Abstract: Subcutaneous implantation tools and methods of implanting a subcutaneous device using the same. The tool may include a tool body having a longitudinally extending recess having a distal opening and having a tunneler at a distal end of the tool body extending from the distal opening of the recess. The tool may include a plunger slidably fitting within at least a portion of the tool body recess. The recess may be configured to receive an implantable device and the tunneler preferably extends distally from the recess at a position laterally displaced from the device when the device is so located in the recess. Movement of the plunger distally within the recess advances the device distally out of the recess and alongside of and exterior to the tunneler.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an applicator (1) for inserting an implant, in particular a rod-like implant (2) containing an active substance, under the skin of a human or animal, comprising a housing (3), a cannula (6) extending from the housing (3), and a handle (15) for grasping and maneuvering the applicator (1) and the cannula (6) during insertion of an implant (2). In accordance with the invention, the handle (15) extends above at least part of the length of the cannula (6). Such a handle facilitates insertion of the cannula and/or accurate positioning of the implant.

Abstract: A volume of an analyte-enriched fluid can be withdrawn out of a user's subcutaneous compartment using a patch unit that includes a reversible pumping mechanism. The volume can be withdrawn out of the body and into the patch unit through a cannula inserted into the subcutaneous compartment so that an analyte concentration in the volume can be measured using a sensing element within the patch unit. After analyte concentration analysis, at least the volume can be delivered back into the subcutaneous compartment by operating the pumping mechanism in a forward direction. biologically compatible fluid can optionally be pumped into the subcutaneous compartment from a reservoir in the patch unit and then allowed to partially or completely equilibrate with the analyte concentration in the interstitial fluid of the subcutaneous compartment via a permeable or semi-permeable cannula surface before being drawn back into the patch unit for analysis. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided which enable communications to be initiated locally relative to an individual's developing physiological condition and remotely as the condition requires. Physiological sensors and associated medical delivery systems can be coupled to a unit wearable by an individual which can provide various audible or visual outputs and one or more manual inputs indicative of the individual's condition. A global positioning unit can be incorporated so that condition information as well as location information can automatically be provided, wirelessly, to a remote monitoring system for follow up as needed.

Abstract: A magazine for chain components of a chain with radiation sources comprises a housing as well as a first means for receiving chain components that is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing and has recesses for receiving the chain components, a tension spring for driving the means for receiving the chain components, a sprocket being coupled in a pivotal manner to the means for receiving the chain components and being mounted in a pivotal position in the housing, and an ejector for ejection of the radiation sources. Furthermore, the magazine comprises an ejection lever which is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing, whereby, in a first position, the ejection lever engages the sprocket, and in a second position it blocks the ejector.

Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneous delivery of a sealant comprising: at least two fluid reservoirs, an introducer needle having a distal tip that is in fluid communication with at least one reservoir, a fluid delivery tube that is in fluid communication with a second reservoir, wherein the fluid delivery tube has a tip and wherein the fluid delivery tube is configured so that the tip of the fluid delivery tube does not extend past the distal tip of the introducer needle during use.

Abstract: A method and kit for treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: Novel methods for the chemical ablation of tissue (e.g. prostatic tissue) are described. These methods include the steps of: (a) providing one or more solid salt dosage form comprising 50-100% w/w salt; and (b) inserting one or more of such solid salt dosage forms into the tissue. The solid salt dosage form is optionally inserted into the tissue under real-time ultrasonic observation. An advantage of the present invention is its ability to eliminate toxic byproducts. For example, where NaCl-based solid salt dosage forms are used to effect localized chemical ablation, the concentration is ultimately reduced to the level of normal saline (i.e., about 0.9%) upon absorption by the body of the subject being treated.

Abstract: A method of repairing a defect in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, without excising the entire nucleus pulposus of the disc. The method includes inserting an introducer needle through the annulus fibrosus by puncturing the annulus fibrosus with the introducer needle, injecting an in situ curable, bio-compatible polymerizable or polymeric material composition into the disc through the introducer needle directly or indirectly so that the in situ curable composition contacts a defect in the annulus fibrosus; and curing said material in situ.

Abstract: Disposable injection devices are disclosed herein. In an exemplary arrangement, the disposable injection device comprises an annular sleeve, a predetermined pre-injection quantity of a substance configured for selective injection, and a temperature control element. The annular sleeve at least partially defines a dispensing chamber therein. The predetermined pre-injection quantity of the substance configured for selective injection is disposed within the dispensing chamber. The temperature control element is operably connected to the dispensing chamber, and is configured to selectively heat the substance to a predetermined temperature. The substance expands from the pre-injection quantity at the predetermined temperature to an injection quantity whereby the injection quantity is greater than a volume defined by the dispensing chamber. In this manner, a predetermined minimum quantity of the substance is self-expelled from the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A syringe and a method of using the syringe are disclosed. The syringe includes a longitudinal body having proximal and distal ends and including an aperture between the proximal and distal ends. An injectable material, such as an adhesive bone cement, may be loaded into the body of the syringe through the aperture. After the injectable material is inserted, the aperture may be closed by covering the aperture with an aperture cover. The aperture cover may be configured to slide into a position covering the aperture, or the aperture cover may be placed in a position covering the aperture, such as by pivoting about a hinge. After the aperture is closed, the injectable material may be dispensed from the distal end of the syringe body by depressing a plunger. Depressing the plunger may initiate the closing of the aperture, or the aperture may be closed independently of plunger movement.

