Abstract: Device and method embodiments are described which are capable of detecting and alerting a user of an infusion device to a hindrance in the ability to deliver measured quantities of fluids. In some cases, the devices and method embodiments for such occlusion detection do not require significant modification of an infusion device and can be carried out with a minimum of additional components.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein disclose a content inflation and delivery system comprising. The system including a container including a fluid inlet in fluid communication with a fluid outlet; wherein the fluid outlet is positioned between the fluid inlet and the second end. The system also includes inflatable content being configured for inflation and delivery from the second end.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system can provide an alarm and user instructions in response to an ambient air pressure change or ambient air temperature that exceeds an alarm limit parameter. In some circumstances, the infusion pump system can be configured to monitor the actual ambient air pressure and temperature around the infusion pump system.

Abstract: A medical article securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter hub or a connector fitting in position upon the body of a patient and inhibits movement of the medical article relative to the patient. The medical article includes an elongated body, a pair of outwardly extending wings, and a port. The securement device includes a retainer and at least one anchor pad. The retainer forms a channel into which at least a portion of the medical article is secured. The retainer includes at least one abutment that abuts against a contact point or surface on the port. The anchor pad includes an adhesive layer that is attached to both an epidural layer of a patient and at least a portion of the pair of wings.

Abstract: A method in which a location is determined on the skin that is proximate to a sensory nerve that is associated with a painful condition. At least one needle of a cryogenic device is inserted into the location on the skin such that the needle is proximate to the sensory nerve. The device is activated such that the at least one needle creates a cooling zone about the sensory nerve, thereby eliminating or reducing severity of the painful condition.

Abstract: A cannula is placed in an enlarged opening through a bladder wall and an abdominal wall by applying pulling tension to a placement guide extending through a small pathway to hold an inflated placement balloon in sealing contact with the bladder wall. The seal confines distension fluid in the bladder to establish sufficient reactive resistance to enlarge the opening through the bladder wall with blunt force dilation from an obturator.

Abstract: A catheter securement device holds a medical article such as a catheter in position upon the body of a patient and at least inhibits longitudinal movement of the medical article. The securement device includes a retainer and a clamp. The retainer and clamp include interengaging structure. The interengaging structure may be a ratchet mechanism by which a medical provider tightens the clamp against the retainer. The ratchet mechanism allows a single securement system to be used with medical articles that have different longitudinal lengths as well as medical articles that have distally located contact surfaces. The retainer forms a channel into which at least a portion of the medical article is inserted. Each of the retainer and the clamp include at least one abutment surface that can abut against a contact point or surface on the medical article. The abutments inhibit motion of the medical article in proximal and distal directions through the channel when the clamp is tightened against the retainer.

Abstract: A delivery device assembly for delivering a medical device to a target site within a patient includes a first polarizable tine and a second reactive tine that is not polarized. The first tine is connected to a first wire that has an electric coil surrounding a portion of the first wire. A current is passed through the electric wire to cause the polarizable tine to become polarized, thereby causing the reactive tine that is not coupled to the electric coil to move toward the polarized tine. The relative movement of the tines releases the medical device from its attachment to the tines.

Abstract: A securement device for securing a medical implement, such as a catheter to the body of a patient. The device comprises a pad or base having adhesive on at least a portion of the bottom surface for securing the pad to the body of a patient. A fixed plate and a rotatable adjustable plate are affixed to the pad. The adjustable plate is rotated with respect to the fixed plate to secure a catheter. Posts can be provided on the fixed plate and the adjustable plate to secure a winged catheter. A bracket can be affixed to a fixed plate or an adjustable plate and a cooperating tab can be affixed to the other plate for securing a catheter there between. In a modification, a fixed plate is affixed to the pad and a pair of adjustable plates can be rotatably secured on the fixed plate. Secured on the fixed plate are upright tabs and secured on the adjustable plates are brackets that are adapted to cooperate with the tabs.

