Abstract: A cardiotomy suction tube system comprises a main line, a first flexible branch line in fluid communication with the main line, a second flexible branch line in selective fluid communication with the main line, and a rigid branch line in selective fluid communication with the main line. A valve mechanism selectively places either the second flexible branch line or the rigid line in fluid communication with the main line. The first flexible branch line may be provided with a weighted suction tip which gravitates to a low point in an operative field. The second flexible branch line may be provided with a weighted suction tip which gravitates to a low point in an operative field.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an IDDC system utilizes an intelligent therapeutic agent delivery system comprised of one, but more likely an array of “cells” containing therapeutic agent(s) and/or diagnostic agents(s); an integrated bio-sensing system designed to sample and analyze biological materials using multiple sensors that include both hardware and software components. The software component involves biomedical signal processing to analyze complex liquid mixtures and a microcontrollers) acts as interface to the biosensors, to the therapeutic delivery elements, and to a communications system(s) for the purpose of controlling the amount of therapeutic agent to deliver and also to provide information in a useful form to interested parties on the progress of therapy and compliance thereto.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blinding kit for administering a medicament to a patient in a clinical trial, the blinding kit comprising: a first blinding device having an opaque container and having an outlet for administering a liquid substance to a patient and having at least a first and a second inlet, wherein the first inlet is in permanent fluid communication with the outlet and wherein at least the second inlet is disconnected from the outlet, a second blinding device having an opaque container and having an outlet for administering a liquid substance to a patient and having at least two inlets, wherein said at least two inlets are in permanent fluid communication with the outlet.

Abstract: A discharge apparatus for discharging a product having compressed gas support comprises a container (1) having a discharge opening (12) and a pressure element (2), which is mounted displaceably in the container (1). A counterpressure element (13) is provided on the container (1) and is used to advance the pressure element (2) into the container in order to absorb a developing counterpressure when pressure is applied onto the pressure element (2). A compressed gas device (5, 7, 8) dispenses compressed gas in the region of the discharge opening (12), and comprises a valve (6) and a valve actuating device (14) to control the compressed gas dispensing. The actuating device (14) is provided on the counterpressure element (13) to ensure that when discharging the product from the container, at the same time the compressed gas device can be actuated by applying pressure onto the pressure element, whereby compressed gas exits the discharge opening at the same time as the fluid product.

Abstract: A device for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may include a conduit and at least two applicators. The conduit may include a proximal end and a bifurcated distal portion having two distal ends. Each applicator may be coupled with one of the distal ends of the conduit and may be configured to direct the substance out of the applicator toward one of two sides of an airway. A method for targeted delivery of a substance to an airway may involve advancing a substance delivery device into the airway, contacting two sides of the airway with at least two applicators of the substance delivery device, such that each applicator contacts the airway near a glossopharyngeal nerve and/or a superior laryngeal nerve on each of the two sides of the airway, and delivering the substance through the applicators to contact the airway along the two sides.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.

Abstract: Medical apparatus (10) for use with single use kits (100) containing a flow control device (101), a syringe (40), and one or more vials (60A, 608, 60C), for reconstituting a liquid drug dosage and administrating same. The flow control devices (101) include a core member (116) having an inlet port (107) and a flow control member (117) rotatably mounted on the core member (116) and having at least one vial port (112,113,114) for attachment of a vial and an outlet port (109). Flow control devices (101) are designed to ensure an inlet port (107) is in flow communication with a single port (112,113,114) at each flow control position of at least two predetermined flow control positions of a flow control member (117) relative to a core member (116). The medical apparatus (10) includes a housing (11) having a syringe support (12) for horizontally supporting a syringe (40) and a flow control device support (13) for horizontally supporting a flow control device (101).

Abstract: A male external incontinence device includes a first seal formed of adhesive leaves carried by a housing and a second seal attached to the housing to be at a fixed position relative to the first seal and having a length to extend around the first seal after the leaves are secured to a penis.

Abstract: Devices and systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, a joint or intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a needle extending from its distal end, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medicaments, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to a cassette or other portion of the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location.

