Abstract: An improved method for measuring and automatically disposing of infectious waste generated during and after surgical and clinical procedures is provided. The infectious waste removal device includes a suction source, a method for pressure verification, separation chamber for isolating fluids, containment reservoir, measurement chamber for determining fluid received, an information source for such fluid volumes, a quantitative method for calculating fluid dynamics, a post use cleaning method, and other attributes for use by the surgical team or healthcare staff in order to minimize health care worker handling of said infectious waste and to limit their possible exposure.

Abstract: In at least one embodiment of the present invention, a drainage catheter for draining part of patient's body is provided. The catheter comprises an elongated member having a proximal portion extending to a distal portion and a lumen formed therethrough for fluid communication with the patient's body. The distal portion is formed of a polymer material having a first phase transition temperature and a second phase transition temperature that is less than the first phase transition temperature but is greater than about body temperature. The distal portion has a first configuration when at about body temperature for at least one of moving and anchoring the distal portion within the patient's body. The distal portion self-configures to a second configuration when at a temperature of at least the second phase transition temperature for retrieval of the distal portion from the patient's body.

Abstract: A urology 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. An expandable member has a proximal portion disposed about the body and a distal portion disposed about the tip. A method of manufacturing the urology catheter is provided.

Abstract: Material transport catheters and methods for their use rely on rotation of an impeller within a catheter body and a clearing element for preventing buildup of materials at the opening of the catheter body. The impeller preferably comprises an inner tube or shaft having a helical rotor formed over an outer surface thereof. The clearing element may comprise a free end of a structure near the distal end of the catheter body for disrupting clot, wherein the free end of the structure extends into the distal opening of the catheter body to break up materials as the impeller is rotated. Alternatively, the clearing element may comprise a cutting member disposed at the distal opening of the catheter body.

Abstract: Devices and methods for draining excess lymph fluid are disclosed. The device can be fixed to the blood vessel adjacent to the thoracic duct. The device can have a port for withdrawing lymph fluid exiting the thoracic duct. The device can have a cannula and/or subcutaneous port to draw the lymph fluid away from the thoracic duct and reduce hemostatic pressure in the lymphatic system.

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: An animal feces suction apparatus includes a tubular body having a stretching portion and a connection portion, a feces suction channel formed in the tubular body, a plurality of liquid channels disposed in a tube wall of the tubular body and formed with a plurality of liquid outlets in the stretching portion, an aspirator connected to the connection portion and communicated with the feces suction channel so as to generate a suction force within the feces suction channel, and a liquid supplying device connected to the connection portion and communicated with the liquid channels so as to provide a liquid to a large intestine of an animal via the liquid outlets. The stretching portion is stretched into the large intestine of the animal and transmits the liquid so as to soften the feces, and the feces is then sucked out from the large intestine through the feces suction channel by the suction force.

Abstract: An urethral sealing device comprising first and second body portions selectively attacheable to one another to form a unitary element including a first catheter lumen extending therethrough between proximal and distal ends of the unitary element wherein, when the sealing device is in an operative position, the distal end is positioned within a urinary bladder and a sealing element extending radially outward from the unitary element so that, when the sealing device is in the operative position, the sealing element engages one of a wall of the urethra and a wall of the urinary bladder around an orifice at which the urethra opens into the urinary bladder to seal the urethra.

Abstract: A collateral ventilation bypass trap system directly linked with a patient's lung or lungs may be utilized to increase the expiratory flow from the diseased lung or lungs, thereby treating one aspect of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. The system includes a trap, a filter/one-way valve and an air carrying conduit. The system also includes a retention device for securing system elements in position.

