Abstract: A vacuum-actuated tissue lifting medical device for creating an operative space in a patient for a surgical procedure is disclosed. The device includes a housing having an opening for resting on a tissue surface of a patient. The housing defines an expansion space between the housing and the tissue surface for application of a negative pressure in the expansion space. A penetrator device located within the housing can penetrate into the tissue surface of the patient. A vacuum system is in fluid communication with the housing for creating a negative pressure in the expansion space for advancing the tissue surface onto the penetrator device such that an operative work space is created beneath the tissue surface. A regulator controls the negative pressure in the housing when (i) the negative pressure in the expansion space exceeds a value; (ii) the pressure in the operative work space exceeds a value; or (iii) a combination of (i) and (ii).

Abstract: An artery stabilizer device, with a slide over which a technician can guide a syringe, is provided for restraining a targeted artery while the technician inserts the needle of the syringe into the artery. A pair of stabilizer fingers holds the artery in place while the syringe is maneuvered over the slide of a shaft which is connected to a base above the stabilizer fingers. In one embodiment, a finger-hold platform emanates from the bottom of the shaft, and a gauze dressing member with a gauze pad is removably attached to the bottom of the platform, allowing the technician to quickly apply a dressing over the wound created by the needle insertion procedure. An artery stabilizer adjustment track allows the technician to alter the width between each stabilizer finger.

Abstract: A catheter syringe conveyor with a syringe holder adapted for use with a variety of separate catheter syringes is provided for installing an indwelling catheter into a blood vessel. The syringe holder is slidably set within a track which is disposed along a length of a shaft, allowing the technician to maneuver an attached syringe up and down the shaft. A stabilizer, having a pair of stabilizer fingers, is attached to the bottom end of the shaft. The stabilizer fingers hold the device in steadily place while a syringe is maneuvered up and down the shaft during use. The stabilizer fingers can also be adapted to stabilize a targeted blood vessel. After the targeted blood vessel is penetrated by the needle of the syringe, the technician locks the syringe in place with a syringe lock, and then maneuvers the catheter down over the needle and into the blood vessel. After the catheter is properly inserted into the blood vessel, the technician is able to slide the syringe back up the shaft.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a body cavity such as a vessel, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter includes a plurality of deployable tissue anchors, which may be laterally deployed into surrounding tissue. The anchors may thereafter be used to draw the tissue radially inwardly, to close the body cavity. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A transdermal transport device includes a reservoir for holding a formulation of an active principle, and one or more needles. Each needle has a bore through which the formulation is transported between the reservoir and a biological body, and has an end portion that is substantially aligned in a plane parallel to a surface of the biological body when the device is placed on the surface. The device also includes a vacuum generator which creates a suction to draw a portion of the surface beyond the plane of the end portions to enable the end portions to penetrate the portion of the surface as the needles are translated along an axis that is substantially parallel to the plane.

Abstract: A tubular access sleeve and suction tool for accessing an anatomic surface or anatomic space and particularly the pericardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart in a minimally invasive manner are disclosed. A suction tool trunk extending through a suction tool lumen of the sleeve is coupled to suction pads at the ends elongated support arms. The suction pads can be retracted into a sleeve working lumen during advancement of the access sleeve through a passage and deployed from the tubular access sleeve lumen and disposed against the an outer tissue layer. Suction can be applied through suction tool lumens to suction ports of the suction pads that fix to the outer tissue layer so as to tension the outer tissue layer and/or pull the outer tissue layer away from an inner tissue layer so that the anatomic space can be accessed by instruments introduced through the working lumen to penetrate the outer tissue layer.

Abstract: The subject intradermal delivery device provides for penetration to a fixed depth without requiring special expertise by the user. The device consists of a syringe nested inside an inner shell and an outer shell. An elongated annular channel is formed between the inner shell and the outer shell. A housing receives the syringe and concentric shells in a sliding engagement. A first seal on the distal end of the housing forms a variable length channel in communication with the elongated annular channel via a port formed in the outer shell. When the device is applied to the skin, the housing and syringe are slid towards the skin, and the variable length channel generates a vacuum which forces the skin to bulge into the elongated annular channel. As a result, the skin is tensioned across the inner shell to form a substantially planar, taut target area of skin. The taut target area of skin in combination with a stop on the housing determines the insertion depth of the syringe.