Abstract: An applicator for use with an ultrasound transducer assembly is disclosed. In an embodiment, an applicator includes a nozzle body having an interior and an exterior surface; a nozzle liner having an interior and an exterior surface and being engageable with the nozzle body such that a plurality of channels are defined at least in part by the exterior surface of the nozzle liner and the interior surface of the nozzle body, each of the plurality of channels having an inlet and an outlet; a passageway defined by a space between the nozzle body and the nozzle liner, in fluid communication with the inlets of each of the plurality of channels; and an opening sized and shaped for introducing fluid to the passageway to provide fluid flow from the outlet of each of the plurality of channels essentially simultaneously. Kits and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A reagent supply arrangement for a hemodialysis system may include an E-prong connector having three parallel prongs with two outer prongs arranged in a common plane and a center prong arranged above the common plane, a first supply line for a first reagent connected in fluid communication with one of the outer prongs, a second supply line for a second reagent connected in fluid communication with the other of the outer prongs, a liquid line connected in fluid communication with the center prong, and a container for housing the first reagent having an inlet connected to the liquid line and an outlet connected to the first supply line for the first reagent. The E-prong connector may help prevent the improper connection to the dialysis unit, e.g., because the prong arrangement ensures connection in only one way to the dialysis unit.

Abstract: An applicator insertable into a living body includes a nozzle having an elongated nozzle main body and a nozzle head on a front end side of the nozzle main body and through which a liquid together with a gas is expelled, with the nozzle main body including a flexible curved section. The applicator also includes an outer tube in which is positioned a portion of the nozzle main body so as to be movable along a longitudinal direction. The angle or degree of curvature of the curved section is changed by inserting the curved section into the outer tube to thereby adjust a direction of the nozzle head relative to a axis of the nozzle main body. In addition, a longitudinally extending gap exists between the outer tube and the nozzle. The gap functions as a discharge path for discharging gas within the body cavity.

Abstract: A small gauge surgical instrument is shown with advantages such as diminished “play” at the tip. A surgical instrument assembly is also shown with support along a length of the instrument that can be selected by the surgeon. Devices and method described provide adjustability of the instrument without protruding into a gripping surface of the instrument.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the present disclosure, an apparatus for forming an anastomosis between adjacent sections of tissue is provided. The apparatus includes a body portion; an actuation assembly operatively supported at a proximal end of the body portion; an anvil assembly movably mounted at the distal end of the body portion for movement toward and away from the body portion; an approximation assembly extending between the body portion and the anvil assembly for moving the anvil toward and away from the tubular body portion; a dispersion assembly operatively associated with the approximation assembly, the dispersion assembly including at least one angled surface defining at least one channel interposed between the anvil assembly and the body portion and being configured to dispense a fluid therefrom; and at least one conduit for conducting wound treatment material to the dispersion assembly.

Abstract: Systems for injecting fluids and/or other materials into a targeted anatomical location, in particular, an intra-articular space, include a handpiece assembly having a proximal end and a distal end, a needle extending from the distal end of the handpiece assembly, a fluid delivery module comprising a cassette and a fluid transfer device. A conduit is generally configured to place the fluid delivery module in fluid communication with the handpiece assembly. Medications, formulations and/or other fluids or materials contained within vials that are secured to the fluid delivery module can be selectively delivered into an anatomy through a needle located at the distal end of the handpiece assembly. In some embodiments, ultrasound or other imaging technologies can be used to locate a joint or other targeted anatomical location.

Abstract: A valve system for use in a system including a first source of a first pressurized fluid and a second source of a second pressurized fluid includes a valve housing including a first inlet port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the first source, a second inlet port adapted to be placed in fluid connection with the second source and an outlet port. The valve system further includes a backflow prevention system to prevent flow of the first pressurized fluid through the second inlet and to prevent flow of the second pressurized fluid through the first inlet port. The valve system is adapted to provide a fluid path between at least the first inlet port and the outlet port to enable fluid to be drawn from the outlet port to the first inlet port. Several of the valve systems of the present invention provide for flow from the first inlet port to the outlet port and concurrent flow from the second inlet port to the outlet port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for nasal irrigation are provided in which a nasal irrigation device includes a source of saline solution, an effluent receptacle, a nasal interface, a vacuum source, a fluid passageway to communicate the source of saline solution with the effluent receptacle through the nasal interface and a nasal cavity of the user, and a switch and valve assembly for selectively controlling the vacuum source and flow of the saline solution through the fluid passageway. The saline solution source is disposed relative to the device to provide gravitational inducement of saline solution to the nasal interface in engagement to the device user's nostrils. A combination of the gravitational inducement and the relative vacuum from the effluent receptacle generates a fluid flow for irrigating, cleansing and massaging the nasal cavity and ostia of a user. The entire device is assembled as a hand-held device for convenient lifting and disposal against the user's nostrils.

