Abstract: In one aspect, the subject invention is directed to a method of preparing a combinatorial drug delivery device based on a predetermined selection of drug components. The method includes: preparing a plurality of containers, each accommodating one of the selected drug components; coupling the containers to a common outlet so that the drug components may be extracted from the containers and dispensed through the common outlet; and, applying negative pressure to extract the drug components from the containers and urge the drug components towards the common outlet.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes a cycler including a pump actuator, a heater and a heating pan operable with the heater, and a disposable set operable with the cycler. The heating pan includes a sidewall forming a slot. The disposable set includes a pumping cassette and a heater/mixing container. The pumping cassette includes a pump chamber configured to be actuated by the pump actuator. Additionally, the heater/mixing container is in fluid communication with the pumping cassette and is sized to be received at the heating pan. The heater/mixing container includes a port configured such that when the port is slid into the slot of the heater pan sidewall, the port is prevented from rotating about an axis transverse to a direction of flow through the port.

Abstract: Various arrangements of fluidics systems are disclosed. In one arrangement, an aspiration circuit for a fluidics system is disclosed that selectively controls aspiration. The aspiration circuit comprises an aspiration line operatively connected to a surgical instrument, an aspiration exhaust line operatively connected to a waste receptacle; an aspiration vent line connected at a first end to the aspiration line; and a selectively variable vent valve operatively connected to the aspiration vent line. The variable vent valve may be selectively moved to vary aspiration pressure within the aspiration line. Other fluidics systems are disclosed that include a selectively positionable irrigation valve that may also be incorporated into a fluidics system that includes a variable vent valve.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling ablation therapy are provided herein. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided that includes an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The inner lumen can be configured to receive fluid therein and to deliver fluid to the distal end of the elongate body. The device can also include an ablation element positioned at a distal end of the elongate body that is configured to heat surrounding tissue, and a heater element disposed within the inner lumen adjacent to a distal end of thereof, the heater element being configured to heat fluid flowing through the inner lumen.

Abstract: Described herein is a surgical instrument holder for use with a robotic surgical system, for example, during spinal surgery. In certain embodiments, the surgical instrument holder is an interface between the robotic arm and a surgical instrument used during surgery. This interface may hold the surgical instrument precisely, rigidly, and in a stable manner while permitting a surgeon to easily and quickly install or withdraw the instrument in case of emergency.

Abstract: Intravascular blood pumps and methods of use. The blood pump include a pump portion that includes a collapsible blood conduit defining a blood flow lumen between an inflow and an outflow. The pump portion includes a distal collapsible impeller axially spaced from a proximal collapsible impeller, at least a portion of each of the distal and proximal collapsible impellers disposed between the inflow and the outflow.

Abstract: A surgical system that illuminates a surgical site using one or more illumination means is powered by radiofrequency energy produced by an electrosurgical generator. Illumination may occur whether or not current is being delivered from an active electrode to target tissue.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for suction and irrigation, includes: an insertion tube inserted into the body of a patient; an instrument body coupled to the insertion tube and disposed outside the body of the patient; an irrigation fluid control valve coupled to the instrument body; and a drainage fluid control valve coupled to the instrument body and separated a predetermined distance from the irrigation fluid control valve in a longitudinal direction of the instrument body.

Abstract: Methods and devices for implanting an intra-ocular pressure sensor within an eye of a patient are provided herein. Methods include penetrating a conjunctiva and sclera with a distal tip of a fluid-filled syringe and positioning the pressure sensor within a vitreous body of the eye by injecting the sensor device through the distal tip. The sensor device may be stabilized by one or more anchoring members engaged with the sclera so that the pressure sensor of the sensor device remains within the vitreous body. Methods further include advancing a sensor device having a distal penetrating tip through at least a portion of the sclera to position the sensor within the vitreous body and extracting of the sensor devices described herein by proximally retracting the sensor device using an extraction feature of the sensor device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for carrying out an extracorporeal blood treatment in which a substitution fluid is administered to the patient, wherein the apparatus comprises an extracorporeal blood circuit and a substitution line opening into the extracorporeal blood circuit, wherein the substitution line has at least one heating container, and wherein a pump is arranged in the substitution line downstream of the heating container or containers for the conveying of substitution fluid into the extracorporeal blood circuit.

Abstract: An energy-delivery device suitable for delivery of energy to tissue includes an antenna assembly, a chamber defined about the antenna assembly, and a cable having a proximal end suitable for connection to an electrosurgical energy source. The energy-delivery device also includes a flexible, fluid-cooled shaft coupled in fluid communication with the chamber. The flexible, fluid-cooled shaft is configured to contain a length of the cable therein and adapted to remove heat along the length of the cable during delivery of energy to the antenna assembly.

