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

Abstract: A surgical irrigation system is suitable for endoscopic and other surgical procedures. A hand held handpiece has a forward protruding hollow tip for supplying irrigation liquid to a surgical site, a hand actuable control for controlling irrigation liquid flow to the tip, and an irrigation liquid inlet. A self contained pumping unit is locatable adjacent a source of irrigation liquid and remote from the handpiece. The pumping unit comprises a housing containing an outlet for irrigation liquid, a pumping member for pumping irrigation liquid through the outlet, a motor for driving the pumping member, and an electric battery assembly for energizing the motor. An elongate tube connects the pumping outlet to the handpiece irrigation liquid inlet for supplying pumped irrigation liquid to the handpiece.

Abstract: An antegrade/retrograde cardioplegia valve, system and method are provided. The valve includes conduits for entry of blood and cardioplegic solution, for pressure sensing, and for delivery of blood and cardioplegic solution to the aortic root by means of an aortic root cannula for antegrade infusion or to the coronary sinus by means of a coronary sinus cannula for retrograde infusion. Within the valve a cylindrical sliding member slides axially within an inner cylindrical chamber for selection of retrograde or antegrade infusion. An independent conduit communicates with the coronary sinus cannula for continuous coronary sinus pressure monitoring. A method and system incorporating the valve are also provided.

Abstract: A surgical cannula includes a first valve seal for preventing insufflation gas from escaping from a patient's abdomen when an instrument is inserted or removed through the cannula. The valve seal has a V-shaped cross section and includes two opposing lips which face each other across a slit. Each lip has an internal and external edge separated by an intermediate section. The front surface of the first seal is relatively flat and has a width X. The preferred distance between the internal and external edges is preferably one-half X. This permits the internal edges to absorb the shock and damage from the introduction of a sharp instrument such as a trocar into the cannula without destroying the sealing capability of the external edges. A spring-loaded tubular member is located within the cannula housing and a reducer subassembly and is normally biased away from the interior surface of the first seal.

Abstract: A catheter access system comprises and integrally molded base sheet which forms first and second opposed slide valve walls. The slide valve walls form an upwardly-open longitudinal valley therebetween. An elongated sliding member is received for slidable movement within the longitudinal valley. A plurality of slide valve inlet ports extend through the first slide valve wall. A slide valve outlet port extends through the second slide valve wall. A plurality of syringes are mounted on the integrally-molded base sheet for fluid communication with the slide valve inlet ports. The elongated sliding member is movable between a plurality of discrete longitudinal positions to individually select slide valve inlet ports for connection to the slide valve outlet port. The sliding member has a plurality of sliding member passageways corresponding to the slide valve inlet ports.

Abstract: A device for holding an IV tube in a pumping apparatus and for selectively occluding the tube when the door of the pumping apparatus is opened, to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. The device consists of a base member to which the IV tube is attached or through which it passes, and a slide clamp which slides relative to the base member and relative to the tube. The IV tube is passed through an elongated aperture in the slide clamp, and the slide clamp is slidingly mounted on the base member. The aperture in the slide clamp has a relatively open hole at one end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in one position, allowing fluid to flow through the tube. The aperture also has a relatively constricted slot at the other end, through which the tube passes when the slide clamp is in a second position, preventing fluid flow through the tube.

Abstract: A disposable trumpet valve for controlling irrigation and aspiration flows under manual operation comprises a conduit and a pair of spaced apart valve barrels of substantially greater cross-sectional size within which valve members are reciprocable under manual control. Large diameter sections of the valve barrels lead to transition wells merging in the same plane into the conduit and directing the flow path between a side port in the valve barrel and the bottom section of the barrel. Thus a large cross-sectional flow area is provided throughout in a device which may be manipulated with either hand. Integral seals on a slider piston function to block flow and prevent leakage, while at the same time substantial cost advantages are obtained.

Abstract: A fluid shut off valve for use in a parenteral fluid administration set includes a disk floating in a fluid chamber that shuts off fluid flow when the fluid in the chamber decreases below a certain level. The chamber includes a valve stem at its lower end that has both a valve seat and an alignment member with an alignment surface on the top end thereof for guiding the disk into proper seating on the valve seat. The valve seat and floating disk have complementary engagement surfaces for also guiding the disk into proper seating on the valve seat. In one embodiment, the alignment member includes fins located both on the valve stem and on the inside wall of the chamber. Because of the configuration of the alignment member, dislodgement of the disk from the valve seat is made easier.

