Coupling Or Connector Structure Patents (Class 604/533)
  • Patent number: 8852167
    Abstract: A medical connector includes a body defining a lumen for fluid flow through the medical connector. The medical connector includes a luer member and an annular member disposed about the luer member. The annular member includes internal and/or external engagement structures. The medical connector may be provided on the outlet of a syringe or on a catheter. A fluid path is disclosed including a first section and a second section. The first and second sections may each include a medical connector to provide a removable connection with a syringe and a catheter, respectively. The medical connector may provide a removable connection between the first and second sections. A fluid delivery system is disclosed including an injector, a syringe operatively associated with the injector, and a fluid path connecting the syringe and a source of injection. The medical connector may provide a removable connection between the syringe and fluid path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Medical Care Inc.
    Inventors: Frederick W. Trombley, III, Kevin P. Cowan, Kraig McEwen, Joseph B. Havrilla
  • Patent number: 8845590
    Abstract: A catheter configured with an elongate tube and a diffuser is disclosed. The diffuser may be configured to facilitate high flow rates through the catheter and to resist blockage of openings disposed within the body. Further, the catheter may be comprised of flexible materials to facilitate delivery into and removal from the body. In some embodiments the diffuser may be generally disc shaped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen R. Ash
  • Patent number: 8845586
    Abstract: A warming device for an IV fluid line according to the present invention includes a warmer unit and a wye type fitting with an injection site. The warmer unit includes a tube for intravenous fluid and channels containing a warming fluid to heat the IV tube. One fitting branch is connected to an intravenous fluid source, while the remaining branch houses the injection site. The injection site branch includes an injection safety member that ensures a syringe needle or other instrument is contained within the fitting to prevent rupture of the IV tube. The warming device may include an additional wye type fitting coupled to the initial fitting and including another injection site, where the fittings typically exclude the safety member. A syringe needle is inserted into the additional injection site to prevent rupture of the IV tube. In addition, the warming device may be configured for needleless injections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: Patented Medical Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Durward I. Faries, Jr., Bruce R. Heymann, David Hendrix
  • Patent number: 8840568
    Abstract: A device for the medical treatment is provided which includes not only a function for applying turning force to a guide wire but also a function for inserting an end portion of the guide wire into an opening of a catheter and therefore is excellent in workability. In one form, a device for the medical treatment includes a guide wire connecting section capable of being connected to a guide wire to apply turning force to the guide wire, and a catheter connecting section to which a catheter can be connected and which can relatively move toward and away from the guide wire connecting section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ayako Kimura
  • Publication number: 20140276649
    Abstract: A connection system for connecting a first medical device component to a second medical device component is disclosed. The connection system of the present disclosure provides for quick and intuitive coupling and decoupling of two opposing medical device components through the use of a connection path and a disconnection path, the connection path being distinct from the disconnection path. Furthermore, the connection system of the present disclosure provides audible and tactile connection feedback through the use of elastically deformable connection elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Milan Ivosevic, Paul Paia Marici
  • Publication number: 20140276615
    Abstract: The invention is a delivery catheter, e.g., a guide catheter, having an imaging element in proximity to the distal end of the catheter. Catheters of the invention are able to placement of the catheter in proximity to an ostium, thereby increasing the efficiency of contrast delivery while reducing the risk of ischemia due to blocked blood supply. The invention additionally assists in maintaining catheter position during delivery of a fluid from the catheter, resulting in better performance with less fluid. For example, a catheter of the invention can be used to produce improved fluoroscopic images with less overall contrast. This improvement reduces the risk of an allergic reaction to the contrast while decreasing the length of time for a procedure, i.e., because of a need to re-contrast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: VOLCANO CORPORATION
    Inventor: Gil Laroya
  • Publication number: 20140276652