Abstract: A liquid medication dispenser includes a housing that has open top and bottom. The housing includes a central channel and a plurality of internal compartments disposed around the central channel. Each internal compartment is configured to hold liquid medication. The central channel is provided with symmetrically disposed bottom apertures configured to open into respective internal compartments. A shaft is configured to rotate and advance within the central channel. The shaft has a bottom hollow portion and at least one lateral aperture thereon configured to align with each one of the bottom channel apertures. The lateral shaft aperture aligns with a respective bottom channel aperture to allow transfer of liquid medication under gravity from the corresponding internal compartment into the bottom hollow portion of the shaft. The bottom hollow portion is apertured at one end to allow for transferred liquid medication to drip out of the dispenser in a controlled fashion.

Abstract: A nose rinsing apparatus includes a main container provided with a receiving space to receive a nose rinsing liquid, a spraying device mounted on the main container to spray the atomized nose rinsing liquid, and a recycle container mounted on the main container and having an inside provided with an opening and a periphery provided with at least one three-dimensional concave portion. Thus, the three-dimensional concave portion of the recycle container has an ergonomically designed shape to fit that of the user's upper jaw so that the three-dimensional concave portion of the recycle container abuts the user's upper jaw closely and entirely to prevent the wasted rinsing liquid and the dirt in the user's nose from leaking outwardly from the opening of the recycle container.

Abstract: A liquid transfusing tube and a liquid transfusing tube set in which a liquid transfusing line can be extended readily and quickly. The liquid transfusing tube comprises a flexible tube constituting the liquid transfusing channel, a connector provided at one end part of the tube, and a pointed bottle needle provided at the other end part of the tube and being connected to the side of a liquid transfusing bag containing a liquid being transfused. A roller klemme and a drip tube are provided in the middle of the tube. The connector has two female connectors, a male connector, and an operating lever and the communication pattern between the inner cavity of the female connector and that of the female connector or that of the male connector can be selected by means of the operating lever.

Abstract: A medical connector contains a plurality of arms having respective entrance ports. The medical connector also contains a cover preferably having first and second caps coupled together by a first tether, and a fastener coupled to at least one of the first and second caps by a second tether. The fastener is secured to a portion of the medical connector. The first and second caps are adapted to cover at least a portion of the entrance ports of respective first and second arms of the plurality of arms. The medical connector preferably has a sleeve that is detachably coupled to a first arm of the plurality of arms. The first cap preferably comprises a first portion with a first inner diameter adapted to encircle an end of the first arm and a second portion with a second inner diameter adapted to encircle a distal end of the sleeve.

Abstract: A catheter hub (100) including a first port (104) and a second port (108) fluidly communicating with the first port through a first conduit (106). The first conduit (106) turns at an angle of greater than approximately 135 degrees between the first port (104) and the second port (108). The hub (100) also includes a third port (120) fluidly communicating with the second port (108) through a second conduit (122) that similarly turns at an angle of greater than approximately 135 degrees between the third port (120) and the second port (108). Further, the hub (100) includes a fourth port (130) fluidly communicating with the second port (108) and is generally co-axial therewith. A catheter assembly (150) that utilizes the catheter hub (100) is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing multiple vaccinations of poultry simultaneously is described. A neck injection, breast injection, two wing injections, and an eye mist or drop may be performed in one operation. The apparatus holds the bird in position for precise location of injections, thereby reducing wasted vaccine. The risk of injury to the bird during the process is minimized by greatly reducing the manual handling of the bird during vaccination. Vaccination costs are also reduced by the reduction of labor otherwise required in this process.

Abstract: Medical devices and methods for delivering a therapeutic agent to a heart valve.

Abstract: A drug delivery device that utilizes a fluid subsystem with a switching device to deliver multiple drugs to an animal without causing contamination. The fluid subsystem can further comprise disposable syringes, fluid reservoirs, disposable tubing and a catheter. In the embodiments that utilize multiple disposable syringes, the drug delivery device allows a user to deliver multiple drugs to an animal through a catheter without contaminating the switching devices that control the flow of fluid. The drug delivery device can further utilize a controller to control the switching devices and a controller and syringe pumps to control the operation of the syringes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a stretchable sleeve having a medicinal section that can be loaded with a medicinal composition and a perforated section comprising a plurality of openings, wherein the medicinal section and the perforated section overlap, and wherein the sleeve is sized so that the interior surface of the medicinal section comfortably fits a body portion and the medicinal section contacts the body portion at the site of pain. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for preparing a sleeve by applying a medicinal composition to the inner surface of the medicinal section through the openings at the perforated section. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods for relieving pain in a body portion by pulling the sleeve in an outside-out configuration straight up a body portion without having to roll and flip its exterior surface outside.

