Abstract: A container closure system for delivering a fluid. The system includes a stopper constructed to seal fluidly a container. A closure member is mounted on an upper surface of the stopper. The closure member includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The closure member further includes an outer wall and an inner wall extending from the upper surface of the base with the inner wall spaced from the outer wall. The base defines therethrough a needle access port between the inner and outer walls. The inner wall defines a chamber therein. The base further defines therethrough an aperture adjacent the chamber defined by the inner wall. A piercing member is movably disposed within the chamber defined by the inner wall. The piercing member has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being positioned proximally to the stopper. A piercing tip is mounted on the first end portion and is constructed to pierce the stopper.

Abstract: This invention generally relates to devices (1), methods and kits for use in connection with catheters, and more particularly to devices, methods and kits for infusing a liquid into a catheter, such as, for example, transcutaneous body access catheter. In one aspect, the invention involves infusing a lock solution into an indwelling catheter for preventing occlusion of the catheter and for inhibiting infection.

Abstract: A method of sterile needless vial access, utilized to transfer materials from one unit to another. The method utilizes a swab-able access port and a blunt cannula. The access port receives the blunt cannula to couple and aseptically transfer medical and body fluids. The swab-able access port permits disinfectant treatment before receipt of the blunt cannula to limit and prevent contamination of sterile fluids.

Abstract: This invention discloses a donor blood sampling apparatus attached to a tubing branch, a donor needle attached to an upstream tube, the donor needle being adapted for drawing blood from a body and a main collection bag attached to a donor tube, characterized by a flow controller.

Abstract: A container for delivery of a surgical fluid to a surgical handpiece is disclosed. The container includes a volume for receiving the surgical fluid to be delivered to the handpiece and an end for removably engaging a receptacle in a surgical console and for fluidly coupling with a source of pressurized fluid in a surgical console.

Abstract: Foil bags are used as a primary packaging for liquids, the bags permitting the liquid to be taken therefrom without the application of a considerable amount of force. A container is provided for a medicinal liquid, the container being gas-tight and liquid-tight so that it is storable over many months. The container includes a collapsible foil bag on which a flange, which is stable in respect of shape, is disposed. The flange is designed for fitting onto a discharge connection member. The container can be disposed in a casing which is stable in respect of shape. The medicinal liquid does not come into contact with air and is protected from the effect of light. The medicinal liquid may be dispensed from the foil bag in many partial quantities over a prolonged period of time, with a respective partial amount thereof being converted into an aerosol by means of an atomizer.

Abstract: A plural-compartment medical container, wherein said container is a pouch formed of a synthetic resin and has an open member at least one end of upper and lower ends thereof for filling or withdrawing a drug solution, and the inner surface of said container is divided into plural compartments in a liquid-tight manner by a blocking seal portion, characterized in that when a melting temperature curve of a resin of said blocking seal portion is determined using differential scanning calorimeter, a height ratio (h2/h1) between a height (h1) of a peak at a temperature of main melting peak and a height (h2) of said temperature curve at a temperature of 115° C., is within a range of 0.05 to 0.4, the blocking seal portion thereof peeling well by pushing operation to the pouch, provides a plural-compartment medical container having excellent flexibility and transparency.

Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge has an adaptor for introducing fluid from a filling device into an orifice of the cartridge. The adaptor has a frangible connection which is broken to allow removal of the filling device after the cartridge is filled with the fluid.

Abstract: A confined air tube is intended to be placed into in-line communication with the transfer tubing of a blood processing system. The confined air tube provides an incremental volume of air, which keeps the transfer tubing from collapsing and sticking together during heat sterilization. After sterilization, the confined air tube accommodates conveyance of a blood component into an associated downstream transfer container. The confined air tube can also receive air vented from the transfer container, so that the blood component can undergo further processing or be stored in an air-depleted environment within the transfer container.

Abstract: A port, a container and a method for accessing a port for injecting or withdrawing a liquid from the container are provided. The port may allow for the administration of, for example, a drug, to a patient and may be located on the container. The port has a septum having a target area. The port also has a support ring in contact with the septum. A cap is provided to protect the septum. The cap has a ring handle and allows for removal and exposure of the target area of the septum. A needle, for example, may be used to penetrate the septum allowing the addition or withdrawal of a liquid or other drug to or from the container.

