Abstract: Embodiments of apparatus for controlling the movement of matter, including but not limited to one-way fluid valves, are disclosed. The apparatus may include a transition nozzle, a funnel nozzle, and a reverse flow blocker arranged in series in a case. A counter-flow area may be disposed about the funnel nozzle. The apparatus may permit matter to flow in a first direction, and discourage or prevent flow in a direction reverse to the first direction. Control over the flow of matter also may enable matter to be harvested, sorted, separated or combined with injected matter.

Abstract: This disclosure describes example antimicrobial compositions that may be used in combination with IV port cleansing caps, protective caps, or nasal decolonizer devices. According to another implementations, the disclosure describes that the antimicrobial composition may provide an indication that it has come into contact with a contaminant by bubbling or foam on a surface that is being cleaned. According to another implementation, the disclosure describes that the antimicrobial composition may leave a residual film or barrier to inhibit the recontamination of a surface that has been cleaned.

Abstract: A medical valve assembly includes a tube extending between a first and second tube end along an axis, and a plunger plate extends radially from the second tube end. A valve housing surrounds the tube and includes a radially inwardly extending flange. A compression member is biased against the plunger plate and compresses an elastomeric seal from a non-compressed condition to a compressed condition to establish a sealed condition of the medical valve assembly. An inner surface of the elastomeric seal in the non-compressed condition has a plurality of planar portions and a plurality of radiused portions, with adjacent planar portions interconnected with one of the radiused portions to improve a closure of the elastomeric seal during compression. The inner surface preferably includes three planar portions and three radiused portions to define a generally triangular-shaped inner surface as viewed in cross section in the non-compressed condition.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes a reservoir for containing a fluidic medium, the reservoir including a front surface, a resilient cylindrical flexure portion connected to the front surface, the resilient cylindrical flexure portion comprising an accordion-like structure that is able to expand and contract to change an interior volume within the resilient cylindrical flexure portion, a central passageway within the resilient cylindrical flexure, and a collection chamber connected to the central passageway. Also, a system including a reservoir, a plunger head located within the reservoir, a plunger arm connected to the plunger head, a driving shaft connected to the plunger arm, and a motor connected to the driving shaft, the motor controllable to move the drive shaft in a first motion and a second motion so as to move the advance plunger head and retract the plunger head within the reservoir.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve for use in a medical device. The hemostasis valve may include a generally cylindrical body having a proximal side, a distal side, and a thickness extending therebetween. The proximal side may include a tapered central region having a surface sloped towards a center of the body and the distal side may include a distally extending curved central region.

Abstract: Attachment of tubes of various constructions for use in a microcatheter, including joining to a multifilar helix. Methods of uses and construction with concentric tubes axially displaceable over one another to control navigability and/or positioning properties of a microcatheter.

Abstract: A bubble continuous positive airway pressure device has a container having an inner space, an inner conduit mounted in the inner space for conducting an airflow, an outer conduit mounted around the inner conduit, a rack longitudinally mounted on the outer conduit, a gear disposed in the inner space and meshed with the rack, and a knobt. The inner conduit has an aperture. The outer conduit is longitudinally slidable relative to the inner conduit, and has at least one through hole connected with the aperture. The knob drives the gear to rotate and the gear drives the rack, so as to drive the outer conduit to slide downward or upward in the inner space. The bubble continuous positive airway pressure device prevents dust and bacteria in the ambient environment from polluting the liquid in the container when adjusting gas pressure, so as to ensure the patients' health.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide a method for evaluating dialyzers used in different medical applications (e.g., hemodialysis). Red blood cell volume lost in a dialyzer is monitored by obtaining blood flowrate measurements and hematocrit measurements at input ports and output ports of the dialyzer. The flowrate and hematocrit measurements are used to determine an accumulation of red cell blood volume in the dialyzer. The measurements may be obtained in a lab environment with an in-vitro blood source or may be obtained in a clinical setting with an in-vivo blood source from a patient.

