Abstract: An improvement to a standardized design of a body for small-bore connectors for liquids and/or gases in a healthcare application, wherein the body has a spout with a standardized upper portion. The upper portion can have a standardized external thread or can have a different size and shape for the external thread. The body can have a standardized internal flange or another differently sized and shaped internal flange. The body can have an internal void though which the liquids and/or gases flow. At least a portion of the standardized internal flange or another internal flange can be eliminated or removed to reduce a flow restriction caused by the standardized internal flange and thus increase a flow area of the internal void.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses a nephrostomy tube and a nephrostomy tube with curved drainage. The nephrostomy tube with curved drainage includes a bending head, a balloon element, and an elongated main body integrally connected with each other, wherein the nephrostomy tube with curved drainage has an guiding channel adapted for a guiding member to penetrate through, wherein the bending head has a first inner channel and at least two drainage bending channels located on the outer side of the first inner channel, wherein the balloon element has an air chamber and a second inner channel, wherein the at least two drainage bending channels are communicated with the second inner channel, wherein the elongated main body has a third inner channel communicated with the second inner channel of the balloon element, wherein the first inner channel, the second inner channel and the third inner channel from the guiding channel.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter includes a primary lumen having a proximal end and a tip and a secondary lumen parallel to the primary lumen. The primary lumen and the secondary lumen share a wall. A port is defined in the wall proximate the tip of the primary lumen and provides fluidic communication between the primary lumen and the secondary lumen.

Abstract: A reinforced arthroscope comprising external ribs to provide for a number of separate fluid channels, such as inflow, outflow and interstitial tissue drainage, when the arthroscope is slipped into a disposable external sheath. The arthroscope is constructed to be sufficiently rigid so as to penetrate and move within a joint without damaging the rod optics inside. The externality of the arthroscope channels allow for cleaning and sterilizing the scope between uses. Check valves are operably coupled to the inner surface of the external sheath within the fluid channels.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve that isolates the surgical device or movement thereof to inhibit or prevent an established non-jet streaming condition from becoming a jet streaming condition and a method of inhibiting or preventing a jet streaming condition from occurring due to instrument obstruction.

Abstract: A reinforced arthroscope comprising external ribs to provide for a number of separate fluid channels, such as inflow, outflow and interstitial tissue drainage, when the arthroscope is slipped into a disposable external sheath. The external sheath includes projections that fit closely on either side of one or more of the external ribs to lock the sheath in place circumferentially relative to the arthroscope. The arthroscope is constructed to be sufficiently rigid so as to penetrate and move within a joint without damaging the rod optics inside. The externality of the arthroscope channels allow for cleaning and sterilizing the scope between uses.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve that isolates the surgical device or movement thereof to inhibit or prevent an established non-jet streaming condition from becoming a jet streaming condition and a method of inhibiting or preventing a jet streaming condition from occurring due to instrument obstruction.

Abstract: A trocar sleeve that isolates the surgical device or movement thereof to inhibit or prevent an established non-jet streaming condition from becoming a jet streaming condition and a method of inhibiting or preventing a jet streaming condition from occurring due to instrument obstruction.

Abstract: A vessel harvesting apparatus is provided for removing a vessel from a patient. An endoscopic instrument has a distal end with a vessel harvesting tip and has a proximal end with a handle. The endoscopic instrument has an insufflation channel adapted to receive an insufflation gas from a regulated source at the proximal end. The insufflation channel has an outlet at the distal end adapted to expel the insufflation gas subcutaneously in the patient. A damping device has a flexible bladder with an inside space in fluid communication with the insufflation channel. The inside space has a volume that varies between a rest volume and an inflated volume in response to an amount of insufflation gas flowing to or from the flexible bladder.

Abstract: A catheterization device with vents is disclosed which serves to prevent a build-up of air pressure within a closed protective sheath. The vents may be in the form of small openings and may be situated at the distal portion of the catheterization device. The small openings may optionally be covered. They may be on the protective sheath itself or they may be on a distal terminus body connected to the protective sheath. Sample openings include an attached valve which connects the inside of the protective sheath with the external environment, a gas permeable membrane, or a slitted membrane forming 4 flaps.

