Abstract: The present invention provides a novel ergonomic handle for a retrograde coronary sinus catheter stylet. The handle is provided at a proximal end of a thin rod. In use, the stylet is inserted into a retrograde cardioplegia catheter. The stylet handle of the present invention extends from the proximal end of the catheter. The handle includes a generally flat, substantially planar body portion having a proximal end, a distal end and an axis extending from the proximal end to the distal end. A first concave pocket is provided at the distal end of the body on one side of the axis and a second concave pocket is provided at the distal end of the body on the opposite side of the axis. Each pocket has a plurality of surfaces against which at least one of the digits of a user may be placed to manipulate the position of the stylet, and thus the catheter. The handle is manipulated in a plane defined by the body so as to manipulate the stylet and the catheter.

Abstract: A cardioplegia system for delivering cardioplegic solution to the heart during open heart surgery in cooperation with an extracorporeal blood circuit employing a heart/lung machine, includes a conduit diverting a portion of the blood flow from the heart/lung machine to a cardioplegia delivery line. A heat exchanger assembly including a heat exchanger for controlling fluid temperature is provided in the cardioplegia delivery line. In addition to a heat exchanger, the heat exchanger assembly includes an integral bubble trap, filtration means and means to enable the measurement of certain physical characteristics of the circulating cardioplegia fluid and/or certain events occurring within the heat exchanger assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a retrograde cardioplegia catheter for the delivery of a cardioplegia solution to a patient's heart during open heart surgery. The catheter includes a flexible, elongated cannula having a proximal and a distal end. The cannula includes at least two lumens, the primary lumen being utilized to deliver cardioplegia solution. Typical of retrograde catheters, a sealing member is positioned and secured about the distal end of the cannula. In contrast to conventional catheters, however, the sealing member is comprised of (i) a thin-walled membrane that defines an interior chamber and (ii) a compressible, resilient form positioned within such chamber to fully support the membrane. The resilient form is in an expanded state when relaxed.

Abstract: A system and method for blood mixture fluid delivery to a patient includes fluid delivery conduits connected to the patient for delivering blood mixture fluid, a pump for controlled pumping of blood mixture fluid through the conduits to the patient, and an automatic control mechanism operatively connected to the pump for controlling the pump so that the blood mixture fluid is continuously delivered to the patient at a defined constant pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a piston assembly for use in a fluid delivery system. The piston assembly is comprised of two elements: a splined-piston having generally a convex shape and a ribbed-base, that receives the piston, which has a complementary concave shape. The interposition of the splines and ribs and the complementary shaping of the two elements permit: a constant supporting surface area to be realized throughout a pumping cycle; the establishment of a constant supporting surface that readily and fully supports a thin, flexible material such that the material cannot not likely become stretched, unsupported or bound within the pumping mechanism throughout the pumping cycle; and the establishment of a relationship between the piston and its associated pumping chamber that enables a precise volumetric quantity to be delivered consistently and accurately.

Abstract: A disposable cassette for a cardioplegia system for delivering cardioplegic solution to the heart during open heart surgery in cooperation with an extracorporeal blood circuit employing a heart/lung machine, includes a conduit diverting a portion of the blood flow from the heart/lung machine to a cardioplegia delivery line. A heat exchanger for controlling fluid temperature is provided in the cardioplegia delivery line. A first pump combines the blood from the conduit with a second fluid and delivers the combined flow into the delivery line leading to the heat exchanger. A control panel is operatively connected for adjusting the ratio of blood and second fluid delivered by the first pump and for adjusting the total volumetric rate of flow from the first pump.

Abstract: A display panel for use with a blood mixture fluid delivery system, which system has mechanisms for infusing blood mixture fluid to a patient and for controlling characteristics of the fluid delivery system. The display panel includes a visible schematic representation of a blood mixture fluid flow path through the fluid delivery system and visible displays of two or more of the controllable characteristics of the fluid delivery system, which visible displays are positioned along the schematic representation of the blood mixture fluid flow path.

Abstract: A cardioplegia system for delivering cardioplegic solution to the heart during open heart surgery in cooperation with an extracorporeal blood circuit employing a heart/lung machine, includes a conduit diverting a portion of the blood flow from the heart/lung machine to a cardioplegia delivery line. A heat exchanger for controlling fluid temperature is provided in the cardioplegia delivery line. A first pump combines the blood from the conduit with a second fluid and delivers the combined flow into the delivery line leading to the heat exchanger. A control panel is operatively connected for adjusting the ratio of blood and second fluid delivered by the first pump and for adjusting the total volumetric rate of flow from the first pump.