    Abstract: The disclosure provides an apparatus and methods for securing a medical catheter. The apparatus includes a tube wall that defines a lumen extending longitudinally there through. The tube wall comprising: a plurality of flexible fingers extending along a portion of the tube wall, a longitudinal slot disposed between each pair of adjacent fingers, each of the fingers comprising an exterior surface and an interior surface. An outer protrusion extends outwardly from the exterior surface of each finger. An inner protrusion extends inwardly from the interior surface of each finger. The inner protrusions are configured to frictionally engage an outer surface of the medical catheter disposed within the lumen when the plurality of flexible fingers are moved inwardly in response to an external force applied to the outer protrusions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: COOK MEDICAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Shaun D. Gittard
  • Publication number: 20140276650
    Abstract: Alcohol resistant aromatic polycarbonate urethanes including their use in catheters. In one embodiment, a power injectable central venous access device is provided comprising a single or multilumen catheter shaft, junction, and extension leg(s), all of which may comprise aromatic polycarbonate polyurethane that is configured to withstand direct and prolonged exposure to alcohol.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Jay A. Muse, Travis Sessions, Matt Draper, Ryan Patterson
  • Patent number: 8827987
    Abstract: An implantable percutaneous fluid delivery device is described that includes a subcutaneous base portion having one or more ports for supplying fluid to one or more implanted catheter devices and a percutaneous portion including an extracorporeal surface. The one or more ports of the subcutaneous base portion are accessible from the extracorporeal surface of the percutaneous portion. The subcutaneous base portion is at least partially insertable into a complementary recess formed in a bone, the subcutaneous base portion including one or more features for gripping the internal surface of such a complementary recess thereby directly anchoring the subcutaneous base portion to the bone. The device may be used to route fluid to neurosurgical catheters optionally via a router unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Renishaw (Ireland) Limited
    Inventors: Paul D. Fielder, Steven S. Gill, Trefor Owen Lewis, Andrew Samuel Vick
  • Publication number: 20140249512
    Abstract: A disinfecting and pre-opening device is disclosed for use with a female needleless connector. The disinfecting and pre-opening device includes a housing comprising a chamber having a distal opening and configured to fit over the female needleless connector, and an elongated finger attached to the housing and disposed within the chamber such that the elongated finger opens the fluid path through the female needleless connector when the distal opening of the disinfecting and pre-opening device is placed proximally adjacent to the septum and the disinfecting and pre-opening device is advanced in the distal direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Alpert
  • Patent number: 8814847
    Abstract: A delivery system for implanting a medical device into the body of a patient or subject and a method of use thereof. The delivery system includes a delivery catheter having a catheter lumen and an inner member extending therethrough. The inner member includes a distal tip portion, a proximal portion, and an intermediate portion, the intermediate portion being disposed adjacent to the distal end of the delivery catheter. A first sealing member, positioned near a distal end of the proximal portion, forms a fluid seal between the inner member and an inside surface of the delivery catheter. A second sealing member, positioned near a proximal end of the distal tip portion, forms a fluid seal between the inner member and an inside surface of the delivery catheter. The intermediate portion extends between the first seal and the second seal. In one embodiment, a medical device and a hydrating fluid are present in a device-containing region between the intermediate portion and the delivery catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Grant T. Hoffman, F. Kristen Bailey
  • Patent number: 8814799
    Abstract: The present invention provides low profile intravascular ultrasound catheters adapted to access sites within the patient's body through narrow blood vessels, e.g., the radial artery. In an embodiment, a low profile catheter comprises an catheter sheath, a short guidewire receiver attached to the distal end of the catheter sheath, and a telescope assembly at the proximal end. The catheter sheath comprises a main portion and a tapered portion for increased flexibility toward the distal end of the catheter. In one embodiment, a rotatable and translatable imaging core is received within the catheter sheath for ultrasound imaging. A short guidewire receiver is used to allow the imaging core to be advanced farther distally with respect to the distal end of the catheter. In an embodiment, the catheter sheath extends through a portion of the telescope assembly to provide enhanced support of the imaging core within the telescope assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Scimed, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Zelenka, Daniel Okeeffe, Mikael Cars, Bruce McEvers
  • Patent number: 8814849
