Abstract: Flexible receptacles and flexible conduits for bodily fluids are disclosed. The receptacles and conduits provide comfortable, user-friendly unisex flexible bodily waste collection systems that improve the accuracy and convenience when collecting urine streams from female users. One bodily waste collection system may include a cup, a bowl, a tube, a pipe, a fitting, a valve, or any combination thereof. A flexible receptacle or conduit includes an open top defined by a flexible annular rim, a base, and flexible sidewalls extending between the top and base. The flexible receptacle is a urine collection cup having an annular rim. The rim is deformable to an elliptical shape when pressure is applied there against (for example, by squeezing), thereby allowing the rim to fit between the labia majora and minora of the user.

Abstract: A biomaterial collection system has a receptacle, pouch or bag for collection and a status detection device for indicating pouch volume based on a distance between opposed sides or panels of the receptacle. The receptacle is a collection vessel having a sealed volume defined by at least two opposed panels, and an interior volume defined by a distance between the opposed panels. A detection circuit including a Hall effect sensor and rare-earth magnet provides a signal indicative of the distance. The collection vessel may be employed in conjunction with procedures such as ileostomy, urostomy and colostomy for indication of a nearly full collection vessel that requires emptying.

Abstract: A whole blood separator device has a sleeve. The sleeve has a sleeve body. The sleeve body has an enlarged first proximal end portion and an enlarged second distal end portion and an intermediate cylindrical tube portion connecting the first proximal end portion and the second distal end portion. The sleeve body is configured to fit inside a test tube and receive whole blood which can be separated by centrifugation into a plasma layer in the proximal end portion, a buffy coat layer in the intermediate portion and a red blood cell portion in the distal portion. The whole blood separator device wherein at least the proximal end portion has an open end. Preferably, the distal end portion also has an open end.

Abstract: A negative pressure assembly includes a drape, a sealing element, a reactor, a valve and a mechanical pump assembly. The drape and the sealing element, when applied to the skin, cooperate to define an enclosed volume. The reactor is located so as to be in fluid communication with the enclosed volume when the drape is covering the dressing site. The reactor reacts with a selected gas found in air to consume the selected gas. The valve has a first operating state in which gas is drawn from the enclosed volume through the valve. The mechanical pump assembly includes a pump chamber fluidly connectable to the enclosed volume through the valve when the valve is in the first operating state. The mechanical pump is configured to fluidly connect with the enclosed volume and draw air from the enclosed volume into the pump chamber.

Abstract: A urinary catheter set includes a urine collection bag formed into an outer packaging for the urinary catheter set, and a urinary catheter positioned inside of the urine collection bag.

Abstract: A monitor device for an ostomy system comprising an ostomy appliance with a base plate and a method of monitoring an ostomy appliance is disclosed.

Abstract: This disclosure includes wound dressings and systems with high-flow therapeutic gas sources for topical wound therapy and related methods. Some dressings, which are configured to be coupled to tissue to facilitate delivery of therapeutic gas to the tissue, comprise a manifold that defines a plurality of gas passageways, the manifold configured to allow communication of therapeutic gas to the tissue; and a gas-occlusive layer configured to be disposed over the manifold and coupled to the tissue such that an interior volume containing the manifold is defined between the gas-occlusive layer and the tissue and the gas-occlusive layer limits escape of therapeutic gas from the interior volume; wherein the gas-occlusive layer includes: a first opening configured to allow communication of therapeutic gas into the interior volume; and one or more second openings configured to allow communication of therapeutic gas out of the interior volume.

Abstract: An exhaust collection bag for cryogenic treatment is described herein and may generally comprise a first layer and a second layer attached along a periphery and forming an enclosed volume. The periphery defines four radiused corners and an extension member. A tubing connector may be positioned along the first layer and extend through the first layer and may also be located along a centerline of the first layer and in proximity to a bottom edge of the first layer. A drain closure may also be positioned along the first layer and located away from the centerline and in proximity to the bottom edge.

