Abstract: A catheter for use with an injection apparatus, preferably for rectal irrigation. The catheter has a main body with a funnel-shaped part delimited by an annular funnel wall which tapers into an elongate tubular catheter part delimited by an annular catheter wall. The main body accommodates at least a liquid flow channel and a fluid flow channel and the liquid flow channel is adapted to expel a liquid via at least one injection opening in a free end of the elongate tubular catheter part opposite the funnel-shaped part. An expandable balloon surrounds an elongate fixation section of the elongate tubular catheter part a distance from its free end, and the fluid flow channel is adapted to, via at least one delivery opening provided in the annular catheter wall of the elongate fixation section of the elongate tubular catheter part, deliver a fluid to the expandable balloon.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a medicament container assembly, a movable assembly, and a spring. The medicament container assembly includes a first plunger defining a first volume, and a second plunger defining a second volume. The movable assembly includes a first movable member and a second movable member. The second movable member can move the second plunger within the medicament container assembly. The first movable member can move the first plunger in a first direction within the medicament container assembly to expel a contents of at least the first volume via a needle. The spring is configured to urge the needle in a second direction. The release portion of the first movable member is configured to contact the second movable member after the first movable member moves the first plunger to enable the spring to move the needle in the second direction.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: Biological materials such as vaccines can be stabilized in certain glassy materials soluble in water. It has been proposed to form these glassy materials as a powder suspended in a non-aqueous liquid for injection into a patient. This method is complicated by the need to find suitable compatible liquids and to stop the glassy particles from congregating in liquid. These problems have been obviated by supporting the glassy material on a porous membrane remote from the eluant. When the biological material requires administration, the eluant can be passed across the membrane dissolving the glass and causing the substance to be carried by the liquid into the patient.

Abstract: A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained multi-component substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. The device can be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact and a pressurization system provides a pressure to the contents of a fluid reservoir assembly. Improvements to dry powdered formulations for reconstitution for preferred use in the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system for moving particles suspended in a first fluid, and for infusing them into the stream of a second fluid, includes a catheter with a multi-lumen distal separator. The separator is formed with a plurality of parallel lumens, wherein each lumen has a predetermined diameter to reduce particle flocculation. An inflatable balloon, affixed to the outside of the catheter, can be provided to regulate flow of the second fluid and thereby facilitate entry of the particles into the stream of the second fluid. A reinforcing member is employed to strengthen the catheter wall under the inflatable balloon. With this arrangement, the catheter does not kink or collapse due to the pressure exerted on the catheter wall when the balloon is inflated. In one embodiment, the reinforcing member includes an annular shaped ring. In another embodiment, the separator is positioned under the balloon and acts as the reinforcing member.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the pyloric portion of the gastrointestinal system and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device in the pyloric portion and a flexible sleeve that extents into the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: An injection device to deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a first medicament is delivered in settable doses with a first medicament dose delivery mechanism and a second medicament is delivered from micro-reservoirs upon activation of a second medicament delivery system, whereby activation of the second medicament delivery system locks out the first medicament dose delivery mechanism.

Abstract: A transfer system (100, 100?, 100?) adapted to allow first contents of a first container (20) and second contents of a second container (30) to mix to form a material. The mixed material is retrieved to a syringe (40). The transfer system (100, 100?, 100?) comprises first (17) and second (18) flow control members for controlling fluid flow between the containers (20, 30) and the syringe (40). The invention further relates to a drug mixing kit comprising a container unit containing first and second containers, and a transfer unit comprising ports for receiving the containers and a syringe and a number of flow channels. The container unit and the transfer unit are adapted to be coupled together to form a drug mixing kit.

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: A system for delivering a cell-slurry to a patient may include a fluid, cells that are non-dissolvable or immiscible in the fluid, thereby forming the cell-slurry, a syringe adapted to contain the cell-slurry and a supernate of the cell-slurry, the syringe defining a first end having an outlet through which the cell-slurry is delivered to the patient, a fluidizing system associated with the syringe and adapted to effect dilation of the cell-slurry with a portion of the supernate, to form a dilated cell-slurry, the dilated cell-slurry being transferred from the fluidizing system to the syringe, while maintaining at least a portion of the supernate, the cell-slurry and supernate being transferred from the fluidizing system to the syringe, a pressurizing mechanism adapted to create a pressure to cause the dilated cell-slurry contained within the syringe to flow for delivery to the patient and a control unit in communication with and adapted to control the fluidizing system, the pressurizing mechanism and movemen

