Abstract: A suction catheter provided with three conduits to provide th functions of suctioning, lavaging and oxygenating. The suction conduit is connected to a suction control member. The second conduit for the irrigating fluid is connected to a source of said fluid. The third conduit is connected to a source of gas under pressure. The gas conduit terminates within the irrigation conduit to form a common chamber at the distal end of the irrigation conduit from which fluid is propelled out by the pressurized gas. The gas may preferably contain oxygen.

Abstract: The needle assembly holder of the present invention has mounted about its receptacle end a rotatable safety sheath so that irrespective of how the top of the cannula of the needle assembly is oriented with respect to the holder, the user can nonetheless obtain an unobstructed view of the tip of the cannula by rotating the safety sheath out of her line of sight.

Abstract: To be used with a double-ended needle assembly and to prevent the accidental pricking of user, or others, in a first embodiment of the present invention, a container holder mated with the needle assembly has a protective housing integrally and flexibly connected thereto. To prevent a contaminated needle from posing a risk to the user and others, the housing connected to the container holder is pivoted into alignment with the contaminated needle such that the needle is retained by at least one locking mechanism integral of the housing. The container holder, along with the contaminated needle assembly, can then be disposed of. If the container holder were to be reused, a second embodiment of the present invention provides for the connection of a protective housing to the hub of a double-ended needle assembly. For this embodiment, after use, the contaminated needle assembly, after having been properly retained in the protective housing, is removed from the reusable container housing and disposed of.

Abstract: A vent cycle indicator for a suction catheter formed by a sleeve connected between a collar having a wiper seal and a crosspiece. The suction catheter includes a vacuum connection member having a normally closed valve. A catheter tube is connected to the vacuum connection member and extends through the collar and crosspiece. The crosspiece is for connection to a ventilator such that during ventilation the indicator sleeve expands and contracts during the inspiration and expiration cycles. The protective sleeve may be provided between the collar and the vacuum connection member to keep the catheter tube enclosed.

Abstract: A syringe tip cap and a method for purging air from a syringe-like container containing air and hazardous liquid. The cap contains a hydrophilic filter which, when dry, allows air to pass through the filter. When the air is purged from the syringe, liquid from the container is pushed or drawn to the filter. The filter expands when wetted, seals the cap, and prevents further fluid flow. A flow restrictor may be included within the cap to concentrate the flow to only a portion of the filter to prevent premature sealing of the filter.

Abstract: A blood containment device including a housing with an opening through which an adhesive ply of multi-ply material is exposed. Blood is expelled from a syringe onto the exposed material. The housing has two chambers, one for the clean material and one for containing a take-up reel onto which the bvlood stained material is wound. A removable tension plate is supported within the housing to hold the absorbent material taut beneath the opening in the housing.

Abstract: A blood containment device including a housing with an opening through which absorbent material is exposed. Blood is expelled from a syringe onto the exposed material. The housing has two chambers, one for the clean material and one containing a take-up reel onto which the blood stained material is wound.