Abstract: Some embodiments of an infusion pump system may include an illumination instrument that provides the user with an opportunity to illuminate and inspect a targeted location. The illumination instrument can be useful in situations where the ambient lighting is insufficient for the user's inspection needs (e.g., during the night, during presentation or movie in which the lighting is low, or the like). In some embodiments, illumination instrument can be employed to visually inspect one or more components of the pump system, the infusion set, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a blood plasma collecting flask made of plastic for the storage of blood plasma in the frozen state, comprising a flask body (1) which in the horizontal section has a cross-section with a rectangular basic shape and has on its upper side a flask neck (2), wherein the lateral faces of the flask body (2) respectively define a flat or slightly inwardly curved area (3) adjoining which are areas rounded towards the face surfaces.

Abstract: A method for injecting a substance through a biological body surface includes providing a needle-free transdermal transport device configured to inject the substance through the surface. The substance is injected into the biological body with the transport device while a parameter of the injection is sensed and a servo-controller is used to dynamically adjust at least one injection characteristic based on the sensed parameter. The substance is injected for (i) a first time period during which a first portion of a volume of the substance is injected at a first injection pressure, and (ii) a second time period during which a remainder of the volume of the substance is injected at a second injection pressure. A viscosity of the substance may be determined, and a pressure calculated for injecting the substance based on the viscosity. The substance may be injected with the transport device by using the calculated pressure.

Abstract: A magazine supporting multiple bone grafts in chambers is coupled to a housing including a barrel. A plunger selectively passes through one of the chambers and along the barrel. A trigger mechanism advances the plunger along the barrel. A selector knob is movable into a plurality of positions, wherein each position employs one of a plurality of stops. One stop prevents the end of plunger from advancing past a predetermined ready position short of the end of the barrel when selected. Another stop prevents the plunger from advancing past a predetermined dispensing position substantially aligned with the end of the barrel when selected. Another stop prevents the plunger from advancing past a predetermined manipulating position beyond the end of the barrel when selected. In the manipulating position, the distal end of the plunger can be used to reposition the bone graft within the spinal disc cavity. Related methods are also provided.

Abstract: A cerebral catheter device for draining fluid from the brain of a patient is described. The device may be used as part of a ventricular shunt system. The device includes an elongate tube for insertion into the brain of a patient to a vicinity of a desired target. A head is attached to the elongate tube that has a passageway in fluid communication with a lumen of the elongate tube. Formations are provided on the external surface of the head for securing the head in a hole formed in the skull of a patient. The head further includes a first fluid connector portion that is attachable to an associated drainage catheter device. This allows fluid communication to be established between the lumen of the elongate tube and a drainage catheter device via the passageway of the head.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a safety device and methods of using a safety device for use with a medical implement having a body with an inlet end portion, the safety device comprises a bracket for mounting on the body of the medical implement; a cap supported by the bracket and sized to fit over and seal the inlet end portion of the medical implement in a safety position wherein the cap covers the medical implement; an elongate shaft having a longitudinal axis, the shaft being secured to the cap and being slidably and pivotally supported by the bracket so that the cap can be raised away from the inlet end portion of the medical implement and be pivoted about the longitudinal axis of the shaft away from the inlet end portion; and a biasing means for biasing the cap to the safety position.

Abstract: Adjustable volume syringes, and systems and methods for using the same, are disclosed. An adjustable volume syringe may include a delivery syringe, a reservoir syringe located at least in part within the delivery syringe, and a reservoir plunger located at least in part within the reservoir syringe. The delivery syringe is configured to contain a first amount of a fluid. The reservoir syringe is configured to contain a second amount of the fluid. An administration amount of fluid may be determined at or prior to an administration time. An amount of fluid in the delivery syringe may be adjusted to an administration amount at or prior to the administration time based on whether the administration amount is greater than, less than or equal to the first amount. The administration amount of fluid may be dispensed to a patient at the administration time.

Abstract: A system for priming an infusion pump is disclosed. The system includes a priming cap including a septum and configured to matably connect with a male part comprising a needle and attached to a length of tubing for fluid, wherein when matably connected with the male part, the priming cap occludes the tubing.

