Abstract: Surgical fluid management systems and methods of operating surgical fluid management systems which may provide one or more functions associated with suction, irrigation, distention, deficit monitoring, infusion, fluid warming, and the like. Some example embodiments may include infra-red lamps arranged to heat fluid flowing through a disposable cartridge. Some example embodiments may provide a three-dimensional fluid path through the cartridge and/or multi-stage heating capabilities. Some example fluid management systems may be selectable between pressure control and flow control modes.

Abstract: A dialysis system includes: an enclosure; a dialysate pump carried by the enclosure and arranged to pump dialysate to a patient or dialyzer; at least one container connected fluidly to the dialysate pump; a load cell positioned to weigh dialysate located within the container; an accelerometer positioned and arranged to detect a force imparted on at least one of the enclosure and the container; and electronics configured to receive a first signal from the load cell and a second signal from the accelerometer and process the first and second signals so as to determine if an abnormality sensed by the load cell is a system error or a mechanical interference.

Abstract: Devices and systems for providing retroperfusion and autoretroperfusion therapies to a brain. In certain embodiments, the devices and systems disclosed herein comprise a flow unit configured to adjust the flow rate and pressure of the arterial blood used for perfusion of the venous system. Methods for delivering a bridge retroperfusion therapy are also disclosed such that, after the onset of a stroke or other adverse cerebral event, the brain cells' window of viability may be extended and other treatments, including pharmaceutical and neuroprotective therapies, may be more effectively utilized.

Abstract: A high flow rate infusion unit includes a heating unit with opposing, electrically-operated heating plates that contact a heat exchanger to heat infusate flowing therethrough. Pressure infusers on the infusion unit are operable to provide infusate at a high flow rate. A flat, elongate heat exchanger has a laminar fluid flow path receivable between the heating plates to which heat is conducted by contact with the heating plates. A bubble trap and a valve are disposed within the heat exchanger. The bubble trap collects bubbles and vents air from infusate exiting the fluid flow path, and the valve shuts off the flow of infusate if the volume of air in the bubble trap exceeds a predefined limit.

Abstract: A disposable, wearable, self-contained insulin dispensing device includes a housing and an insulin source in the housing that is connected to a catheter for injecting insulin into a user. The catheter projects generally perpendicularly to a generally planar surface of the housing configured for abutting a skin surface of the user; which planar surface includes an adhesive layer for adhering the housing surface to the skin surface. A removable release sheet covers the adhesive layer for protecting the adhesive layer prior to use of the device. The release sheet is provided with a catheter protection element to enclose and protect an end portion of the catheter, such that removal of the release sheet for exposing the adhesive layer also exposes the end portion. A pump in the housing includes an actuator employing a shape memory alloy wire.

Abstract: A system, program product and method continuously optimize an ultrafiltration rate during an extracorporeal renal replacement process by modeling physiological and actual rate data. The system maps the sensed, physiological data to a mathematical model to assess the data in terms of the ultrafiltration rate. The model provides parameters used to predict where the treatment is headed based on current conditions. The system processes the parameters in terms of preset criteria to generate the optimized ultrafiltration rate. Where the system is networked, communication of the data may be accomplished using remote and online communication techniques.

Abstract: A valve mechanism for use with a feeding set includes a reservoir of liquid and a metering device. The valve mechanism includes a valve body including a reservoir port adapted to be fluidly connected to the reservoir, a metering port adapted to be fluidly connected to the metering device, a feeding port adapted to be in fluid communication with the patient, and a priming port in fluid communication with atmosphere. A valve member in the valve body is adapted to selectively fluidly connect the reservoir port to the priming port, to fluidly connect the reservoir port to the metering port, and to fluidly connect the metering port to the feeding port.