Abstract: A female urine device includes a shell portion and a spout portion. The shell portion includes a bottom wall, a first sidewall, a second sidewall and a rear wall integrally connected to define a trough shaped inner chamber. A forward opening is defined by forward ends of the walls. An upper rim is defined by upper ends of the walls. The spout portion extends forward from the forward opening of the shell portion. A portion of the female urine device is phosphorescent.

Abstract: A tissue specimen retrieval bag assembly includes a tissue specimen bag having an open proximal end including a cuff defined therein and extending around a periphery thereof, a closed distal end and a bag brim disposed within the cuff. The bag brim includes a cross section configured to facilitate furling the tissue specimen bag onto itself around the bag brim to approximate a tissue specimen contained within the bag for morcellation. The tissue specimen bag also includes a suture operably disposed within the cuff. The suture includes a cinch tab operably engaged with an end of the suture to facilitate cinching the tissue specimen bag by pulling the suture away from the tissue specimen bag to cinch the tissue specimen bag to secure the tissue specimen therein. The cinch tab includes a magnetic material attracted to a metallic portion of a surgical instrument, wherein introducing the surgical instrument into the operating cavity attracts the cinch tab facilitating location thereof.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval device includes a tubular body defining a longitudinal bore, an inner shaft slidably disposed within the longitudinal bore of the tubular body, and a specimen bag affixed to a support mechanism at the distal portion of the inner shaft. The specimen retrieval device includes a drain tube that passes from within specimen bags and out of the specimen retrieval device that permits passage of fluids out of the specimen bag prior to removal of the device from the body.

Abstract: Described is a phacoemulsification device for eye surgery that generally comprises an ultrasonically vibrating aspiration needle that withdraws ocular material from inside of the eye. The ocular material withdrawn from the eye is equally replaced with irrigation fluid provided through irrigation ports in an irrigation sleeve surrounding the aspiration needle. In the event the aspiration needle stops withdrawing ocular material, such as if it becomes occluded with a chunk of ocular material, irrigation fluid is directed to the outside of the eye via at least one irrigation aperture to keep the eye cool where the needle is ultrasonically vibrating.

Abstract: A specimen retrieval system of simplified construction. The system is configured for use during laparoscopic surgery to assist in the retrieval and removal of tissue.

Abstract: Systems and methods for wound drain management. Certain embodiments include an infection indicator and/or a coupling device configured to such that a wound drainage container can rotate in relation to a mounting device.

Abstract: A detection device includes: a frequency property acquisition unit that acquires a frequency property when an alternating-current signal is input to at least two conductive bodies provided on a fiber sheet; and a detection signal output unit that outputs a detection signal when the frequency property acquisition unit acquires a predetermined frequency property.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of treating pleural effusion in a subject, comprising removing fluid from the pleural space at an increased frequency, as compared to previous methods.

Abstract: A surgical tissue retrieval instrument has a collapsible pouch at the distal end of an elongated pusher rod that is introduced into a patient through a cannula. The instrument includes a two-jaw fork that forms a loop when in an unconstrained configuration and that supports the pouch. Deployment and operation of the fork and the pouch are controlled by a securing mechanism. The two jaws and the securing mechanism are slid in a hem surrounding the opening of the pouch when the device is assembled.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance is sufficiently small to provide the user with a desired level of discretion, and can also provide an expanded collection capacity to accommodate sudden outflows of stomal discharge.

Abstract: A container (10) comprising a plurality of compartments (A, B, C) separated by compartment dividers (6), and an inlet connector (3) for receiving a liquid via a connection tube (2). The compartment dividers rupture when a sufficient pressure is applied by a liquid or gas introduced into the container (10) through the inlet connector (3). Some of the compartments comprise powder, which dissolves at the introduction of liquid into the container. A system, process and use in the field of dialysis are also disclosed.

