Abstract: A device for transanally introducing an infusion into the rectum of a patient, the device comprising an inflatable balloon having a waisted shape, two terminal sections of larger radius and, a middle section of a reduced radius, and is placed transanally, the distally adjoining radially enlarged balloon section being placed intrarectally and the proximally adjoining radially enlarged balloon section extracorporeally, wherein both balloon ends taper to the dimension of a shaft supporting the balloon and are fixed on the surface of the shaft such that as the balloon is filled, the two enlarged balloon sections move toward each other in opposite axial directions, and wherein the two radially enlarged balloon sections are enlarged relative to the middle balloon section, such that when the balloon is placed transanally, during the filling process the two radially enlarged balloon sections draw down over the middle, balloon section and contact each other, and to a method for filling the catheter balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus for natural cure for middle ear infection has a single use sachet. The sachet has a pocket that holds a limited quantity of mustard essential oil. The sachet has a neck and a dropper and sachet can be squeezed to flow drops for pouring into an ear canal. The sachet is put in a microwave oven just before use for only substantially 30 seconds to heat the oil and up to five drops of heated oil is squeezed into an ear canal of a person with severe ear itching indicative of a middle ear infection.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. An access sheath is provided with at least one lumen, and a lens attached thereto. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. The system is configured to permit simultaneous tissue cutting and removal from a target site. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.

Abstract: The aspiration catheters, systems and methods include a catheter having an elongated body with a cross-section having a flat side and a curve near the distal end. The first side of the cross-section can contact a first side of a delivery lumen in a first orientation, and a second side of the cross-section contacts the first side of the delivery lumen in a second orientation rotated 180° from the first orientation. The curve can be directed 90° relative to a normal of the flat side. The systems and methods can utilize two catheters, and a key joint formed with the two catheters which can rotationally fix the catheters with respect to each other, and the first and second catheters each include at least one pre-formed curve near the distal end. The two catheters can be moved proximally and distally for positioning in the right and left bronchi.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dispensing a saline solution for nasal rinsing includes using a container having a bottom for resting on a surface and a top defining an opening. A pump having a pump housing is disposed within the container and is coupled to the opening of the container. A pump handle is coupled to a pump shaft, which is in turn coupled to the pump housing. The pump handle is coupled to a plunger disposed within the pump housing. An elongate flexible tube is coupled at a first end to the pump handle. A nozzle configured for mating with a nostril of a user is coupled to a second end of the flexible tubing. Pumping the handle causes the saline solution to flow through the nozzle under controlled pressure into a nasal passage of a user.

Abstract: This invention encompasses products and methods for preventing teat infections in cows resulting from a variety of causes. More specifically, this invention relates to products and methods for blocking a cow's teat and teat canal to prevent infection during a non-lactating period.

Abstract: An anal irrigation kit provides an improved approach for emptying a bowel by instilling irrigation liquid and stimulating the rectal wall simultaneously. The anal irrigation kit includes an irrigation liquid reservoir, a hand pump, and a soft flow manifold, which can be folded for insertion into a rectum.

Abstract: Exemplary systems for small volume collection for a breastpump system are provided. The systems allow breast milk to flow directly from the breastshield to the collection container without leaving the control volume. A valve is present outside of the milk flow path that does not contact breast milk prior to the milk reaching a collection vessel.

Abstract: An apparatus comprises a body and a conduit. The body comprises an absorbent material. The conduit is in fluid communication with the body. The conduit has a suction opening positioned within the absorbent material. The conduit is operable to draw fluid away from the absorbent material. The apparatus may be positioned within the posterior choana or the nasopharynx of a patient using a deployment instrument. The apparatus may prevent fluids from draining from the nasal cavity into the patient's throat. In some instances, the apparatus is used as a plug during a sinus irrigation procedure to prevent irrigation fluid from traveling down the patient's throat.

