Abstract: Delivery devices which include a beneficial agent and an activating mechanism in separate compartments separated by a moveable partition are designed to deliver the beneficial agent in a pulsatile manner through an orifice. The pulsatile delivery is achieved by a band of resilient material which is placed over the orifice. The resilient material is sufficiently tight to substantially seal the orifice when the pressure within the device is below a threshold level while at the same time being capable of being stretched when the internal pressure exceeds the threshold.

Abstract: The device comprises a receiving housing for receiving and maintaining the vial, this latter being comprised of a pocket (10) containing the product and a nozzle (11 ) in which is inserted a pump (8) which has a variable volume chamber (8000) controlled by a movable actuating member (85); the device according to the invention comprises a pushing means (42) capable of acting against this actuating member (85) through the wall of the casing so as to displace it in a so-called "forward" direction against a resilient release means, a locking means (46) capable of locking the pushing means (42) in a position in which it maintains the actuating member in a mobile state at the end of the "forward" stroke, and an unlocking control means (52) of said locking means (46).Device for distributing successive and precise doses of a fluid product, in particular medicinal or cosmetic, for instance for the instillation of an eye lotion.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter includes a catheter body and an expansion section disposed at the distal end of the catheter body. This section is operable between a low profile state which facilitates insertion of the catheter into a body conduit, and a high profile state which facilitates occlusion of the body conduit by the catheter. An elastomeric sleeve disposed to be carried outwardly by the expansion section forms a continuous concave surface for occluding the body conduit.

Abstract: Methods for conducting controlled environment electrotransport are described. The methods generally concern control of the ionic environment of the active electrode reservoir, in an electrotransport system. This control may be utilized, for example, to maintain a constant extraneous ion presence, such as pH. It may also be applied in a preferred manner to maintain selected control over the delivery rate of a target species, in time, in the presence of extraneous ions. Apparatus usable to provide for controlled environment electrotransport are also described. In general the apparatus comprises an electrotransport system including an active electrode reservoir having therein both a primary electrode arrangement and a secondary electrode arrangement, with a control arrangement for selected operation of both.

Abstract: A non-kinking tubing adaptor for an intravenous catheter and associated flexible tubing including a rigid tube having a J-shaped configuration, the short end of the J-shaped tube being constructed for connection to an intravenous catheter and the long end of the J-shaped tube being constructed for connection to a flexible intravenous tubing.

Abstract: An embolectomy catheter containing a lumen for the introduction of a liquid substance and provided in the distal end thereof with spinning means for extruding said liquid substance in the form of a filamentous embolic material.

Abstract: This invention provides a medical tool the surface of which is enabled to acquire lasting lubricity (low friction) by assuming a state wetted with bodily fluid or aqueous solution. This surface is formed without requiring the coating work to be repeated. The medical tool is produced by coating a water-swellable polymer having in the molecular unit thereof a reactive functional group capable of being reacted with a proton-donating group, on the surface of a matric material possessing the proton-donating group, and also by coating a water-swellable polymer having in the molecular unit thereof a reactive group capable of being reacted with an acid anhydride group on the surface of a matric material possessing the acid anhydride group.

Abstract: Direct injection of sphincteric botulinum toxin is disclosed as an effective, safe and simple method of treatment for disorders of gastrointestinal muscle or smooth muscles elsewhere in the body, with results that appear to be sustained for several months. Muscle disorders which are suitable for such treatment include achalasia, isolated disorders of the lower esophageal sphincter, gastroparesis, hypertrophic pyloric stenosis, sphincter of Oddi dysfunction, short-segment Hirschsprung's, anal fissure, hemorrhoids, proctalgia fugax, irritable bowel syndrome, disorders of the upper esophageal sphincter, vasospastic disorders, and disorders of uterine and bladder spasm. Devices suitable for delivering this therapy are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus are disclosed for removal of an existing cannula from a patient and insertion of a replacement cannula into the patient, through the same passageway, by use of a guide rod which maintains the passageway intact. The guide rod is first installed through the existing cannula, and the existing cannula is removed. A hollow trocar, carrying a replacement cannula, is inserted into the patient over the guide rod, then the guide rod and the trocar are removed, leaving the replacement cannula in place in the patient. The guide rod can be fitted with an expandable anchor to hold the guide rod in place during removal of the existing cannula and insertion of the trocar.

Abstract: An anti-infective coating for a sharp-edged metal instrument. The coating is insoluble in a biological medium and is bound to the metal instrument such as needles and scalpel blades. The coating is a biocompatible, non-hydrogel polymer. One embodiment is a coating on the metal which is complexed with an iodine solution to provide a programmed rapid release of iodine. A second embodiment is a solution of the biocompatible hydrogel polymer in which the iodine is dissolved and the solution containing iodine is coated in the sharp-edged metal instrument to provide a matrix having programmed sustained release of iodine. A coating with complexed iodine may be deposited over a coating with matrixed iodine to provide an anti-infective coating on a sharp-edged metal instrument with a rapid release and a sustained release of iodine over a period of weeks.

