Abstract: An apparatus for removing body fluids from a body cavity by suction, such as a thorax, gastric or any other human body cavity or a wound, comprises means (9) to increase the pressure difference between a pressure in a drainage lumen (3) and a pressure in the atmosphere when an auxiliary lumen (5) is open. The apparatus enables removal of clots or other plugs of the catheter and drainage tube in an efficient and not patient disturbing way.

Abstract: The present invention provides a body fluid suction reservoir including a flexible bag, two plates for supporting the bag, and a spring put between the two plates. The body fluid suction reservoir further includes a lock having a hook and a release part and consisting of a member different from the two plates, by which lock the spring is held in a state compressed between the two plates, and the held state is releasable. The lock has flexibility and is held by one of the plates so as to be deformable from a first state in which the hook is engaged with the other plate to a second state in which the hook is not engaged, and the lock is urged to take the first state.

Abstract: There is provided a non-water soluble drug delivery composition comprising a conjugate and a polymer matrix wherein exposure of the composition to electromagnetic radiation at a suitable pre-determined wavelength and intensity induces release of the active ingredient from the composition. The conjugate is attached to the polymer matrix through non-covalent interactions. There is also provided a drug delivery apparatus formed from the drug delivery composition.

Abstract: A urological device comprises a urological valve having a plurality of valve leaflets with a region of co-aption between the valve leaflets. The valve has a normally closed configuration in which the valve leaflets are engaged at the region of co-aption and an open configuration in which the leaflets are separated at the co-aption region for fluid flow through the valve. The valve is automatically movable from the closed configuration to the open configuration in response to applied urological pressure.

Abstract: A Foley type catheter of the type including an elongated flexible tube and an inflation lumen, the distal end of the tube being provided with a membrane that is inflated into a balloon by fluid passage though the lumen, wherein to retain the distal end interiorly of a bladder, and a drainage eye, wherein to enable the catheter to drain urine therefrom. The proximal end of the tube is provided with a fluid control valve and a fluid pump, each hand operated as desired. The pump is in the form of a squeeze bulb and/or aspirator and adapted to deform to supply and/or withdraw fluid into and from the lumen and selectively inflate/deflate the membrane. In one embodiment, the pump is in the shape of a pleated bellows that is axially collapsed and end walls forced together and into a suction cup like retaining engagement, and a coil spring acts to restore the shape.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for a sub-atmospheric wound-care (SAWS) system for treating an open wound. The SAWS system includes a regulated vacuum source for developing a negative pressure, a flow rate meter configured to measure a flow rate of liquid removed from the wound, a primary pressure regulating sensor located proximate the wound for directly measuring the negative pressure at the wound, a backup pressure regulating sensor located vacuum tube, a porous dressing suitable to be sealed airtight which is positioned within a wound interface chamber, a collection canister configured to collect said liquid removed from the wound, and an adapter configured to use wall suction a primary regulated vacuum source.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for providing a medical device with antibacterial activity, comprising the steps of providing a substrate material coated with a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer exhibiting a low friction when wetted; providing a colloidal solution comprising chemically reduced particles of an oligodynamic metal and a hydrophilic polymer, said hydrophilic polymer being the same as in the coating of the substrate material; and dipping said substrate material in the solution. A medical device prepared accordingly is also disclosed. By means of this method, very advantageous properties of the antibacterial coating are obtained. In particular, a relatively low release rate is obtained in the wetting fluid, and a relatively high release rate is obtained in the intended use situation, e.g. when inserted into the urethra.

Abstract: The invention relates to a silicone catheter including chlorhexidine gluconate, methods of making this catheter, and methods of using it. The method of making the catheter includes contacting a silicone catheter with a liquid containing chlorhexidine gluconate. Chlorhexidine gluconate is stably incorporated into the silicone catheter. The invention also relates to a silicone medical device or article including chlorhexidine gluconate and methods of making this such a medical device or article.