Abstract: A device includes a first reservoir configured to include a degrading agent, a first valve in fluid communication with the first reservoir, and a reservoir driver configured to manipulate the first reservoir to effect a first reservoir condition based on a first tissue condition. The first valve is configured to open in response to the first reservoir condition associated with the first reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing care to a patient, comprising a patient care device having a number of configuration databases stored in a memory in the device. Each configuration database preferably includes protocols, operating limits, rule sets and/or operating features that collectively define an operating environment, or personality, of the device. Selection of a specific configuration database preferably is based at least in part upon patient-specific information obtained from any location in a distributed hospital network. Examples of such patient-specific information include patient age or size, patient medical characteristics, a location of the patient or a location of the care device. In a preferred embodiment, programming a patient care device to deliver a drug to a patient entails activating a configuration database and scanning a machine-readable drug label identifying a particular protocol stored in the activated database.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to devices for delivering a predetermined amount of an active agent to a subject by inclusion of a detector configured to detect the number of insoluble active agent particles in a fluid flowing by the detector. A controller is operably connected to the detector and configured to determine the amount of the active agent to be delivered to the subject based on the number of insoluble active agent particles flowing by the detector. Also provided are methods of using the subject devices for delivering a predetermined amount of an active agent to a subject.

Abstract: Provided for in certain embodiments is extravasation detector, including an acoustic sensor. Further provided is a method of monitoring for extravasation, including sensing acoustic emissions produced by fluid flow of a medical fluid injected into a subject, and detecting a possible extravasation event based on the sensed acoustic emissions.

Abstract: A microfluidic device is provided for delivering a drug to an individual. The microfluidic device includes a body that defines a reservoir for receiving the drug therein. A valve interconnects the reservoir to an output needle that is insertable into the skin of an individual. A pressure source urges the drug from the reservoir toward the needle. The valve is movable between a closed position preventing the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle and an open position allowing for the flow of the drug from the reservoir to the output needle in response to a predetermined condition in the physiological fluids of the individual.

Abstract: An infusion pump which includes a fingerprint reader to verify that a patient or a user is authorized to activate a patient-controlled analgesic button. The fingerprint reader can be integrated into the patient-controlled analgesic button. The infusion pump delivers a dose of medication to the patient if the fingerprint of the patient or user matches a pre-loaded fingerprint.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. A method, system, and an article of manufacture for automatically detecting an occlusion in a medication infusion pump is provided. The electrical current to an infusion pump is measured. Based on a series of measurements of one or more variables, the infusion pump detects whether there is an occlusion in the system.

Abstract: A system for pumping a fluid into an object for insertion into the human body comprising a housing having a pump chamber with means for pumping said fluid therein. A source of fluid is connected to the pumping means and a value is connected to the pumping mechanism and the object. The housing includes means connected to the pumping means for entering an amount of the fluid to be pumped thereby. Upon entering a desired amount of fluid in the entering means, the pumping means causes an amount of the fluid equal to the entered amount to be pumped through the pump chamber and further through the valve to fill the object with the desired amount of fluid.

Abstract: Branching catheter systems with diagnostic components for detecting and isolating fluid flow problems (e.g., leaks, occlusions, etc.) and methods for detecting and isolating fluid flow problems are disclosed. Among the fluid flow problems that may potentially be detected are leaks in the branching catheter systems (e.g., cuts, disconnected components, etc.). Another fluid flow problem that may be detected using the diagnostic systems of the present invention is the presence of occlusions or other blockages that prevent fluid flow within the catheter systems. In addition to identifying that a problem exists, the diagnostic components may preferably also be used to identify the location of the fluid flow problem as discussed herein. Connectors for use in the branching catheter systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of using a pump set on a pump to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The pumping apparatus has a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is controlled by the control system to emit an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking a safety interlock device associated with the pump set. The safety interlock device affects the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and provides an indication to the control system that the pump set conduit is properly positioned in the pump. The pump is controlled to pump liquid in the pump set only when electromagnetic radiation emitted from the first source is detected by the first detector.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracorporeal oxygenation of a patient's blood during cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. The apparatus comprises a bubble sensor, arranged at or connected to a venous line, for detecting bubbles in the venous blood received from the patient. When air bubbles are detected, a second pump is activated to draw air from an air chamber provided in an air filter connected to the venous line and arranged downstream of the bubble sensor. A first pump draws the blood from the air filter and supplies the blood to an oxygenator and to the patient via an arterial line.

