Abstract: The catheter insertion device of the present invention includes a catheter dispenser having a catheter outlet extending from a base and a drum receptacle engaged to the base in a rotating relationship. An inlet opening in the base is coaxially aligned with the catheter outlet. A passageway extends from the inlet opening tangentially through the catheter drum to the catheter outlet. A rigid needle is disposed through the passageway so that the sharp tip extends beyond the catheter outlet. A flexible introducer catheter generally contiguously and telescopically surrounds the distal portion of the needle. The introducer catheter extends beyond the catheter outlet to a position on the needle that is proximate to the sharp tip and is operatively associated with the needle for insertion into the vein of a patient. A one way flow valve is in fluid-tight connection with the proximal end of the flexible introducer catheter.

Abstract: A system is provided for accommodating the use of a syringe pump to inject a liquid agent into a patient from a vial having an internal chamber occluded at one end by a stopper located in the chamber to sealingly engage the vial and slide within the chamber. The system includes a plunger having a bearing end to be engaged by a movable pushing member of the syringe pump and having a drive end adapted to engage the stopper. A hollow piercing needle is mounted to the plunger to be connected in fluid communication with the patient and has a piercing end to penetrate the stopper. The needle moves with the plunger and stopper relative to the chamber as the liquid is discharged from the vial.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing bleomycin solutions and to the stable bleomycin solutions resulting therefrom are described. In the method described, bleomycin solution is stabilized by solubilizing bleomycin powder in an aqueous solution and storing the solution at reduced temperature while it awaits use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a shut-off valve for a suction drainage system wherein flow of waste to a disposable container is stopped at a pre-determined volume which is less than the maximum capacity. A tubular sleeve is coaxially located around the shut-off valve. The shut-off below the maximum volume allows a safety margin for the waste container to be capped off without spilling or geysering.

Abstract: A multi-lumen, multi-purpose cardiac catheter which incorporates optical filaments and an optical coupler for use with external apparatus for determining the oxygen concentration in the blood of a patient under critical care conditions, as well as incorporating therein a thermal element useable with a second external apparatus for measurement of continuous cardiac output. A thermal plug provides an interface between a temperature control apparatus and the thermal element to simply and accurately monitor and control the temperature of the thermal element. A temperature monitoring circuit in the thermal plug facilitates temperature measurement at the thermal element. The catheter also includes a thermistor and at least one injectate port for enabling the user to also conduct thermal dilution readings and obtain intermittent measurements of cardiac output. The combination of a thermal dilution catheter with a SV0.sub.

Abstract: A multi-tubing ribbon wherein the side-by-side lengths of plastic tubing are ultrasonically welded together at spaced intervals along the length of the ribbon whereby to provide a multi-tubing ribbon having non-welded sections spaced along its length which renders it very adaptable for use in a variety of situations and a process and apparatus for fabricating same.

Abstract: A multi-lumen, multi-purpose cardiac catheter which incorporates optical filaments and an optical coupler for use with external apparatus for determining the oxygen concentration in the blood of a patient under critical care conditions, as well as incorporating therein a thermal element useable with a second external apparatus for measurement of continuous cardiac output. The thermal element is disposed at a necked down portion of the catheter at the distal end thereof, with at least one of the lumens of the catheter substantially compressed at the necked down portion thereof. The catheter also includes a thermistor and at least one injectate port for enabling the user to also conduct thermal dilution readings and obtain intermittent measurements of cardiac output. The combination of a thermal dilution catheter with a SVO.sub.

Abstract: A multi-tubing ribbon wherein the side-by-side lengths of plastic tubing are ultrasonically welded together at spaced intervals along the length of the ribbon whereby to provide a multi-tubing ribbon having non-welded sections spaced along its length which renders it very adaptable for use in a variety of situations and a process and apparatus for fabricating same.