Abstract: Lung volume reduction by isolating a target lung portion from the rest of the lung with a mass of extracellular matrix (“ECM”) material. The procedure can be performed by locating a tube within the lumen of an airway to be obstructed and depositing an amount of flowable or other ECM in the open space until the lumen is occluded. Optionally, the procedure may be performed by delivering a plug substantially comprised of ECM material into the lumen of an airway to be obstructed. Further optionally, the ECM plug may include a one-way valve to allow air and mucous to escape from the isolated lung portion.

Abstract: Catheter assemblies, kits and methods allowing for the drainage or administration of fluid or small particles are disclosed. A catheter assembly can include a shaft with a lumen, an expandable retention member, an elongate actuation member and a locking mechanism. The expandable retention member can be positioned at a shaft distal end portion and can include one or more filaments forming a plurality of drainage or administration interstices of variable or uniform size. The elongate actuation member can include an actuation member distal end, directly or indirectly engaged with the expandable retention member, and an actuation member proximal end. Movement of the actuation member proximal end relative to a proximal end of the shaft can cause the expandable retention member to change from a lower-profile configuration to a higher-profile configuration. A moved position of the elongate actuation member can be secured by rotating, sliding or otherwise manipulating the locking mechanism.

Abstract: Systems, methods, apparatus and devices for performing improved gynecologic and urologic procedures are disclosed. Patient benefit is achieved through improved outcomes, reduced pain, especially peri-procedural pain, and reduced recovery times. The various embodiments enable procedures to be performed outside the hospital setting, such as in a doctor's office or clinic. Distension is achieved mechanically, rather than with liquid distension media, thereby eliminating the risk of intravasation.

Abstract: Formulations and methods of manufacture are provided for granisetron dry powder compositions suitable for intranasal administration. Also provided are methods of use for preventing or controlling emesis and other diseases and disorders and devices, compositions, and methods for nasal delivery of therapeutic formulations. Devices for delivery of dry powder formulations are also provided. Devices can be single-use devices.

Abstract: A biomaterial delivery device includes an elongated handheld powder storage conduit with proximal and distal ends and a bore having a central axis. The proximal end is closed by a movable powder dispensing actuator, and the distal end is closed by an openable sealing nib moveable from its closed to its open position by force upon the actuator. The distal end has a distally-projecting powder discharge chute that spaces the nib away from a surgical site. When the device is held upright over a surgical site with the nib opened, powder passing the nib is deflected at a first oblique direction with respect to the central axis and into or onto the powder discharge chute, and powder striking the chute is deflected at a rotationally distinct second oblique direction orientation with respect to the central axis and into or onto the surgical site.

Abstract: A device for delivering a dose of medicament comprising activated carbon particles to a patient's rectal cavity has a rectally-insertable cannula. The cannula has a proximal opening, a distal opening and a cavity defined between the proximal and distal openings for containing the medicament. An openable closure spans the proximal opening of the cannula. An actuation means is arranged to drive a volume of fluid, for example water or air, through the cannula cavity to flush the dose of medicament through the distal opening of the cannula.

Abstract: A system for delivering a therapeutic agent to nasopharyngeal mucosa tissue has a shaft, a porous pad of compliant material coupled to the shaft near the distal end, and a drug reservoir. The porous pad is configured to expand from a contracted configuration to an expanded configuration. The expanded configuration is adapted to engage and conform to the mucosa tissue in a nasal cavity, and the contracted configuration has a size suitable for introduction into the nasal cavity. The drug reservoir holds a therapeutic agent and is at least partially covered by the porous pad. The drug reservoir is configured to release a fixed volume of the therapeutic agent into the porous pad within a period of less than about 120 minutes, and has a wall with a plurality of channels fluidly coupled with the porous pad.

Abstract: A biomaterial delivery device includes an elongated handheld powder storage conduit with proximal and distal ends and a bore having a central axis. The proximal end is closed by a movable powder dispensing actuator, and the distal end is closed by an openable sealing nib moveable from its closed to its open position by force upon the actuator whether or not the distal end is in contact with a surface. The conduit contains finely-divided loosely-filled powdered sterile biomaterial and a plurality of powder-contacting clump-disrupting projections arrayed inside and along the length of the conduit between the actuator and the nib. The projections are movable in the direction of the central axis by force upon the actuator, and the device when held upright with the nib opened provides a path along which powder may fall past the projections to be gravitationally dispensed in non-atomized form.

