Abstract: An oral disposable apparatus to deliver a fluid, e.g., pharmacological agent to a patient in a one handed easy to use and sanitary manner. The apparatus includes a container capable of holding the fluid. The container is hermetically sealed with a specified quantity of fluid. A nozzle is coupled to the container. The nozzle is configured to permit comfortable insertion into a patient's mouth. An integral valve is coupled to the container and the nozzle. The valve is configured to be activated via rotation of the nozzle, thereby releasing the fluid.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for myocardial infarct border zone reinforcement. In at least one embodiment of a suction/infusion catheter for facilitating myocardial infarct border zone reinforcement, the catheter includes one or more apertures defined along a portion of the catheter at or near a distal end of the catheter, a first configuration when the suction/infusion catheter is at least partially extended from a delivery catheter, and a second configuration when the at least one suction/infusion catheter is positioned within the delivery catheter, the second configuration different from the first configuration, wherein the suction/infusion catheter, when introduced into a pericardial space surrounding a heart at or near a myocardial infarct border zone, is operable to inject a glue-like substance through a lumen of the suction/infusion catheter and out from the one or more apertures to deliver the glue-like substance into the pericardial space at or near the myocardial infarct border zone.

Abstract: A medical connector is described which is formed by a body having an inlet port, an outlet port through a male luer portion of the body, and a fluid path between the inlet port and the at least one outlet ports. A retractable post extends through the fluid path in the male luer sealing a tip of the male luer thereby closing the fluid path when the connector in not activated. Barbs extending along the exterior of the male luer and connected to the retractable post, wherein when the connector is activated, the barbs force the retractable post away from the tip of the male luer thereby opening the fluid path through the medical connector. A retention member applies force to the post to force the post to seal the tip of the male luer with the medical connector is not activated.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for attachment of an endolumenal gastrointestinal device, such as an artificial stoma device, a gastrointestinal bypass sleeve or other therapeutic or diagnostic device, within a patient's digestive tract. In one application of the invention, an endolumenal bypass sleeve is removably attached in the vicinity of the gastroesophageal junction to treat obesity and/or its comorbidities, such as diabetes. The bypass sleeve may be at least partially deployed by eversion.

Abstract: Illustrative pairs of caps are disclosed, each of the caps being sized and shaped to provide a protective union about a separated medical connector. The pair of caps comprises an assembly that includes a male cap and a female cap. The assembly is sealed until the caps are separated for use, thereby maintaining sterility of the internal surfaces of the caps. One or more absorbent pads may be impregnated with an antiseptic agent and positioned within the pair of caps.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.

Abstract: Caps can be used to cover and sterilize the male luer of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male luer to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen of the male luer. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.

Abstract: A system for selectively preventing free flow in a tube includes an in-line occluder disposed in the tube and an actuator pad for creating a flow path between the tube and the occluder. The actuation pad presses towards the occluder from a single side and stretches the tube to create a large flow path. The occluder stem is strengthened to resist deformation and damage from the forces applied by the actuator pad.

Abstract: One embodiment of the invention provides a method to purge air or liquid from a powered injection system. In this embodiment, the method includes driving a first pumping device in a first operational mode to inject an amount of a first liquid medium through disposable tubing and a disposable valve, driving the first pumping device in a second operational mode to deform the disposable valve, and driving a second pumping device to inject an amount of a second liquid medium through the disposable tubing and the deformed valve. In one embodiment, the first pumping device comprises a first syringe, the second pumping device comprises a second syringe, and the disposable valve comprises an elastomeric valve.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided to conduct fluid away from or deliver fluid to an area of a treatment site of a patient's body. In one aspect of the invention, a catheter includes a terminal end with a fluid exchange portion. The terminal end may further include a diffuser. The terminal end may further include a barrier.

Abstract: An in-line connector for use in an enteral feeding system includes a first component connectable to a first feeding device of the feeding system, and a second component connectable to a second feeding device of the feeding system. A releasable coupling is configured between the first and second components, wherein in a connected state the first and second components define a fluid passage between the different feeding devices. Each of the first and second components includes a one-way automatic shutoff valve configured therein such that in a disconnected state of the components, the shutoff valve in the first component prevents flow out of the first component in a first direction and the shutoff valve in the second component prevents flow out of the second component in a second direction that is opposite from the first direction.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides substrates having a lubricious coating thereon. The substrate may be flexible and include, in embodiments, a medical device. The lubricious coating, in embodiments, is applied in a pattern so that the coating avoids delamination and/or fracturing which might otherwise occur as the substrate flexes and/or stretches.