Abstract: Drainage belongs to medical equipment, particularly to medical tools and is specified for drainage of cavities. Drainage comprises a first tube, an additional tube, which is fixed upon it, a unit of the clot's splitter and the splitter's fixing element. The additional tube has a smaller diameter with an opening, inside which the conductor is mounted, a unit of clots splitter is installed on the working end of the drainage, it comprises a cylinder, a tube with an opening, placed on it, which is the continuation of the additional tube of the drainage and a spring with a cutter inside the cylinder. A cutter is located diametrically inside the working head, while in the end of the wall of the first tube and the splitter's unit comprises a channel, inside which splitter's fixing element was led, its working end is inside the unit's cylinder and fixes the splitter.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to, in one aspect, a medical apparatus having a nasogastric tube with hypopharyngeal suctioning capability. In one embodiment, the medical apparatus has a flexible nasogastric tube for insertion through a patient's nose. The nasogastric tube has a first end defining a first opening, a distal, second end that defines a second opening, and a length sufficient to allow the second opening to be positioned in a patient's stomach. The medical apparatus also has a flexible oropharyngeal tube for insertion through a patient's mouth. The oropharyngeal tube has a first end and a distal, second end that defines a suction intake. The oropharyngeal tube has a length that is less than the length of the nasogastric tube and which allows the suction intake to be positioned in a patient's hypopharynx region. In another embodiment of the invention, the medical apparatus has a laryngeal mask with hypopharyngeal suctioning capability.

Abstract: Improved anastomosis devices having structural upgrades to increase ease of use while simultaneously increasing patent safety. The anastomosis device can include an introducer member having an introducer rod and an introducer cap to provide additional support to a catheter portion of the anastomosis device such that damage associated with installation of the catheter, deployment of tissue approximating structures and/or removal of the catheter can be minimized. The anastomosis device can further include a valve cap designed to constrain and reinforce a thin-walled section of a proximal funnel portion of the anastomosis device such that ballooning of the thin-walled section under the influence of a pressurized inflation fluid can be avoided during inflation as well as a time of tissue approximation and tissue healing.

Abstract: An assembly structured to aspirate nasal cavity of individuals including, but not limited to, children. A hand held and hand 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 or phase of the aspirated fluid, such as mucus is removed from the nasal cavity. The path of fluid flow is disposed, dimensioned and structured to restrict passage of the heavier, predetermined portion or phase of the aspirated fluid thereby facilitating its collection within the container, which is disposable along with the collected aspirated fluid after use.

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: In one embodiment, a locking connector for a pleural access valve comprises an elongated access tip operable for engaging a lumen in a pleural access valve, the elongated access tip defining an internal lumen and the elongated access tip having a radial ridge. The locking connector also comprises a handle section connected with the elongated access tip and substantially concentric to the elongated access tip, the handle section having a first end and a second end, the first end defining an opening in fluid communication with the internal lumen of the elongated access tip, the handle section further comprising at least one support arm extending between the first end and the second end of the handle section.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved shunt system for draining CSF. The system includes a removable sheath for reduction of catheter clogging during shunt insertion, a catheter with relatively large holes, an extracranial filter to allow non-invasive filter replacement, and a wireless flow/pressure meter to monitor and control CSF flow.

Abstract: A wound dressing having a suction member adaptable for connection to a source of vacuum pressure. The wound dressing preferably has a hydrophobic or biodegradable base layer and one or more absorptive layers for absorbing fluid from the wound. The absorptive layers are preferably quilted with patches containing desiccant, adsorbent, or absorbent material. Alternatively, the wound dressing may allow fluid to pass through the suction member. A semi-permeable cover is provided for allowing the wound to breathe while protecting the wound from undesirable substances such as bacteria, viruses, or fluids. The cover may have a bladder for distributing contact pressure away from the wound. Various sensors may be provided in the wound dressing for sensing various physiological parameters in the wound, such as oxygen saturation, blood pressure, respiratory rate, blood glucose, and serous fluid turbidity. Medicine may also be applied to the wound through the wound dressing.

Abstract: A locking mechanism (15) for a catheter includes a main body (20), a tip (30), and a locking arm (50). The locking arm includes a pivotable portion (56) selectively receivable in a contoured outer surface portion of the main body (24). One end of a tubular member is engageable with the distal end of the tip, and the other end is insertable into a body cavity, e.g., for drainage of fluid therefrom. A tension member (14), e.g. suture, extends through the locking mechanism and the tubular member, and is actuable to maneuver the inserted end of the tubular member into a desired configuration, such as a loop or a pigtail (12). An end of the tension member is receivable along the main body contoured surface following actuation, and is lockable therein upon receipt of the locking arm pivotable portion in the contoured surface, thereby locking the tubular member end in the desired configuration.

