Abstract: Subcutaneous implantation tools and methods of implanting a subcutaneous device using the same. The tool may include a tool body having a longitudinally extending recess having a distal opening and having a tunneler at a distal end of the tool body extending from the distal opening of the recess. The tool may include a plunger slidably fitting within at least a portion of the tool body recess. The recess may be configured to receive an implantable device and the tunneler preferably extends distally from the recess at a position laterally displaced from the device when the device is so located in the recess. Movement of the plunger distally within the recess advances the device distally out of the recess and alongside of and exterior to the tunneler.

Abstract: An applicator for insertion and lubrication of a body lumen is disclosed having an elongate, hollow, cylindrical outer sheath including a receiving cup at a distal end for receiving a lubrication capsule; and a plunger slidingly received within the elongate, hollow cylindrical outer sheath, the plunger including a piercing element at a distal end adapted to extend into the receiving cup. A liquid-filled soft gel capsule is placed in the receiving cup, and the piercing element is used to puncture the capsule located in the receiving cup prior to insertion of the applicator into the body lumen, and wherein the plunger can be depressed once the applicator is inserted into the body lumen to eject the pierced capsule into the body lumen.

Abstract: An injection device (110) comprises a housing (112) adapted to receive a syringe (122) having a discharge nozzle (118), an actuator (114) and a drive (120) acted upon the syringe to advance it from a retracted position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing to an extended position in which the discharge nozzle is contained within the housing to an extended position in which the discharge nozzle extends from the housing. There is a locking mechanism (HS) in communication with the actuator and activatable to be moved from a locked position in which the actuator is prevented from releasing the drive to an unlocked position in which the actuator is operable to act upon drive to advance the syringe. The locking mechanism or the housing includes integrally formed biasing means (210) adapted to return the locking mechanism to a locked position when it is not activated. There is no need for separate springs to be used bias to the releasable locking mechanism out the housing.

Abstract: The invention pertains to an applicator (1) for inserting an implant, in particular a rod-like implant (2) containing an active substance, under the skin of a human or animal, comprising a housing (3), a cannula (6) extending from the housing (3), and a handle (15) for grasping and maneuvering the applicator (1) and the cannula (6) during insertion of an implant (2). In accordance with the invention, the handle (15) extends above at least part of the length of the cannula (6). Such a handle facilitates insertion of the cannula and/or accurate positioning of the implant.

Abstract: A device for the back-injection of an implant including a holder to allow a user to hold the device, an injection needle, a retainer for retaining the implant before the injection needle, a plunger having a distal part for injecting the implant during withdrawal of the needle, a protective sleeve, capable of adopting an injection position leaving the needle uncovered and a safety position covering the needle again after use of the device, and a spring designed to move the protective sleeve into their safety position, the movement of the spring being controllable by the user.

Abstract: A repeater system may control a pump by using a repeater and a user interface. An adhesive patch system may be used for affixing a pump or other object to a human body. Such an adhesive patch system may include two sets of adhesive members, each member including an adhesive material on at least one side so as to attach to the body. The members of the first set are spaced to allow the members of the second set to attach to the body in spaces provided between the members of the first set, and the members of the second set are spaced to allow members of the first set to detach from the body without detaching the members of the second set. Also, fill stations and base stations are provided for personal pump systems.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a housing, a needle, a first energy storage member and a second energy storage member. The needle is movably disposed within the housing and is configured to be to be placed in fluid communication with a medicament container. The needle is configured to move between a first position and a second position. In its first position, the needle is contained within the housing. In its second position, at least a portion of the needle extends from the housing. The first energy storage member is disposed within the housing, and is configured to produce a first force when actuated. The second energy storage member is disposed within the housing, and is configured to be actuated in response to the first force to produce a second force to move the needle from the first needle position to the second needle position.

Abstract: A biopsy marking apparatus for placing a radiopaque marker at the location of a percutaneous biopsy. The biopsy marking apparatus comprises an introducer in combination with a radiopaque marker. The introducer ejects the radiopaque marker at the location of the biopsy. The introducer is configured to completely eject the radiopaque marker and prevent it from being subsequently drawn into the introducer as the introducer is removed from the biopsied tissue mass. The radiopaque marker has enhanced radiopaque characteristics and enhanced non-migration characteristics.