Abstract: A tubular suction tool for accessing an anatomic surface or anatomic space and particularly the pericardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart to implant cardiac leads in a minimally invasive manner are disclosed. The suction tool incorporates a suction pad concave wall defining a suction cavity, a plurality of suction ports arrayed about the concave wall, and a suction lumen, to form a bleb of tissue into the suction cavity when suction is applied. The suction cavity extends along one side of the suction pad, so that the suction pad and suction cavity can be applied tangentially against a tissue site. The suction tool can incorporate light emission and video imaging of tissue adjacent the suction pad. A working lumen terminating in a working lumen port into the suction cavity enables introduction of tools, cardiac leads, and other instruments, cells, drugs or materials into or through the tissue bleb drawn into the suction cavity.

Abstract: An integral data logging system for a jet injector includes at least one electrical switch that changes state (e.g. from OFF to ON) during an injection procedure. The switch(es) are connected to an electrical circuit having a microprocessor, a clock and an electronic memory. When a switch changes state, this information along with the applicable date and time is recorded in the electronic memory. A communications link is provided to upload the stored data to a remote computer for subsequent manipulation and analysis to determine compliance with a prescribed dosing regimen. In one implementation, the injection duration is logged by using a trigger release switch and an end-of-stroke switch. The end-of-stroke switch is configured to change state after the drive bar of the injector transits through the injector tube. The injection duration is indicative of dose amount and can be used to distinguish between valid and invalid injections.

Abstract: A tubular access sleeve and suction tool for accessing an anatomic surface or anatomic space and particularly the pericardium to access pericardial space and the epicardial surface of the heart in a minimally invasive manner are disclosed. A suction tool trunk extending through a suction tool lumen of the sleeve is coupled to suction pads at the ends elongated support arms. The suction pads can be retracted into a sleeve working lumen during advancement of the access sleeve through a passage and deployed from the tubular access sleeve lumen and disposed against the an outer tissue layer. Suction can be applied through suction tool lumens to suction ports of the suction pads that fix to the outer tissue layer so as to tension the outer tissue layer and/or pull the outer tissue layer away from an inner tissue layer so that the anatomic space can be accessed by instruments introduced through the working lumen to penetrate the outer tissue layer.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing or delivering a substance through the skin of a patient includes a body and a skin penetrating device having a plurality of skin penetrating members, such microneedles. The body includes a bottom surface having a first inner surface area supporting the skin penetrating members and a second outer surface having an adhesive for attaching the device to the skin. In one embodiment, the firs inner surface is spaced outwardly from the second outer surface when the device is attached to the skin. The inner surface can have a textured visually wettable surface, such as an etched surface, to provide a visual indication of leakage from the interface between the skin penetrating members and the skin.

Abstract: A pericardiocentesis apparatus and method for accessing the pericardial space. The invention consists of inserting a percutaneous tube whose tip has a hole which is positioned over and contacts the anterior pericardium. Introducing a vacuum within said tube forms a pericardial bleb within that hole. A guided needle within the tube is advanced to puncture the pericardial bleb while avoiding contact with the epicardium. A hollow filament or electrocardial lead or flexible guide wire within said needle can then be advanced into said pericardial cavity. The guide wire may be used to guide a intrapericardial catheter into the pericardial space for injection or infusion of selected therapeutic agents into the pericardial space to treat various heart and blood vessel diseases. Controlled drug release material(s) can be injected through said needle for the slow and/or sustained delivery of said therapeutic agents into said pericardial cavity.

Abstract: A venipuncture assistor for use in inserting a needle into a patient's vein in order to draw blood or to carry out an intravenous treatment of some type. The distended. vein is received in a pair of substantially rigid, spaced, opposing notches in the bottom edge of the cylindrical body of the assistor. The notches are preferably spaced about 16 mms. from each other. The space between notches is substantially free of any member that contacts the vein segment being punctured. The edges of each notch and the bottom edge of the assistor are free of any sharp protuberances. The assistor keeps the vein segment being punctured from moving laterally out of the path of the needle that is being introduced into the vein segment. It is preferably made of a transparent plastic material.