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

Abstract: This invention relates to medical systems and related components and methods. In some embodiments, the systems include a sleeve configured to be disposed between an adaptor and a catheter assembly including an outer sheath surrounding an inner member.

Abstract: There's provided a flip-top cannula assembly including a cannula having a cannula seal for receiving a range of surgical instruments having a first predetermined diameter and a reducer cap movably mounted on the cannula. The reducer cap includes a reducer seal having an opening which is substantially smaller than that of a cannula seal associated with the cannula for receiving a range of surgical instruments having a diameter smaller than that of the first predetermined diameter. In the disclosed embodiments, the reducer seal is movable from a closed position wherein the reducer seal overlies the cannula seal to effectively reduce the seal opening of the cannula to a closed position wherein the reducer seal is spaced apart from the cannula seal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, in one aspect, a medical apparatus having a nasogastric tube with hypopharyngeal suctioning capability. In one embodiment, the medical apparatus has a flexible nasogastric tube for insertion through a patient's nose. The nasogastric tube has a first end defining a first opening, a distal, second end that defines a second opening, and a length sufficient to allow the second opening to be positioned in a patient's stomach. The medical apparatus also has a flexible oropharyngeal tube for insertion through a patient's mouth. The oropharyngeal tube has a first end and a distal, second end that defines a suction intake. The oropharyngeal tube has a length that is less than the length of the nasogastric tube and which allows the suction intake to be positioned in a patient's hypopharynx region. In another embodiment of the invention, the medical apparatus has a laryngeal mask with hypopharyngeal suctioning capability.

Abstract: A breakaway hemostasis hub for a catheter or introducer sheath includes a splittable or separable housing, a seal within the housing, an actuator partially slidably disposed within the housing, a pair of spring retainer members in the housing each adapted to receive at least one spring, and a pair of actuator retainer members adapted to retain the seal, the actuator, and the spring retainer members in the housing. The actuator is operable to assume a closed position and an open position and includes a dilator member configured to dilate the seal when the actuator is in the open position. The hub is splittable or separable into two generally symmetrical sub-assemblies to facilitate cutting the catheter for retraction from the patient's body without displacing its payload.

Abstract: An enteral feeding system for use with a syringe or extension tubing, such as an enteral feeding syringe or tubing, is provided. The system has features to balance the pressure within the tubing.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve housing interacting with an inlet connector assembly. The pliant valve housing has an integrally formed valve stem and one or more ports. The valve stem cooperates with a nozzle on the inlet connector assembly to form a slip port, which can open when exerted by force to permit flow or closes when the force is removed.

Abstract: A gland member within a medical valve is configured to have a substantially consistent or enlarging internal volume as the valve transitions from a closed mode to an open mode. To that end, the valve has a housing forming an interior containing a flow path, and a stationary post member within the interior. The post member has a lumen that is a part of the flow path. The lumen has an opening to the interior of the housing. The valve further includes a gland member circumscribing the post member to produce a variable volume region formed at least in part between the gland member itself and the post member. In addition, the variable volume region is a part of the flow path, while the gland member occludes the post lumen opening when in the closed mode. The variable volume region has an open volume (i.e., when the valve is in the open mode) that is no less than its closed volume (i.e., when the valve is in the closed mode).

Abstract: While waiting for prostate-size-reducing drugs or herbs to have an effect, it's often necessary to have a catheter, like the Foley, inserted into the bladder. Urine passing through such collects in a plastic bag which must be drained, regularly, and is awkward to carry and difficult to disguise under clothing. In lieu of a Foley, full-length self-cathetering is less awkward, but the recurring process can irritate the urethra and prostate, and increase the chance of getting cystitis. The present new catheter type has a barb-like tip to retain such inside the bladder. A urine drainage inlet is located less than an inch below the barb. The easy drainage of urine is facilitated simply by pushing the catheter upward until the inlet opening is inside the bladder. Because the required insertion distance is much reduced, there's less likelihood of there being irritation of the organs, and less likelihood of getting cystitis.