Abstract: A device for implanting an object into animal tissue and a method for using the same device is provided. The device includes a cannula having a longitudinal axis, a passageway extending therethrough, a proximal end, and an opposite distal end that is insertable into tissue and defines an exit aperture for discharge of the object from the cannula. The device also includes an axially movable plunger disposed and oriented in a non-coaxial relationship within at least a portion of the cannula and a partial barrier disposed within the cannula adjacent to its distal end and configured to at least partially block the passageway, where the partial barrier at least partially defining an object receiving opening that is in communication with the passageway and sufficiently sized to receive the object and the plunger. When the device is in a first position, the partial barrier prevents the object from entering the passageway even when the plunger is inserted into the object receiving opening.

Abstract: An object-delivery shuttle for delivering an object over an elongate medical device, such as a wire guide, to a desired location within a body.

Abstract: Delivery and retrieval systems for delivering or retrieving a shape-changing percutaneously implantable orthopedic device joint prosthesis that can move between a generally arcuate configuration and a substantially straightened or slightly curved configuration. The orthopedic device can be delivered with a needle that is joint expanding, actuating, pivotable, or can include a balloon. The orthopedic device acts as a soft compliant bearing surface or cushion that minimizes the bone-on-bone wear from articulation and loading and may include a covering or coating with tissue or an expanding hydrophilic material. The orthopedic device delivery system can include a loading device with a channel for storing the orthopedic device in a non-straightened configuration and orienting the orthopedic device in the proper implantation orientation. The orthopedic device can be advanced or retrieved through the loading device with a knob and/or a flexible plunger.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are novel composition and methods for altering the proliferation of a cell. Included are wild-type and mutant hKIS polypeptides along with cyclin kinase inhibitors containing mutations that prevent their inhibition with serine/threonine kinases.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for loading delivery systems, such as seed magazines and suture material, with seeds which greatly increases productivity, reduces process variation and reduces the risk of handling damage to the seeds. Importantly, the apparatus and methods of the present invention reduce potential risks to workers. In a first aspect of the invention there is provided an automated method of loading a delivery system for brachytherapy seeds which comprises the steps of a) securing the delivery system to be loaded; b) conmnunicating seeds from a supply of seeds into the delivery system; and c) repeating step b) to load a plurality of seeds. In a second aspect of the invention there is provided an apparatus for loading a delivery system for brachytherapy seeds comprising: a) means for retaining a delivery system to be loaded with seeds; and b) means for communicating individual seeds from a supply of seeds to said delivery system.

Abstract: A medical feeding tube connection device for allowing administrating of addition nutrients without disconnecting the feeding tube to the patient. The medical feeding tube connection device includes a connecting assembly including a main tubular member, and also including a tubular extension member being connected to the main tubular member, and further including a tube insert member being connected to the tubular extension member, and also including a tube member being connected to the main tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed is an implant device adapted to implant medicaments into the subcutaneous portion of the patient's tissue comprising a housing having a central chamber generally in which a pusher assembly maneuvers.

Abstract: A parasiticidal pellet system which delivers both immediate and long term control of parasite infestation in an animal as part of a single implant procedure. The system includes an implanter apparatus for subcutaneously implanting parasiticidal pellets in an animal through the bore of a hypodermic needle which is operably coupled to a pellet magazine, and a plurality of pellets sized to be implanted through the needle and positioned in the magazine for selective alignment of a pellet with the needle. The pellets include at least one immediate release parasiticidal agent first dose pellet and at least one extended release parasiticidal agent dose second pellet. The combined pellets are packaged in the magazine in sequential order for simultaneous delivery of an immediate dose and an extended dose as part of a single injection.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to an instrument for implanting retinal tissue into the subretinal space of the eye. A tubular nozzle having an open end and an aperture in a sidewall thereof for the acceptance of retinal tissue, is telescoped over a mandrel. Retraction of the nozzle relative to the mandrel biases the retinal tissue out of the open end of the nozzle to effect deposition of the retinal tissue in a target area of the eye.

Abstract: The invention features an implantable device for the automatic delivery of an active ingredient according to an adjustable delivery profile. The device includes a housing; a reservoir operatively connected to the housing and arranged to store a solid composition including the active ingredient; an actuator arranged within the housing to move the solid composition from the reservoir to a transit area, wherein the solid composition exits the housing at the transit area; a controller that acts on the actuator to adjust movement of the solid composition out of the housing according to the adjustable delivery profile; and a power source arranged to provide energy to the actuator and the controller. The solid composition can be an elongate, solid composition comprising a drug, and up to 90% of a carrier, wherein the composition has a cross-section of less than 0.

