Abstract: The present invention provides a hemostatic composite sponge comprising a porous matrix of a biomaterial and a material enhancing the adherence of said sponge to the applied tissue stably associated with at least one surface of said sponge, a method of producing these sponges and their use in hemostasis.

Abstract: A device for removing fluid from a first bodily cavity and for directing that fluid into a second bodily cavity while avoiding risks of infection and, in one embodiment, excessive dehydration of the first bodily cavity. The device includes an uptake tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the first bodily cavity and a distal end in fluid communication with a pump, and an outflow tube having a proximal end in fluid communication with the pump and a distal end in fluid communication with the second bodily cavity. The distal end of the uptake tube may be coupled to a reservoir configured to expand upon ingression of fluid into the reservoir and to contract upon removal of fluid due to a negative pressure provided by the pump.

Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system for applying a reduced pressure to a tissue site includes a manifold delivery tube having a passageway and a distal end, the distal end configured to be percutaneously inserted and placed adjacent the tissue site. A flowable material is provided and is percutaneously deliverable through the manifold delivery tube to the tissue site. The flowable material is capable of filling a void adjacent the tissue site to create a manifold having a plurality of flow channels in fluid communication with the tissue site. A reduced pressure delivery tube is provided that is capable of fluid communication with the flow channels of the manifold.

Abstract: A liquid catheter, in particular a urinary catheter, includes a catheter shaft part (21) with a longitudinal liquid channel extending between a proximal and distal side thereof, and an anchoring body (22). The catheter body is intended to be received fully internally in a body cavity, such as in particular the urine bladder (50), and to drain the bladder from inside via the urethra (51). The catheter body has a length to span a distance between the bladder and a closure point (35) of the sphincter urethrae. An operating member (24,25) is connected durably to the catheter body to enable a user to carry the catheter body transluminally out of the bladder past the closure point. An insertion device for the catheter includes an insertion sleeve which can be carried transluminally as far as the urine bladder and from which the catheter body can be carried into the bladder.

Abstract: A wound dressing apparatus includes a patient interface configured to attach to an area of skin on a patient and extend around a wound on the patient. An access port extends from the patient interface and includes an aperture in the patient interface configured to provide access to the wound. An attachment structure extends about and out from an outer boundary of the access port. An access cap is configured to be removably attached to the attachment structure to provide an occlusive seal over the wound when attached to the attachment structure. A method of treatment utilizing the wound dressing apparatus includes attaching the patient interface to the area of skin on the patient extending around the wound of the patient. The access cap is removed from the attachment structure to relieve pressure from the wound. A treatment device is attached to the attachment structure of the wound dressing apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention provides catheters whose lumen may be cleared of obstructions without transducing pressure changes to the patient compartment in which its proximal end is placed. In an illustrative embodiment, the lumen is cleared by a flush fluid supplied from or to a secondary lumen, with the patient compartment isolated with a gate mechanism. In another illustrative embodiment, the lumen is cleared by a progressively expanding balloon therein.

Abstract: A medical device can be used to drain fluids from the body during a medical procedure that requires the insertion of a medical instrument into an anatomical lumen or cavity. The device generally allows the simultaneous introduction of the medical instrument into the body and drainage of fluid out of the body during a medical procedure.

Abstract: An anastomosis device that includes a catheter body is provided. A distal end portion of the catheter can include a spring device to prevent the formation of blood clots and to improve the flow of urine out of the catheter. The device may be used, for example, in performing procedures such as a vesico-urethral anastomosis in association with a radical prostatectomy, or with an end-to-end urethral anastomosis.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment system is provided that includes a canister that is fluidly connected to a tissue site and is configured to receive fluid drawn from the tissue site under the influence of a reduced pressure. A reduced pressure source provides the reduced pressure and is fluidly connected to the tissue site by a fluid communication path, which may include a source conduit, the canister, and a target conduit. A sensing device communicates with the source conduit and is configured to sense a pressure in the source conduit. A valve communicates with the source conduit and is configured to vent the reduced pressure. A processing unit communicates with the sensing device and the valve and is configured to open the valve for a selected amount of time, determine a decay of reduced pressure, and determine a fill status of the canister based on the decay of reduced pressure.