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: An anti-hemorrhage medication pack for administering an anti-hemorrhage drug, in particular for the treatment of hemorrhage caused by trauma in emergency situations comprises an active ingredient selected from the group comprising the 1-24 amino acid sequence of the adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH 1-24) and all its fragments and analogues, and analogues of fragments, with agonist activity on the MC4 melanocortin receptors, and all the synthesis agonists, including those with a nonpeptidic structure, of the MC4 melanocortin receptors. An auto-injector (1; 11) includes the drug for automatically injecting a patient with the drug.

Abstract: Drug solutions (or other combinations of vehicle with entrained drug) are prepared by removing drug from one or more masses of a solid form of the drug. The solid form of the drug may be sparingly soluble or insoluble in water. Examples of devices for holding solid drug and facilitating delivery of such drug to targeted regions are also described.

Abstract: Medical apparatus (10) for use with single use kits (100) containing a flow control device (101), a syringe (40), and one or more vials (60A, 608, 60C), for reconstituting a liquid drug dosage and administrating same. The flow control devices (101) include a core member (116) having an inlet port (107) and a flow control member (117) rotatably mounted on the core member (116) and having at least one vial port (112,113,114) for attachment of a vial and an outlet port (109). Flow control devices (101) are designed to ensure an inlet port (107) is in flow communication with a single port (112,113,114) at each flow control position of at least two predetermined flow control positions of a flow control member (117) relative to a core member (116). The medical apparatus (10) includes a housing (11) having a syringe support (12) for horizontally supporting a syringe (40) and a flow control device support (13) for horizontally supporting a flow control device (101).

Abstract: A system for moving particles suspended in a first fluid, and for infusing them into the stream of a second fluid, includes a catheter with a multi-lumen distal separator. The separator is formed with a plurality of parallel lumens, wherein each lumen has a predetermined diameter. Importantly, the diameter of each lumen is dimensioned to sequentially receive particles therethrough, to prevent the particles from flocculating before they enter the stream of the second fluid. A recollection chamber in fluid communication with the separator allows for reconsolidation of the fluid after leaving the separator and for minimizing the damage caused to the vessel when the fluid exits the catheter. An inflatable balloon, affixed to the outside of the catheter, can be provided to regulate flow of the second fluid and thereby facilitate entry of the particles into the stream of the second fluid and increase retention of particles in targeted tissue.

Abstract: A kit is described including at least one container including a predetermined quantity of sterilized biodegradable carriers in a powder form having a treatment agent disposed therein. The kit further includes a delivery device for delivering the predetermined quantity of sterilized biodegradable carriers with the treatment agent disposed therein to a treatment site. In other embodiments, methods are described for producing the sterilized treatment agent loaded biodegradable carriers and delivering the sterilized carriers to a treatment site.

Abstract: Disclosed is a straw that consists of a fluid tube including a upstanding continuous sidewall having a proximal end forming an outlet, and an opposing distal end forming an inlet. The outlet and the inlet allow liquids to be drawn through the fluid tube from the distal end to the proximal end under suction pressure. A port extends through the continuous sidewall adjacent the proximal end thereof. The outlet defines a first size, the inlet defines a second size, and the port defines a third size. The second size is at least one of equal to and greater than the first size, and the third size is at least one of equal to and greater than the first size.

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: Double chamber container for holding and combining, e.g., a lyophilizate and a liquid reconstitution medium, comprising an integral cylindrical body (15) with a closure (20, 60) at each of the two ends (5, 70), an upper movable closure (60) to the side of the reconstitution medium and a lower closure (20) to the side of the lyophilizate, a separating stopper (40) that can be moved in the cylindrical body (15) as a seal between the upper chamber (50) and the lower chamber (30), a bypass (35), arranged below the separating stopper (40), having a length L greater than the height H of the separating stopper (40), wherein at the lower end (5) in the wall of the cylindrical body (15) or in the lower stopper (20) there are provided means (21, 25, 28) that allow connection of the interior of the cylindrical body (15) to the environment during the lyophilization.