Abstract: Disclosed is a closure catheter, for closing a body cavity such as a vessel, or the left atrial appendage of the heart. The closure catheter includes a plurality of deployable tissue anchors, which may be laterally deployed into surrounding tissue. The anchors may thereafter be used to draw the tissue radially inwardly, to close the body cavity. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A needle structure having proximal and distal ends and including a collection needle section at a more proximal end of the needle structure and a skin plug retainer section at the very distal end and integral with the collection needle section. The collection needle section includes a generally hollow tubular member having an external surface, an inner lumen and a port through the tubular member so as to enable fluid flow from about the tubular member to the inner lumen for collection therefrom. The skin plug retainer section includes a hollow tubular piece having an external surface and an inner lumen. The hollow tubular piece is beveled at its distal end to form a needle tip. A barrier wall may be disposed intermediate the collection needle section and the skin plug retainer section.

Abstract: A needle or cylindrical element position lock includes a disposable template assembly having front and back templates halves which define an array of close-fitting through-holes to guide needles therethrough. A series of lock slides locks the positions of columns of needles positioned within the template. Each lock slide locks the position of one or more needles inserted into one or more series of the through- holes in the template, with a preferred embodiment locking two series of needles. Each lock slide has the capability of locking one or more series of needles inserted into through-holes in the needle guide template by an axial motion applied by a lock lever or cam. When the lock slide is moved axially, a locking function is provided by a wedge/clamp which engages an inserted needle. For a typical template arrangement, six lock slides are used to lock twelve columns of needles inserted into through-holes in the template assembly.

Abstract: A surgical implement for forming an opening in the skin of a patient comprises two bodies: a first for application to one side of the skin and a second, having an incision element, for application to the other side of the skin to co-operate with the first body. The opening in the skin is formed simply and safely by placing the first and second bodies either side of the skin and moving the incision element.

Abstract: A vein scope comprising a monitor assembly that includes an image viewing surface and an image receiving surface. The monitor assembly is formed with a first thickness. A support assembly includes a bracket portion and an arm receiving portion. The bracket portion has a central opening forming an enclosure for the receipt and secure containment of the monitor assembly. A needle handling assembly includes spaced parallel guide rails coupled to the bracket portion. The needle handling assembly also includes a slide member with laterally spaced apertures for being slidably received on the rails and with a central aperture.

Abstract: An expandable skin stretching device includes skin engaging opposite ends that contact the skin surface on opposite sides of an area of the skin surface having micropathways therein. When the skin stretching device is expanded the skin between the opposite ends is placed under tension, i.e., stretched. The skin is placed under a tension of about 0.01 to about 10 megapascals, preferably about 0.05 to about 2 megapascals. The skin stretching can be uni-directional or multi-directional. Alternative embodiments of skin stretching devices use suction or normal force to stretch the skin. Stretching the skin helps keep the micropathways open for enhanced agent (e.g., drug) delivery through the micropathways. The stretching also delays micropathway closure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for obtaining a sample of blood from a patient for subsequent diagnostic tests, e.g., glucose monitoring. In one aspect of the invention, the method comprises the steps of: (a) forming an unobstructed opening in the area of the skin from which the sample of blood is to be extracted; and (b) extracting the sample of blood from the unobstructed opening in the skin, with the aid of a vacuum and a stretching of the skin. In another aspect of the invention, an apparatus for carrying out the method described previously is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a device for forming an unobstructed opening in an area of skin from which said sample is to be extracted, preferably a lancing assembly; and (b) a vacuum pump. Preferably, the apparatus also includes a housing.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus includes a hollow needle having a first end and a sharpened tip at a second end. A catheter having a blunt end is telescopically received in the needle. A catheter hub is attached to the catheter and spaced from the blunt end. The catheter hub is disposed adjacent the needle hub in an elastomeric housing. A method of inserting a catheter in a patient's vein includes a step of providing a catheter apparatus in which the elastomeric housing biases the hubs, needle, and catheter in a rest position in which the catheter protrudes from the tip of the needle. The method also includes the steps of squeezing the housing to displace the catheter hub relative to the needle hub, causing the tip of the needle to protrude beyond the blunt end of the catheter, inserting the needle and catheter in the patients's vein, and releasing the housing to allow the catheter assembly to return to the rest position.

