Abstract: A medical capsule is taken into the human body to collect biomedical information about the human body. When the medical capsule is discharged from within the human body, a medical capsule retrieval device detects the medical capsule using a magnet or a sensor, and catches the medical capsule with a net.

Abstract: Disclosed is a receptacle for use with a medical suction device which is equipped with a cover body and an external case for detachably holding and air-tightly surrounding the receptacle and a patient-side tube for introducing waste liquid into the receptacle, and designed to create a negative pressure in both an interior space of the cover body and the external case and an interior space of the receptacle so as to allow waste liquid to be sucked into the receptacle through the patient-side tube. The receptacle has an air-pervious/liquid-impervious element having air perviousness and liquid imperviousness. The air-pervious/liquid-impervious element at least partly constitutes a portion of the receptacle to be surrounded by the cover body and the external case.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a urinary catheter gripping device for use with a urinary catheter located within a urinary catheter pouch. In one aspect, the urinary catheter pouch has a port defined in its exterior surface, whereby the port is in communication with the interior cavity of the urinary catheter pouch. In this aspect, the urinary catheter is substantially disposed therein the pouch and is configured to selectively pass therethrough the port. The gripping device can be positioned on the pouch at any convenient location that aids in the holding of the catheter.

Abstract: In accordance with certain embodiments of the present disclosure, a catheter is provided. The catheter includes a body having a proximal portion and a distal portion. The body comprises a first element sealably interwoven with a second element to define a longitudinally extending lumen configured to pass fluid therethrough. The first element is wound in a clockwise direction and the second element is wound in a counterclockwise direction. The body further comprises a mechanism configured to cause the distal portion of the body to move toward the proximal portion causing the diameter of the lumen to increase.

Abstract: Microfluidic shunt valves are disclosed having a deflectable element capable of being held in a closed position to occlude the passage of fluid between an inlet and outlet and, when not held in the closed position, the deflectable element is adapted to oscillate in response to fluid pressure pulses and thereby facilitate fluid passage through the valve. Controls for activating the deflectable element to permit fluid passage are also included.

Abstract: A wetting apparatus (110) for wetting a hydrophilic urinary catheter (103) comprises a wetting receptacle (101) which defines a wetting fluid receiving area (102) for receiving the hydrophilic urinary catheter and a hydrophilic urinary catheter wetting fluid container (106) having a discharge outlet (126) movable from a closed position to an open position on application of a predetermined condition thereto to enable the wetting fluid to be discharged from the wetting fluid container.

Abstract: The presently-disclosed subject matter provides compositions and methods for treating a cancer by providing a composition comprising a biocompatible polymeric matrix incorporating an effective amount of a phytochemical agent, a combination of phytochemical agents, or a phytochemical agent and a chemotherapeutic agent. Further, provided is a device for uterine cervical insertion for local delivery.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically monitoring and controlling pressure in a body part are disclosed. The systems include an implantable tube with one open end of the tube implanted in the body part, an implantable valve coupled with the tube having at least one open state and a closed state, an implantable sensor for measuring pressure, and an implantable control device coupled with the sensor and the valve. The control device switches the valve between the at least one open state and the closed state, based on pressure information received from the sensor. When the valve is in the at least one open state, the tube drains fluids from the body part due to a difference of pressure between the open ends of the tube. Methods for using the systems to administer drugs and monitor and control fluid pressures in various biological systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A patient-adjustable device and surgical method for the treatment of urinary incontinence is disclosed herein. More specifically, the device is a mesh surrounded pillow which is implanted near the attachment of the urethra to the bladder, or mid to distal urethra which can be controlled by the patient. The fullness of the pillow can be controlled by the patient using two pressure-sensitive controls under the skin.

Abstract: A limb wound treatment device is described having a first end, a second end and an interior therebetween for accommodating a treatment gas. The device can include a flexible housing that can be inflated or a rigid housing. The first end can include an inflatable cuff seal for hermetically sealing against the limb being treated. The second end can include a closed end or an access port that is releasably sealed with a clamping mechanism. Further, the device can include a controller that can inflate that housing, inflate the cuff seal and provide treatment gas to the interior, in response to pressures within the cuff seal and the housing. Further, the device can accommodate different types of wound treatments, such as hyperbaric therapy, compression therapy or negative pressure therapy.

