Abstract: A rectally insertable device for localized drug delivery to the anal sphincter of a subject, a method of using the device and the use of the device is disclosed. The device comprises a shell for containing an active pharmaceutical ingredient, the shell being substantially impermeable to the active pharmaceutical ingredient wherein a lower portion of the shell is configured to release the active pharmaceutical ingredient from the shell and wherein when the device is inserted into the rectum of the subject, the lower portion of the shell is proximal to the anal sphincter, such that the active pharmaceutical ingredient is released proximal to the anal sphincter.

Abstract: Systems, devices, and methods comprising an instrument for treating an anatomical opening such as a paranasal sinus.

Abstract: Described here are devices and methods for treating one or more conditions or symptoms associated with a tonsil procedure. In some variations, a drug-releasing device may be at least partially delivered to one or more tonsillar tissues before, during, or after a tonsil procedure. In some variations, the drug-releasing device may be configured to be biodegradable. In other variations, the drug-releasing device may comprise one or more hemostatic materials or one or more adhesives. The drug-releasing device may be configured to release one or more drugs or agents, such as, for example, one or more analgesics, local anesthetics, vasoconstrictors, antibiotics, combinations thereof and the like.

Abstract: A method of collecting colostrum from a breast of a human and dispensing the colostrum to a newborn may involve: coupling a first end of an adapter with a syringe; positioning a second end of the adapter in contact with or near the breast; manually expressing colostrum from the breast into the second end of the adapter; coupling the second end of the adapter with a breast pump shield; expressing colostrum from the breast, using the breast pump shield and a breast pump system attached to the breast pump shield; retracting a plunger of the syringe to cause the colostrum to move into the syringe from the adapter; detaching the adapter from the first end of the syringe; and dispensing the colostrum to the newborn from the syringe.

Abstract: Vaccine is administered into a nose. A pharmaceutically-acceptable aqueous saline solution carrier comprising from 0.5% to 1.9% salt is provided in a nasal device. The saline solution is administered into a first nasal cavity to rinse the first nasal cavity. The saline solution is added to the first nasal cavity until the saline solution flows via a posterior nasal aperture into a second nasal cavity. A vaccine is then administered into the first nasal cavity.

Abstract: The colorectal delivery device provides a device for rectal delivery of therapeutic compositions to the colon of a patient. The composition may be a foam application in some embodiments. The device allows medical personnel to add therapeutic drugs to the pressurized canister immediately prior to administration to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods for administering at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to at least one of the maxillary sinuses of a patient in need thereof. Alternate embodiments may comprise administration of the at least one effective dose of at least one therapeutic substance to both maxillary sinuses, where the administered therapeutic substance(s) are either the same or differ from sinus to sinus. Still further alternative embodiments may comprise more than an initial effective dose administered to a patient's maxillary sinus(es), so that the therapeutic substance may be delivered over time, thereby requiring a larger dose be deposited within at least one of the maxillary sinuses so that the maxillary sinus(es) serve as a therapeutic substance depot for long-term release to the target structure(s).

Abstract: An earplug insertion device can include a housing that is configured to hold a first earplug and a second earplug. The device can also include an ejection mechanism that can be configured to respond to a first user force by ejecting the first earplug from the device in a first ejection motion. The ejection mechanism can also being configured to respond to a second user force by ejecting the second earplug from the device in a second ejection motion.

Abstract: An enteral feeding system reduces medical risk for aspirational pneumonia when an angle of a head gatch section is outside a predetermined range of 30-45 degrees. The system comprises a hospital bed having the head gatch section and an intravenous pole connected to an enteral feeding pump. The pump has a fluid sensor which operates properly when the pump is positioned along a vertical axis. The pole is connected to the head gatch section at a 30 degree angle offset from the vertical axis. In operation, when the head gatch section is positioned less than 30 degrees, the pump will stop operating and when the head gatch section is positioned at 30 degrees, the pump will operate since the pump is positioned along the vertical axis to allow the fluid sensor to detect fluid.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a foamable composition to a body cavity includes a pressurized composition reservoir; a hollow body having a longitudinally extending wall and having at least one aperture provided through a wall of said body, the proximal end in fluid communication with the reservoir for receiving a foamable composition from said composition reservoir; and an actuator operatively connected to the composition reservoir for effecting release of a foamable composition from said composition reservoir into a body cavity through said hollow body; wherein said body has a length less than about 125 mm and internal diameter in the range of about 1.5 mm to about 3.5 mm, wherein said length and internal diameter are selected to provide a delivery of at least about 70% of the foamable composition during operation. The foam delivery device can have multiple apertures.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a syringe used to irrigate the ear and remove earwax.

