Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium has a coil and an armature moveable toward a forward position, in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston is moveable axially within a piston channel to a forward position, in response to movement of the armature to its forward position. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position, when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position of the piston, a piston chamber is formed between the piston and a valve member and is filled with infusion medium. As the piston is moved to its forward position, the piston chamber volume is reduced and pressure within the piston chamber increases to a point where the pressure moves the valve member into an open position through an outlet.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a needle or a catheter, insertable into a living body, which defines a plurality of holes in fluid communication with a central lumen. The holes may be of various patterns located and angled to create a desired injectate cloud pattern when an injectate is forced through the central lumen and through the plurality of holes. One embodiment provides various designs including a moveable sheath or stylet used to selectively occlude one or more of the holes while in use, thereby providing an operating physician a way to manipulate the cloud pattern anytime during the introduction of the injectate. A reducer may be used in conjunction with these needles which provides an increased degree of control when injecting very small quantities of fluid.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis are provided. To this end, in part, a pump for a dialysis system is provided. The pump includes a first chamber wall including a first aperture, a second chamber wall including a second aperture, a piston, at least a portion of which can move through the second aperture, the piston including a third aperture, and first and second membranes disposed between the first and second chambers walls. A vacuum can be applied through the first aperture to pull the first membrane towards the first chamber wall and can be applied through the third aperture to pull the second membrane towards the piston. The piston can thereafter move the second membrane.

Abstract: A medical pump, comprising a reservoir having a fluid enclosing portion and a tubular element, the inside of which is arrangeable in fluid communication with the fluid enclosing portion for allowing fluid to pass into the tubular element. The fluid enclosing portion contains a volume of fluid sealed from communication with air and the fluid enclosing portion is adapted to reduce in volume essentially to the same extent as any volume of fluid transferred into the inside of the tubular element. The invention also relates to a method of delivering a medical fluid.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. The piston comprises a first member and a second member. The first member has an external proximate side and an external distal side. The external proximate side is adapted to contact the fluid and is made of a material having a first stiffness. The second member has a first side and a second side and is at least partially disposed within the first member. The first side of the second member is adjacent to the external proximate side of the first member and is made of a material having a stiffness which is greater than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium. A coil surrounds a piston channel. An armature is located adjacent the coil. The armature is moveable toward a forward position in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston located within the piston channel is moveable within the channel to a forward position in response to movement of the armature. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position, a piston chamber formed between the piston and a valve member is filled with infusion medium. As the piston is moved to its forward position, piston chamber volume is reduced and pressure within the piston chamber increases and moves the valve member into an open position. Medium from the piston chamber is then discharged into an outlet chamber.

Abstract: An improved pump, reservoir and reservoir piston are provided for controlled delivery of fluids. A motor is operably coupled to a drive member, such as a drive screw, which is adapted to advance a plunger slide in response to operation of the motor. The plunger slide is removably coupled to the piston. The piston comprises a first member and a second member. The first member has an external proximate side and an external distal side. The external proximate side is adapted to contact the fluid and is made of a material having a first stiffness. The second member has a first side and a second side and is at least partially disposed within the first member. The first side of the second member is adjacent to the external proximate side of the first member and is made of a material having a stiffness which is greater than the first stiffness.

Abstract: A fluid ejection system (20) comprising a cartridge (24), an ejector (32, 300) and, optionally, a fill station (28) for filling the cartridge with a fluid, such as a vaccine. In some embodiments (52), the cartridge includes a transfer passageway (96) for receiving fluid from the fill station. In other embodiments (200, 400), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir (208, 408) offset from an ejection chamber (224, 420). In yet other embodiments (500, 600), the cartridge includes a vented fluid reservoir chamber (512, 636) inline with the ejection chamber (508, 644). In still other embodiments (700, 1000, 1100), the cartridge includes first and second chambers (728, 736, 1036, 1048, 1136, 1148) initially fluidly sealed from on another by a valve, e.g., either a traveling valve (704, 800, 900, 1200, 1300) or a temporarily stationary valve (1004, 1104).