Abstract: A clot retrieval device for removing thrombi or other emboli from a body lumen is disclosed. The clot retrieval device includes an elongate shaft portion, a self-expanding snare disposed at a distal end of the shaft portion and a flexible bag portion attached to the self-expanding snare. The snare may be a loop or circlet formed in a distal end of the elongate shaft portion or may be a separate component attached thereto. An opening of the bag portion for receiving the thrombi or emboli there through faces proximally when the snare is fully deployed. The bag portion is made of a flexible, non-porous material, such as a balloon-type or elastomeric material, that is foldable or otherwise collapsible to achieve a low-profile while the clot retrieval device is being tracked to the treatment site through the body lumen.

Abstract: A nasal cleaning apparatus is described that includes a grip portion and a cleaning portion. The grip portion may include a handle and one or more gripping members attached to the handle. Such gripping members may facilitate rotation of the grip portion or other handling of the apparatus. The cleaning portion includes a head that is attached to a nasal cleaning cloth. The nasal cleaning cloth is disposed around and attached to the head, and is formed of a flexible, anti-microbial material. An extension member connects the cleaning portion to the grip portion. The nasal cleaning apparatus may be disposable and/or modular to facilitate multiple uses of all or only portions of the apparatus.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for the treatment of pneumothorax especially in neonates, which is an acute pathologic condition characterized by the extrapulmonic accumulation of air in the pleural space, causing restricted lung expansion and threatening to significantly worsen in a short period of time without intervention. Intervention in this case involves the simple one-hand introduction of a catheter-sheathed stylet through the chest wall as part of a compact device which contains a one-way valve outside the chest for the stat evacuation of the intrathoracic air or fluid. The device is capable of secure fixation to the chest wall until deemed no longer needed at which point it is quickly removable. The thoracic cavity is entered by a stylet which is surrounded by a catheter, the catheter lumen continuous with that of a lumenized dome which communicates with at least one upper port and one-way valving. One port is configured to allow Luer-Lok suction in the event of pleural effusion or hemothorax.

Abstract: A combination aspiration/irrigation and illumination device using optical fibers circumferentially disposed around the aspiration conduit for transmitting illuminating light to a cavity to be aspirated. The aspiration conduit having a tip that is detachably affixed to and end of the aspiration conduit. The optical fibers terminated at a distance (d) from a distal end of the tip. Also provided is an image fiber(s) for transmitting image data from the distal end of the device.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system includes a porous pad positioned at a tissue site and a canister having a collection chamber, an inlet, and an outlet. The inlet is fluidly connected to the porous pad. A reduced pressure source is fluidly connected to the outlet of the canister to such that fluid from the tissue site may be drawn into the collection chamber. A hydrophobic filter is positioned adjacent the outlet to prevent liquid from exiting the collection chamber through the outlet. A baffle is positioned within the canister to create a tortuous path between the inlet and the outlet to prevent premature blocking of the hydrophobic filter.

Abstract: A reversible lockable drainage catheter for use in draining excess bodily fluid in a tissue having a catheter tube with a proximal end and a distal end, and a lockable hub positioned about the catheter tube. A suture of the drainage catheter can be reversibly tensioned, and locked in the tensioned conformation by depressing one or more surfaces of the lockable hub. The suture can then be released also by depressing one or more surface of the lockable hub, or by implementing one or more additional safety release mechanisms. For example, a safety release can be pulled in a proximal direction to release a tensioned suture. Similarly, the suture can be tensioned to a point that stretches an attachment point of the drainage catheter tube, and also causes the suture and safety release mechanism to disengage.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for applying an atomized liquid solution upon a person, comprising a spray enclosure booth; an exhaust vent located below an anticipated user's facial area zone, the exhaust vent disposed within the bottom tray or a lower area of at least one wall or a lower area of a door and configured for exhausting ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth; a rigid conduit support defining a central air flow conduit connected to a bottom tray and pneumatically connected to an exhaust vent and providing structural integrity to the enclosure booth; an atomizing spray head assembly movably connected to the rigid conduit support and physically supported by the rigid conduit support; and an exhaust system configured to exhaust ambient atomized liquid solution from the spray enclosure booth by drawing atomized solution into the exhaust vent then through and out of the rigid conduit.

