Abstract: A system for enhanced sealing of coupled medical lines includes a male fitting, a female fitting, and a flexible annular collar seal. The seal provides a sealing function to an open end of the connector. The male fitting is made of medical grade materials and includes a male connector fluidly coupled to a first line. The female fitting is made of medical grade materials and including a female connector fluidly coupled to a second line and configured to mate with the male connector. The seal is made of a medical grade polymer coupled to one or both the male fitting and the female fitting.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention are directed to flush syringe assemblies comprising an integrated contamination-prevention device integrated with device connector flushing positioned so that the practitioner cannot forget to apply disinfectant. The flush syringe assemblies comprise a barrel with an elongate plunger rod disposed therein and a cap comprising a passageway. The plunger rod includes a stopper of which at least a portion can be embedded in the passageway of the cap to form a plug in the cap. Methods of flushing a vascular access device (VAD) while providing a flush syringe assembly described herein are also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for lubricating a medical device, such as a colonoscope, being introduced into a patient's body. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a housing including a proximal surface, a distal surface, a channel extending between the proximal and distal surfaces; and a lubricant within an interior of the housing surrounding the channel such that a scope or other device inserted through the channel receives lubricant on its outer surface before introduction into a patient's body.

Abstract: A layer having individual elements made of an elastic material, with the length thereof exceeding the diameter thereof, which are secured on a carrier at a distance to one another, wherein the elements can be moved towards and away from one another, the elements can contact when moving towards one another, the outer surfaces of the elements provided with a surface modification, and the surface modification containing substances that can form reversible, non-covalent bonds. Also, a method for producing the layer, and the use of the layer.

Abstract: A hub component for a vented connector including a generally elongate cylindrical body having a first end and a second end. The first end of the hub component includes one or more fingers or clips for engagement with one or more vents of the vented connector. The second end of the hub component can be configured for compatible engagement with a carbon dioxide detector.

Abstract: Disclosed are puncture sealing systems and methods of locating a puncture site within a vessel. The systems can include elongated dilators and access sheaths that are configured to locate the puncture site within a vessel so that the position of the puncture site relative to a distal end of the access sheath is known during a puncture sealing procedure.

Abstract: A portable insulin pump can utilize readings from a sensor incorporated into an infusion set used with the pump to deliver insulin to a patient to determine if the infusion set is or is likely to become dislodged from the patient. Readings from the sensor that are inconsistent with expected readings or a range of expected readings can indicate that the infusion set has become dislodged from the patient.

Abstract: Described herein are substrate coatings.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides thermoplastic polyurethane compositions having non-leaching antimicrobial properties while still maintaining good physical properties, methods of making the same, and articles, including medical devices, made from such compositions. The disclosed technology includes a process of making an antimicrobial polymer composition, where the process includes mixing an antimicrobial additive into a polymeric material; wherein said polymeric material comprises a polymeric backbone made up of urethane linkages derived from a polyisocyanate and a polyol; and wherein said mixing occurs under conditions that result in the breaking of a minority of said urethane bonds resulting in reactive isocyanate groups; and wherein two or more of said reactive isocyanate groups react with said antimicrobial additive to covalently bond said antimicrobial additive into the polymeric backbone of said polymeric material; resulting in an antimicrobial polymer composition.

Abstract: Clot removal from a patient's vessel, such as an artery, are described using aspiration and hydraulic forces supporting the removal process. Hydraulic forces can be generated by occluding the vessel distal to the clot and delivering liquid between the clot and the occlusive device. The aspiration catheter is positioned proximal to the clot. Catheters designed to facilitate the delivery of hydraulic forces can be based on single lumen designs or dual lumen designs. The catheters may have a fixed internal wire, or in some embodiments the catheters can ride over a wire with a valve/seal positioned to restrict flow into or out from the guide lumen such that the guide lumen can further function for balloon inflation and/or for infusion of liquid.

Abstract: The invention provides cell-adherent polymeric coatings for articles, the coating including a synthetic, non-biodegradable polymer having a plurality of pendent amine groups, wherein the polymer is covalently immobilized on the article via latent reactive groups. The invention also provides methods for the long-term attachment of cells using the polymeric coatings.

Abstract: Bio-adhesive textured surfaces are described which allow implants to be localized within a living body. Hierarchical levels of texture on an implantable medical device, some capable of establishing a Wenzel state and others a Cassie state, are employed to interface with living structures to provide resistance to device migration. Since a gaseous state is traditionally required to establish a Cassie or Wenzel state, and gases do not remain long in living tissue, described are tissue/device interactions analogous to the above states with the component normally represented by a gas replaced by a bodily constituent, wherein separation of tissue constituents develops and an analogous Cassie, Wenzel or Cassie-Wenzel state evolves.

