Abstract: A system for delivering a slurry to a patient includes a fluid, a material that is non-dissolvable or immiscible in the fluid, thereby forming a slurry, a container adapted to contain the slurry and a supernate of the slurry, the container defining an outlet through which the slurry is delivered to the patient, a fluidizing system associated with the container, a pressurizing mechanism adapted to create a pressure to cause the slurry contained within the container to flow for delivery to the patient and a control unit in communication with and adapted to control the fluidizing system and the pressurizing mechanism. The fluidizing system is adapted to effect dilation of the slurry while maintaining at least a portion of the supernate.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as, antibiotics, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from the device reservoir. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism which takes the form of a constant force spring member of novel design that provides the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device also includes novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.

Abstract: A single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.

Abstract: An I.V. flush syringe assembly includes a barrel having an inside surface defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end and a distal end with a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. An elongate plunger having a proximal end, a distal end and a stopper is slidably positioned in fluid-tight engagement with the inside surface of the barrel for drawing fluid into and out of the chamber by movement of the stopper relative to the barrel. The plunger includes anti-reflux structure for minimizing stopper deflection when fluid has been delivered from the chamber and the stopper is being forced against the distal end of the chamber.

Abstract: One or more aspects of the present invention relate to syringe having an intermediate plunger that includes a one-way valve having a fluid passage define therethrough. The syringe may be utilized to sequentially inject first and second medical fluids into a patient.

Abstract: A medical delivery device comprising an elongate body having a plunger slidably and sealingly engaged to form a cavity to receive fluid materials and a first outlet disposed at an end of said body and has a male luer end portion and a valve assembly is disposed within the first outlet. The valve assembly has a valve means movable between an open position and a closed position and biasing means for biasing the valve means to a closed position. Actuating means are disposed within the male luer end portion and coupled to the valve means such that the valve means is movable to an open position when a female luer end portion of a medical accessory is coupled with the male luer end portion. A second outlet is disposed at the same end as the first outlet for controlling the exchange of gases from the environment to said cavity under the action of the plunger.

Abstract: A suction adapter for use with first and second medical devices capable of accommodating suction, the adapter including a manifold having at least three ports and a flexible flow valve. The ports may include: a suction port configured for connecting to a suction source; a first device port configured for accommodating a first medical device, preferably an endoscope; and a second device port configured for accommodating a second medical device, preferably a suction biopsy device. The flexible flow valve has at least one opening and may be located between the first device port and both the second device port and the suction port.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for safely infusing a toxic fluid into a patient using a safety set, a connect set and a cyto admin set, the safety set comprising a first male locking connector having a proximal end and a distal end attached to a toxic fluid container, an interlocking slide having a proximal end and a distal end that is releasably attached to the proximal end of the first male locking connector, a needle shroud assembly containing a needle and having a proximal end and a distal end slidably attached to the proximal end of the interlocking slide, and a withdrawing syringe having a distal tip releasably attached to the proximal end of the needle shroud assembly, the connect set comprising a connect set line in fluid communication with an infusion bag, wherein the connect set includes a port for connection with the safety set such that the withdrawing syringe is in fluid communication with the infusion bag, the cyto admin set comprising one or more check valves for connection with the co

Abstract: Valve syringes of the invention include a barrel, a plunger and an applicator valve. The applicator valve, which controls the flow of the fluid material contained within the barrel, can rotate at the end of the barrel between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, slots in the applicator valve align with holes in the barrel and allow the fluid material to flow therethrough. In the closed position, a contact surface seals the holes in the barrel closed to prevent the flow of the fluid material therethrough. The applicator valve includes an applicator tip that is either integrally connected to or detachably connected with the applicator valve. The valve syringe also includes means for releasably securing the applicator valve in the closed position to prevent undesired leaking and evaporation during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: A flow control valve (22) such as for a catheter (10) allows discharge of urine from a bladder (12) by manual actuation. The valve (22) may be a double-duckbill valve (22) with a single slit (62) at one apex (60a) thereof. An elastomeric band (66) is positioned in a groove (68) of the valve member (22). An isolation member such as a stem (72) spaces the valve (22) from the walls (34, 36) of the valve housing (32). Crush limiting structure, such as a tube (76) or blade (82), is provided within valve member (22), or stop elements (86 or 92) are positioned external to valve member (22).