Abstract: The present invention provides systems for the injection delivery of at least two fluid doses to a small bird by penetrating the skin of the recipient bird with at least two injection needles. It is then possible to simultaneously inject drugs, or other fluid vaccines that do not mix well or whose mixture would be detrimental to the stability or efficacy of the active ingredients therein. The present invention provides a novel injection needle support for connecting the injection needles to dose distributors and fluid supply containers while maintaining the injection ends of the injection needles in a substantially parallel arrangement. The injection needle support typically is attached to a carrier connected to an actuator, an actuator power source and a switch mechanism wherein the actuator, when activated, can reciprocally move the carrier and injection support toward and away from an injection position.

Abstract: A power injector 10 that includes a solenoid 23 that moves a piston to cause a liquid to be injected via the needle 13. A shroud 27 engages a switch 28 to cause electric energy to be delivered to the solenoid 24 to cause actuation thereof.

Abstract: A drive mechanism for delivery of infusion medium. A coil surrounds a piston channel. An armature is located adjacent the coil. The armature is moveable toward a forward position in response to the electromagnetic field produced by activation of the coil. A piston located within the piston channel is moveable within the channel to a forward position in response to movement of the armature. The armature and piston are moved toward a retracted position when the coil is not energized. In the retracted position, a piston chamber formed between the piston and a valve member filled with infusion medium. As the piston is moved to its forward position, piston chamber volume is reduced and pressure within the piston chamber increases and moves the valve member into an open position. Medium from the piston chamber is then discharged into an outlet chamber.

Abstract: A method of preparing for an injection procedure preferably includes: mounting a syringe comprising a distal end and a plunger on an injector comprising a piston; sensing that the syringe is mounted on the injector; advancing the piston of the injector to engage the plunger of the syringe and to advance the plunger to the distal end thereof; and retracting the piston to retract the plunger and aspirate fluid into the syringe. Preferably, the method includes determining whether the syringe is an empty syringe, a preloaded syringe or a prefilled syringe.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: The fluid injection apparatus for use with a syringe includes an injector and a pressure jacket assembly associated with the injector. The injector includes a housing defining a central opening and a drive piston extendable through the central opening for imparting motive forces to a syringe plunger disposed within the syringe. The pressure jacket assembly includes a pressure jacket and at least one support arm associated with and extending outward from the housing. A syringe retaining member is attached to the at least one support arm. The syringe-retaining member defines a syringe receiving slot for receiving at least a portion of the syringe. A light source is located on the support arm and faces the pressure jacket for illuminating the syringe. The syringe includes an alignment flange defining a bulged air bubble viewing window (see A). The alignment flange is used to properly orient the syringe in the pressure jacket.

Abstract: The fluid injection apparatus for use with the syringe includes an injector and a pressure jacket assembly associated with the injector. The injector includes a housing defining a central opening and a drive piston extendable through the central opening for imparting motive forces to a syringe plunger disposed within the syringe. The pressure jacket assembly includes a pressure jacket and at least one locking member pivotally associated with the pressure jacket. The at least one locking member is movable between an engaged position preventing removal of the syringe from the pressure jacket and a disengaged position allowing insertion and removal of the syringe into the pressure jacket.

Abstract: A reusable external infusion device infuses a fluid into an individual's body. The infusion device controls the rate that fluid flows from a reservoir inside a housing, through an external tube, and into the individual's body. Essentially, the infused fluid is insulin. However, many other fluids may be administered through infusion such as, HIV drugs, drugs to treat pulmonary hypertension, iron chelation drugs, pain medications, anti-cancer treatments, vitamins, hormones, and others.

Abstract: A medication delivery system delivers medication to a patient and is suitable for sterilization by a sterilization fluid. The system includes a base and a reservoir disposed about the base for storing the medication. A pump for delivering the medication to the patient is supported by the base. The pump includes a housing having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet and outlet alternate between an open and a closed state to deliver the medication. A port extends from the base. The port fluidly communicates with the reservoir and the pump during sterilization to provide access for the fluid to flow into the reservoir and the pump. An actuator is disposed in the base. The actuator operatively engages the inlet and outlet to retain them in the open state during sterilization. As such, the fluid can penetrate into the reservoir, the inlet, the housing, and the outlet to sterilize the system.