    Abstract: An intravascular valve assembly having a valve case and a flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve. The valve case includes attached proximal and distal case portions that present respective spaced apart fluid ports and a fluid passageway extending between the ports. The flexible pressure-actuated flow control valve is disposed within the fluid passageway and includes a slitted central valve wall. The proximal case portion includes an axially-extending boss that projects distally, with a portion of a distal end of the boss contacting the flow control valve. The valve permits fluid flowing in a distal direction to pass through the slit. Fluid flowing in a proximal direction, however, causes the valve to compresses against the boss and the slit to close, thus restricting fluid flow in a proximal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Nexus Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Chris Winsor
  • Patent number: 8808637
    Abstract: The sterilizing tool is configured to wipe debris from and to sterilize and/or dry a working end-site of medical device; using a wiping, twisting, dabbing, push/pull, and/or screwing motion around all of the surface aspects of the device to be sterilized. Additionally, the sterilizing tool is configured to form fit to the surfaces of the end-site and to apply an inclusive layer of an anti-pathogenic agent to the inner and outer surfaces of the working end-site. The sterilizing tool may be frictionally engaged with and retained on the working end-site until removed and the end-site is ready for use. The sterilizing tool is intended for a one time, single use, disposable application.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Inventor: Michael J. Ferlic
  • Patent number: 8808253
    Abstract: The fluid injector system includes a source of injection fluid, a pump device, and a fluid path set in fluid connection with the source of injection fluid and the pump device. The fluid path set includes a drip chamber including an elongated body having a raised projection from substantially a top end to substantially a bottom end, the elongated body configured to receive and contain the injection fluid. A fluid level sensing mechanism is operably associated with a fluid control device, and includes a support for the drip chamber body, wherein the support is adapted such that the raised projection is in operational contact with a fluid level sensor associated with the support. The fluid level sensing mechanism is operable to transmit ultrasonic or light energy through the raised projection to be sensed by the fluid level sensor for sensing the injection fluid level in the drip chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Bayer Medical Care Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Spohn, Thomas P. Joyce, Michael J. Ehrenberger, James Albert Dedig, John A. Haury, Susan Lynn Felix, Gerald W. Callan, John D. Shearer, Jr., Jonathan R. Speicher, Christopher M. Scutt, Herb Grubic, Ralph E. Kopacko, William D. Barlow, Jerry A. Stokes, Jr., Richard G. Critchlow, Karen M. Zelenski, Mirza Hyder Hussain, Linda M. O'Meara, Roderick H. Beaulieu, Jennie Kwo, Luis A. Pedraza
  • Patent number: 8801695
    Abstract: A tracheostomy tube is provided. The tracheostomy tube includes an outer cannula that comprises an outer cannula connector comprising a first keying feature. The tracheostomy tube further comprises an inner cannula comprising an inner cannula connector including a second keying feature configured to complement the first keying feature when the inner cannula is inserted into the outer cannula. Further, a method is provided, whereby the method comprises inserting an outer cannula into a patient's trachea, and inserting an inner cannula into the outer cannula such that a keying feature on an inner cannula connector of the inner cannula engages a second keying feature on an outer cannula connector of the outer cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: George L. Matlock, Steven M. Brackney, Avila Ignacio
  • Patent number: 8790330
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a connection arrangement and a method of assembly, for providing a substantially tamper resistant connection with at least a first medical device. The connection arrangement having a center axis, the connection arrangement comprises; a first connection member for connection to the first medical device by means of a rotational motion in a first direction, and a body. Additionally the first connection member and the body are connected directly or indirectly together via at least one designated ruptureable retaining member, the designated ruptureable retaining member is arranged to rupture at a predetermined breaking force, wherein the first connection member, and thereby the first medical device after assembly, can be displaced with respect to the body after rupture. The present invention provides for a substantially tamper safe connection arrangement which disables accidents such as wrongly disengage a connected medical device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Carmel Pharma AB
    Inventor: Tobias Rosenquist
  • Publication number: 20140207117