Abstract: Fluid delivery apparatus is described for the delivery of fluids to regions of the body, especially for delivery to regions of the brain. The apparatus includes a first length of implantable tubing having a first end and a first fluid connector portion attached to the first end of the first length of implantable tubing. The first fluid connector portion is releaseably connectable to a complementary second fluid connector portion. An implantable housing is also provided for enclosing and protecting the first fluid connector portion. The implantable housing is openable to provide access to the first fluid connector portion. For example, the housing may have a hinged lid or cover portion. A corresponding method is also described.

Abstract: A pseudo-plastic or thixotropic carrier having anti-malodorous components dissolved or suspended therein is sprayed on the internal surfaces of an ostomy bag or pouch. The viscoelastic properties of the carrier allow the composition to be conveniently dispensed from a spray bottle into the ostomy bag and retained on the inner walls thereof without being displaced therefrom by incoming waste during use of the ostomy bag. This allows the composition to continue to deodorize the ostomy bag headspace even after waste material begins to fill the bag.

Abstract: An automatic vaccinator of eggs, consisting of a system for applying vaccine with a vaccine chamber in which vaccine bags are hung and with an air bag that, when expanded, forces the vaccine from the bags and through tubing to a distribution manifold and the injectors, so that the vaccine is delivered to the eggs, is disclosed. A pressure sensor is installed in the distribution manifold and connected to a regulator, measuring the pressure in the distribution manifold at the point farthest from the vaccine chamber and controlling the pressure in the air bag to maintain a uniform quantity of vaccine being injected into the eggs and turning off the vaccinator if the pressure falls below a critical level, signaling that the vaccine bags are empty. The mechanical unit includes a system to support, align and secure the injectors over the egg tray, composed of two plates that work independently, a support plate and an alignment plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for regulating the appetite of an individual suffering from morbid obesity, the apparatus including a plurality of stimulation electrodes arranged longitudinally on at least one electrode support shaft for insertion within the hypothalamus for outputting electrical discharges to specific sites within the hypothalamus. Each of the plurality of stimulation electrodes may be independently controlled. Electrical discharge of various frequencies transmitted from one or more of the plurality of stimulation electrodes, and delivered to a region of the hypothalamus that is involved with either stimulating or inhibiting appetite, may be used to regulate appetite in the individual. Alternatively, an individual's appetite may be regulated by the microinfusion from at least one microinfusion catheter of an appropriate quantity of a suitable drug to a distinct site or region within the hypothalamus.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating disease in a urinary bladder. The devices include a bladder liner for insertion into the urinary bladder and catheters positioned within the urinary bladder to carry urine from the ureters to an outside collection container. The bladder liner and catheters are constructed of biocompatible materials and are configured to create a seal with the urethra and ureters. The bladder liner may be adapted to deliver medicinal agents to the urinary bladder. Methods of treating disease in the urinary bladder include isolating urine from the bladder wall to allow sufficient time for the bladder wall to heal e.g., by implanting the aforementioned devices. Healing or pain relief may be enhanced by instilling pharmaceutical agents between the liner and bladder wall without dilutional effects.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivery of an injection fluid to a patient generally includes a first pump system, a second pump system, a patient interface in removable fluid connection with the first and second pump systems, and a fluid path in fluid connection between the first and second pump systems and the patient interface. The fluid path preferably includes a housing member defining a first inlet, a second inlet and an outlet. The first and second pump systems are placed in fluid connection with the respective first and second inlets of the housing member and the patient interface is placed in removable fluid connection with the outlet of the housing member. A first check valve is in fluid connection between an outlet of the first pump system and the first inlet of the housing member, and a second check valve is in fluid connection between an outlet of the second pump system and the second inlet of the housing member.

Abstract: A method for administering intravenous fluids includes coupling a first fluid path in flow communication to a first fluid reservoir, coupling an inlet of a drip chamber in flow communication to the first fluid path, coupling an outlet of the drip chamber in flow communication to a patient supply path, and coupling a bypass fluid path in flow communication to the first fluid path. The method also includes directing fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir to the patient through the first fluid path and the drip chamber, and directing fluid flow from the first fluid reservoir to the patient through the bypass fluid path such that the drip chamber is bypassed.