Abstract: A process comprises the phases of: activating a pusher, which exerts a push force on a plunger of a syringe containing the infusion liquid; measuring the push force by means of a load cell; comparing the push force with a maximum threshold; halting the pusher when the maximum threshold is exceeded; after a predetermined pause, restarting the pusher and emitting a consent signal indicating correct loading of the syringe if, within a certain time from the restart, the push force again exceeds the maximum threshold. The infusion device serves to inject an anticoagulant into an extracorporeal blood circuit. The control process guarantees against loss of infusion due to an incorrect initial loading of the syringe.

Abstract: A tool system for operating an irrigation pump. The pump includes a fixed pump head driven by a pump motor and a removable tube set. A readable memory such as a RFID is integral with the tube set. The tube set memory contains data describing the physical characteristics of the tube set. A control console reads the data in the tube set memory. Based on these data, the control console then regulates the operation of the pump motor so that fluid, when required, is delivered at those flow rates. These data are also used by the control console to regulate priming of the pump so that when the system is initially set up a head of irrigation fluid can be pumped close to the end of the handpiece from which the fluid is to be discharged.

Abstract: A system and method for infusing a drug under continuous positive pressure (such as convection enhanced deliver) to a target tissue to be treated is particularly useful for post-resection anticancer drug therapy. The system comprises a drug infusion catheter having an expandable device which is expanded within the target tissue such that the target tissue conforms to an outer surface of the expandable device, thereby creating a form of seal around the target volume in order to maintain an effective drug pressure gradient within the target tissue. The system further comprises a sensor to measure a parameter which can be correlated to the degree of conformance between the target tissue and the outer surface of the expandable device. The sensor is coupled to a feedback control system to determine whether there is a loss of conformance, and to adjust the expansion of the expandable device in order to maintain good conformance.

Abstract: Systems, devices and methods for delivery of a chemical substance to the body of the patient are provided. Such embodiments may include an infusion catheter configured to be inserted into tissue, a catheter securing element configured to be adhered to the skin of the patient and further configured to secure the infusion catheter to the skin, a drug delivery pump configured to infuse a drug into the infusion catheter for delivery to a drug infused region on the body of the patient, and a treatment element configured to apply a treatment to the drug infused region to improve pharmacodynamics of the drug during a period of delivery of the drug to the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is an intracardiac blood pump with a flexible screen between which discharge ports are located. The pump parts are connected to the flexible screen which catches the axially discharged flow and deflects the same in an axial direction. The delivery rate of the pump is increased by preventing impact losses and swirls at the discharge ports.

Abstract: Techniques for control of fluid delivery from a fluid reservoir by a medical infusion pump are described. Setting of at least one electronically-controllable pumping parameter is determined by the use of one or more mechanical keys. The mechanical key actuates one or more electronic switches of a mechanical key receptacle coupled to the medical infusion pump. The electronic switches are coupled to the medical infusion pump to control the at least one electronically-controllable pumping parameter. Keys can be differently configured to actuate different switches corresponding to particular settings and can include display indicia showing the particular parameter value set by the key.

Abstract: A pump set for use with a pump to deliver a supply of liquid to a patient. The feeding set has a conduit for the nutrient liquid and a safety interlock device associated with the conduit. The pumping apparatus has a pumping device and a control system for controlling operation of the pump. An electromagnetic radiation source is operatively connected to the control system of the pump for emitting an electromagnetic radiation signal in a direction for striking the safety interlock device of the feeding set. The safety interlock device is adapted to affect the direction of the electromagnetic radiation. An electromagnetic radiation detector is operatively connected to the control system for receiving the electromagnetic radiation signal when the direction is affected by the safety interlock device, and providing an indication to the control system that the feeding set conduit is properly positioned in the feeding pump.

