Abstract: A suction retractor that provides support to and positions an organ for surgery is provided. This retractor includes a support surface, a plurality of suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one leash operatively attached to the support surface; and at least one suction tube operatively connected with the suction elements. A method for using the retractor to manipulate an organ during surgery is also provided.

Abstract: A suction retractor that provides support to and positions an organ for surgery is provided. This retractor includes a support surface, a plurality of suction elements disposed adjacent the support surface, at least one leash operatively attached to the support surface; and at least one suction tube operatively connected with the suction elements. A method for using the retractor to manipulate an organ during surgery is also provided.

Abstract: A two-staged venous cannula is disclosed having an angled bend near the distal end. In a preferred embodiment, the angle is a right angle. The angle bend allows the cannulation to take place near the junction of the inferior vena cava and the right atrium instead of higher in the right atrium. The cannula has a drainage hole at the apex of the angled bend to act as a blood collection port and a drainage hole at the distal end of the cannula to drain the inferior vena cava. The two-stage venous cannula is made of a rigid material at its distal end so that the distal end of the cannula may be easily inserted into the patient's heart through the right atrium. The disclosed cannula keeps the cannula away from the aorta, allows the cannula to exit the superior vena cava at an angle more perpendicular to the axis of the superior vena cave and allows the cannula to be used in minimally invasive surgical procedures where size and access restrictions often make it difficult to place and maintain such devices.

Abstract: A catheter for retrograde perfusion of the heart through the coronary sinus, which has an infusion lumen for introducing perfusion liquid into the heart, a retention means such as an inflatable balloon, and can have retention enhancements such as spikes, felt or a hydrophilic coating, on the surface of the retention means to keep it firmly in place.

Abstract: A catheter for retrograde perfusion of the heart through the coronary sinus, which has an infusion lumen for introducing perfusion liquid into the heart, a retention means such as an inflatable balloon, and can have retention enhancements such as proximally sloping spikes, or barbed protuberances on the surface of the retention means to keep it firmly in place.

Abstract: A catheter for retrograde perfusion of the heart through the coronary sinus, which has an infusion lumen for introducing perfusion liquid into the heart, a retention means such as an inflatable balloon, and can have retention enhancements such as spikes, felt or a hydrophilic coating, on the surface of the retention means to keep it firmly in place.

Abstract: A removable stylet for use in the introduction of cannulae into a vessel or chamber of a body for medical procedures, and a retrograde coronary sinus perfusion cannula using such stylet. The stylet is used to guide the cannula during insertion, and includes a proximal relatively stiff end that can be manually manipulated by the attending physician to guide the stylet. On the distal end of the stylet is a relatively flexible portion that can be shaped into various curves and which is form-retaining while retaining flexibility.

Abstract: A cardioplegia management system comprises an inlet tube adapted for connection to a source of cardioplegic fluid, and at least two supply tubes extending from the inlet tube and in communication therewith, whereby fluid passing through the inlet will be directed to the supply tubes. The system also includes a base, and clamps associated with the supply tubes. Each of the clamps is mounted on the base in a position to selectively clamp and unclamp its respective supply tube, thereby selectively blocking or allowing flow of fluid through the supply tubes.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter for use in open heart surgery having an inflatable cuff adjacent the distal end in communication with the lumen of the catheter to self-inflate when perfusion liquid is introduced into the lumen. A plug in the lumen within the cuff causes lumen flow to by-pass from the proximal end of the cuff to the distal end of the cuff through transverse parts in the lumen. A flow restriction at the distal end of the lumen causes pressure build-up to inflate the cuff. A pressure monitoring lumen splices to the catheter tube to parallel the tube down to the distal end where it is in communication with the end of the catheter and also with the distal end of the cuff to register cuff pressure. An introducer shaft is provided to be inserted into the lumen to abut the plug to stiffen the catheter, thus facilitating insertion, and a stiffener spine at the cuff area of the catheter also provides rigidity to compensate for the weakening of the lumen resulting from the transverse ports.