Abstract: An assembly includes a cartridge containing doses of a drug and a piston rod adapted and arranged to expel drug from the cartridge, the piston rod including a thread. The assembly further includes a nut member adapted and arranged to be rotated with respect to the piston rod about a rotational axis. The assembly further comprises a last dose stop mechanism adapted including at least one first interaction member and at least one second interaction member provided by the piston rod and at least one first stop member and at least one second stop member provided by the nut member. The interaction members and the stop members are configured to mechanically cooperate with one another such that further relative movement of the nut member and the piston rod for setting a dose of the drug is prevented.

Abstract: A ported catheter adapter having a combined blood control valve and port valve, wherein the combined valve comprises one or more vents that permit the passage of air and prevent the passage of fluids. The one or more vents are located on the outer surface of the valve so as to avoid being overlapped with the pathway of the side port. As such, fluid communication between the side port and the vents is prevented. Various venting configurations are provided. The invention further includes a valve actuator that is advanced through a slit in the membrane of the valve to provide a pathway for fluid to bypass the valve.

Abstract: Methods control systems for viscosity and density control may include a frequency loop shaping filter for shaping the frequency response in real-time for a multiple inputs multiple outputs (MIMO) system. For example, a method may include drilling a wellbore while circulating a drilling mud through a viscosity and density control system that includes one of: a mechanical separation system, a dilution system, a chemical additive regulation system, and any combination thereof; applying a frequency loop shaping filter to a desired mud viscosity and a desired mud density to produce control signals: a first control signal for the mechanical separation system, a second control signal for the dilution system, a third control signal for the chemical additive regulation system, and any combination thereof; and applying the control signals to the corresponding systems to alter the drilling mud to have a controlled viscosity value and a controlled density value.

Abstract: An implantable valve assembly including a drainage catheter having a central lumen transitioning into a plurality of distinct branch lumen made of a shape memory material. A bioabsorbable dip coating secures the distal end of the plural distinct branch lumen together in physical contact with one another. Each branch lumen has an outer perimeter comprising at least one of a first outer surface section and a second outer surface section. In a secured state with the plural distinct branch lumen held together by the dip coating fluid is prohibited from passing through the holes defined in the first outer surface section. Bioabsorbable blocking members disposed about the outer perimeter of the assembled branch lumen mask holes defined in the second outer surface section prohibiting fluid from entering therein. In a time staggered fashion, the bioabsorbable elements absorb exposing new holes through which the fluid drains.

Abstract: A medication delivery apparatus for use with a medication container includes a housing, a fluid conduit at least partially extending within the housing and configured to deliver medication within the medication container to a patient, a medication port extending from the housing and configured to be coupled to a fluid outlet of the medication container, the medication port being fluidically coupled to the fluid conduit, and at least one sensor disposed within the housing to generate information characterizing administration of the medication for processing by a remote data collection system. The housing can have a size and shape that enables it to be supported by a first hand of a user while the user administers the medication from the medication container via the medication port using a second hand of the user. Related apparatus, systems, and techniques are also described.

Abstract: An extravascular system is provided which includes a catheter adapter having a blood control septum configured to control flow of a fluid through the catheter adapter, the catheter adapter further having a catheter configured for intravenous insertion. The extravascular system further includes a septum activator slidably inserted within the catheter adapter and configured for advancement through the blood control septum to provide a fluid pathway through the blood control septum. Further still, the extravascular system includes an external safety mechanism comprising a needle hub and a needle shield interconnected via a tether, wherein the needle shield includes a safety clip that is configured to retain a sharpened end of the introducer needle within the needle shield. Some implementations further comprise an access port forming a portion of the catheter adapter and providing selective access to the lumen of the catheter adapter.