Abstract: Dosing device with at least two media chambers.

Abstract: A connector device is disclosed for establishing fluid communication between a diluent container having sidewalls and a drug vial. The connector has a piercing member having a first end and a second end and a central fluid pathway. The piercing member is mounted to the liquid container and has fluid accessing portions hermetically sealed from an outside environment. A vial receiving chamber is associated with the piercing member and is dimensioned to connect to the vial. The vial may be selectively attached to the device without piercing the closure of the vial and without breaching the hermetic seal of the fluid accessing portions of the piercing member. Means are provided for connecting the vial receiving chamber to the liquid container.

Abstract: A medical syringe employs a capsule containing multiple doses of medication within a sealed storage chamber formed between concentric inner and outer walls. The inner wall forms a cavity including a delivery chamber from which a single dose of medication is ejected. The syringe includes an ejection port, an axial moveable plunger extending into the cavity and delivery chamber, and a body with a compartment that holds the capsule. With the plunger in a first position, the capsule is closed. With the plunger in a second position, the delivery chamber is filled with a single dose of medication. With the plunger in a third position, the single dose of medication is ejected from the delivery chamber though the injection port.

Abstract: An autotransfusion system for collecting blood from a patient and reinfusing the blood back into the patient is disclosed. The system includes a collection unit, a manually operable portable suction evacuator removably connected to the collection unit, and a blood reinfusion bag removably connected to the collection unit. The collection unit includes a collection chamber that is oversized relative to the volume of blood that the unit is intended to contain, and an airflow port located and oriented in the collection chamber to prevent blood from leaking into the port when the collection unit is oriented upright or on its side. When connected to the patient, the collection unit and portable suction evacuator are maintained free of blood by enclosing them within a substantially transparent, flexible envelope. The envelope enables the unit and evacuator to be connected and set-up for proper operation while preventing blood from contacting the outer surfaces of the unit and evacuator.

Abstract: Light-protective container assembly for a light-sensitive fluid includes a translucent container defining an inner reservoir to contain the fluid, and a flexible sleeve connected to the container. The sleeve has a tubular configuration sized to substantially cover at least the reservoir of the container, and is made of a material capable of substantially preventing the transmission therethrough of an identified range of wavelengths from the electromagnetic spectrum. Preferably, the sleeve is made of a mixture of a base material and a colorant capable of substantially preventing the transmission of undesired energy through a predetermined thickness of the base. material. The sleeve is connected indirectly to the container by providing the container with at least one passageway therethrough, and by positioning the sleeve such that a first portion of the sleeve is on one side of the container, and a second portion is on an opposite side of the container.

Abstract: Sensors are described that may be provided in a medication pump. A magnetic sensor detects rotation of an element that is rotated by a motor, where a magnet covers a portion of the element. A light sensor may also be provided that detects if a cartridge is present in a cartridge chamber. A medication cartridge includes an opaque area at its open end for use with the light sensor. Methods of using these sensors to operate the pump area also described.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preserving the stability of a hemoglobin blood substitute comprising maintaining the hemoglobin blood substitute in an atmosphere substantially free of oxygen. The invention also involves a method for producing a stable polymerized hemoglobin blood-substitute from blood. The method of this invention includes mixing blood with an anticoagulant to form a blood solution, washing the red blood cells in the blood solution and then separating the washed red blood cells from the white blood cells. This method also includes disrupting the red blood cells to release hemoglobin and form a hemoglobin solution, which is then treated by high performance liquid chromatography to form a hemoglobin eluate. The hemoglobin eluate is then deoxygenated, contacted with a first sulfhydryl compound to form an oxidation-stabilized deoxygenated hemoglobin solution, and mixed with a cross-linking agent to form a polymerization reaction mixture, which is then polymerized.

Abstract: A combined interfacing sheath to protect syringe needles, and an aid to filling syringes by connecting the syringe to the bottle. A plastic sheath fits snugly over the syringe needle hub, thus protecting the needle during shipping and handling. The opposite end of the sheath includes a sleeve that extends beyond the syringe needle. This provides additional protection for the needle and a self aligning guide for inserting the syringe needle into the bottle stopper.