Abstract: An irrigation system includes an elongated, hand-held instrument for applying a solution spray to a surgical area of a patient during surgery. The instrument includes an elongated handle having an outer ribbed surface to be hand-held. The handle has a central passageway between an inlet end and a discharge end. A nose is secured to the discharge end of the handle with a flow control valve secured within the handle. Nozzles are selectively connected to the nose to create selected flow patterns at the surgical site. The valve has an external pushbutton actuator to control the solution flow through a passageway in the body and nose. A pressurized liquid supply includes a sealed disposable, liquid solution filled bag and a sterile tube connected to the inlet end of the body. The solution bag is releasably supported within a pressurizing bag which in turn is carried on a portable stand unit.

Abstract: A pen-size syringe has a needle secured to a hub at one end and a valve located near the hub and slidable transversely of the syringe axis by the forefinger of the user, from a closed condition, to a sampling condition, to a needle venting condition. A plunger in the syringe is axially slidable by manually pulling a portion projecting out the other end of the syringe to establish a vacuum in the syringe when the valve is closed. A latch is provided to keep the plunger in the vacuum establishing position. With the vacuum established, and the needle point situated at the sampling site, the valve is operable by the index finger to open the vacuum chamber to the needle for taking the specimen, following which the finger pushes the valve to the further position venting to needle to atmosphere, for removal of the needle, and any contained sample.

Abstract: A central venous catheter initialization and access system is disclosed for initially flushing and establishing a heparin lock in multiple lumens of a central venous catheter (CVC). The system comprises a plurality of syringes integrally mounted atop a generally planar underlying support sheet in discrete and spaced groups corresponding to individual lumens of a multi-lumen CVC. Each discrete syringe group comprises at least a flush syringe and an anti-coagulant syringe. The flush syringes are pre-filled with saline, and the anti-coagulant syringes are pre-filled with heparin. A multi-position valve assembly is also mounted atop the support sheet. The multi-position valve assembly has a plurality of individual valve inlet ports in fluid communication with the respective individual syringes, and a separate valve outlet port for each discrete syringe group. The valve outlet ports have connectors which mate with the lumens of a CVC.

Abstract: A catheter check valve assembly has a body member with a wall defining a generally cylindrical chamber and a transverse wall having an aperture lying on the axis of such chamber. A duckbill valve and an end cap supporting a catheter are positioned on one side of the transverse wall. A separator has a major portion positioned in said cylindrical chamber and an elongated cylindrical probe extending from said major portion. The separator is axially moveable from a retracted position where the probe is out of contact with the duckbill valve to a forward position extending through and opening the duckbill valve. A trocar may be extended through the catheter check valve assembly when the separator is in the forward position.

Abstract: A needleless connector for adding medication to a parenteral fluid is provided. In one embodiment an adapter is provided for securing to a Y connector having a standard puncture pad. The adapter includes a cannula for piercing the pad and a valve that is opened by the attachment of a syringe. In a second embodiment the Y connector itself contains the valve in lieu of the puncture pad.

Abstract: Disclosed is a paracentesis valve apparatus and method of using the valve. The valve comprises a valve body having three apertures and a bypass passageway. A movable valve member with truncated end portions moves linearly within the valve body by means of hydraulic pressure alone. Application of negative hydraulic pressure via a syringe withdraws fluid from a body cavity through the valve into the syringe. Application of positive hydraulic pressure to the syringe pumps the fluid through the valve into a receptacle.

Abstract: An irrigation control valve for endoscopic instruments is herein described wherein the valve body is bilaterally symmetrical and includes a housing, a plurality of valve chambers, pistons for reciprocal movement within each of said chambers, an inlet port for connection to a source of an irrigation fluid and a vacuum port for connection to a source of vacuum and symmetrical opposed fittings for mounting a probe in either one of two positions to accommodate both the right handed and left handed clinician. The design of both the pistons and valve body are unique, compatible with injection molding fabrication techniques and further provide for replacement and/or into change of the probe. Such interchange and/or replacement of the probe can be accomplished without clamping off of either the source of irrigation fluid or the source of suction because of the proximal location of the probe connection to the valve body relative to both the irrigation and suction valves.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing having at least one valve orifice for fluid flow therethrough, and a valve member which moves between a fully closed position and a fully open position, respectively, closing and opening said valve orifice. The valve orifice has a clearance surface forming an auxiliary valve passageway selectively enabling flow communication therethrough in an intermediate position of the valve member between said fully open and fully closed positions, and in the intermediate position the valve member partially obstructs the valve orifice so that the passageway provides attenuated fluid flow communication through the valve orifice relative to fluid flow communication in the fully open position of the valve member. A manually controlled actuator enables limited displacement of the valve member between the fully closed position and the intermediate position for the attenuated flow communication through the valve orifice.