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus (1) for use in a suction blister technique of sampling fluid from the human or animal body. The apparatus (1) comprises a cup (2) defining a chamber and having a rim portion (3) defining an aperture (5) communicating with the chamber. An annular flange (6) extends outwardly from the rim portion (3) whereby in use the flange (6) is sealingly attached to the body such that an area of skin closes the aperture (5). A ducted portion (11) is connected to the cup (2) and defines duct (12) which communicates with the chamber. The cup (2) further comprises a roof (4) which merges with the rim portion (3) and is formed of a resiliently deformable material having a shape memory which urges the roof (4) into an expanded configuration in which the roof (4) is held clear of the aperture (5). The roof is however deformable to a collapsed configuration in which it is proximal to the aperture (5).

Abstract: A tissue gripping thread configuration for securely positioning an elongated medical instrument relative to body tissue. The tissue gripping thread includes curved distal and proximal foot sections connected to a thread base, a curved distal thread surface extending from the distal foot section to a thread apex, and a proximal thread wall substantially perpendicular to the base surface extending from the proximal curved foot section to the thread apex. In the preferred embodiment the flank angle of the distal thread surface is substantially greater than the flank angle of the proximal thread wall. The preferred thread configuration reduces trauma to tissue during insertion and removal of an associated medical instrument while ensuring secure positioning of the instrument relative to tissue. Preferred thread dimensions and radii, as well as embodiments for associating the preferred thread configuration with a trocar device are disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for delivering oxygenated blood to a patient undergoing cardiac surgery using a perfusion catheter having a distal end carrying first and second sealing members. When the perfusion catheter is inserted through an arteriotomy site, the first and second sealing members are disposed to engage opposite surfaces of a thickness of a vessel to apply pressure against the opposite surfaces of the thickness to seal blood perfused into the vessel from leaking through the arteriotomy site. Apparatus for placing the perfusion catheter, and methods of using the apparatus also are provided.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for creating a bleb of tissue of the pericardium of the heart, for accessing the pericardial space, intermediate the pericardium and the heart, and withdrawing fluid therefrom or delivering fluid, including drugs, therapeutic agents, or the like, thereto. The apparatus of the present invention includes a shaft with a first distal end and a second proximal end. A bore extends through the shaft from the distal end to the proximal end. The first end includes jaws, that open and close, as at least one of the jaws is movable. The second end includes a handle, at least a portion of the handle in communication with a mechanism in communication with the movable jaw, such that upon movement of at least a portion of the handle, the jaws can be opened and closed continuously.

Abstract: A device is disclosed which aids in the stabilization of veins for puncturing. A device body is disclosed which may be constructed of any suitable lightweight and durable metal or resinous material which may be easily cast or formed and which possesses properties of strength and resiliency. A handle with a grip extending outwardly from the device body when said device is in the operative position may be engaged by a user's thumb or forefinger to stabilize the device body during use. A pair of elongated flanges displaced outwardly from the centerline of the device, spaced apart a selected distance, and terminating in contact surfaces, may be placed such that the subject vein may extend through a space present between the contact surfaces of the elongated flanges.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for injecting the body of humans or animals with a pharmaceutical preparation, wherein the preparation is arranged in a rigid carrier, wherein the apparatus comprises: a chamber into which the carrier can be transported; and a channel connecting onto the chamber for transporting the carrier into the body comprising fixation means for fixing the end of the channel relative to the skin of the body for injecting in order to prevent a movement of the channel in the direction perpendicularly of the axis of the barrel. According to one embodiment the fixation means are formed by chamfered protrusions formed on the part adapted for contact with the skin of the body and extending substantially in the direction of the axis of the channel.