Abstract: Novel outdwelling normally closed bulbous medical bidirectional slit valves and outdwelling slit valve assemblies for influent and effluent fluid flow into and from a medical patient are disclosed, as well as related methods.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a seal assembly for a cannula. The cannula includes a housing having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The seal assembly is located in the proximal portion of the housing and includes a first seal including a first tri-slit, a second seal disposed co-axially and proximal to the first seal and including a second tri-slit, and a third seal disposed co-axially to the first seal and the second seal and including a central opening. A cap is coupled to the proximal portion of the housing and adjacent the third seal and includes a plurality of suture retaining features, such as tabs, for management of sutures during surgery. Fluid leakage out of the cannula, during surgery, is substantially reduced due to the leakage being limited to a channel defined by the first tri-slit, the second tri-slit, and the central opening.

Abstract: A nasal passage washing device includes a pliable body including an open top; and an applicator cap removably attached to the pliable body to cover and uncover the open top. The applicator cap includes an applicator tip having a substantially frustoconical configuration sized and shaped for receipt at least partially within a nostril of a user for sealing engagement therewith, the applicator tip including a hole to transfer washing solution there through, a washing solution transfer tube in communication with the hole of the applicator tip and a bottom of an inside of the pliable body to transfer washing solution from the bottom of the inside of the pliable body to the hole of the applicator tip, and a one-way air valve that only allows air flow into the pliable body through the one-way air valve and does not allow air flow and washing solution flow out of the pliable body through the one-way air valve.

Abstract: A female enteral feeding connector includes a body having a hollow interior and an opening extending into the hollow interior for receiving a tip of a preselected male enteral feeding connector. A deformable retainer is mounted in the hollow interior adjacent the opening. A guard is mounted in the hollow interior and spaced from the retainer. A stop is positioned in the hollow interior for obstructing the opening in the body. The stop is moveable through the deformable retainer by application of a manual force on the preselected male enteral feeding connector from an obstructing position in which the stop obstructs the opening in the body from receiving the tip of the preselected male enteral feeding connector, to a non-obstructing position in which the stop permits the opening in the body to receive the tip of the preselected male enteral feeding connector.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include a self-powered infuser with a medicament containing vessel coupled to the infuser capable of exerting sufficient pressure to cause a medicament to flow from the containing vessel, through intravenous tubing, and into a patient's circulatory system. The infuser and vessel may be contained within a sealable kit which may have a separate container for perishable medications such that the medications may be inspected and changed without exposing the remainder of the kit's contents. The infuser may be recyclable or disposable.

Abstract: The male connector of the present disclosure allows for the flow of fluids and includes a movable blunt needle having a shoulder projecting outwards from the movable blunt needle and extending proximally from the movable blunt needle. The male connector also includes an outer cylinder body formed around the movable blunt needle and disposed in coaxial alignment to the movable blunt needle and a movable blunt needle retainer which retains the movable blunt needle is movable in an axial direction and a valve which opens as a result of the movable blunt needle moving in the axial direction where the posterior end presses against the valve to open the valve. This occurs when the movable blunt needle is inserted at the destination of the connection in a status where the inlet of the flow channel side of the movable blunt needle is open and such that the shoulder presses against the destination of the connection.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing septa for use with vascular access devices include forming a septum body and forming a slit within the septum body.

Abstract: The system comprises a transport module (3) in which are housed administration reservoirs (6) each intended to contain a medical treatment fluid, an administration line (7) equipped with a fluid inlet and outlet (8, 9) accessible from the outside of the transport module and to which is connected each administration reservoir, and obturation means (12) associated with each administration reservoir, the obturation means (12) associated with each administration reservoir being moveable between first and second positions in which the corresponding administration reservoir is fluidically isolated and fluidically connected to the administration line respectively, and a preparation and/or administration unit on which the intention is to position the transport module (3), the preparation and/or administration unit including first control means laid out for controlling the displacements of the obturation means (12) associated with each administration reservoir (6) between their first and second positions.