Abstract: The methods and devices disclosed herein are effective in the promoting the reattachment of delaminated cartilage to bone. The methods (and related devices) are effective in the removal of the acellular layer of the delaminated cartilage or effective in the indentation of the acellular layer of the delaminated cartilage thereby exposing the underlying chondrocyte cells and thereby allowing the promotion of the reattachment of the delaminated cartilage.

Abstract: Methods and devices for treatment of damaged tissue are disclosed, including treatment of wounds by employing non-electrically powered, reduced pressure therapy devices with a pressure oscillation mechanism. Maintenance and control of the sub atmospheric pressure exerted may be provided by such devices while minimizing discomfort to the user. The devices may be configured to be worn inconspicuously underneath clothing.

Abstract: A surgical instrument configured for insertion through a surgical access device including a seal member is disclosed. The surgical instrument includes an elongate body having a central passageway extending at least partially therethrough and a plurality of slots extending radially outward from the central passageway. The plurality of slots are configured to engage the seal member and the surgical access device when the elongate body is translated therethrough to remove debris from the seal member and the surgical access device. The plurality of slots and the central passageway are configured to retain the removed debris therein during withdrawal of the surgical instrument from the surgical access device.

Abstract: A surgical tool that includes a tip with a smooth, rounded edges and free of any sharp edges. The tip may have pores on its top, but none on the underside of its base. The distal end may have an open port with micro wires that form a Maltese cross shape. The distal end may be instead closed with protrusions spaced from each other by gaps or recesses.

Abstract: A fastening device for fastening an outer container (1) of a drainage container comprises a snap lock (12). Said snap lock (12) has a slot/slot pin connection (42, 13). A leaf spring (12) having a projecting nose (12?) is arranged at a lower end of the connection and engages behind a lower edge of the slot (42) or the slot pin (13). The fastening device according to the invention allows the drainage bag to be replaced in a simple and reliable manner. The corresponding drainage container is inexpensive to produce and allows a reliable operation.

Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods convey fluid from an internal wound site or body cavity by applying negative pressure from a source outside the internal wound site or body cavity through a wound drain assembly that is placed directly inside the internal wound site or body cavity.

Abstract: A nasal aspirator comprising a resilient bulb and a stem for suction of liquids by vacuum created by compressing the bulb and thereafter gradually releasing the compression of the bulb, where the stem is removable connected to the bulb part, wherein the bulb part comprises a neck portion adopted to interact with a cap portion of the stem part to create a substantially airtight connection there between.

Abstract: A device for the in situ clearing of blockages in a tube includes a controller and a clearing member. The controller can have a housing and an actuator for generating repetitive motion. The clearing member can be releasably coupled to the controller and suitable for insertion in the tube. The tube can be at least partially disposed within a living being. The controller can be located external to the living being. The clearing member can have a first end releasably coupled to the actuator, at least one flexible section which permits axial displacement of the clearing member, and a second end suitable for repetitively engaging and disrupting the blockage. The flexible section permits the clearing member to repetitively engage and disrupt the blockage within one of a straight and a curved portion of the artificial tube.

Abstract: A cannula has a body with a proximal end and a distal end and a tip on the distal end. The tip has an outer wall defining a lumen opening at the end of the tip and extending to the proximal end of the cannula. The tip further comprises one or more ribs extending into the lumen to support the outer wall from kinking when the cannula is flexed. The outer wall has a inner surface defining the lumen and a plurality of non-circular apertures formed in the tip extending into the lumen. The apertures having a major axis and a minor axis. The major axis aligned in relation to a circumference of the outer wall to prevent puckering or buckling when the tip is bent. This alignment is also designed to support the outer wall from kinking when the tip is bent.