Abstract: A vacuum device for removing a lodged mass or bolus from the throat of a choking victim. The device includes a pump for creating a vacuum chamber communicating with a mouthpiece having a frangible membrane. A resilient striker fractures the membrane to generate a substantially instantaneous vacuum to the mouthpiece to dislodge the mass. In one embodiment, the membrane is substituted by a manually displaceable sealing member, which is resealed after use of the device by movement of a vacuum-generating plunger.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stent (1?) for use in a tubular organ of a body. The stent (1?) comprises a first part (8) to be positioned in a diseased part (2) of the organ and acting as a stentbody therein, and a second part (10, 10?, 40) to be positioned in a non-diseased part (6) of the organ and acting as an anchoring element therein. The two parts (8; 10, 10?, 40) are being designed as tubular members interconnected at the ends facing one another by a flexible, axially rigid connecting part (9), at least said second part (10, 10?, 40) having memorized therein a capacity to expand radially after an increase in temperature, thereby providing anchorage of the second part (10, 10?, 40) at a determined distance away from the diseased part (2) of the organ. The present invention further relates to a catheter (12, 50) and a method for using the stent (1?) and catheter (12, 50).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a probe adapted for use in retrieving blood clots from part of the blood circulatory systems, together with an associated device and method. The probe has a first end and a second end and each end is provide with an aperture therein. The aperture in the second end is adapted in use to be connected to a suction pump by a connection means. A channel provided passing from the aperture in the second end of the probe to the aperture in the first end of the probe. The probe has no moving parts and is of a suitable configuration to give rise, in use, to the creation of a sheer force in the form of a vortex around the first end of the probe.

Abstract: This invention provides an apparatus and method for administration of animal venting therapy in which relieves excess bodily gases (Barotraumas) from the body cavity. The apparatus includes a spring loaded device for making the puncture; this in turn acts as a safety sheath when not in use. A non slip surface is on the front of the device. A main locking device is incorporated for additional safety when the unit is not in use. A soft touch cover for users comfort and with the use of a waist lanyard is additional items added for safety.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for performing surgical procedures using tissue retractors. In general, the methods and devices allow a surgeon to use a retractor to capture a large or small amount of tissue in the retractor and to move the retractor to relocate tissue to one or more convenient locations during a surgical procedure. The retractor can be configured from a pliable state to a substantially rigid state to hold the retractor and the tissue in a substantially fixed position during the procedure.

Abstract: An invention is disclosed that describes devices, kits and methods for providing percutaneous access to a surgical site. Suitable devices comprise a hollow body having a distal end and a proximal end, wherein the distal end comprises one or more apertures; a first pivot member disposed within the hollow body; and a tissue excision member mounted in rotatable communication with the pivot member, wherein at least a portion of the tissue excision member is exposed through the one or more side apertures, and wherein the tissue excision member moves in a longitudinal direction around the pivot member in relation to the hollow body.

Abstract: Topical exposure of nitric oxide gas to wounds such as chronic non-healing wounds may be beneficial in promoting healing of the wound and in preparing the wound bed for further treatment and recovery. Nitric oxide gas may be used, for example, to reduce the microbial infection and burden on these wounds, manage exudate secretion by reducing inflammation, upregulate expression of endogenous collagenase to locally debride the wound, and regulate the formation of collagen. High concentration of nitric oxide ranging from about 160 to 400 ppm may be used without inducing toxicity in the healthy cells around a wound site. Additionally, exposure to the high concentration for a first treatment period reduces the microbial burden and inflammation at the wound site and increase collagenase expression to debride necrotic tissue at the wound site.