Abstract: A magazine for chain components of a chain with radiation sources comprises a housing as well as a first means for receiving chain components that is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing and has recesses for receiving the chain components, a tension spring for driving the means for receiving the chain components, a sprocket being coupled in a pivotal manner to the means for receiving the chain components and being mounted in a pivotal position in the housing, and an ejector for ejection of the radiation sources. Furthermore, the magazine comprises an ejection lever which is mounted in a pivotal manner in the housing, whereby, in a first position, the ejection lever engages the sprocket, and in a second position it blocks the ejector.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for delivering an active agent formulation for a predetermined administration period. An impermeable reservoir is divided into a water-swellable agent chamber and an active agent formulation chamber. Fluid from the environment is imbibed through a semipermeable plug into the water-swellable agent chamber and the active agent formulation is released through a back-diffusion regulating outlet. Delivery periods of up to 2 years are achieved.

Abstract: A dispenser device comprising a pistol housing, a needle direction control mechanism, a boost mechanism, a quantification control mechanism, and a combination of the pistol housing, the needle direction control mechanism, the boost mechanism, and a syringe positioning mechanism or a holding ring embodies the present invention with features and advantages shown as follows, (1) Uniform injection of agents synchronously mixed by not less than two contents; (2) Mixed agents not exposed in air; (3) Uniform injection, high air tightness, injection direction controlled by easy turning, smooth and convenient operation, high powerful operation via shifts of a push rod driven by a pressed trigger, promoted yield rate, assembly easily constructed, reduced manufacture cost, and convenient maintenance.

Abstract: A device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the device including a cartridge for containing the medicament, the cartridge including a housing, a retractable chamber disposed within the housing and having a lumen sized to contain the medicament, a stationary member disposed within the lumen and having a sized to provide a sliding fit within the lumen to provide for retraction of the retractable chamber about the stationary member upon actuation of the device, and means for retracting the retractable chamber while maintaining the stationary member in a stationary position. The device further includes means for activating the means for retracting the retractable chamber. The device further includes an actuator, the actuator including a handle case having a proximal portion for gripping and a distal portion including means for attaching the actuator to a cartridge.

Abstract: An apparatus for percutaneous delivery of a sealant comprising: at least two fluid reservoirs, an introducer needle having a distal tip that is in fluid communication with at least one reservoir, a fluid delivery tube that is in fluid communication with a second reservoir, wherein the fluid delivery tube has a tip and wherein the fluid delivery tube is configured so that the tip of the fluid delivery tube does not extend past the distal tip of the introducer needle during use.

Abstract: A method and kit for treating a disc that is leaking nucleus pulposus through at least one defect in the annulus fibrosus. The method includes injecting a fibrin sealant into the disc to reduce at least a portion of the at least one defect, wherein the fibrin sealant injected into the disc comprises fibrinogen and an activating compound, wherein at least a portion of the fibrin forms after injection, with the proviso that a corticosteroid is absent from the fibrin sealant injected into the disc.

Abstract: A method of repairing a defect in an annulus fibrosus of an intervertebral disc, without excising the entire nucleus pulposus of the disc. The method includes inserting an introducer needle through the annulus fibrosus by puncturing the annulus fibrosus with the introducer needle, injecting an in situ curable, bio-compatible polymerizable or polymeric material composition into the disc through the introducer needle directly or indirectly so that the in situ curable composition contacts a defect in the annulus fibrosus; and curing said material in situ.

Abstract: The bioinjection device has a housing including a pistol grip and an elongated barrel. A trigger is pivotally mounted to the housing. A plunger and needle are slidable between a first position in which the plunger and needle are slidably disposed in the barrel and a second position in which the plunger and needle extend from an opening in the end of the barrel. A retaining member is disposed about the opening at the end of the barrel. A spring-biased actuation mechanism connects the trigger with the plunger and needle. A membranous cartridge containing bone morphogenic protein, antibiotics, and/or other medication is loaded into the retaining member. A surgeon can inject the cartridge into a bone fracture or degenerative bone tissue during surgery to deliver the medicament directly to the affected site.