Abstract: The selective and differential perfusion method includes withdrawing blood through a cannula introduced into a patient's blood vessel. The temperature of such blood is controlled and flowed through an arterial cannula introduced into a selected arterial vessel of the patient for a sufficient time and at a sufficient flow rate to change the temperature of at least a portion of the patient's body. An aortic balloon catheter is introduced into the aorta of the patient to establish fluid communication through the catheter lumen between an external location and an aortic location which is disposed in a preferential flow relationship with a selected branch artery of the aorta leading to a selected region of the patient's body. A balloon mounted on the exterior of said aortic catheter is positioned at a balloon location spaced longitudinally from the aortic location and inflated to resist blood flow while a fluid is communicated through the catheter lumen between the external location and the aortic location.

Abstract: An applicator is disclosed for injecting or releasing a fluidic or solid substance into a cavity or tissue of a patient. The applicator is used to release a contained substance along the length of the applicator when the applicator has been inserted and positioned in the patient. Thus, if required, the substance to be released can easily be dispensed along a particular path such that a proper amount of the substance is dispensed along the path. In particular, the applicator of the present invention is useful in placing absorptive foam pads within a nasal cavity and in inserting implants into a breast.

Abstract: An instrument for injecting implants through animal hide is comprised of an injector having a tubular body divided into two adjacent segments with a hollow interior bore extending through the segments of the body. The second segment of the body has a generally tapering configuration as it extends to the distal end of the body and is formed as a pair of laterally adjacent tines that extend longitudinally from adjacent the first body segment to the distal end of the body. One of the tines has a larger lateral width than a second of the tines at laterally adjacent cross sections of the tines, and one tine has a terminal end at the distal end of the body for making incisions through animal hide when employing the instrument in injecting implants. A push rod having a longitudinal length at least equal to the longitudinal length of the body is inserted through the interior bore of the body pushing the implant before it.

Abstract: An implanting gun apparatus (10) is described. A drive rod (23) is linearly moveable in a handle assembly (11) by a first pivotable linkage (16) actuated by a trigger (14), to urge a pellet (101) from a carrier (100) through a head assembly (12) and into a needle (13). A second pivotable linkage (24), also actuated by the trigger, retracts the needle, the head assembly, and the carrier into the handle after the pellet has been urged into the needle. The gun apparatus is particularly adapted to implant pellets in animals, particularly as medicament pellets.

Abstract: An improved automatic pellet carrier (100) fed pellet implanting gun apparatus (10) is described. The carrier is mounted in an opening (12b) through a front side (12c) of a retractable head (12) which is linearly moveable in a nose end (11c) of a handle assembly (11) along a longitudinal axis a--a. The carrier relies upon an internal spring (107) to automatically register a pellet (101) in a bore (12a) in the retractable head so that by actuating a trigger (14), a drive rod (23) which travels linearly along the axis a--a and through the bore in the retractable head and through the carrier, can move the pellet into the barrel (13a) of a needle (13) that has been inserted into an animal or the like. After the pellet enters the needle, the needle, the retractable head and the carrier are mechanically retracted into the gun with the carrier retracting along a slot (11f) in the nose so that the pellet is deposited in the animal, unobstructed by the needle.

Abstract: A retainer for cattle implants comprising a main body portion and a plurality of retention elements capable of implantation into cattle along with the implant itself. An injector and new process of implanting is also disclosed wherein a double acting trigger mechanism on an injector properly loads a retainer and implant into a needle and then injects the retainer and implant into the animal.

Abstract: A retainer for cattle implants comprising a main body portion and a plurality of retention elements capable of implantation into cattle along with the implant itself. An injector and new process of implanting is also disclosed wherein a double acting trigger mechanism on an injector properly loads a retainer and implant into a needle and then injects the retainer and implant into the animal.

Abstract: A back pressure sensor for a positive displacement pump comprises at least one flexible beam having a pivot end and a drive connector end, and a pump actuator mounted between the pivot end and the drive connector end. The pump actuator connects with a positive displacement member of a pump. At least one sensor beam is connected to the flexible beam at a mounting position between the distal end and vibration damping end thereof. A first capacitor plate is mounted on the flexible beam at a position adjacent to the pivot end thereof, and a second capacitor plate is mounted adjacent the distal end of the sensor beam in a position facing the first capacitor plate at a distance which permits a capacitance coupling between the capacitor plates. A vibration damping mass is secured to the vibration damping end of the sensor beam for damping drive motion vibrations in the sensor beam.

Abstract: A low cost implant device suitable for manufacture by high speed injection molding techniques is described. The implant device can be fabricated and assembled using only two parts, a plunger assembly and a plunger assembly housing. The plunger assembly housing is provided with a socket-like chamber for receiving a disposable flanged cartridge containing a solid medicament in pellet form. The cartridge also can be made by injection molding. The device is used for subcutaneously implanting the solid pellet medicament in an animal.

Abstract: A process for providing enzyme activity to the surface of an article is described, comprising forming a film on the surface of the article, said film comprising an acid anhydride group-containing polymer and a polyol, wherein the acid anhydride groups are partially reacted with the polyol, and thereafter reacting the unreacted acid anhydride groups with an enzyme. Such an article provided with enzyme activity on the surface can be used for the production of food, medicines, etc., and as a medical material.