Abstract: A pressure indicator for a chest drainage device includes an outer casing with a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions defining first and second openings. A flexible element is disposed inside the outer casing to define a collapsible pressure-holding inner space in fluid communication with the second opening. An indicator element is disposed inside the outer casing configured to translate along the longitudinal axis. The flexible element, indicator element and outer casing together define a variable interior space inside the outer casing in fluid communication with the first opening. A force resistance element is placed in the casing to resist the translation of the indicator element along at least one direction along the longitudinal axis when a pressure differential exists between the first and second openings. The pressure indicator is placed inside the chest drainage device to be viewable from multiple angles.

Abstract: A device for forming openings (holes) in internal bodily tissue is provided. The device includes a cutter defining a longitudinal passageway and a cutting edge. The device also includes an inner core in reciprocally sliding relationship with the cutter having a tissue engagement portion at its distal end. A syringe-like mechanism moves the cutter and the core substantially co-axially between a first position wherein the distal portion of the core extends distally of the cutting edge and a second position wherein the distal portion of the core resides within the passageway. Tissue is sheared as the core and cutter are moved from the first to the second position. The core and cutter are attached to different portions of the syringe-like mechanism such that the longitudinal axes of the cutter passageway, the core member and the activation assembly may deviate (i.e., “float”) relative to one another.

Abstract: A device for forming openings (holes) in internal bodily tissue is provided. The device includes a cutter defining a longitudinal passageway and a cutting edge. The device also includes an inner core in reciprocally sliding relationship with the cutter having a tissue engagement portion at its distal end. A syringe-like mechanism moves the cutter and the core substantially co-axially between a first position wherein the distal portion of the core extends distally of the cutting edge and a second position wherein the distal portion of the core resides within the passageway. Tissue is sheared as the core and cutter are moved from the first to the second position. The core and cutter are attached to different portions of the syringe-like mechanism such that the longitudinal axes of the cutter passageway, the core member and the activation assembly may deviate (i.e., “float”) relative to one another.