Abstract: A syringe for injecting a solid medicament comprises a syringe body mounted movably in a housing and connected to a needle. A spring force acts on the syringe body in a proximal direction, wherein movement of the syringe body in the proximal direction can be freed by a first locking device that cooperates with the syringe body. A primary plunger, which is movable in the syringe body and in the needle, comprises a limit stop that can cooperate with the syringe body. The limit stop is spaced from the syringe body immediately prior to the unlocking of the first locking device. By way of the limit stop the primary plunger can be driven back in the proximal direction through the syringe body when the first locking device is unlocked. The first locking device can be deactivated by an actuating element arranged on the device.

Abstract: A pill dispenser includes a housing having front, rear, and side walls defining a hollow interior. A pill holding member is removably coupled to the housing front wall and defines a frontward bore configured to receive a pill and being in operative communication with the housing front opening. An elongate plunger shaft having proximal and distal ends is positioned extends through the housing. The shaft is movable between a retracted configuration in which the distal end extends from the housing rear wall and an actuated configuration in which the distal end is adjacent the housing rear wall. A spring is positioned in the dispenser housing and operatively connected to the plunger shaft for selectively moving the plunger shaft between the retracted and actuated configurations so as to eject a pill from the holding member. The shaft may be retracted to selected positions before being spring actuated to dispense a pill.

Abstract: A biopsy marking apparatus for placing a radiopaque marker at the location of a percutaneous biopsy. The biopsy marking apparatus comprises an introducer in combination with a radiopaque marker. The introducer ejects the radiopaque marker at the location of the biopsy. The introducer is configured to completely eject the radiopaque marker and prevent it from being subsequently drawn into the introducer as the introducer is removed from the biopsied tissue mass. The radiopaque marker has enhanced radiopaque characteristics and enhanced non-migration characteristics.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, and a cartridge for containing the medicament within the device, where the cartridge includes a housing, a retractable chamber for containing medicament disposed within the housing, and a substantially stationary member disposed within the barrel of the retractable chamber, where upon activation of the device, the retractable chamber is retracted about the substantially stationary member, thereby depositing medicament within the body cavity.

Abstract: A housing of the injector is made from a thin-walled sheet-metal part. The sheet-metal part has at least two branches or legs. Each branch has, at the free end thereof, an angled retaining element or a recess as a means of receiving the cylinder of a cylinder/piston unit. The branches are elastic flexural beams which, in the middle area, are each bent in a Z-shape or S-shape to form a supporting portion for the piston-actuating ram. The contact zone situated between an individual supporting portion and the piston-actuating ram represents a wedge gear pairing that forces the respective branch outwards. The trigger unit comprises at least a trigger element which is slidably supported on the metal sheet, wherein the support section or, respectively the contact sections extend outwardly into longitudinal grooves. The branches may be provided with a locking tongue to engage corresponding openings in the trigger element to lock the housing in position as desired.

Abstract: The invention includes a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the device including a cartridge for containing the medicament therein, the cartridge including a housing, a retractable chamber disposed within the housing and having a lumen, a substantially stationary member disposed within the lumen of the retractable chamber and having a uniform cross-section sized to provide a sliding fit within the lumen to provide for retraction of the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member upon actuation of the device, and means for retracting the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member while maintaining the substantially stationary member in a substantially stationary position upon actuation of the device; the device further including means for activating the means for retracting the retractable chamber.

Abstract: The invention includes a cartridge for use in a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the cartridge including a housing, a retractable chamber disposed within the housing and having a lumen having a uniform cross-section sized to contain the medicament therein, a substantially stationary member disposed within the lumen of the retractable chamber and having a uniform cross-section sized to provide a sliding fit within the lumen suitable to provide for retraction of the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member upon actuation of the device; and means for retracting the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member while maintaining the substantially stationary member in a substantially stationary position upon actuation of the device.