Abstract: A tubular instrument including a hollow wall portion and a connector arranged to be used with a guide-wire. The guide-wire has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion of the guide-wire is arranged to be extended to some interior position within the body of a living being, with the proximal end portion of the guide-wire being located outside the being's body. The connector is located at the distal end of the instrument and is arranged to be readily manipulated by a twisting action to connect the instrument onto the guide-wire for sliding movement therealong.

Abstract: A safety syringe 10 includes a generally tubular body 14 having a needle end 18 and plunger end 22, needle 38 and retractable needle seat 30, two-way valve 36, plunger 42, stopper 62, piston 52, and rear plunger seal 44. During use, the plunger may be moved to create a vacuum in the plunger. The user then moves the plunger toward the needle end, pressurizing a vial, then pulls backward to a selected position corresponding to the desired volume of fluid to be withdrawn. At the conclusion of the injection stroke, the piston is disengaged from the plunger. The vacuum within the plunger retracts the needle safely into the tubular body.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits for alleviating or preventing vasoconstriction or vasospasm in a mammal. The compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits are also useful for alleviating or preventing ischemic tissue damage resulting from ischemia associated with cerebral vasoconstriction which follows aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage, with embolic stroke, with coronary artery obstruction, and with other conditions. These compositions, methods, apparatus, and kits generally relate to adventitial (i.e., extra-luminal) administration of a nitric oxide donor compound to a blood vessel in a mammal.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an anchoring balloon structure for use with catheters. The anchoring balloon structure contains an expandable balloon disposed about a port on a catheter, and a pressure-relief valve for regulating the pressure in the balloon and for providing irrigation to a body lumen. The pressure-relief valve is located external to the expandable balloon. The balloon, when filled with fluid, expands and is engaged in direct contact with the tissue. The increase in pressure caused by the balloon against the tissue causes any additional fluid to migrate into the valve region, whereby excess pressure is released and irrigation is provided to the body lumen.

Abstract: The present invention includes a method for evaluating the acceptability of a device for the delivery of cells in a cell implantation therapy comprising: determining a first rate of cell survival in a stable environment, evaluating a second rate of survival during a procedure using a device that manipulates cells, and comparing the first and second rates of survival to determine the effect of the device used during the procedure on cell survival rates to establish a base line effect of the manipulative procedure on cell survivability. That method may be practiced wherein after determining the second survival rate, modifying the design of the device, evaluating a third rate of survival after modifying the design of the device to determine if the change has increased the rate of survival during the procedure. The method is particularly effective where the procedure is selected from the group consisting of cell harvesting, cell transport, cell implantation, and cell delivery.

Abstract: A bypass type prefilled syringe has a tubular body formed with a bypass for establishing communication between front and rear compartments for preliminarily storing medicament and pharmaceutical liquid, respectively. A gasket for dividing interior space of the tubular body into the front and rear compartments includes a plurality of circumferential ribs . A plurality of annular recesses are each formed between neighboring ones of the circumferential ribs. First and second axial slots are formed on the circumferential ribs so as to define a bent outflow path for the pharmaceutical liquid at the time of communication between the front and rear compartments via the bypass.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a slit valve catheter has a generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. The catheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter body.

