Abstract: A medical fluid suctioning device for selectively applying varied levels of suction pressure at a device-tissue interface includes a direct “trumpet”-type control mechanism in conjunction with a “venturi”-type control. A valve manifold is adapted to couple a vent pathway and a suction pathway simultaneously to the vacuum conduit adapted for connection to a vacuum source. The amount of resistance to flow due to vacuum pressure is adjusted simultaneously in both the vent pathway and the suction pathway in order to achieve controlled, selected levels of suction. Similarly shaped valve apertures are provided in inverse and reciprocal orientation along an axis of motion of a valve manifold. The apertures translate across ports to the suction and venting pathways simultaneously to vary applied suction to those pathways inversely.

Abstract: Cannulas, as well as cannula assemblies including gas filters, are disclosed.

Abstract: Essentially inelastic backing material for medical purposes, characterized in that the backing material has an addition of high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having an ultimate tensile stress strength of at least 60 cN/tex, preferably from 80 to 500 cN/tex, the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or filaments having a water absorption of less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and, with particular preference, less than 3% and the high-strength fibers, multi-strand yarns, mixed multistrands or threads giving the backing material an ultimate stress strength of at least 50 N/cm, preferably from 60 to 450 N/cm and, with particular preference, from 65 to 250 N/cm, and in that the backing material is coated at least partially on at least one side with a hotmelt adhesive composition.

Abstract: An electrode tip assembly for a catheter is bendable under the control of the user. The distal tip portion of the assembly is progressively less resistant to bending than the remaining portions. The variable stiffness is provided by tapering the width or thickness of a bendable spring component or otherwise providing a progressive change in bending characteristics by notching, dimpling or stepping the thickness of the spring.

Abstract: The guidewire assembly includes a distal tip section comprising a core wire, a mushroom shaped head fixed to a distal end of the core wire, and a coiled radiopaque wire having a distal end portion fused to the head and a proximal necked down portion which necks down to proximal end coils forming a proximal end of the coiled radiopaque wire. The proximal end coils are received on a portion of the core wire and fixed thereto by a flexible material.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing a metered amount of aerosolized medication and/or for measuring breathing function includes a casing that defines a cavity, a first or discharge opening from which a subject inhales from the cavity or exhales into the cavity, a second or air opening through which air enters the cavity, and a third opening in fluid communication with the cavity between the first and second openings. The casing also defines an open pocket for receiving a pressurized canister and a fourth or medication opening through which the contents of the canister discharge into the cavity of the casing. A pressure transducer in fluid communication with the third opening senses the pressure of breath moving through the cavity. Alternatively, a fan and photocell assembly may replace the pressure transducer and sense the flow of gas through the cavity.

Abstract: A device is provided for administering medical fluid to at least one of the ear canal and the ear drum of a human ear. The device includes an earplug adapted to fit in the ear such that at least a portion of the earplug is snugly received in and substantially seals the ear canal. The earplug has an outer end section proximate the concha of the ear and an inner end section proximate the eardrum. The conduit extends completely through the earplug from the outer end section to the inner end section thereof for introducing medical fluid through the earplug into the ear canal such that the medical fluid is administered to at least one of the ear canal and the eardrum.

Abstract: A septum piercer and sample extractor for removing a sample from a specimen contained in a container closed by a penetrable septum, a needle having a body with a sharp closed point on its first end. The needle extends axially and contains a first channel and a second channel, which extend toward the second end of the needle. A first side port passes through the body into the first channel. A second port passes through the body into the second channel. The first side port is axially farther from the second end than the second side port. The channels are both open near the second end of the needle. The needle is movable axially to pierce the septum. Its first end can be moved through the septum and into the container so that one of the ports is submerged in a fluid sample in the container while the other of the ports remains out of the sample.

Abstract: A probe for use in collecting liquids entrained with a gaseous component, particularly collecting a patient's blood with entrained gas bubbles from a surgical site for autologous reinfusion. The probe separates the gaseous component from the collected liquid, particularly separating air bubbles from blood cells to inhibit hemolysis, platelet degradation and protein denaturation. An elongated probe body has a distal end to be inserted into the liquid to be collected through an inlet by jet pump action into a centrally disposed mixing chamber. A diffuser is formed within the probe body proximal to and in axial alignment with the inlet and mixing chamber leading to a liquid exit. A jet pump nozzle is formed in the probe distal tip surrounding the inlet in the form of an annular chamber into which pressurized drive fluid is introduced through a distribution channel system extending along the probe body from the proximal end.