Abstract: A device and method for the removal and disposal of transected hair from the body of a patient in an operating room or other sterile location. The hand-held device is single-use, latex-free, sterile-packaged, non-conductive, fully disposable and comprises a hollow handle with a projecting wand ending in an enlarged distal tip. The other end of the hollow handle opposite the enlarged distal tip is connected to a vacuum source, such as the one readily available in most operating rooms, via flexible tubing. When the wand and the enlarged distal tip are passed over transected hair, the hair is suctioned into the hand-held device. The hand-held device includes a particulate filter to prevent the suctioned hair from entering the vacuum system, one or more internal circumferential ribs to create a turbulent flow within the handle, a reservoir to collect transected hair, and venturi apertures to regulate the suction pressure.

Abstract: A manually-activated reduced pressure treatment system includes a substantially rigid housing, and an end cap slidingly received by the housing. An inner chamber is disposed between the end cap and housing, and a volume of the inner chamber is variable in amount depending on the position of the end cap within the housing. The end cap is slidingly movable between an uncompressed position at which the volume of the inner chamber is at a maximum value and a compressed position at which the volume of the inner chamber is at a minimum value. A position indicating member is associated with the end cap and housing to indicate the position of the end cap relative to the housing at predetermined positions between the uncompressed position and the compressed position.

Abstract: A system to promote the healing of an exuding wound includes a wound dressing, a subatmospheric pressure mechanism, and a collection canister. The wound dressing is dimensioned for positioning relative to a wound bed of a subject. The subatmospheric pressure mechanism includes a control unit disposed within a housing. The control unit includes a vacuum source associated with a vacuum port. The collection canister has an interior wall which defines an internal chamber. The internal chamber is in fluid communication with the vacuum source of the subatmospheric pressure mechanism through the vacuum port and with the wound dressing for collecting exudates removed for the wound bed under influence of the vacuum source. The canister including a baffle mechanism disposed within the internal chamber for dampening the movement of the collected exudates.

Abstract: A catheter is provided that includes an elongated body extending from a proximal end to a distal end. The body defines at least one lumen. A tip has a proximal end that is disposed in abutting relation with the distal end of the body such that the body is fixed with the tip. The tip defines a lateral opening that is defined by a wall including an external radius disposed in transition with an outer surface of the tip and an internal radius disposed in transition with an inner surface of the tip. The external radius has a non-perpendicular profile with the outer surface of the tip.

Abstract: A vacuum regulator apparatus for continuous subglottic aspiration is provided. In one version, the regulator apparatus attaches to a standard vacuum regulator and shares the same vacuum supply outlet as the standard vacuum regulator. Sufficient airflow is provided through the regulator apparatus and calibrated bleed orifice to provide proper continuous subglottic aspiration. Vacuum levels to maintain the airflow are in a range suitable to provide patient comfort. A ball flow indicator provides visual indication of flow through a subglottic tube interface port of the regulator apparatus. A direct flow channel can be momentarily opened causing flow to bypass the regulator module in for clearing blockages affecting the subglottic tube interface port.

Abstract: A negative pressure wound therapy apparatus can include a wound dressing, a fluid collection container, a vacuum pump comprising a pump motor, and tubing. Additionally, the apparatus can include a pressure sensor that measures a pressure in the tubing. One or more tubes can channel a fluid between the wound dressing, the fluid collection canister, and the pump. In addition, first and second control circuits can be provided for controlling the pump motor without using a processor. The first control circuit can generate a difference signal between a desired pressure input and a pressure sensor input, and can further generate a motor control signal responsive to the difference signal. Moreover, a second control circuit can provide an override signal based at least in part on the difference signal and at least one reference signal. The override signal beneficially overrides the motor control signal to prevent the pump motor from stalling.