Abstract: An innerless dilatation balloon catheter uses a balloon 22 which is longitudinally compliant so that it elongates as it is inflated. The catheter 10 includes a valve 30 which is responsive to elongation of the balloon 2 for effectively blocking fluid flow through a lumen extension 24, 26 through which the guide wire 12 passes. The valve 30 allows the guide wire 12 to move freely when the balloon 22 is deflated.

Abstract: A guiding catheter used for coronary angioplasty procedures includes an plurality of ports in the wall of the guiding catheter. A moveable member is disposed in the lumen or wall of the guiding catheter and is selectively movable between a first position blocking the ports and a second position not blocking the ports. The moveable member is shown as an elongated stylet, a hollow tube with matching ports or a plurality of inflatable balloons. The catheter is positioned adjacent to an artery to be examined. The ports are blocked by the moveable member while contrast medium is injected through the guide catheter to the artery. The ports are opened otherwise to enable the flow of blood between the catheter and the artery.

Abstract: An implantable drainage valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus is described. The valve includes a body, a valve seat, a closure member, a spring and at least one spherical weight. The spring is positioned within the cylindrical chamber of the valve body and between the closure member and the spherical weight. The valve is intended to be vertically oriented when the patient is sitting or standing and, when so oriented, the weight will provide additional compressive force against the spring to help maintain the valve in a closed condition. Consequently, hyperdrainage is avoided when the valve experiences normal variations in fluid pressure differentials such as when the patient rises from a lying or recumbent position to a standing position.

Abstract: A needleless access device and method of using the device is disclosed. The needleless access device has a housing having an inlet opening and an outlet opening and a channel formed therethrough. Movably friction fitted in the channel adjacent the inlet opening is a piston. The piston is biased upwardly by a stretchable element. The stretchable element allows the top of the piston to be depressed by a syringe to a level adjacent internal flow channels to permit injection and aspiration of fluids through the device.

Abstract: An improved cannula for providing access to a body passage for inserting instruments. The cannula of the present invention includes an improvement in the form of a biased ball valve for sealing the inlet of a housing attached to the proximal end of the cannula. The ball valve includes a seal member with an upwardly curved portion that is biased towards a second seal portion at a second end of the housing whereby the ball seats and seals the inlet to the housing cavity.

Abstract: A catheter introducer assembly is disclosed. The assembly is made up of a winged catheter introducer having a catheter, an intermediate member attached to the catheter and a flexible tube attached to the intermediate member. Disposed axially within the catheter is a sharp needle. The needle is secured to a stylet which in turn is connected to a bead. The bead is slidable in the tube. Secured to the outside of the tube is a hard tubular section. A retractor is slidably mounted to the outside of the tube. The retractor confines the bead such that when the retractor slides along the outside of the tube, the bead slides along the inside of the tube. The retractor is provided with ribs shaped such that the retractor can be moved along the tube in one direction only. When the needle is retracted, its sharp tip is aligned with the hard tubular section. The needle is thus secured within the tubular section.

Abstract: A normally-closed valve that can be easily connected and disconnected. Disposed in the fluid passageway through the valve is a cylindrical member that may be moved between an open position and a closed position. A spring holds the member in the closed position, and a leur-type cannula may be inserted into the valve to push the member into the open position. Two sealing rings are mounted around the cylindrical member. These rings prevent flow through the valve when the member is in its closed position. Two sets of channels are placed in the walls of the passageway to permit flow around the sealing rings when the member is in its open position.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical valve has a sealing body with an axial passage extending through it, a toroidal body axially aligned with the sealing body, and a device that selectively changes the relative axial positions of the sealing body and the toroidal body. The sealing body and the toroidal body have mating surfaces which radially compress the axial passage of the sealing body when the relative axial positions of the sealing body and the toroidal body are changed. This causes the axial passage to seal with an instrument inserted into it, or to seal with itself if no instrument is inserted. Alternatively, or additionally, the sealing body may include a braided sleeve coaxial with the axial passage and extending from the sealing body, and a device that selectively changes the relative axial positions of the sealing body and the extended part of the braided sleeve to elongate the braided sleeve. This causes the braided sleeve to contract radially, which compresses the axial passage of the sealing body radially.