Abstract: A system and method for use in iontophoretic anesthesia of a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The system generally includes an earplug and an electrode device. The earplug includes at least one sealing member for sealing the earplug in an ear canal. The sealing member includes microholes which vent fluid above a certain pressure threshold. A headset may connect the earplug to a second earplug. The method involves using the system on a human or animal subject.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a tracheal tube having a suction lumen are provided. For example, the suction lumen may be associated with two spaced apart pressure transducers, whereby a pressure drop between the transducers indicates that the suction lumen is free of blockages and a characteristic lack of pressure drop and/or particular pressure curve is indicative of a blockage. In addition, embodiments may include a tracheal tube with sensors configured to sense a buildup of secretions. The sensors may be located proximate to an opening in the suction lumen. In other embodiments, a blockage-clearing system for a suction lumen may be provided that blows air into the suction lumen to clear blockages. In particular, in certain embodiments, the blockage-clearing system may operate to create its own pressurized air source by utilizing the pressure change created in the suction line by a blockage.

Abstract: A regulator system for handling the flow of gases and fluids between a nutrient and medication supply system and an implanted g-tube using an intermediate chamber to cause phase separation of any gases entrained within the supply stream or backflow from the g-tube. The chamber is vented to allow escape of the separated gases while acting as a temporary reservoir retaining any solids or liquids for feeding into or return to the stomach through the g-tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion in an ear is provided in one example and includes a drug delivery device for insertion into an external auditory canal, wherein the drug delivery device contains one or more pharmaceutically active agents that can be released from the drug delivery device into the external auditory canal. In more particular instances, the drug delivery device can conform to the profile of the external auditory canal.

Abstract: There is provided a mass exchange apparatus (114) for use in blood/air mass exchange comprising plural blood flow conduits for defining a blood flow from a blood flow inlet provided thereto; and plural air flow conduits for defining an air flow from an air flow inlet provided thereto. The plural air flow conduits and plural blood flow conduits at least partially comprise gas-permeable membrane material, and the conduits are arranged relative to each other such as to enable transfer of oxygen from the air flow to the blood flow and transfer of carbon dioxide from the blood flow to the air flow through the membrane material.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes flange attaches to the chest of the patient to secure the device in position. The pneumostoma management device also includes a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung. The length of the tube is selected to match the dimensions of the pneumostoma of a patient. In order to manufacture devices having different tube lengths, the tube is formed at a longer length than required, cut to size and tipped. The tube may be formed by molding or extrusion.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management system which includes a pneumostoma management device and a cover. The pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a hydrophobic filter and/or a one-way filter. The cover serves to protect the pneumostoma management device and/or provide a cosmetic skin to make the pneumostoma management device more acceptable to the patient and thereby encourage patient compliance with a pneumostoma treatment regimen.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management system for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management system includes a two-part pneumostoma management device and associated insertion and removal tools. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent and a chest mount for positioning and securing the vent into a pneumostoma. The pneumostoma vent includes a hydrophobic filter and/or a one-way valve.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma. The flange is formed in one piece with the tube.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma.

Abstract: Systems and methods for treating a patient having a head with a first ear and a second ear, function by mounting a support structure to the head of the patient; aligning the support structure with a target tissue in an ear canal of the first ear; stabilizing the support structure relative to the target tissue by injecting a material into the canal and hardening the material; and actuating a device while the device is supported by the support system so that the device therapeutically remodels the target tissue of the first ear.

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 is 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. The angle or 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 a 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 gas within the body cavity.

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

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch comprises of multiple thin layers of materials and which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange includes a filter, a protective outer layer and an inner hydrocolloid layer. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma.

Abstract: A flexible pneumostoma management device maintains the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of material through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a pneumostoma vent having a tube which enters the pneumostoma to allow gases to escape the lung, a flange and a filter/valve to control flow of materials through the tube. The flange is a thin flexible patch which conforms and attaches to the chest of the patient. The flange secures the tube in position in the pneumostoma. The device has features to control secretions from the pneumostoma. The secretion management features include, ridges, pores, absorbent materials, and combinations thereof.