Abstract: A method and system for optimizing post prandial blood glucose excursions for persons with diabetes via computation of time-varying optimal insulin profiles are disclosed. The method builds upon a mathematical model based on the physiologic description of the human glucoregulatory system. Model parameter values are specific for each patient and meal type, and are determined from measured data by minimizing differences between both measurements and model predictions, and which are used to provide the optimal insulin profiles that are useful to diabetics in managing their chronic disease.

Abstract: A modular external infusion device that controls the rate a fluid is infused into an individual's body, which includes a first module and a second module. More particularly, the first module may be a pumping module that delivers a fluid, such as a medication, to a patient while the second module may be a programming module that allows a user to select pump flow commands. The second module is removably attachable to the first module.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods are provided for drug delivery and the monitoring thereof. The systems include a drug delivery device, a holder for the drug delivery device when the device is not in use, a detector for detecting the presence of the drug delivery device within or close to the holder, and at least one algorithm for querying and prompting a user of the drug delivery device, wherein the at least one algorithm is activated upon removal of the drug delivery device from the holder.

Abstract: A system for controlling an implantable medical device (e.g., a drug delivery device) susceptible to malfunctioning during exposure to a magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field (e.g., during a magnetic resonance imaging procedure) and a method for operating the same. Exposure of the implantable device to the magnetic field and/or the Radio Frequency field is detected using the sensing device. When the detected magnetic field and/or Radio Frequency field exceeds a corresponding predetermined threshold level, an input signal is generated at the microcontroller.

Abstract: An ambulatory medical device for detecting acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device is provided. The medical device includes one or more acceleration, thermal, and/or humidity sensors which detect acceleration, temperature, and/or humidity conditions in or around the medical device. In response to detected conditions, the medical device may, among other things, alter the operation of the device, provide an alarm or warning to the user, or transmit data about the detected conditions to another device.

Abstract: An external infusion device for delivering insulin from a reservoir into a body of a user includes the capability to deliver time-shifted basal insulin. The external infusion device includes at least one drive mechanism operatively couplable to the reservoir to deliver insulin into the body of the user, at least one processor to control the external infusion device, at least one power supply, at least one display device operatively coupled to the processor to provide visual information to the user, at least one input device operatively coupled to the processor to allow the user to command the processor, and a housing. Time-shifting of basal insulin occurs when a portion of basal insulin is added to a bolus, to a current basal rate, or to a bolus and a current basal rate.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described relating to accepting an indication of memory-dampening agent use and altering an artificial sensory experience to modify at least one effect of the memory-dampening agent.

Abstract: A method is described for treating or preventing a bone loss disease or a bone loss disorder in a mammalian subject or reducing the incidence of a bone loss disease or a bone loss disorder or alleviating the symptoms thereof. The method includes providing to the mammalian subject at least one treatment regimen including at least one follicle-stimulating hormone modulator configured to and in an amount sufficient to reduce bioactivity or bioavailability of follicle-stimulating hormone in the mammalian subject.

Abstract: An intravenous flow control system provides closed loop control to maintain a desired flow rate. The actual flow rate is determined by two techniques, a geometrically based technique that uses geometric parameters of the IV system, and a thermally based technique that uses the power input to an IV fluid warmer and the temperature of the IV fluid entering and exiting the warmer.

Abstract: Self-learning process for automatically adjusting a dosage of a substance administered to a person by a drug delivery device, a drug delivery device, wherein a dosage of a substance is adjusted by such a self-learning process and a drug delivery system comprising such a drug delivery device. Pain is experienced differently at certain times of day due to the origin causing the symptoms. Therefore, the medication providing pain relief should also be adjusted accordingly. The invention is to anticipate the pain experience and to deliver pain relief medication in such a way that Quality of Life is improved by appropriate timing of the right amount of medication and by appropriate timing of turning off the medication to reduce side effects.