Abstract: There is provided an apparatus and a method of using the apparatus for creating a bleb of tissue of the pericardium of the heart, for accessing the pericardial space, intermediate the pericardium and the heart, and withdrawing fluid therefrom or delivering fluid, including drugs, therapeutic agents, or the like, thereto. The apparatus of the present invention includes a shaft with a first distal end and a second proximal end. A bore extends through the shaft from the distal end to the proximal end. The first end includes jaws, that open and close, as at least one of the jaws is movable. The second end includes a handle, at least a portion of the handle in communication with a mechanism in communication with the movable jaw, such that upon movement of at least a portion of the handle, the jaws can be opened and closed continuously.

Abstract: A gene transfer delivery apparatus and method includes a plurality of syringes retained in a syringe-retaining portion. Each syringe contains a predetermined quantity of treatment solution. The treatment solution may be expelled through a needle on the end of each syringe by depressing the syringe plunger associated with each syringe. The syringe-retaining portion of the delivery device is connected to a plunger portion which contains a main plunger capable of depressing the syringe plungers simultaneously. Since the syringe plungers are depressed uniformly, the delivery device allows for the precise injection of a fixed volume of fluid at plural locations and at a predetermined depth. A spring-biased platen is mounted on the device for flattening the tissue prior insertion of the needles into the tissue. A method of using the delivery device for treatment of ischemic heart disease by gene therapy is also disclosed.

Abstract: A manual breast pump adapted for one-handed operation includes a pump body defining an inlet, an outlet and a vacuum port, a stationary handle connected to the pump body, and a movable handle connected to the manual breast pump and spaced from the stationary handle so that both handles can be grasped simultaneously between the palm and fingers of a hand. The movable handle is movable with respect to the stationary handle and is operably connected to a piston disposed within the pumping chamber so that movement of the movable handle with respect to the stationary handle results in movement of the piston within the pumping chamber to create a vacuum at the vacuum port. The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be easily and comfortably supported and operated using one hand.

Abstract: A trocar system comprising a rack apparatus and a trocar device are disclosed. The trocar device is adapted for insertion into a body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity, using the rack apparatus which eliminates the need for cavity insufflation. The rack apparatus comprises a movable member which attaches adhesively to the external skin surface of the body wall overlying the body cavity. Means are provided moving the member attached to the skin away from the body cavity in order to lift the abdominal region and create a separation between the body wall and the underlying internal organs. This separation permits the obdurator portion of a trocar device to be inserted with a minimum risk of cutting any internal organs. The trocar device comprises applicator and trocar components. The trocar components comprises a cylindrical trocar tube and detachable obdurator.

Abstract: A hollow, rigid guide tube has a bend nearer to one end than the opposite end. The bent end of the guide tube is inserted through an animal's mouth and esophagus, and into its stomach. The bent end is pressed against the interior of the animal's stomach by manipulating the opposite end which extends out of the animal's mouth. A needle is pushed through the animal's skin and into the stomach end of the guide tube. A fiber is passed through the needle and into and through the whole guide tube. The fiber then extends from outside the animal's abdomen through the stomach wall, through the esophagus and out the animal's mouth. The guide tube and needle are removed and a gastrostomy tube is fastened to the mouth end of the fiber and is pulled into the stomach sidewall in the conventional manner. The guide tube preferably has an outwardly flared surface at one end and has an annular disk attached near the opposite end of the tube.

Abstract: An implant dart has a head of solid material and a tubular body that contains one or more drug-delivery implant packages. The head has a blade at its front end with a chisel type point with a beveled end and a scooped face extending rearwardly to the body. The body is formed as a helical coil that makes the body tubular and permits the coil turns to be compressed and engage to make the body relatively rigid when the dart is injected into the subject. A passage from the head to the interior of the body provides fluid communication between the subject's body fluids and the implant packages. Wings extend from the head to guide entry of the dart into the subject and to lock it against withdrawal. The complete system comprises at least one dart and an injection mechanism which retains a subject's body part on a platen and feeds darts into the body part and generally parallel to the platen.