Abstract: A pneumostoma management device for maintaining the patency of a pneumostoma while controlling the flow of gases and discharge through the pneumostoma. The pneumostoma management device includes a bulb connected to a tube which enters the pneumostoma. A flow control device regulates air flow in and out of the pneumostoma via the tube. A hydrophobic filter traps discharge in the bulb while allowing gases to escape.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly includes a stylet having a sharp needlepoint at an end thereof, a stylet hub secured to a base end of the stylet, a hollow outer needle in which the stylet is inserted, an outer needle hub secured to a base end of the outer needle, an opening formed at the base end or at a side of the outer needle hub to communicate with the inner cavity of the outer needle, a seal fitted onto the outer needle hub and in which a hole or slit is provided for insertion of the stylet therein, the hole or slit being formed to become closed when the inserted stylet is extracted, an operating part installed on the outer needle hub to move the stylet and outer needle along the longitudinal direction when the stylet is inserted into the outer needle, and a movement suppresser for stopping or suppressing moving the stylet relative to the seal when the operating part is operated.

Abstract: Dilation catheters including a mechanism used in, for example, removing gas or air from the catheters are disclosed. A dilation catheter may include an elongated tubular member having a distal end and a proximal end, a proximal handle proximate the proximal end of the tubular member, and an inflatable balloon proximate the distal end of the tubular member with inflatable balloon being in fluid communication with a fluid port to supply inflation liquid to the inflatable balloon. The inflatable balloon may include an opening for permitting gas to exit the inflatable balloon. In the proximate location of the opening, an expandable material or a barrier material that permits gas to exit through the opening, while retaining inflation liquid in the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A reflux trap for use in a plasma generator and delivery system to prevent back flow of fluid and debris from a patient during a surgical procedure including a trap housing having a proximal diffuser chamber and a distal deflection chamber with a collection area separated by a baffle disposed within the trap housing including a diffuser member disposed in the proximal diffuser chamber to diffuse gas through a gas flow aperture to the surgical site on the patient and a deflection member disposed in the distal deflection chamber to deflect fluid and debris away from the gas flow aperture to the collection area to prevent fluid and debris from migrating into the proximal diffuser chamber to isolate the plasma generator against back flow of fluid and debris from the patient.

Abstract: A triple lumen catheter comprises a transfusion lumen (4), a blood feeding lumen (2) and a blood removing lumen (3). The transfusion lumen (4) has a distal end and a leading end portion (12, 12A), the leading end portion progressively reducing in diameter to a proximal end. A transfusion port (4a) is formed in the proximal end of the transfusion lumen. The blood feeding lumen (2) has a blood feeding port (2a) in a region of the proximal end of the leading end portion, the blood feeding port opening at least partially in an axial direction of the leading end portion. The blood removing lumen (3) includes a pair of blood removing ports (3a, 3b) provided in opposite side walls of the catheter, the blood removing lumen extending from a distal end at least to the blood removing ports.

Abstract: A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

Abstract: A medical instrument for suction and irrigation comprises an elongate shaft with a first channel serving as suction channel and with a second channel serving as irrigation channel, the shaft having a first tube which is closed in cross section and in which one of the channels is present. The shaft has a second tube which is open in cross section along its length and is placed with its open lengthwise side on an outside face of the first tube and secured sealingly thereon, the other channel being formed in the space between the outside face of the first tube and an inside face of the second tube. A method for production of the instrument is also described.

Abstract: A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

Abstract: A camera assembly for positioning within a bodily passageway, including a camera, a catheter adapted to retain the camera, and a rotary coupling interconnecting the catheter and the camera. The catheter is provided with helically-wound threads thereon. The rotary coupling permits the catheter to rotate and thereby move axially while the camera remains rotationally stationary.

