20856results about "Chemicals" patented technology

A surgical instrument including a trigger which can be configured to close a jaw member upon a first actuation of the trigger and advance a staple driver and / or cutting member upon a subsequent, or second, actuation of the trigger. Such a surgical instrument can allow a surgeon to position the surgical instrument in a surgical site and close the jaw member with an initial actuation of the trigger without deploying any staples into, or incising, the tissue. As a result, the surgeon can manipulate the position of the surgical instrument and then actuate the trigger a second time to deploy staples into, and / or incise, the tissue. In at least one such embodiment, the first actuation of the trigger which closes the jaw member can also unlock a firing drive configured to advance the staple driver and cutting member during the second actuation of the trigger.

In various surgical techniques, a bipolar forceps can be used to seal a vessel in two locations such that the vessel can be incised at a location positioned intermediate the two seal locations. The bipolar forceps can include a cutting element which can be configured to incise the vessel. In various embodiments, the cutting element can include a sharp edge which can be moved relative to the vessel. In at least one embodiment, the cutting element can be electrically connected to a source of energy. The bipolar forceps can include first and second electrodes positioned within first and second jaw members, respectively, wherein at least one of the jaw members can include a substantially tapered profile and can be configured to pull the vessel away from the surrounding soft tissue. Such jaw members can include ridges, teeth, and / or a textured outer surface configured to grip the soft tissue and / or vessel.

A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and / or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

A laparoscopic surgical instrument configured to be ergonomic and anthropometrically correct, comprising: a) an ergonomic handle configured to orient a hand of a surgeon in a functional position, the handle comprising a wall structure defining an interior portion, and adapted to contain at least a portion of one or more working mechanisms; b) an actuating mechanism actuatable by the surgeon and supported within the interior portion of the handle; c) a working shaft having a proximal end coupled to and operable with the actuating mechanism, the working shaft having an elongate configuration and a distal working end configured to couple a surgical tool to be manipulated by the surgeon; and d) means for accessing the interior portion of the handle to expose an inner side of the wall structure and at least a portion of each of the working mechanisms for cleaning, sterilization and maintenance purposes.

Disclosed are implantable or insertable medical devices that provide resistance to microbial growth on and in the environment of the device and resistance to microbial adhesion and biofilm formation on the device. In particular, the invention discloses implantable or insertable medical devices that comprise at least one biocompatible matrix polymer region, an antimicrobial agent for providing resistance to microbial growth and a microbial adhesion / biofilm synthesis inhibitor for inhibiting the attachment of microbes and the synthesis and accumulation of biofilm on the surface of the medical device. Also disclosed are methods of manufacturing such devices under conditions that substantially prevent preferential partitioning of any of said bioactive agents to a surface of the biocompatible matrix polymer and substantially prevent chemical modification of said bioactive agents.

This invention relates to methods for reducing the presence of a compound in an ionically conductive material, e.g., for use in iontophoretic devices, wherein the presence of the compound interferes with detecting a selected analyte. Removal of the compound can typically take place either during or after the manufacture of the ionically conductive material or an assembly comprising this material. Also disclosed are methods for generating selectively permeable barriers on the reactive faces of electrodes. Further, this invention relates to hydrogels comprising one or more biocides, as well as assemblies containing such hydrogels.

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for sterilizing articles using an ozone-containing gas, where condensation of water from the sterilization atmosphere during the sterilization process is substantially prevented. The inventive sterilization method includes providing a sterilization chamber and placing an article into the sterilization chamber. The sterilization chamber is sealed prior to equalizing the temperature of the article and the atmosphere in the sterilization chamber. A vacuum is applied to achieve a preselected vacuum pressure in the sterilization chamber. Once the vacuum pressure is set, water vapour is supplied to the sterilization chamber. Ozone-containing gas is then supplied to the sterilization chamber and the sterilization chamber remains sealed for a preselected treatment period, where the sterilization chamber remains sealed throughout the whole process. Finally, vacuum in the sterilization chamber is released.

A method and apparatus for the introduction to a wound under negative pressure therapy of a wound healing agent, generally comprises a foam pad (11) for insertion substantially into a wound site (12), and a wound drape (13) for sealing enclosure of the foam pad at the wound site. The foam pad is placed in fluid communication with a vacuum source for promotion of fluid drainage. Additionally, the foam pad is predisposed, through grafting or other techniques known to those of ordinary skill in the art, with basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), anti-microbial or other factors, also known to those of ordinary skill in the art, for the promotion of increased wound healing.

A medical implant of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene having an improved balance of wear properties and oxidation resistance is prepared by irradiating a preform of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene, annealing the irradiated preform in the absence of oxygen to a temperature at or above the onset of melting temperature, and forming an implant from the stabilized cross-linked polymer. Implants prepared according to the process of the present invention have comparable oxidation resistance and superior wear performance compared to unirradiated ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene.