Abstract: A wound therapy device and a kit for same with a housing material, a gasket disposed around at least a portion of the housing material, a non-woven absorption material, and a port. The gasket is sized and configured such that at least a first portion of the gasket will be adhered to a second portion of the gasket upon a folding of the housing material. A method of using a wound therapy device.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for simultaneously or near-simultaneously diagnosing and treating tension pneumothorax and/or hemothoraxA Veress-type needle portion includes a hollow needle for puncturing the chest wall over a blunt hollow probe biased by one or more springs to extend distally into the pleural cavity. Openings in the blunt hollow probe connect via a pathway to an automatic check valve, which permits the flow of air and/or fluid only in a proximal direction. Pressure from within the pleural cavity is transmitted to the interior surface of a pressure documenter. If pressure greater than atmospheric pressure is present in the pleural cavity, the pressure documenter will be automatically urged proximally to simultaneously allow air and/or fluid to escape from the pleural space through the device, thus treating the tension pneumothorax and/or hemothorax, as well as providing a stable indicator to positively document the diagnosis of increased pressure.

Abstract: The invention relates to a test unit for wound drainage coverings comprising: a base body with at least one cavity; at least one supply line that runs through the base body and which connects an outer side of the base body to the cavity; a surface of the base body that is embodied as a support surface for supporting wound coverings and the wound drainage coverings thereof and several channels that run through the base body, the channels connecting the cavities to the support surface. Low pressure can be produced in the cavity and the channels when the support surface is covered in an air-tight manner. As a result, wound drainage applications are tested in different ways using simple and economical means.

Abstract: A method for treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease includes occluding at least one of a bronchial tube and emphysema, and deciding whether or not a bypass has been formed by the occlusion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a tube mounted in a hole that makes a body surface and inside of lung parenchyma communicate with each other, the tube including: a main body portion that has a hole part having one end opened to the inside of the lung parenchyma and the other end opened to outside of the body surface; and a flow rate adjuster that is provided for the main body portion and adjusts a flow rate of air flowing in the hole part.

Abstract: Various forms of anti-clog suction tips apparatus are disclosed. For example, an anti-clog suction tip apparatus includes a suction tip assembly having a suction tip with a suction opening at a first end thereof for removing debris through suction, a hose attachment portion for attaching the suction tip assembly to a suction source, and an ejection wire channel. The apparatus further includes an ejection wire assembly having an ejection wire extending within the channel and an ejection button integral with or connected to the ejection wire. Applying a force to the ejection button advances the ejection wire through the channel such that an end portion of the ejection wire enters the suction tip and dislodges debris clogging the suction tip. The ejection wire may include an enlarged end portion such as, for example a ball tip. One or more of the components of the apparatus may be single-use and disposable.

Abstract: This invention is generally related to catheters for insertion into a body cavity, duct or vessel, and more particularly to a tip or plug for a catheter. The catheter tip is constructed and arranged to form a seal on the end portion of the catheter tube, while a sleeve secured or formed integrally to the tip cooperates with the catheter tube to form a first balloon that encapsulates the tip of the catheter and a second balloon that positions the catheter within the body cavity, duct or vessel.

Abstract: A drainage apparatus for an incapacitated person or ostomy patient having a urine draining device or stoma respectively, the apparatus comprising a conduit (14) having a first end having connection means suitable to attach to the urine draining device or stoma of the person or patient and a second end connected to a sewer/drainage system (20) of a dwelling (8). Such dwellings may include commercial and domestic buildings, caravans and motor homes and a portion of the conduit may be permanent in such a dwelling.

Abstract: A manually operable pump for the effective removal of fluids to include blood, blood clots, fluid, and air from a body cavity of a subject is provided. The manually operable pump is adapted to be connect to a range of fluid conduits and is equipped with one-way valves that effectively permit flow of fluid through the pump in only one direction. The sensitivity of the one-way valves is such that when properly positioned, fluid can flow through the valves and out of the pump without manual compression of the pump and with the aid of gravity power alone.

Abstract: An external fixation system for percutaneous drainage procedures may include a base. The base may include a first side. The first side may be positioned adjacent an exterior surface of a subject during use. The base may include a first coupler coupled to the first side of the base. The base may include a second side opposite the first side. The base may include an opening extending through the first coupler and the base such that the first coupler is in fluid communication with the second side of the base. The first coupler may be couplable to a conduit during use such that the conduit is in fluid communication with the second side of the base. In some embodiments, the second side of the base may include a second coupler configured to facilitate the attachment of a drainage bag or a mechanism to flush or evacuate a drainage catheter during use.