Abstract: An antimicrobial lubricant applied to an outer surface of an introducer needle as part of a catheter assembly device. The catheter assembly device further includes a blood control septum having a slit through which the introducer needle is threaded. The antimicrobial lubricant is squeegeed, or removed from the outer surface of the introducer needle as the needle is removed from the slit following catheterization. The removed antimicrobial lubricant forms a deposit on the septum at a location proximate to the slit, thereby preventing colonization and growth of pathogens on the septum and other adjacent components and surfaces of the catheter assembly device.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing subcutaneous surgery in a minimally invasive manner are provided. The methods include application of reduced air pressure in a recessed area of a handpiece placed over a section of skin and drawing the section of skin and subcutaneous tissue into the recessed area. In a subsequent step a tool is inserted through a tool conduit in the handpiece and through the skin into the subcutaneous tissue, enabling the performance of the desired surgery. Common surgical procedures include dissection and ablation. The devices and methods can be directed at the treatment of skin conditions like atrophic scars, wrinkles, or other cosmetic issues, at treatments like or promoting wound healing or preventing hyperhidrosis, or can be used for creating space for various implants.

Abstract: An internal dry powder delivery system through a working channel of an endoscopic cannula for directly applying the powder form medication to an internal tissue/organ site, includes an elongated tubular delivery channel and a powder supply device for producing pressurized gas mixing with the dry powder for feeding to form a mixture of dry powder and pressurized gas delivering to an internal tissue/organ site through the delivery channel via endoscopic cannula. It ensures a smooth powder release by preventing liquid from accumulation at the tip of the delivery channel and offers physicians a new powder form drug delivery method via endoscope. Also, it offers new minimal invasive application by directly and precisely applying the powder format drug to the internal sites of human gastrointestinal organ via endoscope to achieve hemostasis, anti-inflammation, anti-ulcer and anti-tumor treatment, etc.

Abstract: The present disclosure presents systems, devices and methods for injection of drugs, substances and/or chemicals to a patient and for improving their effectiveness once they are injected are disclosed. Additional treatment can be applied to a tissue region on the patient into which a drug (e.g., insulin) is injected, to expose the tissue region to various forms of energy or a substance to improve the drug's pharmacokinetic and/or pharmacodynamic profile.

Abstract: A method for treating or preventing spontaneous preterm birth in pregnant women and improving neonatal morbidity and mortality. The method includes administering to a pregnant woman in need thereof an effective amount of progesterone sufficient to prolong gestation by minimizing the shortening or effacing of her cervix. Treatment and prophylaxis with progesterone in pregnant women having symptoms of short cervix has been clinically shown to increase neonatal health.

Abstract: A remotely activated piezoelectric pump for delivery of biological agents to the intervertebral disc and spine in order to achieve spinal fusion. A spinal pump is implanted on the vertebrae of a patient and a spinal cage is inserted in between two adjacent vertebrae after removal of the vertebrae disc. A piezoelectric motor drives the pump and pushes osteogenetic agent through the spinal cage and into a sponge disposed within the cage. The pump is charged by an external removable induction belt worn by the patient. Delivery duration and delivery frequency may be changed before implantation of the spine pump according to the specific needs of the patient. The current device employs a mathematical model that enables the regulation as well as attenuation of the bone fusion process by extending and generalizing the model to enhance and optimize the delivery of osteogenetic agent in a regulated manner.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a nanoscale or microscale particle for encapsulation and delivery of materials or substances, including, but not limited to, cells, drugs, tissue, gels and polymers contained within the particle, with subsequent release of the therapeutic materials in situ, methods of fabricating the particle by folding a 2D precursor into the 3D particle, and the use of the particle in in-vivo or in-vitro applications. The particle can be in any polyhedral shape and its surfaces can have either no perforations or nano/microscale perforations. The particle is coated with a biocompatible metal, e g gold, or polymer e g parvlene, layer and the surfaces and hinges of the particle are made of any metal or polymer combinations.

