Abstract: Apparatus and method for use in the sterile sampling of liquid from a container, the apparatus having a normally vertical tubular sight chamber coupled by its lower end to a sample port assembly. The upper end of the chamber is fitted with an inlet tube through which sample liquid can be received and a filtered vent to allow air to flow to and from the sight chamber while preventing the ingress of bacteria in to the chamber. The sample port assembly has a tubular body encasing a sheathed needle assembly so that evacuated phials can be inserted into the body and pressed onto the needle assembly to withdraw samples of liquid collected in the sight chamber, the sight chamber preferably having transparent walls that are marked with graduations so that each phial can be withdrawn from the needle assembly after the desired amount of liquid has been collected.

Abstract: A collector bag for a catheter comprising a first receptacle and second receptacle selectively fastenable to each other. The first receptacle, serving as a temporary reservoir for fluids while the second receptacle is detached for disposal of its contents. The first has a top end with a throughbore forming a catheter attachment port while the bottom end incorporates a valve movable between an open and closed position thereby controlling the flow of fluids therebetween. The second receptacle serves as the primary receptacle for collecting fluids with a collar serving as receiver for the first receptacle bottom end that once inserted rotation of one member relative to the other in a predetermined direction locks the two receptacle together. Once fastened thereto, the valve can be opened to provide for fluid passage between the first and second receptacle.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid collector for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid collector. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid collector by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: A cardiotomy and venous blood reservoir including a housing assembly, a downtube, and a bowl. The housing assembly forms a chamber. The downtube extends from an inlet port to a downstream end within the chamber. A diameter of the tube lumen increases to the downstream end. The bowl forms a floor surface shoulder, intermediate segment, and protrusion. The shoulder circumferentially surrounds, and is spatially above, the downstream end. The intermediate segment extends radially inwardly and downwardly from the shoulder to a bottom face. The protrusion extends radially inwardly and upwardly from the bottom face to a center that is aligned with the lumen and below the downstream end. The flared inner diameter of the lumen reduces fluid velocity as venous blood enters the reservoir. The bowl floor surface gently receives the incoming venous blood at the protrusion, and smoothly guides the blood flow.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.

Abstract: A wound treatment apparatus is disclosed to provide vacuum therapy to a wound associated with a patient. The wound treatment apparatus comprises a control unit comprising an alarm and a display displaying an alarm log providing information associated with each activation of the alarm. The display also displays information to instruct a user how to operate the wound treatment apparatus. A method of calibrating the control unit is disclosed.

Abstract: A portable medical equipment suite that includes a case, a power distribution system, a physiological monitoring and defibrillation system, a portable suction unit, a medical information management system and an oxygen dispenser. The case has a door and an interior, the door allows access to the interior of the case; the case is self contained and waterproof when the door is closed. The power distribution system, the physiological monitoring and defibrillation system, the portable suction unit, the medical information management system, and the oxygen dispenser are disposed within the interior of the case. The power distribution system powers the physiological monitoring and defibrillation system, the portable suction unit, and the medical information management system.

Abstract: A collection device for collecting bone material during a spinal fusion surgical procedure so that the bone material can later be used as a graft material for the fusion procedure. The device includes a container that collects the bone and other material that is removed from the patient during the surgical procedure through a suction hose. The device includes a plunger having a filter plate sealed to the inside of the container. The plunger is pushed down into the collected material in the container so that blood and other liquids are forced through the plate to be separated from the bone material. A cover at the bottom of the container can be removed to remove the collected bone material.

Abstract: A sperm collecting apparatus is provided and includes a container having a non-cylindrical container main unit whose one end face in a longitudinal direction is open and a cap that is attachable the container main unit. A core member made from a gel-like material, which is located in the container main unit and has an insertion room extending to an inner portion of the core member from an insertion port at one end face in the core member. A sponge layer which is interposed between the core member and an inner wall of the container main unit, the container main unit is a non-cylindrical member whose intermediate portion in a longitudinal direction thereof has an outer diameter smaller than those in both end portions.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a fluid collection system having multiple storage chambers are disclosed. In an exemplary embodiment, the system may include a first chamber in fluid communication with a suction source and a second chamber in fluid communication with the first chamber. The second chamber may have a volume less than a volume of the first chamber. The second chamber may also comprise an inlet port for connecting to an external tube. The system may be configured to selectively drain liquid from the second chamber into the first chamber.