Abstract: Featured is a closed loop surgical system including one or more control units that are configured to form a fluid control subsystem for fluid control and a device control subsystem for controlling a surgical device. The two control subsystems in combination provide an automatic self-managed closed loop system for the control of fluid into and out of the surgical site by means of intelligent communication and for maintaining a preselected pressure desired by the surgeon. In particular embodiments, this is accomplished by utilizing empirically correlated motor speed and load measurements, based on supplied current, from the surgical resection device when using its specific resection capability. For example, automatically adjusting fluid flow responsive to changes in loading of a surgical device or automatically sensing a load change for the surgical device during a surgical procedure and automatically changing (increasing or decreasing) fluid flow responsive to the load change.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to hand held powered surgical devices, loading unit detection assemblies, surgical adapters and/or adapter assemblies for use between and for interconnecting the powered surgical device or handle assembly and an end effector for clamping, cutting, stapling and/or sealing tissue.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube (10) including a main lumen (12) having one or more proximal connectors (14) for connecting to a source of substances or pressure, and one or more vacuum lumens (16) peripherally surrounding the main lumen (12), each vacuum lumen (16) including a vacuum sealing portion (24), which includes one or more suction ports (26) for sealingly drawing an inner wall of an esophagus thereagainst.

Abstract: A surgical system that illuminates a surgical site using one or more illumination means is powered by radiofrequency energy produced by an electrosurgical generator. Illumination may occur whether or not current is being delivered from an active electrode to target tissue.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling ablation therapy are provided herein. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided that includes an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The inner lumen can be configured to receive fluid therein and to deliver fluid to the distal end of the elongate body. The device can also include an ablation element positioned at a distal end of the elongate body that is configured to heat surrounding tissue, and a heater element disposed within the inner lumen adjacent to a distal end of thereof, the heater element being configured to heat fluid flowing through the inner lumen.

Abstract: An arthroscopic surgical temperature control system and method able to monitor and control the temperature within a surgical site during arthroscopic ablation procedures in order to prevent tissue damage is provided.

Abstract: Catheters for ablation and removal of occlusions from blood vessels are provided. Laser cutting systems and mechanical cutting systems are provided in catheter devices, the cutting systems operable to ablate, cut, dislodge, and otherwise remove occlusions within a blood vessel that may limit or prevent proper circulation. A helical or partially-helical inner surface structure is provided in the catheter, the structure operable to remove or translate dislodged material(s).

Abstract: A surgical system comprises a hand piece, an irrigation conduit in fluid communication with the hand piece to carry fluid toward a surgical site, an aspiration conduit in fluid communication with the hand piece to carry fluid away from the surgical site, a pump interfacing with the aspiration conduit, the pump to create a vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit to draw fluid through the aspiration conduit, a vacuum relief valve in fluid communication with the aspiration conduit to relieve the vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit, a pressure sensor to detect a pressure associated with the surgical site, a controller in communication with the vacuum relief valve and the pressure sensor to control the vacuum relief valve to decrease the vacuum pressure in the aspiration conduit when the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is less than a first pressure threshold.

Abstract: A device for accurately guiding and positioning a surgical instrument bearing suture material to a predetermined area within the body for closing an open wound includes an elongated conically shaped guide that is wider at the top and which has two openings in the side wall thereof. The top has two openings that communicate with the openings in the side wall through generally linear passageways that pass through the guide and which allow surgical instruments carrying suture material to pass therethrough. A thin elongated rod extends upwardly from the top wall approximately two inches and includes a handle at the top thereof. Raising the handle above the guide increases the field of view of the surgeon.

Abstract: A system, method and apparatus for notifying a surgeon of an occlusion in an ocular surgical apparatus are disclosed herein. Through operation of a handpiece of the surgical apparatus, the handpiece may become blocked or occluded. An occlusion detector is configured to sense the occlusion in the handpiece, and an occlusion signal is generated. A control module is provided to send an occlusion warning signal to a foot pedal of the surgical apparatus, where a tactile notification is provided to a user of the apparatus that an occlusion has occurred.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a stem cell organ device including an array of alternating stem cell channels and fluid channels. In one example, a method may include loading a stem cell channel with stem cells and flowing blood through a fluid channel in order to allow an exchange of molecules between the stem cells and the blood.

