Abstract: Methods and apparatus are provided for thermally-induced renal neuromodulation. Thermally-induced renal neuromodulation may be achieved via direct and/or via indirect application of thermal energy to heat or cool neural fibers that contribute to renal function, or of vascular structures that feed or perfuse the neural fibers. In some embodiments, parameters of the neural fibers, of non-target tissue, or of the thermal energy delivery element, may be monitored via one or more sensors for controlling the thermally-induced neuromodulation. In some embodiments, protective elements may be provided to reduce a degree of thermal damage induced in the non-target tissues.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for anchoring a catheter to a patient's skin using a catheter anchoring device are described. The catheter anchoring device includes one or more pairs of sharps with a sharpened end configured to pierce the surface of the skin. A locking mechanism for the sharps is used as a failsafe mechanism. The catheter anchoring device further includes a catheter clamp for securing a catheter to the catheter anchoring device. Releasing the clamp allows an operator to reposition and secure the catheter at the new position without moving the catheter anchoring device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for treating back pain associated with a vertebral body of a patient. The system may include an external energy source configured to be positioned at a location external to the body of the patient, a linear configured to drive translation of the external source in one or more axes, a computer coupled to the external source and linear drive and programming executable on said computer for determining a target treatment site within or near the vertebral body based on acquired imaging data, positioning a focal point of the external energy source to substantially coincide with the target treatment site, and delivering a treatment dose of therapeutic energy at said target treatment site, wherein the treatment dose is configured to modulate a nerve within or near the vertebral body.

Abstract: A method for monitoring the seating of a guide catheter during a catheter procedure includes monitoring at least one parameter of the catheter procedure and determining if the at least one parameter indicates that a guide catheter is out of position. If the at least one parameter indicates the guide catheter is out of position, an alert is displayed and the position of the guide catheter is adjusted. The parameter may be, for example, blood pressure, an ST wave of an electrocardiogram, contrast agent, fluoroscopic images of a region including the distal end of the guide catheter and ultrasound signals.

Abstract: The systems, methods and articles described herein are directed to at least one pressure sensor along a downstream fluid line which senses fluid pressure and assists an occlusion detection feature in determining the presence of occlusions in the downstream fluid line. In addition, the system can dynamically adapt the occlusion detection feature based on a delivery of fluid, such as a bolus, in order to prevent the system from creating a false alarm regarding an occlusion of the downstream fluid line.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of applying a chemical treatment solution for effective castration of an animal through inducing cellular necrosis in or about the spermatic cord. The apparatus including a needlefree applicator head comprising a plurality of injector tubes for simultaneous treatment across a target areas. The target area being preferably clamped against the applicator head.

Abstract: Various exemplary embodiments relate to a medicament storage case including: a case body securable to a wall; a door connected to the body; a sleeve to contain an epinephrine injector; a medicament lock including a hook, wherein the hook is positioned to engage the sleeve when in a first position and is positioned to disengage the sleeve when in a second position; an actuator including a solenoid, wherein the solenoid, upon activation, moves the hook from the first position to the second position; a microphone configured to receive first audio as input; a speaker configured to output second audio; a communication unit configured to provide Internet connectivity; a button; and a processor configured to: in response to pressing the button: establish communication between the local user and a remote site, receive an unlock message, and in response to receiving the unlock message, activate the solenoid to release of the sleeve.

Abstract: Infusion systems for pumping fluid into a body of a user, and methods for providing infusion systems, are disclosed. The infusion systems include an infusion pump, wherein the infusion pump comprises an infusion pump housing including a cavity. A fluid storage is removably inserted into the cavity of the infusion pump housing wherein, the fluid storage comprises a cartridge and an adapter connected to the cartridge such that the adapter encases the cartridge, and an infusion set is removably connected to the fluid storage.

Abstract: Compositions that include a clay such as kaolin dispersed in a liquid such as water may be useful for promoting the clotting of blood. The compositions may be in a liquid, gel, paste, foam, or another form. Uses may include treating a traumatic injury such as in injury caused by a bullet, an explosive, a blade etc., or an injury caused during a medical procedure such as surgery.