Abstract: A double lumen nasogastric tube possesses a hydrophobic filter at the proximal end of the sump lumen for inhibiting reflux from exiting the sump lumen and contaminating the patient, clinician and nearby surroundings.

Abstract: An intestinal catheter is inserted into the gastrointestinal tract by use of an endoscope or a guidewire in combination with an inflatable bolus and performs the functions of aspirating the stomach and feeding the small intestine. The inflatable bolus may be filled with a heavy liquid such as water so that the downstream end of the catheter is moved through the gastrointestinal tract by peristalsis.

Abstract: An esophageal perfusion catheter, having an outer housing, a plurality of flexible, tubular channel members within said outer housing, and at least two spaced balloon members encompassing said catheter. Two of the channel members are in fluid communication with each of two balloons. One of the balloons is about 150 millimeters from the distal end of said catheter and about 75 millimeters from the other balloon. A third of the tubular channel members is an esophageal perfusion aspirating channel and is in communication with a port at the distal end of the catheter. A fourth of the tubular channel members serves as a gastric aspirating channel. A fifth of the tubular channel members serves as an aspirating channel. The sixth channel member, serves as an air vent. The esophageal perfusion aspirating channel has a ID of about 3 millimeters. The gastric aspirating channel has a ID of about 2 millimeters. The two channel members which communicate with the balloons have a ID of about 1 millimeter.

Abstract: An improvement over the Foley catheter which provides, in addition to the main drainage lumen, a central smaller lumen for continuous delivery of a small quantity of sterile irrigating solution directly through the distal tip into the bladder. A larger portion of the irrigating solution is deflected by the cone shaped roof of the distal tip and turned backward past the drainage ports and into the drainage lumen. This backward flow of liquid causes a mild suction which assists the removal of clots and tissue debris from the bladder. The continuous flow of sterile solution also cleanses the drainage lumen and prevents the upward movement of bacteria common in most urinary catheters. A suction syringe can also be used in the usual manner in the event of a blockage. A second embodiment of the invention provides two protuberances across from the drainage ports within the distal tip to assist in breaking up clots as they enter the drainage lumen.

Abstract: A closed ventilation and suction catheter system for aspirating or suctioning the bronchial tree or trachea of a patient including a dual lumen catheter, the proximal end of the catheter is connected to a dual valve assembly which is connected to separate irrigation fluid and suction pressure sources and the distal end of the catheter is adapted to be slidably positioned in communication with the bronchial tree of a patient. A transparent and flexible envelope surrounds the catheter to protect the catheter from direct exposure to the atmosphere. The catheter is slidable from the inside of the envelope through an adaptor and a tracheal tube to communicate with the bronchial tree or trachea of the patient. A ventilator is connected to the adaptor near the distal end of the catheter to provide for the artificial ventilation of the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions for killing undifferentiated epithelial cells during cataract surgery on an eye to prevent posterior capsule clouding after the surgery and to a method for performing cataract surgery on an eye including injecting a cell-killing substance between the anterior capsule and the natural lens prior to removing the natural lens from the eye. The cell-killing substance is preferably an acid or base adjusted aqueous solution having a pH in the range between about 1.0 to below 6.5 or about above 7.5 to 14.0; or a hypotonic solution having a salinity less than 0.9% or a pH adjusted hypotonic solution having a salinity less than 0.9% and a pH either below 6.5 or above 7.5. The compositions of the present invention also incorporates a viscoelastic material, a dye or a mixture thereof, in combination with the cell-killing substance.

Abstract: A double lumen gastric tube including a valve to prevent gastric reflux or leakage through the vent lumen thereof. The gastric tube also includes an adaptor which allows fluid injection through the tube without removing the valve. The valve allows the passage of air into the vent lumen when atmospheric pressure exceeds stomach pressure. When stomach pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure the valve prevents flow of fluid through the tube. The adaptor allows fluid to be injected into the vent lumen through the valve.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for delivering and/or withdrawing fluids. For example, blood may be salvaged from a body cavity of a patient, in which a wand is provided having separate conduits for fluids. Means, for example a valve, is provided for opening or closing the desired conduits, depending upon whether the fluid is to be salvaged or lost to waste, sampled or returned directly to circulation. The apparatus is adapted for surgical use, and most particularly when a partial vacuum is drawn through the conduits, such that operation of the valve can exert a partial vacuum on one or more of the conduits. The entry ends of the conduits are disposed adjacent each other, with the conduits being joined as a wand. The valve is adapted for being actuated upon being held in the hand of the operator.

