Abstract: A misting apparatus for the treatment of injured areas and method therefor is disclosed having at least a containment portion for enclosing a patient's injured area, a plurality of misters located within the containment portion for atomizing medicinal type fluids for application to the injured area, flushing portion coupled to the containment portion for admitting cleaning fluids to the containment portion, and a drainage portion coupled to the containment portion for removing fluids located within the containment portion.

Abstract: A method and device for controlling urine flow from the bladder in a body which includes providing a magnetically responsive valve of a size to fit in the urethra, and providing a valve actuating magnet; installing the valve in the urethra, in the path of urine flow; and operating the valve between urine flow passing and urine flow blocking states, by controlling the position of the actuating magnet, outside the body, whereby the magnetic field of the actuating magnet effects the operating of the valve.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Low Profile Perfusion Catheter, for use in coronary angioplasty applications. Preferably, the catheter is provided with an inflatable dilatation balloon, and a perfusion lumen extending therethrough. The diameter of the perfusion lumen is enlargable from a first, reduced diameter to a second, enlarged diameter. In one embodiment, an axially movable tubular support is movable within the lumen from a proximal, insertion position to a distal perfusion position. In another embodiment, the support is radially expandable. In a further embodiment, a porus drug delivery balloon is provided.

Abstract: A safety connector is provided for connection to the branch port on a fluid flow line. The connector comprises a tubular body having an opening at its distal end to receive a branch port and a channel in the wall of the tubular body adjacent to the distal end. The channel is adapted to receive the fluid flow line when the branch port is engaged within the tubular body. The connector also comprises a locking rotatable collar located on the distal end of the tubular body. The collar is rotatable from a first position wherein the channel is adapted to receive the fluid flow line when the branch port is engaged within the tubular body, and a second position wherein the collar prevents the removal of the branch port from the tubular body.

Abstract: A catheter exchange tool for use in vascular dilitation procedures comprising a tool couplable between a balloon catheter and a balloon guidewire. The tool is operated by a physician to exert a longitudinal force on the balloon catheter and, in response to the exertion of the force on the catheter, simultaneously exert an equal and opposite force on the balloon guidewire.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of an obstructive portion of a urinary passageway of a mammal, comprising the steps of providing a stent thermally self-movable between a first condition in which the stent is rigid and generally tubular, and a second condition in which the stent is flexible and compressible, moving the stent in the second condition through a catheter to the obstructive portion of the urinary passageway while maintaining the stent in its second condition by flowing a cool solution through the stent, moving the stent out of the catheter and into the obstructive portion of the urinary passageway, and discontinuing the flow of cool solution, whereby the stent is caused by body temperature, or by the flow of a warm solution, to assume its first condition to hold open the obstructive portion of the urinary passageway.

Abstract: An improved prophylactic/contraceptive device is provided for preventing conception and for protecting the vaginal cavity and passage against venereal infection. In particular, the device is preferably composed of a flexible pouch-like member having cap-like portion end fittable over the entrance to the cervix. In addition, detachable tie means and the like are preferably included for anchoring the opposite open end of the pouch-like member to the body and thereby preventing dislocation of the device because of thrusting movement within the vaginal passage.

Abstract: An oral irrigator for lavaging all of the gingival crevice including the interdental area of the gums, provided with a tip at the end of a probe for separating the gum part known as the gingival collar from the facial or linqual and interproximal sides of the tooth and having a steady flow of antimicrobial fluid expelled from a zone surrounding said tip. Also shown is such an oral irrigator in combination with a tap water, pressure operated, germicidal-containing container forcing germicidal fluid through said oral irrigator tip, and with a tap water syphon delivery system.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing means for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for parenteral use including intravenous delivery for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A flexible guide wire for use in the placement of a surgical instrument or the like within a human or animal body includes an elongated shaft with a coil spring mounted on its distal end, the shaft being tapered at its distal end to enhance its flexibility, and the shaft having a stepped down portion near its distal end defining a reduced diameter portion for the shaft which is less than the inner diameter of the coil spring to facilitate attachment of the coil spring thereto while providing a smooth transition between the shaft and the coil spring at their junction point.

Abstract: A disposable diaper with an integral changing pad and disposal container forming an integrated changing system for an infant or incontinent adult is disclosed. The disposable diaper has a skin contacting moisture absorbing inner surface and a waterproof environment interfacing outer surface. A changing pad and disposal container is mounted to the outer surface of the diaper and includes a liquid impermeable membrane formed so as to define a closable pocket for retaining a towelette therein in the moistened state. At such time as the towelette is needed for wiping the skin, the pocket is expandable to form a disposal container for the soliled diaper and the spent towelette. A moist towelette is adapted to be stored within the changing pad and disposal container.