Abstract: Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, insertion tools, and related components as well as combinations thereof and related methods. One method of dispensing medicament from a cartridge includes pushing a plunger so as to controllably dispense out of a medicament reservoir within the cartridge in accordance with a stored delivery profile an amount of medicament of 0.1% or less of the total filled volume of the reservoir and with a single-dose precision of better than plus or minus 20%. The single-dose precision is obtained after a time-to-precision period of less than eight hours, which begins at the onset of the first plunger pushing for the cartridge, during which the plunger is being pushed in accordance with the stored delivery profile.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a medical device can include an implant having a medial portion and a distal portion. The medical device can include a delivery member including a dilator having a distal portion, and a tube coupled to the dilator. The tube can define a lumen in fluid communication with an opening in the tube. The opening can be disposed between the distal portion of the implant and the distal portion of the dilator of the delivery member. The medical device can include a sleeve having a lumen. The distal portion of the implant and at least a portion of the delivery member can be disposed within the lumen portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: Connectors are attached to a pump housing. The pump squeezes tubing of a particular outer diameter creating a peristaltic contraction of the tubing to push the fluid in the tubing in a particular direction. The connectors hold the tubing in slots having walls that are narrower than the outer diameter of the tubing. To aid in pushing the tubing into the slots, a door is attached to the connectors that pushes the tubing into the slots while closing thereby covering the slots, which helps assure that the tubing is properly attached to the connector. Alternatively, the connector may be permanently attached to the tubing, but may be detached from the pump housing, so that as long as the connectors are connected properly, the tubing is connected properly.

Abstract: A lung volume reduction system is disclosed comprising an implantable device adapted to be delivered to a lung airway of a patient in a delivery configuration and to change to a deployed configuration to bend the lung airway. The invention also discloses a method of bending a lung airway of a patient comprising inserting a device into the airway in a delivery configuration and bending the device into a deployed configuration, thereby bending the airway.

Abstract: Compositions and methods are provided for the prevention and treatment of chronic wounds, including, without limitation, pressure ulcers and diabetic ulcers, by transdermal delivery of an agent that increases activity of HIF-1? in the wound.

Abstract: A surgical system includes a first instrument defining a first channel and a second instrument receivable by the first channel. The second instrument defines a second channel. A valve coupled to the first instrument controls fluid flow through the first channel, such that impedance of fluid flow through the first channel is substantially the same without the second instrument received in the first channel and with the first channel partially blocked by the second instrument. In another aspect, a surgical apparatus includes an outer member and an inner member received within the outer member to define a first channel therebetween. The inner member houses an optical lens and defines a second channel for receiving a surgical instrument. The first and second channels are configured such that a pump having an inflow rate of up to about 0.7 L/min connected to the second channel can maintain fluid pressure inside an organ.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to efficiently inject a drug (physiologically active substance). Therefore, a micro-needle device 1 comprises a base plate 2 and a micro-needle 3 installed on the base plate 2. A coating agent containing the physiologically active substance is coated at least at a part of the micro-needle 3, and a coating range thereof is 100 to 230 ?m including the top of the micro-needle 3. A load due to the energy of 0.2 to 0.7 J/cm2 is applied to the micro-needle device 1 which is in contact with the skin.

Abstract: An infusion tracker comprising a base and a cover configured to be assembled onto the base. The infusion tracker further comprises a memory tag, attached to one of the base and the cover and configured to store data and operable to wirelessly release stored data in a format readable by a processor-controlled device or to activate an application software. The infusion tracker is further configured to enclose a portion of an infusion line between two ends of the portion, the portion being enclosed substantially between the base and the cover.

Abstract: A device and method for treating a tick bite or other skin wound that may have been exposed to pathogens employs a syringe filled with antipathogen solution whereby the solution is applied under mild pressure directly to the wound site. The device employs spreader/retractor arms to open the wound for better access of the solution into the wound. The method of using the device to cleanse and disinfect a wound is described.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a wearable, disposable medicine dispensing device may include a piston rod that is advanced to dispense medicine from the device. A rotational motor may be coupled to a drive mechanism so as to carry out a certain number of revolutions and thereby displace the piston rod by a desired distance. Such a device can be used in a method of dispensing liquid medicine.

Abstract: Methods and devices treating an autonomic nervous system associated disease condition in a subject are provided. Aspects of the invention include inducing one or more physiological response selected from the group consisting of sweating, gastric emptying, enhanced heart rate variability and enhanced quantitative sensory test responsiveness in a manner sufficient to modify the autonomic nervous system so as to treat the subject for the disease condition. The methods and devices find use in a variety of applications, e.g. in the treatment of subjects suffering from conditions arising from disorders of the autonomic nervous system.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a data processing method for planning an infusion of a medical substance into a target region in an anatomical body part, wherein the medical substance is to be infused by means of an infusion setup which comprises an infusion device for performing the infusion as well as the medical substance, the method comprising: a) acquiring relationship data comprising relationship information which describes a relationship between at least one physical parameter of the infusion setup and a predetermined spatial distribution of the medical substance; b) acquiring target coverage data comprising target coverage information describing a planned coverage of the target region by the medical substance; c) determining infusion setup data comprising infusion setup information which describes a planned infusion setup, based on the relationship data and the target coverage data.