Abstract: A wearer wears a urine receptacle in which a urine absorbent material 3 is housed in a substantially rectangular, non-breathable, liquid-impermeable outer sheet having a U-shaped cross-section, and the surface of the urine absorbent material is covered with a hard-breathable, liquid permeable top sheet. Urine is discharged from a urine drainage port formed on the bottom surface of the outer sheet to a sealed urine tank by a vacuum pump through urine drainage tubes.

Abstract: A method of treating spinal cord injury (SCI) includes transcutaneously irradiating at least a portion of a spinal environment of the patient with light having a power density of at least about 0.01 mW/cm2 at the portion of the spinal environment.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device that is especially suited for neurosurgical applications is disclosed and described. The device includes a handpiece and an outer cannula in which a reciprocating inner cannula is disposed. The inner cannula includes a hinge between a body section and a cutting section that allows the cutting section to pivot when the inner cannula reciprocates within the outer cannula. A tissue collector is also provided and is in fluid communication with the lumen of the inner cannula. The inner cannula and the outer cannula define an annular space between the inner cannula and the outer cannula, and a seal is provided at the proximal end of the annular space. The seal is preferably a thixotropic, semi-solid material such as a high vacuum, halogenated polymeric grease. The device may also include an inner cannula stop position control for selectively controlling the position of the inner cannula when it is at rest.

Abstract: A medical irrigation basin and procedural tray assembly includes a basin capable of holding irrigation fluids from irrigating a patient's wound. The basin has a bottom bounded by a perimeter. A wall extends upwards from the perimeter of the bottom and is continuous therewith. A pedestal or pedestal container fittable on the basin can support a body part and may contain useful medical fluids. A pad of absorbent material may be disposed on the bottom of the basin. The pad is adapted to absorb a substantial volume of the irrigation fluids flowing from irrigation of the patient's wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to urinals for use by the bedridden. The anti-spill urinal of the present invention includes a flexible tube for improved contact with the patient. The present invention may also include a rounded lip for improved contact with the patient. The urinal of the present invention may include a substantially closed vessel having a bottom wall, side walls, and a top wall with an opening in the top wall of the vessel in combination with a tube in fluid connection with the opening. Preferably, the tube has a number of flexible sections, separated by a number of rigid sections to increase patient comfort and reduce spills. The present invention may also include an extensible section at the distal end of the tube and a graduated section formed in a sidewall of the vessel for measuring the volume of fluid within the vessel.

Abstract: A portable closed wound drainage system that uses a pouch shaped dressing which is inserted into a wound. At least a portion of the outer surface of the pouch is porous to allow exudates to enter. Exudates are removed from the pouch by flexible tubing which is secured inside the pouch at one end and secured at the other end to a portable drain/suction unit. The pouch contains porous material. The tubing can have a single or multi-lumen structure. The pouch and the tube are sealed by a flexible sealing material which is applied to the outer surface of the skin. A cosmetic cover sheet is attached to the patient's skin over the closed wound drainage system.

Abstract: A method of making a tampon applicator having four separable components includes forming a barrel having a forward end and a rearward end opposite the forward end, forming a fingergrip having a barrel end and a plunger end, where the fingergrip has an axially extending channel between the barrel end and the plunger end and the plunger end has a cross-sectional area that is less than a cross-sectional area of the barrel end, forming an insertion tip having a first end and a second end, forming a plunger having a forward end, connecting the barrel end of the fingergrip with the rearward end of the barrel, where the barrel end of the fingergrip and the rearward end of the barrel create a continuous surface flush with the barrel when connected, connecting the second end of the insertion tip to the forward end of the barrel, and inserting the forward end of the plunger into the channel of the fingergrip.

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

Abstract: An automatic urine collection apparatus includes a collection container for accumulating urine transferred from a urine receiver through a tube and a main body for supporting the collection container, wherein the main body includes a suction pump for sucking the urine received by the urine receiver and carrying the urine to the collection container, a mass sensor for measuring the urine accumulated in the collection container, a control board for calculating a volume of the urine based on the measured mass of the urine, and an indicator for indicating the calculated volume of the urine.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a central vacuum producing system suitable for collecting both liquid and gaseous material, one or more end effectors for use at a site at which liquid and gaseous material are produced, and a coupling device or connector for operably coupling one or more end effectors to the central vacuum. In this embodiment, the connector may be made of various materials, and may include a suitable liquid monitor or counter such as a flow meter.