Abstract: A nasal aspiration device for clearing nasal passages is provided. The nasal aspiration device comprises a housing having a proximal end and a distal end. A plurality of slots are formed in the proximal end of the housing. A fan is mounted within the housing and a power mechanism powers the fan. An activation mechanism activates the power means. A nose cone is removably connectable to the distal end of the housing, the nose cone having an opening wherein upon powering the fan, air travels into the opening in the nose cone, through the housing, and out of the housing the slots.

Abstract: A rectal drainage appliance is disclosed comprising a tubular element having an inflatable balloon at a distal end for anchoring the appliance in the rectum. The appliance includes one or more of: (i) first and second auxiliary lumens communicating with the inflatable balloon to provide independent inflation and pressure monitoring paths coupled to the balloon; (ii) a pressure state indicator defined by a mechanical element configured to flip between first and second states or shapes responsive to sensed pressure; and (iii) a collapsible auxiliary lumen larger than the inflation lumen, and configured to permit admission of irrigation fluid. The pressure state indicator may also be used in intestinal drains.

Abstract: Drainage catheters for use in a variety of medical procedures are presented herein. The drainage catheter features an improved tension member locking mechanism. In use, once the drainage catheter is placed as desired, a second connector piece is rotated relative to a first connector piece to wind the tension member around a spooling region and pull the distal end of the catheter tube into a locked configuration. Once the tension member is tensioned, the first and second connector pieces are pulled into a locking engagement thereby securing the catheter tube in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A wound treatment appliance is provided for treating all or a portion of a wound. The appliance generally comprises a flexible overlay that covers all or a portion of the wound for purposes of applying a reduced pressure to the covered portion of the wound. The wound treatment appliance may also include a vacuum (including a suction bulb) system to supply reduced pressure to the wound in the area under the flexible overlay. In yet other embodiments, the wound treatment appliance may also include a suction drain, wound packing material to prevent overgrowth of the wound or to encourage growth of the wound tissue into the wound packing material, a collection chamber to collect and store exudate from the wound, or combinations thereof. Finally, methods are provided for using various embodiments of the wound treatment appliance.

Abstract: When a patient is fitted with an external gastrostomy connection to the stomach, ingested food can be removed through the gastrostomy connection using a pump-based or siphon-based system to achieve weight loss. The process of removing ingested food can be improved by alternating the infusion of liquid into the stomach with the removal of material from the stomach. Optionally, stomach acid may be captured and returned to the stomach. Optionally, nutritional supplements or medicines may be added to the infused liquid. Optionally, a flush mount connectorized system with a built in valve may be used to simplify the interface with the gastrostomy hardware that remains installed in the patient. Optionally, the system may be configured to disable itself from further use after a triggering event (e.g., the passage of time or a predetermined number of uses) has occurred.

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 interlace 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 method of treating diverticulitis includes the steps of placing an endoscopic device within a colonic lumen relative to at least one diverticulum and removing undesirable material from the at least one diverticulum utilizing the endoscopic device. The method also includes the steps of injecting a medicating agent into the at least one diverticulum utilizing the endoscopic device and sealing the at least one diverticulum from the colonic lumen.

Abstract: A system for preventing recurrence of diverticulitis includes a semi-permeable sleeve configured to be placed within a colonic lumen relative to one or more diverticulum lining the colonic lumen. The system also includes at least first and second collars disposed on opposing ends of the semi-permeable sleeve. The collars are configured to be selectively expanded radially outward to anchor the semi-permeable sleeve within the colonic lumen. The semi-permeable sleeve is configured to prevent permeation of undesirable material from within the colonic lumen into the at least one diverticulum and allow permeation of desirable material from the exterior of the semi-permeable sleeve into the colonic lumen.