Abstract: Medical instrument for injecting liquids into a hollow organ and/or drawing off liquids from a hollow organ, in particular a bile duct. Clamping apparatus are associated with the hollow needle of the instrument, this instrument being constructed as a tubular shaft, and the tissue of the hollow organ can be securely enclosed by these clamping apparatus between an entrance opening in the hollow organ and an outlet opening of the hollow needle in such a way that no liquid can escape between the tissue and the hollow needle.

Abstract: A surgical method involving a trocar system comprising a rack apparatus and a trocar device is disclosed. The trocar device is adapted for insertion into a body cavity, such as the abdominal cavity, using the rack apparatus which eliminates the need for cavity insufflation. The rack apparatus comprises a movable member which attaches adhesively to the external skin surface of the body wall overlying the body cavity. Means are provided moving the member attached to the skin away from the body cavity in order to lift the abdominal region and create a separation between the body wall and the underlying internal organs. This separation permits the obdurator portion of a trocar device to be inserted with a minimum risk of cutting any internal organs. The trocar device comprises applicator and trocar components. The trocar components comprises a cylindrical trocar tube and detachable obdurator.

Abstract: A skin seal or trocar stabilizer with an inflatable balloon in the shape of a dumbbell, where the balloon may be stored within a cannula for easy placement in an incision and inflated to deploy the balloon inside the body, and a portion of the balloon expands inside the cannula, whereby medical instruments may be passed through the skin seal into a laparoscopic work space while the balloon is inflated, thereby allowing the use of normal short surgical instruments during laparoscopic procedures and during insufflation.

Abstract: A local anesthetic injection system that is suitable for use with smaller children for providing an essentially pain free injection of a local anesthesia into a child's epidermis skin layer, above nerve endings, to deaden that skin area to receive an injection of a medicine through that deadened area utilizing a conventional hypodermic needle. The several embodiments of the system include a body that has a cup arrangement with a flat edge upstanding wall and is open thereacross. The cup is arranged to receive a force applied to the top thereof to urge the cup flat edge into the surface of a section of skin whereon the cup rests, causing the skin within the cup to be formed into a dome shape. A small hollow needle is maintained within the cup such that an open bevel needle end extends at an angle just below the plane of the cup edge.

Abstract: A hand tool is provided for immobilizing an implanted vascular access port in the body of a patient while a hypodermic needle is being withdrawn from an elastomeric septum that forms a seal for the access port. The tool includes an elongated handle and a V-shaped prong structure designed to straddle the needle so that the prongs apply a restraining force on the implanted access port. The skin-contact surfaces of the prongs are convexly curved, such that the prongs apply the desired force, whatever the position of the handle. The tool can be held in a range of different positions while still applying the necessary restraining force.

Abstract: A hollow, rigid guide tube has a bend nearer to one end than the opposite end. The bent end of the guide tube is inserted through an animal's mouth and esophagus, and into its stomach. The bent end is pressed against the interior of the animal's stomach by manipulating the opposite end which extends out of the animal's mouth. A needle is pushed through the animal's skin and into the stomach end of the guide tube. A fiber is passed through the needle and into and through the whole guide tube. The fiber then extends from outside the animal's abdomen through the stomach wall, through the esophagus and out the animal's mouth. The guide tube and needle are removed and a gastrostomy tube is fastened to the mouth end of the fiber and is pulled into the stomach sidewall in the conventional manner. The guide tube preferably has an outwardly flared surface at one end and has an annular disk attached near the opposite end of the tube.

Abstract: An immobilizer for blood vessels including multiple grooves on the bottom surface of a clear, flexible length of a plastic material, arranged in parallel to each other and perpendicular to the length of the plastic material. The grooves are of varying sizes to accommodate the differing diameters of veins and the walls of the grooves are of varying angles to accommodate veins of differing depths.

Abstract: A mesh appliance and method for use in excising skin samples from stretched skin, as in taking punch biopsies. The appliance is placed on a stretched skin area and maintains the skin in stretched condition during the sample incising operation. It is used with the skin stretched in the direction perpendicular to the skin Langer's lines, thereby producing a skin opening which is elliptical in contour and effectively sutured.