Abstract: The present invention provides an infusion vessel, which is capable of separately containing a drug and a infusion liquid in a sterile manner and mixing the drug with the infusion liquid in a sterile manner by a simple operation for use, while ensuring the sterility of a connector thereof. The infusion vessel according to the present invention comprises a bag (2) for containing a infusion liquid, a two-mouth vial (3) for containing a drug, and a joint (4) connecting the bag and the vial. A lower mouth portion (33) of the vial (3) is sealed with a rubber plug (7). The joint (4) is air-tightly connected to a liquid outlet port (21) provided in a bottom portion of the bag (2), and extends downward. The joint (4) has an opening (46) for communication between the inside and the outside thereof. An O-ring (6) and an intermediate rubber plug (5) are respectively attached to the joint (4) above and below the opening (46), and fitted in the upper mouth portion (32) of the vial (3) in an axially movable manner.

Abstract: A vial adapter having a needle-free valve, a sharpened cannula used to perforate a vial's rubber stopper, and a circular array of claws of different lengths to engage vial closures of different diameters. The array of claws includes a first set of claws each having a first length extending inwardly from the periphery of the housing of the adapter and a second set of claws alternating with the first set of claws and each having a longer length. The second set of claws are mounted so that they deflect and plastically deform out of the way in the case where the adapter is engaged with a vial that exceeds a predetermined size. The housing includes a shroud that is at least as long as the sharpened cannula to protect medical personnel who use the adapter from inadvertent punctures. The needle-free valve includes a resiliently deformable piston element with a naturally open bore. The interior of the piston provides a fluid flow path through the adapter.

Abstract: A method of reducing leukocytes in whole blood by collecting whole blood from a donor, increasing the oxygen level of the whole blood, wherein the whole blood includes RBC component and a remainder component, and filtering the RBC component to reduce the amount of leukocytes.

Abstract: An infusion bag exhibiting an internal space which is surrounded by flexible walls, at least one outlet channel arranged through one of the walls for communication with the interior of the infusion bag, a communicating member integrated with the walls of the infusion bag which exhibits an opening accessible from the exterior of the infusion bag and an inlet channel which connects the opening with the interior of the infusion bag. An infusion system includes the infusion bag and a connecting member.

Abstract: A holder for receiving a sampling tube of a blood sampling system is disclosed. The holder has an interior pocket which can be conformed from a closed position to an open position for receiving the sampling tube.

Abstract: The glass container stores and preserves pharmaceutical or diagnostic solutions for medicinal purposes. So that the container is free of silicones and other residues, it is provided with an amorphous, transparent anti-adherent coating (4) over its entire interior surface from its bottom over the wall (3) to the closure device (2). This anti-adherent coating (4) is free of heavy metals, free of silicones, is stable after autoclaving at about 120° C. for about 20 min or hot air sterilization for 30 min at 300° C., has a contact angle for wetting with water of ≧80°, contains silicon, oxygen, carbon, fluorine and hydrogen and is deposited by a PECVD method, especially a PICVD method. If the coating contains less than 0.1% by weight fluorine, then it contains greater than or equal to 10% by weight carbon, but if it contains greater than or equal to 0.1% fluorine then it contains greater than or equal to 5% by weight carbon.