Abstract: The invention includes an actuator for actuating a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the actuator including a handle case having a proximal portion for gripping and a distal portion including means for attaching the actuator to a cartridge for containing medicament, and means for creating a proximal to distal linear motion with respect to the handle case, wherein the cartridge includes a retractable chamber for containing the medicament disposed therein, a substantially stationary member and means for retracting the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member while maintaining the substantially stationary member in a substantially stationary position.

Abstract: The bioinjection device has a housing including a pistol grip and an elongated barrel. A trigger is pivotally mounted to the housing. A plunger and needle are slidable between a first position in which the plunger and needle are slidably disposed in the barrel and a second position in which the plunger and needle extend from an opening in the end of the barrel. A retaining member is disposed about the opening at the end of the barrel. A spring-biased actuation mechanism connects the trigger with the plunger and needle. A membranous cartridge containing bone morphogenic protein, antibiotics, and/or other medication is loaded into the retaining member. A surgeon can inject the cartridge into a bone fracture or degenerative bone tissue during surgery to deliver the medicament directly to the affected site.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a volume-adjustable micro-injection device. The device includes a base structure having a syringe positioning structure and a grip, in which the syringe positioning structure can flexibly accommodate injection syringes with different volumes; a holding structure capable of flexibly adjusting an injection angle of syringe content for easier operation; a qualitative controller capable of accurately controlling injection volume; a pressure pushing structure to hold and push a plunger; an injection controller interlinked with the qualitative controller and the pressure pushing structure; and an eject structure facilitating simple operation and easy replacement of injection syringes.

Abstract: An ocular implantation device comprises a housing having a longitudinal axis, a needle configured to receive an implant, and a plunger and a rod operatively coupled together. The plunger and the rod are disposed in the housing and are collectively, translationally moveable along the longitudinal axis of housing. The rod is configured to be receivable within at least a portion of the needle to enable the rod to move an implant therethrough. An actuator is operatively engaged with the plunger such that movement of the actuator in a direction aligned with the longitudinal axis of the housing results in translational movement of the plunger and the rod along the longitudinal axis of the housing in order to deliver the implant through the needle to a target site. An alternative embodiment of the device uses a retractable needle to deliver the implant.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device which is used to inject an implant (6) into tissues (50). The inventive device is characterized in that it comprises : a main hollow body (2; 2?) having a hollow needle (4; 4?) fixed thereto, into which the implant (6) is introduced; a secondary body (26; 26?) which is disposed coaxially inside the main body (2; 2?) and which surrounds the needle (4; 4?); and a plunger rod (36; 36?) which can slide coaxially inside the hollow needle (4; 4?).

Abstract: A biopsy marking apparatus for placing a radiopaque marker at the location of a percutaneous biopsy. The biopsy marking apparatus comprises an introducer in combination with a radiopaque marker. The introducer ejects the radiopaque marker at the location of the biopsy. The introducer is configured to completely eject the radiopaque marker and prevent it from being subsequently drawn into the introducer as the introducer is removed from the biopsied tissue mass. The radiopaque marker has enhanced radiopaque characteristics and enhanced non-migration characteristics.

Abstract: The invention includes a cartridge for use in a device for inserting a medicament within a body cavity of a mammal, the cartridge including a housing, a retractable chamber disposed within the housing and having a lumen having a uniform cross-section sized to contain the medicament therein, a substantially stationary member disposed within the lumen of the retractable chamber and having a uniform cross-section sized to provide a sliding fit within the lumen suitable to provide for retraction of the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member upon actuation of the device; and means for retracting the retractable chamber about the substantially stationary member while maintaining the substantially stationary member in a substantially stationary position upon actuation of the device.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of a medicine peg (3) into the skin (4) has a barrel (2) wherein the medicine peg (2) is stored and in which a plunger (8) behind said peg (2) can be moved to press the peg out through an end of the barrel (2) pressed against the skin (4) where it is intended to insert the peg (3), The plunger (8) is a part of a flexible rod construction (6, 7, 8) which can be passed from a first non rectilinear constellation, by which the plunger (8) is withdrawn in the barrel (2) to a position leaving space for the medicine peg (3) in front of the plunger (8), to a rectilinear constellation by which the plunger (8) projects from the end of the barrel (2) and further to a new non rectilinear position in which the end of the plunger (8) is withdrawn in the barrel (2).