Abstract: A secondary restraint assembly is provided as a means on maintaining control of a leash in the event of a sudden pull or movement to said leash. The secondary restraint assembly accomplishes this by being attached to a user's forearm and unobtrusively engaging the leash. The secondary restraint assembly utilizes a harness assembly to attach to the user's forearm. The harness assembly utilizes adjustable straps to secure itself to the forearm and serves as a mounting point for a harness plate. The harness plate contains an insert coupler that joins an insert plate to the harness assembly. The user couples an extended strap to the insert plate and joins the other end to the leash. With the leash secured to the extended strap, and the extended strap secured to the harness assembly through the insert plate, the secondary restraint assembly enables a user to maintain control of said leash.

Abstract: Dysphagia of a subject (12) is treated. The treatment of dysphagia may include providing cues to the subject (12) that prompt the subject to swallow, and monitoring the response of the subject (12) to the cues. The swallowing function of the subject (12) may be analyzed over a single therapy session and/or over time to evaluate the general progress of the subject (12). A pressurized flow of breathable gas may be provided to the airway of the subject (12) during the therapy. The pressurized flow of breathable gas may remove certain discomfort associated with the dysphagia of the subject (12), such as shortness of breath, and also provides a therapy to improve the coordination of breathing and swallowing in the subject (12).

Abstract: Provided is a body attachment wafer for attaching an ostomy device to a wearer. The body attachment wafer includes a plastic film having an opening therein, a layer of adhesive coated onto one side of the plastic film, and a stiffening layer releasably attached to the plastic film on the side thereof opposite to the side coated with adhesive. The layer of adhesive comprises a region surrounding the opening in the plastic film in which the thickness of the layer of adhesive is decreasing in a direction towards the circumference of the plastic film, the layer of adhesive having its largest thickness adjacent to the opening in the plastic film. The adhesive consists of a silicone gel adhesive having a softness exceeding 8 mm.

Abstract: In a blood-flow-path switching device and a blood-bag system, a tube-shaped body (68) includes a body tube (69) extending in an axial direction and a branching tube (71) extending in a direction branching from the axial direction, and a blocking part (74) is provided in a hollow section (69c) of the body tube (69). A communicating part (70) movable in the axial direction is provided in the hollow section (69c). By moving the communicating part (70) in a pushing direction and creating an opening by penetrating the blocking part (74), a communication of a first port (86) and a third port (90) is blocked, and at the same time, the first port (86) and a second port (88) are communicated with each other.

Abstract: A wearable EVD system having a ventricular catheter and transducer supported proximately to a patient's ear by a mount, such as supporting headband or ear clip. An adjustable orifice valve or a spring-loaded needle valve is used to control the amount of CSF that drains into a drip chamber suspended on the patient for periodic measurement and emptying into a similarly located drainage bag, thereby avoiding the need for an IV pole and allowing the patient more mobility without disrupting drainage of CSF.

Abstract: A wound treatment device comprises a wound surface contacting plug and a cover for covering the wound surface and the plug, wherein said plug consists of a flat textile isolating material comprising at least one first surface layer, one second surface layer and one intermediate space arranged between said surface layers. At least the first surface layer is provided with a biocompatible surface and a structure which enables a liquid to pass and prevents a wound tissue from growing in said structure. The intermediate space is provided with isolating threads elastically holding the first surface layer and the second surface layer at a certain distance from each other.

Abstract: A cover (100) having one or more openings (106,107) and one or more complementary closure devices (112,113) fits about a fluid drain bag, such as a urinary catheter drain bag (301). The cover (100) can be configured to be both partially transparent and partially opaque. Accordingly, a health services provider (401) can instantly perform rudimentary analysis of the fluid level (401) with a quick glance, yet can perform more in-depth analysis by lifting a front panel (102) at the lower opening (107). The in-depth analysis can be done without removing the cover (100). The cover 100 is also semiopaque, thereby protecting patient dignity by obfuscating the cover's contents.