Abstract: An infiltration tubing having a one-to-many connector is disclosed herein. The one-to-many connector includes a Y-shaped body. The Y-shaped body includes a proximal inlet configured to connect to a fluid source (e.g., an IV bag or bottle) and at least two distal outlets. Each distal outlet is configured to connect to a respective fluid delivery device (e.g., an infiltration cannula, a catheter or a hypodermic needle) for infiltrating fluid into a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating disease in a urinary bladder. The devices include a bladder liner for insertion into the urinary bladder and catheters positioned within the urinary bladder to carry urine from the ureters to an outside collection container. The bladder liner and catheters are constructed of biocompatible materials and are configured to create a seal with the urethra and ureters. The bladder liner may be adapted to deliver medicinal agents to the urinary bladder. Methods of treating disease in the urinary bladder include isolating urine from the bladder wall to allow sufficient time for the bladder wall to heal e.g., by implanting the aforementioned devices. Healing or pain relief may be enhanced by instilling pharmaceutical agents between the liner and bladder wall without dilutional effects.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for delivery of an injection fluid to a patient generally includes a pump system to pressurize the injection fluid, a patient interface in removable fluid connection with the pump system, and a connector in fluid connection between the pump system and the patient interface. The pump system is connected to an inlet of the connector, and the patient interface is removably connected to an outlet of the connector. The connector includes a sealing member at least partly disposed within a housing of the connector that is biased to close the outlet when the patient interface is removed.

Abstract: A method and related device for performing sterile medical procedures are disclosed. The method and related device are capable of accessing a sterile environment from a non-sterile environment to perform a medical procedure within the sterile environment. The method and related device can achieve a sterile technique during endoluminal procedures and in uncontrolled and unsterile environments. The device includes an inner hollow member moveably disposed within an outer hollow member. The outer hollow member is adapted to penetrate a boundary separating non-sterile and sterile environments and the inner hollow member is adapted to extend past the outer hollow member and into the sterile environment. A fluid compartment is adapted to be in selective fluid communication with the outer tube such that when the inner member extends past the outer member and into the sterile environment, fluid enters the outer member and the boundary.

Abstract: Disclosed are devices and methods for treating disease in a urinary bladder. The devices include a bladder liner for insertion into the urinary bladder and catheters positioned within the urinary bladder to carry urine from the ureters to an outside collection container. The bladder liner and catheters are constructed of biocompatible materials and are configured to create a seal with the urethra and ureters. The bladder liner may be adapted to deliver medicinal agents to the urinary bladder. Methods of treating disease in the urinary bladder include isolating urine from the bladder wall to allow sufficient time for the bladder wall to heal e.g., by implanting the aforementioned devices. Healing or pain relief may be enhanced by instilling pharmaceutical agents between the liner and bladder wall without dilutional effects.

Abstract: An automatic manifold for a catheter assembly. Valve means automatically open and close flow between a liquid supply port for connection to injection means and a liquid delivery port for communication with the catheter assembly. A pressure sensor is integrated into the manifold. The manifold also includes a quick-disconnect coupling mechanism for a liquid supply port.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for the self-administration of a plurality of doses of an intranasal liquid pharmaceutical composition, including opioid analgesics, that includes a drug delivery device containing a plurality of sealed vials, each vial containing a predetermined volume of the pharmaceutical composition, a pump assembly for conveying the liquid pharmaceutical composition from the interior of the vial and discharging it as a nasal spray in response to manual activation by the patient, and programmable means for sequentially advancing a vial to the ready position after passage of a prescribed time interval following the last activation of the delivery device.

Abstract: An applicator is provided for dispensing a first and a second protein solution to form a biological adhesive where the solutions can be deflected by a deflection assembly during dispensing for the adhesive to cover a broad or limited area. The applicator includes a housing having a housing head for enclosing therein a first reservoir containing a first component, and a second reservoir containing a second component. The first and second components are preferably fibrinogen and thrombin which intermix with water to form the first and second protein solutions, respectively. The housing further includes an elongated body portion defining a longitudinal axis for enclosing therein a conduit assembly having a first and a second conduit in communication with the first and second reservoir, respectively. The solutions intermix on an application site to form a fibrin sealant. In an alternate embodiment, the applicator includes two valves.