Abstract: A removable stylet for use in the introduction of cannulae into a vessel or chamber of a body for medical procedures, and a retrograde coronary sinus perfusion cannula using such stylet. The stylet is used to guide the cannula during insertion, and includes a proximal relatively stiff end that can be manually manipulated by the attending physician to guide the stylet. On the distal end of the stylet is a relatively flexible portion that can be shaped into various curves and which is form-retaining while retaining flexibility.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter for use in open heart surgery having an inflatable cuff adjacent the distal end in communication with the lumen of the catheter to self-inflate when perfusion liquid is introduced into the lumen. A plug in the lumen within the cuff causes lumen flow to by-pass from the proximal end of the cuff to the distal end of the cuff through transverse parts in the lumen. A flow restriction at the distal end of the lumen causes pressure build-up to inflate the cuff. A pressure monitoring lumen splices to the catheter tube to parallel the tube down to the distal end where it is in communication with the end of the catheter and also with the distal end of the cuff to register cuff pressure. An introducer shaft is provided to be inserted into the lumen to abut the plug to stiffen the catheter, thus facilitating insertion, and a stiffener spine at the cuff area of the catheter also provides rigidity to compensate for the weakening of the lumen resulting from the transverse ports.

Abstract: A perfusion catheter for use in open heart surgery having an inflatable cuff adjacent the distal end in communication with the lumen of the cathether to self-inflate when perfusion liquid is introduced into the lumen. A reinforcing spine is installed at the cuff area to lend stiffness to the distal end. Flow through passsages in the cuff prevent stagnation and also permit pressure monitoring of the cuff pressure as well as pressure at the distal end of the catheter. An introducer shaft is provided to abut a plug in the lumen, the plug serving to shunt flow through the cuff and also to allow the introducer to apply pressure to the distal end of the catheter when the distal end is being projected into a body organ.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for administering cardioplegic solution to a heart during open heart surgery. A source of solution is delivered to a control switch from a single tube source and the tube is divided at a "Y" connector into two tubes, one for antegrade delivery and one for retrograde delivery. The control switch has a prime position with both divided tubes open. Movement from prime position to an operative position is irreversible. In the operative position, there is an "off" position with both tubes closed, an antegrade position with the antegrade tube open and the retrograde tube closed, and a retrograde position with the retrograde tube open and the antegrade tube closed. Movement from one position to the other requires movement through the "off" position so there can be no cross-flow from antegrade to retrograde. Pressure monitoring tubes are incorporated into the switch to be opened and closed with the respective tubes.

Abstract: A single stage catheter which is used in open heart surgery to by-pass blood from the heart to a life support machine. The single stage catheter has a spiral lead flute for insertion into the inferior vena cava of the heart and a root section with multiple openings to be positioned in the right atrium of the heart. The flutes of the spiral lead to small quadrant openings in the end of the root section which also has long and short axial slot openings leading to the interior of the catheter. An obturator is designed to block the long and short axial slots during insertion to allow flow only through the quadrant openings to the interior of the obturator.

Abstract: A needle hub for use with a syringe in obtaining biopsy specimens. A needle is inserted into the area from which a specimen is to be taken. A vacuum is pulled on the needle lumen to cause tissue to be drawn into the lumen. A special vacuum release is provided on the needle hub so that a surgeon can roll back an O-ring in the hub to expose the interior of the hub to atmosphere, thus releasing the vacuum pull on the needle lumen and allowing the needle to be withdrawn without dilution of the specimen, or contamination by material from other sites.

Abstract: A suture lumen for securing sutures in surgical procedures which includes a lumen with a head portion at one end of said lumen having a side projection about which suture ends may be wound to secure the ends. A notch or notches in the head portion adjacent the projection are provided to receive the free ends of the suture to prevent release until surgery is completed.

Abstract: A syringe for providing a tactile signal to a person who is directing a fluid to a vein of a patient, for local anesthesia administration where a specific infusion pressure should not be exceeded, and other uses where delivery pressure is critical. A biased pressure sensitive piston is interposed between the syringe plunger and an actuating thumb pressure element. When a preset pressure is reached in the syringe body, a projection reaches the thumb to alert the administering person that the preset pressure has been reached.

Abstract: The monitor and fluid circuit assembly is used with a blood processing apparatus which is adapted for separating platelets from whole blood. The assembly is easily and simply attached to the apparatus and includes a holder, a plurality of flexible tubings held in and extending through the holder, monitor devices fixed within the holder and series coupled to various ones of the tubings and at least one tubing having a transparent wall section which is positioned adjacent an optical sensor of the apparatus. Several tubings extend in loops from the holder and are adapted for being received over and forming part of peristaltic pumps of the apparatus so that fluid can be pumped through the tubings. Other portions of some of the tubings extending from the holder are held in an umbilicus which is received through a rotatable holder in a centrifuge device of the apparatus.