Abstract: A stent and method of making incorporating flexible, preferably polymeric, connecting elements into the stent wherein these elements connect element(s) across an intervening space. The polymeric connecting elements are designed to fold within the space between the outer diameter of the stent and the inner diameter of the stent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter device, having a hollow catheter in the catheter cavity of which a moveable shaft is guided, having a proximal coupling device, for detachable coupling of a drive device, the coupling device having a coupling cavity which is open towards the drive device and into which the shaft or an extension of the shaft protrudes with a connection element for mechanical coupling of a motor shaft, the coupling cavity having a germ barrier for reducing the pathogenicity of pathogenic substances or microorganisms.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides antimicrobial coating compositions that are used to form residual antimicrobial coatings on medical implements and medical devices including the components of medical equipment such as CPAP/BiPAP machines. Antimicrobial coating compositions comprise at least one of an organosilane (R1O)3Si—R2—Z, an organic amine R9R10R11N, a titanium (IV) species, a 1,2-diol, an ?-hydroxy acid, ?-hydroxy acid, and an organosilane grafted parylene polymer, wherein R1 is H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl or substituted aryl, R2 is a bivalent linker, Z is a nucleophile, leaving group, or quaternary nitrogen substituent, and R9, R10, and R11 are independently H, alkyl, substituted alkyl, aryl, substituted aryl or cyclic.

Abstract: An indwelling evacuator for feces, a stranding cage is disposed in a cylindrical main body, and a soft shaft is connected to the rear end of the stranding cage. Petaloid movable blades are hingedly connected to the front end of the cylindrical main body, and are in the shape of a bud when the petaloid movable blades are closed. A blocking ring is disposed on the outer wall of the cylindrical main body. A sliding ring member is disposed in the cylindrical main body to push the movable blades open to form an open space in the shape of a flower. The rear portion of the cylindrical main body is downward connected to a feces discharge hose. In use, the bud portion in the front end is inserted into the anus, and the blocking ring limits the insertion depth.

Abstract: The invention is a remote communication portal system and method of use, providing means of real-time, full-body video and audio while a variety of sensors or measurement devices read and communicate electronic data to one or all participants.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include lubricious coatings. In an embodiment the disclosure includes a lubricious coating for a medical device including first and second coated layers. The first coated layer is between the second coated layer and the device surface and includes a vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and a photo reactive group. The second coated layer is in direct contact with the first coated layer and is a top coating that includes an acrylic acid polymer. The second coated layer can optionally include photoreactive groups. The coating was found to have a very low number of particulates (e.g., 10 ?m or greater) which is very desirable for in vivo use.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include lubricious coatings. In an embodiment the disclosure includes a lubricious coating for a medical device including first and second coated layers. The first coated layer is between the second coated layer and the device surface and includes a vinyl pyrrolidone polymer and a photo reactive group. The second coated layer is in direct contact with the first coated layer and is a top coating that includes an acrylic acid polymer. The second coated layer can optionally include photoreactive groups. The coating was found to have a very low number of particulates (e.g., 10 ?m or greater) which is very desirable for in vivo use.

Abstract: Methods and formulations for antimicrobial and anti-biofouling coating comprising: a hollow round colloidal structure, comprising: an active polymer shell; and an active or inert core; wherein the active polymer shell comprises one and more polymers with antimicrobial and anti-biofouling activities selected from the group consisting of polyethylenimine (PEI), functionalized chitosan (CHI), polyquaternium, poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDDA) and polyhexamethylene biguanide (PHMD); wherein the active or inert core contains one and more disinfectants, biocides, fragrances or inert solvent; and wherein the hollow round colloidal structure is stable for at least 3 months.

