Abstract: A system for interconnecting two medical devices with a flexible elongated interconnection member, such as a cord, a wire, or a tube, includes two separates lengths of the elongated member and a selectively releasable electric coupling therebetween. One or both lengths of the elongated member contain a cord dispenser which comprises a portion of that length of the cord wound into a tubular coil and a tubular casing coaxially encircling the coil and having openings at opposite ends thereof. Preferably, the inner surface of the casing is in gripping engagement with the outer surface of the coil. Depending on the manner in which the coil is wound, the cord and the coil can be controllably unwound from the coil in the casing by withdrawing an end of the cord from one or both exit openings in the casing. Preferably, however, one end of the cord passes longitudinally through the center of the coil from a winding at one end to an exit opening in the casing at the other end.

Abstract: An inflatable balloon-type catheter (20) for use in performing an embolectomy, includes an elongated catheter (21) having a distal end (22) adapted to be inserted through an incision into a patient's blood vessel (V). A plurality of fingers (24) having first ends (25) are mounted on the distal marginal end portion of the catheter in circumferentially-spaced relation to one another. Each of the fingers has a second end (26) arranged farther from the catheter distal end than the finger first ends. Each of the fingers is configured as a leaf-spring and has an unbiased radius of curvature such that the finger second ends are normally spaced farther radially outwardly than the finger first ends. A balloon (28) surrounds the fingers and is operatively secured to the catheter so that the fingers are arranged with an inflatable chamber (29) defined between the catheter and the balloon.

Abstract: A method for delivering a medication into a body cavity includes the steps of inflating a flexible bag within the body cavity such that the flexible bag expands to fill most of the void of the body cavity, and injecting medication into the space between an exterior surface of the flexible bag and the cavity wall such that the medication substantially surrounds the flexible bag and fills the remaining void. The steps of inflating the flexible bag and injecting medication are accomplished through subcutaneous injection at a site remote from the body cavity. To accomplish this, a surgically implantable tumor access device includes co-located first and second injection ports, for respectively, receiving a sterile fluid and a fluid medication. A flexible fluid conduit, which includes two coaxial tubes, directs the injected fluids, in a manner providing separate fluid flow paths, to a point adjacent to an inlet for the flexible bag. An inner tube fluidly connects the flexible bag with the first injection port.

Abstract: An improved applicator for applying a topical anesthetic to a patient's mucosal tissue is disclosed, and includes a sponge-like dispenser member characterized by a relatively large surface area. The dispenser member is attached to an elongated handle. A predetermined quantity of the topical anesthetic is preapplied to the applicator member. A number of the applicators are stored in a refillable dispenser apparatus, wherein a refill dispenser housing defines a number of applicator wells, each for receiving one of the applicators. The handles of the applicators can be color-coded to indicate the flavor of the topical anesthetic which has been preapplied to the applicator.

Abstract: Dilatation balloons and catheters including same are provided. The balloons are fabricated of a biaxially orientable material such as a nylon or a polyamide material, and they have an inflated, non-distened working profile as well as a stretched inflated profile which is achieved by applying pressure through a dilatation catheter or the like that is in excess of that needed to achieve the inflated, non-distended profile and which is adequate to effect dilatation or the like up to a maximum pre-bursting pressure application. The maximum pre-bursting size of the balloon can be tailored depending upon the needs of the particular balloon within a wide range of possible maximum pre-bursting sizes.

Abstract: A bending device for use in an endoscope, a catheter or the like is of a simple construction having a frame, a resilient thin plate, and operating wires. The frame has a generally cylindrical shape as a whole, and has annular portions disposed respectively in planes substantially perpendicular to the axis of the frame, the annular portions being juxtaposed in an axial direction of the frame. The resilient thin plate is received in an internal space of the frame. Recesses are formed in each of opposite lateral edges of the resilient thin plate, and are juxtaposed in a longitudinal direction of the resilient thin plate. The annular portions of the frame are engaged respectively in the recesses in each of the opposite lateral edges of the resilient thin plate, so that any adjacent ones of the annular portions are spaced a predetermined distance from each other.

Abstract: A device and method for accessing the uterus to manipulate it or to introduce fluids or other devices into it. The device includes a shaft having a first, expandable distal member which is inserted into the uterus and a second, inflatable proximal member which is inserted partially into the cervical canal. The proximal member automatically adjusts to the length of the cervical canal upon inflation because only the proximal portion of the proximal member which is outside of the cervical canal expands. During use of the device, the distal member is expanded within the uterus and the shaft is withdrawn proximally until the expanded distal device contacts the internal os of the cervix. The proximal member is then inflated proximal to the exterior os of the cervix. The distal portion of the proximal member lies within and is obstructed by the cervical canal. The distal and proximal members thereby cooperate to securely couple the shaft to the uterus by automatically adjusting to the length of the cervical canal.

Abstract: Probe-like catheter has a small diameter and can be steered to and passed through narrow stenoses. The probe has a balloon at its distal end which is collapsible to a low profile to enable it to be passed through the stenosis. The probe may include a distal tip which can hold a preset curve. The probe is sufficiently rigid to enable the transmission of torque to the distal end to permit steering of the probe by controllably rotating the proximal end of the probe.In use, a stenosis which cannot be crossed by a more conventional sized dilatation catheter may permit passage of the dilatation probe.