Abstract: An adapter includes a syringe carrier adapted to seat at least a portion of the syringe. The syringe carrier includes at least one rearward facing abutmer member to abut at least one forward facing surface on a syringe. The syringe carrie includes an opening therein to allow a drive member of an injector to communicate forward force to the plunger through abutment without connective engagement between the drive member and the plunger. The adapter further includes a releasable mounting mechanism positioned to the rear of the syringe carrier to mount the adapter in a desired position relative to the front wall of the injector. An adapter includes a first section and a second section that are rotatable relative to each other about a hinge axis generally perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the adapter.

Abstract: An injection device for injection of a medicament from a medicament cartridge 40 is disclosed. The injection device comprises a main housing 4, a piston 50 and an end stop switch 52 in which access to the main body 4 for replacement of the medicament cartridge 40 may only be obtained when the piston 50 trips the end stop switch.

Abstract: A delivery device for patient-controlled infusion of a medicament, the delivery device comprising a reservoir for the medicament and a pump having a predetermined delivery dose which is capable of displacing the medicament from the reservoir and delivering it to a patient, wherein the pump comprises a pumping means, a first conduit, capable of restricting flow rate, chosen in conjunction with the delivery dose of the pumping means to define a predetermined maximum dosage rate, said conduit connecting the reservoir to a pumping means, a one-way valve in fluid communication with the first conduit and the pumping means which permits medicament flow into the pumping means but prevents reverse flow, a controlling means, and a second conduit extending from the pumping means and having a distal end through which the medicament may be released, wherein the controlling means: (a) is in fluid communication with the pumping means and the second conduit; (b) opens when pressured within the dose chamber exceeds a predeter

Abstract: Embodiments of an injector, syringe, syringe interface, syringe adapter, and piston/plunger assembly for an injector (of contrast medium, for example) are described. Preferably, the syringe is adapted to engage a syringe interface mechanism such that the syringe may be connected to an injector without regard to any particular orientation of the syringe to the injector or to the piston/plunger assembly. The injector piston or drive member includes a sensing pin positioned at a forward end thereof to sense contact with the syringe plunger during advancement of the piston or drive member to contact the plunger. The piston can be advanced automatically upon connection of, for example, the syringe to the injector, or piston advance can be automated to occur after operator initiation. The injector may include or be adapted to accommodate two syringes, which for example provide for simultaneous injection of fluid into separate injection sites on a patient.

Abstract: An injector 20 that may be used to deliver radiographic contrast media and/or flushing solution into a patient's vascular system for the purposes such as obtaining enhanced diagnostic x-ray images. The injector includes the following features: (1) a syringe mount 26 for attachment of a syringe 28 to the injector 20; (2) display 34 and controls 90 for volume and flow rates; (3) automatic limiting of the operating pressure of the injector 20 as determined by the selection of a flow rate; (4) a syringe cradle 48 having a warming capability; (5) a purge/retract trigger 36 for control of the injection procedure having intuitive direction (i.e.

Abstract: An inoculation device and method are provided. The device includes a hypodermic syringe with a hollow needle that is positioned to inject a small animal in its abdominal area with an inoculant. A work platform supports the animal during inoculation in a back down, face up orientation. Air flow sensing activation means is positioned adjacent a portion of the animal. When the animal is moved into contact with the activation means, drive means connected to the hypodermic syringe moves the needle forward to penetrate the animal after which the inoculant is injected.

Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with jaws of the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: An infusion pump includes a plurality of projections configured so that they enter the subcutaneous region of the patients skin and provides a painless means of creating a breach in the stratum corneum which is sealed against leakage by the skin surrounding each projection and provides a flow path for either a basal and bolus injection of medication. The pump includes a drug reservoir containing a drug. The pump includes a microactuator and includes a housing having a foundation or lid which opens and closes so that the medication container can be inserted and supported in a delivery mode position. A micro actuator is used to advance either a roller or a piston in communication with the medication container. Attached to the micro-actuator is a device that is mounted for movement along the access of the medication container. The device indexes along the medication container that is used to dispense the medication.

Abstract: An improved breast pump assembly has a foot drive to which an otherwise manually operated vacuum pump of a breast pump can be readily and releasably attached to operate the vacuum pump by the foot of the user.

Abstract: Devices that detect and monitor components and fluid used with an injector system, such as an angiographic injector system, are disclosed. The devices may include mechanical, electrical or software based indexing or keying features to ensure that only compatible components are used on the system. In addition, these devices may also be used to track and/or monitor fluid volume and use during various injection procedures. Single use and multiple use components, conveniently supplied in kits, may also be tracked and/or monitored by the devices of the present invention.