Abstract: The control device is used to control delivery of fluids from a multi-fluid delivery system during a medical injection procedure. The fluid delivery system includes an injector used to deliver injection fluids to a patient. The control device is operatively associated with the injector for controlling discrete flow rates of injection fluids delivered to the patient. The control device includes first and second actuators associated with the manual control device, and an electronic substrate disposed within the manual control device and having a conductive pattern. The first actuator is operatively associated with the conductive pattern. The conductive pattern includes a plurality of predetermined digital values corresponding to discrete flow rates of injection fluids to be delivered by the injector.

Abstract: A dose setting mechanism for a drug delivery device includes a primary drug delivery assembly and a secondary drug delivery assembly. The dose setting mechanism includes a primary dose dial component for setting a dose in the primary drug delivery assembly and a secondary dose dial component for setting a dose in the secondary drug delivery assembly. The primary dose dial component and the secondary dose dial component are configured to rotate during dose setting. A gear mechanism is configured such that in a first phase of the dose setting, rotation of the primary dose dial component is transferred to the secondary dose dial component and such that in a second phase of the dose setting, the secondary dose dial component is decoupled from the primary dose dial component such that rotation of the primary dose dial component is prevented from being transferred to the secondary dose dial component.

Abstract: The invention provides a modular tubing system with a set of tubing segments that can be configured to provide a desired flow rate. In the modular systems described herein, multiple tubes with pre-set flow rates are attached either in-series or in parallel to allow the user to vary the flow rate of the therapy. The modular systems described herein may be used in connection with a constant pressure pump for subcutaneous administration of therapeutic agents.

Abstract: A catheter that prevents excessive concentration of stress while providing sufficient flexibility to a distal end portion of the catheter, even when the catheter is inserted and curved in patient's a blood vessel. Thus, breakage of the catheter at a radiopaque marker is prevented/reduced. The catheter includes a catheter tube and the radiopaque marker, which is disposed in the catheter tube. The radiopaque marker is fixed in the catheter so that a gap is provided between the radiopaque marker and the catheter tube in a radial direction of the catheter tube.

Abstract: A medical device may include an insertion portion longitudinally extending between a proximal end and a distal end. The insertion portion may define a channel extending therethrough. The medical device may further include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the insertion portion. The handle may further include an irrigation port in fluid communication with the channel and coupled to a source of irrigation fluid. Additionally, the handle may include an actuator and a pressurizer. Manipulation of the actuator may be configured to actuate the pressurizer to urge irrigation fluid distally through the channel.

Abstract: Described is a medicament delivery device (100, 200) comprising a case (105, 205) adapted to hold a container with a medicament and a needle (300), a needle sleeve (120, 220) telescopically coupled to the case (105, 205) and having an extended position relative to the case (105, 205) in which the needle (300) is covered and a retracted position relative to the case (105, 205) in which the needle (300) is exposed, and a delivery initiation indicator providing a visual feedback of an initiation of a delivery of the medicament when the needle sleeve (120, 220) is in the retracted position.

Abstract: A collapsible valve comprising a first portion with at least one dimple in a side thereof, and a second portion, the second portion being narrower than the first portion and arranged along an axial dimension of the first portion, the second portion including a cut therein.

Abstract: A collapsible valve comprising a first portion with at least one dimple in a side thereof, and a second portion, the second portion being narrower than the first portion and arranged along an axial dimension of the first portion, the second portion including a cut therein.

Abstract: Described is a priming device to prime a gas from a fluid delivery system by receiving the gas and a fluid used to push the gas into a chamber, the priming device including a cover body having a lid, and a housing having a chamber, an inlet port and an opening to release gas received into the chamber. The device has a priming-ready configuration where the medical connector and the housing are coupled with the cover body, and the fluid path of the medical connector and the passage of the housing remain sealed, a priming configuration where the medical connector is advanced in the cover body to fluidly couple with the housing, and a post-priming configuration where the housing is decoupled from the cover body and the lid closed to prevent contamination of the medical connector.