Abstract: The present application discloses nasal tube devices, methods for placing and securing a nasal tube to a patient, as well as adapters and connectors for a nasal tube. In one exemplary embodiment, the nasal tube has a proximal portion, a distal portion, and one or more lumens. A securing device may be attached to the proximal portion of the nasal tube and may be configured to attach a flexible line of a retention system to the nasal tube. The securing device may also be configured to selectively compress the proximal portion of the nasal tube. In certain embodiments, one or more medical tubes are disposed in the lumen of the nasal tube and may be selectively secured in the lumen with the securing device. The nasal tube device may also have a retention flange for attaching a flexible line of a retention system to the nasal tube.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for medication administration via a body cavity. In one aspect, a medication administration device includes: a tip portion having a plurality of holes and a balloon defining a balloon cavity. When the balloon is deflated the tip portion can be inserted into a body cavity, such as the rectum, to allow medication delivery through the holes in the tip portion. When inflated, the balloon can prevent the tip portion from being withdrawn from the body cavity and/or hold dispersed medication within the body cavity. The device further includes a port portion that has a first port and a second port, and an elongated tubular portion that is coupled between the tip portion and the port portion. The tubular portion has a first lumen connecting the first port to the plurality of holes in the tip portion, and a second lumen connecting the second port to the balloon cavity.

Abstract: Devices, methods and kits which, when installed or used, access, aspire, dilate, insufflate, drain or deliver fluid medicaments to, or place a patency device within a sinus area, such as a maxillary sinus or a maxillary sinus ostium. The device can include a hollow catheter and probe, and can be configured to permit gradual and incremental probe extension. The device can be constructed to enhance the precision and maneuverability within the nasal and sinus passageways, while also accommodating the natural anatomical geometry of a targeted paranasal treatment site. For example, the present treatment and placement device can accomplish access to the maxillary sinus ostium by utilizing an uncinate process to guide a probe tip into the ostium in a retrograde manner. The probe can be slidably, bi-directionally or co-axially positioned within the catheter. A distal portion of the probe can be biased away from a longitudinal axis of the catheter.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a substance to an external auditory canal and/or nasal cavity can include a reservoir, an aerosolizing mechanism, a nozzle, and a retaining member. The reservoir can contain the substance. The aerosolizing mechanism can suspend a dose of the substance, as particulates for example, in a gas. The nozzle can include a lumen, an outer surface, and a distal end. The lumen can be sized to permit movement of the gas and particulates therethrough. The retaining member can be configured to be attached to the nozzle proximate the distal end of the nozzle, projecting laterally from the lumen of the nozzle, shaped to engage the ear and/or nostril, and can include a passage therethrough to allow passage of gas and to inhibit passage of at least some of the particulates.

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 transurethrally. 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: Described here are self-expanding devices and methods of using and making them. The devices may be useful in a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the devices have a first compressed configuration enabling low profile delivery through a delivery device, a second expanded configuration for apposition against tissue, and comprise either a single continuous filament or at least two non-intersecting filaments. In some variations, the device is formed into a shape having a series of peaks and valleys. At least one of the peaks and valleys may have a loop at then end thereof. At least a portion of these devices may be capable of biodegrading over a predetermined period of time, and the devices may be configured for drug delivery. Methods of treating one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Abstract: Described here are delivery devices for delivering one or more implants to the body, and methods of using. The delivery devices may deliver implants to a variety of locations within the body, for a number of different uses. In some variations, the delivery devices have a cannula with one or more curved sections. In some variations, a pusher may be used to release one or more implants from the cannula. In some variations, one or more of the released implants may be a self-expanding device. Methods of delivering implants to one or more sinus cavities are also described here.

Abstract: An irrigation device that includes a reservoir for an irrigating liquid, a catheter in liquid communication with the reservoir, a fixation member for fixation of the catheter and a control unit. The control unit is arranged for in a first position transferring the irrigation liquid to the fixation member and in a second position transferring the irrigation liquid to the catheter. Thereby is provided a simple, inexpensive and essentially maintenance free device which can be used for administrating an irrigation liquid, and which at the same time comprises a fixation member that will not be expelled from the body cavity by e.g. a peristaltic reflex, during use.