Abstract: A monitoring catheter for medical use characterized by a main tube for discharge path of body fluids, etc.; a first auxiliary tube for air flow which surrounds the main tube and is provided within the wall; a second auxiliary tube or a third auxiliary tube which forms passageway for liquid drug infusion or measures pressure; and a lead for measuring a temperature which is embedded within the wall of the main tube. The main tube has a plurality of bores on the wall near the tip portion thereof and also has a connecting portion for connecting with a container for drainage capture at the rear end of the main tube. The first auxiliary tube opens at the tip portion thereof towards the inside of the main tube and at the same time, is branched from the main tube near the rear end of the catheter and a filter is equipped at the rear end of the branched portion. The second auxiliary opens towards the outer surface of the catheter.

Abstract: Surgical aspiration device for use in surgical operations, whereby the aspiration device is intended for use in atraumatic aspiration, tissue aspiration and disection. The surgical aspiration device comprises a handle with an inner tube and an outer tube which extend from the handle and which are arranged concentrically, with an interstice formed between them. Adjacent to the handle is an inlet opening which allows air into said interstice. When a vacuum is applied to the inner tube for aspiration, air passes into the interstice and into the inner tube, whereby the aspirated liquid column is broken and atraumatic aspiration can take place.

Abstract: A collapse-resistant catheter adapted for medical usage includes a central tube having a smooth outer wall rather than a corrugated outer wall characteristic of prior art collapse-resistant catheters. The tube includes an integral, spiral-shaped outer tube which provides the collapse-resistant characteristic. The spiral tube also provides an additional lumen. The center tube is adapted to provide for a multilumen structure not possible with corrugated prior art structures. The resulting structure, single or multilumen, can be made sufficiently small for insertion into the human body.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for purging air from a tubing network finds particular utility as a component part of a blood constituent processing system. Collection and return needles of a disposable tubing network are initially contained within a common antiseptic enclosure. A purge fluid (e.g., saline solution) may then be introduced into the interior chamber of the enclosure via one of the needles and withdrawn from the interior chamber via the other of the needles. Air entrained in the tubing network may thus be trapped within the common enclosure itself and/or vented therefrom via a one-way valve and hydrophobic microbe filter and/or the entrained air pockets may be encouraged to flow to a separate suitable air trap location of the tubing network whereby the network is purged of air.

Abstract: A non-invasive apparatus for continuously measuring the cardiac output and cardio-respiratory function includes a gas sampling device which is inserted into the mouth of a human subject. The gas sampling device may be a disposable endotracheal tube or a smaller disposable mouthpiece. Each of these gas sampling devices is provided with a plurality of passages for sampling the lung gases and for continuously sampling the gas pressure on opposite sides of a capillary restriction member. A miniature motor pump mass spectrometer module is mounted on the upper end of the endotracheal tube or mouthpiece. Electronic circuitry connected to the mass spectrometer permits constant visual monitoring of the cardiac output and cardio-respiratory function.

Abstract: An all-plastic check valve is incorporated into a molded plastic surgical or medical device. A tubular arm of the device serves as a barrel of the one-way check valve and has a unitarily molded seat or sealing ring and a plurality of protuberances or keeper bumps. A hollow cone-shaped or bullet-shaped stopper permits fluid flow in one direction, but in the back direction lodges against the sealing ring or seat. The material of the stopper is softer than the material of the tubular portion. At least limited flexing is possible without breaking the seal.

Abstract: A blood filtering system includes a check valve for preventing fluid back-flow, coupled between a peristaltic pump and a pressure equalizer, the valve including a tubular container having an inlet and an outlet, two elongated plastic films in the container extending from the inlet facing each other, joined at their peripheries, with a hole in an end of one film proximate the container outlet. Fluid may flow from the inlet through the films to the outlet; but, back-flow is prevented by collapse of the films.

Abstract: A fine tip hand-held medical suction device is provided having a vent orifice in the sidewall of the tip remote from the suction orifice of the tip and the hand holding portion of the device to regulate the negative pressure at the suction orifice. A fluid flow restriction orifice in the flow passage is disposed close to the vent orifice.