Abstract: A device includes a housing that can be transported between remote locations. The housing includes base and cover members conjoined therewith. The base member includes an open top end and a divider position in a cavity thereof, defining isolated chambers within the housing. The cover member includes a divider mateable with the divider of the base member. A mechanism is included for locking the cover member to the base member. A mechanism is included for collecting body excrements from the patient and is in fluid communication with one of the chambers. A mechanism is included for cleansing a selected portion of the patient and is in fluid communication with another chamber. The cleansing mechanism and the collecting mechanism are independently and simultaneously operable, and are electrically mated to an external power supply source.

Abstract: An air bubble separator is provided for ophthalmic surgical systems, which includes a housing 102 having a diagonally-oriented flow channel 110 and a vertically-oriented flow channel 130 adjoining the diagonally oriented channel. The diagonally-oriented flow channel 110 has a downstream portion 112 disposed downstream of the vertically-oriented flow channel 130, and an upstream portion 118 disposed upstream of the vertically-oriented flow channel 130. The downstream portion 112 of the diagonally-oriented flow channel 110 has a cross-sectional area 114 that is greater than that of the upstream portion 118. The downstream portion's cross-sectional area 114 is greater than the upstream portion's cross-sectional area 124 by an amount or percentage that is sufficient to slow fluid flow through the diagonally-oriented flow channel 110, so as to cause air within the fluid to rise and flow into the vertically-oriented flow channel 130.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adapter attached to a human or animal body at a stoma, a detachable lid on the adapter, and a connector for connecting an ostomy bag to the adapter. The adapter includes a protruding section extending from the stoma, and a member for mounting a detachable lid onto the end of the protruding section. The adapter and lid are arranged such that the lid can be slid onto and off the adapter in a direction relatively perpendicular to the axis of the protruding section of the adapter. The connector is arranged to connect the ostomy bag to the adapter and to slide the lid off the adapter. In this way, there is no risk of odors or waste leaking from the adapter or the ostomy bag while the bag is being connected to the adapter.

Abstract: An Apparatus for Capturing Bodily Fluids and Disposing the Bodily Fluids to another location includes a Funnel and a Conduit. The Funnel comprises a capture distal end and a mating distal end. The Conduit comprises an elongate tube. The elongate tube comprises an anterior distal end and a posterior distal end. In some preferred embodiments the posterior end of the conduit is threaded. The anterior distal end of the Conduit is in communication with the capture distal end of the Funnel.

Abstract: Here is disclosed a urine receiver. The urine receiver which collects urine of a wearer of the urine receiver under suction force has a container member provided with a bottom, a peripheral wall and flange. The container member has a suction tube which extends through the peripheral wall and has a urine suction port opening toward the interior of the container member and a urine evacuation port opening toward the exterior of the container member. The evacuation port is adapted to be connected to a connector of a urine suction means provided externally of the container member.

Abstract: A urine drainage bag cover covers and hides the contents of a urine drainage bag, but is easily manipulated, so that the fluid level in the urine drainage bag may be easily ascertained by attendants.

Abstract: An ambulatory device for measuring urine flow comprises a portable hand-held container and a handgrip mounted thereto. A flow-measuring device is located in the container, and a means for collecting the data measured by the flow-measuring device is also provided. The parameters of the urine flow in the container are measured by the flow-measuring device and are processed by the aforementioned means for collecting data. The handgrip is pivotally mounted to the container by a double-pivot mechanism for maintaining the container substantially vertical in a number of positions of the handgrip. The flow-measuring device includes a sensor that measures a displacement of an air column related to a variation of pressure due to a variation of a urine level in the container.

Abstract: An absorbent feminine care article (20) having a longitudinal direction (22), a lateral direction (24), first and second longitudinally opposed end portions (72, 72a), and an intermediate portion (76) located between the end portions. The article (20) comprises an absorbent body structure (30) sandwiched between a cover (26) and a baffle (28). In a particular aspect, the absorbent structure (30) can include one or more distinctively configured embossment regions (34), and the embossment regions can be distributed along the intermediate portion (76) of the article.

Abstract: An absorbent wearing article includes a liquid-absorbent structure and an excrement receiving structure having a plurality of passages defined by flexible walls formed from flexible sheets and disposed along a liquid-absorbent surface of the liquid-absorbent structure.

Abstract: A collapsible, hands-free emesis container is provided with improved portability, deployment and emesis reception characteristics. The container includes a receptacle for receiving emesis, a chute for directing emesis and a retainer to maintain desired positioning of the container about a support structure, which may be the neck of an impaired patient. The container may be provided in a package having size characteristics for easy storage and access by emergency medical service personnel.