Abstract: A syringe is applied to connect with a vial and a needle, and the syringe includes an outer protecting housing, a connecting ring, a vial housing, an inner tube, a bidirectional guiding tube device, a screwing sleeve, a ratchet, a spiral rotating rod and an injection rod unit. The connecting ring is mounted on a front end of the outer protecting housing, and the vial housing is connected with the connecting ring for assembling a vial. The inner tube, the bidirectional guiding tube device, the screwing sleeve, the ratchet, the spiral rotating rod and the injection rod unit are mounted in the outer protecting housing. The injection rod unit is rapidly pulled backward and then is pressed to move forward for injecting.

Abstract: A vehicle wash control system for controlling the amount of wash product applied to a vehicle based on environmental or other conditions, sensed locally or controlled/sensed remotely. The vehicle wash control system generally includes one or more electronic control valves that may be controlled by a control unit that receives inputs from a sensor or remotely which adjusts the flow of wash products responsive to the inputs.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for loading a drug delivery device. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning one or more solid drug units upstream of the drug delivery device; and driving the drug units into the drug delivery device with a flow of pressurized gas. The systems and methods may be used to load a drug delivery device that includes a device body, a number of solid, compressed drug tablets, and a retention frame. The device body includes a drug reservoir lumen and a retention frame lumen. The number of solid, compressed drug tablets is positioned in the drug reservoir lumen, and the retention frame is positioned in the retention frame lumen.

Abstract: An intravenous delivery system may have a liquid source containing a liquid, tubing, and an anti-run-dry membrane positioned such that the liquid, flowing form the liquid source to the tubing, passes through the anti-run-dry membrane. The anti-run-dry membrane may be positioned within an exterior wall of a drip unit, and may have a weld surface secured to a seat of the exterior wall via application of compression to press the weld surface against the seat, and application of coherent light or vibration. In response to application of the coherent light or vibration, localized melting may occur, causing the weld surface to adhere to the seat. The anti-run-dry membrane may be modified to have a melting point close to that of the seat. Ultrasonic or laser welding may be applied in a manner that causes portions of the seat to melt and flow into pores of the weld surface.

Abstract: The overtube includes a slider within an overtube body, which guides an endoscope and a treatment tool. An endoscope-coupled part and a treatment tool-coupled part are provided inside the slider, and the slider has a dead zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool does not interlock with the movement of the other and a sensing zone where the forward and backward movement of either the endoscope or the treatment tool interlocks with the movement of the other. The overtube body includes a distal-end-side stopper and a base-end-side stopper that restrict the movable range of the slider. A length L from a coupling position of the endoscope to a distal end position of the overtube body and a length Ls from the coupling position of the endoscope to a distal end position of the endoscope are set to satisfy Ls?L.

Abstract: A system is disclosed. The system includes a reservoir for containing a fluidic medium, the reservoir including a front surface, a resilient cylindrical flexure portion connected to the front surface, the resilient cylindrical flexure portion comprising an accordion-like structure that is able to expand and contract to change an interior volume within the resilient cylindrical flexure portion, a central passageway within the resilient cylindrical flexure, and a collection chamber connected to the central passageway. Also, a system including a reservoir, a plunger head located within the reservoir, a plunger arm connected to the plunger head, a driving shaft connected to the plunger arm, and a motor connected to the driving shaft, the motor controllable to move the drive shaft in a first motion and a second motion so as to move the advance plunger head and retract the plunger head within the reservoir.