Abstract: Tissue marking apparatus for marking a tissue mass of interest within the body of a patient are disclosed. The tissue marking apparatus include a handle, a tube operatively coupled to a distal end of the handle, a push rod disposed within the tube and extending into the handle, a firing mechanism retained within the handle and operatively coupled to a proximal end of the push rod, and a potential energy source configured and adapted to rapidly drive the push rod distally through the tube upon an activation of the firing mechanism. The tissue marking apparatus further includes a marker configured and dimensioned to be slidably received within the tube at a location distal of the push rod. The marker includes a capsule defining a chamber therein, an elongate tail extending from a distal end thereof, and at least one radioactive bead retained within the chamber of the capsule.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of a medicine peg (3) into the skin (4) has a barrel (2) wherein the medicine peg (2) is stored and in which a plunger (8) behind said peg (2) can be moved to press the peg out through an end of the barrel (2) pressed against the skin (4) where it is intended to insert the peg (3), The plunger (8) is a part of a flexible rod construction (6, 7, 8) which can be passed from a first non rectilinear constellation, by which the plunger (8) is withdrawn in the barrel (2) to a position leaving space for the medicine peg (3) in front of the plunger (8), to a rectilinear constellation by which the plunger (8) projects from the end of the barrel (2) and further to a new non rectilinear position in which the end of the plunger (8) is withdrawn in the barrel (2).

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus for dispensing predetermined volumes of drug, drug solution or other substances into an opening, such as a TMR channel in the human heart, or other laser treated area within the human body, the apparatus consisting of a bifurcated needle with a laser inlet for guiding a laser delivery means, such as an optical fiber or fiber bundle, to adjacent a surface of the human heart or other body structure for creating an opening, such as a TMR channel, or other laser treated area thereon. A drug inlet is for receiving the drug and transmitting the drug to the TMR channel or other laser treated area. Optionally, a piercing tip and/or suction device assists in positioning the apparatus adjacent the tissue to be treated. Drug is dispensed by manually or automatically actuating a piston or syringe element. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for insertion of a medicine peg (3) into the skin (4) has a barrel (2) wherein the medicine peg (2) is stored and in which a plunger (8) behind said peg (2) can be moved to press the peg out through an end of the barrel (2) pressed against the skin (4) where it is intended to insert the peg (3), The plunger (8) is a part of a flexible rod construction (6, 7, 8) which can be passed from a first non rectilinear constellation, by which the plunger (8) is withdrawn in the barrel (2) to a position leaving space for the medicine peg (3) in front of the plunger (8), to a rectilinear constellation by which the plunger (8) projects from the end of the barrel (2) and further to a new non rectilinear position in which the end of the plunger (8) is withdrawn in the barrel (2).

Abstract: An implant retention trocar includes a cannula for puncturing the skin of an animal and an obturator for delivering the implant beneath the skin of the animal. The implant retention trocar has a cannula distal tip design which causes a minimum of trauma and tearing of tissue during implant insertion. A spring element received within the cannula prevents an implant which is to be inserted into an animal from falling out of the cannula during the implant insertion process. The spring element includes a longitudinal leg which is folded with a zig-zag shaped bend. When the spring element is inserted into the cannula the zig-zag shaped bend of the longitudinal leg retains the implant within the cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy-marking assembly for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site in a patient and marking the biopsy site is provided. The biopsy marking assembly includes a biopsy device and a marking element for marking the biopsy site. In preferred embodiments, the marking assembly is configured so that the marking element is deposited at the biopsy site before the tissue sample is taken. In some embodiments, the marker element is a V-shaped rod including two legs and a joint between the two legs. In some embodiments, the biopsy device includes an outer hollow needle defining a lumen therethrough and an inner needle slidingly engaged within the lumen. The inner needle defines a marker chamber for carrying the marker element for delivery to the biopsy site, and a cavity for receiving a tissue sample. Methods are also provided for obtaining a biopsy sample and marking the biopsy site.

