Abstract: A carrying case (1) for a pharmaceutical injection device (21) administering a pharmaceutical to a living body includes a case unit (2, 20) and an electric charging device (3a). The case unit (2, 20) accommodates the pharmaceutical injection device (21). The electric charging device (3a) is mounted in the case unit (2, 20), includes an electric charging terminal (9) electrically connectable to the pharmaceutical injection device (21), and electrically charges the pharmaceutical injection device (21). The carrying case (1) can prevent troubles including such a situation that a user cannot charge the pharmaceutical injection device (21) while being out with the carrying case.

Abstract: A diabetes care kit for providing diagnostics and therapy that is preconfigured to reduce initial setup by a user. The kit can include a handheld diabetes managing device and insulin pump. The handheld diabetes managing device and insulin pump can each be preloaded with an encryption key such that the handheld diabetes managing device and the insulin pump are paired and a secure bidirectional communication link exists between the handheld diabetes managing device and the insulin pump.

Abstract: Injection needle devices for administering a local anesthetic into tough, dense ligamentary tissue surrounding a tooth. The injection needle is a two-part needle that includes a proximal needle portion formed of metal, ceramic or rigid plastic and a distal needle portion formed of ceramic or hardened metal. The distal penetrating needle portion has an exposed length not more than about 8 mm, and an maximum outside diameter of about 25 gauge. At the transition between the proximal needle portion and the distal needle portion there can be an abrupt stop surface for limiting penetration through tissue. Alternatively, the proximal needle portion can have a tapered surface that permits penetration of the tapered surface into tissue. The injection needle device is designed to minimize pain and prevent buckling of the distal needle portion.

Abstract: A pumping segment having a low shut-off force is disclosed. The pumping segment includes a tube having an interior surface with at least two notches on opposite sides of the interior surface.

Abstract: A method of treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises an anesthetic, fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical anchor device include an elongate body coupled with deployable subcutaneous anchors to secure a catheter instrument (or other medical instrument) in place relative to a skin penetration point. In some circumstances, the elongate body may be in the form of catheter hub body, and the subcutaneous anchors can be deployed from the hub body by adjustment of a movable actuator. A locking member can interact with the actuator so as to retain the actuator in the deployed orientation during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A transseptal cannula assembly for directing blood from the heart of a patient and a minimally invasive method of implanting the same. The transseptal cannula assembly includes a flexible cannula body having proximal and distal portions with a lumen therebetween, a tip coupled to the distal portion of the flexible cannula body, and first and second anchors coupled to the tip. The anchors can be configured to be deployed from a contracted state to an expanded state and are configured to engage opposite sides of the heart tissue when in the expanded state. The anchors resist movement of the cannula assembly along a lengthwise central axis of the flexible cannula body.

Abstract: Novel methods for the chemical ablation of tissue (e.g. prostatic tissue) are described. These methods include the steps of: (a) providing one or more solid salt dosage form comprising 50-100% w/w salt; and (b) inserting one or more of such solid salt dosage forms into the tissue. The solid salt dosage form is optionally inserted into the tissue under real-time ultrasonic observation. An advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate toxic byproducts. For example, where NaCl-based solid salt dosage forms are used to effect localized chemical ablation, the concentration is ultimately reduced to the level of normal saline (i.e., about 0.9%) upon absorption by the body of the subject being treated.

Abstract: The present invention refers to medical devices comprising a modified Co-Polymer or to the modified Co-Polymer itself having high flexibility and high stress resistance, especially tensile strength or tear resistance, in addition to the good physical characteristics of a Block-Co-Polymers of a polyamide and a polycarbonate, either polycarbonate diol or polycarbonate diamine.

Abstract: Shunt devices and a method for continuously decompressing elevated intraocular pressure in eyes affected by glaucoma by diverting excess aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into Schlemm's canal where post-operative patency can be maintained with an indwelling shunt device which surgically connects the canal with the anterior chamber. The shunt devices provide uni- or bi-directional flow of aqueous humor into Schlemm's canal.