Abstract: The disclosure provides for means for a method to facilitate food intake and food retention in a mammal by applying a sufficient dose of a local anesthetic drug in the lumen of the pharyngeal-esophageal-gastric-duodenal tract before or during or after eating. The local anesthetic can be amethocaine, articaine, benzocaine, bupivacaine, chloroprocaine, cinchocaine, cyclomethycaine, dibucaine, diethocaine, etidocaine, larocaine, levobupivacaine, lidocaine, lignocaine, mepivacaine, novocaine, piperocaine, prilocaine, procaine, proparacaine, propoxycaine, QX-222, QX-314, ropivacaine, tetracaine, trimecaine, menthol, eugenol or a safe pharmaceutical formulations of tetrodotoxin, saxitoxin, or neosaxitoxin. The disclosure is useful for patients having problems with food intake or food retention.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to multi-layered tubings that are fuel resistant and resistant to delamination. In one aspect, the disclosure provides a length of tubing having an annular cross-section including an annular fluoropolymer layer formed from at least 75 wt % fluoropolymer (e.g., at least 75 wt % of a PVDF polymer), the fluoropolymer layer having an outer surface and an inner surface; and disposed about the fluoropolymer layer, an annular thermoplastic layer formed from at least 75 wt % thermoplastic (e.g., thermoplastic polyurethane, thermoplastic polyamide and/or thermoplastic polyester), the thermoplastic polyurethane layer having an inner surface in contact with the outer surface of the fluoropolymer layer and an outer surface, wherein the fluoropolymer layer is covalently bound to the thermoplastic polyurethane layer, for example, by electron beam treatment.

Abstract: A method of forming a silicone coating on an electrode carrier for use in cochlear implant systems includes dissolving silicone and dexamethasone in a solvent to form a solution, adding a non-solvent to the solvent, the non-solvent miscible with the silicone and the dexamethasone having a solubility in the non-solvent of below about 5 mg/ml, and curing the solution to form the silicone coating on the electrode carrier.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of and a corresponding method for subcuticular suturing of an incision in a single pass is provided. The apparatus includes a straight needle, a suture thread extending from a free end of the needle, and a grip couplable to or pre-attached to the needle. The grip is used for controlling, manipulating, and advancing the needle and its sharp end through the incision. The needle is generally long enough to pierce and bind both sides of the incision together without having to pull the entire needle and any slack in the suture thread through each piercing prior to proceeding to the next piercing. The needle holds the entire incision closed presets the entire path for the suture thread prior to pulling the suture thread through the incision to hold the incision closed.

Abstract: Described herein are coatings and formulations thereof for coating a substrate for use in producing a lubricious coating on a substrate surface that is to be inserted into the body lumen of a subject. Said coatings all contain an adhesion promoting coating formulation for applying to a substrate material that is formed from a polymeric adhesion promoter, a monomeric or polymeric crosslinking agent and a photoinitiator, where the polymeric adhesion promoter is a block copolymer comprising hydrophobic hydrophilic polymer blocks and/or a hydrophilic polymer comprising hydrophilic functional groups, where from 10% to 100% of the hydrophilic functional groups are capped with a hydrophobic functional group and the formulations thereof further contain a solvent to enable the coating to be applied to a substrate surface.

Abstract: Present invention solved the problem of complications occurred during transrectal prostate biopsy, mostly infectious and bleeding complications. Thus, the prostate biopsy needle according to the invention comprising a cannula (1), a pointed stylet (2), which is mounted slidably in the cannula (1), handles (3a, 3 b) for the biopsy gun, which are located on the back side of the needle. An inner surface (4) of the cannula (1) and/or an outer surface (5) of the cannula (1) and/or a surface of the stylet (2) is coated with at least one active layer (6) comprising a biologically active agent, wherein the active layer (6) preferably forms a biodegradable structure enabling controlled release of the biologically active agent.

Abstract: The invention includes a shunt for at least partial implantation into a patient that includes an elongated conduit having at least one lumen therethrough, that includes a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids for flow through the shunt and a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids from the shunt, and a long term source of at least one occlusion resistant agent, wherein said at least a portion of the at least one occlusion resistant agent can permeate through at least a portion of the elongated conduit. The invention also includes kits and systems.

Abstract: A urethral catheter and its method of use to identify a patient's urethral anatomic course for the precise placement of a treatment element into the patient's prostate are provided. An echo-opaque urethral catheter including an echogenic material and a radio-opaque material in at least an image portion thereof is introduced into a urethra until its echogenic and radio-opaque image portion is generally aligned with a treatment site of the prostate. An image probe positioned relative to the treatment site is activated to obtain a real time image of the prostate and urethra by ultrasound or X-ray imaging. The echo-opaque urethral catheter includes an elongated flexible catheter, at least the image portion of which, is coated with, incorporates within or is enclosed by the echogenic and radio-opaque materials that enhance ultrasound and radio visualization.