Abstract: A multi-purpose covering for use with a medical device having a housing and an access port includes a substrate with a first end and a second end. The substrate defines the structure of the covering. The covering also includes a first securing portion nearer the first end of the substrate for securing at least one protective cap to the substrate, and a second securing portion nearer the second end for securing the substrate to the medical device. To protect the access port when the covering is sealed to the medical device, the covering can also include a sealing portion configured to be releasably secured to the medical device.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may be configured to detect when at least one component of the pump system is exposed to a moisture level above a threshold level. In particular embodiments, the infusion pump system can be equipped with a moisture level detection system that can sense when a moisture level above the threshold level has occurred to the pump device, which thereby enables the infusion pump system to initiate one or more patient safety countermeasures.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may be configured to provide a desired level of resistance to liquid ingress to the pump casing while contemporaneously providing air transmissibility for equalization of air pressure differentials between the interior and exterior of the pump casing. Further, some embodiments can detect when moisture inside a casing of the infusion pump system is greater than or equal to a threshold level and can initiate one or more patient safety countermeasures.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method of treating an eating disorder in a patient, comprises: diagnosing the eating disorder in the patient; and electrically stimulating a subgenual cingulate cortex site or a ventral medial prefrontal cortex site in the patient using electrodes of an implanted stimulation lead.

Abstract: Some embodiments of a medical infusion pump system include a pump device having a flexible pushrod that can adjust from a curved configuration to a generally straight configuration. The flexible pushrod is part of a drive system of the pump device so that the flexible pushrod can be controllably and incrementally advanced toward a medicine reservoir to incrementally dispense the medicine therein. In particular embodiments, the flexible pushrod may comprise an anti-rotation mechanism, an anti-torsion mechanism, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty catheter has a dog-bone shaped balloon with semi-compliant smaller diameter waist and non-compliant larger diameter bulbous end regions. The balloon centers across the valve with the waist adjacent to the annulus. One bulbous region serves to hyperextend the valve leaflets and the other assists in stabilizing the balloon position to reduce migration. The semi-compliant waist increases in diameter as fluid enters the balloon until it comes into contact with the valve annulus. The pressure within the balloon per unit of volume delivery has a greater slope after contact with the annulus than before resulting in a change in slope for the pressure versus volume curve. The diameter of the balloon and annulus are determined at this inflection point when the balloon contacts the annulus.

Abstract: A fluid control system for delivery of a liquid includes a pneumatic drive that incorporates a linear actuator to effect known volume changes in a gas reservoir. The gas reservoir is in fluid communication with a gas-side reservoir that is separated from a fluid-side reservoir by a flexible membrane. Movement of the linear actuator effects positive or negative volume differences on the gas in the gas-side reservoir, resulting in a decrease or increase in pressure of the gas that is transmitted to the fluid-side reservoir to draw fluid, primarily liquid, in from a source or deliver liquid out to a sink. In another aspect, a mechanism is provided for the detection and elimination of air bubbles in the fluid path.

Abstract: A fluid control system for delivery of a liquid includes a pneumatic drive that incorporates a linear actuator to effect known volume changes in a gas reservoir. The gas reservoir is in fluid communication with a gas-side reservoir that is separated from a fluid-side reservoir by a flexible membrane. Movement of the linear actuator effects positive or negative volume differences on the gas in the gas-side reservoir, resulting in a decrease or increase in pressure of the gas that is transmitted to the fluid-side reservoir to draw fluid, primarily liquid, in from a source or deliver liquid out to a sink. In another aspect, a mechanism is provided for the detection and elimination of air bubbles in the fluid path.

Abstract: A medical robotic system and method of operating such comprises taking intraoperative external image data of a patient anatomy, and using that image data to generate a modeling adjustment for a control system of the medical robotic system (e.g., updating anatomic model and/or refining instrument registration), and/or adjust a procedure control aspect (e.g., regulating substance or therapy delivery, improving targeting, and/or tracking performance).

Abstract: A multi-utility surgical instrument may include a nosecone, a handle, a housing sleeve, an actuation facilitating sleeve, a piston tube, a hypodermic tube, and an end plug. The hypodermic tube may be disposed within the piston tube; the piston tube may be disposed within the actuation facilitating sleeve; the actuation facilitating sleeve may be disposed within the housing sleeve; the end plug may be disposed within a portion of the housing sleeve; the housing sleeve and the end plug may be disposed within the handle; the nose cone may be fixed to a distal end of the handle; and the hypodermic tube may be fixed to the nosecone.