Abstract: An obstetretic aspirator device for puncturing amniotic membranes and draining fluids therefrom comprising a funnel-shield (20) serving as a drainage cup and fluid confinement shield and puncture-type tubular aspirator (10) slideable mounted within an elongated shaft (24) of the funnel-shield for puncturing the amniotic membrane. The inner funnel wall (21) of the funnel-shield includes a plurality of suction ports (22) for draining fluids. A common vacuum source connected to the discharge end (18) of the tubular aspirator (10) communicates with both the tubular aspirator (10) and the funnel-shield (20) through the mating openings. The tubular aspirator (10) can be separated from the assembly for sole use as a conventional aspirator. The funnel-shield (20) comprises a pair of spaced apart superposed funnels walls (21 and 23) having a vacuum chamber (27) therebetween which chamber communicates with a vacuum chamber of the tubular aspirator through mating openings (19 and 25).

Abstract: A central venous pressure catheter has a long flexible tube containing at least three channels or lumens. Toward the tip or distal end of the catheter are three ports in the wall of the tube each providing access to one of the lumens, respectively. An inflatable balloon, formed about the tube is located between a distal and a proximal of the ports and a balloon-inflating port lies within the balloon. The balloon is spaced away from the distal port by about 8 centimeters so that when the balloon is located in an upper region of the superior cava vein of an upright-positioned patient undergoing surgery of the head or neck, the balloon may be inflated just enough to raise the blood pressure at the site of the surgery to about equal that of the ambient atmosphere. There is thus no bleeding from cut veins and neither is there any tendency for cut veins to aspirate leading to an air induced embolism.

Abstract: The drain of this invention includes a tube provided with orifices for drawing in residual secretions gathered at the site of an operation. Within the tube is bounded a volume of variable capacity. Such volume is divided into one or several inflatable pockets bounded between the internal wall of the tube and a sleeve judiciously fastened to said wall. Such sleeve is of elastic material. A suction source is connected to the channel left free within the tube by the sleeve. Furthermore, a fluid source may be connected to the volume bounded by the sleeve to enable changing the capacity thereof. Such changes serve to unclog the intake orifices.The invention is applicable to surgical drains used in the post-operational phase to remove all secretions appearing at the site of the operation.

Abstract: The rectal-stomal insert apparatus is used for occluding an opening in a patient's colon and preventing uncontrolled leakage during examination with a colonoscope. The apparatus includes an insertion member having an outer end, an inner end, and an exterior surface. The insertion member has an instrument channel and a separate and distinct suction channel each of which extends between the outer end and the inner end. The instrument channel is large enough to receive a colonoscope tube and is provided with a seal to seal around the colonoscope tube. An expandable occlusion member is coupled to the insertion member exterior surface. The occlusion member is made of a relatively soft material to sealingly engage and occlude the opening of the colon as the occlusion member is expanded. At the outer end of the suction channel is a longitudinal flange for receiving suction apparatus. A handle is provided at the outer end of the insertion member.

Abstract: Particularly a rectal catheter for the removal of fluent material from the rectal cavity. The rectal catheter (18) comprises an elongated tubular member (20) forwardly insertable within the rectal cavity. The tubular member includes a pair of opposing eyelets (28a and 28b) in the vicinity of a forward end (22) which lead to a centrally open drainage lumen (26), and also includes a ventilation lumen (32) substantially coextensive in length therewith. The ventilation lumen receives atmospheric air from a take-off tube (40) depending from the rearward portion of the tubular member and directs atmospheric air toward the forward end of the tubular member when suction is applied to the drainage lumen.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a molded vent needle housing which is adapted to retain a hydrophobic filter that removes unwanted impurities from the outside air and feeds air to and from the interior of a stoppered vial. This assembly includes a needle and a hub portion in flow communication therewith, this hub adapted for attachment to a syringe. The hydrophobic filter is secured in the molded housing and may be a disc or a cylindrical configuration. The housing has a bore in which the needle shank passes and a rigid sleeve member is secured to provide a small passageway for air flow. Several embodiments are shown, with some having a resilient seal and one having a shrink-wrap protector for both the exposed filter portions and providing a retaining member for an inserted O-ring. The outer sleeve member is removed so that the injecting needle and filled syringe are now ready for use.

Abstract: A valve to prevent gastric reflux or leakage through the vent lumen of a double-lumened nasogastric tube. The valve allows the passage of air into the vent lumen when atmospheric pressure exceeds stomach pressure. When stomach pressure exceeds atmospheric pressure the valve prevents flow of fluids through the tube.