Abstract: A reduced pressure delivery system for applying reduced pressure tissue treatment to a tissue site is provided. The system includes a manifold delivery tube and a balloon having an inner space. The balloon is capable of assuming collapsed and expanded positions. The system further includes a manifold having a plurality of flow channels. The manifold is disposed within the inner space of the balloon. A sharp tip is configured to be delivered within the manifold delivery tube to puncture the balloon.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices, methods and systems for treatment of eye disease such as glaucoma. Implants are described herein that enhance aqueous flow through the normal outflow system of the eye with minimal to no complications. The implant can be reversibly deformed to a first shape, such as a generally linear shape conducive to insertion. Upon insertion, the implant can deform to a second shape, such as a generally non-linear shape conducive to retention within the eye. The shape also improves fluid flow from the anterior chamber and prevents or reduces clogging.

Abstract: A suction device according to the present invention has: an outer tube connected to a fluid supply unit on a base-end side thereof and including an opening edge section; and a suction tube provided in the outer tube and connected to a negative pressure generating unit on a base-end side thereof, the suction tube including an opening edge section, wherein an annular fluid supply passage is formed between an inner peripheral surface of the outer tube and an outer peripheral surface of the suction tube, and the opening edge section of the suction tube is placed inside the opening edge section of the outer tube toward the base-end side thereof.

Abstract: A medical tube, such as a chest tube is provided with circumferential grooves that may be used with existing suturing techniques and without additional pieces, components, or personnel training and will work with any suture that has already been pre-packaged or included with existing tube kits.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention relate to an endoscopic system and accessories. In particular, the various embodiments relate to endoscopic systems in which an accessory comprises a multi-lumen device that is capable of quantitatively delivering at least a catheter, a balloon, and a needle to a site. The accessory is configured to allow for individual, independent control of its components. For example, in some embodiments, the needle and guidewire can be independently controlled. In addition, the needle may be retracted back into an inner lumen of the catheter body. Accordingly, during use, the accessory of the embodiments allows the user to maintain access to an incision site without having to exchange or remove accessories for various parts of the procedure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container for anal irrigation. In particular it relates to a rigid container which is easy to operate and which easily is transformed from a storage configuration to a ready-to-use configuration. In one aspect the invention relates to a container for an anal irrigation system. The anal irrigation system comprises an anal probe; a reservoir for holding an irrigation liquid (e.g. water); a pump mechanism for pumping a fluid (e.g. air) into the reservoir; and a liquid tube connecting the reservoir with the anal probe. The container comprises an outer chamber wall, defining at least partly the outer dimensions of the container and an inner chamber wall arranged within the outer chamber wall, said outer chamber wall and inner chamber wall defining the reservoir. This provides a reservoir having a small surface area when filled with irrigation liquid. Thus only a low pressure is necessary to evacuate the irrigation liquid from the reservoir and out through the anal probe.

Abstract: The object of providing a cerebrospinal fluid drainage system 1 which reacts precisely to changes in pressure in the cerebrospinal fluid, with ease of operation, is achieved by the present invention in that a pump 5 is used for draining the cerebrospinal fluid (liquor), wherein operating measured values supplied by sensors act as controlled variable for the operation of the pump. The pressure in the liquor line currently measured by a pressure sensor 10, the liquor pressure in the intracranial cavity being treated, measured intracorporeally by a pressure sensor, and/or the volume of liquor already pumped out, as operating measured value, can, for example, serve as the basis for operational control of the pump of the liquor drainage system.

Abstract: A lotion application compartment (10) includes an apparatus for topical application of a fluid to a human or animal body. The apparatus includes a spray nozzle (20) and a support (80) for the body. The apparatus further comprises of one or more of the following: a structure for moving the support, so as to change the distance between the body and the spray nozzle (20); a structure for varying the spray pattern, spray pressure, spray frequency and/or spray duty cycle of the nozzle (20); a structure for varying the rotational speed of the support (80); and a structure for raising the body's skin temperature directly by radiation. A lotion application compartment (10) consisting of apparatus for topical application of a fluid to a human or animal body, the apparatus comprising a spray nozzle (20) and a support (80) for the body.