Abstract: A directionally limited illuminating balloon catheter includes a multi-lumen shaft having a distal end and a hollow balloon portion disposed at the distal end and inflated through the shaft, the balloon portion having a light source illuminating only a portion of the environment outside the balloon portion. The balloon portion can have a directionally limited light source directing substantially all illumination towards the shaft. Also provided is a directionally illuminating balloon catheter kit including a set of illuminating catheters each having the light source with different sized illuminating areas to illuminate a different sized partial portion of the environment outside the balloon portion.

Abstract: A percutaneous catheter includes a longitudinal catheter shaft having a distal end, a proximal end, a hollow portion, and a wall portion, a wire embedded within said wall portion at said distal end wherein said wire forms a pigtail curve when in a relaxed state, and a stylet capable of entering said hollow portion of said longitudinal catheter at said proximal end wherein said stylet substantially straightens said longitudinal catheter at said distal end.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a catheter assembly comprising a catheter handle and a catheter assembly comprising a catheter element and a container for accommodation of the catheter element. In a first compact configuration the catheter element and the catheter handle are separated to reduce the length of the catheter assembly. The catheter element is in the container and the catheter handle is attached on the outside of the container assembly. The catheter handle can be detached and interlocked with the catheter element to constitute in a second configuration a catheter device.

Abstract: A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member and a locking assembly. The locking assembly includes a first protruding element and a collar. The first protruding element is disposed proximal to a port in the tubular member through which a proximal portion of a tension member may exit. The collar is coaxially disposed about the tubular member and has a second protruding element projecting from an interior surface of the collar. The collar is configured for longitudinal sliding movement relative to the tubular member such that the collar may be moved along the tubular member toward the proximal end of the tubular member thereby interacting with the first protruding element and securing the proximal portion of the tension member between the first protruding element and the collar.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with a catheter which includes an inflatable balloon operable to retain the catheter in position during use, and which is located and configured to both reduce discomfort during use by preventing contact between the end of the catheter and the urinary tract/bladder wall, and reduce the force required to remove the catheter by reducing cuffing of the collapsed balloon.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sterilized medical device including a non-polymerized blend including a silicone matrix material and a radiation resistant component.

Abstract: A drainage catheter including a body, a drainage lumen extending between the body proximal end and the body distal end, the drainage lumen including a distal fluid inflow port and a proximal fluid drain coupling, and an inflation lumen extending between the body proximal end and the body distal end, conveying inflating fluid from a proximal fluid supply element to a distal fluid acceptor balloon, the proximal fluid supply element adjacent the proximal fluid drain coupling. A sleeve may be secured about the proximal fluid supply element and the proximal fluid drain coupling to provide a fluid impervious coating.

Abstract: A connecting device for a catheter assembly is disclosed allowing a user to connect a catheter assembly to an adhesive pad which is then capable of anchoring the catheter assembly to a patient's leg. The connecting device may have an introducer body with an extension body and an attachment mechanism. The connecting device can be rotated along with or within a collar in a circular manner in order to facilitate the making of the connection with the adhesive pad. Additionally, the connecting device may contain an enlarged portion to enhance operability.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a method of treating a medical device. The method includes providing the medical device. The medical device has an opening defined by two contacting surfaces in a polyalkylsiloxane based portion of the medical device. The method further includes irradiating the medical device free of externally applied lubricant to sterilize the medical device.

Abstract: To identify an alternative swelling medium with a hydrophilic polymer, we have observed that a swelling medium containing only 6% PEG 2000 and 0.9% NaCl failed to protect a hydrophilic coating during electron beam sterilization and subsequent storage at ambient and higher temperatures in an accelerated storage stability test. An unacceptably low dry-out time, below the specified 5 minutes, was obtained. However, when the biological buffer sodium citrate was added to a swelling medium containing PEG 2000, the performance of the stored catheters was as good as or better than the performance of catheters stored with the conventional swelling medium.