Abstract: A surgical kit to prepare a unit dose injection of a surgical gas. The surgical kit includes a gas pouch filled with a surgical gas, a syringe with a needle and a plunger. Optionally additional product components are included in the surgical kit depending on the surgical procedure for which the kit is prepared, such as for example a sterilizing filter, a stopcock and a suspended spike. Preferably the surgical kit may be used in ophthalmic surgical procedures to prepare a unit dose of tamponade gas to repair retinal tears.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foolproofing device (12) equipped with pins (14-1 and 14-2) placed around the neck of a container (10), the container containing a product for pharmaceutical, medical or other use intended to be used by an extraction system (30) screwed onto a threaded support which may be the neck of the container itself or a sleeve (16) placed on the neck of the container, the screwing operation and thus the use of the product by the extraction system being possible only if the notches (34-1 and 34-2) of the extraction system coincide with the pins of the foolproofing device. According to a main characteristic of the invention, the foolproofing device (12) is characterized in that it is integral with the threaded support (16) of the container by means of connecting parts (18) between the foolproofing device and the threaded support, the connecting parts being broken when the extraction system coinciding with the foolproofing device is screwed onto the threaded support of the container.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible plastic formulation capable of being extruded, blow-molded, ethylene oxide and radiation sterilized. The plastic formulation of the invention comprises: a) from about 60 to about 94 percent by weight of a copolymer consisting essentially of ethylene and vinyl acetate units; b) from about 5 to about 25 percent by weight of a block copolymer, the block copolymer consisting essentially of a central block copolymer molecule including generally equal proportions of ethylene and butylene units, and terminal blocks of polystyrene; and c) from about 1 to about 15 percent by weight of an ultra-low density polyethylene material. The plastic formulations of the invention are useful in the manufacture of blood bags, tubing and the like.

Abstract: Many of those having diabetes take a combination of slow and fast acting types of insulin. It is important that the different forms of medicament do not become confused and that the patient does not receive the incorrect medicament. In combination a medicament delivery apparatus and a medicament cartridge are provided, the medicament delivery apparatus including at least one switch and the medicament cartridge comprising a cartridge housing within which a medicament is provided, a displaceable piston located internally at one end of the housing and a raised ring of material about an external periphery of the medicament cartridge, the ring of material being of sufficient dimensions, in use, to trip the at least one switch of the medicament delivery apparatus.

Abstract: A person having diabetes will often be red to take both slow acting and fast acting forms of insulin. It is important to be able to distinguish readily between medicament cartridges containing different medicaments. The present invention enables more ready distinction as between medicament cartridges containing different medicaments.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking an intestinal sample of a human or animal patient comprises a holder part (1) and an expandable part (2) supported by the holder part and having one or more sampling areas (8) on the surface thereof. The expandable part (2) is in a non-expanded state rectally insertable into and retractable from the patient's intestine, and in an expanded state, inserted into the patient's intestine, the expandable part is capable of contacting the intestinal wall with at least one sampling area (8; 14). The apparatus further comprises protective livers (7a, 7b) for preventing said sampling area or areas (8) from contact with the intestinal wall and intestinal fluid at least when the expandable part (2) in the non-expanded state is being rectally inserted into the patient's intestine.

Abstract: A high-sterility and high-capacity connector for lines for outflow from bottles for containing fluid-liquid substances for medical use, comprising an elongated cylindrical body, in a lower portion of which an anatomically shaped grip portion is provided and at an upper end of which a protruding piercing element which is functionally combined with means for engaging the rim of the neck of the bottle is provided.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a polyolefin-made holder for solutions containing vitamin D or derivatives thereof, in which the volume of polyolefin constituting a solution-holding portion of the holder is 30 cm3 or less per &mgr;mol of the vitamin D or derivatives thereof contained therein; and to a transfusion fluid container comprising the vitamin D solution holder. Use of the holder or container can minimize reduction in vitamin D content.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for the treatment of a medical fluid, said device consisting of a permanently installed fluid treatment machine and a cassette with fluid-carrying channels as well as an elastic matt placed between these two items, with matt channels recessed in said elastic matt. The matt channels are provided with slits. Via the matt channels, an optimised vacuum distribution takes place and the slits serve the purpose of removing air between the cassette and the fluid treatment machine.

Abstract: A needle holder provides for the ease of transportation and storage. The needle holder includes an elongate body having tubular wall and opposed ends. The tubular wall is radially expandable from a flat configuration to an expanded configuration defining openings at the ends. A flap extends from one of the ends and is positionable across the opening at the one end to close the opening. The flap is capable of supporting a needle assembly thereat. A needle securement member may be attached to the flap so as to support the needle assembly. In the flat configuration, plural needle holders may be stacked for ease of transportation and storage.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a plastic infusion set. Unlike the conventional ones, the infusion set of the present invention is manufactured by using a novel biodegradable polyester resin composition with superior physical properties which thus can be degraded in nature without causing an environmental contamination and can also be applied in broader fields of medical industry.