Abstract: A colostomy bag provided with a stoma ring, a gas outlet and an external deodorizing filter in which a vertical baffle is provided intermediate the stoma ring and the gas outlet and extending from the upper marginal wall of the bag and a level slightly below the lowest point of the stoma ring. The baffle is designed to prevent feces from being squeezed sideways and upwardly into the gas outlet and clogging it.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for applying negative pressure to a wound site to promote healing.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment apparatus includes a drape for positioning over the wound site to create and maintain a substantially air-tight cavity between the wound site and the drape. A multi-lumen suction tube is provided to be attached to a reduced pressure source. The multi-lumen suction tube includes a center lumen and at least one outer lumen and is configured to deliver reduced pressure beneath the drape to the substantially air-tight cavity. The multi-lumen suction tube is adapted to allow fluid to be drawn from the wound site through the center lumen and pressure to be monitored at the wound site through the at least one outer lumen.

Abstract: Disclosed is a composition, which may be melt extrudable, comprising polyvinylpyrrolidone-iodine complex in at least one polymer. Also disclosed is a process for preparing the composition or shaped articles, including films, made therefrom. The composition can be extruded, blown film extruded, or molded into films, fibers, tubing, and shaped articles thermoformed or molded shapes, including containers, usable, for instance, as catheters, in delivery systems for drugs and nutrients, specimen containers, or surgical devices.

Abstract: An absorbent pad configured for placement under a patient to absorb bodily fluids includes a liquid permeable cover layer, a liquid impermeable back sheet, and an absorbent structure disposed between the cover layer and the back sheet. At least one of the cover layer, back sheet, or absorbent structure incorporates a dried application of a liquid activated carbon ink having activated carbon, a binder, and a solvent, with the dried application of ink having a solids add-on level of at least about 2%. The activated carbon ink is applied in a pattern over between about 25% to about 95% of a total upper surface area of the pad and presents a visually contrasting color against a background color of the pad or a contrasting ink.

Abstract: A method and device for transferring fluids from a non-sterile field to a sterile field within a surgical environment includes utilizing a device that includes a main body having a first inlet port that is in communication with a first outlet port. Fluid is taken from the patient, typically with a sterile syringe and transferred to the non-sterile field where the fluid is processed. The processed fluid is then drawn into another syringe in the non-sterile field and a distal end of the first syringe is place within the inlet port of the sterile main body. A distal end of a second sterile syringe is inserted into the outlet port, where the distal ends of the sterile syringe and the non-sterile syringe do not make contact. As a plunger is forced into a chamber of the first non-sterile syringe to force the fluid out of the first syringe, the plunger of the second sterile syringe is retracted such that a chamber in the second syringe has a sufficient volume to store the processed liquid.

Abstract: [Problems] An object of the present invention is to develop a sheet-shaped base material or a container having a structure which is designed in such a manner that snot or phlegm is collected as a biological excretory substance and said biological excretory substance is able to be easily applied to a test in medical therapy and also to develop a system where the biological excretory substance is collected using the same. [Solving Means] A biological excretory substance is collected using a bag-shaped container constituted from a sheet-shaped base material comprising a soft porous material only, a soft nonporous material only or a compounded material of a soft nonporous material and a soft porous material and then it is retained in the container.

Abstract: The invention allows an increase in scope of application of a surgical device wherein the operational handpiece is embodied in the form of two parts, one of which includes a handpiece with an injection cannula and the other being a complementary part. The complementary part includes a stabilization handle and can be placed onto the injection cannula in addition to being able to be fixed to the handpiece of the operational handpiece.

Abstract: A method is provided for securing a fluid meter to a fluid collection bag. The method includes the steps of providing a meter ha6 ving a housing defining a fluid receptacle and at least one drain opening, providing a collection bag defining a fluid reservoir and having at least one inlet opening and securing the meter to the bag using an RF welding device to allow fluid communication between the fluid receptacle and the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the housing includes a raised surface positioned about the at least one drain opening to which the collection bag is welded.

Abstract: A subpalpebral lavage catheter device for a mammal comprising a subpalpebral catheter having a first and a second end wherein the first end is located under the skin of the mammal and the second end further comprises an injection port, a hollow pouch, wherein the pouch has an opening adapted to receive the injection port of the catheter, a means for closing the opening of said pouch, and a plurality of loops attached to a side of the pouch, spaced apart and of a length wherein the loops are adapted to be braided into hair of the mammal.