Abstract: A sheath for a medical instrument includes an elongate body extending from a proximal end to a distal face. The elongate body may be configured to axially extend from a first length to a second length greater than the first length. The sheath may include a first hollow lumen extending from a first end proximate the proximal end to a second end proximate the distal face, and a second hollow lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal face. The second lumen may be open at the distal face. The sheath may also include a transparent window positioned at the second end of the first lumen to seal the first lumen at the second end. The transparent window may be configured to transmit light therethrough.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery apparatus for delivering a drug into a bodily fluid in a bodily cavity of a patient over a period of time includes a drug supply reservoir to supply drug into a delivery channel and an actuator for delivering the drug to a predetermined location in the bodily cavity of the patient, such as, for example, a cochlea of a human ear. The drug is loaded into the delivery channel while producing substantially negligible flow at an outlet of the delivery channel.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are disclosed for the formation of an arteriovenous fistula in the limb of the patient. Embodiments include an apparatus for the creation, modification and maintenance of a fistula, including the modification of an existing dialysis fistula; and a method of supplying oxygenated blood to the venous circulation of a patient. A kit of anastomotic implants is described which supports a broad base of patient anatomies and fistula locations. The devices, systems and methods can be used to treat patients with one or more numerous ailments including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, congestive heart failure, hypertension, hypotension, respiratory failure, pulmonary arterial hypertension, lung fibrosis and adult respiratory distress syndrome.

Abstract: This application relates to a device for the local delivery of a substance to a mammary duct by ductal cannulation via an orifice on a nipple, wherein the substance may any substance or combinations of substances, such as for example, compositions capable of forming a solid or semisolid gel within the ducts, a marker, and/or an active agent which is preferably effective in treating and/or preventing breast cancer. More particularly, a device is disclosed comprising a probe for locating the orifice on the nipple, wherein the device is further configured to cannulate the duct and allow local delivery of a substance(s).

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to the field of transcatheter device closure techniques for closing an opening in a tissue and more particularly, to occlusion devices for closing anatomical defects in tissue such as defects consisting of an opening connecting a front side and a back side of a tissue. More particularly the present invention relates to occlusion devices for closing septal abnormalities such as atrial septal defects and patent foramen ovale, delivering systems for such occlusion devices, kits comprising the occlusion devices and the delivering systems and to methods of closing an anatomical defect in a tissue consisting of an opening connecting a front side and a back side of a tissue.

Abstract: The present invention is an ostomy-bag cover that provides a waterproof covering for an ostomy bag. This permits a patient wearing an ostomy bag to shower or bathe without getting his or her ostomy bag wet. In some embodiments, the ostomy-bag cover is constructed such that the patient can engage in water related activities, including swimming, while wearing the ostomy-bag cover over the ostomy bag and prevent the ostomy bag from getting wet. In some embodiments, the ostomy-bag cover includes a resealable opening configured to allow the patient to empty the ostomy bag without the need to remove the ostomy-bag cover. In other embodiments, the ostomy-bag cover includes a waterproof exhaust vent to allow air to be removed from the ostomy-bag cover.

Abstract: Methods and devices for modifying the location at which bodily fluids interact with nutrients in a gastrointestinal tract. The methods and devices utilize a conduit configured to divert bodily fluids from an entrance within a gastrointestinal tract to a location downstream from the entrance.

Abstract: The method for surface inclusions detection in wrought and finished Nitinol products by immersing them in aqueous solution of 1% to 12%, and preferably 6%, sodium hypochlorite at room temperature of around 25° C. for specific period of time, preferably 15 minutes while checking for black flocculent precipitate developing on the surface indicating the presence of an inclusion. The presence of black flocculent precipitate indicates surface inclusions and lack of homogeneousness of material.

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

Abstract: An infusion pump system is described that increases patient comfort and convenience. The infusion pump system includes an infusion site interface that is releasably connected to an infusion pump body, and has no tubing associated between the infusion site interface and the pump body. The infusion pump body may include a carrier frame that may be adhered to the skin of a user.

Abstract: Medical implants are provided which release an anthracycline, fluoropyrimidine, folic acid antagonist, podophylotoxin, camptothecin, hydroxyurea, and/or platinum complex, thereby inhibiting or reducing the incidence of infection associated with the implant.