Abstract: The invention features an implantable device for the automatic delivery of an active ingredient according to an adjustable delivery profile. The device includes a housing; a reservoir operatively connected to the housing and arranged to store a solid composition including the active ingredient; an actuator arranged within the housing to move the solid composition from the reservoir to a transit area, wherein the solid composition exits the housing at the transit area; a controller that acts on the actuator to adjust movement of the solid composition out of the housing according to the adjustable delivery profile; and a power source arranged to provide energy to the actuator and the controller. The solid composition can be an elongate, solid composition comprising a drug, and up to 90% of a carrier, wherein the composition has a cross-section of less than 0.

Abstract: A biopsy-marking assembly for obtaining a biopsy sample from a biopsy site in a patient and marking the biopsy site is provided. The biopsy marking assembly includes a biopsy device and a marking element for marking the biopsy site. In preferred embodiments, the marking assembly is configured so that the marking element is deposited at the biopsy site before the tissue sample is taken. In some embodiments, the marker element is a V-shaped rod including two legs and a joint between the two legs. In some embodiments, the biopsy device includes an outer hollow needle defining a lumen therethrough and an inner needle slidingly engaged within the lumen. The inner needle defines a cavity for carrying the marker element for delivery to the biopsy site and for receiving a tissue sample. Methods are also provided for obtaining a biopsy sample and marking the biopsy site.

Abstract: A veterinary implanter includes an attached disinfectant dispenser including a reservoir for holding a quantity of disinfectant, a pump attached to the reservoir, and a special needle holder spray tip with the implanter including a conduit which has an inlet opening connected to the disinfectant pump. An exit opening of the conduit is coupled to the needle spray tip which is designed to spray disinfectant 360 degrees about the inlet end of a hypodermic needle cannula which is held in place against the spray tip by a threaded needle holder extension. The inventive disinfectant dispenser thus allows an operator of the implanter to selectively inject a quantity of disinfectant into the needle with each implant, with the disinfectant then being carried by the implanted pellets into a wound created by the needle.

Abstract: Apparatus for supplying liquid to a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure includes a feedback loop-controlled liquid supply device inherently capable of supplying liquid at a substantially constant pressure substantially independent of the flow rate of liquid delivered by the liquid supply device within a relatively wide range of flow rate. Also disclosed are a disposable plastic pump cassette having an inflow pump in a housing, and an operative cannula. The surgical procedure is performed with continuous control over the body cavity pressure, regardless of the outflow flow rate.

Abstract: The hand held phlebotomy protection device of this invention is used for safe transfer of blood from a syringe container to a plurality of test tubes held in the device by gripping the resilient handle of the device. The device is usable for any body fluid being transferred to a test tube from a syringe. The device has a shield disk with a groove and a lip to receive and stop a misguided needle before it has an opportunity to reach the hand of a user holding the device. The resilient handle has a resilient handle wall that also protects the user from a needlestick. The handle is gripped to deform the cavity cross-section holding the test tubes so the needle can be safely withdrawn to complete a safe transfer of body fluid from the syringe to a test tube.

Abstract: A slide action veterinary implanter apparatus includes a tubular housing having a hand grip extending therefrom with a trigger assembly pivotally mounted in the hand grip. A slide member is slidably mounted on the housing and retracts an impeller member to a retracted position, extends the trigger to an armed position, and advances a pellet magazine, extending through the hand grip, by reciprocation of the slide member. Additionally, a latch mechanism engaged with the slide mechanism, the trigger, and the impeller causes an impeller extending force to be stored and retained in an impeller extender spring as the slide member is reciprocated. Pivoting the trigger into the hand grip toward a release position releases the latch mechanism, whereby the extender spring force resiliently urges the impeller through a pellet magazine chamber driving a stack of pellets therefrom and through a needle mounted on the front end of the implanter housing.