Abstract: A single-use system for separating blood and producing platelet concentrates includes an elongated container for receiving blood from a patient. The container has a movable plunger mounted within the blood container for expressing blood fractions separated during centrifugation of the container through a first port mounted at one end of said container, a second port mounted on the plunger, and a third port mounted on a plunger rod attached to the plunger.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes an insert tube and an elongate plunger. The insert tube has a tubular wall that confines a passage and that has drug entrance and release ends. The drug release end has first and second radial parts, and is provided with a flexible grating that includes sets of first and second flexible strips. The first and second flexible strips extend from the first and second radial parts of the drug release end, respectively. The elongate plunger has a drug pushing end and an operating end, is slidably movable in the passage, and has a length sufficient to enable the drug pushing end to push a drug in the passage to move out of the passage and spread apart the first and second flexible strips for delivering the drug into a body cavity.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical liquid administration apparatus and administration method that are particularly apt for intravenous (IV) applications. More particularly, the administration apparatus and method may be employed in conjunction with the administration of liquid medication and one or more flush solutions from multi-dose sources, wherein fluid interconnections between at least one flush solution source and the administration apparatus may be established a single time at the outset of a given procedure. The administration apparatus may include a valve having a control member selectively positionable to provide any selected one of a plurality of closed flow paths through the valve, and a syringe interconnected to the control member for clockwise/counterclockwise co-rotation therewith (e.g. to establish the selected flow path).

Abstract: Valve syringes of the invention include a syringe barrel and an applicator valve adapted to rotate relative to the barrel between closed and open positions. In the open position, one or more slots in the applicator valve align with one or more holes in a discharge end of the syringe barrel in order to allow fluid material to flow therethrough. In a closed position, the contact surface of the applicator valve occludes the holes in the barrel in order to seal them and prevent flow of fluid material therethrough. The valve syringe may include structure that increases the sealing engagement between the syringe barrel and applicator valve when rotated toward at least one of the open or closed positions. The applicator valve may include an applicator tip that is either integrally or detachably connected to the applicator valve. The valve syringe may also include a plunger adapted to expel fluid material contained in the syringe barrel through the discharge end and into the applicator valve.

Abstract: One form of the present invention provides a needle-free injection system including the following components: a cartridge for holding liquid drug prior to injection, the cartridge having a rear end and a front end; a plug mounted to the front end of the cartridge, the plug including a channel; a displaceable valve positioned within the channel prior to injection; and a nozzle portion for receiving liquid drug from the glass cartridge for injection, the nozzle portion including an injection orifice and a drug chamber having a valve seat designed to receive the valve to facilitate injection of liquid drug through the injection orifice.

Abstract: An applicator for dispensing a first and second component of a biological adhesive, such as fibrin glue. At least one of said components may contain a suspension of fibrin microbeads (FMB) or a suspension of cells. The present invention uses a single supply of pressurized gas to force the components from the applicator using positive fluid pressure and to atomize them into a convergent spray. Another embodiment of the present invention also provides for the endoscopic application of the biological adhesive directly to tissue defects. The application of positive pressure allows precise metering of the components and application of the adhesive, prevents internal coagulation of the fibrin or clogging by suspended particles and reduces waste and contamination of the components.

Abstract: Valve syringes of the invention include a barrel, a plunger and an applicator valve. The applicator valve, which controls the flow of the fluid material contained within the barrel, can rotate at the end of the barrel between an open position and a closed position. In the open position, slots in the applicator valve align with holes in the barrel and allow the fluid material to flow therethrough. In the closed position, a contact surface seals the holes in the barrel closed to prevent the flow of the fluid material therethrough. The applicator valve includes an applicator tip that is either integrally connected to or detachably connected with the applicator valve. The valve syringe also includes means for releasably securing the applicator valve in the closed position to prevent undesired leaking and evaporation during periods of nonuse.