Abstract: A syringe and filter cap ease the administration of medication to patients. The cap fits securely over the syringe nozzle and has at least one orifice. The orifice is configured to retain medication particles within the syringe, while allowing liquid to be drawn into the syringe through the cap. A kit combines the medication, the syringe and its plunger, the cap, and a liquid holder cup. The method of administering the medication entails: (a) removing the plunger from the syringe, (b) placing the cap over the nozzle, (c) inserting the particulate medication into the syringe, (d) re-inserting the plunger into the syringe, (e) drawing the desired amount of liquid into the syringe through the cap, thereby suspending the particulate medication within the liquid drawn into the syringe, (f) removing the cap from the syringe, and (g) delivering the medication dosage to the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to kits for the preparation of a composition, which comprises a carrier phase that forms an implant or particles in the body, on the body or under physiological conditions. The carrier phase comprises at least one solid carrier material and a solvent, wherein the carrier material and the solvent are stored separately in the kit. The kit can also include an additional liquid phase to aid in forming the particles. An active compound included in the carrier phase is generally released in an extended manner. This invention also relates to compositions prepared from this kit and to methods for the preparation of the kits and the composition.

Abstract: A drug mixing device for mixing a lyophilized drug with a liquid, thereby forming a liquid drug and for infusion of the liquid drug. The device comprises a first (1a) and a second (1b) part movable connected to each other and wherein a reservoir (2) is being defined there between for containing a liquid. The first part comprises a vial adapter (3) for a vial-containing a lyophilized drug, and means (13) for establishing a first fluid connection between said reservoir and a vial 44) positioned in the vial adapter and for establishing a second fluid connection (14) between said reservoir and an infusion outlet (15), said means being shiftable between a first position establishing said first fluid connection and interrupting said second fluid connection and a second position interrupting said first fluid connection and establishing said second fluid connection. The second part comprises means (8) for forcing said liquid and/or a solution of liquid and drug between the reservoir, a vial and the infusion outlet.

Abstract: A drug storage and delivery device (1) comprising a reservoir (102) containing a liquid, a vial (101) containing a dry drug, such as a lyophilized drug, means (110) for forcing the liquid from the reservoir to the vial, via an established fluid connection, and valve means (106-108) to ensure a tight fluid connection between reservoir and vial can be established before the fluid paths are opened.

Abstract: A drug delivery system provides for mixing various drugs in an optimally controlled manner, for using flow controllers to guide multiple drugs into a single or into multiple catheters, for enabling a single lumen catheter to treat a specific region with several drugs, for allowing for dilution of a concentrated drug in order to both increase the time between refilling and also for providing any concentration of a drug that might be desired, for using a buffer fluid to deliver exact amounts of several drugs from the same catheter or to separate several drugs within a single catheter, for using external fluid present in the human body either as a diluent or buffer fluid, and for providing for a drug testing/filler apparatus to be used prior to implant to ensure proper function and easy means of filling multiple reservoirs with different fluids, and also after implant for refilling operations.

Abstract: An injection device such as a syringe, which has a helical flow path for a solution in which the solvent and solute have been introduced. The helical flow path is formed by a helically configured member which has general overall configuration of a helical coil spring. Individual coils may be formed to have a groove located along the length of the helix. When compressed, the novel member effectively takes on a cylindrical outer configuration. Because the groove is covered and sealed by the surface of the next turn of the helix when compressed, an enclosed helical flow path is formed in the compressed member. The invention may be an injection device using the novel flow path forming member or alternatively, the flow path forming member itself.

Abstract: A container supplies a medicinal formulation that includes a hydrophilic polymer and an active agent capable of bonding to the polymer. The container includes a first compartment for storing the polymer and a second compartment fluidly isolated from the first compartment for storing the active agent. A frangible barrier is shared between the compartments. A fluidic outlet is disposed on the container to dispense the medicinal formulation. Dispensing of the medicinal formulation includes rupturing the frangible barrier, mixing the polymer and active agent together to form the medicinal formulation, and administering the medicinal formulation provided from the fluidic outlet to a patient. The polymer can be PEG, while the active agent can be magnesium.

Abstract: A blood chamber for an extracorporeal blood circuit comprises a blood inlet port (2), a blood containment chamber (3), a first conduit (8) which connects the blood inlet port (2) with the blood containment chamber (3) and which has an end tract (8a) that terminates in the blood containment chamber (3) with a horizontal inlet component. The first conduit (8) comprises a pre-terminal tract (8b) which precedes the end tract (8a) and which has at least a second horizontal component which is directed in an opposite direction to the horizontal inlet component. The blood chamber is used in an arterial line of a dialysis set for guaranteeing a regular and gentle blood flow.