Abstract: A controllable drug delivery device for delivering a liquid injectable drug, said device comprising a drug reservoir (22), a drug administration device (28), a displacement-generating battery (20), and a current-depletion circuit (85), wherein displacement generated by said battery as current is depleted from the battery by the current depletion circuit displaces a wall of the drug reservoir thereby causing the reservoir to expel liquid injectable drug contained therein via said drug administration device, and wherein the drug delivery device further includes a controller (78) that is responsive to a measured parameter indicative of displacement generated by the battery for applying a variable load (80) across the battery in order to provide a substantially constant-current depletion of said battery and thereby cause said drug delivery device to deliver a substantially constant drug delivery rate.

Abstract: A catheter adapted for use in passing fluids and medicines therethrough for use in the perfusion or reperfusion of blood or blood-fluid mixtures into the arteries, veins, tissues, conduits, or organs of a patient is disclosed. The catheter has an elongate tubular body with an elongate central lumen defined therein. The catheter also includes at least one occlusive balloon disposed on the exterior of and about the tubular body, and a drug delivery lumen defined within the tubular body separately of the central lumen and extending in the lengthwise direction of the tubular body. A drug delivery outlet is defined at and in communication with a distal end of the drug delivery lumen for permitting the delivery of fluids passed through the drug delivery lumen separate of any fluids passed through the central lumen of the catheter.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing controlled pressure-flow pulses which purge a catheter system with turbulent flow flushing. Accomplishment of such controlled pressure-flow pulses is provided by a variety of inventive devices including a special plunger rod for a conventional syringe, other interactive parts for conventional syringes, an in-line catheter attachable device which automatically generates the controlled pressure-flow pulses and also single pulse, digitally operated devices.

Abstract: A method for monitoring infection in proximity to an implanted medical device includes monitoring an indicator of infection in proximity to the device and determining whether a value associated the indicator of infection crosses a first threshold indicative of infection. The method further includes detecting an event associated with the device. The event is capable of affecting the indicator of infection. The method also includes determining whether the value associated with the indicator of infection crosses a second threshold indicative of infection if the event is detected. The method may further include issuing an alert if (i) the first threshold is crossed and the event is not detected, or (ii) the second threshold is crossed and the event is detected.

Abstract: This application relates to a device for the local delivery of a substance to a mammary duct by ductal cannulation via an orifice on a nipple, wherein the substance may any substance or combinations of substances, such as for example, compositions capable of forming a solid or semisolid gel within the ducts, a marker, and/or an active agent which is preferably effective in treating and/or preventing breast cancer. More particularly, a device is disclosed comprising a probe for locating the orifice on the nipple, wherein the device is further configured to cannulate the duct and allow local delivery of a substance(s).

Abstract: A system for producing a contrast-enhanced medical image of a patient includes a source of a contrast or enhancement medium, a pressurizing unit in fluid connection with the source of contrast or enhancement medium, an energy source operable to apply energy to a region of the patient, an imaging unit providing a visual display of an internal view of the patient based upon a signal resulting from the energy applied to the region of the patient, and a control unit. In an embodiment, the signal is affected by a condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient. To control the procedures, the control unit adjusts the condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient based upon the signal. A communication interface preferably enables information between an injector subsystem and an imaging subsystem.

Abstract: There is provided a drug injecting device including a drug feeding unit (110) feeding a drug (111a) to a surface of an object (200), an ultrasonic oscillating unit (120) oscillating an amplitude-modulated ultrasonic wave group in which amplitudes of respective ultrasonic waves are modulated, with respect to the surface of the object (200) fed with the drug (111a), and a control unit (130) controlling the amplitudes of the respective ultrasonic waves of the amplitude-modulated ultrasonic wave group oscillated from the ultrasonic oscillating unit (120) based on a drift velocity of the drug (111a) with respect to the object (200). Accordingly, when a drug is injected into a surface of an object such as a human body using ultrasonic waves, an effective injection according to the drug can be realized.

