Abstract: A blood filtering system includes a check valve for preventing fluid back-flow, coupled between a peristaltic pump and a pressure equalizer, the valve including a tubular container having an inlet and an outlet, two elongated plastic films in the container extending from the inlet facing each other, joined at their peripheries, with a hole in an end of one film proximate the container outlet. Fluid may flow from the inlet through the films to the outlet; but, back-flow is prevented by collapse of the films.

Abstract: An applicator of the present invention generally comprises too pivotally connected handle members, extending into upper and lower jaws. The lower jaw includes a lip, the lower jaw and lip defining a space into which an animals ear is located. The lower jaw further includes a recess, with a pivotal bar extending thereacross. In use, an eartag is positioned on a pivotally mounted pin. The handles are brought together, bringing the pin and tag passed the lip portion, through the ear of the animal (forming a cut therein) and through the recess described above. The pivotal bar stops or at least reduces movement of the ear into the recess, which has previously resulted in too large a cut being formed in the ear, and which has made the tag more difficult to apply.

Abstract: A baby pacifier comprises a pair of opposed generally dome shaped members coupled by a collapsable wall portion. An upwardly extending nipple member is supported within one of the domed members. The remaining domed member defines a slot through which the nipple member may be passed. A pair of handle sections are coupled between the dome and are operative to drawn the dome sections together and expose the nipple member.

Abstract: A system is provided for detecting the presence of an infiltration condition in a line delivering fluid to a patient. Stepping means subjects the fluid in the line to a negative pressure step. The pressure of the fluid is monitored, and processing means then determines whether an infiltration condition is present by determining whether the function of line pressure over time in response to the occurrence of a negative pressure step exhibits a relative slow return to the pre-step pressure, such relatively slow return being characteristic of the presence of infiltration.

Abstract: An improved technique for positioning a balloon dilatation catheter. When the balloon catheter approaches an obstruction that is difficult to enter, a drive catheter having a rotatable head is inserted into a central passageway in the catheter. The drive catheter bores through the obstruction allowing the balloon to be inserted and pressurized to compress obstructions and widen a passageway for blood flow.

Abstract: This invention concerns a surgical instrument for positioning and insertion for plasty (prosthetic replacement) of the posterior cruciate ligament of the knee.This instrument is characterized by the fact that it consists of, on the one hand, a chisel composed of a handle (2) and a blade (1) in the shape of an italic `S`, the internal terminal part of which (4) is concave, so that the aforesaid blade (1) may be introduced across the femoral notch up to the posterior face of the tibia, and on the other hand, a guide support (9) fixed firmly to the chisel (1, 2) by clamp (8), which comprises at its extremity, arranged in relation to and at a distance from the concave part (4) of the blade (1), two double branch guides (10) in the direction of the aforementioned concave part (4).

Abstract: The instant invention provides both a device and a method for treatment of a fractured neck of a femur. The device is such that it is inserted inside the broken femur and urges the two halves together so that the bone will unite and heal by natural growth processes. Unlike its predecessor the instant invention can be withdrawn from the femur once sufficient healing has taken place and the bone will continue to repair itself for all practical purposes to an extent as if no fracture had occurred.

Abstract: An instrument by which a biocompatible liquid or semi-liquid formulation is injected through bone tissue. The device has a needle (16) removably mounted at the end of a carpule (13). The carpule has a moving base wall, means (4, 8, 9, 12) for rotating the carpule and the needle, and a motor (5) for applying a force to the moving base wall of the carpule. The motor (5) applies the force to the moving base wall via a rack (17) which bears against the moving base wall of the carpule.

Abstract: In order to withdraw pharmaceutical products from sterile vials by means of a syringe, apparatus is used on one end of which a syringe possibly containing a liquid solvent is mounted and at the other end of which a seat is provided for housing the mouth of a vial. The syringe needle can puncture the rubber or similar stopper by which the vial is sealed, while the needle itself remains enclosed and protected by said apparatus. The invention relates to a device which, when the vial has been removed, can itself be housed in said apparatus seat to enable the needle to puncture a rubber stopper provided on the device, which is connected to one end of a cannula having for example mounted on its other end a needle for transfusion purposes. In this manner, the liquid can be discharged from the syringe while the needle remains enclosed and protected by the said apparatus.

Abstract: A device for use in setting of fractured wrist or other wrist disorders including a rigid rod member adjustable in length, a pair of holders fastened to the member and each carrying at least one transcutaneous pin which is intended to penetrate the skin and muscle so that the free ends of the pins may be secured in holes drilled in the bone parts. The pins of one holder are adapted for entering the bone distal the wrist and the pins of the other holder are adapted for entering the bone proximal the wrist. The pin adapted for entering the bone distal the fracture is operatively connected to a compound arc gear adapted to move the wrist through a predetermined path of flexion or extension. The compound arc gear has a plurality of sections each of predetermined varying radius of curvatures to correspond to the physiologic path of flexion or extension of the patient fitted with the device.