Abstract: An adapter seal for use with a cannula assembly is provided. The adapter seal gives a surgeon increased flexibility in performing endoscopic procedures by allowing the use of variously sized instruments through a single cannula. The adapter seal is preferably provided with a stabilizer plate to limit the eccentric movement of an instrument relative to the seal, which may inadvertently release the gaseous seal.

Abstract: An improved method for lymphoscintigraphy or magnetic resonance lymphography involves subtraction of a negative image produced using a gross imaging agent from a positive image produced with a specific antibody imaging agent. Another embodiment of the invention uses an antibody to lymphatic tissue as an imaging agent for lymphatics. A further embodiment uses a magnetic resonance image enhancing agent for magnetic resonance lymphography.Reagents and kits for use in the foregoing method are also provided.

Abstract: The disclosure of this application is directed to a clean air tube which provides a constantly renewable source of purified air for loading into a medicament syringe prior to use of the syringe for withdrawing liquid medicament from a multi-dose vial. The tube is fitted with a clean-filtering membrane, through which ambient air is filtered upon being drawn into the tube. The disclosure also describes the sequence of steps involved in loading the syringe with clean-filtered air.

Abstract: Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least one lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered.

Abstract: An intravenous flow controller having inlet and outlet ends. An icicle or stylus drop former is positioned in fluid communication between the inlet end and the outlet end. A diaphragm in fluid communication with said inlet ends and the icicle drop former. A collection tube for collecting drops of fluid from the icicle drop former. A flow variation device for controlling flow of aggregate drops collected in the collection tube to the outlet end.

Abstract: A safety device for a hypodermic needle or for a similar instrument used in the clinical puncture of the skin comprises a sheath (6, 25 or 32) adapted to be connected to the needle (5, 21 or 33) or to a support (4 or 31) for the needle. The sheath is so connected in a first position (FIG. 1A, 2A, or 3A) which permits normal use of the needle and can be placed, by movement relative to the needle (FIG. 1B or 3B) or by folding upon itself (FIGS. 2B and 2C) in a second position in which the needle is encapsulated by the sheath. The sheath is retained in that second position, for example by a projection (9, 27 or 35) extending into a slot (10 or 36) or through an aperture (28).

Abstract: The invention relates to an automatic two-chamber injector for mixing and injecting a medical solution. The injector comprises a barrel (11) having a first end with a receiving portion (15) for an injection needle (17), said portion being sealed prior to use, and a second end with a displaceable plunger (27). The barrel (11) comprises two chambers (29, 30) separated by a migrationproof membrane (28), said membrane (28) being adapted to rupture when the plunger (27) is displaced towards the first end of the barrel (11).The invention also related to a method for mixing and injecting a solution by means of an automatic two-chamber injector and to a cartridge for a two-chamber injector.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a device suitable for mixing medicaments which comprises two separate containers. The first container is provided with a reservoir section and a neck section such that the cross section of the neck section is less than the cross section of the reservoir. A stopper is snugly fit within the neck section adjacent to the reservoir and a spike and plunger member is snugly fit within the neck section adjacent the stopper on the side opposite the reservoir. The spike and plunger member has a midportion with a hole therein, and a plunger projecting from the midportion adapted to make contact with the stopper. A spike extends from the midportion in the opposite direction.

Abstract: An attachment for an eye dropper bottle that aids in keeping the person's eyelids open while the bottle is being squeezed to insert/apply eyedrops into the eye. The attachment comprises two pivotably connected arms having laterally-projecting ears adapted to have edge contact with the person's eyelids. End areas of the arms can be engaged with the side surface of the person's nose to hold the attachment in a steady position or the arms can rest on the persons temple area. The squeeze bottle is offset to one side of the eye so that the eye and nozzle area of the bottle are made visible to the other eye.

Abstract: A spear-like device for puncturing the membrane or diaphragm stopper of a liquid medicament vial. The spear-like device includes a fluid supply port from which liquid can be delivered to a hooded needle.

Abstract: Automatic injection device, as well as ampoule or cartridge for the same. In order to obtain a high speed discharge of an ampoule-hypodermic needle, as well as to ensure an operationally reliable, low weight, robust small apparatus or ampoule at long storability, sterility and re-usability of components for a plurality of injection substances, the needle body (30) of the cannulahypodermic needle (3) is constructed over part of its extension as a needle bearing (31) guided in sliding fit on the inner wall (21) of the cartridge (2). Particularly with a view to administering separate injection substances, it is provided for a cartridge or ampoule with needle and lifting element, that within the ampoule there is arranged a receptacle forming a gas volume, which receptacle can be destroyed easily by initiating the lifting movement and which is resistant to the injection fluid surrounding it.

Abstract: An application for liquid ophthalmic solution is provided which has a laterally protruding spout and a resiliently flexible wall portion. Application of ophthalmic solution to the eye is performed by placing the tip of the nozzle on the lower eyelid and by applying pressure to the flexible wall portion, whereupon the ophthalmic solution flows directly into the eye.