Abstract: The present invention relates to medical treatment devices. In particular, according to one embodiment, the present invention a medical treatment device that includes, for example, a tube member, a treatment member by way of which energy can be transmitted in connection with performance of a medical procedure, a sleeve, and a hub member. In this example, the treatment member is positioned within the tube member and the tube member thus affords a degree or protection to the treatment member. The combination of the treatment member and the tube member is configured to be partially received within, and secured by, the hub member. In particular, the hub member includes a securement portion and a delivery portion which are releasably attached to each other.

Abstract: A catheter securement device which automatically deploys one or more sutures to secure a catheter without requiring the practitioner to manually suture the catheter to the self-suturing anchor device. A ratchet mechanism having one or more rotatable ratchet members, which pivot, and a ratchet member engagement spring, which maintains contact between the teeth of the rotatable ratchet member and the teeth of the ratchet ring. A suture retention assembly is provided to maintain the position of the sutures to minimize disruption of the sutures before deployment of the sutures.

Abstract: A self-suturing anchor device includes a base having a securement mechanism. The securement mechanism includes one or more resilient pockets in which are placed a plurality of looped sutures. The securement mechanism and looped sutures facilitate automatic securement of a catheter relative to the self-suturing anchor device. In at least one embodiment, the looped sutures are also threaded through loops in another corresponding looped suture, such that each looped sutures slidably tighten in concert with one another. When at least a portion of the securement mechanism is moved, at least one of the plurality of looped sutures is tensioned and closes against a securement point on the catheter. A catheter can be secured in a self-suturing anchor device in a quick and efficient manner with minimal effort.

Abstract: A self-suturing anchor device includes rotatable ring adapted to automatically deploy sutures to secure a catheter. The rotatable ring is utilized in connection with a ratchet mechanism which allows movement of the rotatable ring in a first direction while preventing movement of the rotatable ring in the opposite direction. The rotatable ring is also utilized in connection with a bearing member to facilitate smooth and efficient rotation of the rotatable ring. An extension saddle is utilized to provide a desired amount of displacement between suture securement points to minimize pivotal movement of the catheter. The rotatable ring is wider than its height to minimize kinking of the catheter tube and to relieve pressure when pressed between the patient and a support surface. In another embodiment, a plurality of scallops or other gripping members are utilized to facilitate easy gripping and rotation of the rotatable ring.

Abstract: The present invention relates to medical treatment devices. In particular, according to one embodiment, the present invention a medical treatment device that includes, for example, a tube member, a treatment member by way of which energy can be transmitted in connection with performance of a medical procedure, a sleeve, and a hub member. In this example, the treatment member is positioned within the tube member and the tube member thus affords a degree or protection to the treatment member. The combination of the treatment member and the tube member is configured to be partially received within, and secured by, the hub member.

Abstract: An over pressurization relief apparatus having a manual over pressurization selector which allows a user to manually select from at least a first and second over pressurization limit. The over pressurization relief apparatus includes a pressurization chamber, a pressure relief mechanism, a seal, and a manual over pressurization selector. The pressurization of the pressurization chamber corresponds with the pressurization of the pressure infusion bag. The pressure relief mechanism prevents additional pressurization of the pressure infusion bag once the over pressurization limit has been reached. The seal is positioned between the pressurization chamber and the pressure relief mechanism to prevent the loss of pressurization from the pressure infusion bag when the pressurization in the pressurization chamber is less than the over pressurization limit.

Abstract: Systems and methods for coupling a catheter, such as a drainage catheter, to a patient's body and decoupling the catheter from the body are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention take advantage of the flexibility of a catheter cannula and allow for a self-contained system that secures the catheter cannula within the body while bodily fluid is draining. In one embodiment, the catheter is coupled to the body by compressing a proximal hub member to a distal hub member, causing the cannula to curl and form an anchoring configuration (i.e. a loop, pigtail, j-curve, malecot, etc.). In compressing the portions, one or more fingers within the proximal hub member force a cord into one or more corresponding channels within the distal hub member, thereby shortening the amount of cord in the cannula. The proximal and distal hub members can be locked together in the compressed position for as long as the catheter is to be coupled to the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for isolating a pressure gauge from sources of potential contamination so that the pressure gauge may be reused in multiple medical procedures without having to be subjected to a sterilization procedure. The systems of the invention may include a syringe assembly having a pressure gauge removably attached to a syringe. The pressure gauge is isolated from sources of potential contamination in at least two ways. First, a flexible membrane separates a pressure transducer diaphragm of the pressure gauge from the pressurized fluid of the syringe. The flexible membrane prevents the pressure gauge from contacting the fluid and transmits pressure and forces from the fluid to the pressure gauge. Second, a substantially transparent disposable bag or film covers surfaces of the pressure gauge that would be otherwise exposed to human contact or other contaminants. During medical procedures, the pressure gauge maintains its sterile condition.

Abstract: An adaptor for coupling a fluid source to a wound irrigation shield is disclosed. The preferred adaptor, preferably a multi-part adaptor, features spray pattern adjustability, removable coupling to the shield, the capacity for removably coupling to a variety of different fluid sources, and a variety of other features and advantages. In one embodiment, the adaptor has a substantially planar face that is substantially coplanar with the plane defined by the shield, thereby preventing patient puncture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for irrigating a wound with wound irrigation fluid and for preventing substantial splashback of the wound irrigation fluid. The system comprises: (i) fluid delivery device for delivering wound irrigation fluid; and (ii) a flexible wound irrigation shield configured such that the shield prevents substantial splashback of the irrigation fluid upon irrigation of a wound. The shield is configured to be disposed, preferably removably, on the fluid delivery device. The flexible shield is substantially conformable to a desired wound area, enabling the practitioner to irrigate awkward, uneven, and hard to reach areas. The shield can be folded into a compact position, then opened into a larger shield. The fluid delivery device comprises (i) a fluid source for providing wound irrigation fluid; and (ii) an adaptor for transmitting fluid from the fluid source to the wound.

