Viatro, Corp.

Greatbatch Ltd.

Steris Inc.

Biomec, Inc.

Nanomimetics, Inc.

Otosonics Inc.

Numed Technologies, Inc.

Jan J Lewandowski

Nick A Deeter

Iain McVey

Yubiao Liu

Yongxing Qiu

Daniel N Kelsch

Tianhong Zhang

Brian E Schindly

Roger Marchant

Mark A Ruegsegger

Karen L Thomas

Yubaio Liu

Robert A Bessler

Brian J DeSantis

Amin El-Mallawany

John A Engelhardt

Comblike, surfactant polymers for changing the surface properties of biomaterials are provided. Such surfactant polymers comprise a polymeric backbone of repeating monomeric units having functional groups for coupling with side chains, a plurality of hydrophobic side chains linked to the backbone via the functional groups, and a plurality of hydrophilic side chains linked to said backbone via the functional groups. Medical devices coated with the surfactant polymers are also provided. The surfactant polymers may be used to decrease the thrombogenic properties, encapsulation, and bacterial colonization of medical devices.

Methods of making and using surfactant polymers

A biomimetic surfactant polymer modified with various crosslinking embodiments is described. The crosslinking embodiments provide a biomimetic surfactant coating that is designed to resist cracking, scratching, spalling and chemical dissolution. The crosslinking embodiments comprise the use of various hydrophilic and hydrophobic functional groups. The modified biomimetic surfactant adheres to different substrate surfaces, particularly the surfaces of medical devices.

Mechanical stability of the biomimetic coating by cross linking of surfactant polymer

A comb-like surfactant polymer for changing the surface properties of biomaterials is described. The surfactant polymer comprises a polymeric backbone of repeating monomeric units having functional groups for chemically attaching to side chains, a plurality of hydrophobic side chains attached to the backbone via the functional groups and a plurality of hydrophilic side chains chemically attached via functional groups to the polymeric backbone. The hydrophilic side chains providing anti-thrombogenic properties to the surfactant. An antimicrobial agent selectively attached to some hydrophilic side chains thereby providing additional antimicrobial properties to the surfactant. The surfactant polymer may be applied to the surface of medical devices to reduce the surfaces thrombogenicity and decrease the number of microorganisms on the surface.

Peptide based antimicrobial coating

An apparatus and method for determining ear fluid viscosity. A transducer is operable to transceive a signal to interact with a fluid-containing portion of the ear. The viscosity of the fluid is determined using the transcieved signal.

Ultrasonic detection of ear disorders

An apparatus and method for detecting an ear disorder. The apparatus includes structure for transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals to interact with an ear, and includes structure for directing the plurality of signals along different directions. In one example, the apparatus includes a plurality of transducers, each for interacting with a different ear portion. The transducers may be in a curved array. A determination as to which of the transducers is operable to provide an accurate indication of the detected ear disorder can be made. The transducers can be operated sequentially. In general, the method includes transmitting and receiving a plurality of signals to interact with an ear for ear disorder detection, and directing the plurality of signals along different directions. In one example the method includes providing a probe that has a plurality of transducers for use in detecting the ear disorder.

An electrochemical analysis system includes a chamber ( ) that defines a fluid receiving reservoir therein. A working electrode ( ), a reference electrode ( ), and a counter electrode ( ) is mounted to the chamber. An electrochemical analysis circuit ( ) applies appropriate voltages to the electrodes and reads appropriate currents from the electrodes to provide an indication of the peroxyacetic acid concentration in a sample. The working electrode includes a glassy carbon rod ( ) which is surrounded by a compressible polymeric sleeve ( ) and a metal sleeve ( ). One end of the metal sleeve is swaged ( ) to form a fluid tight compression seal with the insulating sleeve and the glassy carbon rod. An electrically conductive thermal extension joint between the glassy carbon rod and an electrically conductive rod ( ) includes a bore ( ) in the conductive rod in which the glassy carbon rod is slidably received and a compressed spring ( ) in the bore.

Durable carbon electrode

An electrochemical sensor (A, A&prime;) is specific for the detection of peroxyacetic acid in a solution which also contains hydrogen peroxide. A potential is applied between a reference electrode ( &prime;) and a working electrode ( &prime;). A read voltage (FIG. ) is selectively pulsed across a counter electrode ( &prime;) and the working electrode. The current flowing between the working electrode and the counter electrode is dependent on the peroxyacetic acid concentration in the solution (FIG. ). By careful selection of the read voltage, the contribution of hydrogen peroxide to the current flow is virtually negligible. The sensor effectively measures peroxyacetic acid concentrations in the range generally employed in sterilization and disinfection baths (100-3000 ppm.).

Electrochemical sensor for the specific detection of peroxyacetic acid in aqueous solutions using pulse amperometric methods

Urine collection cup

Medical waste spill kit including a waste solidifier, a surface

Urine collection cup with valve

Tissue extracting forceps are disclosed which have been designed for use in laparoscopic surgery. The forceps firmly grasp tissue or organs which are to be moved or removed during the procedure. The grasping members of the forceps are aligned such that fragmentation damage to the grasped tissue is minimized. The mechanical layout of the forceps allows the user to manipulate the working end for a distance, so that the user's fingers do not get in the way of the surgical procedure. The working end of the forceps is adaptable to be used with grasping members of different shapes, or with disposable cutting instruments. Any of these working ends may be incorporated in the same overall mechanical design.

Tissue extracting forceps for laparoscopic surgery

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South Euclid, OH, United States of America

Jan J Lewandowski