Abstract: A cannulated sensing device is disclosed and can include a housing that can have a proximal end and a distal end. A cannula can extend from the proximal end of the housing to the distal end of the housing. Further, a sensor can be attached to the distal end of the housing.

Abstract: It is described a drug delivery system (100) that is adapted to infuse at least one drug in a profile related to the status of a patient. The system comprises sensors (110), dedicated electronics (140) and software to monitor the patient's activity and maintain control over the drug-release profile. A control unit (120) of the system (100) is adapted to temporarily set at least one component (110, 120, 150) of the system (100) in an idle mode (265). This will result in particular in a reduction of power required by the system (100). The described system (100) enables a personalized treatment of patients by monitoring their individual activity status and coupling this information to a drug delivery following appropriate delivery profiles. The system (100) may be provided with a memory in order to store a time dependence of activity data. This time dependence may be used by physicians to monitor, support and adapt their therapy for the patients.

Abstract: A remote sensing catheter system including an injection catheter and a collection catheter. In one method of use, an external sensor of the system determines the timing of operation of the collection catheter. In another method of use, a sensor determines the volume of medium in the injection.

Abstract: An apparatus for use in a fluid processing system having a pump. The apparatus includes a pump cassette for use with the pump. The pump cassette includes at least one pump chamber and a first port in selective fluid communication with the at least one pump chamber. A spiking assembly includes at least one hollow spike having a piercing end for piercing a first container. The at least one hollow spike includes a first spike in fluid communication with the first port of the pump cassette.

Abstract: A syringe adapter includes an adapter body having a first connecting portion that may be received into a power injector unit used to deliver contrast media. The adapter also includes a second connecting portion configured to receive the rearward end of an associated syringe. The adapter includes means for encoding information about the associated syringe that may be communicated to the power injector unit through one or more sensors. The means for encoding information may include a mechanism that moves linearly laterally back and forth to activate an actuator used to convey the encoded information. In particular, the action of installing the adapter may be decoupled from the action of encoding information.

Abstract: An injection device includes a dispensing chamber, a plunger, a controller, a temperature control device, and a memory device. The dispensing chamber has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface defines a cavity for receiving a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber, is capable of sliding in the cavity of the dispensing chamber, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber. The controller controls the operation of the injection device. The temperature control device at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber. The memory device has a parameter stored on it. The controller uses the parameter from the memory device to operate the injection device.

Abstract: A menu driven reprogrammable drug pump is provided with a memory, such as flash memory, a display, a keyboard, and a communications port to allow a generic pump to be programmed with a desired pump application (therapy) program and patient specific settings. Programming and data transfer with another pump or a computer to and from the patient pump is by the communications port that allows local and/or remote communications with the pump. Flash memory stores the pump application program during use. Patient safety is provided by a cassette identification system, an occlusion detection system, and a latch/lock detection system. Automated testing of the pump is by a closed loop testing system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus for modifying and feeding a liquid nutritional feeding composition. The apparatus comprises a chamber (3) for receiving a beneficial agent for modifying a liquid nutritional feeding composition, the chamber has an inlet (7) connectable to a container (5) that contains the nutritional feeding composition and an outlet (13) connectable to a feeding means (8,9). A pumping means is associated with the chamber (3) for pumping the nutritional feeding composition from the container into the chamber and back into the container to mix the beneficial agent with the nutritional feeding composition before the outlet (13) of the chamber is connected to the feeding means (8,9). The chamber (3) may comprise at least one flexible wall capable of being squeezed and released for pumping the nutritional feeding composition. The invention also relates to a method for modifying and feeding a liquid nutritional feeding composition.