A pair of nestable caps are disclosed, each of the caps being sized and shaped to provide a protective union about a separated medical connector. The pair comprises a male cap and a female cap, each of which is configured to be adjoined to a complimentary cap to form a nested pair. The nested pair is sealed until separated for use, thereby maintaining sterility of the internal surfaces of the nested pair. One of the caps may have a fluid chamber joined thereto filled with medicine or antiseptic. The cap can have a channel extending therethrough to provide fluid communication between the fluid chamber and a fluid pathway. The fluid chamber can be adapted to diffuse the fluid into the fluid pathway over time, or the fluid chamber can be adapted to dispense the fluid out of the fluid chamber without reflux.

A system and method for evaluating hand decontamination compliance in a medical care facility includes a plurality of patient stations; a plurality of hand hygiene stations; personnel tags for personnel in the medical care facility; readers at the patient stations and at the hand hygiene stations capable of detecting the presence of personnel tags; and a controller for detecting whether a personnel tag accessed a hand decontamination station before presence at one of the patient stations. In an alternate embodiment, personnel tags of healthcare workers and patients are tracked in space within the facility to indicate contacts between the healthcare workers and the patients and whether the healthcare workers accessed hand hygiene prior to the contact. Hand hygiene stations include hand washing stations and antimicrobial hand rub dispensers.

A biocompatible material may be configured into any number of implantable medical devices including intraluminal stents. Polymeric materials may be utilized to fabricate any of these devices, including stents. The stents may be balloon expandable or self-expanding. The polymeric materials may include additives such as drugs or other bioactive agents as well as radiopaque agents. By preferential mechanical deformation of the polymer, the polymer chains may be oriented to achieve certain desirable performance characteristics.

Disclosed herein is processed dermis graft for use in orthopedic surgical procedures. Specifically exemplified herein is a processed dermis graft comprising one or more bone blocks having a groove cut into the surface thereof, wherein said groove is sufficient to accommodate a fixation screw. Also disclosed is a method of processing dermis that results in a dermis derived implant suitable to replace a tendon or ligament in a recipient in need thereof. Other compositions and applications of a dermis derived implant, and methods of manufacture and use, are disclosed.

A system and method for disinfecting an exposed portion of a female luer connector is disclosed. A male luer connector coupled to a male luer connector cap is provided where the male luer connector cap has a chamber containing a disinfectant and a sealing member for sealing the disinfectant in the chamber. The chamber is at least partly opened and the disinfectant exposed by movement of the sealing member. An exposed surface of a female luer connector is caused to come in contact with the disinfecting fluid in the chamber prior to the female luer connector mating with the male luer connector.

A surgical instrument including a switching mechanism which allows a surgeon to selectively advance or retract a staple driver and / or cutting member within a staple cartridge. In various embodiments, the surgical instrument can include a handle, a trigger operatively coupled to the handle, a firing drive, and an end effector. The firing drive can include a first ratchet assembly configured to advance a cutting member in the end effector and a second ratchet assembly configured to retract the cutting member. The trigger can include first and second pawls pivotably mounted thereon which are configured to be selectively engaged with the first and second ratchet assemblies, respectively. In at least one embodiment, the trigger can be configured to slide between a first position in which the first pawl is engaged with the first ratchet assembly and a second position in which the second pawl is engaged with the second ratchet assembly.

An oxidative reduction potential water solution that is stable for at least twenty-four hours. The invention also relates to an ORP water solution comprising anode water and cathode water. Another aspect of the invention is an apparatus for producing an ORP water solution comprising at least two electrolysis cells, wherein each cell comprises an anode chamber, cathode chamber and salt solution chamber located between the anode and cathode chambers, wherein the anode chamber is separated from the salt solution chamber by an anode electrode and a first membrane, and the cathode chamber is separated from the salt solution chamber by a cathode electrode and a second membrane.

A canal hearing device has a subminiature filament assembly which vibrates and directly drives the tympanic membrane (eardrum) and imparts audible mechanical vibrations thereto. The filament assembly is partially supported by the tympanic membrane via capillary adhesion thereto and is dynamically coupled to a stationary vibration force element position at a distance from the tympanic membrane within the ear canal. The elongated filament assembly is freely movable within an operable range and is essentially floating with respect to the vibration force element. In a preferred embodiment, the vibrational filament assembly comprises a magnetic section which is insertable into the air-core of an electromagnetic coil. The filament assembly is coupled to the tympanic membrane via an articulated tympanic contact coupler.