Abstract: A cannula for administration of a medicine to a target location includes a tube with at least one nodule disposed along the circumferential surface and spaced at a defined distance from the distal end of the tube. An arrangement for delivery of a medicine to a target location includes the cannula and a pump fluidly coupled to the cannula. The distal end of the cannula may be inserted into a target location until the nodule reaches a surface that limits a depth of penetration before delivery of the medication.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing phlebotomy through a peripheral intravenous line is described herein. The apparatus includes an introducer and a cannula and is configured to advance the cannula through a peripheral intravenous line. A y-adapter with a port of larger diameter is configured to receive the cannula to place the cannula in fluid communication with the peripheral intravenous line. When advanced, the cannula is configured to transport a bodily fluid to a volume outside of the body.

Abstract: Apparatus for accessing a bodily passageway, the apparatus comprising: a flexible tube having a distal end and a proximal end, a longitudinal axis extending between the distal end and the proximal end, and a lumen extending from the distal end to the proximal end, the lumen being sized to receive matter to be transported through the bodily passageway; and an external thread disposed over the distal end of the tube, the external thread having a sufficient structural integrity, and a sufficient surface profile, such that when the tube is disposed in a bodily passageway, rotation of the tube about the longitudinal axis will result in longitudinal motion of the tube along said bodily passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides for transdermal delivery devices having microneedle arrays, as well as methods for their manufacture and use. In one embodiment, a transdermal delivery device is provided. The transdermal delivery device includes a polymer layer which has microneedles projecting from one of its surfaces. The microneedles are compositionally homogenous with the polymer base layer.

Abstract: Visceral fat may be removed from a subject using a cannula that has an interior cavity and an orifice configured to permit material to enter the cavity. This is accomplished by generating a negative pressure in the cavity so that a portion of the tissue is drawn into the orifice. Fluid is then delivered in pulses, via a conduit, so that the fluid exits the conduit within the cavity and impinges against the portion of the tissue that was drawn into the orifice. The fluid is delivered at a pressure and temperature that causes the visceral fat to soften, liquefy, or gellify, without damaging the subject's internal organs that are in the vicinity of the visceral fat. The visceral fat that has been softened, liquefied, or gellified is then suctioned away.

Abstract: A catheter for insertion into a vascular system of a patient and for directing fluid flow includes a catheter body having a longitudinal axis and longitudinally spaced proximal and distal catheter ends with an intermediate catheter portion defined therebetween. An intermediate catheter outlet in the catheter body is located in the intermediate catheter portion and is spaced longitudinally from the proximal and distal catheter ends. A first lumen is defined within the catheter body and has longitudinally spaced proximal and distal first lumen ends with a reversing bend located therebetween, the first lumen providing fluid communication between the proximal catheter end and the intermediate catheter outlet. The reversing bend is located longitudinally between the intermediate catheter outlet and the distal catheter end. The reversing bend directs fluid flow to turn approximately 180° as the fluid flows through the first lumen. A method of using the catheter is also described.

Abstract: The present invention provides in some embodiments, a method for insert molding a coupling between catheter segments with different diameters and/or a catheter having different diameters. Generally, the method can include the steps of providing first and second tubes having larger and smaller diameters, respectively and positioning the first and second tubes onto a core pin assembly having an outer surface at one section which forms a contoured inner profile for a joint section to join the first and second tubes. Additionally, the method can include injection molding the joint section to join the first and second tubes, to form the catheter tube with the contoured inner profile at the joint section.

Abstract: A fluid path for delivery of a fluid comprises first and second flexible tubes, each tube defining a transverse formation extending generally perpendicular to its longitudinal axis. Used to maintain the transverse formation in each tube, a clip mechanism includes a body comprising opposing flanges, each opposing flange defining at least a pair of recesses, each of the pair of recesses receiving one of the first and second flexible tubes, respectively, to define the respective transverse formations. The clip mechanism includes a support section connecting the opposing flanges such that the clip mechanism extends across the transverse formations and maintains their configuration. Due to the transverse formations, fluid contained within either tube at one end portion thereof cannot flow through the length thereof to displace a less dense fluid contained therein at the other end portion thereof under gravitational flow.

Abstract: Catheters, assemblies, and methods for delivering and recovering embolic protection devices. Catheters are provided that can be advanced over single length guide wires and which can be retracted over single length wire shafts of distal embolic protection devices. One catheter is a two-port catheter having two sidewall ports, a distal end port, and a proximal end port. The two-port catheter can be advanced over a guide wire threaded between the distal end port and the distal sidewall port. An embolic protection device wire shaft can be back loaded into the distal end port and out the proximal sidewall port. A three-port catheter includes a distal end port, and distal, intermediate, and proximal sidewall ports. The distal sidewall port can be dimensioned to accept passage of a filter body through the port. The distal end port can be dimensioned to accept only a guide wire to provide a smooth transition from the guide wire to the small profile distal end.