Abstract: A blood containment device for use with a vascular entry needle provides visual and tactile confirmation that a blood vessel has been properly entered. The device includes a blood visualization chamber defined by a compliant member which provides a visual indication that a needle connected to the device has accessed a selected blood vessel. The blood visualization chamber is vented to allow air to escape therefrom as it is displaced by blood entering the visualization chamber, while a gas permeable membrane in communication with the vent to prevent significant blood from escaping from the blood containment device. A sealing member formed on an outer surface at one end of the compliant member works in conjunction with the gas permeable membrane to prevent significant leakage of blood from the device. The compliant member pulsates with changes in blood pressure, thereby providing continuous tactile confirmation that the needle tip is properly positioned within the selected blood vessel.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve which includes a tubular body having a lumen therethrough and an elongated housing attached to the tubular body. The body has a recess formed in one end. The housing has a longitudinal bore at one end and a compression chamber formed at another end which communicates with the bore. A resilient seal which comprises a cone-shaped membrane portion disposed in the recess for substantially blocking and controlling the loss of body fluids from the lumen. A compressible second seal for selectively opening and closing the bore in response to a compressive force is disposed in the compression chamber. The compressible seal has a longitudinal first passageway that communicates with the bore and a raised annular portion which serves as a selective opening to the bore. The compressible seal responds to compressive forces so as to reduce or increase the size of the opening provided by the raised annular portion to selectively seal or unseal the bore.

Abstract: A novel catheter apparatus for use in delivering an anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament to the portion of subcutaneous tissue through which a catheter device has been inserted into a patient, thereby allowing the catheter device to be retracted without causing pain or discomfort to the patient. The catheter device has an indwelling cannula adapted for insertion through subcutaneous tissue into a patient's body. A sheath is selectively disposed about the cannula so as to be positioned within the subcutaneous tissue once the cannula has been inserted into the body. The sheath may include a plurality of longitudinal bores which act as a lumen to provide fluid medicament to delivery holes on the outside of the sheath. The delivery holes permit the anesthetic agent or fluid medicament to be delivered to the subcutaneous tissue. A light permeable hub means may be used to maintain a fluid tight connection between the sheath means and a storage container for anesthetic agent or fluid medicament.

Abstract: A novel catheter apparatus for use in delivering an anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament to the portion of subcutaneous tissue through which a catheter device has been inserted into a patient, thereby allowing the catheter device to be retracted without causing pain or discomfort to the patient. The catheter device has an indwelling cannula adapted for insertion through subcutaneous tissue into a patient's body. A helical sheath is formed from an elongate band that is wrapped around the cannula in a helical fashion so as to be capable of being positioned within the subcutaneous tissue once the cannula has been inserted into the body. The helical sheath has formed therein a lumen into which the anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament can be delivered via a hub that is connected to the proximal end of the helical sheath. The helical sheath has formed therein a plurality of delivery holes that form a fluid communication path with the lumen.

Abstract: A novel catheter apparatus for use in delivering an anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament to the portion of subcutaneous tissue through which a catheter device has been inserted into a patient, thereby allowing the catheter device to be further manipulated or retracted without causing pain or discomfort to the patient. The catheter device has an indwelling cannula adapted for insertion through subcutaneous tissue into a patient's body. A cylindrical sleeve around the cannula can be positioned within the subcutaneous tissue once the cannula has been inserted into the body. The cylindrical sleeve has formed therein one or more lumens into which the anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament can be delivered via a hub that is connected to the proximal end of the cylindrical sleeve. The cylindrical sleeve has formed therein a plurality of delivery holes that form a fluid communication path with the one or more lumens.

Abstract: A novel catheter apparatus for use in delivering an anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament to the portion of subcutaneous tissue through which a catheter device has been inserted into a patient, thereby allowing the catheter device to be retracted without causing pain or discomfort to the patient. The catheter device has an indwelling cannula adapted for insertion through subcutaneous tissue into a patient's body. A helical sheath is formed from an elongate band that is wrapped around the cannula in a helical fashion so as to be capable of being positioned within the subcutaneous tissue once the cannula has been inserted into the body. The helical sheath has formed therein a lumen into which the anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament can be delivered via a hub that is connected to the proximal end of the helical sheath. The helical sheath has formed therein a plurality of delivery holes that form a fluid communication path with the lumen.

Abstract: A novel catheter apparatus for use in delivering an anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament to the portion of subcutaneous tissue through which a catheter device has been inserted into a patient, thereby allowing the catheter device to be retracted without causing pain or discomfort to the patient. The catheter device has an indwelling cannula adapted for insertion through subcutaneous tissue into a patient's body. A cylindrical sheath is placed on the cannula so as to be positioned within the subcutaneous tissue once the cannula has been inserted into the body. The cylindrical sheath has formed therein a lumen into which the anesthetic agent or other fluid medicament can be delivered via a hub that is disposed on the catheter apparatus. The cylindrical sheath has formed therein a plurality of one-way slit valves. The one-way slit valves permit the anesthetic agent or fluid medicament to be delivered to the surrounding subcutaneous tissue, and also prevent any bodily fluids from entering the lumen.