Abstract: A method of treating tissue comprises introducing into a hollow organ a support device and, after insertion, arranging the support device into a non-yielding configuration substantially filling the hollow organ and substantially preventing walls of the hollow organ from moving inward in combination with inducing contraction of the hollow organ around the support device to cut off blood flow through at least a portion of the walls of the hollow organ and removing the support device after blood flow has been cut off for a predetermined time.

Abstract: A surgical device comprises a housing, a plurality of media reservoirs, an end effector, and a pumping device. Each media reservoir is configured to receive at least one component of a tissue repair composition. The end effector is configured for insertion into a lumen to deliver a tissue repair composition into that lumen. The end effector has at least one fluid conduit and at least one orifice in communication with the fluid conduit. The pumping device is operable to urge a tissue repair composition comprising at least a portion of the contents of the plurality of media reservoirs through the fluid conduit of the end effector such that the tissue repair composition is expelled from the at least one orifice. The media reservoirs may contain medical fluid components such as viable cells and scaffold material to repair a fistula or address some other condition in a patient.

Abstract: A method of using a system to collect colostrum from a breast of a human and using at least part of the system to dispense the colostrum to an newborn involves: coupling an interface member with a suction member to form at least part of the system; positioning the interface member in contact with or near the breast; expressing colostrum from the breast, into the interface member; applying suction force to the interface member, using the suction member, to draw the colostrum into the suction member; detaching the interface member from the suction member; and dispensing the colostrum to the newborn from the suction member.

Abstract: Implantable devices and methods for delivering drugs and other substances to locations within the body of a human or animal subject to treat or diagnose sinusitis and a variety of other disorders. The invention includes implantable substance delivery devices that comprise reservoirs and barriers that control the rate at which substances pass out of the reservoirs. The delivery devices may be advanced into the body using guidewires, catheters, ports, introducers and other access apparatus. In some embodiments the delivery devices may be loaded with one or more desired substance before their introduction into the body. In other embodiments the delivery devices are loaded and/or reloaded with a desired substance after the delivery device has been introduced into the body.

Abstract: A device and method for dilating a Eustachian tube of a patient is disclosed. The device includes a guide catheter and a balloon dilation catheter. The balloon dilation catheter has an actuator that prevents injury to the middle ear. The balloon dilation catheter is slidably coupled with the guide catheter through the guide catheter lumen and is fully inserted into the guide catheter lumen when the distal side of the actuator is adjacent to the proximal end of the guide catheter. The method involves advancing the guide catheter and balloon dilation catheter through a nasal passage of the patient to dilate a portion of the Eustachian tube.

Abstract: A lavage catheter for the treatment of a maxillary sinus is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The distal portion comprises an irrigation tip. The irrigation tip has a tip opening through which fluid may be delivered by one handed operation of the catheter. A method for lavaging the maxillary sinus includes inserting the lavage catheter into a patient's anatomy and advancing the irrigation tip into the maxillary sinus using one hand.

Abstract: A suction pump unit comprises a vacuum port, an excess pressure port and a switching valve. The switching valve comprises a valve body with two inputs, wherein a first of the inputs is connected with the vacuum port, and a second of the inputs is connected with the excess pressure port. The switching valve further comprises an output with a through hole, wherein the output can be moved relative to the inputs from the first input to the second input and back, as a result of which the through hole alternately establishes a fluid-communicating connection with one of the inputs. The through hole of the output is released and ventilated during at least part of the movement between the two inputs. This suction pump unit permits passive and active ventilation of an output line connected with the output.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic sinusitis, including cystic fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neoplasia. The method involves administration, preferably oral, nasal or pulmonary administration, of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drugs (rapamycin or paclitaxel and their analogues) and an additive.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for treatment of respiratory disorders such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and chronic sinusitis, including cystic fibrosis, interstitial fibrosis, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, bronchopulmonary dysplasia and neoplasia. The method involves administration, preferably oral, nasal or pulmonary administration, of anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative drugs (rapamycin or paclitaxel and their analogues).