Abstract: A catheter assembly having a dilating catheter and a guiding catheter. The guiding catheter has elongated, coaxial inner and outer tubes. The distal ends of the inner and outer tubes are connected together. A plurality of passages allow fluid flow through the connection between the inner and outer tubes. A plurality of support flaps are formed on the outer tube by a plurality of longitudinal slits. As the outer tube is moved longitudinally relative to the inner tube, the support flaps bend and move radially outward from the inner tube. The expanded support flaps, within the aorta, help to hold the end of the guiding catheter within the selected coronary artery. Radiopaque rings, mounted on each end of the support flaps, help to determine the location of the support flaps.

Abstract: A subcutaneous access site to aid in the delivery of chemotherapeutic or analgesic drugs to the blood stream or to any body cavity. The device embodies a specially supported septum which exhibits exceptional resealing characteristics. In this regard, the device includes a rigid inner ring adapted to create uniform circumferential compression on the septum member to enhance site resealing even when standard twelve degree beveled hypodermic syringe needles are used. Additionally, the device is uniquely configured to give immediate feedback to the caregiver if the needle misses the target, thereby minimizing accidental subcutaneous injections.

Abstract: The rectal-stomal insert apparatus is used for occluding an opening in a patient's colon and preventing uncontrolled leakage during examination with a colonoscope. The apparatus includes an insertion member having an outer end, an inner end, and an exterior surface. The insertion member has an instrument channel and a separate and distinct suction channel each of which extends between the outer end and the inner end. The instrument channel is large enough to receive a colonoscope tube and is provided with a seal to seal around the colonoscope tube. An expandable occlusion member is coupled to the insertion member exterior surface. The occlusion member is made of a relatively soft material to sealingly engage and occlude the opening of the colon as the occlusion member is expanded. At the outer end of the suction channel is a longitudinal flange for receiving suction apparatus. A handle is provided at the outer end of the insertion member.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and instruments for resection of the distal femur. The instruments include a distal femoral resector and a femoral alignment guide/rod. The distal femoral resector is designed to be attached to the distal femur on a plane filed on the anterior femoral cortex. The distal femoral resector includes a feeler gauge laterally adjustable to adapt to the intercondylar notch of the particular patient and further includes a rotating rod having openings therethrough for fastening pins, which rotating rod is designed to facilitate the placement of the resector on the anterior femoral cortex in a flush manner. The femoral alignment guide/rod includes a plate insertable within a slot in the resector designed for the insertion of the cutting tool and further includes a pivotable rod which may be utilized to align the resector with the mechanical axis of the leg. The rod may then be pivoted to a position facilitating the insertion of a fastening pin through the resector.

Abstract: A dye injector apparatus is operatively disposed between a syringe containing an opaque dye suitable for x-ray photography and a cannulated screw or an orthopedic hip fixation device implanted in the ball head of a femur fractured at the femur neck. The dye injector comprises a cannulated shaft, a flange end suitably formed to receive the spout of the syringe, and a needle end suitably formed for insertion into the fixation device. The dye injector communicates the dye from the syringe to the cannulated screw. If the cannulated screw has extended beyond the femur ball head and penetrated the hip socket, an x-ray photograph of the hip socket shows the presence of the dye in the hip socket signaling the need for further operative care so that the cannulated screw will not postoperatively injure the hip socket.

Abstract: A connector for osteosynthesis, especially for fastening bone fragments comprises a plug sleeve and a screw engageable in the plug sleeve, the plug sleeve being formed of a viscoplastic, tissue-compatible plastics and having a thread shape on its outer surface. The plug sleeve can be slightly expanded at its end facing the head of the screw and also expanded to a greater extent at its other end, so that simple assembly and firm clamping in the bone tissue is achieved. It is possible to monitor the position of the plug sleeve in the bone constantly during assembly on an X-ray screen in conjunction with a metallic screwdriver or a measuring scale provided on the screwdriver for screwing the sleeve into the bone.

Abstract: A method of performing a femoral neck-lengthening osteotomy is disclosed. A cut is made in the proximal end of the femur, generally parallel with the sagittal plane and substantially bisecting the proximal end of the femur. The resulting, relatively movable femoral sections are diverged to lengthen the femoral neck. In a modification, the femoral neck is also torsed by relative rotation of the two femoral sections. A wedge is inserted between the thus-diverged and, optionally, rotated sections, and the desired configuration is fixed in a suitable manner.

Abstract: A novel swivel tethering system for attaching to a cage of a laboratory animal is disclosed which provides a greater degree of mobility for laboratory animals. This tethering system provides for extended lateral movement which is not limited to the tether length and is ideally suited for chronic indwelling catheterization since it can minimize the stress created in the animals caused by a limited tether length, thereby reducing the potential distortion of blood parameters.