Abstract: A body attachment wafer for an ostomy device is provided, which body attachment wafer has a stoma opening, and an adhesive layer. The adhesive layer is covered by a release layer, having an opening which corresponds to the stoma opening. The release layer is divided along at least one dividing line from the stoma opening to the periphery of the body attachment wafer, and the release sheet includes a first grip tab extending from the release sheet in the area of the at least one dividing line. The first grip tab is arranged to overlap the release sheet on the other side of the dividing line.

Abstract: A nasal aspiration system for removing secretions from the user's nasal canals includes a port having a cap and a vacuum canister coupled on opposite ends. The cap includes two aspiration tubes extended therefrom. The aspiration tubes are configured for inserting into a user's nasal canals. The port includes a valve disposed therein, where the valve is operable to control the flow of nasal secretion from the aspiration tubes into the vacuum canister.

Abstract: Packaging including a coiled and optionally prelubricated catheter, its distal end insertable into the urethra, a slidable hygienic sheath, a proximal catheter end for voiding urine from the distal end through the assembly to the proximal end. Mutually rotatable elements providing for withdrawal of the catheter from its coiled state to an extended state, and retraction of the catheter back to its coiled state. Methods of extending the catheter, inserting it into the urethra, and voiding urine through the catheter, without requiring complete removal from the catheter packaging. A kit including automatic extrusion of the catheter's distal end upon package opening, and a water pouch for hydrophilic lubrication, and sanitary wipes for reducing the likelihood of infection. A catheter within a flexible and optionally coiled tube, a slidable hygienic sheath covering a catheter's distal end that can move along the length of the catheter during insertion.

Abstract: A wound irrigation kit includes a basin for collecting irrigation fluid that is configured to closely fit the specific body part that is to be irrigated. The kit optionally includes a grommet that can be readily incorporated into the basin to allow for active draining of the basin during the irrigation procedure. The kit also optionally includes a flexible irrigation shield that can be attached to an existing irrigation device and that can be readily modified to vary its length.

Abstract: The Improved Surgical Drain Reservoir Support is a system to support/secure surgical drainage reservoirs.

Abstract: The female urination device assists a female in urinating from a standing position and directs the urine a suitable distance from the female. The device comprises a first end having a first opening for discharging urine and a second end having a second opening for receiving the urine. The second opening is larger than the first opening. The device further comprises a retractable tip to extend the length of the device.

Abstract: Fluid removal systems and methods for removing a fluid from a tissue site are presented. The systems includes a semi-permeable inbound conduit, which is fluidly coupled to a treatment-fluid delivery unit, for placement proximate to the tissue site, and a semi-permeable outbound conduit, which is fluidly coupled to the inbound conduit and to a treatment-fluid collector, for placement proximate to the tissue site of a patient. The treatment-fluid collector receives a treatment fluid and the fluid, which is recruited, from the tissue site. A recruited-fluid determination unit may be coupled to the treatment-fluid collector to determine a volume of the recruited fluid recruited from the patient. The treatment fluid is any fluid (including a gas) that pulls the recruited fluid from an interstitial and intracellular space. A reduced-pressure treatment subsystem may also be included, among other things, for removing ascites and other fluids from a body cavity.

Abstract: A modular and highly adaptable and adjustable compression garment system is provided. The system can include a garment body portion, shoulder strap portions, side portions, a back portion, and one or more modular strap adjustment systems. The garment body portion can include attachment substrates, rail devices, loop devices, and like attachment configurations.

