Abstract: A catheter is disclosed which includes a mechanical connection between the strain relief thereof and the hub. The strain relief operates both to secure the catheter tube to the hub and to provide strain relief for the catheter tube. The strain relief connection is assisted in gripping the catheter tube by intentional overstressing of the catheter hub during manufacture thereof to expand the hub wall and generate residual hoop stresses therein which assist in securing the catheter tube within the hub.

Abstract: A port and valve combination and related method of use for accessing the fluid flow within a medical fluid collection system. More specifically, the invention relates to the use of a spike port having a conventional two-way valve disposed therein for use in priming, sampling, aspirating and flushing fluids to and from a blood collection chamber of an autotransfusion system in the absence of a source of suction using a needleless syringe to access the system. The access port includes a Y-site connector having a distal port, proximal port and spike port. A two-way valve is partially disposed within the spike port with the proximal port being connected to and in fluid communication with the interior fluid pathway within the system. A distal opening serves as a receptacle for receiving the luer tip of a syringe in order to implement the related method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction catheter device usable with a respiratory support system which includes a catheter enveloped in a sleeve having a proximal end connector for connection to a suction source through a suction control device such as a suction control valve, and a distal end connector for attachment to a manifold of the respiratory support system. The proximal end connector includes a normally closed valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until a suction control device is attached thereto. The proximal end connector may also be adapted for use on a dual lumen catheter and thereby include a fluid injection passage having a one-way check valve therein. The distal end connector of the suction catheter device includes a magnifying window through which a portion of the catheter within the connector can be viewed.

Abstract: A fluid collection and disposal system which includes a reusable collection unit designed to be cleaned by a servicing unit after use. The servicing unit performs an automatic servicing cycle to remove the collected fluid from the collection unit and prepare it for reuse.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure seal for containers such as syringes or syringes with an attached needle. The seal includes a plurality of slits therein which inhibit removal of the seal from the container once the seal has been placed on the container. The method includes deformation of a portion of the slitted area of the seal in order to strengthen the seal in the area of the slits so as to improve removeability of the seal from its release liner prior to attachment thereof to the container, without inadvertent or premature destruction of the seal.

Abstract: A ventilator manifold provided with access ports and method thereof for accessing the interior chamber of the manifold and cleansing secretions from the inner wall of the manifold's interior chamber with a cleaning device without having to disconnect the patient from the respiratory support system.

Abstract: A catheter introducer (31) which allows a dilator section (33) and a sheath section (32) to be engaged with and disengaged from each other promptly and smoothly. The catheter introducer (31) is composed of a sheath section (32) consisting of a sheath (35) and a sheath hub (34) and a dilator section (33) consisting of a dilator (38) and a dilator hub (36). The dilator hub (36) includes a flange (37) to cover the end of said sheath hub 34) in the state of engagement formed at the distal end of the dilator hub (36), a circular groove (40) formed in the internal circular portion of the flange (37) or in the external circular portion of the sheath hub (34), and a protrusion (39) to be engaged with said groove wherein the protrusion is formed on the external circular portion of the sheath hub or on the internal circular portion of the flange.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the cleaning of a ventilator manifold while it is attached to a respiratory support system. A particular embodiment of the present invention relates to a cleaning device used in conjunction with the ventilator manifold to clean the interior chamber of the manifold of patient secretions that have accumulated during the use of the manifold. The cleaning device includes a dual lumen catheter which accesses one of a plurality of manifold ports by inserting the cleaning device through a flexible boot attached to one of the manifold ports. The flexible boot allows for omni-directional use of the cleaning device inside the manifold by medical personnel. The use of the flexible boot in combination with the cleaning device allows medical personnel to cleanse the interior of the manifold without concurrent loss of respiratory support to the patient.

Abstract: A gastroenteric feeding tube is provided which is ideally adapted for endoscopic placement through an endoscope having a working channel and a steerable tip. The feeding tube is provided with a longitudinal length sufficient to allow the endoscope to be removed from about the feeding tube without disturbing the distal placement of the feeding tube within the patient's intestines. After the feeding tube has been properly positioned within the patient and the endoscope has been removed from about the feeding tube, a connector is securely attached to the proximal end of the feeding tube to allow it to be connected to a feeding pump, or the like, to provide nourishment to the patient.