    Abstract: A connector comprises a housing; a main flow path being configured such that fluid is flowable from a first tube through the main flow path into a second tube; and a connection terminal including a connection side space, the connection terminal being configured such that a third tube is connectable to the connection terminal and an auxiliary flow path of the third tube communicates with the main flow path via the connection side space. The main flow path includes a main flow path side space that is continuous with at least the connection side space and is defined by: a bottom part facing the connection side space and a pair of side parts extending from opposite sides of the bottom part toward the connection side space, and at least one wall surface configured to direct the fluid toward the connection side space and toward at least one of the side parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: Terumo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yasuhiro UEDA, Yasunobu ZUSHI
  • Publication number: 20140207116
    Abstract: This improved subcutaneous implantable vascular access port invention is designed to accommodate a larger catheter caliber attachment and six multi-window elongated dual lumen trough reservoir to allow 200-600 milliliters per minute of blood flow. This accommodating high flow fluid volume blood flow rate will be ideal to support functions to include but not limited to dialysis and electrophoresis. Both the six multi-window non-coring needle access septum and subcutaneous implantation of this high flow vascular access port will markedly reduce the risk of infection. The augmented port length trough style and six self-sealing multi septum windows will allow variable needle placement on a bi-daily basis. The purpose of the variable different location needle site is to avoid both skin breakdown, and reduce the risk of infection.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Grit Armstrong Adler
  • Patent number: 8777932
    Abstract: Catheter connectors, systems, and methods of use in which a catheter is attached to a connector such that the catheter is retained on the connector by inward radial compression between an outer surface of a hollow pin located within the catheter and a collet fitted over the portion of the catheter containing the pin. The collet may be moved from an unlocked position to a locked position by axial displacement of the collet along a longitudinal axis of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahn S. Sage, David W. Lodin, Bruce A. Behymer
  • Patent number: 8777930
    Abstract: An adaptor for discriminating connection of an oral tip of a source of liquid enteral product to a feeding line. In one embodiment, the adaptor includes an internal stop in the body having a contact surface that is angled with respect to a transverse plane extending generally transverse to the longitudinal axis of the connection port so that if the standard luer tip is inserted into the connection port, the luer tip does not make flush contact with the contact surface. In another embodiment, the adaptor includes an external stop surrounding the connection port generally adjacent to the first open end of the body. The adaptor may include an umbrella valve. In other embodiments, the adaptor includes a fluid release opening in fluid communication with the connection port extending generally radially through the adaptor body at a location spaced from the longitudinal ends of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: David Rork Swisher, Kimberly A. Moos, Kevin C. Meier
  • Patent number: 8777931
    Abstract: The system has a male tubing fitting extending along a longitudinal axis. The male tubing fitting has a first internal bore and an end portion including a male plug. The system also has a female tubing fitting that has a second internal bore configured to receive the male plug. Also, the system has a collar disposed about the male tubing fitting and positioned to slide freely along the longitudinal axis from a first position to a second position. In the first position the male and female tubing fittings are unlocked with respect to each other such that the male plug is removably insertable into the second internal bore of the female tubing fitting. In the second position the male and female fittings are locked with respect to each other such that the male plug is prevented from being removed from the second internal bore of the female tubing fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventors: Sherman George Davis, Eric Lee
  • Patent number: 8781586
    Abstract: Systems and methods for temporarily pacing a patient's heart are provided. One system includes a hemostasis valve with an adjustable electrical connection, the adjustable electrical connection having one or more adjustable contacts. The adjustable contacts have a first, radially expanded configuration and a second, radially constricted configuration. In the radially constricted configuration, the adjustable contacts are configured to pierce through a layer of an elongate medical device that is disposed in the hemostasis valve. The elongate medical device has a distal electrode and a conductor extending along a portion of the elongate medical device. The adjustable contacts pierce through a make contact with the conductor, providing an electrical pathway to the distal electrode. Also provided are vascular access systems including a hemostasis valve and a guide catheter, guide wire torquers with adjustable contacts and methods of temporarily pacing a patient's heart.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cardiac Pacemakers, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric A. Mokelke, Allan C. Shuros