Abstract: An apparatus for rate controlled gravity drip delivery of a liquid from a replaceable storage container to a delivery site includes a first mount for removably suspending the container at a first elevation higher than the site. A second mount is located above the site, but at a second elevation below the first elevation by a predetermined amount. The second mount carries an intersurface comprising a venting tubing connector having an outlet into a delivery conduit extending to the site. A metering tube of predetermined flow resistance substantially higher than that of the delivery conduit extends from the container at one end and is releasably secured to the connector at its other end to define a two part flow path from the container to the site through the metering tube and delivery conduit.

Abstract: An infusion pump incorporates a cassette formed by bonding of two substantially flat sheets. The fluid to be infused to the patient comes into contact only with the cassette. The cassette includes first and second flexible sheets which define a pumping chamber therebetween. The infusion pump is provided with a pumping member having a hub and a plurality of petal-shaped sections extending radially outward therefrom and pivotal relative thereto. A stepping motor can be operated to move the pumping member against the second flexible sheet to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber and pump fluid to the patient. A load cell monitors the force exerted by the stepping motor on the hub. An outlet restriction value is electronically controlled by a second stepping motor in response to the pressure sensed by the load cell to control pumping to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: This invention relates to the parenteral infusion of fluids into patients, and particularly to the addition of drugs or other secondary fluids in infusion systems operating on an automatic basis.

Abstract: An infusion pump incorporates a cassette formed by bonding of two substantially flat sheets. The fluid to be infused to the patient comes into contact only with the cassette. The cassette includes first and second flexible sheets which define a pumping chamber therebetween. The infusion pump is provided with a pumping member having a hub and a plurality of petal-shaped sections extending radially outward therefrom and pivotal relative thereto. A stepping motor can be operated to move the pumping member against the second flexible sheet to decrease the volume of the pumping chamber and pump fluid to the patient. A load cell monitors the force exerted by the stepping motor on the hub. An outlet restriction valve is electronically controlled by a second stepping motor in response to the pressure sensed by the load cell to control pumping to a predetermined pressure.

Abstract: An adapter for enabling use with bags or bottles of an intravenous administration set having a proximal syringe venting connector with an air cannula. The adapter has a hollow body with threads for engaging the connector, and a spike for piercing an I.V. container, the spike having spaced fluid paths one of which is adapted to receive the connector air cannula.

Abstract: A parenteral fluid administration system in which a measured medication dose is drawn into a syringe and the syringe is placed into a hangable bag so that its outlet can protrude from an aperture in the bag. A novel connector secures the delivery tubing in communication with the syringe outlet, and provides an air vent extending into the syringe barrel a sufficient distance to prevent venter air bubbles from being drawn out of the syringe outlet.

Abstract: A flow status monitoring method is disclosed for a gravity flow metering system employing a metering chamber separated by a movable diaphragm into two compartments, each with a valved inlet and valved outlet. The system alternately opens pairs of valves on opposite sides of the diaphragm at preselected time intervals to deliver a fixed increment of fluid. Each preselected interval is divided into a series of discrete sub-intervals, and flow monitoring information is generated by displaying a a discrete indicator representative of the sub-interval in which movement of the diaphragm across the chamber is completed.

Abstract: A volumetric infusion actuator providing a slot means for receiving a valved cassette having exposed valve pads. An actuation means for automatically moving individual arms into and out of engagement with the valve pads according to a predetermined cycle which governs flow through the cassette.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting leaking valves in a volumetric fluid delivery system. The system employs a volumetric chamber divided into two compartments by a moveable membrane, with each compartment having a valved inlet and a valved outlet. In the system, fluid is delivered in discrete increments by alternately opening an inlet and an outlet on opposite sides of the membrane. Between such delivery periods, all valves are closed, and then only a single valve is opened. The membrane is monitored to detect movement while the single valve is opened, indicating a closure failure in one of the supposedly closed valves.

Abstract: A cardioplegia system for delivering cardioplegic solution to the heart during open heart surgery in cooperation with an extracorporeal blood circuit employing a heart/lung machine, includes a conduit diverting a portion of the blood flow from the heart/lung machine to a cardioplegia delivery line. A heat exchanger for controlling fluid temperature is provided in the cardioplegia delivery line. A flat pump combines the blood from the conduit with a second fluid and delivery the combined flow into the delivery line leading to the heat exchanger. A control panel is operatively connected for adjusting the ratio of blood and second fluid delivered by the first pump and for adjusting the total volumetric rate of flow from the first pump.