Abstract: Devices and methods for delivery or retrieval of a distal protection device. A distal protection assembly may comprise an outer sheath, an inner shaft disposed within a lumen of the outer sheath, a distal protection device disposed at a distal end of the inner shaft; and a manifold coupled to a proximal end of the outer sheath that is adapted for moving the outer sheath relative to the inner shaft.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic occlusion for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially occlude aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The methods can also be used to partially occlude the renal arteries to reduce renin secretion in hypertensive patients. Partial occlusion of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter, a distally mounted expandable occluder, a variable flow mechanism, and a manometer. The occluder may comprise two conical shells or an inflatable ring-shaped balloon disposed about a cylindrical sleeve. Other medical devices, such as an atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the occluder to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A syringe-type container for liquid medicine comprises a barrel (1) provided with an easily breakable piercing needle (13) at a distal end (111) of a needle-connecting portion (11) thereof; a gasket (2) inserted and held in the barrel (1); and a guide means (3) fitted on the barrel (1) from the distal side thereof. The syringe-type container is so constructed that turning of the guide means (3) relative to the barrel (1) breaks off the piercing needle (13) from the needle-connecting portion (11).

Abstract: A tubular instrument, e.g., a catheter including a hollow wall portion forming the distal end of the instrument and terminating at a distal opening, having a connector arranged to be used with a guide-wire. The guide wire has a distal end portion and a proximal end portion, the distal end portion of the guide-wire being arranged to be extended to some interior position within the body of a living being, with the proximal end portion of the guide-wire being located outside the being's body. The connector is located at the distal end of the instrument and is arranged to be readily manipulated by a twisting action to connect the instrument onto the guide-wire for sliding movement therealong. In particular, the connector establishes a path into which a portion of the guide-wire can be inserted from a lateral direction by merely twisting the instrument, without requiring access to either end of the guide-wire. In one embodiment the path is a spiral channel formed in the hollow wall portion of the instrument.

Abstract: This reconstitution and injection system delivers a drug in solution under pressure, and injects powdered or lyophilized drugs that require reconstitution, rehydration or dilution. In one embodiment, the system includes a syringe having a barrel, a plunger, a handle, a pump and a channel communicating the barrel with an injection needle. The pump pushes a liquid from the barrel through the injection needle via the channel upon fluid communication between the barrel and the injection needle for delivery of the liquid. In another embodiment, the system includes a first port receiving a syringe, a second port receiving a drug vial, a channel providing communication between the first and second ports, and a controller permitting or inhibiting fluid communication between the first and second ports. In yet another embodiment, the system includes an actuator and a housing having a channel providing fluid communication between a reservoir and the injection needle.

Abstract: A single chamber disposable syringe containing a medicament includes a valve member positioned in the variable volume chamber adjacent to the medicament outlet for selectively communicating the variable volume chamber with the medicament outlet.

Abstract: A discoid and elastic valve is designed to block up the neck of the syringe from inside, in order to close the communication between the syringe's internal main body, where the liquid is, and the needle which is connected in the syringe neck through its plugging cone.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing and treating urogenital disorders associated with atrophic vaginitis in symptomatic women having vaginal pH of 4.5 or above allows documentation of symptoms, justifies estrogen use and can be used to determine the duration of treatment. The method includes measuring and recording vaginal pH, and intravaginally administering a dose of estrogen using a prefilled applicator. The applicator comprises an elongated curved tubular reservoir for containing a gel, cream or ointment, and a plunger, sealingly seatable within the reservoir and operable to displace estrogen gel, cream or ointment therefrom. The outside diameter of the reservoir ranges from 0.25 to 0.375 inches.

Abstract: A continuous injecting apparatus comprises an hollow housing (10) including an upper portion and a lower portion (10′,10″); a syringe (1) mounted in the hollow housing (10); a connector (20) tightly threaded onto the front end portion of the housing (10); an adjusting portion (90) including an adaptor (50) coupled to the rear end of the hollow housing (10); a plug (60) inserted into the adaptor (50); a plunger (70) including a gripper (74) coupled at the front end to the pushing portion (3b) of the syringe (1), a grasping portion (76) formed to force a user to push down the piston (3) of the syringe (1) and a stopper (80) movably mounted onto a rod of the plunger (70), thereby adjusting an amount of medical liquid to be injected for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes.