Abstract: The disclosed device can hold, or effect relative longitudinal movement between, two members of a medical instrument, such as an instrument used for fastening two hollow organs together. The device may comprise a handle member having a longitudinal guide defining a line of travel and a longitudinal groove having a detent catch therein; a longitudinally spring-biased moving member slidable within the longitudinal guide and having pawl receiving slots along a line parallel with the line of travel; and a transversely and rotationally spring-biased driving trigger member comprising a pawl proximate to the moving member and adapted to engage the pawl receiving slots when aligned therewith, and a fulcrum member movable within the groove and adapted to be releasably captured by the detent, the driving trigger member being rotatable about the fulcrum member to cause the pawl to engage or disengage the pawl receiving slots.

Abstract: The method disclosed may be used following a prostatectomy may comprise inserting an instrument having an end effector into the bladder lumen via the urethra; using the end effector to urge the bladder wall to the pelvic floor and drive an anchor through the bladder wall into the pelvic floor, thereby connecting a balloon harness within the bladder to the pelvic floor; withdrawing the end effector; inserting and inflating a balloon catheter within the balloon harness, thereby pressing the bladder wall surrounding the bladder opening against the pelvic floor; maintaining the balloon catheter in place and draining the bladder during the time required for the tissues to effectively knit; and then deflating and withdrawing the balloon catheter and disconnecting and withdrawing the balloon harness. The instrument may comprise one or more tubes that support an end effector comprising a positioner and an anchor driver.

Abstract: We have developed a novel method of brain surface dialysis that reduces intracranial pressure and modifies movement of extracellular fluid in a rat model of brain injury. A chamber with a semipermeable membrane at the site of brain contact is perfused with a hyperosmolar solution (e.g. 15% dextran, inulin, hydroxyethyl starch). It is also capable of providing local brain cooling. In principle, osmotic forces draw water and small molecules from the injured brain into the dialysis chamber thereby reducing brain swelling. The dialysate does not move into the brain.

Abstract: An assembly structured aspirate nasal cavity of individuals including, but not limited to, children. A hand held and operative casing includes a negative pressure source preferably battery operated, and a cover assembly removably connected to the casing and structured to at least partially define a receiving chamber. An inlet assembly is formed in the casing and communicates with the negative pressure source at least partially by means of a path of fluid flow. A container is removably disposed within the receiving chamber in a predetermined, operative orientation sufficient to receive and collect a predetermined portion of the aspirated fluid, such as mucus removed from the nasal cavity. The path of fluid flow is disposed, dimensioned and structured to restrict passage of the heavier, predetermined portion of the aspirated fluid thereby facilitating its collection within the container, which is disposable along with the collected aspirated fluid after use.

Abstract: Universally adaptable evacuators are adaptable to all surgical fields, easy to apply and, in most cases, may be expanded and/or removed as necessary. A hollow tube including a fitting adapted for connection to a vacuum source and at least one smoke inlet is held in position with the smoke inlet proximate to a surgical wound. According to a preferred embodiment, a stapling tab extending from a flexible perforated tube is used to hold the evacuator in place around the periphery of a surgical incision. According to an alternative embodiment, a smoke evacuator attaches temporarily or permanently to a retractor or other surgical instrument. Standard tubing and couplers may be used and the assembly may be prepackaged in sterile condition and disposed after use.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel genetic markers associated with scoliosis, risk of developing scoliosis and risk of scoliosis curve progression, and methods and materials for determining whether a human subject has scoliosis, is at risk of developing scoliosis or is at risk of scoliosis curve progression.

Abstract: A suction head in fluid communication with a pump head provides a sub-ambient working pressure to a target area, enabling drainage thereof to a waste container. The pump head is coupled non-mechanically to a pump drive. A control system for a suction system is also provided.

