Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a vascular access device having a septum positioned within a lumen of the device, the device further having a pusher for providing a fluid pathway through the septum. In particular, the present invention relates to systems and methods for improving flow of a fluid through the access device, while minimizing stagnation of fluids within the device. These systems and methods include various modified fluid pathways and interactions between the vascular access device body, the septum and the pusher.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end, a dose button configured to be moved with respect to the housing for setting and delivering a dose of a drug, and a resilient setting member. For a dose delivery movement, the dose button is arranged to be moveable in the distal direction with respect to the housing from a dose delivery position, thereby deforming the resilient setting member to store energy in the resilient setting member. The assembly is configured to use the energy stored in the resilient setting member for a dose setting movement to move the dose button in the proximal direction with respect to the housing into the dose delivery position. Furthermore, a drug delivery device is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus and corresponding method for providing convection enhanced delivery of bioactive agent to a tissue site. The apparatus involves the use of semipermeable membranes, typically in the form of one or more hollow fibers, together with a source and conduit of solution containing the bioactive agent to be delivered. The use of hollow fiber technology provides an optimal combination of features, including delivery kinetics and distribution, as compared to conventional (e.g., standard needle) type delivery devices.

Abstract: A collapsible valve for use in a needleless access connector to reduce the priming volume of the needleless access connector. A needleless access connector With a small priming volume. A method of connecting a first medical device to a second medical device with a needleless access connector with a small priming volume.

Abstract: The present invention advantageously provides devices, systems, and methods for percutaneous access and closure of vascular puncture sites. In an embodiment, the device for enhancing the hemostasis of a puncture site in a body lumen or tract comprises a catheter having one tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end with one inner lumen extending between at least a longitudinal portion of the catheter tubular member. The one tubular member includes external and internal tubular bodies each having proximal and distal ends. At least one of the external and the internal tubular bodies is longitudinally movable with respect to the other. An expansible member with proximal and distal ends is disposed on the distal end of the one tubular member. The distal end of the expansible member is connected to the distal end of internal tubular body and with its proximal end connected to the distal end of external tubular body.

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: Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.

Abstract: A valve for a needleless valve system. The valve includes a body configured to be disposed in the needleless valve system and controlling fluid flow through the needleless valve system and wherein the body is tail-less. The body includes a continuous top surface, and a compression feature configured to control how the body is compressed to allow fluid flow through the needleless valve system.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for visualizing the opening of a drug reservoir of an implantable medical device. The disclosure provides methods for observing the release or exposure of contents from a drug reservoir of a medical device placed within the vitreous of an eye of a subject. The methods include implanting a drug delivery device within an anatomy of a subject. The device includes a plurality of reservoirs, each loaded with a therapeutic agent and a marker, and a plurality of barrier layers for separating the contents of the reservoirs from the anatomy. The method further includes irradiating at least one of the barrier layers such that at least one of the reservoirs is breached, thereby triggering release of the therapeutic agent and the marker from the device. By visually detecting release of the marker into the anatomy, release of the therapeutic agent into the anatomy is verified.

Abstract: Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.

Abstract: An assembly for a drug delivery device is provided comprising a housing having a distal end and a proximal end, a dose button configured to be moved with respect to the housing for setting and delivering a dose of a drug from the device, and a blocking member. The blocking member is adapted and arranged to be releasably coupled to the housing such that, when the blocking member is coupled to the housing, movement of the dose button with respect to the housing is prevented. Furthermore, a drug delivery device is provided.

Abstract: A more accurate method of determining an Insulin to Carbohydrate Ratio for an individual diabetic is provided. The individual, who has been using or has been given a prior suggested dosage of rapid-acting insulin to be taken prior to meals, first plans a benchmark meal (“the Meal”) and precisely counts the number of grams of carbohydrates which will be consumed in the meal. The individual blood glucose level is measured before the meal, then the previous dosage of rapid-acting insulin is injected. After the meal another reading is taken of the individual's blood sugar level. The number of units X of carbohydrates for each unit of rapid-acting insulin to be taken before future meal is then calculated by a unique formula.