Abstract: The illustrative embodiments described herein are directed to a system and method for administering reduced pressure at a tissue site. The apparatus includes a reduced pressure source. The reduced pressure source generates a reduced pressure. The apparatus includes a tube having a plurality of lumens. The plurality of lumens includes at least one collection lumen. The reduced pressure source applies the reduced pressure to the tissue site through the plurality of lumens such that the at least one collection lumen receives fluid from the tissue site. The at least one collection lumen stores the fluid received from the tissue site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device, method, system and kit for receiving effluent from an individual. In an alternative embodiment, the present invention is directed to a device, method, system and kit for collecting effluent from an individual during a medical or diagnostic procedure including but not limited to, imaging or viewing one or more sections of an individual's gastrointestinal tract. In another alternative embodiment, the effluent is collected in a hollow area in order to prevent the effluent form contaminating a component, device or apparatus used in connection with the medical or diagnostic procedure.

Abstract: Methods and devices transmit micromechanical forces locally on the millimeter to micron scale for promoting wound healing. Micromechanical forces can selectively be applied directly to tissue, in some embodiments, by using microchambers fluidically connected to microchannels. Each chamber, or in some cases, group of chambers, may be associated with a valve to control vacuum pressure, positive pressure, liquid delivery, and/or liquid removal from each chamber or group of chambers. Application of embodiments of the invention may shorten wound-healing time, reduce costs of therapy, enable restoration of functional tissue, and reduce the need for more invasive therapies, including surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the intra-abdominal pressure of a patient includes a urinary catheter (102) connected to a urine valve (250) providing selectable communication between a discharge end of the urinary catheter (102) and either a drain (224) or a fluid source (104). Preferably, the urine valve (250) is adapted for remote actuation and has a housing adapted to resist patient discomfort from leg-valve (250) contact. Plumbing structure desirably maintains fluid supply (225) and drain (223) conduits in a substantially parallel arrangement to assist routing those conduits (225, 223) between a patient's legs. When the urine valve (250) is oriented to permit communication with the fluid source (104), an infusion pump (116?) may be used to infuse a known quantity of fluid through the urine valve (250) and into the patient's bladder (216). A pressure transducer (218) desirably is connected in-circuit to indicate the fluid's pressure and avoid pressure fluctuations induced by system components.

Abstract: A device for clearing obstructions from a medical tube, such as a chest tube, is disclosed in various embodiments. The device features a clearance member in the form of a loop. The loop desirably has a diameter that substantially corresponds to the inner diameter of the medical tube. Also desirably, the loop presents a substantially unobstructed pathway therethrough for the flow of material from a location in the medical tube distal to the loop to a location in the medical tube proximal to the loop regardless whether the clearance member is being translated or is at rest in the medical tube. Methods of utilizing such a device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of topically treating the respiratory tract of a mammal with nitric oxide exposure includes the steps of providing a source of nitric oxide containing gas and delivering the nitric oxide containing gas nasally to the upper respiratory tract of the mammal. Also provided are several designs for a nasal delivery device for the controlled nasal deliver the nitric oxide containing gas.

Abstract: A laser leveling device is disclosed for use with an external medical drainage system. The laser leveling device includes a housing enclosing an accelerometer and a laser module. At least one level indicator is electrically coupled to the accelerometer to provide an indication of whether the housing is level with respect to gravity.

Abstract: Methods and devices for performing percutaneous and surgical interventions. The devices comprising a tubular portion and retractable mechanism at the distal end of the tubular portion. The retractable mechanism prevents the device from pulling out of an anatomical structure during complex interventions, for example, when switching from an antegrade to a retrograde approach within a blood vessel, enables the use of a single sheath when declotting AV hemodialysis fistulas and can provide occlusion of blood flow during interventions and means of removal of debris or clot from the blood vessel.

Abstract: A mucous suction device, comprising in combination, a longitudinally elongated, generally tubular, one-piece plastic body, the body having an axially elongated tapered, first portion extending toward an inlet proximate one end of the body, the body having an axially elongated second portion extending toward an outlet proximate an opposite end of the body, radially outwardly extending annular retention rings in said body second portion, said rings having sharp annular peripheries and said rings being axially resiliently flexible and axially spaced apart, and there being body side porting between said body first and second portions, said side porting being manually controllable to control suction exertion.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed loop fat transplantation system newly designed to aspirate a fat, to handle it without receptacle transfer and to transplant it into the human body, which is composed of a fat transplantation receptacle (hereinafter referred as FT receptacle) and an exterior mechanical pressurization and decompression means. The said FT receptacle includes a vertical hem portion where joining selectively individual syringe needle or cannelae, a cylinder-shaped receptacle into front fat storing space and rear pressurization and decompression space. The said pressurization and decompression means can give positive/negative pressure to the fat storing space through the piston head of the said FT receptacle and it has a structure separable from the said FT receptacle. Accordingly, fat transplantation can be performed without receptacle transfer using the same FT receptacle extracting fat from patient's body giving negative pressure through the piston head to the fat storing space.