Abstract: A catheter includes a tubular body, a ring member, and at least one elongate member. The tubular body has a distal region. The ring member encircles at least a portion of the circumference of the tubular member. The one elongate member has a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end of the elongate member being coupled to the distal region of the tubular body and the proximal end being attached to the ring member. Forming a loop in a distal end of a catheter includes pulling a ring that encircles at least a portion of the circumference of the catheter. The ring is attached to a proximal end of an elongate member, a distal end of the elongate member is attached to a distal end of the catheter, and the elongate member is positioned along the outside surface of the catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to an external female incontinence device. The device comprises a flexible elastic strip having an opening in the strip, a fluid collection means surrounding the opening on one face, the strip and opening are sized and shaped so that when stretch fitted over the external urogenital organs the labia minor extends through the opening and a fluid tight fit between the upper face of the strip and the flesh surrounding the labia minora is formed. The device may further comprise a waistband for attachment of the device and to assist in maintaining a positive tension to press the device against the flesh surrounding the labia minora.

Abstract: A suction fluid collector includes a transparent reservoir made of a resilient material with an upper opening positioned on one side of a flexible suction bag with at least one transparent side. A plate part made of a resilient material is positioned on another side of the suction bag opposite said reservoir. An urging means arranged between the reservoir and the plate part provides a force tending to expand a gap between the reservoir and the plate part. A suction tube is positioned partially inside the reservoir and extends through the suction bag.

Abstract: A urine collection bag is provided which includes at least one sheet of flexible material defining a collapsible fluid reservoir and a support member defining a fluid channel and including a spout having an outlet opening. The support member is configured such that the longitudinal axis of the spout defines an acute angle with a horizontal axis when the fluid reservoir is empty but moves to a position wherein the longitudinal axis of the spout is substantially parallel to a vertical axis when the fluid reservoir is filled. The support member is configured to support a discharge valve such that the discharge valve is more accessible when the fluid reservoir is filled with fluid.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for controlling movement of a catheter that is at least partially disposed therein a urinary catheter pouch. The invention particularly relates to a catheter movement control device for use with a urinary catheter pouch which aids in preventing the catheter from moving back into the pouch once the catheter has been deployed. The device makes it easier to use a urinary catheter contained in a urinary catheter pouch. This is especially true for those with disabilities that would have difficulty gripping the catheter within the pouch.

Abstract: A visceral pleura ring connector that may be utilized to anchor and seal the visceral pleura to a conduit or other device entering the lung from a non-native airway. The visceral pleura ring connector may be positioned around the visceral pleura and an insertion device and seal them together without having to make any holes in the pleura. The visceral pleura ring connector may be utilized with a pulmonary pleural stabilizer to hold the visceral pleura of the lung during surgical procedures involving accessing the lung or lungs of a patient directly through the lung and not the native airways.

Abstract: A suction catheter having a spoon-shaped distal end designed to assist manual removal of large airway occluding particles from the oropharynx and mouth opening to near the epiglottis of a patient by an emergency caregiver. The tip of the spoon-shaped distal end defines an ovular orifice of sufficient size to remove both viscous and non-viscous matter including particulate matter from the airway of the patient. The catheter includes an elongated hollow member for conveying the unwanted viscous and non-viscous matter and is flexible about a portion displaced from the spoon-like distal end and includes a flexible stylet member therein to permit bending of the catheter and causing it to retain its bent shape with the proximal end thereof away from the patient to allow the caregiver more freedom to provide care to the patient.

Abstract: A system for treating tissue includes a device including a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to the first member to treat tissue. The system also includes a processor configured to automatically control movement of the second member relative to the first member using position control methodology. A method of treating tissue includes providing a device having a first member and a second member arranged to move relative to the first member, moving the second member relative to the first member, and automatically controlling the movement of the second member using position control methodology.

Abstract: An automatic urine collecting apparatus for collecting urine received by a urine receiver through a tube, includes: a container for receiving and storing urine; a pump that sucks and conveys urine from the urine receiver to the container through the tube, wherein the pump comprises a rotary pump. A body including the pump may cover an opening of container. An overhead portion included in the body may cover the opening of container. The apparatus may further comprise an elevator mechanism to elevate the container to couple the container to the overhead portion.