Abstract: An infusion injection system wherein, when injecting a drug solution into a patient using an infusion set and an automatic infusion device, the automatic infusion device confirms various pieces of information regarding the infusion set in order to provide safe infusion for the patient, and to allow the user to assess the infusion information and manage a proper disposal procedure, wherein whether an infusion set is properly mounted is judged and if the judgment is positive, information stored in an IC tag attached to a drip tube 15 is read out by an IC tag reader unit 59 in an automatic infusion device 7, and information matching is verified between the read-out information and the information set beforehand for the automatic infusion device 7, and wherein control operations are performed only when the verification is a match.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection system having a first connection part which defines a first passage and to a second connection part to be connected to the first connection part which defines a second passage which is orientated with the first passage in the connected state of the connection parts, wherein the first connection part has a blunt cone section through which the first passage extends and the second connection part has a reception section having a frustoconical reception space for receiving the blunt cone section into which the second passage opens.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling vacuum within phacoemulsification systems. The phacoemulsification system may include a handpiece having a needle coupled to a power Source configured to cause the needle to be ultrasonically vibrated during operation, and an aspiration Source. The system includes a footpedal that defines a first position and a second position, and also includes a computer program product operatively coupled to the handpiece and the foot pedal, having a computer usable medium with a sequence of instructions which causes the processor to control power from the power source and vacuum from the aspiration source applied to the handpiece. The process provides a vacuum at a first level to the handpiece when the footpedal is at the first position; provides power to the handpiece when the footpedal is at the second position; and reduces the vacuum to a second level when the footpedal position transitions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a removable vena cava filter for capturing and treating blood clots in a blood vessel. The filter comprises a hub, a plurality of struts extending distally from the hub, and a tubular member disposed through the hub. The tubular member has a proximal end and a distal portion including a plurality of perforations. A catheter may be attached to the proximal end of the tubular member. Fluid may be injected into the catheter to treat blood clots captured in the filter.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a foamed fluid to a wound of a patient (e.g., through a wound dressing covering the wound and coupled to the skin around the wound).

Abstract: An ophthalmic system (100) having an ophthalmic cassette (104) for operative engagement with an ophthalmic apparatus (102) is disclosed. The ophthalmic cassette (104) includes a cassette body (108) having a manifold (124) defining an inlet port (180) in fluid flow communication with first and second fluid pathways (120/122) which are in selective fluid flow communication with respective first and second storage chambers (116/118) such that fluid enters either the first storage chamber (116) or the second storage chamber (118). The ophthalmic apparatus (102) is operable to permit alternate fluid flow communication between the inlet port (108) and either the first storage chamber (116) or the second storage chamber (118) during operation of the ophthalmic system (100).

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods for organ retroperfusion along with regional mild hypothermia.

Abstract: A film bag for storing a fluid, in particular a reagent or an auxiliary agent for a biochemical analysis method, includes a film, a seam, and an irreversibly destructible predetermined breaking point. The film is impermeable to the fluid and constituents of the fluid. The seam is formed in a fluid-tight manner between a first sub-region of the film and a second sub-region of the film and forms the film into a fluid-tight bag for accommodating the fluid. The bag is configured to be arranged in a chamber of a device that provides a fluid for a biochemical evaluating unit. The predetermined breaking point is formed from the film and is fluid-tight when a fluid pressure in the film bag is below a limit. The predetermined breaking point is destroyed when the fluid pressure is above the limit.

Abstract: An applicator insertable into a living body includes a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head on a front end side of the nozzle main body and through which a liquid together with a gas are expelled, with the nozzle main body including a flexible curved section. The applicator also includes an outer tube in which is positioned a portion of the nozzle main body so as to be movable along a longitudinal direction. An angle or a degree of curvature of the curved section is changed by inserting the curved section into the outer tube to thereby adjust a direction of the nozzle head relative to an axis of the nozzle main body. In addition, a longitudinally extending gap exists between the outer tube and the nozzle. The gap functions as a discharge path for discharging a gas within a body cavity.

Abstract: A laser ablation surgery system with a safety control of non-target tissue temperature and laser ablation surgery method are provided. The system includes a laser source configured to produce a laser beam at a wavelength absorbable by a target issue through an optical fiber connected thereto, a temperature sensor disposed at an irrigation fluid outlet of a flow sheath of a continuous flow endoscope, and a system control operably connected to the laser source and the temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the temperature of an effluent exiting a body cavity adjacent to the target issue during a laser ablation surgery. The system control includes at least one predetermined effluent temperature threshold and a laser control mechanism. The system control is configured to activate the laser control mechanism when the temperature sensor senses the temperature of the effluent exceeding the predetermined effluent temperature threshold.

