Abstract: A clip retains tapered connector members which joining tubing sections of a medical fluid drainage system, such as a urinary collection system. The clip has first and second ends configured to bear against external flanges projecting from the tapered connector members. A central body of the clip applies a controllable compression force to the first and second ends for urging the connector members together. The first and second ends include sub-fingers for snapping onto a respective one of the tapered connector members.

Abstract: A pump drive unit has an openable housing that accommodates a disposable impeller unit which is pre-connected with tubing, while maintaining the tight tolerances and close spacing. A levitation system (magnets and sensors), drive motor and drive magnets, and control electronics are all re-usable and housed within relatively permanent structures. In one embodiment, a hinged top separates the levitating magnets to allow the impeller unit to be captured and retained with positional accuracy and in close proximity to the desired locations when the hinged top is closed. The top may be separated into sections covering unequal arcs to coincide with the organization of the magnetic subcomponents in the upper drive unit housing.

Abstract: An air removal device removes air from blood flowing in a perfusion system. A generally cylindrical chamber has a liquid flow region at a lower end thereof and has a gas collection region at an upper end thereof. An arcuate manifold provides an arcuate flow path outside of the chamber having an upstream end and a downstream end. A slit aperture is provided between the arcuate manifold and the chamber along at least a substantial portion of the arcuate manifold. A mixture of gas and liquid introduced into the arcuate flow path at the upstream end flows through the slit aperture to create a spiral flow within the chamber causing the gas to move toward a central axis of the chamber and into the gas collection region.

Abstract: A blood vessel in a patient is severed by inserting a shaft through an incision in the patient, the shaft carrying first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are closed against the vessel in closely adjacent relationship to one another. Thereafter, the clamps are moved in generally opposing directions to sever the vessel at a location between the clamps. Each clamp carries a cauterizing pad for cauterizing the severed ends of the vessel.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for dissecting a blood vessel includes a endoscopic barrel having a plurality of lumens, one of the lumens being dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, at least two fingers having distally curved ends for dissecting and cauterizing the desired blood vessel, and a displaceable cone portion disposed over a distal end of the endoscopic barrel. The cone portion has a first position concealing the at least two fingers and a second, extended position exposing the at least two fingers. A control rod extends between the handle and each of the fingers such that movement of the control mechanism between a first position and a second position produces a predetermined movement of the respective finger.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting a desired blood vessel including an endoscopic barrel having at least two lumens, one of the lumens dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, a cone portion disposed over a distal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one manipulator fork extendable from the cone portion for dissecting the desired blood vessel from connective tissue.

Abstract: A pump drive unit has an openable housing that accommodates a disposable impeller unit which is pre-connected with tubing, while maintaining the tight tolerances and close spacing. A levitation system (magnets and sensors), drive motor and drive magnets, and control electronics are all re-usable and housed within relatively permanent structures. In one embodiment, a hinged top separates the levitating magnets to allow the impeller unit to be captured and retained with positional accuracy and in close proximity to the desired locations when the hinged top is closed. The top may be separated into sections covering unequal arcs to coincide with the organization of the magnetic subcomponents in the upper drive unit housing.

Abstract: A blood vessel in a patient is severed by inserting a shaft through an incision in the patient, the shaft carrying first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are closed against the vessel in closely adjacent relationship to one another. Thereafter, the clamps are moved in generally opposing directions to sever the vessel at a location between the clamps. Each clamp carries a cauterizing pad for cauterizing the severed ends of the vessel.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting blood vessels includes a endoscopic barrel including a plurality of lumens, one of the lumens being dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one integrated member for dissecting and cauterizing a blood vessel. The at least one integrated member includes two fingers having distally curved ends. Movement of each of the fingers is independently controlled by a control mechanism disposed within the handle. More specifically, a control rod extends between the handle and each of the fingers such that movement of the control mechanism between a first position and a second position produces a predetermined movement of the respective finger.

Abstract: A blood vessel in a patient is severed by inserting a shaft through an incision in the patient, the shaft carrying first and second clamps. The first and second clamps are closed against the vessel in closely adjacent relationship to one another. Thereafter, the clamps are moved in generally opposing directions to sever the vessel at a location between the clamps. Each clamp carries a cauterizing pad for cauterizing the severed ends of the vessel.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus for harvesting blood vessels includes a endoscopic barrel including a plurality of lumens, one of the lumens being dimensioned for receiving an endoscope, a handle disposed at a proximal end of the endoscopic barrel, and at least one integrated member for dissecting and cauterizing a blood vessel. The at least one integrated member includes two fingers having distally curved ends. Movement of each of the fingers is independently controlled by a control mechanism disposed within the handle. More specifically, a control rod extends between the handle and each of the fingers such that movement of the control mechanism between a first position and a second position produces a predetermined movement of the respective finger.

Abstract: A self-contained pack assembly includes all of the disposable components of an extracorporeal support circuit for cardiac bypass surgery. The pack assembly comprises a blood reservoir, a blood oxygenator, and a carrier for mounting the blood reservoir and blood oxygenator. One or more trays may be releasably attached to the carrier to serve as storage containers for coiled tubing used in the support circuit. Pre-made connections can also be formed between the tubing and the blood reservoir and blood and oxygenator as may be desired.