Abstract: A surgical fluid transfer apparatus for passage of fluids includes a hub defining a longitudinal axis and having an internal chamber, an elongated member extending from the hub and a closure valve disposed within the internal chamber. The closure valve is adapted for movement between a first position substantially sealing the internal chamber to prevent passage of fluids and a second position establishing a fluid passage within the hub to permit passage of fluids therethrough. The closure valve includes a valve housing and a seal member. The seal member has an open condition establishing an internal passage different than the fluid passage to permit passage of an access instrument through the closure valve and a closed condition in the absence of the access instrument. The inner wall portions of the valve housing cooperate with the seal member to permit the seal member to assume the closed condition thereof.

Abstract: A valve connector for medical infusion lines including an external tubular body with an inlet end and an outlet end, an internal hollow spike and an intermediate sealing member including a head with pre-slit and an elastic hollow element formed with fluid-tight members in contact with the hollow spike and with an elastic thrust means, which tends to maintain the elastic head in a closed condition. The elastic thrust means comprises a base part joined to the elastic hollow element of the sealing member through a generally transverse annular wall, which, during axial displacement of the elastic head from the closed condition to the open condition, bends within an annular chamber defined between the base part and a portion with conical surface of the hollow spike.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling fluid flow to provide long-term access to the vascular system, and methods of making the same, are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments of the present invention describe a wedge or other similarly shaped geometrical feature for fixing an elastic component and controlling an internal stress of the elastic component.

Abstract: A luer connector, a medical connector for a receptacle having a pierceable stopper and a transfer set including such a luer connector. This luer connector comprises an internal conduit (11) for a fluid to pass, elements (8) of connection to a second luer connector (16) having a perforator (21), these connection elements (8) being placed at one of its ends. This end also includes a continuous rim (24) forming a projection in the conduit (11) so as to provide a seal thereon when the perforator (21) is introduced into the conduit with a view to coupling these connectors (7, 16). A breakable membrane (10) is also placed in the conduit (1i) so as to be separated when the second luer connector (16) is coupled to this luer connector.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes an access member having a longitudinal passageway providing access to a tissue site. An elongated seal member mounted to the access member has an orifice with a variable inner dimension. The elongated seal member establishes a sealing relation about an instrument and is associated with a powered adjustment mechanism for adjusting the variable inner dimension of the orifice. The powered adjustment mechanism includes trailing and leading hubs longitudinally spaced and adapted for relative rotation about an axis defined by the access member. A plurality of spokes extends between the hubs and defines first and second minimum internal dimensions when in first and second conditions respectively upon relative rotation of the hubs. The spokes are arranged about the elongated seal member to adjust the variable inner dimension of the orifice upon relative rotation of the hubs. A powered motion generator effects relative rotation between the hubs.

Abstract: A sealing valve of the present invention allows a valve opening to be opened by pressing and deforming the sealing valve by means of a tip end of a male connection port, such as an orifice portion of a syringe, without making the tip end of the male connection port run through the sealing valve. A connection port, a mixed injection tube, a connection tool for an infusion circuit, and a connection system for an infusion circuit use such a sealing valve, so that they can be formed without using a needle.

Abstract: A universal seal is shown with orbital movement of a center opening for use in endoscopic surgery. A two part seal housing encloses the universal seal in an annulus surrounding an insertion port. The outer periphery of the universal seal is clamped between the two parts at the outer edge of the annulus. An inner ring of the universal seal is free to move from side-to-side inside the annulus while maintaining rubbing contact with the upper and lower surfaces of the annuluses for vertical support. The seal housing and universal seal are mounted on a proximal end of a cannula which allows access therethrough for the endoscopic surgery. The center opening of the universal seal is in general alignment with the insertion port of the seal housing, but the center opening and inner ring may move from side to side when medical instruments are inserted through the insertion port, the center opening, and the cannula and moved from side to side.

Abstract: A catheter includes a pressure actuated seal within a manifold. A catheter body is coupled with the manifold, and a manifold lumen and catheter lumen are configured to receive pressurized fluids. The pressure actuated seal includes a pressure actuated seal element having a seal element lumen. The seal element lumen is in communication with the manifold and catheter lumens. The pressure actuated seal element is deformable between an open configuration and a sealed configuration. In the sealed configuration, the pressurized fluid in the manifold presses on the pressure actuated seal element along a first seal face. The pressure actuated seal element compresses inwardly around the seal element lumen according to the pressure of the pressurized fluid. In the open configuration, the pressure actuated seal element relaxes in the absence of the pressurized fluid, and the seal element lumen is open and configured to allow passage of an instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleansing of the vagina or anus using disposable syringe with hose that has a cap closure assembly that communicates to the openings of any standard, common bottled water that is available in the market.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleansing of the vagina or anus using an Upright disposable syringe with a cap or closure assembly that communicates to any standard bottled water that is available in the market.