Abstract: Some embodiments relate to a luer connector comprising a housing having a hollow bore therethrough, a first end, and a second end, a male luer tip supported by the housing configured to rotate with respect to the housing, the luer tip having a first open end and a passageway through the luer tip in fluid communication with the first open end, and a substantially rigid internal member extending into the passageway of the luer tip toward the first open end of the luer tip. In some embodiments, at least one of the luer tip and the internal member can be axially moveable between a first closed position and a second open position relative to the other of the luer tip and the internal member. Further, the luer tip and the internal member can cooperate such that rotation of the luer tip in a first direction relative to the housing increases an axial displacement between the first open end of the luer tip and an end portion of the internal member.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a bolus of a medical agent to a patient. The apparatus comprises a pump mechanism, a data input device, and a processor in data communication with the keypad and arranged to control the pump mechanism. The processor is programmed to receive data specifying a bolus amount through the data port, receive data regarding duration through the data port, receive a percentage through the data port, the percentage defining a portion of the bolus amount to deliver immediately upon executing a deliver command and a remainder of the bolus amount to deliver over the duration upon executing a deliver command, and execute the deliver command thereby controlling the pump mechanism to deliver the bolus. Also a method of temporarily adjusting the delivery rate of an infusion pump. The infusion pump is programmed to deliver a basal rate.

Abstract: A contact lens fluid delivery device having a liquid reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator is described. Other eye hydration and variable dioptric power contact lenses are described herein. Also described are implantable liquid delivery apparatuses having a liquid storage reservoir connected to a channel with a flow regulator. These devices and apparatuses are useful for specific, targeted delivery of therapeutic liquids within a subject. In some embodiments, the devices incorporate actuation chambers which provide a driving force releasing the fluid into the targeted area e.g., the eye. The actuation chambers described herein can contain phase change materials or osmotic chambers or a combination thereof to drive the release of fluid.

Abstract: Methods control systems for viscosity and density control may include a frequency loop shaping filter for shaping the frequency response in real-time for a multiple inputs multiple outputs (MIMO) system. For example, a method may include drilling a wellbore while circulating a drilling mud through a viscosity and density control system that includes one of: a mechanical separation system, a dilution system, a chemical additive regulation system, and any combination thereof; applying a frequency loop shaping filter to a desired mud viscosity and a desired mud density to produce control signals: a first control signal for the mechanical separation system, a second control signal for the dilution system, a third control signal for the chemical additive regulation system, and any combination thereof; and applying the control signals to the corresponding systems to alter the drilling mud to have a controlled viscosity value and a controlled density value.

Abstract: A closure capsule comprising a base for fitting on an opening of a container, having an upper surface provided with a dispensing orifice; a cover comprising a device for closing off said dispensing orifice, said cover being able to move with respect to the base between a closed position and an open position in which said closing-off device frees said dispensing orifice, said closing-off device comprising a rolling element arranged so as to rotate in the cover and designed to close off the dispensing orifice when the cover is in the closed position and to roll on the upper surface of the base when said cover is moved between its open and closed positions.

Abstract: Fluid flow control devices for medical use are disclosed. On one end, a fluid flow control device is configured to be attached to a manifold that is in-line with an infusion setup and the other end of the fluid flow control device is configured to be attached to a sampling or infusion device, such as a syringe. In one aspect, a fluid flow control device has an external casing and an internal casing which is configured to be movably housed within the external casing. The internal casing mates with a fluid outlet on the external casing and upon separating the internal and external casings a fluid flow path is established.

Abstract: An infusion pump system. The system includes a reusable housing assembly, a disposable housing assembly, a tab portion comprising a female latching feature, and an exit, the exit connected to a reservoir; and a fluid connector including a body portion including a slot, a plug portion slidably connected to the body portion, the plug portion including a fluid path and a disc, the disc configured to seat within the slot, a catch feature located on a first end of the body portion and configured to interact with the disposable housing assembly, a male latching feature located on a second end of the body portion, the male latching feature configured to interact and lock onto the female latching feature, wherein force applied to the plug portion may overcome a threshold force and unseat the disc from the slot wherein the plug portion moves with respect to the body portion.

Abstract: A medical device includes a mechanism configured to perform a first medical operation, a scanner and a processing circuit. The scanner is configured to scan data displayed on a computer screen by a second medical device separate from the medical device. The processing circuit is configured to receive the scanned data from the scanner. The scanned data comprises an indication that a second medical operation was performed by the second medical device. The processing circuit is configured to proceed with the first medical operation based on the indication that the second medical operation was performed by the second medical device.