  • Publication number: 20140194849
    Abstract: A removable clip for connection with a catheter for a remote surgical procedure is provided. The clip includes a body and an arcuate concave surface configured to rest upon a central portion of the body and opposed first and second legs that each extend therefrom. A ramp surface extends from the body portion, the ramp surface with a portion that extends at an acute angle with respect to a longitudinal axis through the concave surface. A portion of the ramp surface is configured to extend within an aperture within a side wall of a catheter when the clip is fixed to the side wall of the catheter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Ronak Balwant Dunung, Benjamin J. Biltz, Corrie Threlkeld
  • Publication number: 20140188086
    Abstract: A catheter handle, including a housing, configured to be gripped by an operator of a catheter coupled to the housing during a medical procedure using the catheter, the housing being formed of a first polymer and having an aperture formed therein. The handle includes an insert, formed of a second polymer, and configured to be introduced into the aperture so as to mate therewith. The handle further includes a plurality of contacts, configured to be implanted into the insert in a preset spatial relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2012
    Publication date: July 3, 2014
    Applicant: BIOSENSE WEBSTER (ISRAEL), LTD.
    Inventors: Assaf Govari, Christopher Thomas Beeckler
  • Patent number: 8763892
    Abstract: There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Oridon Medical 1987 Ltd.
    Inventors: Joshua Lewis Colman, Zion Botesazan, Gal Itzhak
  • Patent number: 8764702
    Abstract: A dialysis system includes a dialysis instrument; a disposable cassette operable with the dialysis instrument; a dual lumen patient line including dual lumens, the dual lumen patient line connected to the disposable cassette; and a priming sequence in which ends of the dual lumens are connected together, a first pump chamber of the disposable cassette pumps fluid through the dual lumens until fluid reaches a second pump chamber of the disposable cassette.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignees: Baxter International Inc., Baxter Healthcare S.A.
    Inventors: Robert W. Childers, Peter A. Hopping
  • Patent number: 8764730
    Abstract: A catheter apparatus may have a flexible shaft, guidewire lumens passing through the shaft, and a positioning device for positioning the guidewires relative to an external lumen. The positioning device may be an expansible scaffold covered with a retractable sheath. The positioning device may also be one or more balloons that are inflated through an inflation port in the shaft. The catheter apparatus may be operated by inserting a guide catheter into a vasculature with a chronic total occlusion, inserting the catheter apparatus into the guide catheter, and advancing the guidewires through the guidewire lumens and into contact with a chronic total occlusion. The positioning device may be activated before and/or between attempts to pass the guidewires through the chronic total occlusion to interrogate various parts of the chronic total occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Roxwood Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Mark Taber
  • Patent number: 8763895
    Abstract: There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Oridion Medical 1987 Ltd.
    Inventors: Joshua Lewis Colman, Zion Botesazan, Gal Itzhak
  • Publication number: 20140180257
    Abstract: An atraumatic cover for a catheter hub. The cover comprises an opening configured to allow a line/tube to pass through the opening when the cover is in a closed configuration. The cover can comprise one or more pliable inserts located within the cover. In an embodiment, the pliable insert can comprise an antibacterial agent. The atraumatic cover for a catheter hub can be formed in any number of different shapes and/or sizes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: Kenneth M. Zinn
  • Patent number: 8758306
    Abstract: A medical connector for use in a fluid pathway includes a substantially transparent housing having a proximal end with a proximal opening and a distal end with a distal opening, and a cavity extending therebetween. The connector provides a substantially visible fluid flow path extending through a substantial portion of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: George A. Lopez, Thomas F. Fangrow, Jr., Bob Foret
  • Publication number: 20140171919
    Abstract: An introducer assembly for introducing a catheter into a patient, includes a sheath having a distal end and a proximal end with a hollow lumen extending between the distal end and proximal end. The assembly also includes a coupler having a distal end operatively coupled to the proximal end of the sheath, the coupler having an internal passage in fluid communication with the hollow lumen. The assembly further includes a connector having a distal end operatively coupled to the coupler proximate the distal end of the coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: CORINDUS, INC.