Abstract: A urine collection device includes a membrane filter (9) through which urine flows prior to being collected in a storage container (1). In order to filter out particulate matter from the urine, and thus increase the lifespan of the membrane filter (9), a pre-filter (8) is provided upstream of the membrane filter (9). The pre-filter (8) has a higher capacity than the membrane filter (9). The membrane filter (9) and the pre-filter (8) may be provided within a single unit that may comprise the lid of the storage container (1). An air outlet (2) may include moisture reduction means, such as at least one hydrophobic membrane (3, 5) and/or moisture-absorbing material (4). Moisture-absorbing material (4) may also serve to absorb odours.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a liquid-collection canister for collecting liquid from a tissue site to which reduced pressure treatment is applied. The canister includes a first space configured to collect the liquid from the tissue site and a filter having a frame and a non-planar filter element. The filter defines a second space within the canister separated from the first space by the filter element. The filter element substantially prevents liquid from passing from the first space into the second space. The filter element substantially allows gaseous communication between the first space and the second space when the second space is exposed to a reduced pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to a system for collecting and preserving biological sample. Specifically, the invention relates to an assembly for collecting, preserving and transporting biological samples, methods of using the assembly and kits comprising the same.

Abstract: A waste collection and disposal system for use in health care facilities is provided. The system includes a mobile waste collection unit for moving between use areas in the health care facility to collect waste material generated during medical procedures including body fluids, body tissues, saline, etc. The waste collection unit includes stacked upper and lower waste containers for receiving the waste material. During use, the upper waste container can be emptied into the lower waste container for temporary storage. In addition, different vacuum levels can be provided in the waste containers during complex procedures. Once a user desires to empty the waste collection unit, the waste collection unit is wheeled to a docking station. At the docking station, the waste material is off-loaded to a waste drain and the waste collection unit is cleaned and rinsed for further use.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus includes a wound dressing for forming a substantially fluid-tight seal over a wound to define a reservoir over the wound in which a negative pressure may be maintained. A vacuum source is in fluid communication with the reservoir to provide an appropriate negative pressure to the reservoir to stimulate healing of the wound. The apparatus includes a fluid conduit in fluid communication with the reservoir and defining a fluid flow path for carrying fluids from the reservoir, and a fluid line coupling adapted for selective engagement and disengagement of first and second coupling segments to respectively maintain and interrupt the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A wetting apparatus (110) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (103) comprises a wetting receptacle (101) which defines a wetting fluid receiving area (102) for receiving the hydrophilic urinary catheter and a hydrophilic urinary catheter wetting fluid container (106) having a discharge outlet (126) movable from a closed position to an open position on application of a predetermined condition thereto to enable the wetting fluid to be discharged from the wetting fluid container.

Abstract: A removable manifold for a medical/surgical waste collection system. The manifold is dimensioned to be mounted to a receiver integral with the system. The manifold includes a driver for engaging a complementary valve internal to the receiver. The valve regulates flow between the receiver and the down line components of the waste collection system. The valve is normally closed. When the manifold is fitted to the receiver the driver engages the valve so as move the valve to the open position. This allows fluid flow from the manifold and receiver to the downstream components of the system.

Abstract: A wound therapy device is disclosed. The wound therapy device may include a housing for covering at least a portion of a wound and for sealing to a body surface of a patient. The housing may also include a liquid-retention chamber for retaining liquid therein and a vacuum connection for coupling to a vacuum source. The vacuum connection may be in gaseous communication with the liquid-retention chamber. The vacuum connection may be separated from the liquid-retention chamber by a liquid barrier.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a pressure housing configured to be coupled to a vacuum source and a diaphragm sealingly coupled to the pressure housing. The diaphragm is configured to move in response to the vacuum source. A magnet is coupled to the diaphragm. A magnetic switch is disposed opposite the magnet and is configured to be actuated by the magnet when the magnet is a predetermined distance from the magnetic switch. The magnetic switch is configured to selectively actuate the vacuum source.

Abstract: A lesion or fistula isolating bag, the bag defining a first chamber having a closeable entrance and a second chamber for application to a lesion or fistula and wherein access to the second chamber is made through the first chamber via a valve, the valve being arranged to inhibit passage of fluid from the second chamber to the first, and to allow said access from the first chamber to the second, the bag further comprising a closure for said closeable entrance.