Abstract: A bioabsorbable assembly for sealing an incision or puncture in the body of the patient including a first member which is positioned generally along the wall of the blood vessel, duct, body cavity or lumen of the patient and a gelatinous material which is injected into the incision or puncture around a filament or clip member which is associated with the first member to seal the incision or puncture from the flow of fluids through the blood vessel, duct or lumen of the patient and the method therefore.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is disclosed which includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The fluid delivery set includes a stop cock valve, and the pump includes a valve actuation unit into which the stop cock valve is positioned for operation of the system. The valve actuation unit includes a valve receiving mechanism which requires the valve to be closed in order to be inserted into or removed from the valve actuation unit, thereby preventing accidental free flow of fluid at all times. The fluid delivery set may also include an auxiliary fluid source to allow periodic flushing of the fluid delivery line, and the valve actuation unit can be programmed by the pump to automatically initiate periodic flushing cycles if desired.

Abstract: A device for sealing incisions in the body of a patient wherein the device includes a bioabsorbable sealing member having an elongate shaft member and an elastomeric and flexible balloon member. The device may also include a preformed or injectable collagenous material associated therewith to hemostatically seal the incision in the body of the patient. The shaft member may include one or more lumens extending therethrough in flow communication with one or more balloon members thereon to provide a relatively simple device which effectively seals an incision in the body of a patient.

Abstract: A footstand for stabilizing or securing a body of a medical device against overturn. The body may especially be a chest drainage unit designed and configured to receive and collect fluids from a medical patient. The invention comprises a two leg component rotatable footstand which incorporates a gear driving mechanism which operates between the legs to simplify the action of pulling out the respective legs of the footstand. The gear driving mechanism allows the medical technician to activate the footstand by simply pulling out either the front or back leg to its stabilizing position, the other leg will automatically be rotated into its stabilizing position. A detent is provided which will provide a secure "click" sound so that a medical technician will know the legs have been pulled out away from the CDU a sufficient distance to provide the proper stabilization for the CDU.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is disclosed which includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The fluid delivery set includes a stop cock valve, and the pump includes a valve actuation unit into which the stop cock valve is positioned for operation of the system. The valve actuation unit includes a valve receiving mechanism which requires the valve to be closed in order to be inserted into or removed from the valve actuation unit, thereby preventing accidental free flow of fluid at all times. The fluid delivery set may also include an auxiliary fluid source to allow periodic flushing of the fluid delivery line, and the valve actuation unit can be programmed by the pump to automatically initiate periodic flushing cycles if desired.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a reliable, contamination free, distal end adapter for a suction catheter. The adapter allows the patient to breathe directly therethrough when it is connected to the patient's endotracheal tube for use, and provides an enclosure for preventing exposure of medical personnel to contaminants when withdrawing the catheter from the patient and disconnecting the catheter adapter from the endotracheal tube for disposal.

Abstract: A syringe needle thimble cap and its method of use is shown such that the thimble cap has a porous plastic, hydrophilic core captured within a cylindrical cap member for use with an arterial blood gas syringe barrel and needle assembly. The syringe needle thimble cap has a generally thimble-shaped cap with a proximal opening. The porous plastic core material is positioned within the thimble cap distally to the proximal opening, and the core material is held in place by an inwardly extending ring to prevent its removal. An open or hollow space is created distally to the porous material which is otherwise bounded by the interior surfaces of the thimble cap.

Abstract: A lancet type device having a movable and retractable lancet tip is disclosed. The lancet tip extends beyond the end of a lancet body. The device includes an actuating mechanism that moves and retracts the sharp distal lancet tip linearly into and out of contact with a patient's skin. The actuating mechanism includes an arm with a substantially "V" shaped groove. In one embodiment, the arm extends away from and pivots around the proximal end of the device. In another embodiment, the arm moves transversely across the device. A cylindrical cam follower protrudes from the lancet body. Contact between the groove and the cam follower moves the cam follower, and consequently the lancet body, in a linear direction along the axis of the lancet body.

Abstract: A device for sealing incisions in the body of a patient wherein the device includes a bioabsorbable sealing member having an elongate shaft member and an elastomeric and flexible balloon member. The device may also include a preformed or injectable collagenous material associated therewith to hemostatically seal the incision in the body of the patient. The shaft member may include one or more lumens extending therethrough in flow communication with one or more balloon members thereon to provide a relatively simple device which effectively seals an incision in the body of a patient.

Abstract: A sleeve which includes a tamper-evident indicator that is securely engagable to a catheter assembly and allows for clear visual indication of whether the connected tubes have been tampered with or the tubes have been disconnected and reconnected. The sleeve comprises a first and second cover portions having a hollow cylindrical shape including barb members attached to the interior surface of the cover portions. A tab connects the two cover portions and is severable from the catheter assembly upon pulling the tab relative to the cover portions, thereby releasing the sleeve. Other than by using the tab, a user cannot release the sleeve without an indication of tampering to the sleeve itself.