Abstract: Methods and systems for generating a signature for a device include pre-charging a plurality of conductors to a first voltage level. A voltage leakage for each of the conductors is determined, and a device signature is generating based on the determined leakage.

Abstract: Systems and methods for filtering materials from biologic fluids are discussed. Embodiments may be used to filter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a human or animal subject. In an example, CSF is separated into a permeate and retentate using a tangential flow filter. The retentate is filtered again and then returned to the subject with the permeate. During operation of the system, various parameters may be modified, such as flow rate and waste rate.

Abstract: A method and device for treating cholesterol disorders includes administering at least one treatment regime including two or more rounds of plasmapheresis to a patient having abnormal total cholesterol, abnormal LDL levels and/or abnormal HDL levels prior to treatment. Treatment according to the method results in decreased LDL levels in patients having abnormal LDL levels and increased HDL levels in patients having abnormal HDL levels. Each subsequent round of plasmapheresis is conducted weekly, but no more than twice per week.

Abstract: Disclosed is a piston press of the type used in the field of the dehydration of products to be dehydrated such as sludge from a purification plant. More particularly, it relates to a piston press including a pressing chamber supplied with sludge and able to manage air streams that it generates, and to a method for using such a press. In a preferred mode of embodiment, the piston press includes a pipeline having a water removal branch and arranged so as to remove water extracted during a sludge-pressing operation, and an air circulation branch that can channel the volumes of air circulating in the press during the operation thereof, so as to direct the vitiated air, i.e. air that has been brought into contact with the sludge during the implementation of the press, towards a deodorization system.

Abstract: A renal failure therapy system (10) includes: a dialyzer (102); a blood circuit (100) including a blood pump (120) in fluid communication with the dialyzer (102); a dialysis circuit (30) in fluid communication with the dialyzer (102); and at least one flow path insulator (150, 155) located in the dialysis circuit (30) or the blood circuit (100), the flow path insulator (150, 155) including a structure that separates liquid flowing within the flow path insulator (150, 155) into a plurality (e.g., two or more) of separated liquid segments (160) that create electrical isolation within the flow path insulator (150, 155).

Abstract: A portable dialysis cabinet for use in dialysis. The portable dialysis cabinet can have a size and weight that facilitates easy movement of the cabinet from one location to another with relative ease. The portable dialysis cabinet can have additional features necessary to facilitate portability, such as wheels and a handle. In general, the portable dialysis cabinet can contain all the necessary components for performing a dialysis session.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and kits are provided for performing hemodialysis, hemodiafiltration, and peritoneal dialysis on a portable machine suitable for both clinical and home use. Peritoneal dialysate can be flowed into and out of the peritoneal cavity, and can also be regenerated within the system, without the need for introducing fresh dialysate. Common hardware and software can be utilized for both peritoneal dialysis and other forms of dialysis such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration, and hemodiafiltration, allowing for facile transition between different dialysis modes using the same dialysis machine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to lipid removed scaffolds(lipid-free scaffolds) for human tissue volume replacement or cell culture. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method for preparing lipid removed scaffolds(lipid-free scaffolds) for human tissue volume replacement or cell culture, the method comprising the steps of: fragmenting fat tissue to isolate lipids by ultrasonic treatment or high pressure nozzle spray; removing the isolated lipids and fat tissue from which lipids were not isolated to sterilize. According to the present invention, lipids are removed from fat tissue only by physical treatment to maintain the volume thereof and microstructures such as cellular membrane as much as possible and thus the inventive scaffolds are useful for human tissue volume replacement.