Abstract: The presently disclosed delivery systems utilize microtools, also referred to as theragrippers, to deliver a drug or other therapeutic agent to targeted tissue. More particularly, the drug delivery system and methods provide a delivery system that is capable of anchoring to a tissue site and then delivering a drug or therapeutic agent to the tissue directly to or in the vicinity of the site over an extended period of time. Any number of theragrippers may be deployed as desired to deliver different doses of a desired drug or therapeutic agent. The theragrippers also can be biodegradable such that they remain in place for an extended period of time and then degrade without adversely affecting the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Methods, devices, kits and compositions to treat a myocardial infarction. In one embodiment, the method includes the prevention of remodeling of the infarct zone of the ventricle. In other embodiments, the method includes the introduction of structurally reinforcing agents. In other embodiments, agents are introduced into a ventricle to increase compliance of the ventricle. In an alternative embodiment, the prevention of remodeling includes the prevention of thinning of the ventricular infarct zone. In another embodiment, the prevention of remodeling and thinning of the infarct zone involves the cross-linking of collagen and prevention of collagen slipping. In other embodiments, the structurally reinforcing agent may be accompanied by other therapeutic agents. These agents may include but are not limited to pro-fibroblastic and angiogenic agents.

Abstract: Device methods and systems for ablating a mucosal surface to treat patients with mucin hypersecretion is disclosed. An ablation device having a balloon membrane with a plurality of electrodes arranged on an external surface thereof is disclosed. The ablation device may be configured to ablate epithelial tissue of one or more target structures, such as the inner wall of a gallbladder. Each of the plurality of electrodes may be electrically coupled to a controller configured to selectively activate one or more of the plurality of electrodes at a time. The controller may activate less than all of the plurality of electrodes, thereby implementing a partial ablation procedure.

Abstract: An antimicrobial medical dressing provides a combination of antimicrobial agents in various concentrations that protect against microorganisms, absorb exudates, and promote healing. The antimicrobial agents may include compositions of ethanol, hydrogen peroxide, and/or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid.

Abstract: A system for convection enhanced delivery of therapeutic comprises one or more flexible, biocompatible microcatheters that are directed to a target location to deliver a therapeutic agent. The microcatheter is releasably coupled to a guide tube and directed to the desired location. The microcatheters are small and flexible in order to reach the target areas, minimize trauma at the injection site, and minimize reflux of the injectable therapeutic.

Abstract: In one aspect, containment devices are provided that include a microchip element having one or more containment reservoirs that are configured to be electrically activated to open; an electronic printed circuit board (PCB) or a silicon substrate positioned adjacent to the microchip element; one or more electronic components associated with the microchip element or the PCB/silicon substrate; and a first inductive coupling device associated with the microchip element or the PCB/silicon substrate, wherein the first inductive coupling device is in operable communication with the one or more electronic components. In another aspect, implantable drug delivery devices are provided that include a body housing at least one drug payload for actively controlled release, wherein the ratio of the volume of the at least one drug payload to the total volume of the implantable drug delivery device is from about 75 ?L/cc to about 150 ?L/cc.

Abstract: Bubble traps for removing bubbles from a stream of liquid and flexible containers comprising such bubble traps are disclosed. The bubble trap includes a containment chamber fluidly coupled to an outlet conduit. At least one grate is disposed between the containment chamber and the outlet conduit. The at least one grate includes a plurality of grate inlets formed in a grate wall and fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit with a plurality of grate conduits such that the containment chamber is fluidly coupled to the outlet conduit. The grate traps bubbles entrained in the stream of liquid flowing from the containment chamber to the outlet conduit in the containment chamber when the bubbles are greater than or equal to a diameter of the grate inlets.