Abstract: Method of monitoring a control operation of a medication delivery system, determining whether a signal level received from an analyte sensor is associated with a fault condition and a potential fault condition, and adjusting a medication delivery rate executed by the control operation when it is determined that the signal level from the analyte sensor is associated with one of the fault condition or the potential fault condition, where the medication delivery rate is adjusted to a first predetermined range when the signal level is associated with the fault condition, and adjusted to a second predetermined range when the signal level is associated with the potential fault condition is provided. Devices, systems and kits for implementing the afore-mentioned method are also provided.

Abstract: A torque apparatus for facilitating manipulation of a guidewire includes a handle member dimensioned for engagement by a clinician and defining a longitudinal axis and a torque member mounted to the handle member. The torque member defines a lumen configured for reception and passage of a guidewire and is configured to rotate relative to the handle member to impart rotational movement to the guidewire. A gripper member associated with the torque member is adapted to releasably secure the guidewire relative to the torque member and a trigger member depending from the handle member is actuable to cause the gripper member to release the guidewire to thereby permit the guidewire to be moved within the lumen of the torque member. An actuator is operatively coupled to the torque member and is movable to impart rotational movement to the torque member to thereby cause corresponding rotational movement of the guidewire.

Abstract: A medical device, for example, an endoscope or catheter, includes local drug delivery capabilities for selectively delivering at least one drug in vivo. The local drug delivery may occur as the medical device is advanced through tortuous passageways of the patient's body or may occur after the medical device has reached its targeted destination. The medical device includes a drug agent, for example, carried in or on a hydrophilic or hydrogel coating disposed on the outside thereof. When the hydrogel or drug agent receives an appropriate signal, e.g., solution containing a triggering agent or triggering condition, e.g., heat or light, the hydrogel contracts or expands to squeeze out the drug from hydrogel. If electric current is provided as the signal, and the drug agent is charged, the drug agent is released by electrophoretic forces.

Abstract: A patient care system is configured for infusing fluid to a patient. The system includes a plurality of modular fluid infusion pumps that each has a connector for connecting to a modular programming unit or to one another. Systems and methods are configured for verifying that the connectors are reliably performing their functions or communicatively connecting the pumps to one another or to the programming unit.

Abstract: Systems and methods of providing an enteral feeding device within a human body, e.g., the stomach, via a stoma are disclosed. One or more systems may comprise a tube having distal and proximal ends, and a lumen extending therebetween, the lumen in communication with an inflatable member and an inflation port, and an inflation medium to supply the inflatable member. The inflation medium may comprise a fluid including a thermosensitive polymer.

Abstract: Methods and devices for delivering variable amounts of a drug formulation directly from a drug delivery device without requiring point of use reconstitution as a separate mixing step are described herein. These methods and devices increase the convenience, speed and simplicity of administration of drug formulations. The devices mix two or more components in a constant mixing ratio effectively simultaneous to administration, and allow for variable doses while retaining the desired ratio of the components in each dose. The devices are particularly useful for administering drug formulations that are unstable at room temperature in liquid form. The methods described herein generally use conventional devices that have been modified to administer an unstable compound and provide acceptable storage stability. Typical devices include infusion sets, pump reservoirs, syringes, pens, vials and cartridges.

Abstract: The invention relates to an infusion tube clamp for being inserted in an infusion pump comprising a base member having an infusion pump receiving area, a first clamping leg, and a second clamping leg for squeezing an infusion tube, wherein the two clamping legs are swivel-connected to each other at a first infusion tube clamp end. The infusion tube clamp also includes a click device for safely positioning the two clamping legs in more than one position relative to each other.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for diverting the path of an object moving within a catheter sheath so that the object exits the catheter sheath at an angle greater than 0° and less than 90° is disclosed. The subject matter of this application more specifically pertains to catheter sheaths and catheter sheath portions that comprise a lateral opening and an deflection means such that objects moving along the longitudinal axis of a catheter are diverted from the longitudinal axis so that they exit the catheter through a lateral opening in the catheter sheath or catheter sheath portion.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and a device for treating heart failure by normalizing elevated blood pressure in the left and right atria of a heart of a mammal The present disclosure includes methods for creating and maintaining an opening in the atrial septum. Tools for making an opening and enlarging the opening are also disclosed. Use of the techniques and tools described herein prolongs the patency of an intra-atrial pressure relief opening.