Abstract: A system for delivering a therapeutic agent to a nasopharyngeal mucosa target comprises a foam generating mechanism, a gas, a therapeutic agent in liquid form that inhibits mucus production, and a delivery device. Actuation of the foam generating mechanism entraps gaseous bubbles from the gas in the liquid thereby forming a foam. The therapeutic agent is dispersed in the foam which has an expanded configuration adapted to fill a nasopharyngeal space and deliver the therapeutic agent to the mucosa targets. The delivery device is for delivering the foam to the nasopharyngeal space. The foam may also have a collapsed configuration for removal from the nasopharyngeal space or for concentration of the therapeutic agent onto the mucosa.

Abstract: A duel lumen catheter is provided for use in minimally invasive surgery. The catheter generally includes a first tube defining an operative lumen and a second tube terminating proximally of the first tube and defining an inflation lumen. In one embodiment, the first and second tubes are concentric. In an alternative embodiment, the first and second tubes are separate and extend parallel to each other. The first and second tubes are provided with inflation ports adjacent their respective distal ends. There is also provided a method for performing minimally invasive surgery by inserting the catheter through the esophagus of a patient, insufflating the stomach and performing a surgical operation through the catheter and external to the stomach.

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: Systems and methods are described for implementing or deploying medical or veterinary utility modules comprising a first module operable in a digestive or respiratory tract to engage a second module, optionally by a magnetic field. Alternatively or additionally, systems may be operable to remain in situ and also operable to permit a therapeutic material dispensation. In some contexts, for example, systems or methods may dispense a therapeutic material via a subject's throat or elsewhere in the digestive or respiratory tract.

Abstract: This invention is related to a phenol-quinone therapy that shrinks tumors and transforms cancer cells. The therapy include four phases. In phase 1: cleansing poisons from the body, autologous melting, purifying five fluids, enhancing macro circulation, strengthening spirit. In phase 2: tuning qi in the body, fiber melting, purifying five qi, scavenging free radicals, enhance oxygen and vitality. In phase 3: nourishing the body, vitality melting, purifying the mind, enhancing micro circulation, enhancing immunity. And in phase 4: nourishing the body and blood, phenol-quinone melting, oxidizing tumors, transforming cancer cells, regenerating new cells. This therapeutic treatment method has little side effect. By changing the in vivo condition, it inhibits cancer cell growth and proliferation, enhances circulation inside human body, expels toxins accumulated in the human body, shrinks tumors, and transforms cancer cells. It results in curing cancer without using medicine and gives the patient a chance to live.

Abstract: A prostate therapy system is provided that may include any of a number of features. One feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can access a prostate lobe from the urethra. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can deliver condensable vapor into the prostate to ablate the prostate tissue. Another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can aspirate tissue from the prostate. Yet another feature of the prostate therapy system is that it can rotate during delivery of vapor and aspiration of tissue. Methods associated with use of the prostate therapy system are also covered.

Abstract: A drug delivery device 10 has a support structure 20 and a medicine-laden member 100 affixed or otherwise attached to the support structure 20. The device 10 is sized to fit into the mouth and upon exposing the medicine-laden member 100 to saliva, medicaments 101 are released into the mouth. The drug delivery device 10 permits a new method of medication delivery. The method of oral transmucosal drug delivery has the steps of providing a drug delivery device 10 that fits into the mouth, the device 10 having a medicine-laden member 100; wearing the drug delivery device 10; activating release of medicine 101 by contact with saliva; and transmitting the released medicine 101 transmucosally to the bloodstream.

Abstract: A collapsible squeeze bottle suitable for use as a portable personal hygienic washing system provides vigorous cleansing action and can attain a compact configuration conducive to discreet concealment. The squeeze bottle includes non-collapsible top and bottom sections, and a central collapsible section having a plurality of pleats, a spout extending from the top section, and a perforated cap at the terminus of the spout.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are compositions and methods for the treatment of otic diseases or conditions with free-radical modulating agent compositions and formulations administered locally to an individual afflicted with an otic disease or condition, through direct application of these compositions and formulations onto or via perfusion into the targeted auris structure(s).