Abstract: Catheter tubing comprises: an elongate body comprising a base thermoplastic polyurethane; and a compounded thermoplastic polyurethane co-extruded with the base thermoplastic polyurethane to provide a section of catheter tubing discrete from the elongate body, the compounded thermoplastic polyurethane comprising a thermoplastic polyurethane and a radiopaque material, wherein the catheter tubing comprises a first elastic modulus under first conditions prior to entry into a patient; and wherein when exposed to second conditions comprising two or more in vivo stimuli for a duration of time the catheter tubing comprises a second elastic modulus that is not more than fifty percent of the first modulus.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method for vacuum expansion of a paste prior to freeze-drying said paste to achieve a dry paste composition which reconstitutes efficiently to form a flowable paste upon addition of an aqueous medium. The present disclosure further relates to a syringe for retaining a dry paste composition in a vacuum.

Abstract: An obturator can include antimicrobial features which assist in sterilizing or maintaining the sterility of fluid contained within a vascular access device while the device is not being used for infusion or other access to the patient's vasculature. These antimicrobial features include antimicrobial coatings applied to various surfaces of an obturator and antimicrobial components bonded or otherwise secured to an obturator. Various combinations of antimicrobial coatings and/or components can be used on an obturator as necessary to provide a desired amount of antimicrobial agents within a particular enclosed volume of a vascular access device.

Abstract: A portable insulin pump can utilize readings from a sensor incorporated into an infusion set used with the pump to deliver insulin to a patient to determine if the infusion set is or is likely to become dislodged from the patient. Readings from the sensor that are inconsistent with expected readings or a range of expected readings can indicate that the infusion set has become dislodged from the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drug-coated balloon catheter which has a catheter balloon mounted on its distal end and an expansion protection surrounding the same. The invention is characterized in that the catheter balloon is protected from premature expansion even under strong mechanical stress and in that the catheter balloon folds back more easily after dilation.

Abstract: A medical device material impregnated with a combination of antimicrobial agents, the combination of antimicrobial agents comprising a first antimicrobial agent, the first antimicrobial agent being triclosan and at least a second antimicrobial agent, wherein the combination of antimicrobial agents provides the device material with antimicrobial activity and inhibition of resistant microbial mutations for of the order of, or greater than, 80 days.

Abstract: Implants for prevention of cold welding, corrosion and tissue overgrowth on surfaces between medical implant components include a first medical implant component having a first implant contact surface, a second medical implant component having a second implant contact surface positionally interfacing with the first implant contact surface of the first medical implant and a separation coating material on at least one of the first implant contact surface and the second implant contact surface. Methods for prevention of cold welding and/or corrosion between and/or tissue/bone overgrowth on implant components and methods of scaling an interface between a first implant component and a second implant component in a prosthesis system are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the inactivation of infectious agents in, on or around a catheter residing in a patient's body cavity. The method comprises a coupling adapter for facilitating the transmission of non-ultraviolet sterilizing electromagnetic radiation (EMR) substantially axially along an optical element into the catheter body. Through delivery of the sterilizing EMR to particular areas of highest infection, the present disclosure is able to inactivate the major sources of infection in catheters.

Abstract: The sample dispensing device sucks a liquid sample from a predetermined container and then discharges the sample to another container. The sample dispensing device includes a nozzle tip that sucks and holds the sample; a dispensing nozzle to which the nozzle tip can be detachably attached via a fitting part; a dispensing nozzle position control means that controls the position of the dispensing nozzle with respect to the predetermined container and the other container; a nozzle tip removing means that removes the nozzle tip from the dispensing nozzle; and a discarding box into which water can be supplied, and in which the nozzle tip removed from the dispensing nozzle is discarded. The nozzle tip is made of a water-soluble material, and after being removed from the dispensing nozzle by the nozzle tip removing means, the nozzle tip is dissolved by water in the discarding box.

Abstract: A thoracic catheter system comprises a flexible thoracic catheter for inserting into a thoracic cavity of a human. A distal end of the thoracic catheter has a plurality of apertures. A proximate end of the thoracic catheter is designed to extend out of the thoracic cavity. A three way valve is one of fused with and removably attached to the proximal end of the thoracic catheter.

Abstract: A drug delivery balloon (10) has a drug thereon in the form of crystalline particles (12), the drug having a predetermined size distribution. Optionally marker particles (14, 16) are also provided. A texturized coating (18), a cap layer (20) and/or other methods may be used to increase particle loading capacity of the balloon.

Abstract: A method and device for local delivery of water-soluble or water-insoluble therapeutic agents to the surface of a normal or diseased body lumen is disclosed. An expandable structure of a medical disposable device, such as a balloon of a balloon catheter, is coated with an amphiphilic polymer coating comprising a therapeutic agent and an amphiphilic polymer or co-polymer. The medical disposable device is inserted into a body lumen, and expanded to contact the amphiphilic polymer coating against the body lumen. The total solubility of the polymer or co-polymer in vivo prevents any embolic hazard associated with the amphiphilic polymer coating.