Abstract: The invention relates to an instrument head, comprising: an exit opening (23); a first feed line (11) for the feed of a first fluid; a second feed line (12) for the feed of a second fluid; a reservoir (24) for storing the fluid fed via the second feed line (12); wherein the reservoir (24) is in fluid communication with the first feed line (11) and/or is adapted to be brought in fluid communication with the first feed line (11) via at least a valve (25) arranged in the instrument head, to deliver fluid stored in the reservoir (24) via the exit opening (23).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a colostomy appliance with a flushable insert that can be removed and replaced without removing the outer bag, allowing for quicker, easier, and more sanitary disposal of fecal waste. The appliance is comprised of a faceplate with an attachment ring that has a lip and a catch, an outer colostomy bag with top and bottom openings that can be temporarily closed, and an insert made of a flushable material. The insert has an opening that fits over the attachment ring and is aligned and secured in its proper position inside the bag by the lip and the catch of the attachment ring. The present invention also provides a method for using the flushable insert with a colostomy appliance.

Abstract: An intracorporeal device is provided for supporting heart function of a patient. The intracorporeal device is configured to be secured across at least two anatomical walls of the heart. The intracorporeal device is configured to be secured to one or more anatomical walls by a connector. The connector is arranged to be positioned across one or more anatomical walls.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.

Abstract: The subject invention provides materials methods for reducing infections in subjects. The materials methods utilize chlorhexidine, which has been found to be surprisingly non-toxic. The lack of toxicity facilitates the use of chlorhexidine in contexts that were not previously thought to be possible.

Abstract: Devices and methods for cleaning a port, including a port reservoir and other aspects of the port, whereby a trocar/cannula assembly is introduced to the port reservoir. The trocar is withdrawn from the port reservoir, providing access to the reservoir. A cleaning member is then advanced through the cannula, and can remove an unwanted material therefrom.

Abstract: A handheld personal communication apparatus for dialysis includes: a reader to (i) read a marking displayed on a dialysis fluid container to acquire data concerning at least one of a dialysis fluid type or a dialysis fluid volume from the marking, and/or (ii) receive a patient weight signal from a weight scale; a processor using at least one of the dialysis fluid type, dialysis fluid volume, or patient weight to determine a dialysis dwell time for at least one cycle of a dialysis therapy, the dialysis dwell time being a time to achieve, over the at least one cycle, at least one of (a) a specified ultrafiltrate level, (b) a urea removal level, or (c) a creatinine removal level; and an output interface providing an indication to the patient of a completion of the dialysis dwell time.

Abstract: A catheter comprises an elongated carrier and a balloon carried by the carrier in sealed relation thereto. The balloon has an outer surface and is arranged to receive a fluid therein that inflates the balloon. The catheter further comprises a shock wave generator within the balloon that forms mechanical shock waves within the balloon, and a medicinal agent carried on the outer surface of the balloon. The medicinal agent is releasable from the balloon either before or in response to the shock wave.

Abstract: Medical wound irrigation systems are described that may be used in environments such as hospitals and first aid stations, and for military applications, e.g., for medics and along transport routes for the wounded. The irrigation systems can provide continuous variable pressure for irrigating a wound. For example, in some embodiments, a medical irrigation system can be used to provide a steady pressure level while irrigating about one liter of solution in less than about one minute, e.g., to assist during wound irrigation and debridement. The medical irrigation system may include an air-powered irrigation device, which pressurizes an irrigation solution, such as a cleansing fluid, to create an ejection force. In some embodiments, the medical irrigation system can include a replaceable bottle cap with an inlet for connecting to a source of pressurized fluid (e.g., pressurized gas, such as pressurized air) and an outlet for the irrigation solution/cleansing fluid.

Abstract: An implantable drainage device is provided. The device is adapted to move body fluid from one part of the body of a patient to another part of the body. The invention also extends to a filter adapted to filter particles from a drained fluid.

Abstract: A device for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may include a conduit and at least two applicators. The conduit may include a proximal end and a bifurcated distal portion having two distal ends. Each applicator may be coupled with one of the distal ends of the conduit and may be configured to direct the substance out of the applicator toward one of two sides of an airway. A method for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may involve advancing a substance delivery device into the airway, contacting two sides of the airway with at least two applicators of the substance delivery device, such that each applicator contacts the airway near a glossopharyngeal nerve and/or a superior laryngeal nerve on each of the two sides of the airway, and delivering the substance through the applicators to contact the airway along the two sides.