Abstract: A method of applying a liquid or powder in a body cavity of a living body involves positioning the distal portion of an applicator in the living body, using an applicator that includes an outer tube and a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head at the distal end side of the nozzle main body. The method also includes relatively moving the outer tube and the nozzle so a curved section of the nozzle main body moves proximally relative to the outer tube and enters the outer tube to adjust the direction in which the nozzle is facing, conveying the liquid/powder through the nozzle main body and to the nozzle head, expelling the liquid or the powder from the nozzle head toward a surface in the body cavity, and discharging gas in the body cavity into a longitudinally extending gap and to outside the body cavity.

Abstract: Substance delivering spacer devices may comprise expandable reservoirs that are implantable in paranasal sinuses and other cavities, openings and passageways of the body to maintain patency and to provide sustained local delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic substance. Delivery apparatus including elongate tubular members as well as shapeable distal portions and atraumatic tips are provided. Also provided are sinus penetrator devices and systems for performing ethmoidotomy procedures or for creating other openings in the walls of paranasal sinuses or other anatomical structures.

Abstract: A method of a liquid surgery is described. The method may include introducing a cleansing solution, a diagnostic solution or therapeutic solution into the surface of the entire upper airway with a hand-operated pump. The liquid surgery can remove viruses, bacteria, fungi, allergens, and other harmful substance from the upper airway. The liquid surgery can help diagnose or treat a disease of the upper airway.

Abstract: An assembly and method for percutaneous placement of a catheter comprising an elongated hollow catheter having a distal end and a reduced cross-section portion at a proximal end thereof. An introducer needle is slidably mounted over said catheter. The introducer needle has an elongated slit adapted to slide over the reduced cross-section portion to separate the needle from the catheter. A syringe may be attached to the proximal end of the catheter. Also, a valve may be attached to the catheter to permit easy collection of fluid.

Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.

Abstract: Breastpumps and methods for use in extracting breastmilk, which can be used to generate, among other things, both a letdown or stimulation phase and a milk expression phase, are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), alleviating a negative OSA symptom, reducing snoring, or improving quality of life in a subject, comprising administering to the subject an effective amount of a pharmaceutical composition comprising pyridostigmine before sleep. Also provided are related medicaments as well as methods for preparing the medicaments.

Abstract: A device for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may include a conduit and at least two applicators. The conduit may include a proximal end and a bifurcated distal portion having two distal ends. Each applicator may be coupled with one of the distal ends of the conduit and may be configured to direct the substance out of the applicator toward one of two sides of an airway. A method for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may involve advancing a substance delivery device into the airway, contacting two sides of the airway with at least two applicators of the substance delivery device, such that each applicator contacts the airway near a glossopharyngeal nerve and/or a superior laryngeal nerve on each of the two sides of the airway, and delivering the substance through the applicators to contact the airway along the two sides.

Abstract: A portable irrigation system comprising a reservoir for an irrigating liquid, a probe for arrangement in a user, an electrical system, a control unit for controlling the transfer of irrigation liquid and tubing providing fluid communication between said reservoir, control unit and probe.

Abstract: Described here are paranasal sinus devices for treating paranasal sinus conditions. The devices include a cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion. One or more of the cavity member, ostial member, and nasal portion may deliver an active agent for sustained release to treat the paranasal sinus condition. Exemplary paranasal sinus conditions are sinus inflammation due to functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) and rhinosinusitis.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses include applying a biting force to a bite-piece, the biting force is applied by a user's teeth, wherein the bite-piece is held inside of the user's mouth. Closing the mouth and the biting force suppress the user's gag reflex and the user's tonsils and adjacent Throat structures can be treated by spraying fluid onto the tonsil or manipulating the surface of the tonsil and related structures. The tonsils can be cleaned thereby.