Abstract: A method for delivering a bisphosphonate and/or strontium ranelate below the surface of a bone using a mechanical force. The method includes the steps of combining a bisphosphonate and/or strontium ranelate with a carrier to form a delivery composition and delivering an effective amount of the delivery composition below the surface of the bone with a mechanical force. Also provided is a method for strengthening a portion of a bone. This method includes the step of delivering an effective amount of a bisphosphonate and/or strontium ranelate below the surface of a portion of a bone with a mechanical force.

Abstract: One implementation provides a method to provide injection procedure information in an injection system. In this implementation, the method includes displaying a plurality of different injection procedure options in a user interface of said system, wherein said plurality of different injection procedure options including a cardiac procedure option and a non-cardiac procedure option. The method further includes receiving a user selection of an injection procedure from said displayed plurality of difference injection procedure options, processing a default set of injection parameters based upon said selected injection procedure, and displaying said default set of injection parameters within the user interface of the system prior to an injection.

Abstract: A status of a battery operated infuser may be detected by measuring a controlled input parameter. The measurement may be used to determine a magnitude of the input parameter and a parameter of the control. For example, control of power input to a motor may be by pulse density modulation. An integral of current over time may sever as a measure of current magnitude and pulse density. The result of the integral may be used to determine the status of the injector. The status may include normal functions for example start of pumping and/or malfunctions such as occlusion or drive disengagement.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drive mechanism for a drug delivery device, comprising: a piston rod to operably engage with a piston of a cartridge to displace the piston in a distal direction during a dose dispensing action, at least one actuation member mechanically coupled with the piston rod to induce a distally directed displacement of the piston rod when actuated by a user, a control to ascertain at least one predefined condition of use, and at least one interlock member coupled with the control to mechanically obstruct displacement of the piston rod if the condition of use is not fulfilled.

Abstract: There is provided a method of reducing or preventing catheter reflux during infusion of a therapeutic agent into a brain of a subject comprising administering the therapeutic agent to a target area of the brain by intermittent infusion at a predetermined interval. There is provided a method of treating a CNS disorder comprising administering a therapeutic agent to a target area of a brain of a subject by intermittent infusion at a predetermined interval. There is also provided a system for reducing or preventing catheter reflux during infusion of a therapeutic agent into a target area of a brain of a subject comprising an infusion device, at least one chronically implanted intracranial catheter, a monitoring device configured to monitor the target area of the brain after each infusion, and a determination unit configured to determine whether a predetermined interval is acceptable.

Abstract: The subject matter described herein relates to a provision of rapid access to one or more medications relevant for treating a patient-related code event of a patient. A user interface device can concurrently display medications available in a hospital and a code medications button. When the user interface device receives a clinician-generated input characterizing a selection/click of the code medications button, the user interface device can display a set of medications generally used to treat the patient-related code event, such as cardiac arrest. Related apparatus, methods, systems, techniques and articles are also described.

Abstract: A rapid exchange catheter comprises a guide wire lumen including a substantially sealed portion in which a lumen wall extends around an entire periphery thereof and a channel portion including a channel opening the lumen to an exterior of the catheter, wherein a width of the channel is less than a maximum width of the channel portion. A guide wire ramp extends into the channel portion, with the ramp extending further into the lumen of the channel portion as a distal end of the ramp is approached.

Abstract: A method and system for increasing the flow resistance of collateral pathways in the lung by employing aspiration to establish an artificial convective flow current between compartments in the lung in order to entrain and deliver a clogging agent preferentially to the collateral pathways. The method may sometimes be performed after lung has been assessed for the presence of collateral pathways.

Abstract: Formulations are described that are viscous and will benefit from needle-free delivery at high driving pressures. Conventional delivery of these viscous formulations by hypodermic syringes is inconvenient as well as painful. Formulations include those which have a viscosity of about 5 cS or more at about 20° C. and which can have 0.5 ml or more administered by a needle-free injector in about 0.1 second±0.02 seconds.

Abstract: A method for delivering medicament such as for ameliorating pain in a patient includes introducing an injector through a nasal passage of the patient into a region substantially medial and/or posterior and/or inferior to a sphenopalatine ganglion (SPG) of the patient; and delivering a medicament from the injector superiorly and/or laterally and/or anteriorly towards the SPG. A device for delivering a medicament to a patient in need thereof includes (a) an injector containing a first end configured to remain outside a nasal passage of the patient and a second end configured for entry into the nasal passage of the patient; and (b) an introducer configured for engagement with a nostril of the patient and containing a passageway configured for slidably receiving the injector. The injector is moveable between a storage position preceding the engagement and an engaging position pursuant to the engagement.