Abstract:
The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.
Abstract:
The current invention provides this advance in infection control via its unique application of active sterilization to a catheter or implant. While most catheters, and many implants, are passive devices, the current invention will provide an active component as a integral part of the implanted catheter or device to continuously or intermittently sterilize the exposed surfaces/areas of the device. This active sterilization may be accomplished by a variety of mechanisms, including, application of heat, RF, microwave, ultrasound, ultraviolet radiation or other energy capable of sterilizing the device or dislodging any problematic Biofilm that may form. The active sterilization may also employ the pumping of a sterilizing chemical from an attached drug reservoir, the use of electricity or freezing temperatures or any other mechanism for either inhibiting, killing or dislodging any infectious material in contact with the implant. One major advantage of this design is that through the use of a small, battery powered or inductively powered sterilization element, the implanted catheter or device can be effectively sterilized without requiring the standard removal surgery, waiting period, then replacement of the infected device. This is expected to translate into greatly improved outcomes (particularly for devices where infection may be catastrophic, ie a prosthetic knee or hip), greatly improved costs, and greatly improved longevity of susceptible devices (ie IV ports, etc.).
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a surgical mesh with a layer of dehydrated basement membrane formed thereon. Methods of making and using the mesh also are disclosed.
Abstract:
A disinfecting and pre-opening device is disclosed for use with a female needleless connector. The disinfecting and pre-opening device includes a housing comprising a chamber having a distal opening and configured to fit over the female needleless connector, and an elongated finger attached to the housing and disposed within the chamber such that the elongated finger opens the fluid path through the female needleless connector when the distal opening of the disinfecting and pre-opening device is placed proximally adjacent to the septum and the disinfecting and pre-opening device is advanced in the distal direction.
Abstract:
A personal vapor inhaling unit is disclosed. An electronic flameless vapor inhaler unit that may simulate a cigarette has a cavity that receives a cartridge in the distal end of the inhaler unit. The cartridge brings a substance to be vaporized in contact with a wick. When the unit is activated, and the user provides suction, the substance to be vaporized is drawn out of the cartridge, through the wick, and is atomized by the wick into a cavity containing a heating element. The heating element vaporizes the atomized substance. The vapors then continue to be pulled by the user through a mouthpiece and mouthpiece cover where they may be inhaled.
Abstract:
An antimicrobial composition, generally comprising a biocidal agent, such as chlorhexidine gluconate, a lubricant, such as a modified siloxane, and a solvent, such as an alcohol and/or water. The biocidal agent acts as a highly effective biocide while the lubricant reduces friction between various components of a medical device during assembly. The antimicrobial composition may be applied to an internal component of the medical device prior to assembly. The process of assembling the medical device results in antimicrobial composition being distributed to various internal structures and geometries of the medical device as the coated, internal component is assembled into the interior of the medical device. Air is then used to further distribute excess antimicrobial agent to the remaining surfaces downstream from the installed, internal component. In some embodiments, additional air is passed through the assembled medical device to assist in removing the carrier solvent from the medical device via evaporation.
Abstract:
The self-cleaning and sterilizing medical tube may include a combination of an endotracheal tube or a tracheostomy tube and a suction catheter that decreases the tendency of mucus and bacteria to adhere to the inner surfaces of the thereof. The medical tube may have a hydrophobic surface exhibiting the lotus effect, which may be formed either by femtosecond laser etching or by a coating of poly (ethylene oxide). Alternatively, the medical tube may be formed with a photocatalyst incorporated therein or have a lumen coated with a photocatalyst. The medical tube may also have a light source and a fiberoptic bundle mounted thereon, the optical fibers extending into the lumen to illuminate the photocatalyst.
Abstract:
A disinfecting and pre-opening device is disclosed for use with a female needleless connector. The disinfecting and pre-opening device includes a housing comprising a chamber having a distal opening and configured to fit over the female needleless connector, and an elongated finger attached to the housing and disposed within the chamber such that the elongated finger opens the fluid path through the female needleless connector when the distal opening of the disinfecting and pre-opening device is placed proximally adjacent to the septum and the disinfecting and pre-opening device is advanced in the distal direction.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to a multi-way valve for use in medicine or medical technology, having at least one basic housing through which a medium can flow in sections, and having an actuator which is held in said basic housing so as to be rotatable about a central axis, wherein the basic housing has at least two connection points for the inflow and outflow of the medium and forms an actuator receptacle which has a peg arranged concentrically with respect to the central axis and which has, on the inner side of the basic housing, a radially encircling cutout, and wherein the actuator has a control element, a substantially hollow cylindrical section which receives the peg of the actuator receptacle at least in sections, at least one throughflow opening for the fluidic connection between two connection points, and at least one radially encircling molding on the outer side of the cylindrical section, and wherein the peg of the actuator receptacle has at least one counterbearing for the actuator to form a sealing surface in the region of at least one connection point. The invention is characterized in that the peg has at least one flattened portion on the circumference relative to the central axis, and the molding of the actuator engages into the cutout of the actuator receptacle in order to fix the actuator in the actuator receptacle in a positively locking and fluid-tight manner.
Abstract:
The invention generally relates to a continuous anesthesia nerve conduction apparatus and method thereof, and more particularly to a method and system for use in administering a continuous flow or intermittent bolus of anesthetic agent to facilitate a continuous or prolonged nerve block. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sheath having a proximal end, a distal end and at least one lumen extending from the proximal end to the distal end. The sheath also includes an embedded conductive element for transmitting an electrical signal from a proximal portion of the sheath to a distal portion of the sheath. A cannula is arranged in the at least one lumen of the sheath and has a distal end protruding from a distal portion of the sheath. The cannula is electrically coupled to at least a portion of the embedded conductive element and is configured to provide nerve stimulation.