Abstract: A controlled medicament security enclosure system that houses liquid filled reservoirs which consists of a portable enclosure (20) formed with a top half (22) and a bottom half (24) that permanently snap together to form a secure inseparable repository for the reservoirs. Inside the enclosure is at least one glass vial (36) for storing the liquid medicament with each vial having a sliding piston stopper (42) within that seals the inside of the vial and slides to maintain the liquid air free regardless of the volume. An adapter socket (48) is removably attached to the stopper and includes a hollow needle that pierces the stopper and permits a flowpath for the liquid. A flexible outlet tube (62) along with connectors on each end transmit the medicament to a mechanical drug delivery system that has a peristaltic pump and a control module.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process and device for making liquid dosage formulations from solid dosage forms, and the pharmaceutical compositions produced therefrom. The solid dosage forms are tablets and capsules. The device comprises a single-use mixing and dosing cup having an abrasive interior surface and may include a mixing blade attached to an external motor. A liquid dosage formulation is prepared by combining a solid dosage form of a pharmaceutical medicament and an aqueous diluent in the mixing and dosing cup. The solid dosage form is rapidly broken down into its constituent particulates using agitation, disintegration and abrasion. The resultant liquid mixture is flavored and thickened to suit the needs of individual patients. The mixing and dosing cup is designed to allow for the administration of the liquid formulation directly to the patient.

Abstract: A plastic medical article, such as a catheter or blood collection tube, is coated with a crosslinked hydrogel permanently bound to the inside wall of the tube. The hydrophilic surface provided by the hydrogel prevents adherence of blood components to the surface, and the permanent adherence of the hydrogel prevents its removal by blood.

Abstract: An adapter for mixing and injection of preparations comprises a cylindrical vial-fitting portion (1), a puncture needle (2) and a tubular tip-fitting portion (3). The vial-fitting portion (1) includes a top wall (11) and a skirt (12). The puncture needle (2) is passed through the top wall (11) and is integrated therewith. The tip-fitting portion (3) is arranged coaxially to the puncture needle (2) on the opposite side thereof to the top wall (11). The puncture needle 2 has a cutting edge 21 on the side of the skirt (12) and is provided at a proximal end thereof with a connecting portion (22) for engagement with the tip-fitting (23), which communicates with a lumen (32) of the tip-fitting portion (3) and is open to the cutting edge (21). A filter (4) is arranged in the liquid passage (231) of the connecting portion (22).

Abstract: An universal connector is disclosed. The universal connector can be realized with a housing having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a tapered inner surface; and a restrictor fixedly attached to the housing. In some exemplar embodiments, the universal connector is configured with a slot for receiving a tubing coupler. The universal connector may be realized in methods for securely coupling flexible tubing sections associated in a tubing assembly. A preferred method includes the steps of: (1) selecting an appropriately configured universal connector; (2) inserting a first end of a tubing junction within the housing; and (3) axially rotating a second end of the tubing junction until the tubing assembly junction is substantially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the connector.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for blinding the administration of nonsolid pharmaceutical presentations. The device is in particular an opaque container which has at least two attachments, one of which is intended for connection to a dispenser for the pharmaceutical presentation, and the other of which is intended for connection to an applicator, the inside of said container having means for holding back the pharmaceutical presentation.

Abstract: Methods and devices for the removal of psoralens and psoralen photoproducts from blood products are described. The methods include contacting a psoralen- and irradiation-treated blood product with a resin capable of adsorbing psoralens and psoralen photoproducts. The removal process is particularly suitable for use with platelet concentrates and plasma because the process does not have a significant adverse effect on clotting factor function. The methods and devices can be incorporated with apheresis systems and other devices and procedures currently used to process blood products for transfusion.

Abstract: A vial access adapter for withdrawal of a medical fluid contained in a vial which includes a vial access adapter body having a circular top wall with a plurality of vent holes, a circular second wall spaced from the top wall, and a cylindrical side wall which walls define a chamber for holding an anti-bacterial filter. A first spike centrally located in the vial access adapter body extends through the top wall, chamber, and bottom wall, with one end extending above the top wall terminating in a threaded luer connector, while the other end terminates in a sharp point. A flow channel extends through the first spike designed for withdrawal of the medical fluid from the vial. A second spike positioned parallel to the first spike extends from the second wall, one end of which extends into the chamber, and the other end terminates in a sharp point. A flow channel extends through the second spike designed for air flow from the chamber into the vial.