Abstract: A valve for fluids employs two telescoping parts which cooperate with one another to block fluid flow when pulled partially apart and open a flow path therethrough when pushed together. A plunger component, having a central bore, a closed off end and perforated walls, is slidingly and sealingly received within the collar of the hollow valve body. When the plunger's closed end is pushed far enough into the valve body so as to expose the apertures, fluid is free to flow from within the valve body into the plunger component. When pulled apart so as to cause the perforations to be positioned within the confines of the collar, flow is blocked. An actuation mechanism integrated into a housing serves to automatically pull the valve's components apart to stop flow when its cover is swung open and conversely causes the two components to be pushed together to open flow when the cover is closed.

Abstract: A flush device comprising an inlet and an outlet chamber separated by a wall also includes two apertures in the wall. One of the apertures has a small diameter, the other having a large diameter. A serpentine-shaped capillary tube is formed along the wall surface in the inlet chamber and coaxial with the axis of the larger diameter aperture. The exit end of the tube is connected to the smaller diameter aperture for providing a controlled fluid path from the inlet to the outlet chamber. A plunger is positioned coaxially with the axis of the larger diameter aperture and is biased to normally close the larger diameter aperture. The plunger also is operative to open the larger diameter aperture for forming a large diameter path for fluids for a flush operation.

Abstract: A positive touch surgical endoscopic cannula assembly in which one, or both, of liquid or gas may be introduced or removed from a body cavity during surgery. The device contains a valving mechanism responsive to finger or thumb touch of the surgeon and having a conically shaped force resistor which is partially inverted during movement of the valve between open and closed positions. The partial inversion of the flexible resistor is detectable through an actuator to the hand or thumb of the operator to positively indicate positioning of the valve head and seat members.

Abstract: This invention is a single-lumen balloon catheter having a valve seat on the distal end of the catheter, distal of the balloon, which may be operated by a control wire having a valve plug disposed on the wire. The valve seat may be engaged by the valve plug from either direction, depending on the installation of the control wire. In either event, if the valve plug is installed distally of the valve seat in the catheter lumen, the valve is closed by pulling on the control wire (or moving the control wire in a proximal direction) and introducing fluid through the catheter lumen through the balloon. Alternatively, the guidewire, with its integral valve plug, may be introduced from the proximal end of the catheter and may traverse the body of the balloon to engage the valve seat in the distal end of the catheter. Pushing on the control wire will seat the valve, allowing the introduction of fluid through the catheter lumen to inflate the balloon.

Abstract: In a coupling device for the connection of tubes for medical purposes, a first coupling-part (1) within which is mounted an axially adjustable hollow pin (2) provided with radial inlet openings (19) for the attachment of an initial tube piece, which pin (2) when in an operating position runs through an absorbent insert (9) impregnated with disinfectant and opens by way of its radial inlet openings (19) into a second coupling part (5) connected in detachable fashion to the first coupling part (1), while the second coupling part (5) exhibits at least an attachment point (7) and a vent (8), the second coupling part (5) exhibits a longitudinally adjustable sealing component (11) for a centrally positioned vent (8), while the hollow pin (2) exhibits an extension (29) serving the adjustment of the sealing component (11).

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: A catheter for introducing material into the vascular system is provided. The catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a side wall defining a catheter lumen. The catheter body has a proximal portion. Material can be introduced into the catheter lumen at its proximal portion. The catheter body has a distal portion. The distal portion has a single wall in an exit zone. At least one pressure responsive exit is formed in the side wall of the distal portion of the catheter body. The pressure responsive exit permits material to exit from the catheter lumen in response to a pressure over a first predetermined amount while preventing material from entering into the catheter lumen at a pressure less than a second pre-determined amount.

Abstract: Apparatus for guiding insertion of surgical instruments into a surgical site while blocking escape of fluids, including gas under pressure, therethrough from the surgical site. A generally Y-shaped housing comprises an elongate instrument guide having a distal end insertable in the surgical site and an elongate instrument passage through which elongate instruments are insertable into the surgical site. A valve seat is provided in the instrument passage. A valve member is movable into contact with the valve seat for blocking escape of fluid from the surgical site therepast along the instrument passage when no instrument occupies such instrument passage. Such housing includes a tubular valve guide having an elongate valve passage intersecting the instrument passage and along which the valve member is movable toward and away from the valve seat.