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods for stenting, spacing, draining, ventilating and/or delivering drugs and other therapeutic or diagnostic substances to desired locations within the bodies of human or non-human animal subjects, including methods and systems for treating paranasal sinusitis and ethmoid disease.

Abstract: Medical devices, methods and kits are described. An exemplary medical device comprises a catheter that has a catheter wall and defines a catheter lumen, a bend, and a coil disposed distal to the bend. The catheter defines one or more apertures that extend through the catheter wall and are in communication with the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A method of delivering medication to a patient includes inserting a medication administration device into a rectum of the patient, inflating a balloon of the medication administration device to retain the medication administration device in the rectum, delivering a first dose of a medication through the medication administration device such that the first dose of medication is applied to a distal portion of the rectum, delivering a second dose of a medication through the medication administration device such that the second dose of medication is applied to the distal portion of the rectum, and leaving the medication administration device in the rectum until it is dislodged for defecation. The first and second doses are delivered without removing the medication administration device from the rectum between doses.

Abstract: A manual breastpump has a pump mechanism for use in one mode of operation to produce an ejection (letdown) reflex in a nursing mother and in a separate mode of operation for the general expression of breastmilk. The breastpump further provides a pump mechanism having an expansible chamber device carried by the handle, which is operated by moving the handle relative to a handle mount. A double-pivot for the handle yields letdown mode as well as the general pumping mode.

Abstract: The device for rectal lavage includes a generally rigid tubular body (10) having a relatively flexible tapered front end nozzle portion (12) for insertion into the anus (50) of a patient. A port (14) is provided for the insertion of an irrigation hose (16) into the device, which passes through a nozzle opening (18). At least one drain hole (20) is positioned in said nozzle (12), spaced from said opening (18), for the passage of irrigated fecal matter from the rectum (52) into the hollow interior (24) of said tubular body (10). A discharge outlet (22) member from the hollow interior (24) of said tubular body (10) for the discharge of irrigated fecal matter from the device.

Abstract: Infant pacifiers, compositions, and methods of use thereof, for preventing or reducing risk of developing a hyperallergenic immune system or allergic condition are provided.

Abstract: An in vivo sensing device and system may contain or be used in conjunction with an image sensor and a body lumen clearing element or agent. A method may enable clearing a body lumen for in vivo sensing while using the device of the invention.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for anesthetizing a tympanic membrane of an ear. The systems are personalizable to ensure proper anesthetizing solution administration. The systems and methods may also be useful for administering a solution to the ear canal of a human patient and for maintaining the solution therein.

Abstract: A medical device, and a system and packaged kit containing the medical device for the treatment of a sinus opening is described. The medical device comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft system having an inflation lumen and an irrigation lumen the proximal and. The shaft system has a proximal shaft section and a distal shaft section. An inflatable balloon is attached to the distal shaft section in a position that is proximal to said distal end. The irrigation tip is distal to the balloon on the distal shaft section and has a tip opening and one or more radially facing openings. A method for treating a sinus opening includes inserting a system that includes the medical device, a sinus guide catheter and a sinus guide element into a patient's anatomy, dilating the sinus opening and irrigating a target in the nasal anatomy.

Abstract: A nasal cleaning apparatus is described that may include a nasal cleaning portion and a grip portion. The nasal cleaning portion may include a proximal end portion, a distal end portion, and a front wall extending between the proximal end portion and the distal end portion, and a back wall. The back wall may be attached to the front wall along at least a portion of the periphery of the front wall and/or back wall. An internal space may be at least partially defined between the front wall and the back wall. An opening may be in the proximal end portion. The opening may be in communication with the internal space. The grip portion may include a handle and an extension member. The extension member may extend from a distal end portion of said handle, through the opening of the nasal cleaning portion, and into the internal space of the nasal cleaning portion.

Abstract: An irrigation catheter for the treatment of the sinus anatomy is described. The catheter comprises a proximal portion, a rigid middle portion, and a flexible distal portion. The flexible distal portion comprises an irrigation tip and the proximal portion has a stiffness that is intermediate the stiffness of the rigid middle portion and the flexible distal portion. The irrigation tip has a tip opening and one or more radially facing openings. A method for irrigating or suctioning the sinus anatomy includes inserting an irrigation catheter into a patient's anatomy and irrigating or suctioning a target space.

