Abstract: A terminal reservoir capping device according to the present invention includes a hollow member having first and second open ends. A first plug seals the first open end such that the plug is inwardly displaceable into the hollow member. A second plug seals the second open end. A chamber is defined by the hollow member and the first and second plugs. A reservoir of disinfecting fluid or therapeutic drug is provided in the chamber. Axially extending from the first end of the hollow member is a mechanism for engaging and advancing the tube connector into the chamber so as to inwardly displace the first plug into the chamber. The plug self-releases and allows dispersal of the reservoir fluid into the tube connector.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for maintaining the patency of a vein access device in which a dilute solution of an anticoagulant drug is slowly infused into the vein access device. The patency device includes a self-energized container and means for adding a medicament without disconnecting the patency device from the vein access device. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, a self-energized container delivers a heparin solution to the vein access device at a concentration from about 0.01 to about 0.99 international heparin units per milliliter of diluent at a flow rate from about 0.01 to about 1.0 milliliters per hour.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A locking device is capable of being retrofitted by insertion into a standard plastic syringe. The syringe is of the type having a cylindrical inner wall made of plastic material, a closed, distal end, and an open, proximal end for movement of a plunger therein. The plunger has a plunger stem made of plastic material with longitudinal ribs in an "X" shaped cross-section. The locking device has a clip-type body portion formed with a U-shaped channel for clipping onto one longitudinal rib, a first set of barbed points angled toward the plunger stem for engaging the plunger stem when it is depressed toward the distal end after a first retraction movement toward the proximal end of the syringe, and a second set of barbed points angled toward the inner wall of the syringe for engaging the inner wall in order to lock the plunger stem from a second retraction movement, thereby preventing reuse of the syringe.

Abstract: A sample site having a needleless connector access port including a flush mounted valve assembly which is readily accessible for wiping clean with a disinfectant. A male Luer connector may be operatively connected into the access port by a split Luer arrangement of female Luer connector portions adjacent the access port aperture. The split Luer arrangement does not generally obstruct wiping access to the access port and may include moveable connector portions to provide completely unobstructed wiping access thereto.

Abstract: A catheter assembly with a reciprocable obturator is disclosed which facilitates patency maintenance during intravenous therapy. The assembly includes a catheter having an elongated tubular portion defining a lumen, and an obturator assembly mounted on the catheter. The obturator assembly includes a reciprocable obturator member including an elongated obturator rod telescopically disposed within the catheter lumen. The rod is configured to cooperate with the lumen to inhibit liquid flow into the free end of the catheter. The device can be employed in conjunction with a high molecular weight, viscous fluid, in order to further inhibit ingress of liquid into the catheter.

Abstract: Emergency I.V. set-up apparatus comprises a flexible bag and flexible tube fixedly attached to the bag, and pre-packaged in one sterile package. The apparatus includes a base to which a cap is securely attached, with an output end of the flexible tube inserted into the cap in a sterile manner to block off the I.V. tube. A valve is connected to the tubing to control flow from the bag into the tubing. The bag and tube, may be pre-filled and pre-primed. In operation, an emergency field personnel paramedic can remove the flexible tube with one hand to begin an I.V. solution delivery to a patient alone in a very small amount of time.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter system is disclosed which allows insertion and removal of a guidewire through the inner member of the catheter, yet which inner member includes a portion which is smaller than the cross-section of portions of the guidewire. Advancement and removal of the guidewire are achieved by forming the first portion of the inner member of the catheter shaft from material which is expandable, or which is sufficiently thin to be folded and temporarily secured in place using several techniques.

Abstract: A multiple inlet manifold for mixing and transporting therethrough fluids under pressure comprising a manifold body including a plurality of valve inlets and a single outlet, a mixing chamber provided between the valve inlets and the outlet, and a flexible membrane disposed between the valve inlets and the outlet to retain the valve inlets normally closed at selected levels of fluid pressure. Fluid flow under pressure opens a valve inlet to enable fluid flow into the mixing chamber.

Abstract: A catheter for thermally treating a hollow body organ includes a first flexible elongate member having a heater element at or near its distal end. A second flexible elongate member may be slidably disposed within a central lumen of the first flexible elongate member and may include an occluding means, such as an inflatable balloon, at its distal end. By first inserting the distal end of the second flexible elongate member within a hollow body organ or connecting region, the heater element on the first flexible elongate member may then be positioned and repositioned by axially translating the first flexible elongate member over the exterior of the second flexible elongate member. A collapsible shield may also be provided about the exposed heater element on the first flexible elongate member. The shield typically comprises a cylinder having a plurality of axial slots near its distal end.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a prostate dilation balloon disposed on a urethral catheter, a fixation balloon also disposed on said catheter, wherein said catheter is partially or completely transparent, and a fiber optic endoscope disposed within said catheter. The scope is arranged so that it can visualize the area outside the catheter in order to determine whether the dilation balloon and fixation balloon are properly located within their respective targets within the urethra and/or bladder. The scope is also capable of focusing on objects which may be present in and along the urethra.