Abstract: A catheter for introducing material into the vascular system is provided. The catheter includes an elongated catheter body having a side wall defining a catheter lumen. The catheter body has a proximal portion. Material can be introduced into the catheter lumen at its proximal portion. The catheter body has a distal portion. The distal portion has a single wall in an exit zone. At least one pressure responsive exit is formed in the side wall of the distal portion of the catheter body. The pressure responsive exit permits material to exit from the catheter lumen in response to a pressure over a first pre-determined amount while preventing material from entering into the catheter lumen at a pressure less than a second pre-determined amount.

Abstract: A device for irrigation and suction removal of blood, bodily fluids and debris from a body cavity primarily during laparoscopic procedures and surgery. The device contains a single piston slidably disposed in a passage contained in a housing having two inlets and a single outlet. The piston includes a central seal with two valve portions positioned on each side of the central seal. Piston positioning means are provided to move the piston to align the valve portions within the housing with the outlet and one of the inlets, while the other inlet is simultaneously sealed off. Thus, the piston may be moved from a neutral or shut-off position to an open irrigation position, or, alternately, moved from the neutral or shut-off position to an open vacuum position. The valve may also contain automatic biasing means for returning the valve from either the open-irrigation position or the open-vacuum position to the central shut-off position.

Abstract: A surgical endoscope includes an elongated cannula having a distal end for insertion into the body of a patient, and a proximal end having a valve assembly mounted thereon to selectively and alternatively connect the cannula to a source of irrigation fluid, or to an aspirator. The valve assembly includes a pair of valve members adapted for manual operation one at a time to permit irrigation or suction fluid flow to a central flow chamber disposed at the proximal end of the cannula. The valve members are symmetrically mounted at opposite sides of the central flow chamber for movement between opened and closed positions without occluding the proximal end of the cannula. An instrument access port on the valve assembly at a position in-line with the cannula permits introduction of a surgical instrument through the central flow chamber and cannula, independently of the valve members and manipulation thereof.

Abstract: An infusion site for infusing fluids into a patient is disclosed. The infusion site has a housing which supports a pre-slit resealable septum which is held in radial compression in the housing. The septum is opened by the insertion of a cannula. The housing also accommodates a valve which is held in tension in the housing and is opened by the insertion of the cannula into the septum.The valve is closed when the cannula is withdrawn. The septum and valve are linked by an elastic member which interacts with the cannula to open and close the valve.

Abstract: A suction-irrigator for use in endoscopic medical procedures having an elongate hollow body portion and a pair of valves in communication with the body to independently or concurrently admit irrigation fluid to the body and, hence, the patient, or to subject it to suction.

Abstract: A female incontinence control device includes a conduit having inlet and outlet openings for receiving, conducting and discharging urinary fluid. The device also includes structure for holding the conduit in position relative to the urethra such that the inlet opening is adapted to receive substantially all of the urinary fluids which drain from the bladder, and the outlet opening of the conduit is positioned outside the urethra. In one embodiment of the invention, the device can be entirely contained within the labia majora. In other embodiments of the invention the device extends through the urethra to the bladder. In all embodiments of the invention a drainage control valve is positioned within the conduit for location intermediate the urethral orifice and the labia majora for manual actuation to selectively control urinary flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A medical suction tube which is opened at the distal end thereof and connected at the proximal end thereof to a suction means. A linear cut is made in the intermediate portion of the tube so as to extend obliquely from the proximal end side toward the distal end side of the tube so that, when the tube is bent, the cut is opened and ambient air is sucked into the tube through the cut, whereas, when the tube is straightened, the cut is closed and suction is performed through the distal end opening. A suction control apparatus for an endoscope utilizes the above-described medical suction tube.

Abstract: The two-piece percutaneous introducer sheath includes a distal portion which can remain in a blood vessel while a proximal portion can be removed after a valve at the proximal end of the distal portion is closed thus preventing undue loss of blood. Thus, a thrombus that has been pulled into the proximal portion can be removed when the proximal portion is removed without any significant blood loss after the sheath valve has been closed. Further, for any other useful therapeutic purpose, the proximal portion can be changed while the distal portion with its valve closed can remain in place in the vessel.