Abstract: A volume of an analyte-enriched fluid can be withdrawn out of a user's subcutaneous compartment using a patch unit that includes a reversible pumping mechanism. The volume can be withdrawn out of the body and into the patch unit through a cannula inserted into the subcutaneous compartment so that an analyte concentration in the volume can be measured using a sensing element within the patch unit. After analyte concentration analysis, at least the volume can be delivered back into the subcutaneous compartment by operating the pumping mechanism in a forward direction. biologically compatible fluid can optionally be pumped into the subcutaneous compartment from a reservoir in the patch unit and then allowed to partially or completely equilibrate with the analyte concentration in the interstitial fluid of the subcutaneous compartment via a permeable or semi-permeable cannula surface before being drawn back into the patch unit for analysis. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a patient interface for use with an injector assembly, the patient interface having a removable cap, wherein removal of the cap after an injection disables the patient interface to prevent re-use.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are elongate flexible medical devices which are capable of axial elongation through a mechanism of eversion or toposcopic expansion. In general, this may be accomplished by providing a flexible tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end. Retraction of the distal end in a proximal direction through the tubular body inverts the tubular body upon itself, causing an axial shortening of an overall length of the tubular device. An original length of the tubular device can be restored by coupling a pressurized media to the proximal end of the tubular device. If the distal end of the tubular device is temporarily restricted or closed, the pressurized media causes the distal end of the tubular device to travel distally until a full length of the tubular device has been restored.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cells with photoacoustic sound and nanoparticles.

Abstract: Apparatus are provided for infusion devices and related control systems and methods. An infusion device includes a voided portion adapted to receive a shaft portion that includes a shaft coupled to a plunger of a reservoir and a sensing arrangement proximate the voided portion to sense a detectable feature. A control module may determine a remaining amount of fluid in the reservoir or identify an anomalous condition based at least in part on the sensed position of the detectable feature.

Abstract: A catheter actuation handle apparatus is disclosed that is designed and configured for manipulating one or more distally-extending members to achieve translation, articulation and/or rotation of these members using the actuation handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a drainage tube and method that removes fluid from a peritoneal, abdominal, or other body site. The tube has a central internal passageway for the flow of fluids. The tubing has one or more crossholes that extend through the tubing material and provide fluid communication between the passageway of the drain tube and the peritoneal, abdominal, or other body site of a subject.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally diagnosing and monitoring treatment of cells with photoacoustic sound and nanoparticles. The heat (temperature) and photoacoustic sound wave production inside the target tissue is measured. The desired temperature is achieved using a laser and photoacoustic imaging technique. Hyperthermia treatment of tissue applies a heat source to kill cells without protein denaturation. The hyperthermia treatment may further comprise platelet-derived treatment. The method introduces an encapsulated dye that is released at a selected temperature in the target site to indicate that a threshold temperature has been reached to hyperthermally treat the tissue. The temperature to which the target site is treated ranges from about 39° C. to about 58° C., and may last from about 5 seconds to about 30 minutes. The composition which can be a liposome composition encapsulating the dye can be introduced to the bloodstream to flow through the target site.

Abstract: A weight measuring apparatus can ensure safety even if a trouble or deterioration of measurement accuracy occurs. The weight measuring apparatus (10) measures a weight of fluids and includes the followings. A first arm (110) has a first fitting (111) to fit a supply fluid container (20). A second arm (120) is connected to the first arm (110) and has a second fitting (121) to fit a filtrate container (30). A third arm (130) is connected to the second arm (120). A first measuring device (220) measures, as a first total weight, a total weight of the supply fluid container (20) and the filtrate container (30) based on a change of the second arm (120). A second measuring device (230) measures, as a second total weight, the total weight based on a change of the third arm (130). An alarm (300) alarms, when the first and second total weights have different values having a difference equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

Abstract: Implant devices for intravesical administration and local drug delivery. The device has a body which includes a hollow tube formed of a biocompatible material; at least one reservoir in the tube which contains a drug; and one or more apertures through which the drug can be released. The device is configured for minimally invasive insertion into a body cavity, such as the bladder. The hollow tube may be elastomeric to permit the device to be elastically deformed from its initial shape into an elongated shape for passage through a catheter, where following such passage the device can return to or toward its initial shape to facilitate retention of the device in the body cavity. The body may have a narrow, elongated shape effective to permit insertion of the drug delivery device through a catheter without necessarily deforming the body, yet include flexible projections which effect retention within the body cavity.