This invention generally relates to compositions and method of producing diluted hypohalous acid and hypohalous acid vapor. These compositions can be used to treat allergen containing surfaces, hard surfaces, food contact surfaces, hospital surfaces, food surfaces, kitchen surfaces, bathroom surfaces, human surfaces, animal surfaces, children's items, outdoor surfaces, soft surfaces, and medical instruments. These compositions can be converted to solid particulate or granular compositions. These compositions can be put into a variety of containers which preserve the stability. These compositions can be used to treat allergens and molds and as part of a mold detection system. These compositions can be dispersed into the air to enable microbiological control.

A needleless connector for medical use, adapted to facilitate the flow of fluid therethrough, includes a housing having an inlet port and an outlet port. The connector also includes a flex-tube assembly defining a fluid path between the inlet port and the outlet port. The flex-tube assembly is movable between uncompressed and compressed states. The flex-tube assembly has a first internal volume when in the uncompressed state and a second internal volume, greater than or substantially equal to the first internal volume, when in the compressed state.

A medical implant system is described for inhibiting infection associated with a joint prosthesis implant. An inventive system includes an implant body made of a biocompatible material which has a metal component disposed on an external surface of the implant body. A current is allowed to flow to the metal component, stimulating release of metal ions toxic to microbes, such as bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and viruses. One detailed system is completely surgically implantable in the patient such that no part of the system is external to the patient while the system is in use. In addition, externally controlled devices are provided which allow for modulation of implanted components.

A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.

Caps can be used to cover and disinfect a male protrusion portion of a medical connector. Some caps can create a seal with the male protrusion to prevent antiseptic from entering a lumen the protrusion. A biasing element can aid in creating or maintaining the seal.

Antimicrobial compositions for use in locking catheters and other devices are provided. In some embodiments, the composition includes at least one alcohol, at least one biocidal agent which is not an alcohol, and one or more poloxamers; in other embodiments, the composition comprises at least one poloxamer and at least one alcohol. The composition can provide long-lasting antimicrobial activity. Methods of using the composition are also provided.

The present invention relates to polymeric medical articles comprising combinations of triclosan and silver-containing compounds. It is based, at least in part, on the discovery that these agents act synergistically, thereby permitting the use of relatively low levels of both agents. While it had been previously found that triclosan can be particularly useful when used in conjunction with chlorhexidine, it has been further discovered that medical articles having suitable antimicrobial properties may be prepared, according to the present invention, which contain triclosan without chlorhexidine. Such medical articles offer the advantage of preventing or inhibiting infection while avoiding undesirable adverse reactions to chlorhexidine by individuals that may have sensitivity to chlorhexidine.

The invention is directed to the treating, e.g. sterilizing and packaging of medical devices and other articles, particularly such devices and articles which are reactive to oxygen or moisture containing atmospheres. The sterilized package has a container which includes at least one portion which is gas permeable and at least one portion which is gas impermeable and an interior in fluid communication with the gas permeable portion. The container may be sealed by applying an impermeable patch to the permeable portion thereof or by disposing the container in an enclosure formed of impermeable material and sealing the enclosure. After exposing the container to a sterilizing gas, the gas permeable portion may be removed or sealed off from the gas impermeable portion of the container in order to provide a package which is gas impermeable and can protect one or more articles within the interior of the container against environmental gases and moisture.

The present invention provides antimicrobial solutions that comprise at least one alcohol, at least one antimicrobial agent and at least one chelator and / or anticoagulant. Also provided are methods for rapidly reducing a microbe or a virus from surfaces including surfaces of indwelling medical devices and organic surfaces such as skin and sutures, and inorganic surfaces such as hospital equipment, pipelines etc.

Provided is an oxidative reduction potential (ORP) water solution that is stable for at least twenty-four hours and methods of using the solution. The present invention provides a method of preventing or treating a condition in a patient, which method comprises administering a therapeutically effective amount of the ORP water solution. Additionally provided is a method of treating impaired or damaged tissue, which method comprises contacting the tissue with a therapeutically effective amount of the ORP water solution. Further provided is a method of disinfecting a surface, which method comprises contacting the surface with an anti-infective amount of the ORP water solution.

This invention relates to novel porous materials that possess antiviral and / or antimicrobial properties. The invention encompasses a porous material having antiviral or antimicrobial properties which is comprised of a porous substrate and an antiviral or antimicrobial agent. The invention also encompasses a process for making porous materials that possess antiviral and / or antimicrobial properties and the products of the process.

A combination tool for cleaning and sanitizing a surface is disclosed. The tool includes a cleaning device and at least one UV flash unit. The cleaning device can be adapted for either wet or dry cleaning. The combination tool can also include a dispensing unit that can dispense a treatment agent. The tool can also include a sensor that can detect surface properties. In some arrangements, the tool includes a motive component that can propel the tool robotically.