Abstract: An in-line valve for a medical tubing set has a tubular member characterized by an internal annular valve seat and a generally circular rubber-like valve member disposed transversely of the tubular member with its edges fixed relative thereto and with a central portion thereof tensioned into seating engagement against the annular valve seat whereby to normally close the in-line valve. Elements on the valve member are engageable by a connector as same is assembled to the tubular member to move the valve member off of the valve seat whereby to automatically open the in-line valve upon assembly of a connector thereto.

Abstract: Medical infusion apparatus comprises a housing in which a standard flexible liquid reservoir is disposed. A constant-force spring applies pressure to the reservoir to force liquid out of the reservoir and along a conduit to a patient. The spring is energized by the opening of a lid of the housing which permits replacement of the reservoir.The liquid flowing out of the reservoir passes through a molded conduit part which is configured so that it is positioned at a predetermined location with respect to a flow monitor. The flow monitor injects a pulse of heat, and detects the rate at which the heat pulse travels along the conduit. A microprocessor uses the sensed flow rate to control a stepper motor which regulates fluid flow by squeezing the conduit via a spring-biased member. The apparatus has active and standby modes in which the monitor is operated respectively more and less frequently.

Abstract: An intra-abdominal organ manipulator, irrigator and/or aspirator is described which includes a tubular probe member with distal and proximal ends and a through lumen extending the length thereof. A balloon is affixed to the distal end to aid in manipulating organs or parts thereof within the abdominal cavity when inflated through an auxiliary lumen in the probe. A handle attached to the proximal end of the probe has a pair of trumpet valves which allow the user to connect a vacuum source or irrigation fluid source to the through lumen.

Abstract: An improved irrigation control valve for endoscopic instruments is herein described wherein the valve body is bilaterally symmetrical and includes a housing, a plurality of valve chambers, pistons for reciprocal movement within each of said chambers, an inlet port for connection to a source of an irrigation fluid and a vacuum port for connection to a source of vacuum and symmetrical opposed fittings for mounting a probe in either one of two positions to accommodate both the right handed and left handed clinician. The design of both the pistons and valve body are unique, compatible with injection molding fabrication techniques and further provide for replacement and/or into change of the probe. Such interchange and/or replacement of the probe can be accomplished without clamping off of either the source of irrigation fluid or the source of suction because of the proximal location of the probe connection to the valve body relative to both the irrigation and suction valves.

Abstract: A universal medication port includes a cylindrical member having an internal bore with a plurality of radial passageways extending therefrom. A plunger is disposed within the internal bore of the cylinder, the plunger having an internal bore with a plurality of radial passageways extending therefrom. The plunger is movable in response to insertion of a needle-less hypodermic syringe into the internal bore of the cylindrical member so as to align the respective passageways in the plunger and the cylindrical member with one another to establish a fluid path from the syringe through the internal bore of the plunger and respective passageways in the plunger and the cylindrical member to a receptacle, such as a vial, an intravenous bottle or intravenous delivery system, in which the cylindrical member is inserted.

Abstract: A connector provides access to intravenous fluid lines, bags, and vials with either conventional needles or needleless fittings. The connector has a housing with at least one input port and an output port. Two valves normally biased to closed positions control passage of fluid between the one input port and the output port, One of the valves is displaceable to an open position by a needleless fitting, and the other valve is displaceable to an open position by a conventional needle.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided to communicate fluid pressure to a body cavity for diagnostic or surgical proceedings. A pump control unit generates fluid pressure and a monitor control circuit provides feedback to the pump control unit to substantially avoid a build up of excessive fluid pressure within the body cavity. In combination with a hysterscope, the irrigation system extends a uterus in a safe manner so that fluid absorption within the uterus is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A needleless injection port and automatic backcheck valve comprises a generally tubular body having a pair of vertically offset ports extending laterally therefrom, and a spool within the bore for controlling communication between the ports. The spool is urged by a spring toward one end of the bore, which is open so that a syringe tip can be inserted to displace the spool from a position in which the ports communicate to a position in which they are isolated and secondary medication can be injected from the syringe.

Abstract: The invention relates to a surgical endoscopic suction/irrigation cannula assembly and, in particular, to a valve actuator for selectively transmitting liquid or gas into or out of a suction/irrigation cannula. The valve actuator includes a manually operated elastomeric valve head. The actuator may contain a port disposed therethrough and in alignment with a cannula tubing for introduction of an endoscopic or laparoseopic surgical instrument while the assembly including the valve actuator is positioned within a body cavity during surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.