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

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

Abstract: A plug capable of providing information relating to a physical or chemical property of a body fluid, or the presence or amount of a molecular component therein in a living organism is disclosed. Specifically, one embodiment plug is capable of being inserted into a portion of a human eyelid in order to provide information relating to tear fluid is disclosed. This embodiment plug includes a body having a passage which allows for the natural flow of tear fluid therethrough. In addition, a sensing mechanism is provided which is capable of measuring, for example, glucose levels in the body of a patient through the analysis of the tear fluid. Such plug may further be designed so as to double as a punctal plug useful in preventing dry eye. Methods of utilizing and implanting such plugs are also disclosed.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides devices and methods for safe, easy and cost effective means of placing and verifying proper placement of nasogastric and nasoenteric feeding tubes. Specifically, an integrated feeding device including a tube operable to deliver a nutritional and/or medicinal substance to the gastrointestinal tract, an optical system including a light source, flexible optical fibers or a camera, and a lens, and a steering system is disclosed. The components of the system, namely the optical system and the steering system, may be integrated into the tube.

Abstract: The intervertebral disc contains no blood vessels. Nutrients and waste are diffused mainly through adjacent vertebral bodies. As we age, calcified layers form between the disc and vertebral bodies, blocking diffusion. The disc begins to starve and flatten. The weight shifts abnormally from disc to the facet joints causing strain and back pain. Under anaerobic conditions, lactic acid is produced causing acidic irritation and unspecific pain. A U-shaped disc shunt (126) is delivered into and sealed within the degenerated disc simply by needle puncturing and withdrawal, to draw nutrients from bodily circulation into the avascular disc. A continual supply of nutrients increases biosynthesis of the water-retaining sulfated glycosaminoglycans, hence swelling pressure within the disc. The weight is re-shifted from the facet joints to the regenerated disc, alleviating back pain. With oxygen transported through the shunt, anaerobic production of lactic acid is minimized.

Abstract: The present invention relates to branched polyethyleneglycol (PEG) derivatives consisting of a molecule with a quaternary carbon connected to three PEG chains, wherein all three PEG chains are of equal length and each comprises 1-30 —OCH2CH2— units, and one group with at least one carbon atom, wherein said at least one carbon atom is attached to the quaternary carbon. Also compositions containing such derivatives and use of such derivatives are disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that includes an external sheath, a rotatable conduit housed within the external sheath, and a fluid rotary joint having a rotatable insert that places an inner lumen of the rotatable conduit in fluid communication with an external port under rotation of the rotatable conduit. The rotatable insert may include a channel structure including an external annular channel. The rotatable conduit is received within the channel structure such that the inner lumen is in fluid communication with the external port through the annular channel under rotation. The external sheath may define an outer lumen that may be in fluid communication with the inner lumen at a location remote from a proximal portion of the catheter, and the outer lumen may be in fluid communication with a secondary port. The rotatable conduit may be housed within a torque cable that is connected to the rotatable insert.

Abstract: The disclosed devices and methods provide for the minimization of fluid extravasation during use of infusion catheters such as peripherally inserted central catheters and central venous catheters. The anti-extravasation catheter allows a surgeon to drain fluids from soft tissue surrounding an infusion site while also providing fluid inflow to a patient.

Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for electrically conductive pathways in medical devices. One embodiment of a medical device can include an elongate polymeric body having a proximal end and a distal end. Discrete particles of an electrically conductive material in the elongate polymeric body can form an electrically conductive pathway that extends at least partially between the proximal end and the distal end of the elongate polymeric body.

Abstract: The present description relates to plug-forming compositions, to medical procedures employing such compositions, to methods for removing such compositions, and to products pertaining to such compositions, including medical devices, medical device components, and kits, among other aspects.