Abstract: A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, including: at least one specially programmed computer; and, a medication device. The at least one specially programmed computer is arranged to calculate or modify, for a patient, a dosage for a first orally-administered or injectable medication and a constraint related to administration of the dosage by using a current point in time, a point in time at which a previous dosage of the first orally-administered or injectable medication was administered, information regarding a second medication prescribed for the patient, or real time physiological data for a patient. The medication device is arranged to: extract the first orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element; and non-intravenously dispense the first orally-administered or injectable medication in accordance with the dosage and the constraint.

Abstract: A multiple dose syringe has a first valve defining a first valve opening pressure and a second valve defining a second valve opening pressure. A storage chamber in fluid communication with the second valve stores multiple doses of a substance therein and includes an outlet for dispensing multiple doses of the stored substance therethrough. A compression surface is movable between first and second positions and defines a compression chamber between the compression surface and the first valve. Movement of the compression surface in a direction from the first position toward the second position dispenses substance in the compression chamber through the first valve and out of the syringe. Movement of the compression surface in a direction from the second position toward the first position causes substance to flow from the storage chamber through the second valve and into the compression chamber.

Abstract: A computer-based apparatus for dispensing a medication, including: at least one specially programmed computer; and a medication device. The at least one computer is arranged to automatically generate a medication regimen for a patient, the medication regimen including designation of a measure for an orally-administered or injectable medication; or automatically modify a medication regimen for a patient, by modifying a designation of a measure for an orally-administered or injectable medication. The medication device is arranged to: extract the orally-administered or injectable medication from a medication storage element; and non-intravenously dispense an amount of the orally-administered or injectable medication equal to the designated measure or the modified designated measure into a container. The at least one specially programmed computer is part of the medication device, is attached to the medication storage element, or is located remote from the medication device.

Abstract: In accordance with some embodiments, a nozzle apparatus includes a body having a first portion and a second portion. The first portion has a gripping portion for attaching and removing the nozzle apparatus from a container. In one embodiment, the second portion is sized and configured to be positioned in at least one nostril of an individual. A portion of the second portion being asymmetrical to the first portion of the body. The first and second portions of the body define a fluid passageway between an inlet and an outlet of the body. A portion of the fluid passageway is centrally disposed from the inlet of the body along an axis of the body. A portion of the fluid passageway angles obliquely substantially near the outlet of the body. The outlet of the fluid passageway has a diameter greater than the diameter of the passageway.

Abstract: Compositions and methods of use for desensitizing a subject to an allergen via regions of the oral mucosa are provided.

Abstract: A method for controlling narrowing of at least one airway and associated apparatus are provided. The method includes positioning a needle-less injection assembly in an airway of a patient, and introducing a medication from at least one port of the needle-less injection assembly across an epithelium of a wall of the airway and into collagenous and smooth muscle layers of the airway wall such that the medication controls at least one mechanism of airway narrowing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a nose plug device comprising a compressible material to exert a pressure on bleeding areas in inner wall of nostril. The present nose plug device can further comprise a bio-lubricant coating to help in device removal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for extending a tube, the apparatus including a foldable tube having a folded portion inside an unfolded portion of the tube, and a source of fluid coupled to the unfolded portion for providing fluid into the unfolded portion to unfold and extend the folded portion out of the unfolded portion to become an extension of the unfolded portion. The apparatus and methods are useful, inter alia, for cleansing the colon in the normal direction, that is, from the cecum to the anus, using an apparatus that is introduced via the anus. A washing liquid is supplied deep into the colon via the soft feed tube that is inserted via the anus and is extended into the colon by inflation. The washing liquid is then drained out via the anus through a drainage channel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and device for treating or preventing or suppressing a disease or condition in a non-human animal. The method comprises the steps of providing a single delivery device containing two components for sequential delivery from the delivery device. A first component is delivered from the single delivery device into a teat canal of a non-human animal and subsequently the second component is delivered from the single delivery device into the teat canal. The components are delivered without substantial mixing of the components.

Abstract: A holder for a drug delivery device comprising a body portion, and a first flange extending from the holder, wherein the body portion comprises a receiving portion for receiving a drug delivery device, and the flange extends from the body portion of the holder.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a dispensing device. The dispensing device includes a chamber subassembly coupled to a mouth guard subassembly. The mouth guard subassembly includes a mouth guard adjacent to an end of the chamber subassembly, a nipple extending from the mouth guard, and foam disposed within the interior of the nipple.