Abstract: A medical underwater seal, chest drainage apparatus is provided which includes a catheter having a main lumen and an auxiliary lumen for insertion into a chest cavity to be drained of body fluid. The main lumen is connected to a drainage collection device and the auxiliary lumen is adapted to be connected to a variable setting venting valve so that an adjustable flow rate of air from the atmosphere can flow into the auxiliary lumen for venting the cavity.

Abstract: This suction needle device is used to transfer liquids such as cytotoxic drugs from a stoppered container to a syringe. This device has a sharpened needle which is conventionally attached to a hub. A thin-walled tubular sleeve is mounted on the shank of this needle and is disposed in a telescope fashion around this shank. One end of the sleeve is disposed a short distance from the sharpened end of the needle so that the stopper may be entered by the sharpened needle and sleeve and provides a seal when so penetrated. A crimping tool provides opposed and longitudinally displaced localized crimps to deform the sleeve to the extent that a positive engagement with the shank of the needle is made. The crimps are limited enough to provide positive securing of the sleeve without bending or distorting the interior capacity of the needle to draw fluids into the syringe. The thin-walled sleeve may have an aperture in the side and in flow communication with the air passage between the needle shank and sleeve.

Abstract: A lavage for obtaining a fluid specimen from a body cavity, has an elongated, flexible, narrow first tube insertable into a body cavity. A compressible bellows contains a saline solution communicating with the tube for ejecting the solution into the body cavity. A second tube surrounds the first tube and is insertable therewith into the body cavity to receive the solution expelled from the body. A third tube, attached to the first tube, communicates with the second tube to pass the expelled solution thereto. A removable cap on the third tube carries the second tube and serves as a stop member to limit insertion of the first and second tubes into the body cavity.

Abstract: A medical aspirator system which includes an automatic valve means, suction pump, waste receptacle and a bypass means to move such blood and other material from a wound or operation area without allowing the blood and other material entry into the automatic valve means. The bypass means utilizes camming operations to open and close air suction and air discharge lines by pinching action.

Abstract: A long intestinal catheter is readily insertable into the small intestine via the nasogastric route. The tube aspirates the small intestine during the operative period, internally plicates the small intestine after surgery, and can aspirate the stomach and the small intestine during the post-operative period. The tube is self-sumping and avoids blockage or closure of any aspirating opening in the tube by the interior lining of the stomach or small intestine during aspiration.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for the measurement and replacement of physiological fluids including a meter for measuring the amount of a physiological fluid flowing through the meter, a first conduit for continuously delivering the physiological fluid to the meter, a second conduit for replacing the measured amount of physiological fluid with a corresponding amount of a replacement fluid, and a pressure equalizer associated with the first conduit for equalizing the pressure in the physiological fluid flowing through the first conduit whereby the flow of the physiological fluid through the meter is substantially unaffected by pressure variations in the physiological fluid itself.

Abstract: This suction needle device is used to transfer liquids such as cytotoxic drugs from a stoppered container to a syringe. This device has a sharpened needle which is conventionally attached to a hub. A housing is adapted and is mounted on the shank of this needle and a tubular sleeve is disposed in a telescope fashion around this shank and one end of the sleeve is secured in this housing. The stopper is disposed to be entered by the sharpened needle and sleeve and provides a seal when so penetrated. A crimping tool provides opposed and longitudinally displaced localized crimps to deform the sleeve to the extent that a positive engagement with the shank of the needle is made. The crimps are limited enough to provide positive securing of the sleeve without bending or otherwise affecting the interior capacity of the needle. The shank of the needle is sealed against exterior air reaching the conduit between the outer diameter of the needle and inner diameter of the sleeve.

Abstract: A central venous pressure catheter has a long flexible tube containing at least three channels or lumens. At a tip end of the catheter a balloon surrounds the tube and is inflatable via one of the channels. A distal port and a proximal port in the wall of the tube are located on either side of the balloon, respectively, and are connected to the other two channels, respectively. The tip end of the catheter may be inserted via a jugular vein into a patient's superior cava vein near the heart. The balloon is inflated to partially obstruct the flow of blood and to increase the blood pressure at a site of surgery at the head or neck of a patient in the upright position to avoid air embolism as well as to prevent bleeding there. The differential pressure, e.g. in cm H.sub.2 O, between the two ports is made equal to the vertical distance between the distal port and the site of surgery by adjusting the size of the balloon.