Abstract: In a device for the injection of medical preparations, into a patients body during an examination in a Computer Tomograph (CT) or in a Magnetic Resonance Tomograph (MRT) or endoscopically, including an injection needle supported. by an injection-needle advancing arrangement for insertion of the injection needle into the patients body and the concurrent injection of medications with a separate dosing apparatus, a hose with a check. valve for the one-way transport of the medical preparations from the dosing apparatus into the injection needle, as well as a pressure sensor for monitoring the infusion, the injection needle advancing arrangement comprises a needle holder and a linear drive for the movement of the needle holder in parallel with the injection needle and the dosing apparatus has geometric dimensions and consists of materials permitting its insertion into the CT or MRT together with the patient.

Abstract: Methods for identifying and monitoring increased or decreased levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase in biological samples are provided. A collection device for detecting inducible nitric oxide synthase in biological samples is also provided. Detection of inducible nitric oxide synthase is useful in the diagnosis of inflammatory responses such as infections mediated by bacteria, yeast or viruses, transplant rejection, rheumatoid arthritis, interstitial cystitis and cancer.

Abstract: A delivery device for patient-controlled infusion of a medicament (6), the delivery device comprising a reservoir (2) for the medicament (6) and a pump (4) having a predetermined delivery dose which is capable of displacing the medicament from the reservoir (2) and delivering it to a patient, wherein the pump (4) comprises a pumping means (14), a first conduit (10), capable of restricting flow rate, chosen in conjunction with the delivery dose of the pumping means (14) to define a predetermined maximum dosage rate, said conduit (10) connecting the reservoir (2) to a pumping means (14), a one-way valve (18) in fluid communication with the first conduit (10) and the pumping means (14) which permits medicament flow into the pumping means (14) but prevents reverse flow, a controlling means (32), and a second conduit (28) extending from the pumping means and having a distal end (30) through which, the medicament may be released, wherein the controlling means (32), (a) is in fluid communication with the pumping mea

Abstract: The syringe (10) comprises a detachable syringe barrel (14) connected to a housing (12). The housing contains a drive means connected to a plunger (24). The drive means is for extending and retracting the plunger into and out of the detachable syringe barrel. The detachable syringe barrel comprises a stopper (26) at one end thereof in sealing engagement with the interior of the barrel and for releasable engagement with the end of the plunger distal to the drive means. At least a portion of the stopper is flexible between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the flexible stopper may be disengaged from the plunger upon retraction of the plunger away from the detachable syringe barrel. In the second position, the flexible stopper is maybe engaged with the plunger upon extension of the plunger toward the detachable syringe barrel.

Abstract: Various sealing structures are used in a front-loading injector, for preventing leakage of spilled fluid from an external surface of a syringe into the vicinity of the drive ram. For example, a sealing gasket may be incorporated into the front face of the injector housing, for mating to the rearward circular edge of the cylindrical body of a syringe. Alternatively, sealing and locking functions may be performed by a single structure on the rearward end of the syringe. Further, leakage may be prevented by including a non-planar sealing flange on the syringe, positioned on the syringe forward of the locking structure, or by a two-piece structure, including a syringe and a separate leakage stopping washer for surrounding the syringe to halt the flow of fluid along the exterior of the syringe. (As part of this aspect, or as an independent feature, the syringe may include an annularly discontinuous flange forward of the locking structure, for providing mechanical support for the syringe against the injector.

Abstract: The present invention is a medical infusion and aspiration system capable of accurate pulsate delivery of high rates off flow. The system comprises a pumping mechanism, a cassette housing, a plunger and a cartridge having a reservoir area, an encoded area and a neck opening for connection to an infusion tube with an in-line sensor area where sampling probes are located. The cartridge is in threaded connection with the housing and the plunger fits within the reservoir area. The encoded area allows for an optical or electromagnetic strip containing information as to the contents and uses of the contained reagent, thus minimizing dosage mistakes. A motor is linked to the housing and causes bi-directional rotation of the plunger in relation to the housing. The plunger rotation breaks the forces of inertia and slip-stick as well as eliminate backlash.