Abstract: In an airtight suction device and a rotary switch thereof, the airtight suction device includes a main body having a communication space and a plurality of connectors. These connectors include a suction connector, a respiratory connector, a cleaning connector, and a control valve connector. The rotary switch is provided on the control valve connector and includes a rotary cover and a hollow post. The hollow post has a peripheral wall and a blocking piece. The peripheral wall is provided with a pair of suction holes. The blocking piece is provided with a ventilation hole for allowing external air to flow into the suction holes.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for moving fluids from a patient to a canister and lowering or eliminating the bio-burden of the canister. In one instance, a method for removing fluids from a patient includes using reduced pressure to remove fluids from a patient, delivering the fluids into a reduced-pressure conduit and into a fluid reservoir, exposing the fluids removed from the patient to a UV light source to kill pathogens to create disposable fluids, and disposing of the disposable fluids. Other systems, devices, and methods are presented.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for managing respiratory secretions and fluids in sections of artificial airways. In an embodiment of the invention, a respiratory secretion retention (RSR) device configured to fluidly connect to an artificial airway can be provided. The device can include a housing that defines a passageway for the flow of respiratory gases with at least two chambers coupled to the housing. The chambers are configured to retain exhaled respiratory particulate and liquid. The respiratory secretion retention device further includes a patient port coupled to the housing that is in fluid communication with the artificial airway and a repositionable barrier configured to isolate at least one of the two chambers from the passageway.

Abstract: A method of collecting a specimen of the present invention is used in detecting upper digestive system disease. The method of collecting a specimen includes: a step of positioning sampling equipment in the duodenum of the subject into which duodenal juice is secreted, the sampling equipment being used to collect and store the duodenal juice; a step of collecting duodenal juice naturally secreted in the duodenum using the sampling equipment; and a step of stopping collection of the duodenal juice when collection quantity of the duodenal juice reaches a predetermined quantity which is 3.0 ml or less.

Abstract: Assemblies, systems, and methods convey fluid from an internal wound site or body cavity by applying negative pressure from a source outside the internal wound site or body cavity through a wound drain assembly that is placed directly inside the internal wound site or body cavity.

Abstract: A fluid extraction or filtration device for removing fluid from a body, the device comprising an array of microneedles for contacting fluid in said body and an absorbent gel matrix in fluid communication with said array of microneedles. There is further provided a combined fluid extraction and sampling device and methods employing the device(s), for example in determining the level of a target species in a sample of fluid, transdermal dialysis and renal replacement therapy. There is further provided an absorbent gel matrix for use in the treatment of uraemia and a haemodialysis filter comprising an absorbent gel matrix. Use of such a matrix is described in the context of methods including haemodialysis, transdermal dialysis and gastrointestinal dialysis.

Abstract: Systems and methods for cleaning body cavities are presented. Some embodiments reduce size of fecal matter pieces within an evacuation conduit. Some comprise devices and methods for purging an evacuation conduit. Some comprise reduced cross-sectional profiles of a cleaning device. Some protect intestinal tissue by preventing exposure to excessively high and low pressures.

Abstract: A portable negative pressure wound therapy system includes a dressing assembly for positioning over a wound to apply a negative pressure to the wound and a canister assembly. The canister assembly includes a control unit having a vacuum source and a controller and a collection canister in communication with the dressing assembly operable to receive fluid from the wound. The collection canister has a filter assembly having a filter and a passageway between the filter and a wall of the collection canister. The collection canister also includes a canister interface having a suction port, an inlet port, and a channel. The vacuum source draws air through the suction port from the channel which draws air from the passageway connected to the channel, the air in the passageway is drawn from the collection canister through the filter, and the air in the collection canister is drawn through the inlet port.