    Inventor: Steven J. Blacker
  • Patent number: 8753330
    Abstract: A syringe adapter tool facilitates inline connection of a syringe with a catheter lumen, as well as torque transfer between the syringe and catheter. The adapter tool may further facilitate passage of an instrument through a seal zone portion of the catheter lumen, which seal zone portion is located in a proximal section of the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald A Drake, Stanten C Spear, Lester O Stener, Gary R Fiedler, Scott W Hayden, Kendra Yasger
  • Patent number: 8747356
    Abstract: A fluid delivery system (400A) is generally directed to allowing fluid sources or other fluid delivery components to be reused with multiple fluid targets (318), and includes at least one fluid source (314) fluidly interconnectable with at least one sterilization zone (316) and at least one fluid target (318). This sterilization zone (316) could include one or more sterilization systems that attempt to neutralize contaminants entering the fluid delivery system (400A) by a backflow from the fluid target (318). One such sterilization system (500A-D) includes a container (502a-d) and a flush system (520) for sterilizing the container (502a-d) between uses. Another sterilization system (600) includes a flowpath (604) exposed to an output of an energy source (602) capable of destroying contaminants. Yet another sterilization system could include a sterilizing substance (710) that engages and moves along an interior surface (705) of a housing (704) to treat contamination thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt LLC
    Inventors: Robin C. Cocker, Paul A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20140155823
    Abstract: Multi-lumen catheter having a monolithic elongate tubular shaft member having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal length therebetween. The tubular shaft member has an outer cross-sectional dimension that varies along the length of the tubular shaft member. The tubular shaft member has an inner core made of a first material and an outer layer made of a second material. The inner core has a first lumen and a second lumen defined therein, the first lumen having a first lumen cross-section and a length extending at least along a portion of the length of the tubular shaft member. The first lumen cross-section is substantially uniform along the length of the first lumen. The second lumen has a second lumen cross-section and a length extending along the length of tubular shaft member. The second lumen cross-section is substantially uniform along the length of the second lumen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2014
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Hua Qiu, Tung-Liang Lin
  • Publication number: 20140155866
    Abstract: A connector for coupling to a base of medical device equipped with a circular hub having a circumferential recess. The connector includes a cap having a top surface, a bottom surface, a central region, and a circumferential region. The cap defines at least two slots extending from the circumferential region towards the central region, the slots defining the cap into at least one lobe. The at least one lobe has an outward projecting lift tab and an inward projecting catch. Positioning the connector on the circular hub and depressing the connector engage the catch with the circumferential recess of the circular hub so the connector can rotate completely about the circular hub. Lifting the one lift tab to reversibly displace the lobe and its respective catch radially to disengage from the circumferential recess decouples the connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventors: Nathan C. Griffith, Donald J. McMichael, John A. Rotella, Scott M. Teixeira
  • Publication number: 20140155867
    Abstract: An intravenous infusion system that shows infusion flow rate, volume of medication infused, and alarming during malfunction. User intervention to adjust flow rates deviation is possible, using the data already stored in the system prior to the onset of making the adjustment. The system detects flow rate by measuring temperature dynamics in a section of the fluid path, unlike other systems that measures the electromechanical output of the pumping source if the counting of drops is not possible. This fundamental difference allows the invention to be used in any system that has a pumping source that provides a continuous fluid path as it measures actual flow of fluid in a segment of the fluid path, independent of pumping mechanism design.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Inventor: Freddie Eng Hwee Lee
  • Patent number: 8740864
    Abstract: Cap and cleaning devices antiseptically maintain patient fluid line access valves to minimize the risk of infection via catheters. The devices have a cap that may contain a dry pad impregnated with an antimicrobial agent. The cap covers the access portion of the access valve when not in use. The devices have a hood that contains a wet pad impregnated with a cleaning solution and, optionally, an antimicrobial agent. The wet pad cleans the access portion of the access valve prior to and optionally, after the access valve is utilized to access the patient fluid line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Minh Quang Hoang, Jonathan Karl Burkholz