Abstract: A self-contained two-way suction device for use in surgical operations provides a suction nozzle and a two-way valve selectively determining communication between the nozzle and two parallel exhaust tubes for selectively providing return suction of shed blood to a heart-lung machine or other blood saver device and discard suction of saline solution or the like to a discharge location or cell washing system.

Abstract: A breast milk pump suction arrangement includes a suction pump with suction connections, a fellow breast connector, a reservoir connected to the funnel and a pulsator. The suction pump is connected to the pulsator by a first suction line and a reservoir is connected to the pulsator by a second suction line. The pulsator includes a cylindrical housing supporting a control element which is moveable within said cylinder. The control element defining an air chamber and a vacuum chamber. The vacuum chamber being in communication with the first suction line and the second suction line. An opening in said cylinder providing communication between said air chamber and atmosphere. An air intake valve is provided to vent the vacuum chamber to atomsphere periodically by opening and closing a valve closing element. A transmission arrangement is provided, connecting the control element and the valve element.

Abstract: An arrangement for the instillation of fluids in a urethra comprising a tube of rigidity and diameter to be capable of being introduced into the urethra. The invention is characterized in that the length of the tube is a fraction of the length of the urethra, or approximately one decimeter. Along most of its length the tube is executed with an inflatable sac with elastic walls. This exhibits straight cylindrical form in its uninflated state, and in its inflated state has a slim, conical form, the base of which is situated at the end of the tube, and the tip of which is attached to a flange near the other end of the tube. Near the flange the sac has a connection via which the sac can be inflated with and emptied of air. The arrangement also comprises a device adapted to suit the opening of the urethra, made of an elastic material, and anchored to the flange. The device is executed with a connection leading to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the collection and handling of pathological tissue specimens during evacuative medical procedures, wherein a source of vacuum is used to draw material from a body cavity and into a collection bottle (22). In accordance with the invention, a tissue trap (21) is placed in advance of the collection bottle for filtering out and collecting tissue specimens prior to entry of the evacuated material into the collection bottle. At the end of an operative procedure, the tissue trap is removed from the system and used as a container for handling and transporting the tissue specimens, thereby avoiding the necessity of direct contact with the specimens by medical workers during the collection and transport thereof. In a preferred form of the invention, the collection bottle is disposable and includes a pour spout for emptying the contents prior to disposal of the bottle.

Abstract: A urinary drainage device that can be used as both a nighttime drainage container and a daytime, ambulatory drainage device. The device is flexible and can be folded and strapped to a patient's leg for ambulatory use or hung on the side of a patient's bed for stationary use.

Abstract: A drainage device, particularly adapted for use in medical procedures for draining fluids from a body cavity of a patient, incorporating a suction control chamber dimensioned and configured to provide an enhanced air and liquid flow pattern within the chamber. The suction control chamber might also include a baffle plate for air and noise control. The drainage device might further include a seal chamber and an improved high negativity relief valve. The present invention also includes a device, having an integral sampling or injection port, for coupling tubing.

Abstract: Disclosed is a multimodal method and apparatus for extracorporeally treating certain blood borne infections, such as the infection of T-lymphocytes with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. The method and apparatus of the invention includes (a) hyperthermic, (b) mechanical shear inducing, and (c) irradiation treatment modalities. These three treatment modalities may be carried out separately, in any order, or simultaneously, in any combination. The irradiation treatment mode preferably includes methods and means for subjecting at least a fraction of the blood to ultraviolet and/or x-ray and/or laser radiation. Before the blood is withdrawn from the human subject a chemical agent such as heparin may be administered to the subject for purposes of inducing lymphocyte migration from the lymph system into the circulatory system.

Abstract: The invention provides a body liquid drainage device (9) particularly for urine, said device comprising a first liquid storage chamber (20) formed of a flexible plastics material and provided with an upper inlet (1) for body liquids, and a lower valved outlet (12) for body liquids.A second liquid storage chamber (10) is operatively connected to the first liquid storage chamber (20) and is selectively fillable. Preferably said second chamber is moveable from a first position in which it is generally in parallel abutment with the first chamber thereby to overlie the same; to a second position in which it forms an extension of the first chamber. The device may be utilized in a lower capacity mode during daytime, and in a higher capacity second mode in non-ambulant times or during night-time.This arrangement prevents invasive infections occurring because inter-connection between in-dwelling catheter and the drainage bags are infrequent.

Abstract: A member in the form of an overfilm or molded housing affixed to the pouch wall has a plurality of isolated vent passages. A separate filter assembly is situated in each of the passages. Adhesive coated covers are situated to obstruct the flow through all but a selected one of the passages. After the filter in the unobstructed passage has lost its effectiveness, the cover is removed from another passage and placed over the passage containing the used filter to obstruct same. The filter in each passage is used, in turn, by appropriate movement of the cover, until all of the filters have been used.