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 vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A fluid control device for directing fluid flow comprising a needleless access device for transferring fluids and methods of directing fluid flow. The fluid control device may have a first port, a second port, a third port and a connecting portion joining the first, second and third ports. A first valve element may be positioned within the first port and a fluid director may be positioned within the connecting portion. The first valve element may move between an opening position, where fluid may flow past the first valve element, and a closed position, where fluid may be prevented from flowing past the first valve element. The fluid director may have at least one passageway for connecting at least two of the first, second and third ports such that fluid may flow therebetween. An actuation mechanism may be used to orient the fluid director and, consequently, the at least one passageway within the connecting portion.

Abstract: A switchable device for closed suction catheters includes a device body and a two-way switch valve. The device body is formed with a valve sleeve, a patient tubing adaptor, a side port, and a catheter adaptor. The valve sleeve is formed with a cavity therein to allow the two-way switch valve to correspondingly rotate with respect to the device body. The catheter adaptor and the patient tubing adaptor are formed on opposing ends of the valve sleeve, thereby able to establish an unobstructed path therebetween. The side port is slantingly formed and extended from the patient tubing adaptor for smooth passage of flow therebetween. A groove is formed on one end of the patient tubing adaptor as a 360-degree freely rotatable coupling element thereof.

Abstract: A more accurate method of determining a Carbohydrate to Insulin Ratio for an individual diabetic is provided. The individual, who has been using or has been given a prior suggested dosage of rapid-acting insulin to be taken prior to meals, first plans a benchmark meal (“the Meal”) and precisely counts the number of grams of carbohydrates which will be consumed in the meal. The individual blood glucose level is measured before the meal, then the previous dosage of rapid-acting insulin is injected. After the meal another reading is taken of the individual's blood sugar level. The number of units X of carbohydrates for each unit of rapid-acting insulin to be taken before future meal is then calculated by a unique formula.

Abstract: The application relates to a device for feeding medical fluids, in particular for applying a pharmaceutical into the hose line of a transfer unit for enteral or parenteral nutrition. The device comprises a base body (1) having an inlet (1A) and an outlet (1B) and a rotatable closure body (2) which has an inlet (2A). The device is characterized in that the base body (1) comprises a hollow cylindrical attachment piece (4) ending in the passage (1E) of the base body between the inlet and outlet (1B, 1B), and the closure body comprises a cylindrical shut-off body (11) that is arranged in the closure body (2) such that the shut-off body (11) sits in the attachment piece (4) of the base body (1) in a sealing manner in a first position of the closure body (2), so that a fluid connection between the inlet (2A) of the closure body (2) and the passage (1E) of the base body (1) is interrupted, and does not sit in the attachment piece in a second position of the closure body, so that the fluid connection is established.

Abstract: The assembly is generally tubular and comprises a female connector portion comprising a cannula adapted to receive a male connector, the female connector portion comprising one or more septum units. Each of the septum units comprises slits and flaps. The flaps, when in a closed position, substantially close the cannula. The septum units are positioned adjacent to one another in a “back to back” orientation such that the first septum slits are transverse to the corresponding second septum slits such that the slits of the first septum are supported by flaps of the second septum and slits of the second septum are supported by flaps of the first septum.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a hemostatic valve system that allows substantially leak-free passage of one or more medical interventional devices, such as a catheter, for insertion into a body vessel. The medical device comprises a hemostatic valve system and an elongate tubular member. The hemostatic valve system comprises a body, one or more pouches, and one or more disks.

Abstract: This disclosure relates to blood flow reversal valves and related systems and methods. In certain aspects of the invention, a blood flow reversal valve includes a first member having a first passage and a second passage, and a second member having a first passage and a second passage. The first and second members are rotatably fixed relative to one another such that the first passage of the first member is aligned with the first passage of the second member and the second passage of the first member is aligned with the second passage of the second member. A flow directing element is disposed in the cavity and is moveable relative to the first and second members between a first position in which the first passage of the first member and the first passage of the second member are fluidly connected and a second position in which the first passage of the first member and the second passage of the second member are fluidly connected.

Abstract: Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to a medical connector having a selectively closable male end portion. Embodiments are configured to open upon connection with a female connector or female tipped medical implement. Some embodiments include an internal cavity configured to change size as the connector moves from the open to closed or closed to open positions. In some embodiments, the connector is configured to draw fluid from the male end toward the other end of the connector as the connector closes.