Abstract: The invention relates to a port system for establishing fluid communication with a container for storing medical fluids and a device for adding or withdrawing fluids from said container comprising at least one port having a sealed front end and a rear end open to the inside of said container and a base plate attachable to said container, wherein said port has a penetrable membrane serving as a barrier to the stored fluids. The port comprises a cap in its front end which axially extends into an essentially sleeve formed part provided with said penetrable membrane which is scaled from contamination by said cap and furthermore it is provided with means to expose said penetrable membrane when it is desired to establish fluid communication with the container.

Abstract: The invention concerns a connecting device (1) comprising a base (5) mounted on the receptacle (2) and extended by a flange (9) forming an inner bore (A) and a piston (10) capable of sliding in said inner bore (A) between a released position relative to a plug (4) and a transfer position wherein a hollow needle (11) borne by the piston (10) passes through the plug (4). A scaling lip (22) is arranged on an internal surface (8d) of the bore (A) opposite the piston (10) or a surface of the piston, said lip (22) being shaped to be urged to press sealingly against the piston (10d) or against an internal surface of the bore, in the transfer position.

Abstract: A vial docking station for simultaneously sliding the spouts of a plurality of liquid medicament vials into an engaged position with matching receptacles of a like plurality of liquid reconstitution diluent bags.

Abstract: Embolic devices and methods for mixing and delivering embolic material in a sterile environment facilitate delivery of the embolic material directly into a patient thereby preventing the embolic material from becoming contaminated. Such devices include a sealable container couplable to a syringe, a dissolvable caplet or gel-cap including a solid or liquid embolic material, a sealed vial with a breakable neck containing an embolic material, and a flexible container including internal compartments separated by breakable membranes.

Abstract: The invention is an improved container for collecting, freeze-drying, storing, reconstituting, and administering biological solutions and, in particular, blood products. The container features a pliable bottom wall providing intimate thermal contact with the cooling/heating shelf of the lyophilizer; a top wall incorporating a hydrophobic membrane providing a path for water vapor and a bacterial barrier; and side walls sufficiently stiff to support the ceiling but preferably also sufficiently flexible to collapse and minimize storage space especially once lyophilization is complete. The walls incorporate sealable ports that can be used to load the solution for processing and/or adding reconstituting liquids and/or administering the reconstituted solution to a patient. The top wall may incorporate a removable cover that protects the membrane before freeze-drying takes place.

Abstract: The invention relates to a foolproofing device (12) equipped with pins (14-1 and 14-2) placed around the neck of a container (10), the container containing a product for pharmaceutical, medical or other use intended to be used by an extraction system (30) screwed onto a threaded support which may be the neck of the container itself or a sleeve (16) placed on the neck of the container, the screwing operation and thus the use of the product by the extraction system being possible only if the notches (34-1 and 34-2) of the extraction system coincide with the pins of the foolproofing device. According to a main characteristic of the invention, the foolproofing device (12) is characterized in that it is integral with the threaded support (16) of the container by means of connecting parts (18) between the foolproofing device and the threaded support, the connecting parts being broken when the extraction system coinciding with the foolproofing device is screwed onto the threaded support of the container.

Abstract: A vial access adapter for withdrawal of a medical fluid contained in a vial which includes a vial access adapter body having a circular top wall with a plurality of vent holes, a circular second wall spaced from the top wall, and a cylindrical side wall which walls define a chamber for holding an anti-bacterial filter. A first spike centrally located in the vial access adapter body extends through the top wall, chamber, and bottom wall, with one end extending above the top wall terminating in a threaded luer connector, while the other end terminates in a sharp point. A flow channel extends through the first spike designed for withdrawal of the medical fluid from the vial. A second spike positioned parallel to the first spike and is integral with the first spike extends from the second wall, one end of which extends into the chamber, and the other end terminates in a sharp point co-joined with the sharp point of the first spike.