Abstract: A fluid collection device for withdrawing a fluid from an object includes a chamber having a plurality of apertures and an opening for flow of the fluid. A tube is positioned in fluid communication with the opening of the chamber for withdrawing fluid out of the chamber. At least one of the apertures is positioned within a recess for substantially preventing clogging of the apertures during collection and removal of the fluid. The plurality of apertures may be interconnected by grooves for directing the flow and preventing clogging of the apertures. The tube has a plurality of holes that are positioned within the chamber and held in place with a retaining ring. The apertures may be positioned so that spaces are provided between the apertures for placement of the tube or other devices. Exposed edges of the chamber and recesses are radiused for reducing irritation to a person.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article for receiving urine from an individual and a method of using the same are described. The absorbent article can include an absorbent body folded substantially longitudinally. The absorbent body can include a left-side portion and a right-side portion on opposite sides of the fold, and a proximal edge extending generally orthogonal to the fold. An interior receiving cavity can be defined by the left-side portion and the right-side portion of the folded absorbent body. The absorbent article also includes a penile opening defined by a portion of the proximal edge, where the penile opening is adapted for receiving a penis of a user into the interior receiving cavity. The absorbent body can include a liquid impermeable, exterior layer; a liquid permeable, fluid management layer; and an absorbent layer disposed between said exterior layer and said fluid management layer.

Abstract: An absorbent article such as disposable diaper, training pant, and adult incontinence undergarment comprising superabsorbent polymer particles able to absorb and contain body exudates having improved absorption properties and, therefore, reduce leakage, especially at the first gush, i.e. when the article starts to be wetted.

Abstract: The ostomy receiving bag comprises a front wall (2) and a rear wall and has a top end and a bottom end. The top end of the rear wall is provided with an inlet to receive a stoma, and one wall is provided with at least one first half of a fixation pair (A), and the same effective wall after closure of the bag, if available, is provided with at least one second half of a fixation pair (B), such that when the first half and the second half of the fixation pair are attached, the volume of the receiving bag is reduced.

Abstract: Provided herein is a pre-Caesarean method for collecting amniotic fluid from a patient. A needle is inserted into the incision site for the future C-section, which may be under ultrasound guidance, through which the amniotic fluid is drawn under a low level suction and, optionally, gravity to a sterile collection container. The method encompasses filtering and/or irradiating the amniotic fluid to collect biomolecules of interest such as growth factors and/or stem cells.

Abstract: A defecation detection apparatus including: a feces/urine receiving member that is placed to face the body of a wearer and that receives discharged feces and urine; a urine suction device that is detachably attached to the feces/urine receiving member and that can sucks urine discharged in the feces/urine receiving member; a temperature sensor that is placed at a defecation position where discharged feces are received in the feces/urine receiving member; and a control section that detects the presence of discharged feces based on a signal remaining after removing a signal that is output from the temperature sensor within a predetermined time after an operation of the urine suction device from a signal that is output from the temperature sensor.

Abstract: A valve assembly is provided which includes a housing having an inlet end and an outlet end and defining a fluid channel and a central chamber. A dissolvable valve member is positioned to obstruct flow through the channel within the chamber. The dissolvable valve member is formed of a material which is dissolvable at a predetermined rate upon contact with a preselected fluid. The preselected fluid is selected from the group consisting of blood, urine, saline and antimicrobial solutions. The dissolvable valve member can be formed from a fluid soluble glass or a starch based material.

Abstract: A male contraceptive device includes a condom-like sheath that is placed over the male genital member and has a flavorful formulated solution disposed inside the distal tip. The distal tip is operable to release, eject, or secrete the formulated solution during male ejaculation. The condom-like sheath is shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member. The sheath has an open proximal end for receiving the male genital member and a distal end that has a distal tip that is selectively closed. The distal tip defines a reservoir containing an ingestible flavored solution and is operable to permit the release of a composition of the flavored solution and any seminal fluid that has entered the reservoir.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a collecting device comprising a collecting device for collection of body fluids. The invention relates to a collecting device arranged in a compact configuration wherein the dimensions of the collecting device is small in comparison with the dimensions of the collecting device in an unfolded configuration. In particular the invention relates to a bag having an inner folding and an outer folding. Two pull points may further be arranged so that the application of oppositely directed forces to the first and second pull-points will lead to unfolding of the inner folding. With this arrangement the outer folding may be forced to unfold as the inner folding unfolds.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods are disclosed which relate to a catheter cap which seals a reservoir of a catheter introducer. The catheter cap secures over an introducer tip to prevent airflow into the introducer tip. The catheter cap utilizes an elongated stem to block a distal opening of the reservoir to further prevent airflow. A lip of the catheter cap may further engage an insertion stop point of the catheter introducer to secure the catheter cap. The catheter cap ensures proper lubrication of the introducer tip and the catheter during insertion of the catheter into the urethra of a user.