Abstract: A therapeutic device for promoting the healing of a wound in a mammal is disclosed. An exemplary device comprises a permeable structure having a plurality of depressions formed in a surface thereof. In use, the surface having the depressions is disposed adjacent a surface of the wound. A method of treating a wound comprises the steps of providing a permeable structure comprising a plurality of randomly disposed fibers and having i) a plurality of wound surface contact elements disposed between end portions of the structure, and ii) a plurality of voids defined by the contact elements; and applying the permeable structure to at least one surface of the wound.

Abstract: Body cavity drainage devices and associated methods are disclosed herein. In some embodiments a body cavity drainage device comprises a drainage tube having a proximal end and a distal end; and an automated means to move the distal end of the drainage tube about a body cavity of a patient. In some embodiments, the distal end of the drainage tube may be moved by one or more of the application of a magnetic field, the insertion or withdrawal of fluid from a closed lumen, and manipulation by an external motion generator. In additional embodiments, a body cavity drainage device includes at least a second open lumen for the insertion of a fluid into a body cavity. In yet further embodiments, an internal tissue may be massaged from within a body cavity of a patient.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a substantially rigid inner guide member and a movable shaft coupled to a balloon that is slidably mounted on the substantially rigid inner guide member. To treat a sinus cavity of a subject using the balloon dilation the substantially rigid inner guide member is advanced into a drainage pathway of the sinus (e.g., frontal recess) of the subject via a nasal passageway. The shaft and balloon are advanced in a distal direction over the substantially rigid inner guide member to place the balloon in the drainage pathway. The balloon is inflated to expand or otherwise remodel the drainage pathway.

Abstract: The end of the elongated tubular element of the appliance that is designed to be inserted into a body cavity or vessel is formed entirely of soft, compliant material. That end carries an inflatable balloon formed in its fully inflated shape. The balloon is inflated to a predetermined low pressure level to prevent pressure necrosis in the adjacent tissue. A method and apparatus for introducing the soft end of the appliance into the body cavity are also provided. The introducer apparatus includes rigid core surrounded by a soft, compliant sleeve. The sleeve extends beyond the rigid core to form an invertable section. The soft end of the appliance is situated adjacent the apparatus, the balloon is wrapped around the apparatus, and the sleeve section is inverted over the appliance, compressing the balloon and forming a soft, rounded insertion tip. The unit is then introduced into the body cavity. After the appliance is separated from the apparatus, the apparatus is withdrawn.

Abstract: A method for capturing dislodged vegetative growth during a surgical procedure is provided. The method includes maneuvering, into a circulatory system, a first cannula having a distal end and an opposing proximal end, such that the first cannula is positioned to capture the vegetative growth en bloc. A second cannula is positioned in fluid communication with the first cannula, such that a distal end of the second cannula is situated in spaced relation to the distal end of the first cannula. A suction force is provided through the distal end of the first cannula so as to capture the vegetative growth. Fluid removed by the suction force is reinfused through the distal end of the second cannula. Subsequent to becoming dislodged, the vegetative growth is caputred by the first cannula. A method for capturing a vegetative growth during removal of a pacemaker lead is also provided.

Abstract: The tissue therapy device includes a sealant layer and a suction apparatus. The sealant layer creates a sealed enclosure between it and the surface of a patient by forming an airtight seal around an area of tissue. The suction apparatus is in fluid communication with the sealant layer and together, create a closed, reduced pressure therapy system. The suction apparatus self-creates reduced pressure by decreasing the density of air molecules underneath the sealant layer by expanding the volume of the air molecules.