Abstract: A catheter hub assembly comprising a hub body having a proximal end, a distal end, and a shaft having a first suture hole, a collar and a snap ring; a hub knob having a second suture hole and rotatably coupled to the hub body; and a hub cap having a snap rut wherein the snap ring fits into the snap rut. In one embodiment, the hub body includes a lock element; the hub knob includes a first tab element and a second tab element; and the hub cap includes a groove; wherein the first tab element engages the lock element; and wherein the second tab element engages the groove. In another embodiment, the hub cap includes a lock element comprising a resilient tab and a catch; the hub knob includes a catch tab; wherein the catch tab engages the catch of the lock element.

Abstract: A valve for controlling fluid flow through a flow passage. The valve includes a tubular valve body defining a longitudinal axis and having an interior surface and an exterior surface. The valve body defines first and second valve ends and a tip portion is supported on the valve body and located at the second valve end. A cap member is supported on the valve body and includes a closed end formed by an end wall having an aperture for receiving the tip portion. The aperture includes a lip portion surrounded a groove on an interior of the cap member to facilitate a pressure seal between the aperture and the tip portion.

Abstract: A catheter device for the control of liquid discharge from the urinary bladder, and its use, is described. The catheter device is an elongated flexible tube of elastic material having an inlet opening at a distal end thereof and one or more inflatable balloons secured about the tube spaced from the inlet opening. The balloon retains the catheter at a predetermined position within the urethra while preventing urine to flow about the catheter below the balloon. The tube is provided with a numbered scale printed in a predetermined proximal end portion of the tube to provide a visual indication to a user person of the length of the catheter inserted in the urethra to permit the positioning of the one or more balloons at a desired location in the urethra below the bladder during repetitive removal and insertion of the catheter.

Abstract: A drainage catheter includes an elongated tubular member, a locking assembly engaged with a proximal end of the tubular member, and a tension member for drawing a distal end of the tubular member into a desired configuration. The locking assembly includes a connector, a locking arm, and a locking mechanism. The connector has an exterior surface profile that corresponds with an interior surface profile of the locking arm. The locking arm is pivotably attached to the connector to enable pivoting movement of the locking arm between an unlocked position and a locked position whereby the tension member is secured between the locking arm and the connector when the arm is in the locked position. The locking assembly may alternatively comprise a connector and a sliding sleeve or a connector having a clamping element disposed therein.

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: Multi-functional urine collection devices, embodiments of which can include a self-expanding container having a receptacle for receiving urine from the tubing, a pump for moving urine through the tubing and into a receptacle, extendable tubing that may be shortened and/or lengthened, and/or one or more meters for monitoring, measuring, transmitting or storing a characteristic from the urine.

Abstract: The present invention provides antibiofilm composition comprising two or more agents selected from the group consisting of DispersinB™, 5-Fluorouracil, Deoxyribonuclease I and Proteinase K for preventing growth and proliferation of biofilm-embedded microorganisms in wound care, oral care, and disease-related infections and methods of treatment in mammals. The invention further provides methods for preparing medical devices, and wound care devices using an antibiofilm composition comprising two or more antimicrobial agents selected from the group consisting of DispersinB™, 5-Fluorouracil, Deoxyribonuclease I and Proteinase K.

Abstract: A catheter assembly allowing for non-contaminated insertion of the catheter into the urinary canal. The catheter assembly includes a urinary catheter, a catheter package and a sealing member. The urinary catheter defines a conduit and has a proximal end adapted for insertion into the urinary canal and an opposite distal end. The catheter package has a hose with a cavity for accommodation of the catheter, and a catheter outlet adapted to dismantle the proximal end of the catheter from the catheter package. The sealing member is adapted to provide a substantially liquid-tight seal between the catheter package and the urinary catheter while the catheter is being dismantled.