Abstract: A method of treating a subject in cardiac arrest, comprises blocking the descending aorta of the subject and then perfusing the aortic arch of the subject with a protective solution. The protective solution is one capable of delivering oxygen to the heart of said subject, such-as a perfluorochemical blood substitute. Following perfusion, spontaneous circulation is restored.In an improved embodiment of the foregoing, a vasoconstrictor such as epinephrine is administered concurrently with the perfusing step in an amount effective to enhance coronary perfusion with said protective solution.

Abstract: Anti-infection catheter arrangement comprising a catheter which has a rigid or flexible catheter tube with a connection piece at the distal end, characterized by a filling and suction device which can be attached to the connection piece and one or more active principle reservoirs with a total volume equal to the capacity of the catheter, possibly in addition the volume of intermediate pieces, in particular a three-way valve. This volume is entirely filled and at least one of the active principle reservoirs is filled with a substance containing at least an antibiotic agent or a chemotherapeutic agent or an antiviral agent, preferably aminoglycoside, in particular gentamycin, in at least a minimal effective concentration.

Abstract: Articles comprised of 2-acrylamido-2-methyl propane sulfonic acid (AMPS) polymer on a blood-contacting substrate or the like are useful in medical devices in which antithrombogenic characteristics and slippery surfaces are required.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of use for treating carpal tunnel syndrome designed to permit delivery of a sustained release, depot form of a corticosteroid agent at an adequate therapeutic dosage, directly into the center of the carpal tunnel. The apparatus consists of an armboard adapted for receiving and securing a human forearm and hand. In a preferred embodiment, the armboard also includes at least one forearm bracket and at least one wrist bracket having an integrally formed centering pointer and needle guide for delivery of medication into the carpal tunnel. In one embodiment of the method of use, an anesthetic agent and a corticosteroid are delivered by a needle installation directly into the anatomic center of the carpal tunnel in order to produce the desired pharmacological effects.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating pneumothorax and pneumohemothorax comprises a one-way valve having a top end and a bottom end and a suction port secured to and extending beyond the top end, a conduit secured to and extending perpendicularly away from the bottom end of the one-way valve in flow communication therewith a 90 degree elbow removably securable to a distal end of the conduit in flow communication therewith and a luer lock lug receptacle secured to the 90 degree elbow and adapted to threadingly receive luer lock lugs on a large bore needle or catheter. The 90 degree elbow is removably securable to the conduit and may be removed and replaced with a connection adapter. The connection adaptor has a first end removably securable to the distal end of the conduit and a second end removably securable to a chest tube surgically inserted in the pleural space. The apparatus may also include an injection port extending from and in flow communication with the conduit.

Abstract: A compound with topical anesthetic and plasticizing properties is dissolved in polymeric material of a medical device. Extrusion, co-extrusion and coating techniques to form endotracheal tubes, drainage tubes and other medical devices with the topical anesthetic are disclosed. A hydrophobic anesthetic compound such as the base form of lidocaine is used which is more soluble in the polymeric wall material of the tube than in water. As a result, the anesthetic compound is transferred only to the contiguous tissue of the body passage and not disseminated systemically through the aqueous fluids. The anesthetic compound diffuses to the surface of body tissue touched by the tube where its anesthetic effect suppresses discomfort and undesired rejection reactions.

Abstract: A clamp for occluding a flexible tube comprising a permanent magnet rotary actuator coupled to a rotatable cam. A spring-biasing mechanism is provided to counteract the rotation of the rotary actuator and to return the rotatable cam to a pre-determined position when power is withheld from the rotary actuator.

Abstract: A medical probe device for reducing tissue mass in a selected portion of the body comprises a torquable catheter having a control end and a probe end. The probe end includes a stylet guide means with a flexible tip and a tip directing means extending from the control end to the flexible tip for changing the orientation of the central axis of the stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through the stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. A stylet is positioned in the said stylet guide means. The stylet can be an RF electrode, microwave antenna, biopsy means, fluid supply means or combination thereof. Preferably, the stylet is a non-conductive sleeve having an electrode lumen and a second lumen therein, the electrode lumen terminating at a distal port in the distal end of the non-conductive sleeve, a radiofrequency electrode being positioned in said electrode lumen for longitudinal movement therein through the distal port.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for delivering oxygen into an environment of interest, such as blood plasma, having the characteristic of a low concentration of oxygen before delivery. The method includes the steps of preparing a mixture of oxygen and a liquid, compressing the mixture so that the oxygen dissolves in the liquid to form an oxygen-enriched liquid, delivering the oxygen-enriched liquid to a catheter having an internal diameter and length which retains the oxygen in solution and prevents the formation of bubbles, positioning the catheter in the environment of interest, and injecting the oxygen-enriched liquid into the environment through the catheter, such that the environment rapidly becomes enriched in oxygen. The apparatus includes a catheter with drawn silica tubing having narrowly defined passages through which oxygen-enriched liquid passes to oxygenate blood plasma.

Abstract: A gastric adapter comprising a three-way stopcock. The stopcock includes connectors having tapered surfaces for sealing tightly with the ends of nasogastric, gastrostomy and feeding tubing and includes fluid passageways of sufficient diameter so as to be capable of conveying viscous fluids such as emulsion, suspensions and slurrys to provide effective operation and use in the particular environment of administering critical fluids and medications through nasogastric and gastrostomy tubing.