Abstract: A multi-container system apparatus comprising at least two independent containers, each container of said at least two containers for containing at least one component of the final formulation of a medium; a connector; a connecting tubing line connected to the connector; at least two output tubing lines, the first and second output tubing lines of said at least two output tubing lines connecting the first and second containers of said at least two containers, respectively, to the connecting tubing line.

Abstract: A device for the drainage of a pleural effusion through an operatively engaged chest tube in the chest wall. The device employs a check valve situated between a vacuum source communicating with the chest tube to prevent reversal of the fluid flow out of the patient's body and possible contamination. A valve mounted on a vacuum bottle provides user control of communication of negative pressure from the vacuum bottle to the chest tube. Opening the valve on the bottle communicates negative pressure to the chest tube relative to the pressure in the tube thereby initiating a fluid flow out of the tube and the patient. Once the valve on the bottle is closed, fluid flow ceases and the check valve prevents reversal of the flow.

Abstract: Various systems and methods are provided for reducing pressure at an outflow of a duct such as the thoracic duct or the lymphatic duct. In one embodiment, an indwelling catheter can be configured to be at least partially implanted within a vein of a patient in the vicinity of an outflow port of a duct of the lymphatic system. The catheter can include first and second restrictors each configured to at least partially occlude the vein within which the catheter is implanted and thus to restrict fluid flow within the vein when the restrictors are activated. The restrictors can each be configured to move between an activated configuration, in which the restrictor occludes the vein, and a relaxed configuration, in which the restrictor does not occlude the vein. The catheter can include a pump, such as an axial motor pump, configured to pump fluid through the catheter.

Abstract: A device and methodology for concomitant ejection and suction of a perfusate (CESOP) within a region of interest without spillover of the perfusate to a juxtaposed anatomical region. An inflow line, connected to a perfusate cistern, is coupled to an outflow line, connected to outflow control mechanisms, via an elongate rigid support. Perfusate can flow through the inflow line to the region of interest, and nearly simultaneously, the outflow line can suction the perfusate out of the region of interest. The amount of time that the perfusate remains in the region of interest is sufficient to take effect in the region of interest. The rigid support helps control the inflow and outflow lines. A micromanipulator can also be used to control the lines and application tip thereof. Either or both lines may also have adjustable flow rates therethrough and may include stoppers/regulators.

Abstract: System and components for inducing pleurodesis or other sclerosis or desired adhesion conditions to treat a patient, while minimizing likelihood of tissue damage from direct application of sclerosis-enhancing materials. A tube device is provided that is configured to elute sclerosis-enhancing material and/or other medicaments including autologous or otherwise patient compatible blood and/or blood component(s) via an assembly including fenestrated drainage tube which may be a multi-lumen assembly allowing simultaneous infusion/elution and drainage. The assembly of tube device with outer (typically drainage) tube may include one or more features configured to enhance delivery of medicament and/or drainage through the same assembly.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are provided for the treatment of edema. In one aspect a method for implanting an indwelling catheter within a vein of a patient is provided. The catheter can extend from a position upstream of at least one outflow port of a duct of the lymph system to a terminal position downstream of the at least one outflow port. In use, a first restriction can be created within the vein proximal to a distal region of the catheter. The first restriction can define a localized low pressure zone distal of the restriction and within a portion of the vein housing the catheter. The low pressure zone can be adjacent to the at least one outflow port to enable fluid to pass from the at least one lymph duct outflow port into the vein.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for fluid management in an endoscopic procedure are disclosed. In one embodiment, a fluid management device may comprise a pair of electrodes and a controller connected to the pair of electrodes. In at least some embodiments, the controller may be configured to receive signals from the pair of electrodes and determine whether a fluid in a fluid reservoir is an ionic fluid or a non-ionic fluid based on signals received from the pair of electrodes. In at least some additional embodiments, the controller may be further configured to automatically set a fluid deficit alarm threshold based on the determination of whether the fluid in the fluid reservoir is an ionic fluid or a non-ionic fluid.