Abstract: An infusion catheter assembly has the ability to infinitely titrate the length of a porous fluid distribution section in situ. The infusion catheter assembly thereby provides a length of infusion that can be infinitely varied over a prescribed range, to control the effective infusion length and the rate of infusion. Using the infusion catheter assembly, a physician has the capability to treat only the length of the vessel desired, thereby preventing excessive drug/patient exposures. The porous fluid distribution section can include an array of spaced apart apertures that vary in size and/or density along the length of the porous fluid distribution section, such that the flow rate remains essentially constant for a given inlet pressure independent of the effective infusion length.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to medical catheters, tubes, and other medical devices, systems, and methods. The catheter, tube, or other medical device is capable of releasing drugs for extended periods of time. Drugs can be loaded into the wall thereof with a loading solution. The drug in the wall of the device and in the loading solution can be in dynamic equilibrium, yielding stable and easy-to-manufacture products.

Abstract: Provided are methods, systems, and kits of properly delivering a biodegradable stent into a body lumen of a subject. More particularly, provided are methods, systems, and kits of properly delivering a biodegradable ureteral stent into the kidney and the bladder of a subject. Even more particularly, provided are methods, systems, and kits of properly delivering a chitosan based stent into a body lumen of a subject. Even more particularly, provided are methods, systems, and kits of properly delivering a chitosan based ureteral stent into the kidney and the bladder of a subject.

Abstract: A catheter assembly includes at least one self-lubricated part formed from a mixture including a polymer and lubricant. The polymer has a functional group that can react with the functional group of the lubricant. The suitably functionalized lubricant provides for a low coefficient of friction surface for easier and less traumatic insertion and withdrawal of the catheter into and from body cavities.

Abstract: A shunt for at least partial implantation into a patient that includes an elongated conduit having at least one lumen therethrough and a second lumen concentric about the first lumen along at least part of the first lumen, that includes a proximal end for receipt of bodily fluids for flow through the shunt and a distal end for discharge of the bodily fluids from the shunt, and a long term source of at least one occlusion resistant agent, wherein said at least a portion of the at least one occlusion resistant agent can permeate through at least a portion of the elongated conduit. The invention also includes kits and systems.

Abstract: A system, method, and article for delivering an antimicrobial agent into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter are disclosed. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter, and the elongate member containing an antimicrobial. In the alternative an antimicrobial agent can be placed on an interior surface of a retaining ring.

Abstract: An expandable sheath assembly includes a support body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. A guide rod is interconnected to the support body and extends between the ends along an axis. A dilator extends from the guide rod for insertion into a body vessel, and a hub is releasable connected to the distal end of the support body. A distal sheath overlays the dilator, and a hemostatic valve is slidably disposed along the axis. A proximal sheath extends from the hemostatic valve and is disposed in surrounding and coaxial relationship with the guide rod. The proximal sheath is concurrently slidable with the hemostatic valve along axis to advance the proximal sheath through the hub and interleave the proximal sheath between the dilator and the distal sheath for lifting the distal sheath from the dilator and effectuating an expansion of the body vessel.

Abstract: A coated medical device (10) including a structure (12) adapted for introduction into a passage or vessel of a patient. The structure is formed of preferably a non-porous base material (14) having a bioactive material layer (18) disposed thereon. The medical device is preferably an implantable stent or balloon (26) of which the bioactive material layer is deposited thereon. The stent can be positioned around the balloon and another layer of the bioactive material posited over the entire structure and extending beyond the ends of the positioned stent. The ends of the balloon extend beyond the ends of the stent and include the bioactive material thereon for delivering the bioactive material to the cells of a vessel wall coming in contact therewith. The balloon further includes a layer of hydrophilic material (58) positioned between the base and bioactive material layers of the balloon.

Abstract: An obturator can include antimicrobial features which assist in sterilizing or maintaining the sterility of fluid contained within a vascular access device while the device is not being used for infusion or other access to the patient's vasculature. These antimicrobial features include antimicrobial coatings applied to various surfaces of an obturator and antimicrobial components bonded or otherwise secured to an obturator. Various combinations of antimicrobial coatings and/or components can be used on an obturator as necessary to provide a desired amount of antimicrobial agents within a particular enclosed volume of a vascular access device.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.