Abstract: A medical valve has a body and a flexible element. The body includes a wall structure defining an internal cavity having an inside and an outside. The body also has a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end has an opening sufficiently large to receive a tip of a delivery end of a medical implement which transfers fluid through the delivery end. The body has a fluid escape space in its wall structure. The flexible element is adapted to be moved into a compressed state upon insertion of the tip of the medical implement into the opening. The flexible element is sufficiently resilient to return to a decompressed state upon removal of the tip of the medical implement from the opening. The fluid escape space is in fluid communication with the outside of the cavity when the seal is in its compressed state.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a valve collar, a rotatable valve control member, and a flexible valve member disposed therebetween. The valve control member and the valve collar are aligned to define an elongated passageway, and the flexible valve member is disposed along the passageway. The valve collar is structured such that at least a portion thereof is capable of radial flexure upon engagement with a mechanism on the rotatable valve control member. One end of the valve member is secured to the valve collar, and the other end is secured to the rotatable valve control member.

Abstract: An improved luer lock receiving septum having a configuration which provides rapid and tight resealing and yet allows penetration of the septum by the luer tip with a low penetration force. The elongated septum includes an upper portion of enlarged diameter having a target surface, a central slit, and a central, lower septum extension projecting about the slit below the upper portion and into a housing so that following luer insertion there is provided sufficient room for both the laterally displaced extension of the septum, the luer taper, and the housing to be received into a conventional luer lock connector. The septum is further preferably configured to minimize or eliminate the negative pressure deflection normally associated with the withdrawal of the large diameter luer cannula from an enclosed fluid filled lumen or chamber, by substantially isolating the lumen or chamber from the septum material displacement resultant from luer insertion.

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 apparatus reservoir. The apparatus further includes a novel fluid flow control assembly that precisely controls the flow of the medicament solutions from the apparatus reservoir to the patient.

Abstract: Multi-purpose devices for capping fluid reservoirs and sanitizing accessible surfaces of fluid-transporting medical fittings (e.g., luer access valves) at risk of contamination with infectious agents are described, as are methods for making and using such devices.

Abstract: A surgical access apparatus includes a housing, an access member extending from the housing and having a longitudinal passageway for passage of an object and defining trailing and leading ends and an elongated seal mechanism mounted relative to the housing. The elongated seal mechanism includes a trailing hub and a leading hub longitudinally spaced from the trailing hub, and being adapted for relative rotational movement about the longitudinal axis, a plurality of spokes extending between and connected to the trailing hub and the leading hub, and an elongated seal member disposed within the spokes and adapted to establish a sealing relation about the object. The spokes define a first minimum internal dimension in a first condition thereof in the absence of an object and defining a second minimum internal dimension in a second condition thereof upon insertion of the object and relative rotation of the trailing hub and the leading hub.

Abstract: A bladder arrangement is provided for a microneedle-based drug delivery device. The bladder arrangement includes a flexible membrane having an inner surface, an outer surface and an outer periphery. A bladder member, having a rigidity greater than the flexible membrane, includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an outer periphery. The inner surface of the flexible membrane and the inner surface of the bladder member define a chamber for receiving a drug therein. At least one microneedle is operatively connected to the bladder member. The at least one microneedle has an input and an output receivable within the individual. A valve operatively connects the input of the at least one microneedle and the chamber.

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

Abstract: 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 in-line pump may be formed.

Abstract: An intravascular port access device includes a first component having a chamber configured to attach reversibly to an intravenous line port. A second component reversibly attaches to the first component and contains a disinfecting agent and an applicator material. The second component is configured to be reversibly received over external surfaces of the intravenous line port. A method of cleansing an intravenous line port includes providing a port cleaning device having a first component with a chamber containing a first cleaning agent. A second component includes a second cleaning agent. A third component has a microbiocidal agent and is reversibly attached to the first component. The second component is removed from the device, the external surfaces of the port are contacted with the second cleaning agent, the first cleaning agent is ejected from the chamber into the port, and the third component is used to cap the port.

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.