Abstract: An inflated implant within an anatomical structure, such as the bladder, may require removal. A method of removing an inflated implant from an anatomical structure can include any of a number of different steps. A removal device can be placed within the anatomical structure. The implant is located within the anatomical structure. After it is located, the implant can be engaged by arms of the removal device. A portion of a surface of the implant can be compromised such that an inflation substance within the implant can escape. The inflation substance can be removed out of the implant through a deflation tube in at least one of the arms used to engage the implant. The implant can then be removed from the anatomical structure.

Abstract: A nano-carrier comprising an antiproliferative drug encapsulated by a lipophilic enhancement agent.

Abstract: An infusion management system includes an infusion management server configured for providing an order to an infusion device to administer an infusion and the infusion device. The infusion device may be configured for receiving the order, associating the order with a patient, and adjusting at least one setting according to the order. A method for administering an infusion, an interface for an infusion device and a computer program product are also disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid warmer for tempering a medical fluid guided in a fluid line includes a first and second resistance heating element for alternating voltage and a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the two resistance heating elements and includes a holder for the fluid line. Each resistance heating element has a first and second electrical line connector, respectively, for connection of the resistance heating element to an alternating voltage source. Each electrical line connector has a respective drivable first switch. A respectively inversely phased alternating voltage or in-phase alternating voltage is applied to each resistance heating element during the tempering mode, wherein a compensation alternating voltage which is substantially inversely phased with respect to the heating alternating voltage is additionally applied to the heat exchanger using a compensation circuit.

Abstract: Far field telemetry operations are conducted between an external device and an implantable medical device while power is being transferred to the implantable medical device for purposes of recharging a battery of the implantable medical device. The far field operations may include exchanging recharge information that has been collected by the implantable medical device which allows the external device to exercise control over the recharge process. The far field operations may include suspending far field telemetry communications for periods of time while power continues to be transferred where suspending far field telemetry communications may include powering down far field telemetry communication circuits of the implantable medical device for periods of time which may conserve energy. The far field operations may further include transferring programming instructions to the implantable medical device.

Abstract: A blood storage container suitable for quick and efficient production of a large amount of serum while ensuring high safety, and a method of separating blood and a regenerative medical process using the same are provided. In a blood component separator 1 for separating collected blood into a plurality of blood components and preserving them, the separator 1 including a blood reservoir 10 for reserving the blood and a component storage part 20 aseptically connected in an air-tight manner to this blood reservoir 10, to the aforementioned blood reservoir 10 being imparted a serum producing function to remove coagulation factors from the blood to an extent enabling use in practical applications as a serum, and the aforementioned component storage part 20 storing each blood component generated by separation of the blood in the blood reservoir 10.

Abstract: A method and composition for hyperthermally treating tumor cells in a patient under conditions that affect tumor stem cells and tumor cells. In one embodiment, the method provides a synergetic effect with chemotherapy.

Abstract: In various embodiments, a surgical cassette, configured to engage peristaltic pump rollers, may include two or more pump segments between a sheet and a substrate coupled to the sheet. The two or more pump segments on the cassette may produce additional flow (e.g., approximately twice the flow for two segments as opposed to one) than if the cassette had only one pump segment engaging the roller. Further, in some embodiments, the two or more pump segments and rollers on the roller head may be configured to provide a flow profile in which a peak of a pulse from a first pump segment is at least partially out of phase with a peak of a pulse from the second pump segment. The combined resultant flow may then have a flow profile with pulsation amplitudes that are smaller than the individual pump segment pulsation amplitudes.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivery of medicament having a delivery pump system and a cartridge system, the delivery pump system operating electromagnetically by driving two disk magnets that are housed within pump body inserts of the cartridge system. The displacement of the magnets and an elastomer membrane placed between the magnets of the cartridge system results in a volumetric change within two reservoirs and the flow of medicaments. The medicament flows from the reservoirs to the inlet/outlet members via the pump body inserts and discharged to a patient user's body through an infusion set.