Abstract: A method and related device for performing sterile medical procedures are disclosed. The method and related device are capable of accessing a sterile environment from a non-sterile environment to perform a medical procedure within the sterile environment. The method and related device can achieve a sterile technique during endoluminal procedures and in uncontrolled and unsterile environments. The device includes an inner hollow member moveably disposed within an outer hollow member. The outer hollow member is adapted to penetrate a boundary separating non-sterile and sterile environments and the inner hollow member is adapted to extend past the outer hollow member and into the sterile environment. A fluid compartment is adapted to be in selective fluid communication with the outer tube such that when the inner member extends past the outer member and into the sterile environment, fluid enters the outer member and the boundary.

Abstract: Implantable drug delivery system comprising a reservoir module provided with a drug reservoir and a drug expelling means arranged to expel a drug liquid from said drug reservoir to a dispenser module that comprises a predetermined number of drug delivery openings for delivering a drug, received from said drug reservoir, to tissue.

Abstract: An automatic manifold for a catheter assembly. Valve means automatically open and close flow between a liquid supply port for connection to injection means and a liquid delivery port for communication with the catheter assembly. A pressure sensor is integrated into the manifold. The manifold also includes a quick-disconnect coupling mechanism for a liquid supply port.

Abstract: A pressure container for applying pressure to a flexible bag received in it and filled with a medical fluid, in order to deliver the fluid from the flexible bag, has a housing that has an opening for introduction of the bag. Also provided are a cover for covering the opening, an aperture for leading a fluid discharge line of the bag out of the pressure container, and a closure for sealed joining of the cover and housing. In the interest of simpler design and easier handling, it is proposed that the housing be configured as an upright hollow-cylindrical body, closed at the bottom and open at the top, the cross section of which has a flattened oval shape and corresponds roughly to the cross-sectional contour of a bag; and that the two opposing large-area upright sidewalls each have, in mirror-image fashion, the shape of a segment of a cylindrical shell whose lateral ends are joined by joining segments.

Abstract: A feedback controlled drug delivery system includes the automated sampling and analysis of a patient sample and dosing the patient based on the analysis. Automated sampling may be performed by direct analysis of the patient sample, such as for the measurement of a blood sample coagulation state or a glucose level. The drug delivery system includes a sample set that has a bidirectional patient tube that allows for delivery of the patient sample to an analyzer, and at another time, the infusion of a therapeutic drug. A controller receives a measurement from the analyzer, and based on that measurement, adjusts the delivery of the therapeutic fluid. The sample set has a quick--clear Leur fitting that allows for more effectively clearing a first fluid from a Leur fitting when starting a second fluid. The system also has a reagent cassette holder that protects, using a foam gasket, a reagent on a sample slide.

Abstract: A method and infusion set for consecutively draining liquid medicines from a plurality of containers, such as two containers (1, 2) containing said liquid medicines, the liquid medicine via a differential pressure valve (5a) is fed into a drip chamber (6), wherein the fluid flow is permitted initially from one container (1) by the higher fluid pressure and differential force area from the first container (1) on a diaphragm disk (15), whereby the fluid flow from the second container (2) is stopped and, later an automatic switch to a second container (2) as a source of fluid is effected when the fluid flow from the almost drained first container (1) is at a lower fluid pressure and a smaller differential force area and is exceeded by a higher fluid pressure of the second container (2) and the larger differential force area.

Abstract: Safety connector for infusion therapy for supplying several lines and having a casing (1) in which there is a chamber (4) that is bordered by an essentially cylindrical inside wall (5) of the casing into which several connecting channels (2) for joining infusion lines open and which has an outlet channel (9) for attaching an outlet line. The cylindrical outside wall of an elastic ring-shaped valve body is in contact with the inside wall (5) of casing (1) that surrounds chamber (4). The safety connector is simple and inexpensive and has an uncomplicated design. The cylindrical contact surfaces between the ring-shaped valve body and the cylindrical inside wall (5) surrounding chamber (4) result in a good seal for the non-return valves even at a low contact pressure. The sealing force can be determined even down to a very low pressure. Thus, for the first time a safety connector suitable for gravity infusion systems is available.

Abstract: An integral disposable manifold and pump cassette, through which fluid is pumped from inlet tubes, forms a single disposable cassette which may be inserted into a single pump housing. The integral disposable manifold and pump cassette includes first and second sheets of flexible plastic material. Sealed inlet channels are formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material, with the sealed inlet channels being connectable to inlet tubes for fluid passage therethrough. The sealed inlet channels can be individually pinched off to prevent fluid passage therethrough. A sealed main channel, which is connected between the inlet channels and an outlet tube is formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material. The sealed main channel includes a pumping chamber which is also formed between the first and second sheets of flexible plastic material.

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.