Abstract: A connector includes a housing defining a male connector insertion section into which a male connector is inserted from the outside and an elastic valve body having a slit and blocking the male connector insertion section. The elastic valve body includes a top face having the slit and a bottom face located opposite to the top face. The housing includes a holding section having contact with the top face and the bottom face of the elastic valve body to hold the elastic valve body. The holding section surrounds the slit when the valve body is viewed from the top face. The diameter of a bottom face side holding section having contact with the bottom face is smaller than the diameter of a top face side holding section having contact with the top face.

Abstract: There is provided an IV flow regulator including a first part integrated with a flow control slit, the flow control slit being along a fluid path; a second part integrated with a central stem, the central stem including a spiral surface configured to contact the flow control slit, an area of contact defined by the spiral surface and the flow control slit being shaped substantially like an orifice to enable flow along the fluid path; and a dead space chamfer included in the second part at a portion of the fluid path subsequent to the area of contact.

Abstract: An imaging visualization workstation (30) includes a graphical display device (32) and an electronic data processor, and is configured to perform a method including: spatially registering a biopsy sample extracted from a medical subject with a medical image (12) of the medical subject; combining the medical image with a graphical representation of information (20, 22) generated from the biopsy sample to generate a combined image in which the graphical representation is spatially delineated based on the spatial registration of the biopsy sample; and displaying the combined image on the graphical display device of the imaging visualization workstation. A method comprises extracting a biopsy sample spatial sample from a medical subject, processing the biopsy sample to generate biopsy information, acquiring a medical image of the subject, spatially registering the biopsy sample with the medical image, and displaying the medical image modified to include an annotation generated from the biopsy information.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical system includes an imaging device configured to acquire a first image of a fundus of an eye and a hemorrhage detecting unit. The hemorrhage detecting unit includes a processor configured to receive the first fundus image from the imaging device, analyze the first fundus image to detect a hemorrhage in the eye, and in response to detecting the hemorrhage, send a signal to an intraocular pressure controller. The ophthalmic surgical system further includes the intraocular pressure controller, which includes a processor configured to receive the signal from the hemorrhage detecting unit, in response to the received signal, determine if a current intraoperative pressure of the eye is below a predetermined threshold, and in response to determining the current intraoperative pressure of the eye is below the predetermined threshold, generate a signal to increase the intraoperative pressure of the eye.

Abstract: A feeding tube aperture supported and aligned with a feeding tube opening in an abdominal wall of a patient, including a base having a first end surface transverse to an axis of the base and a feeding tube, a second opposed end surface, a central feeding tube passage extending between the first and second end surfaces, a plurality of vent passages around the feeding tube passage and extending between the first and second end surfaces, a hollow, cylindrical feeding tube support extension centered on and extending outwardly from the feeding tube passage to support and align the feeding tube aperture, and a plurality of spaced apart resilient spacers extending outwards from the second end surface. The plurality of spaced apart resilient spacers resiliently space the second end surface from the abdominal wall and form a plurality of air passages to allow a flow of air around the abdominal wall and the feeding tube opening.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a medical fluid are disclosed. The system includes a fluid flow path, a fluid administration device adapted to deliver the medical fluid through the fluid flow path, and a controller in communication with the fluid administration device. The method includes using the system to determine a desired flow rate of the medical fluid at a distal end of the fluid flow path based upon at least a desired flow profile of the medical fluid at the distal end. The method further includes initiating a fluid delivery operation by delivering the medical fluid through the fluid flow path according to fluid delivery parameters provided to the fluid administration device by the controller. Information about the fluid delivery operation may be received at the controller which executes a control function to adjust the fluid delivery parameters based on the received information.

