a parenteral solution, a display which displays parameters associated with the delivery of a primary solution, and pushbuttons for entering solution delivery parameters into the controller. The primary controller communicates with a secondary infusion module which is programmed to deliver solution from a secondary source, with the flow rate being controlled by the primary controller. The secondary infusion module includes a display for displaying parameters associated with the delivery of the secondary solution and a drop detector, and mounts about a drip chamber for the secondary solution. The module may also include pushbuttons for entering fluid delivery parameters for the secondary solution into the module.