  • Patent number: 8740876
    Abstract: The present invention provides devices for creating an external percutaneous fluidic connections. In one embodiment, the device includes a first tube defining a longitudinal axis, and a first bolster supporting the first tube, a second tube, and a second bolster supporting the second tube. The first and second bolsters are magnetically attractable, and promote airflow to the skin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Cook Medical Technologies LLC
    Inventors: Andres F. Aguirre, Richard W. Ducharme
  • Patent number: 8740877
    Abstract: In general, this disclosure relates to techniques for implementation and use of a fluid connection assembly, having a locking mechanism, which may be connected to a medical fluid injection device. An example fluid connection assembly includes at least one fluid connector, a mating mechanism coupled to the at least one fluid connector and configured to connect the at least one fluid connector to a medical fluid injection device, and a locking mechanism coupled to the mating mechanism and movable into a locked position or an unlocked position. In this example, the fluid connection assembly becomes affirmatively coupled with the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the locked position, and the fluid connection assembly becomes removably decoupled from the medical fluid injection device when the locking mechanism is in the unlocked position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: ACIST Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Tom Borlaug, Marty Hieb, Khoi Le, Chris Lins, Steven Paul Plager, Darryl T. Wrolson, Nathaniel R. Hallee, Paul Pilosi
  • Publication number: 20140148793
    Abstract: A medical device including a shaft having an elongated inner member and an elongated tubular reinforcing member disposed over at least a portion of the inner member. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the outer surface of the inner member is spaced from the inner surface of the reinforcing member, defining a space substantially free of any other structures of the device. In some embodiments, the shaft can include a tip structure disposed on a distal portion of the inner member. In some such embodiments, the reinforcing member has a distal end, and the tip structure is disposed on the distal portion of the inner member adjacent the distal end of the reinforcing member. Additionally, in some embodiments, the reinforcing member can include a plurality of apertures defined therein, for example, to enhance the flexibility or other such characteristics of all or portions of the reinforcing member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: May 29, 2014
    Applicant: BOSTON SCIENTIFIC SCIMED, INC.
    Inventors: STEPHEN A. GRIFFIN, ELAINE LIM, GREGORY E. MIRIGIAN
  • Patent number: 8738151
    Abstract: Anchors for securing a therapy device such as a therapy catheter relative to a burr hole, and systems and methods for using the same. Anchors in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure may include a connector for securing the therapy catheter to a delivery catheter, wherein the connector is independently and removably attachable to the anchor. The connector may secure the therapy catheter relative to the burr hole and isolate forces that may otherwise tend to disrupt the placement of the therapy catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian D. Nelson
  • Patent number: 8735491
    Abstract: An essentially halogen-free, plasticizer-free thermoplastic elastomer compound is disclosed. The compound has from 10-80 weight percent of a hydrogenated styrene butadiene copolymer having a styrene content of less than 20 weight percent; from 20-90 weight percent of a polyolefin; and less than about 3 weight percent of antioxidant. The compound is capable of being solvent bonded or welded to another thermoplastic material using cyclohexanone alone or with methyl ethyl ketone. The compound is especially useful as medical tubing connected to other parts of medical equipment. The bond strength of the compound to the other thermoplastic material is properly determined only after multiple days of bonding.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: PolyOne Corporation
    Inventors: Sehyun Kim, Wayne Thornton
  • Publication number: 20140142553