Abstract: A ported catheter adapter having a combined blood control valve and port valve, wherein the combined valve comprises one or more vents that permit the passage of air and prevent the passage of fluids. The one or more vents are located on the outer surface of the valve so as to avoid being overlapped with the pathway of the side port. As such, fluid communication between the side port and the vents is prevented. Various venting configurations are provided. The invention further includes a valve actuator that is advanced through a slit in the membrane of the valve to provide a pathway for fluid to bypass the valve.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents systems, devices and methods for administration of a therapeutic fluid to the body of a patient at a transient basal delivery profile, and enabling modification of the transient profile. Some embodiments include a user interface enabling input of one or more transient basal related parameters, and a processor having a basal programming application operating thereon. The basal programming application configured for determining a transient basal profile based on at least one or more transient basal related parameters. The transient basal profile comprises a plurality of phases and wherein each of the plurality of phases is characterized by a duration and at least one basal rate. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of phases includes either a basal overshot or a basal undershot. Some embodiments may also include a pump for dispensing the therapeutic fluid from a reservoir to the body of the patient.

Abstract: Embodiment methods of treating a human or animal patient using a remotely controlled robotic catheter device inserting a handle of a catheter into a handle controller, inserting the catheter tubular portion into a resealable delivery channel forming a sterile barrier to a sled base, engaging a tip of the catheter with a sterile introducer disposed at an end of the sled base and engaged with the patient's body, positioning the catheter into the patient's body by remotely sending commands to the tele-robotic device to cause the sled member to advance toward the patient's body, and performing a diagnostic or therapeutic procedure on the patient using the catheter. Diagnostic or therapeutic procedures may include a mapping procedure, an ablation procedure, an angioplasty procedure, a drug delivery procedure; an electrophysiology procedure, a radiological procedure, and a medical device implantation or positioning procedure.

Abstract: A medical device used in patients with inefficient heart function to improve the efficiency of the pumping action of the heart. This device adds one or more one-way valves in the blood vessels and/or arteries, very near, but not in, the heart, thereby increasing the efficiency of the native heart. The device includes one or more one-way heart valves designed to go in arteries/veins that are connected to the heart, and which arteries and/or veins are the conduits for taking blood into/out of the heart. The one-way heart valve allows blood flow in only one direction. An optional sleeve (stent) may be placed outside the arteries/veins where the valve(s) are located to add support to the walls. An optional sleeve (stent) may also be used on the inside of the artery to insure the artery does not collapse during a vacuum phase of the beating.

Abstract: In a sheath device for inserting a catheter into a patient's body, comprising a first sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein when used as intended the distal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement in the patient's body and the proximal end of the first sheath is provided for arrangement outside the patient's body, and wherein the first sheath comprises a tubular section and a sheath housing, which is disposed at the proximal end of the section and comprises a receiving channel for a catheter, according to the invention the tubular section is detachably held in a clamping element of the sheath housing in a non-positive manner so as to be able to easily shorten the tubular section.

Abstract: A recirculation device of an extracorporeal blood treatment device is disclosed with a preferably universal medical fluid container to which an arterial line section of a fluid conducting system of the extracorporeal blood treatment device can be connected as an option. Furthermore, the recirculation device has a 3-way switch, preferably a 3-way valve, which is arranged directly downstream of the universal medical fluid container. A conduit of the 3-way switch is preferably coupled with a spike or a similar connecting device or is formed in one piece together with it.

Abstract: A feeding tube aperture supported and aligned with a feeding tube opening in an abdominal wall of a patient, including a base having a first end surface transverse to an axis of the base and a feeding tube, a second opposed end surface, a central feeding tube passage extending between the first and second end surfaces, a plurality of vent passages around the feeding tube passage and extending between the first and second end surfaces, a hollow, cylindrical feeding tube support extension centered on and extending outwardly from the feeding tube passage to support and align the feeding tube aperture, and a plurality of spaced apart resilient spacers extending outwards from the second end surface. The plurality of spaced apart resilient spacers resiliently space the second end surface from the abdominal wall and form a plurality of air passages to allow a flow of air around the abdominal wall and the feeding tube opening.