Abstract: There is described a dispensing system comprising a dispenser and a plurality of cartridge for delivering a biological sealant to an application site. The sealant is presented as a multi-component liquid sealant, with each component contained in a cartridge comprising a tubular body closed at one end with an openable seal and closed at the other end by a piston element movable axially within the tubular body.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a slit valve catheter has a generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. The catheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter body.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device comprising a syringe body (1, 13), which delimits a chamber which is designed to be filled with a liquid, and a unit (17) for distributing the liquid, comprising an end piece (17a) for closing off the chamber, which is extended by a locking male conical connection (17c), and can be displaced axially between a closing-off position of the said chamber and a position for injection of the liquid. According to the invention, the unit (17) for distributing comprises an intermediate connection (20), which is provided between the closing-off end piece (17a) and the male conical connection (17c).

Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, a needleless injection apparatus includes a cartridge having a plunger disposed at a rearward end. The cartridge includes an inner portion with a throat at a forward portion and a displaceable outlet valve initially disposed within the cartridge throat. The cartridge further includes a generally outwardly facing surface and a system for selectively providing driving force to drive the plunger in a forward direction. The apparatus also includes a nozzle for receiving the cartridge, the nozzle defining a rearward, cartridge-receiving portion, and having a forward portion terminating in and defining a valve abutment surface with a plurality of channels and an injection orifice.

Abstract: Ampoule for dispensing a substance comprising: a container having a chamber therein for storing a substance to be dispensed; a piston arranged in the chamber so as to be displaceably in longitudinal correction of the chamber; an outlet means which can be connected to the container such that a fluid communication is established between an inlet portion of a discharge passage of the outlet means and an outlet opening of the chamber; and a plug closure means being insertable in a fluid-tight manner into the outlet opening of the chamber and, when it has been fluid-tightly inserted into the outlet opening, being displaceable by the outlet means connected to the container in direction towards the interior of the chamber from a closed position into an open position in which a fluid communication is provided between the interior of the chamber and the inlet portion of the discharge passage of the outlet means via the outlet opening of the chamber, the plug closure means having retaining means retaining the plug clos

Abstract: The present invention is related with an improved syringe having a novel piston design. The syringe comprises an outer tube or cylinder made of, for example, plastic material, narrowed at its outlet for fitting a detachable hollow needle. Inside the outer tube the novel piston is slidable fitted including at its forward end a coupling defined by a coupling bolt and a retaining head which form part of the piston body. To the coupling a rubber bulb is rotatably fitted including a longitudinal hole for allowing fluids flow from tube to the needle and from the piston to the tube. The forward end of the piston includes an orifice defining fluid communication between the inner volume of the hollow piston and the inner volume of the tube. During the operation the piston can be rotated so as to align the hole of said rubber bulb and said orifice of the piston forward end for defining a fluid channel from the syringe to the hollow needle.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plunger stopper for syringe barrels, the plunger stopper having one or more constrictions and a first and a second end, wherein at least the first end of the plunger stopper is of tapered design. In a first particular embodiment, at least the first end is of conically tapered design. In a further particular embodiment, at least one end is provided with a bore. However, both ends can also be of conically tapered design and can be provided with a bore.