Abstract: Devices and methods for controlling ablation therapy are provided herein. In one embodiment, an ablation device is provided that includes an elongate body having proximal and distal ends, and an inner lumen extending therethrough. The inner lumen can be configured to receive fluid therein and to deliver fluid to the distal end of the elongate body. The device can also include an ablation element positioned at a distal end of the elongate body that is configured to heat surrounding tissue, and a heater element disposed within the inner lumen adjacent to a distal end of thereof, the heater element being configured to heat fluid flowing through the inner lumen.

Abstract: A septum is penetrable by a needle for decontamination by physical interaction. The septum can include a peripheral portion, an exterior surface], and an interior surface. A penetration portion extends between the exterior and interior surfaces, is spaced inwardly of the peripheral portion, and is penetrable by the needle or other penetrating element. A flex portion is located between the penetration portion and the peripheral portion. A thicker portion extends between the flex portion and the penetration portion, and defines an increased thickness between the exterior and interior surfaces relative to the flex portion. The flex portion is flexible inwardly relative to the peripheral portion during penetration of the penetration portion by a needle or other penetrating element. The penetration portion physically interacts with and decontaminates the needle when it penetrates the septum. The septum may also reduce or prevent retrograde contamination when the needle is withdrawn.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube (10) including a main lumen (12) having one or more proximal connectors (14) for connecting to a source of substances or pressure, and one or more vacuum lumens (16) peripherally surrounding the main lumen (12), each vacuum lumen (16) including a vacuum sealing portion (24), which includes one or more suction ports (26) for sealingly drawing an inner wall of an esophagus thereagainst.

Abstract: A system comprising: a nasogastric tube comprising: (a) a main lumen having one or more proximal connectors for connecting to a source of substances or pressure, (b) at least four vacuum lumens peripherally surrounding said main lumen, (c) at least four suction ports for sealingly drawing an inner wall of an esophagus thereagainst, each of said at least four suction ports associated with a different one of said four vacuum lumens, wherein said at least four suction ports are distributed between at least two different locations along a longitudinal axis of said nasogastric tube; and an imaging system for capturing and rendering one or more images of an area accessible by said tube, said imaging system comprising: (d) a camera disposed at a distal end of said nasogastric tube, for capturing said images; (e) an illuminator disposed at said distal end of said nasogastric tube, and (f) a processing unit provided at a proximal end of said nasogastric tube, that is configured to receive and process said captured ima

Abstract: A system comprising: a nasogastric tube comprising: (a) a main lumen having one or more proximal connectors for connecting to a source of substances or pressure; (b) at least four vacuum lumens peripherally surrounding said main lumen; and (c) at least four suction ports for sealingly drawing an inner wall of an esophagus thereagainst, each of said at least four suction ports associated with a different one of said at least four vacuum lumens, wherein said at least four suction ports are distributed between at least two different locations along a longitudinal axis of said nasogastric tube.

Abstract: A device for conveying a fluid to a filter unit of a medical treatment apparatus, in particular for conveying a dialyzing fluid to a filter unit, in particular a blood treatment unit of an extracorporeal blood treatment apparatus. The device includes one or more devices for measuring pressure in the fluid system. Moreover, a method for measuring the pressure in the fluid system of such a supply device.

Abstract: The invention comprises a system to alleviate conditions such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and the like. The system includes a probe for mechanically cutting tissue and a device for simultaneously tamponading, inducing hemostasis, and dilating a plurality of lumens while minimizing inflammation. The tamponading device has a plurality of balloons configured for inflation with a coolant fluid. Other components of the system include a luminally protective sheath, a microscopic end cauterizing probe, a surgical console, an identification-sensitive self-sealed cassette, and a plurality of flexible tubing lines with pinch valves thereon.

Abstract: The present specification describes a jet distributor provided to supply fluids to each of a plurality of jet openings in a multi jet endoscope tip. In an embodiment, the jet distributor is supplied with a fluid from a jet pump. The jet distributor includes at least two fluid channels to provide the fluid supplied via the jet pump to the front-jet, right-side-jets and left-side-jets in the endoscope tip. The jet-distributor includes a motor which rotates a rotating plug. The rotating plug includes an internal fluid pathway which becomes intermittently aligned with each of a plurality of fluid output channels in the jet distributor as the plug rotates, thereby providing fluid in a successive manner to the jets in the endoscope tip.

Abstract: A water jet surgical instrument including a supply line for supplying a cutting fluid and a discharge nozzle for forming and discharging a fluid jet, wherein the fluid jet has a predetermined spread angle and/or a predetermined emergence energy. A jet shaping device is arranged relative to the discharge nozzle such that the fluid jet is able to be adjusted by the jet shaping device with regard to the spread angle and/or emergence energy thereof.

