Abstract: A system for delivering an antimicrobial agent into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter; an expandable portion of the elongate member, said expandable portion configured to increase in diameter upon exposure to an aqueous fluid; and an antimicrobial composition positioned to be delivered into the catheter. In another embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter, said elongate member comprising a hydrogel; and an antimicrobial composition positioned to be delivered into the catheter; wherein the elongate member defines a volume of liquid that is at least substantially contained within the lumen of the trans-dermal catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of an elongate member into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a protective sheath configured to at least substantially surround an elongate member; and slidable member configured to travel along the protective sheath, the slidable member operatively coupled to the elongate member; wherein the elongate member is insertable into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter by moving the slidable member along at least a part of the length of the protective sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivery of an elongate member into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus comprises a protective sheath configured to at least substantially surround an elongate member; and slidable member configured to travel along the protective sheath, the slidable member operatively coupled to the elongate member; wherein the elongate member is insertable into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter by moving the slidable member along at least a part of the length of the protective sheath.

Abstract: A system for delivering an antimicrobial agent into the lumen of a trans-dermal catheter. In an embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a catheter; an expandable portion of the elongate member, said expandable portion configured to increase in diameter upon exposure to an aqueous fluid; and an antimicrobial composition positioned to be delivered into the catheter. In another embodiment, the system comprises an elongate member configured for insertion into a lumen of a trans-dermal catheter, said elongate member comprising a hydrogel; and an antimicrobial composition positioned to be delivered into the catheter; wherein the elongate member defines a volume of liquid that is at least substantially contained within the lumen of the trans-dermal catheter.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: Urine collection bags are provided that include features that facilitate easy insertion of a urinary catheter into a patient's bladder. In some implementations, the urine collection bag is formed of a soft, flexible material that is comfortable when it contacts the user's skin, easy to manipulate, and relatively noiseless during use.

Abstract: An electrosurgical electrode connector instrument for use in rapidly and easily connecting/disconnecting a disposable electrosurgical tip to and from a non-disposable mounting body. The non-disposable body includes a rod-like extension equipped with a pair of specially shaped projecting pins each having ramps and a curved surface. These pins are positioned on opposite sides of the rod-shaped extension. The disposable electrosurgical tip is provided at its proximal end with a tunnel-like recess having a pair of longitudinally disposed slots to define a pair of bifurcated cantilevered springy wall members each fitted with a small pin-locking aperture, thus adapting the disposable tip for telescopic engagement with the rod-like extension so that the recess of the disposable tip can be slid onto the rod-like extension with the specially shaped pins spreading the springy wall members slightly.

Abstract: An instrument wherein coatings of two different materials are disposed on external surfaces. The first of these coatings is selected to provide an insulating layer overlying at least a principal surface of the instrument, whereas the second is included to provide an indication of the likely remaining useful life of the insulating layer. The relative characteristics between the two coatings is selected so that when the visual appearance of the second coating progresses to a predetermined level, the insulating qualities of the first coating will still be satisfactory but approaching a point when the instrument has reached the end of its useful life, thus providing a ready and passive visual indication of the time when the instrument should be replaced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a holder/rotator device which may be used to hold and then rotate a heart valve prosthesis during implantation of the heart valve prosthesis. The device comprises holder/rotator which includes a post and a rotator head, and a handle. The rotator head comprises a gripping surface of a material which engages and grips the surface of the heart valve prosthesis and facilitates the smooth rotation of the valve.

Abstract: A combination suction coagulator and dedicated bending tool for customizing working surfaces of suction coagulator instruments. A working extension of the coagulator is provided with an improved insulating coating and is adapted for customized bending with a dedicated tool that has at one end a recess with a centrally located mandrel pin for insertion into the hollow interior of the coagulator extension. A curved channel is provided in cooperative association with the recess and mandrel pin so as to limit the radius of any bend that may be made by the user. That, in combination with the form-fitting mandrel pin provide a ready way of bending the distal extremity of the coagulator extension while maintaining its internal geometrical integrity. The tool also includes a custom stylet for use in cleaning accumulated debris from the interior of the working extension.

Abstract: An improved pinch mechanism for a fluid flow control assembly. It comprises a trumpet-type actuator moveable along its principal axis to control flow through an associated resilient tubular member. Interconnected with the actuator is a caming assembly having a roller guide with a principal surface sloping at an acute angle with respect to the actuator principal axis. Engaging with that principal surface is a dog-leg shaped cam follower that is pivoted at one end for partial rotational movement about the pivot. It is spring loaded to normally retain it in a position in which a proximal end of the follower is pressed on a resilient surface of the tubular member to squeeze it closed. Partial rotation of the cam follower occurs when the actuator moves along its principal axis and the cam forces the cam follower to move through an arc that permits the squeezed tubular member to assume its normally unsqueezed and open shape.

Abstract: An instrument for use in electrosurgical procedures wherein coatings of two different materials are disposed on external surfaces. The first of these materials is selected to provide the principal insulating qualities desired, whereas the second is included to provide an indication of deterioration. The relative characteristics between the two coatings is selected so that when the visual appearance of the second coating progresses to a predetermined level, the insulating qualities of the first coating will still be satisfactory but approaching a point when the instrument has reached the end of its useful life, thus providing a ready and passive visual indication of the time when the instrument should be replaced.

Abstract: A medical electrode insulating configuration in which an insulating sleeve such as an "O" Ring is disposed within a recess adjacent the distal end of an electrosurgical pencil holder for an electrosurgical blade, tightly surrounding the electrosurgical blade when in place, thus preventing moisture migration along the blade within the holder that might otherwise develop an undesired electrical path for operating voltages.

Abstract: A suction-irrigation device having a hinged reusable housing enclosing a disposable tri-tubular cassette that is replaced each time the device is used. The three tubes of the tri-tubular cassette provide respectively for irrigation fluid, suction and instrument pass through. A pair of symmetrically positioned trumpet-type actuators are equipped with friction-reducing rollers and are disposed in a wedging configuration to selectively impart squeezing action on the irrigation fluid and suction tubes, thereby providing control that is provided for ambidextrous use, that is, it is equally adapted for left and for right handed use.

Abstract: An annuloplasty ring of a tubular construction having two drawstrings, the ends of which extend from openings in the tube. The ring tube is stitched through the mid-section, defining two channels, the inner of which carries the drawstrings, and outer of which is used as a sewing flange for suturing the ring in place. A colored line along the top and bottom of the ring marks the stitching line, and, therefore, the dividing line between the channels.

Abstract: A device for hydrodynamic, in vitro testing of heart valve prostheses. The device has a flow channel in which a flow of desired characteristics is induced. The flow channel includes a test fixture for supporting a prosthesis to be tested in a desired orientation within the flow. In a preferred embodiment, the test fixture includes first and second chambers spaced from each other along the flow channel and a shuttle intermediate the chambers which is movable between at least first and second positions. The shuttle includes at least one support for a heart valve prosthesis and selectively positions that prosthesis in the desired orientation within the flow by movement between the first and second positions. The shuttle may carry two or more heart valve prostheses to alternatively positioned one of them within the flow by movement of the shuttle.