Abstract: A power injector 10 that includes a solenoid 23 that moves a piston to cause a liquid to be injected via the needle 13. A shroud 27 engages a switch 28 to cause electric energy to be delivered to the solenoid 24 to cause actuation thereof.

Abstract: A plastic pump piston is provided for a disposable syringe, wherein the disposable syringe has a syringe cylinder which is constructed with a needle cone on one end thereof and at least one gripping plate on the other end thereof, and having a sealing element on the front end of a shaft of the pump piston. The sealing element is made of a material having a higher elasticity than the pump piston material and is molded onto the pump piston in the same mold after the pump piston is injection molded.

Abstract: A drive motor for an infusion pump system includes a novel outer housing which includes a unitary member which defines a cavity adapted to receive a winding wherein the housing cavity has a length at least as long as length of the winding. In one embodiment, the housing unitary member has an opening at one end and is adapted to receive a housing end member which has a guide track for an armature. Such an arrangement facilitates assembly and disassembly of the motor for fabrication, inspection and repair purposes yet also facilitates proper alignment of the components when assembled. In another aspect, a push member positioned to be engaged by the armature has an engagement face which is at least 40% of the width of the armature engagement face. In still another aspect of the present inventions, the armature head portion is wider than the armature stem portion and has a length at least 10% of the winding length.

Abstract: An automatic injection device includes a drive mechanism and a sensor used to determine an internal characteristic such as a force or internal pressure generated during an injection process. This characteristic is then used as a control parameter by a microprocessor or controller which generates corresponding commands to the drive mechanism. In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the characteristic is used to calculate an exit pressure at which fluid ejected by the device through an elongated tube. The drive mechanism is then operated in such a manner that the exit pressure is maintained at a predetermined level to insure that a patient does not suffer pain and/or tissue damage.

Abstract: A syringe pump has a plunger head retainer with two retainer arms mounted on shafts extending parallel to the syringe axis. Each shaft carries a gear, which is engaged by common gear wheel mounted on a threaded shaft. Initially, the shaft is rotated to displaces the gear and hence the retainer arms axially forwardly, and thereafter swing the retainer arms outwardly to an open position. After the syringe has been loaded in the pump, the plunger head retainer is driven forwards until a pad coupled with a force sensor detects contact with the head. This causes the retainer arms to be swung in across the forward side of the plunger head and to be pulled rearwardly against the plunger head. The pump then reduces the force applied by the retainer arms to ensure that the force sensor can respond to force on the plunger during expulsion of liquid from the syringe.

Abstract: A method and device for injecting and extracting fluid at a treatment site to remove debris from the site.

Abstract: Adapters for use with an angiographic injector. A face plate adapter includes a channel for receiving a rearward end of a syringe. First and second mounting flanges on the adapter overlay a portion of the channel, to cooperate with mounting flanges on a rearward end of the syringe, so that the syringe mounting flanges may be inserted between the adapter mounting flanges, and then rotated in the channel behind the adapter mounting flanges, to thereby lock the syringe to the adapter. The adapter further includes one or more locking pins, which in a locked position extend across the channel, to block the syringe from rotating in the channel and thereby prevent a syringe from being dismounted from the adapter. A collar incorporated in the adapter interacts with a drive ram of the injector to move the locking pins into their locked position whenever the ram is forward of a rearwardmost position.

Abstract: A novel device and method for the efficient, regular and highly maneuverability administration of medical liquids, especially anesthetics. The system of the present invention includes a light-weight, hand-held injection device which is connected to an operating pedal and a control unit. The control unit stores a number of preprogrammed injection procedures having specific injection flow rates and volumes, and provides the user with the ability to create and store a plurality of user-defined procedures. The control unit and injector allow precise selection, control and monitoring of the injection flow rate and volume. The operating pedal provides “hands-free” control of the procedures, as well as a means to select various sub-procedures, such as an Aspiration mode, Introduction mode, or Preparation mode, in addition to the Injection mode.

Abstract: A medication delivery device comprising a container containing a fluid medicament. The medicament is expelled from the container by moving forward an elastomeric piston inside the cartridge. The piston is moved forward by a telescopic piston rod, which can either be centrally located in the container or eccentric located. One end of the telescopic piston rod abuts the elastomeric piston either by itself or through an additional plate. The abutment having a friction large enough to prevent a lower part of the telescopic rod from rotating. In order to prevent the elastomeric piston from rotating inside the container a second telescopic piston rod is provided parallel with the first telescopic piston rod.