Abstract: An apparatus and method used in a urological procedure. The apparatus includes a sheath capable of insertion into a passageway within a patient. A filter is provided that includes a mesh that retains any particulate matter that is entrained with the liquid and allows the liquid to pass therethrough. The filter may be removeably attached to receive flow from an outlet of the sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for making and administering two non-homogenous liquids to target tissue includes a spray comprising two syringes for containing the first and second non-homogenous liquid where the syringes are adapted to be removably coupled to an applicator. The applicator includes a pair of elongated tubes each having a tubular sheath at a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen in which the pair of elongated tubes are disposed. The apparatus includes a regulator module having an inlet port adapted for connection to a source of gas under pressure and a gas outlet port adopted for connection to the gas inlet port of the sheet. A vent gas inlet port is adapted for connection to a vent port of an endoscopic cannula where the regulator vents a quantity of gas from the endoscopic cannula approximately equal to a quantity of gas introduced at the gas inlet port of the sheet.

Abstract: Blood collecting devices for collecting blood from a patient using a single needle insertion are disclosed. Each blood collecting device typically includes a housing which is removably attached to a test tube or blood reservoir. A blood flow tube is disposed in fluid communication with the housing for distributing blood from a patient into the test tube or blood reservoir. The blood is distributed through a membrane cavity having a liquid-impervious and air-permeable membrane. At least one air opening is provided in the housing at the membrane cavity. Accordingly, air in the test tube or blood reservoir is displaced by the incoming blood through the membrane cavity and membrane and out the air opening or openings. Vacuum pressure in the test tube or blood reservoir is dispelled by the flow of air through the air opening or openings, membrane cavity and membrane and into the test tube or blood reservoir, respectively.

Abstract: To alleviate the spillage of formula from a nasal-gastric tube, a small (5 cc size) constant diameter barrel having a side arm is inserted into the N-G tube. The equal sized open ends of the barrel are closed with a membrane that allows air to pass through but is impervious to liquids. The barrel is made of clear nylon material approved by the FDA for contact with formula for the baby.

Abstract: To alleviate the spillage of formula from a nasal-gastric tube, a small (5 cc size) constant diameter barrel having a side arm is inserted into the N-G tube. The equal sized open ends of the barrel are closed with a membrane that allows air to pass through but is impervious to liquids. The barrel is made of clear nylon material approved by the FDA for contact with formula for the baby.

Abstract: A smoke evacuating system for use during surgical procedures, particularly minimally invasive procedures involving the use of a laser or cautery at a surgical site having an associated higher than ambient pressure, wherein the system includes a filter with a site side and an outlet side and a fluid conduit extending between the surgical site and the filter. The filter includes a filter media and a housing substantially surrounding the filter media with a space between the filter media and the housing to collect condensed vapor. The filter exhibits low resistance or a low pressure drop and resists fluid flow, whereby the higher than ambient pressure is not substantially diminished and generates a fluid flow in the fluid flow path tending to carry smoke to and through the filter.

Abstract: An aspirating needle for collecting a specimen including an elongated hollow body that includes a first lumen portion and a second lumen portion. The first lumen portion is open at both ends for placement at a specimen site to collect and permit aspiration of the specimen from the specimen site. The second lumen has first and second vent ports, with the second vent port being formed along the elongated body such that that when the needle is placed at the specimen site, the second vent port is positioned at the specimen site. The first vent port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air when the needle is positioned at the specimen site so as to permit pressure within the specimen site to equilibrate with atmospheric pressure by means of the venting action of the second lumen.

Abstract: An aspirating needle for collecting a specimen including an elongated hollow body that includes a first lumen portion and a second lumen portion. The first lumen portion is open at both ends for placement at a specimen site to collect and permit aspiration of the specimen from the specimen site. The second lumen has first and second vent ports, with the second vent port being formed along the elongated body such that that when the needle is placed at the specimen site, the second vent port is positioned at the specimen site. The first vent port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air when the needle is positioned at the specimen site so as to permit pressure within the specimen site to equilibrate with atmospheric pressure by means of the venting action of the second lumen.