Abstract: A system for controlling fluid flow in a catheter assembly is disclosed herein. An intravenous catheter assembly has a catheter adapter and a needle hub, and the catheter adapter has an inner lumen. A septum is disposed within a portion of the inner lumen, and a slit is formed through the septum. A Parylene coating is disposed within the slit of the septum, the Parylene coating has a thickness of between approximately 0.00005 to 0.0005 millimeters. An introducer needle has a first end coupled to the needle hub and the second end extending through the inner lumen of the catheter adapter. A middle portion of the introducer needle is positioned within a portion of the septum.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent produced via a genetically-altered chondrocyte are provided. More specifically, the device includes a housing which defines a cell chamber configured to retain a large volume of chondrocytes while selectively releasing therapeutic agents produced via these entrapped cells. In an exemplary embodiment, the cell chamber can be configured such that a portion of cells can be positioned at least about 1.5 mm from an external wall of the device (i.e., about 1.5 mm away from an external nutrient supply). For example, the cell chamber can have a tubular configuration having a length and a diameter wherein each of these dimensions is at least about 3 mm (thereby the central core to the chamber is at least about 1.5 mm from the outer wall of the device).

Abstract: A nasal applicator for nasally administering medicinal active pharmaceutical substances and/or ingredients, in particular painkillers or analgetics, includes a dosage device for dosedly discharging the active pharmaceutical substance, dosage determining logic for determining the discharged amount of active pharmaceutical substance as well as a locking device for locking the dosage device, in particular when the determined amount of discharged active pharmaceutical substance reaches a predetermined level. The locking device for locking the discharge dosage device is controlled by an electronic control device with a patient data memory into which an individual patient's control data may be inputted via an input device for individually locking the dosage device for a specific patient.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from collapsible containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a novel stored energy source that is provided in the form of a compressible-expandable member that functions to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the device reservoir to the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a releasable blocking system (1) of a catheter (4), comprising a base (2) adapted to receive a catheter (4), and a shell (3), mounted in rotation on the base (2) between an open position, in which the shell (3) is away from the base (2), and a closed position, in which the shell (3)is hooked on the base (2) and blocks the catheter (4) in position, in which: the system comprises an actuator (25) provided with a guide aperture (251), mobile in a housing (20) between a rest position and a blocking position, the actuator (25) comprising a first drive element (255), the shell (3)comprises a second drive element (33), adapted to cooperate with the first drive element (255) when the shell (3) is shifted from its open position to its closed position, and shift the actuator (25) to its blocking position.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for controlling, regulating, altering, transforming or otherwise modulating the delivery of a substance to a delivery site. The devices, systems and methods optimize the delivery of the substance to an intended site, such as a vessel, vascular bed, organ and/or other corporeal structures, while reducing inadvertent introduction or reflux substance to other vessels, vascular beds, organs, and/or other structures, including systemic introduction.

Abstract: A rectal medication administration device includes a tube, a balloon, a first valved port, and a second valved port. The tube includes a first lumen, a second lumen, and a plurality of holes extending from the first lumen therethrough. The balloon is proximal to the holes, is in communication with the second lumen, and is configured to be inflated to hold the tube in place within a patient's rectum. The first valved port is in communication with the first lumen and opens when connected to a first syringe or infusion set to provide medication transmission therethrough and closes when the first syringe or infusion set is withdrawn. The second valved port is in communication with the second lumen and opens when connected with a second syringe or infusion set to provide fluid to inflate the balloon and closes when the second syringe or infusion set is withdrawn.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices for urine voiding postponement, and methods for treating conditions such as central diabetes insipidus, enuresis, nocturia, urinary frequency or incontinence. The devices deliver a desmopressin flux through the skin of a patient in a low dose amount just necessary to achieve a desired anti-diuretic effect without undesirable side effects such as hyponatremia. The devices are designed to permit a state of normal urinary production to return quickly after the desmopressin flux is terminated.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.

Abstract: A container of an injectable solution is disclosed herein including various sensors, electrodes, a memory device, and other features that monitor the process of extraction or injection of the content of the container to ensure it is completed successfully in an automated manner, such as in an automatic injecting device.