Abstract: Various arrangements of fluidics systems are disclosed. In one arrangement, an aspiration circuit for a fluidics system is disclosed that selectively controls aspiration. The aspiration circuit comprises an aspiration line operatively connected to a surgical instrument, an aspiration exhaust line operatively connected to a waste receptacle; an aspiration vent line connected at a first end to the aspiration line; and a selectively variable vent valve operatively connected to the aspiration vent line. The variable vent valve may be selectively moved to vary aspiration pressure within the aspiration line. Other fluidics systems are disclosed that include a selectively positionable irrigation valve that may also be incorporated into a fluidics system that includes a variable vent valve.

Abstract: A drainage cannula having one of three different types of anchor tabs is disclosed. The anchor tab prevents movement of the cannula after positioning a distal portion of the cannula inside of the patient's body and securing the anchor tab to the patient's body (e.g., skin).

Abstract: A water jet surgical device comprises a fluid feed device, which is controllable by control signals from a control device, for delivering a fluid into a connecting line of a surgical instrument with an outlet nozzle. The fluid feed device includes at least one measuring device, which is configured such that following the connection of the surgical instrument to the fluid feed device, the measuring device generates measuring signals to represent a quantity of fluid delivered. The quantity of fluid delivered may be displayed on a display or recorded in a recording unit. This enables improved monitoring of surgical operations.

Abstract: A system for operating a semi-closed loop and/or a closed loop resuscitation of a burn patient in view of patient information and other physiological data gathered by the system. The system in at least one embodiment includes an urine sensor, an infusion pump and a processor that controls the operation of the infusion pump at least in part from a signal received from the urine sensor.

Abstract: Prostate treatment using fluid stream to resect prostate tissue, thereby relieving symptoms of conditions such as BPH, prostatitis, and prostatic carcinoma. A device having a fluid delivery element is positioned within a lumen of the urethra within the prostate. A fluid stream is directed outwardly from the fluid delivery element toward a wall of the urethral lumen. The fluid delivery element is moved to scan the fluid stream over the wall to remove a volume of tissue surrounding the lumen. The fluid may be combined with therapeutically active substances or with substances that increase resection efficiency. Fluid force may be adjusted to provide selective tissue resection such that soft tissue is removed while harder tissue is left undamaged. In order to gain a working space within the urethra, another fluid may be introduced to insufflate the urethra in the region of treatment.

Abstract: A portable device for infusion of liquid drugs contained in a pair of syringes into a patient's body is disclosed. Said device includes a body housing a driving system and arranged to receive a pair of interchangeable syringes, and said driving system includes a single electric motor and a first and a second mechanical assembly, or a single mechanical assembly, each assembly being associated with one of the syringes or with both syringes, respectively, and being arranged to convert the rotary motion of the motor into a linear motion and to apply said linear motion to a pusher associated with the plunger of the respective syringe, both mechanical assemblies, or the single mechanical assembly, being operated for simultaneously causing the forward motion of the plunger in one syringe and the backward motion of the plunger in a second syringe.

Abstract: A valve system comprising a valve design in which the valve is normally closed is disclosed. The normally closed valve can comprise a circular valve seal face formed by the underside of a rim of an elastomeric valve boss and a circular valve seat, which is formed by the rim of a through-hole molded into, for example, a plastic cassette, such that the valve seal face, the valve seat, and the through hole are concentric. The valve boss can be a hollow “mushroom” shaped valve boss, or a conical-shaped valve boss. If no force is applied to the inside surface of the valve boss, no fluid can pass through the valve as the valve seal face rests against the valve seat as a result of the steady free-state load created by the stretch of the valve boss over the slightly longer through hole.

Abstract: A door assembly that includes a receptacle for a pump cassette can be closed to position the cassette into contact with a control assembly for operating the pump cassette. A force assembly having a movable member is capable of applying force to the pump cassette to press the pump cassette against the control assembly. The movable member may be an expandable member, such as a bladder.

Abstract: A surgical system comprises a pressurized irrigation fluid source; an irrigation line fluidly coupled to the pressurized irrigation fluid source; a hand piece fluidly coupled to the irrigation line; an irrigation pressure sensor located at or along the pressurized irrigation fluid source or irrigation line; and a controller for controlling the pressurized irrigation fluid source. The controller controls the pressurized irrigation fluid source based on a reading from the irrigation pressure sensor and an estimated flow value modified by a compensation factor.