    Abstract: Provided herein is a drug delivery device including: a reservoir for a product, said reservoir having a distally projecting end-piece defining an axial passageway for the transfer of the product, said end-piece having a distal portion, an adaptor having a collar engageable around said end-piece, and a securing structure for locking the axial movement of said collar with respect to said end-piece. The adaptor further comprises a foldable element capable of going from a folded configuration in which said foldable element substantially surrounds said distal portion of said end-piece, to an unfolded configuration, in which said foldable element leaves said distal portion uncovered. An adaptor for forming a drug delivery device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Applicant: BECTON DICKINSON FRANCE
    Inventor: Gilbert Poncon
  • Patent number: 8728056
    Abstract: A docking station for maintaining sterilization of temporarily disconnected male medical line connectors. The docking station has a plurality of docking bays, each of which retain an ampule therein containing a sterilization fluid and has an access mouth exteriorly exposed when the ampule is secured in its respective bay. The mouth of the ampule is provided with a female medical line connection for temporarily receiving and securing one of the male medical line connector temporarily disconnected from a patient. A tubular tip and a concentric connection collar of the one of the male medical line connector is thereby immersed in the sterilization fluid for sterilization while docked. Each of the ampules is secured against rotation in a clockwise direction in their respective docking bay to facilitate threadable connection of one of the male medical line connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: PSI MedicaL Catheter Care, LLC
    Inventors: Anthony J. Colantonio, Menno D. Jager
  • Publication number: 20140135703
    Abstract: A catheter system including an insertion device and a catheter device. The insertion device includes a housing, a latch, a needle for insertion into a patient; and a spring. The catheter device includes a housing comprising a chamber, and a seal disposed in said chamber. The seal is configured to reseal when the needle is withdrawn from the seal such that blood is sealed in the chamber. The spring relaxes and thereby retracts the needle entirely into the housing of the insertion device when the latch decouples from the catheter device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: CAREFUSION 303, INC.
    Inventors: Jonathan YEH, George MANSOUR, Chris ZOLLINGER
  • Patent number: 8721627
    Abstract: A disinfecting and pre-opening device is disclosed for use with a female needleless connector. The disinfecting and pre-opening device includes a housing comprising a chamber having a distal opening and configured to fit over the female needleless connector, and an elongated finger attached to the housing and disposed within the chamber such that the elongated finger opens the fluid path through the female needleless connector when the distal opening of the disinfecting and pre-opening device is placed proximally adjacent to the septum and the disinfecting and pre-opening device is advanced in the distal direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: CareFusion 303, Inc.
    Inventor: Robert S. Alpert
  • Patent number: 8720772
    Abstract: There is provided a tube connector for connecting between a fluid sampling tube and a fluid analyzer, the tube connector includes an end face adapted to identify the tube connector, said end face comprising a reflecting surface having one or more reflective regions adapted to reflect light at a predetermined range of wavelengths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Oridion Medical 1987 Ltd.
    Inventors: Joshua Lewis Colman, Zion Botesazan, Gal Itzhak
  • Publication number: 20140128816
    Abstract: A catheter tunneling adapter including a longitudinal body having a distal end and a proximal end and a passageway extending from an entrance at the proximal end to an exit at the distal end. The passageway has a first hemisphere and a second hemisphere with the first hemisphere defining a generally unobstructed first passageway portion from the entrance to the exit. A guide ramp is positioned within the second passageway and tapers towards the first hemisphere moving from the proximal end to the distal end. The ramp defines a longitudinal notch therethrough such that a second passageway portion extends from the entrance to the exit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: MEDICAL COMPONENTS, INC.
    Inventors: Charles Scandone, Jr., Mark S. Fisher
  • Publication number: 20140128847
    Abstract: Systems, processes, and articles of manufacture may be used to perform ocular infusion. In particular implementations, a system for ocular infusion may include a length of flexible tubing and a tip adapted to be inserted into an eye. The flexible tubing may be adapted to convey an ocular infusion fluid and include a plurality of coils set in at least a portion thereof. The ocular tip may be coupled to a first end of the flexible tubing and adapted to convey ocular infusion fluid from the flexible tubing into an eye.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Alcon Research, Ltd.
    Inventor: Jose Lopez