Abstract: A pulmonary embolism apparatus and methods for use are provided. The apparatus includes a first catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a distal portion of the first catheter includes a first one or more outlets. The apparatus also includes a first tubular housing having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the first tubular housing is coupled to the first catheter proximal to the at least one first outlet. The apparatus also includes one or more pressure sensors coupled to the distal end of the first tubular housing.

Abstract: This system for in-body-cavity liquid perfusion of a circulating type which circulates a liquid such as an isotonic solution perfused within the body cavity, suppresses an excessive increase in internal pressure that would lead to breakage of a hollow fiber membrane module. A drain valve is connected to a drain port of the hollow fiber membrane module. A pressure sensor measures the internal pressure of the hollow fiber membrane module. A control unit opens the drain valve on the basis of the internal pressure of the hollow fiber membrane module measured by the pressure sensor, draining foreign matter from the hollow fiber membrane.

Abstract: A portable dialysis device that can be continuously worn in and/or on the body of a patient, with a blood chamber in which the patient's blood can be received, a hydraulic chamber which can be filled with a hydraulic fluid and which adjoins the blood chamber, an at least partially flexible delivery membrane which is arranged between the hydraulic chamber and the blood chamber and which, when the hydraulic chamber is filled with hydraulic fluid, is movable in the direction of the blood chamber in such a way as to cause a compression of the blood chamber and therefore an ejection of the blood located therein, a pump for controllable filling and/or emptying of the hydraulic fluid in the hydraulic chamber, such that blood can in this way be conveyed into the blood chamber and/or out of the latter, a filter membrane which is arranged between the blood chamber and the hydraulic chamber and through which waste substances in the blood can be removed to the hydraulic fluid located in the hydraulic chamber, such that t

Abstract: An antimicrobial device for use with a catheter includes a jacket having a central opening for receiving a catheter in sliding engagement therewith and an antimicrobial means disposed within the jacket for reducing the number of microbes on the catheter or the skin of the patient. When the catheter is inserted through the central opening of the jacket, the antimicrobial means acts to disinfect the exterior surface of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter is disclosed that includes an elongated shaft, an insertable end formed in or connected to one end of the elongated shaft, and a discharge end formed in or connected to the opposite end of the elongated shaft. Further, the catheter includes an insertion aid that at least partly encircles the discharge end, and is integrally and releasably connected to the discharge end. The catheter can be easily produced, and at the same time, the insertion aid may easily be removed for use as an insertion aid when using the catheter.

Abstract: A device which may be formed of suitable elastomeric, biocompatible material is configured to be wedged into Tenon's space between the orbital and scleral walls of the eye at the location of a retinal tear or break. When positioned, the device pushes the eye wall inward to close the tear, and fluid below the retinal wall resorbs.

Abstract: Systems and methods for nasal irrigation are provided in which a nasal irrigation device includes a source of saline solution, an effluent receptacle, a nasal interface, a vacuum source, a fluid passageway to communicate the source of saline solution with the effluent receptacle through the nasal interface and a nasal cavity of a user, and a switch and valve assembly for selectively controlling the vacuum source and flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway. The source of saline solution is disposed relative to the device to provide gravitational inducement of the saline solution to the nasal interface in engagement to the device user's nostrils. A combination of the gravitational inducement and a relative vacuum from the effluent receptacle generates a fluid flow for irrigating, cleansing and massaging the nasal cavity and ostia of the user. The entire device is assembled as a hand-held device for convenient lifting and disposal against the user's nostrils.