Abstract: The invention faces the technical problem of reducing the uncertainty over exact doses ejected from a medical device and at the same time providing a homogeneous, but controlled mixture of at least two fluids while a simple production should be maintained. A medical device comprising a first valve, a second valve, a first pre-valve ullage, a second pre-valve ullage, a post-valve ullage with a first end and a second end and a needle is presented. The first pre-valve ullage is connected to the post-valve ullage by the first valve and the second pre-valve ullage is connected to the post-valve ullage by the second valve. A first fluid is guidable from the first pre-valve ullage to the post-valve ullage and a second fluid is guidable from the second pre-valve ullage to the post-valve ullage.

Abstract: In a valve-equipped hand switch and a chemical liquid introduction system, a contrast medium in a syringe is delivered to a patient line through a first port, a main passage around a spacer portion, and a second port. Furthermore, a pressure (about 300 psi) of the contrast medium delivered by a chemical liquid introduction device is transmitted as a reaction force through a third plunger from a handle portion of an operation piston held by an operator. As such, the operator can directly feel the pressure of the introduced contrast medium, which gives a sense of ease to the operator during operation.

Abstract: A system for moving particles suspended in a first fluid, and for infusing them into the stream of a second fluid, includes a catheter with a multi-lumen distal tip. The tip is formed with a plurality of parallel lumens, wherein each lumen has a predetermined diameter. Importantly, the diameter of each lumen is dimensioned to sequentially receive particles therethrough, to prevent the particles from flocculating before they enter the stream of the second fluid. A valve, affixed to the outside of the catheter, can be provided to regulate flow of the second fluid and thereby facilitate entry of the particles into the stream of the second fluid.

Abstract: A medical device has an interior for containment of fluids; an opening into the interior, an elastomeric wall comprising a fixedly placed, flexible barrier across the opening; and a retention wall positioned adjacent to a peripheral portion of the elastomeric wall. The retention wall defines a central opening and has a generally rigid retention zone surrounding the central opening, to engage and retain a connector tube which is advanced into the central opening to open a flow aperture through the elastomeric wall, for flow through the wall and connector tube. One of the retention zone and connector tube may be made of a material of sufficient hardness that material of the other engaging member is deformed by engagement therewith, which increases the strength of retention between the retention wall and the connector tube.

Abstract: An injection needle assembly includes a needle having a needle point to puncture skin, a needle hub including a first member which holds the needle, and a second member in which a discharge part of a syringe is to be fitted, and an elastic member disposed inside the second member to make liquid-tight close contact with the inner surface of the second member, with the elastic member having an insertion hole in which the needle tube is inserted.

Abstract: An injection device for injecting a dose of drug, e.g. insulin for diabetes treatment, in which energy is stored in a spring member during dose setting. The stored energy is released and used for driving an injection mechanism during injection of a previously set dose. The injection device further comprises means for electronically detecting the amount of a set dose and/or means for electronically detecting the amount of an injected dose. The electronic detecting means allows storage and/or logging of data relating to injections performed using the injection device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for tissue transfer are described where a cannula may be inserted into the breast of a subject at one of several points of entry. Insertion of the cannula into the breast may be accomplished by using a guidance system to distinguish between tissue types. Once desirably positioned, the cannula may be withdrawn from the breast while automatically (or manually) injecting the fat in multiple deposits of adipose tissue or fat such that the deposited fat remains within the tract formed by the withdrawn cannula. Multiple tracts of the deposited fat may be injected within the breast until the breast has been desirably remodeled and/or augmented.

Abstract: A distal perfusion sheath (DPS) is provided for cases where blood perfusion is needed for downstream arteries (distal) to the insertion point of the DPS within the target artery. The ability to provide distal perfusion with the DPS allows the DPS to be positioned in the target artery for long periods without causing lack of blood flow (ischemia) to an extremity that the target artery supplies. In embodiments, the DPS can still be used for surgical arterial access while allowing blood flow downstream.

Abstract: Some injectors of the invention may include a fluid drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid (e.g., liquid, pneumatic, or both) to impart a sequence of forces to drive a delivery device (e.g., a syringe) to deliver a medical fluid (e.g., a contrast agent, a radiopharmaceutical, a drug, or a combination thereof). Some injectors may include a multimedia tube configured to pass a working fluid (e.g., air) and a light signal (e.g., infrared). Some injectors may include a peristaltic drive responsive to pressure of a working fluid.