Abstract: A method of reconstituting and administering an injectable fluid distributed to practitioners in dry-form includes receiving a drug or medicine in dry form, selecting a reconstitution concentration for the drug or medicine, reconstituting a desired number of units of the drug or medicine by adding diluent to the dry-form drug or medicine, selecting a syringe having units marked according to the selected reconstitution concentration, drawing up a desired number of drug or medicine units using the selected syringe, and administering a desired number of units according to the unit markings on the selected syringe. Such a syringe includes a barrel, a plunger assembly that has a plunger handle and a piston, a needle, and a needle cap. The syringe includes a visual indicia, representing a first drug concentration contained in the barrel, that is distinguishable from a corresponding visual indicia, on a second syringe, representing a second drug concentration.

Abstract: An emergency dose medication administration device suitable for administration of an effervescent therapeutic composition, such as a soluble aspirin product that when mixed with water or other aqueous medium forms an effervescent composition for administration to a patient. The administration device of the invention includes separate compartments separated from one another by a barrier member, in which at least one of the compartments includes a bellowed portion which is expansible upon intermixing of materials from the respective compartments of the device, when the barrier member is pierced by a manually actuatable piercing element that includes a passage for administration of the effervescent reaction product to a patient.

Abstract: A device (1) for delivering a liquid drug to a user. The device (1) comprises a reservoir (4, 20) adapted to contain a liquid, an outlet opening (7) for delivering liquid drug from the device (1), and means for connecting the device (1) to at least one other at least substantially identical device (1). The devices (1) are connected in such a manner that each of the devices (1) is in fluid communication with a common outlet (19), the common outlet (19) thereby being adapted to deliver liquid drug from each of the devices (1). In one embodiment the devices (1) may be connected to an external operating unit (14), and operational forces from the operating unit (14) may be transferred between the devices (1). Thereby the external operating unit (14) may operate all of the connected devices (1) simultaneously. The device (1) is further adapted to perform reconstitution of a dry drug, such as a lyophilized drug, contained in a vial (2).

Abstract: Medical device for in situ liquid drug reconstitution in medicinal vessels containing drug contents. The medical device includes a body member having a vessel port for insertion into a medicinal vessel containing drug contents, and a syringe port for receiving a syringe containing a diluent for reconstituting the drug contents into a reconstituted liquid drug. The medical device includes a one-way flow restriction mechanism between the two ports for positively restricting injection of diluent into a medicinal vessel and only slightly restricting aspiration of reconstituted liquid drug therefrom, if at all.

Abstract: A system for delivering a slurry to a patient includes a fluid, a material that is non-dissolvable or immiscible in the fluid, thereby forming a slurry, a container adapted to contain the slurry and a supernate of the slurry, the container defining an outlet through which the slurry is delivered to the patient, a fluidizing system associated with the container, a pressurizing mechanism adapted to create a pressure to cause the slurry contained within the container to flow for delivery to the patient and a control unit in communication with and adapted to control the fluidizing system and the pressurizing mechanism. The fluidizing system is adapted to effect dilation of the slurry while maintaining at least a portion of the supernate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for the oral administration of a solid to dementia sufferers comprising at least two devices, in which each device comprises an optionally transparent hollow article with a liquid inlet end and a liquid outlet end, wherein a solid and a liquid-permeable, optionally displaceable retention means are arranged in the interior of the hollow article in such a manner that the retention means prevents the solid from escaping from the interior of the hollow article via the liquid inlet end.

Abstract: An applicator device of the invention and a mixer applicator unit of the invention are each configured to enable mixing of two or more constituents to form a fluid composition. The applicator device comprises a syringe, a mixing chamber, and an applicator tip. The mixing chamber and applicator tip may be two separate components, or may be assembled into one integrated unit such as a mixer applicator unit of the invention. Provided in the applicator device or the mixer applicator are one or more fluid modifying elements for promoting mixing between two or more constituents. A reservoir is provided in the mixing chamber for storing a dry constituent in an embodiment wherein a constituent to be mixed comprises a dry constituent. The applicator device and mixer applicator unit each may further comprise a fluid control element for controlling the dispensing of a fluid composition from the applicator device or mixer applicator unit.