Abstract: Devices, methods, and systems for a luer connector treatment device are described herein. The luer connector treatment device may include one or multiple sources of UV radiation configured to emit UV radiation capable of sterilizing the contents of a treatment chamber while a first medical device (e.g., catheter) is connected to a secondary medical device, and while the first medical device is separate from a secondary medical device. Sources of UV radiation may be located along both a cap and body of the luer connector treatment device.

Abstract: A catheter connector assembly which may be included with a corporeal drainage system, and a method of draining fluid from a bodily cavity. The catheter connector assembly may include a catheter connector and a drainage line connector. The catheter connector may include a connector body with a coupling feature, a deformable sealing element, and a retaining member. The drainage line connector may include a drainage line body first and second hinge clips, and an actuator. The actuator is designed to deform the deformable sealing element when the drainage line connector is coupled to the catheter connector.

Abstract: The present specification discloses a portable dialysis system comprising a mechanism that allows the user to accurately position an air bubble in a venous line, so that it can be safely removed. When an air bubble is detected, the system automatically runs the blood pump in a direction such that the air bubble is placed close to the extraction point on the venous line, from where it can safely be removed using a needleless syringe.

Abstract: The present embodiments provide systems and methods suitable for delivering a therapeutic agent to a target site. A container holds the therapeutic agent and a pressure source has pressurized fluid in selective fluid communication with at least a portion of the container. A catheter, in fluid communication with the container, has a lumen sized for delivery of the therapeutic agent to a target site. In one embodiment, a diameter of particles of the therapeutic agent is in a range of between about 1 micron to about 925 microns, a mass of the particles of the therapeutic agent is in a range of between about 0.0001 mg to about 0.5 mg, a ratio of an inner diameter of the catheter to the diameter of particles is at least 4:1, and a regulated pressure of the pressurized fluid is between about 0.01 psi to about 100 psi.

Abstract: A fluid or laser jet instrument may be used for manually performing eye surgery or any emulsification technique.

Abstract: Described here are systems and methods for accessing Schlemm's canal and for delivering an ocular device or fluid composition therein. The ocular devices may maintain the patency of Schlemm's canal without substantially interfering with transmural fluid flow across the canal. The fluid composition may be a viscoelastic fluid that is delivered into the canal to facilitate drainage of aqueous humor by disrupting the canal and surrounding trabeculocanalicular tissues. Tools for disrupting these tissues and minimally invasive methods for treating medical conditions associated with elevated intraocular pressure, including glaucoma, are also described.

Abstract: A Luer-like non-standard quick disconnect medical fluid connector that cannot be engaged with a standard Luer fitting.

Abstract: The object of providing a cerebrospinal fluid drainage system 1 which reacts precisely to changes in pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid, with ease of operation, is achieved by the present invention in that a pump 5 is used for draining the cerebrospinal fluid (liquor), wherein operating measured values supplied by sensors act as controlled variable for the operation of the pump. The pressure in the liquor line currently measured by a pressure sensor 10, the liquor pressure in the intracranial cavity being treated, measured intracorporeally by a pressure sensor, and/or the volume of liquor already pumped out, as operating measured value, can, for example, serve as the basis for operational control of the pump of the liquor drainage system.

Abstract: A method for cleaning a port reservoir, the method comprising: providing a port reservoir cleaning system, the system comprising: a trocar comprising a proximal end and distal end, the distal end terminating in a sharp tip, a cannula comprising a proximal end, a distal end and a cannula lumen extending therebetween, and a cleaning member comprising a proximal end, a distal end, a shaft and a cleaning member lumen extending therebetween, wherein a portion of the distal end of the shaft is flexible; advancing the trocar and cannula as an assembly through a septum fluidly sealing the port reservoir; withdrawing the trocar from the cannula lumen; advancing the distal end of the cleaning member through the cannula lumen and into the reservoir; rotating the cleaning member; and supplying negative pressure to a lumen of the cleaning member.