Abstract: A front syringe attachment is provided for mounting on a syringe cylinder of hypodermic syringes for subcutaneous injection, particularly for use in veterinary medicine, which substantially includes a first hollow-cylindrical barrel and a second hollow-cylindrical barrel of smaller diameter which is arranged in the latter in a telescoping manner, wherein the end of the first barrel facing the syringe cylinder is fastened to the syringe cylinder and the end of the second barrel facing the syringe cylinder can be pushed into the first barrel against a spring arranged in the first barrel, and the ends of the two barrels on the injecting side have a step-like or stair-like construction, wherein the end of the second barrel on the injecting side projects beyond the end of the first barrel on the injecting side in the rest position and completely covers the hypodermic needle.

Abstract: A simple blood sampling device composed of a vacuum chamber, a skin suction portion and a piercing and cutting means.

Abstract: A stabilizer for blood vessels including a pair of diverging panels integrally joined at a bight portion which in turn defines a hinge between the panels. The panels have outer edges with extending legs for engagement with and manipulation of skin for the positioning and stabilizing of veins. The stabilizer includes linear forward edges and generally arcuate rear edges for use in varying situations.

Abstract: A self-injection facilitating device is made in the form of two arm portions having body contacting jaws at one end and manipulating handles at the other. The jaws are biased toward each other by a spring and have a sharp taper at the inner sides opposed to each other to effectively grasp the flesh at the surface of the body when applied thereto in order to pucker the flesh into a small mound into which an injection can conveniently be made with a hypodermic needle using only one hand. An adjustment arrangement for either the position of the pivot point of the arm portions or the distance of the arms apart at the pivot point is provided.

Abstract: A vein locator for locating a vein of a patient for insertion of a venous access catheter. The locator comprises a sleeve partially encompassing the vein to be located, and a ring removably attached to the sleeve. The ring has protuberances around an opening wherein the protuberances can be felt through the skin of the patient to locate the vein. The opening surrounded by the protuberances defines the vein location for insertion of the catheter. The method of locating a vein and the method of inserting a venous access catheter is also contemplated by the invention.

Abstract: A self-injection facilitating device is made in the form of two arm portions having body contacting jaws at one end and manipulating handles at the other. The jaws are biased toward each other by a spring and have a sharp taper at the inner sides opposed to each other to effectively grasp the flesh at the surface of the body when applied thereto in order to pucker the flesh into a small mound into which an injection can conveniently be made with a hypodermic needle using only one hand.

Abstract: An appliance for use in excising skin samples from stretched skin, as in taking punch biopsies. The appliance comprises a piece of material having a transverse central opening dimensioned to clear the sample-incising tool. It also has a skid-resistant, skin-contacting surface and an opposite pressure-applying surface. It is adapted for placement on a stretched skin area with its skid-resistant surface in pressure contact with the stretched skin and its pressure applying surface positioned for the application of digital pressure as required to maintain the skin in stretched condition during the sample-incising operation.The appliance preferably is used with the skin stretched in a direction perpendicular to the skin Langer's lines, thereby producing a skin defect which is elliptical in contour and effectively sutured.

Abstract: An amniotic membrane perforator includes an elongated shaft having a pair of spaced apart lobes at the distal end thereof relative to the user. A pair of tines are positioned between the lobes. Upon insertion of the perforator into the vaginal canal the lobes depress the amniotic sac so as to present a portion of the sac tissue to the tines for subsequent puncture.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automatically debeaking poultry. The apparatus includes a debeaking assembly. In a first stage, the debeaking assembly, including a debeaking element, is brought into proximity of the beak of a bird having its head held or restrained. In a second stage, the debeaking element is displaced relative to the debeaking assembly to debeak the bird. The beak may be cut by an upward movement of the debeaking element. In another embodiment, debeaking occurs due to downward movement of the debeaking member which cuts like a simple guillotine. In still another embodiment, upper and lower debeaking elements come together to cut the bird's beak. Another embodiment of the debeaking element may be used to perforate the bird's beak in order to destroy the nerve in the beak. The bird's beak may be cauterized after it is debeaked.