Abstract: A hypodermic injection system (7) with a retractable needle (9) wherein the needle (9) retracts within an interior cavity (71) of a syringe plunger (59), such that the needle (9) is confinedly held within the plunger (59). A cylindrical spring housing (21) has resilient fingers (23) which captures a spring (15) biasly holding a needle holder (11) against the retaining force of resilient fingers (23). The plunger (59) has a frangible end (65), which dissociates when the outwardly tapered shoulders (68) spread the resilient fingers (23), allowing the coiled spring (15) to eject the needle (9) and its holder (11) into the interior cavity (71) of the syringe plunger (59). A body fluid sampling embodiment employs the same functional elements except the plunger (59") is shorter and contains a linking needle (137) that communicates with a vacuum container (147). The container allows fluid sampling and provides the structure to release the spring (15") retracting the needle (9").

Abstract: A turn-limiting proximal adaptor for steerable catheter systems comprising a stationary portion and a rotator portion, the rotator portion secured to a guidewire to provide rotational mobility of the guidewire component relative to the catheter component. The proximal adaptor includes a turn-limiter section which has a translational nut threaded onto a central element and limited in longitudinal displacement by a proximal stop and a distal stop. The central threaded element is secured to the stationary portion of the proximal adapter and forms a torsionally rigid body.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for use in medical devices having a single valve disc therein to allow a medical fluid to be drawn from a bulk container through the inlet opening and secondary opening of the valve assembly and into a syringe and then subsequently dispensing the fluid from the syringe through the secondary opening and outlet opening of the valve assembly and into a second container or to the patient. Alternately, the valve assembly may be used with a squeeze bulb of an aspiration device such that as the bulb is squeezed, the air in the bulb passes from the secondary opening to the outlet opening of the valve assembly and then, as the bulb is released, the negative pressure from the bulb is transmitted through the secondary opening and inlet opening of the valve assembly to the aspiration device to draw fluids from the patient and into the aspiration device.

Abstract: An injection site platform for use in adding a needle-injected medication to a parenteral fluid being provided to a patient includes a base which has an outlet port of a size and shape to receive a needle-piercible resealable diaphragm. The platform consists of the base member and a port member and when these two elements are assembled together they apply a compressive holding force on the needle-piercible resealable diaphragm. The platform includes one or more sockets which are of a size and shape to hold a hypodermic needle sheath. The sockets each include a plurality of arms which are flexible so that the socket may hold difference size and shape needle sheaths.

Abstract: A safety I.V. drug introducer set for use with a I.V. administration set is described for facilitating the injection of drugs into a primary fluid line without the necessity of an exposed hypodermic needle. In one embodiment, a Tee is inserted in the I.V. line whose cross-portion includes one or more check valves and whose stem portion comprises a socket for receiving the distal end of an outer tuburlar shaft having a pair of oppositely disposed ports passing through the wall thereof near the distal end. Fitted into the lumen of the outer tubular shaft is an inner tubular shaft having but a single aperture at its distal end alignable with one, the other, or neither of the pair of apertures in the outer shaft. A hollow key member is designed to fit within the non-circular bore of the inner tubular shaft for facilitating the rotation thereof. The key member also includes a single aperture at its distal end which is continuously aligned with the single aperture in the inner tubular member.

Abstract: A dilation catheter having an inflatable member and an element for retaining a curved shape, and a method of using same to restore patency to an obstructed portion of the lacrimal system. The catheter is inserted into the lacrimal system and the inflatable member is positioned in the obstructed portion. Insertion of the catheter is facilitated by mechanically imparting a curved shape to a distal portion of the catheter. The inflatable member is inflated to dilate the obstructed portion to restore patency to the lacrimal system. Preferably, the catheter includes one or more visually perceivable markers having a known spaced relationship to one of the ends of the inflatable member. Positioning of the inflatable member is assisted by aligning the marker relative to an opening into the lacrimal system.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base, defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A cannula for puncturing blood vessels comprising a beveled cannula tip and a cannula holder wherein the cannula is fixedly mounted, the cannula holder having at its rear end a flexible tube and being at least partially surrounded by a wing-shaped handle and a protector cap covering the cannula tip, wherein the protector cap and the handle are formed as a unit, which is slipped onto the said holder from the cannula tip, the said cannula holder comprises a locking collar and the said handle comprises a snap-in groove whereby said locking collar is locked in said snap-in groove when the unit is mounted on the cannula holder and the said cannula holder is provided with a shoulder facing said tube at a distance from said handle.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for indirectly infusing the coronary arteries involves insertion of a relatively large tubular member into the left ventricle to maintain blood flow from the left ventricle into the aorta. An isolated chamber within a segment of the aorta encompassing the opening to the coronary arteries is formed by inflating a pair of doughnut-shaped balloons attached at opposite ends of the tubular member. A catheter extends axially through the tubular member and includes a passage for infusing a treatment material into the isolated chamber. The treatment material is subsequently drawn into the coronary arteries which form the only exit from the isolated chamber.