Abstract: A skin care device includes a suction nozzle to be brought into contact with skin to suction skin impurities therefrom, a suction pump for generating a suction force of the suction nozzle, a mist nozzle installed near the suction nozzle, for ejecting a mist of liquid, a tank for storing therein a liquid to be supplied to the mist nozzle, a liquid supply pump for supplying the liquid to the mist nozzle from the tank, a drive motor for driving the suction pump and the liquid supply pump at the same time, and a liquid amount control unit for controlling an amount of the liquid ejected from the mist nozzle. The liquid amount control unit is a flow rate regulation device disposed between the tank and the mist nozzle.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided that are effective to remove an obstruction in a human airway related to snoring and/or OSA. In one embodiment, the device includes mouthpiece having a hollow body configured to be disposed in a user's mouth. The body includes superior and inferior outer surfaces as well as anterior and posterior surfaces, a channel configured to receive a user's teeth formed in at least one of the superior and inferior surfaces, an inner cavity formed between the superior, inferior, anterior, and posterior surfaces, and at least one aperture formed in the posterior surface that extends into the inner cavity. In one exemplary embodiment the at least one aperture is oriented to extend away from the user's teeth and toward a user's tongue when the mouthpiece is in use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and method for removing edema from an edematous tissue. The device includes at least one aciculated component disposed in fluid communication with a suction manifold. A suction source is fluidically connected to the suction manifold to provide a suction force to the suction manifold. The suction force is transmitted through the suction manifold to the at least one aciculated component to withdraw the edema from edematous tissue through the suction manifold and the at least one aciculated component.

Abstract: A waste evacuator device (10) for evacuating waste products from bodily orifices, including stomas and artificial stomas created as a result of a surgical procedure such as a colostomy is disclosed. The device comprises a chamber (11) having an inlet (14) which is fluidly communicable with an orifice formed in a mammalian body. An irrigation member (12) is provided for introducing irrigating fluid into the orifice. A suctioning device (13) connectable to the chamber to create a region of reduced pressure within the chamber. An irrigation and evacuation control means for the device is provided for receiving signals generated by at least one sensor, the signals being representative of at least the performance of the irrigation member and of the suctioning device.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for treating or preventing disorders related to inflammation are provided. In the methods and apparatuses, a glass fiber filter or other filter is used to remove mediators of inflammation from a bodily fluid.

Abstract: A pulmonary secretion mobilization device includes: (a.) a cup structure having a hollow inside volume and air impermeable walls and base, the cup structure having a rim in a single flat plane; (b.) an impact-receiving continuous ring connected to the rim, the ring being selected from the group consisting of a gas-containing flexible tube, a liquid-containing flexible tube, a flexible foam ring, a semi-flexible foam ring and an integral skin foam ring; and, (c.) a handle connected to the base. The pulmonary secretion mobilization device cup structure rim may have a footprint of a circle, an oval, a square, a rectangle, polygon or irregular and may be glow-in-the-dark.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction cannula (10) for sucking biological tissue from a human body, comprising a suction tube (12) with a suction aperture (20), the suction tube (12) further comprising a cleaning aperture (22). Further, a cleaning aperture closure (38) is provided which, in its closing state, closes the cleaning aperture and, in its opening state, releases the cleaning aperture (22).

Abstract: A suction device for surgical operation is used for the suction of a human nervous system and includes a flow controller and suction tube. The suction tube is a metal tube having an end connected to the flow controller and the other end forming a taper portion, and the taper portion includes a suction inlet, an externally curved inverting corner formed at an external side of the suction inlet, and an internally curved inverting corner formed at an internal side of the suction inlet, such that the suction device can prevent injuries to human tissues during the suction process and avoid blood clots from clogging the suction tube, so as to enhance the safety of use and the smoothness of the suction.

Abstract: A skin care device includes a suction nozzle for drawing and removing sebum or other impurities from a user's skin while contacting the skin, a suction pump for generating a suction force for the suction nozzle, a mist nozzle, provided at a position around the suction nozzle, for spraying liquid, a liquid storage tank for storing the liquid to be supplied to the mist nozzle, a liquid supply pump for supplying the liquid in the liquid storage tank to the mist nozzle, and a drive motor for operating the suction pump and the liquid supply pump at the same time. Further, the suction pump and the liquid supply pump are disposed opposite to each other.