Abstract: A dialysis valve includes a tube attached between an artery and a vein which, when elongated, simultaneously narrows in diameter at least one location. The narrowed portion of the tube decreases the volume and velocity between the arterial and venous side of the patient to prevent damage or intimal hyperplasia on the venous side between dialysis treatments. When the valve is opened for dialysis, an unrestricted blood flow exists between the arterial and venous side, permitting a controlled, open blood flow during dialysis.

Abstract: A device for performing a medical procedure is provided. The device includes an elongate catheter disposed between a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, with a central portion therebetween. A central portion of the catheter includes parallel first and second lumens therethrough, wherein the first lumen extends through in the distal end portion and the second lumen extends through the distal end portion. A fluid input connection is provided along with a selection valve stem disposed within a valve housing.

Abstract: Systems and methods for infusion of fluids using stored potential energy and a variable flow resistor. In one aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided an infusion device that includes a plunger situated within a vessel so as to define a chamber within which a volume of fluid can be accommodated between a downstream surface of the plunger and the vessel. The infusion device further includes an outflow path through which the fluid in the chamber can be dispensed upon displacement of the plunger by a force acting thereon. A variable flow resistor is situated within the outflow path and is configured to allow a substantially constant fluid flow rate from the vessel to be maintained as the force acting on the plunger decreases.

Abstract: A method for delivering a fluid to an animal with a drug delivery device without causing contamination to the drug delivery device. The drug delivery device used by the method may comprise a fluid subsystem with a switching device, disposable syringes, fluid reservoirs, disposable tubing, and a catheter. In one embodiment, the method allows a user to deliver multiple drugs to an animal without contaminating the valves that control the flow of fluid.

Abstract: An enteral feeding system reduces medical risk for aspirational pneumonia when an angle of a head gatch section is outside a predetermined range of 30-45 degrees. The system comprises a hospital bed having the head gatch section and an intravenous pole connected to an enteral feeding pump. The pump has a fluid sensor which operates properly when the pump is positioned along a vertical axis. The pole is connected to the head gatch section at a 30 degree angle offset from the vertical axis. In operation, when the head gatch section is positioned less than 30 degrees, the pump will stop operating and when the head gatch section is positioned at 30 degrees, the pump will operate since the pump is positioned along the vertical axis to allow the fluid sensor to detect fluid.

Abstract: A medicament injection device in which the time elapsed is calculated from the end of a predetermined period during which medicament is permitted to disperse subsequent to completion of an injection stroke. The medicament injection device is particularly suitable for use by those with diabetes in which 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.

Abstract: A medical device for use in connection with a connector of an indwelling line for cleansing a surface of a septum of the connector is provided. The medical device includes a housing including a proximal portion defining a cavity containing a quantity of microbial reducing agent, a distal portion defining a cavity for selective coupling with the connector of the indwelling line, and a partition separating the proximal and distal cavities, wherein the proximal and distal cavities are in fluid communication with one another; and a deformable member overlying an end of the proximal portion for maintaining the microbial reducing agent within the proximal cavity thereof. The microbial reducing agent being dispensable into the distal cavity, at least when the medical device is connected to the connector of the indwelling line, to awash a surface of the connector of the indwelling line and reduce microbes present thereon.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic reconstitution drug delivery device. The inventive device effects simple and automatic reconstitution of a dry drug. To effect reconstitution, a user displaces a release button which causes first and second chambers of a drug cartridge to communicate, resulting in automatic mixing of a diluent and dry drug to effect reconstitution of the dry drug. The user then simply sets the dose volume using a dose-setting mechanism, and administers the injection in a manner typical of self-injection drug delivery devices. Whole or partial automatic priming can be also achieved by the device.

Abstract: An external infusion device that infuses a fluid into an individual's body includes a housing, a reservoir, a drive system, a power supply, electrical elements, and a tab. The reservoir contains the fluid, and the drive system forces the fluid from the reservoir. The electrical elements control the power to the drive system to regulate the rate that fluid is forced from the reservoir. The tab mates with the housing, and contains at least one electrical element. The tab is removable, and may be replaced with a different tab. The different tab may change the rate fluid is forced from the reservoir. A tab may be removed from one external infusion device and installed in a different external infusion device. The tab may be limited to use in a predetermined number of external infusion devices and may include a power supply.