Abstract: A safety catheter includes a multi-lumen shaft. The shaft has a proximal shaft portion with a distal end having a given outer diameter and a distal tip portion having an outer diameter less than the given outer diameter. A hollow balloon is disposed at a junction of the proximal shaft portion and the distal tip portion. The balloon has a distal leg fixedly secured to the distal tip portion and a proximal leg removably secured to the proximal shaft portion.

Abstract: A drainage stent delivery system including an elongate shaft of a medial device, a drainage catheter or stent, and a locking mechanism for selectively coupling the drainage stent to the elongate shaft. The drainage stent is selectively coupled to a distal portion of the elongate shaft such that the proximal end of the stent is positioned proximal of the distal end of the elongate shaft. The locking mechanism includes an engaging feature of the elongate shaft which engages a portion of the stent such that the stent may be selectively coupled to the elongate shaft through rotational motion of the elongate shaft relative to the stent. In some instances, the engaging feature of the elongate shaft may be a tab which extends into an opening of the stent.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having an elongated catheter shaft defining a fluid drainage lumen and a balloon inflation lumen. The balloon catheter includes a fluid drainage port disposed about the distal end of the catheter shaft in fluid communication with the fluid drainage lumen, and a balloon inflation port disposed about the distal end of the catheter shaft in fluid communication with the balloon inflation lumen. A balloon portion is disposed about the distal end of the catheter shaft in fluid communication with the balloon inflation port. A release device is disposed in fluid communication with the balloon portion and the fluid drainage lumen, and includes an activating member. A tether is attached to the activating member of the release device. Tension applied to the tether activates the release device, enabling fluid flow from the balloon portion into the fluid drainage lumen and out of the body.

Abstract: A flushable medical device for short term use, such as a urinary catheter, is disclosed, and also a method for producing such a medical device. The medical device comprises at least an elongate shaft made of a degradable material, the degradability being such that the material becomes essentially totally dissolved if maintained in turbulent water at room temperature for at least 6 hours, but retains its structural integrity in water for at least 5 minutes, and preferably at least 10 minutes. Hereby, the medical device can be used for the intended short term use, and then be flushed in an ordinary toilet after use. The degradable material preferably comprises at least one of monosaccharide, disaccharide, oligosaccharide and polysaccharide. In a preferred embodiment, the degradable material primarily comprises water, at least one of sugar and starch and gelatin.

Abstract: A catheter, and preferably a urinary catheter, is disclosed, comprising an elongate shaft with a catheter insertion end and a flared connector connected to the elongated shaft opposite to the catheter insertion end. The flared connector forms a catheter connector end. Further, a gripping sleeve is fixedly connected to the flared connector, and arranged to enclose at leat part of, and preferably essentially the whole, flared connector, apart from the catheter connector end. Hereby, a standard catheter can easily be customized for various use situations and users with different needs, in terms of e.g. gripping and manipulation possibilities. A method for producing such a customized catheter is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter assembly is disclosed comprising a catheter, preferably having a hydrophilic surface coating; and a package accommodating said catheter. The package preferably also accommodates a wetting fluid. The package comprises: a first and a second sheet material connected around the edges; a perforation line extending along a non-closed loop in one of said sheet materials, said perforation line defining a flap opening; a third sheet material connected by means of an adhesive over said flap opening, wherein said third sheet material with a margin covers the entire flap opening. The adhesive is adapted to maintain a sterile closure of the package before use, and to be resealable after use. Further, the third sheet material forms a tab not provided with adhesive, said tab providing a grip portion for peel opening of the package.

Abstract: A coating composition in the form of a one or multi-part system, and method of applying such a composition under conditions of controlled humidity, for use in coating device surfaces to control and/or improve their ability to release bioactive agents in aqueous systems. The coating composition is particularly adapted for use with medical devices that undergo significant flexion and/or expansion in the course of their delivery and/or use, such as stents and catheters. The composition includes the bioactive agent in combination with a first polymer component such as polyalkyl(meth)acrylate, polyaryl(meth)acrylate, polyaralkyl(meth)acrylate, or polyaryloxyalkyl(meth)acrylate and a second polymer component such as poly(ethylene-co-vinyl acetate).