Abstract: A bladeless pump is described which uses a rotating impeller which is substantially smooth. The rotating impeller pumps fluid in a direction perpendicular to its direction of rotation. The moving part of the pump includes a substantially smooth or bumped outer surface, which rotates within a substantially unmoving part. The unmoving part includes grooves which are canted in a specified direction. The innermost surfaces of the grooves form a diameter which is similar to the outermost surfaces of the substantially smooth impeller. When the impeller is spinning, fluid flow between the grooves is prevented. This causes fluid flow generally in the direction of the grooves.

Abstract: A medical device is provided having a needle or a catheter, insertable into a living body, which defines a plurality of holes in fluid communication with a central lumen. The holes may be of various patterns located and angled to create a desired injectate cloud pattern when an injectate is forced through the central lumen and through the plurality of holes. One embodiment provides various designs including a moveable sheath or stylet used to selectively occlude one or more of the holes while in use, thereby providing an operating physician a way to manipulate the cloud pattern anytime during the introduction of the injectate. A reducer may be used in conjunction with these needles which provides an increased degree of control when injecting very small quantities of fluid.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure control system for an injector. The pressure control system includes a compliant piston or piston extension member that connects to the plunger of a injector-actuated syringe to prevent pressure overshoots when a closed or blocked fluid delivery pathway is encountered during an injection procedure.

Abstract: A front-loading syringe which comprises a movable plunger for injecting liquid contrast media, is rotatably mountable on a front wall of an injector housing with an interference fit and in sealed relationship with respect thereto, with or without a pressure jacket, by a first-quick release mechanism. At the same time, the plunger is connected to an injector drive mechanism by a second readily releasable mechanism. During the mounting operation, a sensor reads injection information from an indicator device on the syringe and feeds it to an injector control. An audible-and-tactile indicating mechanism also is activated when the syringe is essentially in the desired mounted position. The syringe may include reinforcing ribs, which also function as volumetric gradations, and liquid media presence-or-absence indicating dots, which appear circular against a liquid media background and oval-shaped against an air background.

Abstract: Low profile inlet valve embodiments for a piston pump therapeutic substance infusion device are disclosed that reduce dead volume, occupies little residential space, operates rapidly, and have many other improvements. The therapeutic substance infusion device has a housing, a therapeutic substance reservoir, a power source carried in the housing, electronics, a piston pump, and an inlet valve. The piston pump is configured for pumping therapeutic substance from the therapeutic substance reservoir through an infusion port at a programmed rate. The inlet valve is in fluid communication with a reservoir outlet to control the flow of therapeutic substance into the piston pump. The inlet valve has a substantially coplanar valve surface and valve spring. Many embodiments of the low profile inlet valve and its methods of operation are possible.

Abstract: An aspirating and irrigating apparatus and method provide rapid and effective aspirating and irrigating of body parts during medical procedures to such a degree that anesthetizing the patient is no longer necessary for that portion of the procedure. The apparatus is portable and includes a piston driven motor which drives a vacuum pump having an input port for providing a vacuum operating to vacuum levels exceeding approximately twenty-seven inches of mercury and an output port for providing air under pressure operating to pressure levels exceeding approximately one hundred and twenty pounds per square inch for permitting rapid fluid flows.

Abstract: A dual port syringe has an upper port for connection to a fluid reservoir and a lower port for delivery of the medical fluid under pressure to a patient. A first valve is connected between the fluid reservoir and the upper port, and second valve is connected between the lower port and the patient. During a fill operation, a piston is moved within the syringe to drawn fluid from the reservoir into the syringe through the upper port. During injection operation, the piston moves in an opposite direction to force fluid out of the syringe through the lower port.

Abstract: A syringe loading/filling device (or “syringe loader”) includes a syringe mounting mechanism adapted to cooperate with an attachment mechanism of a syringe to attach the syringe to the syringe loader and a drive member adapted to impart motion to the syringe plunger. The syringes for use with the syringe loader include a syringe plunger slidably disposed therein and an attachment mechanism for attachment of the syringe to an injector. Such injectors include a mounting mechanism adapted to cooperate with the attachment mechanism on the syringe to mount the syringe on the injector.