Abstract: An applicator for use in the veterinary medical field for spraying vaccines and other medicaments, biologicals or other liquids and compositions intra-rectally. The applicator has an elongated, hollow tubular body with a connector at its proximal end for connection to a fluid supply and a curved distal end tip with a pair of apertures for dispersing fluid by spraying action.

Abstract: A drug delivery device 10 has a support structure 20 and a medicine-laden member 100 affixed or otherwise attached to the support structure 20. The device 10 is sized to fit into the mouth and upon exposing the medicine-laden member 100 to saliva, medicaments 101 are released into the mouth. The drug delivery device 10 permits a new method of medication delivery. The method of oral transmucosal drug delivery has the steps of providing a drug delivery device 10 that fits into the mouth, the device 10 having a medicine-laden member 100; wearing the drug delivery device 10; activating release of medicine 101 by contact with saliva; and transmitting the released medicine 101 transmucosally to the bloodstream.

Abstract: A colonoscopy or enema aide is described which decreases friction or “rub” on the anus. Specifically, the colonoscope or enema tube is placed through the device which is then inserted into the rectum. The device prevents air from escaping. The device comprises a circular base and a conical section extending from the base to a tip through which the scope or tube is passed during use.

Abstract: A device for drug delivery to an orifice of a subject, comprising a shell which is elastically stressed by an active pharmaceutical ingredient, said shell containing and being substantially impermeable to said active pharmaceutical ingredient, wherein said shell has at least one hole sized for in-vivo release of said active pharmaceutical ingredient as a result of elastic stressing.

Abstract: Methods and devices for preventing nutrient absorption in the small intestine wherein a medical device is passed through the esophagus, and positioned in the small intestine to treat the interior mucosal surface of the small intestine, causing a reduced capacity for nutrient absorption in the treated segment. In one embodiment, the device contains an element that isolates the segment to be treated and allows for the delivery and removal of treatment agents and neutralizing agents.

Abstract: The present invention provides an indirect method and accompanying apparatus for supplying a high concentration of medicaments, particularly antibiotics, to the nasal sinuses by first loading the medicament into the cerebrospinal venous system (CVCS) via a Valsalva maneuver. Because the CVCS is a valveless, three-dimensional closed system, traditional physiological dogma such as veins always draining tissues does not always apply. Instead, because in its closed-system blood can flow in any direction, the blood of the CVCS and any medicaments that it contains will be drawn to any portion of it where there is increased outflow, such as the copious venousderived sinus fluid drainage present during nasal allergy or nasal infection. Thus, the very nasal congestion that impedes the effectiveness of direct medicament application, such as seen with nasal inhalers or systemic antibiotics, aids in applying the medicament indirectly to the nasal sinuses via the CVCS.

Abstract: Methods and systems for delivering toxin and toxin fragments to a patient's nasal cavity provide for both release of the toxin and delivery of energy which selectively porates target cells to enhance uptake of the toxin. The use of energy-mediated delivery is particularly advantageous with light chain fragment toxins which lack cell binding capacity.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivery of therapeutic and/or diagnostic compositions to an interventional site having diseased or newly treated tissue are provided. Integrated interventional catheter systems incorporating surfaces coated with a diagnostic or therapeutic composition, or ports for infusing a diagnostic or therapeutic composition prior to, during or following an interventional procedure are provided.

Abstract: A medical device for the treatment and irrigation of a sinus opening is described. The device allows for single-handed operation to access, dilate and irrigate a sinus opening. The device includes a sinus guide catheter, a guiding element, a balloon dilation catheter, a balloon catheter movement mechanism and a guiding element movement mechanism. A method for treating a sinus opening and irrigating a sinus is also described.

Abstract: A spacer for delivery into the natural or man-made openings to the frontal, maxillary, sphenoid, anterior or posterior ethmoid sinuses, or other cells or cavities, anatomical regions such as nostrils, nasal cavities, nasal meatus, and other passageways such as the Eustachian tubes, naso-lachrymal ducts or airway is described. The bioabsorbable polymeric spacers maintain the opening and/or are useful for delivering drugs or other substances to the natural or man-made openings.