Abstract: An aortic root cannula for use in open heart surgery which combines a luer line for connection with an extracorporeal circuit outside the chest cavity with a left heart vent line and a pressure monitoring line all merging into a base unit having a single cannula for heart wall penetration. A composite base unit is formed of two parts integrated to provide the merging passages to perform the multiple functions.

Abstract: A medical applicance of a stationary surgical suction device comprised of an ultramalleable formable tube that may readily be shaped in situ. The tube is comprised of a formable, flexible tubular plastic ultramalleable material, having at least one fluid conveying lumen and includes a parallel oriented malleable member that is disposed within the plastic material so as to be frictionally interrelated to the tubular plastic material. A method of fabricating the lumen includes the steps of furnishing a plastic tubing having at least a pair of lumens, furnishing an elongated malleable member of cross-section complementary to that of one of the lumens and of a size in excess of the size of the lumen, dilating the lumen to allow insertion of the malleable member into the lumen and allowing the lumen to shrink onto the malleable member to effect a frictional engagement with the lumen.

Abstract: A device for draining wounds comprises an elongated catheter member having first and second lumens, an antibacteria filter received in communication with the second lumen adjacent the proximal end thereof and a check valve which is interposed between the proximal end of said second lumen and the filter. The distal end of the catheter member is receivable in a wound for draining the wound via suction applied to the proximal end of the first lumen, and a venting effect is provided by the second lumen through the filter and the check valve. The check valve prevents the backflow of liquids through the second catheter member into the filter to prevent the clogging thereof.

Abstract: A cardioplegia/air aspiration cannula assembly for delivering cardioplegic fluid to and for aspirating air from the aorta during surgery. The assembly includes a hub having a single needle portion. The needle portion has an inner cannula which extends through the hub and defines an inner lumen through which the cardioplegic fluid is injected. An outer cannula is coaxially positioned over the inner cannula and is diametrally spaced therefrom to define an outer lumen. A plurality of holes are formed in the sides of the outer cannula through which air can be aspirated. The outer lumen defined by the space between the inner and outer cannulae is in fluid communication with a passageway passing through a side branch of the hub which can be connected to a vacuum source.

Abstract: An improved surgical drain of the Abramson type having a triple lumen catheter with a drainage lumen, an irrigation lumen, and an air ventilation lumen. The improved drain is interfitted with a connector providing a suction port for the drainage lumen, an irrigation port for the irrigation lumen, and an air intake port for the air ventilation lumen. Closure plugs for each port may also be provided. The improved drain further includes a suture means for securing the drain in place and stabilizing it and a softened distal end portion to reduce tissue necrosis upon insertion of the drain into the patient's body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument for withdrawal of tracheobronchial secretions or for introduction of curative agents, tubes, guiding elements, probes, endoscopes, catheters and the like into the respiratory tract of a patient.A tube which is flexible and morphologically stable in cross-section, is inserted via the patient's mouth and pharynx cavities, and may be inserted with a distal extension as far as into the esophagus. Above the extension, the tube has an opening which is lined up laterally with the larynx cavity of the patient when the instrument is being inserted and through which the secretion is extracted. Also, the curative agents, guiding elements, tubes, probes, endoscopes, catheters and the like are inserted through this opening into the respiratory tract.

Abstract: An enema administering apparatus insertable into the rectum for delivery of a contrast medium to internal portions of a patient's anatomy includes an enema tip wherein the enema tip has a contrast medium passageway extending therethrough and is able to be coupled through the use of a disclosed adapter to a source of contrast medium. Also disclosed in various arrangements is an air passageway which is exterior of the contrast medium passageway and is able to be coupled to a source of air for double contrast studies. The air passageway may be a passageway disposed within the enema tip construction or may be a separate tubing member joined therewith in a suitable arrangement to introduce air for the double contrast studies once the barium has been evacuated from the patient. Also disclosed are air valve means that close the air passageway to the flow of barium in one direction yet open for the flow of air in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A nasogastric tube which includes an intermediate portion for placement adjacent the patient's nostril and capable of assuming and retaining an axial bend. After the tube has been placed, the physician bends the intermediate portion upwardly to direct the tube away from the patient's mouth. As the tube retains the angle to which it has been bent, it is not necessary to retain the bend by taping the tube to the nasal alae and, thus, the possibility of pressure necrosis due to the forces exerted by the bend in the tube is avoided.