Abstract: A cartridge in which bone cement is mixed and from which the cement is discharged. A blade with plural vanes is disposed in the cartridge for mixing the cement. A piston located in one end of the cartridge is actuated to push the mixed cement out of the cartridge. The blade has plural vanes, one for scraping cement off the side of the cartridge, one for scraping cement off the piston and one for scraping cement off the end of the cartridge opposite the end in which the piston is normally located. The blade is collapsible so that when the piston is actuated the blade compresses to allow the cement in the cartridge to be pushed out.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for providing surgical access into a body cavity. A surgical access port is provided that has an adjustable longitudinal length, such as by being formed from multiple segments configured to move relative to one another. An anchor can be coupled to a distal end of the surgical access port to help secure the surgical access port within a tissue opening by engaging a distal side of the tissue. Optionally, the anchor can be removably coupled to the distal end of the surgical access port, thereby allowing any one of a plurality of anchors to be selectively coupled thereto.

Abstract: A regional anesthesia catheter used with a guide such as for example a needle cannula has a distal portion integrally connected to a main portion of the catheter by a junction portion that has a cross-sectional profile different from the distal and main portions, so as to predispose the distal portion of the catheter to move in a given direction when the distal portion is not guided by or constrained by the needle cannula. The cross-sectional profile of the junction portion may be configured in a particular shape, or be constructed to have a flexibility that predisposes the distal portion to bend, curve or move toward a given direction.

Abstract: Implants and methods for treating ocular disorders are provided. One method involves introducing an implant into an anterior chamber of an eye such that at least a distal end of the implant is temporarily in the anterior chamber. The implant is implanted into eye tissue adjacent the anterior chamber. A therapeutic agent is eluted from the implant into at least one of the anterior chamber, a physiologic outflow pathway of the eye, and a space adjacent a choroid of the eye. The therapeutic agent can be an antiproliferative agent, an anti-inflammatory drug, or a compound for treating glaucoma or ocular hypertension. The therapeutic agent can be contained within the implant or coated on the implant.

Abstract: Biocompatible phase invertible proteinaceous compositions and methods for making and using the same are provided. The subject phase invertible compositions are prepared by combining a proteinaceous substrate and a crosslinking agent, such as a stabilized aldehyde crosslinking agent. Also provided are kits for use in preparing the subject compositions. The subject compositions, kits and systems find use in a variety of different applications.

Abstract: A transseptal cannula assembly for directing blood from the heart of a patient and a minimally invasive method of implanting the same. The transseptal cannula assembly includes a flexible cannula body having proximal and distal portions with a lumen therebetween, a tip coupled to the distal portion of the flexible cannula body, and first and second anchors coupled to the tip. The anchors can be configured to be deployed from a contracted state to an expanded state and are configured to engage opposite sides of the heart tissue when in the expanded state. The anchors resist movement of the cannula assembly along a lengthwise central axis of the flexible cannula body.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a trocar cannula may be configured for insertion into an eye to facilitate insertion and removal of instruments during surgery. The cannula may be affixed to an overcap (to inhibit rotation of the overcap relative to the cannula) that includes a seal. In some embodiments, the seal may be overmolded into the overcap or may include a wafer that is fixed between the cannula and the overcap to inhibit rotation relative to the cannula and the overcap. In some embodiments, the cannula and overcap may snap together through a tab/slot interface in a permanent fashion such that the cannula and overcap may not be separated without damaging the cannula or overcap. In some embodiments, a vent cannula may be receivable in the slit of the seal for allowing fluids to vent from the eye through the cannula (which may include an indentation to frictionally engage the vent).

Abstract: A portable systems release fluid pressure with a cavity within a patient. These systems include a drainage catheter, a pressure-responsive one-way valve, and a fluid reservoir all adapted to be mounted in proximity to the cavity being drained. One system in particular is used in relieving intracranial pressure. This intracranial pressure relief system may include a headband to which are mounted the one-way valve and reservoir. The drainage catheter may have mounted thereon a cranium seal formed of a soft material that contacts the inner wall of a cranium bore hole. The cranium seal may have threads to facilitate advancement into the bore hole.

Abstract: Disclosed is an aspiration assembly including an outer cannulated needle having a tip, a threaded collar, and an inner aspiration needle. A material can be aspirated through at least the inner aspiration needle. The distance that the tip of the inner aspiration needle extends from the tip of the outer cannulated needle changes when the inner aspiration needle is rotated relative to the outer cannulated needle.