Abstract: The invention provides a ventilation bypass system for treating chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in a lung of a patient. The patient is provided with a surgically-created passage which passes through the thoracic wall, the parietal membrane and the visceral membrane into the lung. The parietal and visceral membranes are sealed surrounding the passage. The system includes a conduit which passes through the passage into the lung. At the distal end of the conduit there is an aperture for admitting gasses from the lung. At the proximal end of the conduit is a flange for securing the conduit to the chest of the patient and a gas venting device for venting gasses external to the patient. The gas venting device can include a filter, valve and/or trap.

Abstract: A catheter having a plurality of longitudinal lumens for removing biological, natural and/or man-made materials from cavities, ducts, vessels, or other locations in a patient's body. The multi-lumen catheter comprises a longitudinally-extending suction lumen with suction holes through which materials pass into the lumen in response to suction forces generated by a source of negative pressure coupled to a proximal end of the lumen. A longitudinally-extending vent lumen coupled to a source of at least neutral vent pressure through, for example, an opening to ambient air at the proximal end of the lumen, and preferably, through vent holes disposed along a length of the catheter. A dividing septum between the adjacent lumens has one or more ports fluidically coupling the lumens.

Abstract: A venous shunt system and method adapted to shunt cerebral spinal fluid in a patient. A fluid control device having a fluid passage is adapted to be placed allowing cerebral spinal fluid to flow through the fluid passage. A catheter having a lumen, the catheter being in fluid communication with the fluid control device. At least a portion of at least one of the catheter and the fluid control device being subjected to an anti-thrombogenic treatment.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for removing kidney stones and to an endoscope for performing said method. According to the invention, the kidney stones are suctioned and moved into an access region, from which they can be removed in the conventional manner. The endoscope according to the invention is designed such that it can rinse and suction at the same time.

Abstract: A reduced pressure treatment appliance is provided for enclosing and providing reduced pressure treatment to an object or a portion of an object. In some embodiments, the reduced pressure treatment appliance may be used to treat wounds and other conditions, such as lymphedema, varicose veins, venous insufficiency and stasis, and other infirmities. In other embodiments, the appliance may be used to provide reduced pressure (or vacuum) treatment for non-medical purposes. In some embodiments, the appliance comprises a flexible chamber and a collapsible frame that may be collapsed while the appliance is not in use. In yet other embodiments, the appliance also includes a vacuum system to supply reduced pressure to the volume within the chamber, a pressurized fluid system to inflate the collapsible frame, a drainage system to remove fluids from the appliance, and a treatment port and a forced entry treatment system to introduce fluids and other treatment instrumentalities into the volume within the chamber.

Abstract: An indwelling drainage catheter is disclosed that is configured to include a longitudinal catheter shaft having a distal and a proximal end, a cord in coaxial arrangement within said longitudinal catheter, a static hub operatively connected to said longitudinal catheter at said proximal end, a dynamic hub configured to move along a longitudinal axis of said longitudinal catheter substantially near said proximal end, wherein a first end of said cord is affixed to said longitudinal catheter at said proximal end and a second end of said cord is affixed to said longitudinal catheter at said distal end, and further wherein the longitudinal movement of the dynamic hub is substantially one half the distance needed to close the pigtail shape.

Abstract: The present application relates to a urinary catheter movement system for use with a urinary catheter located within an interior volume of a urinary catheter pouch. The system can include a catheter movement controller configured to selectively control longitudinal movement of the catheter relative to a port in the pouch. The system further can include a gripper assembly configured for gripping the catheter located within the interior volume of the urinary catheter pouch.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical attachment device for securing a catheter or drain to a patient comprising at least one medical staple capable of being anchored to the patient's skin tissue; and the medical staple is adapted to be coupled to a connector, wherein the connector attaches to the catheter or drain to secure the catheter or drain in a fixed position. In another embodiment the invention provides a medical attachment device for securing a catheter or drain to a patient comprising a base comprising a layer of adhesive, suitably made of hypoallergenic material, capable of being anchored to the patient's skin tissue through an adhesive mechanism and/or at least one medical staple through a plurality of openings provided in said base; and said base comprises an embedded connector for attaching to the catheter or drain and securing the catheter or drain in a fixed position. The invention provides provide a very effective safe and simple catheter securement device for attaching to patients.