Abstract: A novel urinary catheter having an helicoidally threaded , screw shaped tip to facilitate insertion of the catheter tip by rotation into the bladder, especially useful in situation of difficult passage and entry into the bladder through a stenotic prostatic urethra. The operator instead of advancing the catheter by axial loading as it is presently done with ordinary catheters will rotate the urinary catheter along its longitudinal axis . Rotation of the catheter is transmitted to its specially designed screw shaped tip facilitating its engagement, advancement and insertion into the bladder through a stenotic segment of the urethral canal.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: A body fluids drainage system includes a urinary catheter, a drainage collection bag, and a connection member connected between the urinary catheter and the drainage collection bag. The connection member houses a valve element formed from a sheet of material and projecting a coherent plane. The valve element defines a longitudinal direction extending between a connecting portion and a flap portion and a recess formed on a periphery of the valve element between the connecting portion and the flap portion.

Abstract: A directionally limited illuminating balloon catheter includes a multi-lumen shaft having a distal end and a hollow balloon portion disposed at the distal end and inflated through the shaft, the balloon portion having a light source illuminating only a portion of the environment outside the balloon portion. The balloon portion can be have a directionally limited light source directing substantially all illumination towards the shaft. Also provided is a directionally illuminating balloon catheter kit including a set of illuminating catheters each having the light source with different sized illuminating areas to illuminate a different sized partial portion of the environment outside the balloon portion.

Abstract: An indwelling urinary drainage catheter (12, 110) includes synthetic polyisoprene rubber (SPIR). Advantageously, the SPIR catheter can meet the tensile and resiliency requirements of Foley applications while avoiding the risk of allergic reactions in sensitive patients. The SPIR comprises an accelerator system that uses a carbamate as the only accelerator, a guanidine as the only accelerator, a combination of guanidine and carbamate accelerators, a combination of carbamate and thiazole accelerators, or a combination of guanidine, carbamate and thiazole accelerators.

Abstract: A female urination pants includes a pants body which has an upper opening defined in a top thereof. The pants body has two leg openings defined therein. A crotch portion is formed between the two leg openings. The crotch portion has a receiving hole defined therein. A tubular urine guiding member engages with the receiving hole. The tubular urine guiding member has a hollow receiving unit formed on a first end thereof and a flexible urine draining tube formed on a second end thereof. The hollow receiving unit is funnel-shaped and has a slanted upper rim peripherally formed thereon. A pair of flanges annularly formed on an outer periphery of the tubular urine guiding member for engaging with the receiving hole. At least one securing strap seamed on the pants body for retaining the urine draining tube to the pants body.

Abstract: A closed specimen collection system includes a port tube that is rotatably attached to tubing of a urinary drainage system attached to an indwelling urinary catheter. The port tube has a one-way valve located adjacent one end formed to fit sealably with a shaped nozzle. A collection has a proximal end and a distal end with a shaped nozzle at the proximal end adapted to fit sealably into the port tube adjacent the one-way valve. A specimen container has a hollow body, a back end and a front end with a sealable aperture sized and shaped to attach to the distal end of the collection tube. A piston fits closely within the hollow body and is attached to an actuating rod. When the actuating rod is moved away from the front end of the container, urine will flow into the specimen container through the collection tube in a sterile condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a medical device having a coating comprising at least one polyurethane urea, wherein the coating comprises at least one polyurethane urea terminated with a copolymer unit of polyethyloxide and polypropyloxide.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a catheter handle and a catheter assembly with a catheter element and a container for accommodation of the catheter element. In a first compact configuration, the catheter element and the catheter handle are separated to reduce the length of the catheter assembly. The catheter element is in the container and the catheter handle is attached on the outside of the container assembly. The catheter handle can be detached and interlocked with the catheter element to constitute, in a second configuration, a catheter device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to implantable or insertable medical devices that treat uterine and urological conditions that cause chronic pelvic pain and other symptoms. In another aspect, the present invention relates to methods of manufacturing such implantable or insertable medical devices.

