A declogging assembly (20) is configured for use with a suction conduit (10). The suction conduit has a head (14) at a first end (15) and a vacuum tube connection (16) at a second end (17). The assembly includes a body (30). The body defines a first aperture (32), a second aperture (34), and a third aperture (36). The assembly also includes a plug (40) disposed within the body (30). The plug has a surface (42) configured to contact the head (14) of the suction conduit (10) so as to move the plug from a first position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the second aperture (34), to a second position, in which the first aperture (32) is in fluid communication with the third aperture (36). The assembly (20) also includes a biasing member (50) configured to bias the plug into the first position.

Methods, systems, and compositions for maintaining functioning drainage blebs to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) of an eye being treated for glaucoma. The methods, systems, and compositions feature the combination of a minimally invasive micro sclerostomy (MIMS) procedure and the application of beta radiation to a target area. The beta radiation can function to inhibit or reduce the inflammation and/or fibrogenesis that typically occurs after a MIMS procedure and leads to hole and/or bleb failure. By reducing inflammation and/or fibrogenesis, the MIMS holes and/or blebs can remain functioning appropriately.

Devices and methods for controlling intracompartmental pressure in muscle compartments and, potentially, reducing the incidence of compartment syndrome are disclosed. A device according the invention is a thin, elongate member with an outer layer. The device has a proximal end, which has a coupling constructed and adapted to connect with tubing, and a distal end. The outer layer is at least somewhat permeable to liquids and to cells, either by way of perforations along its length or because of its natural properties. Within and encased by the outer layer lies a core, also porous, and typically an open-celled foam. The core is compressible under the range of suction pressures typically applied in medical contexts. A guide wire may initially be present in the device to aid in its placement. Methods for making such devices, especially on an ad hoc basis, are also disclosed.

Disclosed is a surgical instrument directed to phacoemulsification for cataract eye surgery. The instrument generally includes a hollow titanium needle extending from a vibration generating handpiece. Together, the hollow needle and handpiece form an aspiration pathway to suck cataractous debris from an eye. A piezoelectric transducer in the handpiece generates both high and low ultrasonic frequency vibrations that rings the needle. The low frequency produces a node-free standing wave along the needle and the high frequency produces a standing wave along the needle with a node of minimum amplitude along the needle. Both frequencies produce a high anti-node at the needle's tip. The low frequency causes higher cavitation for emulsifying the cataract and the high frequency facilitates fragmentation of the cataract with a low heat portion of the needle at the eye incision point. The placement of the node along the needle can be tailored by way of a tapered section in a step horn region of the handpiece.

Disclosed herein is a method for increasing urine output and/or sodium output from a patient having venous congestion. The method includes (a) administering at least one medicament to a patient, wherein the medicament increases urine output and/or sodium output from the patient; and (b) applying negative pressure to a drainage lumen of a urinary catheter such that flow of urine from a ureter and/or kidney of the patient is transported within the drainage lumen to extract urine from the patient; wherein administering the at least one medicament occurs before, during and/or after applying negative pressure.

Provided is a medical suction device including a compressible object comprising a surface, an opening in the surface, and a lumen defined by the surface and the opening, along with a tubular member located inside the compressible object. Also provided is a medical suction apparatus including the medical suction device and a catheter dimensioned to fit inside the tubular member of the device. A method of removing liquid from the throat of a subject using the medical suction apparatus is also provided, as well as kits including the medical suction device.

An apparatus for suctioning matter expelled during treatments involving an orifice of a patient; the apparatus includes a suction head, a conduit attached to the suction head and a suction device for attaching the conduit thereto, thereby putting the suction head in communication with the suction device. The conduit includes a flexible and bendable body that is easily manipulated into different positions and supports the suction head about the orifice of the patient during treatment. Preferably, the orifice is a mouth, and the treatment is a dental treatment. In this embodiment, the apparatus provides for the hands-free suction of aerosols and/or saliva and blood splatter produced from the mouth of the patient during the dental treatment.

A coated urinary catheter or urinary stent device includes a urinary catheter or stent which, in a deployed position, includes or defines a protective surface area and a protected surface area and a coating upon at least a portion of the protective surface area. The coating includes a lubricant and an antimicrobial and/or pH buffering material. The device is configured such that, upon application of negative pressure to the catheter or stent, tissue of a urinary tract of a patient conforms or collapses onto the protective surface area and is thereby prevented or inhibited from occluding one or more protected drainage holes, ports or perforations of the catheter or stent.

The present invention is generally related to a suction system for use during surgical procedures. The suction system for use during surgical procedures utilizes a suction device that is postionable so that the suction device can be located in its most efficient position in order to capture as much smoke and odors as possible that are being produced at a surgical site. Furthermore, the suction system is also capable of being quickly and easily removed from the patient's surgical field so that the suction system can be quickly and easily located at another location on the patient's surgical field, if needed. Finally, the suction system includes widened head areas that create a wide suction area in order to further assist in capturing as much smoke and odors as possible that are being produced at a surgical site.

A multi-purpose balloon catheter includes a catheter having a proximal end portion, a central portion and a non-branching distal end portion, a plurality of lumens associated with the catheter extending from the proximal end portion, and a plurality of inflatable balloons positioned in the central portion and/or the non-branching distal end portion. Each of the plurality of inflatable balloons is communicatively associated with a corresponding one of the plurality of lumens, the plurality of inflatable balloons being selectively inflated or deflated to position and stabilize the catheter in a cavity for delivery of a medical treatment. The catheter can include an extraction point associated with a lumen to remove fluids and materials from the cavity, and a connector associated with a corresponding lumen adapted to selectively receive one or more of a fluid medium or a radioactive isotope provided to a corresponding lumen for delivery of the medical treatment.