Abstract: A bodily fluid collection device includes: (a) at least one wall that at least partially defines an interior space configured for contacting a bodily fluid, the at least one wall having at least one interior wall surface; (b) a drain port coupled with at least a first portion of the at least one wall, the drain port configured to provide fluid communication between the interior space and an exterior of the device; and (c) at least one surface feature defined by at least a portion of the at least one interior wall surface, the at least one surface feature at least partially defining one or a plurality of flow pathways in the interior space. The one or the plurality of flow pathways is configured to mitigate or prevent collapse of the device, occlusion in the device, and/or closing off of the drain port when suction is applied.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to receiving bodily fluid through a device opening. In one aspect, the device includes a flow activator arranged to cause fluid to be released from a subject. A deployment actuator may actuate the flow activator in a deployment direction, which may in turn cause fluid release from a subject. The flow activator may also be moved in a retraction direction by a retraction actuator. In one aspect, the device may include a vacuum source that may help facilitate fluid flow into the opening of the device and/or may help facilitate fluid flow from the opening to a storage chamber. In one aspect, a device actuator may enable fluid communication between the opening and the vacuum source and the flow activator may be actuated after the enablement of fluid communication.

Abstract: A full coverage gown that is used in medical facilities is presented. The gown includes a urine catheter pocket affixed to the gown. The gown also includes a pair of ties affixed to the gown above the urine catheter pocket. The pair of ties is configured to loop and tie around a hook attached to a urine catheter bag to prevent a backflow of urine and to secure the urine catheter bag within the catheter pocket.

Abstract: A male contraceptive device includes a condom-like sheath that is placed over the male genital member and has a flavor-infusing agent disposed within the distal end. The distal end is operable to release, eject, or secrete the flavor-altered semen during male ejaculation. The condom-like sheath is shaped to elastically conform to the elongated shape of a male genital member. The sheath has an open proximal end for receiving the male genital member and the distal end has a distal tip that is selectively closed. The distal tip defines a reservoir containing the flavor-infusing agent and is operable, upon pressure of seminal fluid entering the reservoir, to cause the flavor profile or characteristic of the seminal fluid to be altered and to permit the release of the seminal fluid that has entered the reservoir.

Abstract: Provided is a tissue retrieval bag. The bag is made primarily of a first material, the bag having a region defining an opening; a pleated fold intersecting the opening. The bag has at least one porthole on at least one side of the bag. The at least one porthole is covered by a second material, the second material being different from the first material. The bag also includes a first hem circumferentially formed around the opening, the first hem forming insertion points adapted to receive a first draw string.

Abstract: A reservoir is incorporated in between a guide portion and an introducer tip of the introducer member. A spherical or similarly shaped plug is inserted into the guide portion. The plug is designed such that it forms a seal within the guide portion, preventing any fluid flow between the reservoir and an environment external to a distal end of the guide portion. This prevents a liquid or gel contained inside the reservoir from drying or leaking. The plug may further be held in place against a distal opening of the reservoir by positive pressure within the reservoir. The plug may further be held in place within the guide portion by a plurality of bumps or notches. When the catheter is advanced through the guide portion, the catheter tip pushes the plug into the reservoir, thereby breaking the seal and lubricating the catheter.