Abstract: Biological materials such as vaccines can be stabilised in certain glassy materials soluble in water. It has been proposed to form these glassy materials as a powder suspended in a non-aqueous liquid for injection into a patient. This method is complicated by the need to find suitable compatible liquids and to stop the glassy particles from congregating in liquid. These problems have been obviated by supporting the glassy material on a porous membrane remote from the eluant. When the biological material requires administration, the eluant can be passed across the membrane dissolving the glass and causing the substance to be carried by the liquid into the patient.

Abstract: A vial for dispensing a liquid into a syringe is described which comprises a body section for holding the liquid, the body section having a top and a bottom; a port having a removable seal, where the port is adapted for a syringe connection and where the port is interconnected with the body section at a point near the top of the body section by a passageway which for at least a portion of its length extends above the level of the liquid in the body section when the vial is inverted, thereby preventing leakage of the liquid from the body section when the seal of the port is removed. A method of making the vial is also described.

Abstract: A dispensing device for dispensing medicaments to a patient which includes a supporting structure; a carriage assembly interconnected with the supporting structure for movement between a first position and a second position and a semi-rigid, collapsible reservoir carried by the carriage assembly. A stored energy source is operably associated with the carriage assembly for moving the carriage assembly between the first and second positions. The device also includes novel structure, including fill-vials, for adding medicaments to the fluid within the fluid reservoir.

Abstract: System for mixing four components including a first syringe arrangement and a second syringe arrangement each with two chambers for holding components. Each of the two respective chambers of the syringe arrangements are connected in a uniquely defined fashion due to specific means for connecting the syringe arrangements. A component held by one chamber is mixed with a component of the corresponding other chamber by transfer into the other chamber. After mixing and disconnecting the second syringe arrangement from the first syringe arrangement, the two component mixtures in the chambers of the first syringe arrangement are further mixed and discharged by means of a mixing device which is to be connected to the first syringe arrangement. The connecting means allows connecting of the mixing device to the first syringe arrangement only after removal of the second syringe arrangement and a portion of the connecting means.

Abstract: Several improvements are disclosed for a drug delivery pack with dry reagent in a housing, each of which can be employed independently or in conjunction with others of the improvements. A novel spring is provided with two spring columns extending in parallel between a spring top and a spring bottom. The spring is particularly designed for fitting within the housing and compacting a dry reagent bed. A plunger mechanism to ratchet housing portions between two positions. In one position, a compression component adjacent the reagent bed is relatively uncompressed, such that it does not “set” over time. When the user is about to use the drug delivery device, the plunger is slid to compress the compression component so that it exerts pressure on the reagent bed. A similar sliding mechanism can also divert a stream of diluent through the housing from a priming path, where diluent bypasses the reagent bed, to a functional path passing through and eroding the reagent bed.

Abstract: The technical field of the invention is that of needleless syringes used for injecting active principles in powder form for therapeutic purposes. The invention concerns a needleless syringe (1) comprising successively a gas generator (2), a gas expanding chamber (3), means for retaining active particles and an ejection tube (4). The invention is characterised in that the particle retaining means consists of an inner seal (14) having at least a cavity (15), the inner seal (14) serves both to contain the active principle and to generate a shock wave when it is ruptured.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits for alleviating or preventing vasoconstriction or vasospasm in a mammal. The compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits are also useful for alleviating or preventing ischemic tissue damage resulting from ischemia associated with cerebral vasoconstriction which follows aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with embolic stroke, with coronary artery obstruction, and with other conditions. These compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits generally relate to adventitial (i.e., extra-luminal) administration of a nitric oxide donor compound to a blood vessel in a mammal.

Abstract: Several improvements are disclosed for a drug delivery pack with dry reagent in a housing, each of which can be employed independently or in conjunction with others of the improvements. A novel spring is provided with two spring columns extending in parallel between a spring top and a spring bottom. The spring is particularly designed for fitting within the housing and compacting a dry reagent bed. A plunger mechanism to ratchet housing portions between two positions. In one position, a compression component adjacent the reagent bed is relatively uncompressed, such that it does not “set” over time. When the user is about to use the drug delivery device, the plunger is slid to compress the compression component so that it exerts pressure on the reagent bed. A similar sliding mechanism can also divert a stream of diluent through the housing from a priming path, where diluent bypasses the reagent bed, to a functional path passing through and eroding the reagent bed.