Abstract: A suction limiting device with variable control for use in a surgical system includes a main vent body having a fluid carrying bore extending therethrough and a variable vent mechanism having a main vent opening in selective fluid communication with the fluid carrying bore so as to permit introduction of atmospheric air into the fluid carrying bore. The vent mechanism being adjustable so that the degree of airflow into the fluid carrying bore is variable between a fully open position to a fully closed position where atmospheric air is prevented from entering the fluid carrying bore. The suction limiting device also includes a valve disposed within the main vent body and positionable between an open position when negative pressure and a closed position when positive pressure exists in the main vent body.

Abstract: The present invention presents a novel ampoule filtration system, and novel methods and devices for using the system to deliver multi-doses of a sterile solution of a therapeutic agent to a subject. The ampoule filtration system includes a sterile filter cartridge attached to the mouth of an ampoule, such that liquid dispensed from the ampoule is drawn through the cartridge, and a means for sealingly engaging the filtration system to a delivery device.

Abstract: A medical fluid suctioning device for selectively applying varied levels of suction pressure at a device-tissue interface includes a direct “trumpet”-type control mechanism in conjunction with a “venturi”-type control. A valve manifold is adapted to couple a vent pathway and a suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The amount of resistance to flow due to vacuum pressure is adjusted simultaneously in both the vent pathway and the suction pathway in order to achieve controlled, selected levels of suction. Similarly shaped valve apertures are provided in inverse and reciprocal orientation along an axis of motion of a valve manifold. The apertures translate across ports to the suction and venting pathways simultaneously to vary applied suction to those pathways inversely.

Abstract: An intraocular surgical apparatus including an introduction tube for introducing perfusate into a closed intraocular affected part, a discharge tube for discharging the affected part and the perfusate, a perfusate feed passage connected to the introduction tube and incorporating a perfusate reservoir for feeding the perfusate with a predetermined rest liquid head pressure, a valve for controlling the amount of perfusate fed from the reservoir to the introduction tube, and a discharge passage connected to the discharge tube and incorporating a suction pump. The perfusate feed passage further incorporates, at a passage portion thereof from the control valve to an outlet opening of the introduction tube, a pressure-reduction compensating means for feeding supplementary perfusate into the closed intraocular affected part through a supplementing passage having a smaller passage resistance than the perfusate feed passage in the event of and in association with abnormal pressure reduction inside the affected part.

Abstract: The instant invention provides for apparatus and methods for the efficient administration of pharmaceuticals to target cells, tissues and/or organs, for a variety of functional uses.

Abstract: A surgical system having a cassette with an aspirant collection chamber and an aspiration vent line that draws fluid from the aspirant collection chamber. The pressure within the collection chamber is maintained near ambient so that when the aspiration vent line is open, fluid flows from the collection chamber and into the aspiration line. Such a system does not require a second source of irrigation fluid, minimizes pressure surges into the irrigation fluid line and does not affect the fluidic performance of the aspiration system. In addition, various vent pressures can be achieved by varying the vertical position of the reservoir relative to the aspiration line.

Abstract: A cassette for use with a surgical system, the cassette having an aspirant collection chamber and an aspiration exhaust line that drains into the aspirant collection chamber. A fluid line containing a valve allow fluid from the irrigation fluid container to be vented into the aspirant collection chamber. A source of pressurized air is connected to the irrigation fluid container and is used to pressurize the fluid container. When the pressure within the fluid container needs to be increased, pressurized air from the pressurized air source is allowed to enter the fluid container. When the pressure within the fluid container needs to be decreased, irrigation fluid is allowed to be bled out of the fluid container and inter the collection chamber. In this manner, a direct fluidic connection with the gas contained within the fluid container does not need to be maintained.

Abstract: Heat transfer catheter apparatus and methods of making and using same are disclosed wherein fluid connection means is provided between the distal portions of two adjacent, thin-walled, high strength fluid lumens to define a closed loop fluid circulation system capable of controlled delivery of thermal energy to or withdrawal of thermal energy from remote internal body locations.