Abstract: Three collar groups 6A through 6C, each group comprising collars 5a through 5b, 5c through 5e and 5f through 5h which are thin walled and close to each other are provided in a spaced manner in a piston sliding direction. A first group 6A which is provided at the front most end of the piston head 5 comprises two collars 5a and 5b. The front collar 5a which is in contact with the liquid drug has a larger diameter than that of the rear collar 5b. First and third collar groups 6B and 6C which are at the rear of the first collar group 6A comprise three collars 5c to 5e and 5f to 5h, respectively. The intermediate collars 5d and 5g have larger diameters than those of the front and rear collars 5c and 5e; and 5f and 5h, respectively. A support collar 5i is provided at the rear of the collar groups 6B and 6C in such a manner that it is spaced therefrom. The support collar 5i has a thick walled portion x at its base excepting the peripheral edge thereof.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an efficient and cost-effective system for reconstituting bone pastes comprising a first syringe containing a reconstitution fluid and second syringe containing paste components, wherein said first and second syringes are communicatingly interconnectable. Also disclosed are novel methods for producing and storing bone pastes. Alternatively, a mixing syringe is disclosed, which is useful for reconstituting a paste, inter alia, comprising a flexible midportion, whereby repeated compression of the flexible midportion results in mixing the contents of the syringe.

Abstract: A discoid and elastic valve is designed to block up the neck of the syringe from inside, in order to close the communication between the syringe's internal main body, where the liquid is, and the needle which is connected in the syringe neck through its plugging cone.

Abstract: A syringe comprising a one-way filter which permits flow of fluid into the syringe unfiltered but which filters the fluid when expelled from the syringe.

Abstract: Methods are provided for partial aortic occlusion for cerebral perfusion augmentation in patients suffering from global or focal cerebral ischemia. Alternatively, the methods can be used to partially occlude aortic blood flow to condition the spinal cord to secrete neuroprotective agents prior to abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. The methods can also be used to partially occlude the renal arteries to reduce renin secretion in hypertensive patients. Partial occlusion of a vessel can be accomplished by a device comprising an elongate catheter, a distally mounted expandable occluder, a variable flow mechanism, and a manometer. The occluder may comprise two conical shells or an inflatable ring-shaped balloon disposed about a cylindrical sleeve. Other medical devices, such as an atherectomy catheter, can be inserted distal the occluder to provide therapeutic intervention.

Abstract: A needle retraction mechanism includes a hollow handle defining a cavity, a needle hub assembly movably disposed in the handle, a biasing mechanism to move the needle hub assembly from an extended position to a retracted position and a latch to hold needle hub assembly in the extended position against the bias of the biasing mechanism. The needle hub assembly includes a flexible stopper at its proximal end that creates an air tight seal with the inner wall of the handle. This allows a vacuum to be created between the proximal end of the handle and the flexible stopper when the needle hub is moved from the retracted position to the extended position. The configuration of the flexible stopper allows it to change the amount of frictional force created between the inner wall of the handle and the flexible stopper when the device is at different elevations.

Abstract: A self-occluding catheter includes a body portion for connection to extracorporeal equipment. An elongated tubular extension is provided for insertion into a body cavity. The body portion includes a resiliently biased spool supported therein which is slidable between an open and a closed position for alternately permitting and stopping the flow of blood through the catheter during a given medical procedure. The biasing device for resilient biasing the spool preferably comprises one or more magnets fixed within the body portion which generate a magnetic force for urging the magnetically polarized spool to its closed position.

Abstract: A system for selectively inflating and deflating a balloon of a dilation balloon catheter. The system includes an inflation syringe that generates a positive pressure for inflating the balloon and a vacuum source that generates a negative pressure for deflating the balloon. A valve is used to selectively establish fluid communication between the vacuum source and the catheter. The valve may be a manually operable device for alternatingly and selectively applying the positive and negative pressures to the catheter. Alternatively, the valve includes a port in a wall of the barrel of the inflation syringe. The port is obstructed when the plunger of the inflation syringe is advanced beyond a specified point in the barrel. An obstructed port isolates the negative pressure of the vacuum source from the catheter, while an opened port establishes fluid communication between the vacuum source and the catheter. The system may be used to position a stent in a treated artery of a patient.

Abstract: A cartridge and nozzle assembly for use in a needless injection system is provided.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a slit valve catheter has a generally tubular catheter body with an exterior surface exposed to an environment and an interior surface defining a lumen. The catheter further includes a valve which has a protuberance projecting radially from the catheter body.