Abstract: A dispenser in which a dry powder (one component of a two-part adhesive tissue sealant and/or adhesive) is stored in a container (e.g., a carpule) having a septum at one end, an open end opposite the septum, and a movable plug. The powder is retained at the septum end of the container by the movable plug, which is displaced and pushed back as the solvent used for reconstituting the powder is introduced (e.g., through the septum). The second part of the tissue sealant is contained within a second container, also with a movable plug. After the first part is reconstituted, a manifold is fitted which pierces both septums and allows the contents to be dispensed. A dual syringe body supports the containers, and has pistons that enter the open ends to advance the movable plugs. Other embodiments of tissue adhesive and/or sealant dispensers and kits as well as methods of preparing tissue sealants are also described.

Abstract: Several improvements are disclosed for a drug delivery pack with dry reagent in a housing, each of which can be employed independently or in conjunction with others of the improvements. A novel spring is provided with two spring columns extending in parallel between a spring top and a spring bottom. The spring is particularly designed for fitting within the housing and compacting a dry reagent bed. A plunger mechanism to ratchet housing portions between two positions. In one position, a compression component adjacent the reagent bed is relatively uncompressed, such that it does not “set” over time. When the user is about to use the drug delivery device, the plunger is slid to compress the compression component so that it exerts pressure on the reagent bed. A similar sliding mechanism can also divert a stream of diluent through the housing from a priming path, where diluent bypasses the reagent bed, to a functional path passing through and eroding the reagent bed.

Abstract: Method and apparatus to modify a fluid by passing a compound through a selectively permeable membrane is provided. In one embodiment a fluid moving through a vessel is modified prior to its ejection from the vessel. This may be accomplished by urging the fluid into a mixing chamber wherein the mixing chamber is in fluid communication with an exit orifice and a passageway. This passageway may be in communication with a second chamber through a selectively permeable membrane. The fluid may then be altered by passing a compound between the mixing chamber and the second chamber through the passageway and the selectively permeable membrane. A device for modifying a fluid moving through a vessel may contain a first lumen, a second lumen, an exit orifice, and a mixing chamber in communication with the first lumen and the exit orifice.

Abstract: The present invention seeks to provide an improved needle design and needle assembly which is particularly adapted for live cell vaccines and the like. More specifically, the needle assembly includes a gap filler with an inner funnel which is specifically shaped and adapted to fill a turbulence gap naturally formed between a conventional needle retainer and syringe. By maintaining a laminar flow of the fluid, the turbulence and the destruction of live cells are reduced. Additionally, some of the needle designs include a funnel-shaped mouth which is utilized during the filling of the syringe to minimize physical damage to the cell wall or membrane of the live cells otherwise caused by the sharp edges at the tip of a standard injection needle. A breakaway needle assembly is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing a liquid component and a powdered component to form a bone filler has first and second syringes each having a barrel, a plunger and an exit port. The plunger is moveable with the barrel of each syringe along a longitudinal axis of the barrel. An end portion of each plunger extends beyond the end of each barrel when the plunger tip is spaced from the exit port and can be activated to move the plunger tip toward the exit port. A mechanism for mixing the liquid and powdered components is operatively connected to each of the barrels and plunger of the first and second syringes so that the relative sliding movement of first and second parts of the mechanism simultaneously moves the plungers and barrels of the first and second syringes relative to one another to move the combined liquid and powdered components back and forth between the first and second syringe.

Abstract: A device, and related method, for introducing fiber material into a body includes a tubular member with a lumen extending to an opening in a distal end portion of the tubular member and a mechanism in the tubular member for passing the fiber material through the lumen and the opening and into the body. The mechanism can be a helical member rotatable within the tubular member to convey the fiber material through at least a portion of the lumen, out of the opening, and into the body, and the fiber material can be particles in a carrier that are injected into the lumen by a syringe coupled to the tubular member. The mechanism alternatively can be a sleeve slidable within the tubular member to force the fiber material through at least a portion of the lumen, out of the opening, and into the body, and the fiber material can be a suture or thread that is fed into a distal portion of the tubular member where it collects until it is forced out of the opening by the sleeve.