Abstract: A urinary catheter with an improved retaining and activating feature is provided which is a safe device with reduced irritation and discomfort to a patient. The retaining mechanism positioned at the proximal end of the catheter assumes a “close” state for introduction and removal of the catheter into and from the urethral tract, and is transitioned into the “open” state when the catheter is in the bladder by mechanically manipulating the retaining mechanism through the activation mechanism. An actuating linkage wire connected between the retaining mechanism and activation mechanism controllably reciprocates in the channel of the catheter to transition the catheter between the “open” and “closed” states.

Abstract: An intra-urethral catheter for a male patient, has a lumen (7) interrupted within the prostatic space (S) of the patient's urethra (U), by a blockage (8), and upper and lower by-pass openings (9, 10) through the catheter-wall (6) are located one above and one below the blockage (8). The upper opening (9) discharges urine collected from the bladder (B) to flush the prostatic space (S), and the lower opening (10) passes the urine back into the lower part (7?) of the lumen for discharge. In a modification, the length of the catheter below the sphincter (M) of the bulbar urethra and the external urethral orifice (O), is of membraneous form (11), and at the external urethral orifice (O) extends into a portion (12) for folding back over the glans (G). A ring (13) retains the folded-back portion (12) on the glans (G).

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: The invention relates to elastomeric products that are coated with a thin layer of elastomeric polymeric coating containing an antitoxic agent, particularly a demand disinfectant iodinated resin. The antimicrobial coated catheters are prepared by adding the antitoxic agent to a solution of a liquid elastomeric polymer and then coating the surface of the elastomeric through a dipping or spraying procedure. The antimicrobial coatings can be applied to a variety of different elastomeric products including gloves and catheters and are capable of providing a high level of protection against microbes and other contaminants.

Abstract: A universal valve for the Foley type urinary catheter has structure which permits its use as a patient controlled drainage valve, as an interface from which to take sterile samples, and as a connection to a day or night collection bag all without removal of the universal valve from the Foley type urinary catheter. The universal valve may be open or closed by the use of a squeeze mechanism for patient control, or by movement of the threaded connection between the universal valve and a collection bag so that the universal valve is continuously open for drainage into the urine collection bag.

Abstract: Catheter advancing devices, systems and methods for advancing a catheter into the urethra of a user are disclosed. The catheter advancement device includes a body portion that couples to a guide portion of the catheter, the guide portion being movably coupled to the proximal end of a catheter. The catheter advancement device further includes a pair of flexible handles extending outwards from the body portion, and a gripping portion extending inwards from each of the flexible handles. A surface of the gripping portion comes in contact with the catheter when the flexible handles are engaged, and the surface of the gripping portion in contact with the catheter applies pressure to the catheter when the handles are engaged to advance the catheter through the guide portion.

Abstract: While waiting for prostate-size-reducing drugs or herbs to have an effect, it's often necessary to have a catheter, like the Foley, inserted into the bladder. Urine passing through such collects in a plastic bag which must be drained, regularly, and is awkward to carry and difficult to disguise under clothing. In lieu of a Foley, full-length self-cathetering is less awkward, but the recurring process can irritate the urethra and prostate, and increase the chance of getting cystitis. The present new catheter type has a barb-like tip to retain such inside the bladder. A urine drainage inlet is located less than an inch below the barb. The easy drainage of urine is facilitated simply by pushing the catheter upward until the inlet opening is inside the bladder. Because the required insertion distance is much reduced, there's less likelihood of there being irritation of the organs, and less likelihood of getting cystitis.