Abstract: Peritoneal dialysis systems and methods are provided by the present disclosure. In a general embodiment, a peritoneal dialysis system includes a peritoneal dialysis fluid supply, a supply line in fluid communication with the peritoneal dialysis fluid supply, the supply line terminating at a supply connector, a patient connector in fluid communication with a patient's indwelling catheter, and a device configured to be placed around at least one of the supply connector and the patient connector during a connection of the supply connector and the patient connector, the device including an ultraviolet (“UV”) transmissive material to allow UV energy to be directed inwardly through the device towards a mating surface of the at least one of the supply connector and the patient connector during the connection of the supply connector and the patient connector.

Abstract: A dialysis device including a dialysis circuit, a blood circuit; and a dialyzer. The dialysis device includes a device for generating a high-frequency electromagnetic field and a device for generating an electrostatic direct current field. Both devices are designed and arranged in such a way that blood to be treated can be exposed to the high-frequency electromagnetic field and the electrostatic direct current field when passing through the dialyzer.

Abstract: System and components for inducing pleurodesis or other sclerosis or desired adhesion conditions to treat a patient, while minimizing likelihood of tissue damage from direct application of sclerosis-enhancing materials. A tube device is provided that is configured to elute sclerosis-enhancing material and/or other medicaments via a fenestrated drainage tube. The assembly of tube device with outer (typically drainage) tube may include one or more features configured to enhance delivery of medicament and/or drainage through the same assembly.

Abstract: A system for registering images is provided. The system includes a first imaging device having an imager positioned at a distal end thereof. The first image device is configured to produce a first image of a body cavity. The system includes an imaging system having a second imaging device having an imager positioned at a distal end thereof and configured to be positioned approximate to said imager of said first imaging device within said body cavity and configured to produce a second image. An elongated member having an outer surface is molded to include imaging markers such that said imaging markers are embedded within the outer surface. At least one of the image markers is configured to produce registration information in the first image and the second image.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for conveying a fluid to a filter unit of a medical treatment apparatus, in particular for conveying a dialysing fluid to a treatment unit, in particular a dialyser or filter of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. The device comprises a balancing unit and a recirculation unit, which comprises one or more chambers. With the balancing unit, it is possible to supply fresh fluid continuously to the recirculation circuit and to discharge used fluid from the recirculation circuit. The supply and discharge of fresh and used dialysing fluid can take place at a flow rate other than the flow rate at which the fluid circulates in the recirculation circuit via the filter unit.

Abstract: A multilumen catheter with an inflow or an outflow lumen having at least two tube extensions extending from the distal end of the catheter that open into the inflow or outflow lumen. The catheter is useful in the extracorporeal treatment of blood, such as hemodialysis, hemofiltration or apheresis. A device to selectively test each of the two tube extensions for occlusion.

Abstract: There is provided a computer-implemented method for calculating a gastric emptying rate from a stomach lumen into a small intestine of a patient, comprising: using at least one processor for executing the following during an enteral tube feeding of a stomach of the patient by a feeding mechanism: analyzing outputs of at least one stomach sensor located within the stomach for detecting a stop feeding condition; pausing the enteral tube feeding in response to a detection of the stop feeding condition; after a predefined period of time, restarting the enteral tube feeding until the stop condition is redetected by an analysis of said outputs; calculating a gastric emptying rate based on an amount of feeding content delivered during a period between the restarting and the redetection; and instructing the feeding mechanism to adapt a feeding rate of the enteral tube feeding according to the gastric emptying rate.

Abstract: Methods are provided for anticoagulating blood. Whole blood is drawn from a donor into a system at a draw flow rate. Anticoagulant from an anticoagulant source is pumped into the system at an anticoagulant flow rate to mix with the blood. The anticoagulated blood may be subsequently processed in any of a number of known ways, including separating it and removing at least a portion of one of the components of the blood. Thereafter, at least a portion of the remaining blood may be returned to the donor. The anticoagulant flow rate is independent of the draw flow rate and can be based on a number of factors, including the weight of the donor and the rate at which the donor can metabolize the anticoagulant.