Abstract: A puncture seal device for stemming the flow of blood from a punctured blood vessel includes an elongated outer sheath affixed to a generally tubular housing where the housing contains a manually actuable slide which is affixed to a rigid tubular pusher member coaxially disposed within the outer sheath. Also contained within the outer sheath in longitudinal alignment with the pusher and distally thereof is a ring-shaped plug of a hemostatic material. The assembly thus far described may be fitted over a tubular introducer or the body of a catheter and then advanced therealong until the distal end of the outer sheath is proximate a bleeding blood vessel. By actuating the pusher member, the hemostatic plug surrounding the introducer or catheter is ejected from the distal end of the outer sheath and held in abutting relationship to the bleeding blood vessel.

Abstract: An implanter for implanting an implant (3) in an animate being (14) includes a housing (15) on which the inner end of a hollow injection needle (2) is mounted, a plunger (6) mounted in the housing and adapted to extend into the hollow needle through the inner end of the needle, and a locking element (8, 32) for engaging with and retaining the plunger (6) against the force of compression spring (7) in a position where the plunger extends into the hollow needle for a predetermined distance. The locking element is part of a release device (9, 10; 30, 31, 33) which abuts the body (14) of the animate being when the injection needle has been introduced into the body to a predetermined depth to automatically unlock the locking element. The plunger is then forced by the spring (7) against an implant (3) disposed in operation in the injection needle for retaining the implant in the body when the injection needle is retracted from the body.

Abstract: A female incontinence control device includes a conduit having inlet and outlet openings for receiving, conducting and discharging urinary fluid. The device also includes stabilizing structure, which can be adjustable, for holding the conduit in its installed position relative to the urethra and bladder such that a drainage inlet opening can receive fluid from the bladder, and the outlet discharge opening is positioned outside the urethra. The conduit includes a magnetically actuatable drainage control valve adapted to be positioned between the urethral orifice and the labia majora. Magnetic actuation of the valve from a normally closed position to an open position is thus easily accomplished by manipulating a portable magnet at a distal end of the conduit outside the urethral opening to selectively control urinary flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A suppository applicator for inserting suppositories into body cavities comprises a tubular body having an open end and a closed end. A plunger is slidably disposed in the tubular body for reciprocal movement between a withdrawn position and an extended position and a combined spring is situated between the plunger and the closed end of the applicator to urge the plunger toward its extended position. The tubular body is formed with a longitudinal slot along its side which has a notch that extends from the slot to engage a latch on the plunger and hold the plunger in its withdrawn position. The open end of the tubular body is shaped to stationarily hold a suppository against the withdrawn plunger until the suppository is to be inserted into the body cavity. When the latch is released, the spring pushes the plunger against the suppository to insert the suppository into its desired placement in the body cavity.

Abstract: A flash cavity is positioned between the inside of a translucent over the needle catheter and a needle for providing flash detection. The needle bore is connected to the cavity by an access port positioned near the location where the tip of the catheter sealably engages the needle. The needle bore is flow restricted between the access port and a hub for manipulating the needle. In one form of the introducer, a guide wire positioned by a syringe plunger carried for movement in a syringe barrel, is used to advance the catheter into the vessel. The syringe barrel restricts passage of liquid blood, but vents gases. In another arrangement of the introducer, a porous vent plug cooperates with the end of the needle and the catheter adapter to restrict blood flow through the needle bore and to prevent escape of blood while permitting escape of gases.

Abstract: In pistol grip medicament implanter devices, wherein a trigger coupled to a plunger causes plunger advance movement that expels the medicament from the device when the trigger is pulled, a spring that forms part of the coupling and a lost motion arrangement controlled by the spring that converts trigger pull movement into spring take-up of the trigger movement when the plunger encounters resistance to advance movement greater than the spring bias. The trigger continues to move but the plunger does not, then when resistance to movement of the plunger becomes less than the spring bias, the spring force serves to advance the plunger, recovering the trigger pull motion previously lost.The greatest force that can be applied by the plunger to the medicament implant has become whatever bias is selected for the spring.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for implanting medication pellets, such as radioactive seeds in recessed body tissues, such as in a prostate gland. The invention utilizes structure for implanting a plurality of such pellets concurrently in accurately controlled disposition within the tissue and includes structure for effecting cauterization, or fulguration, of the tissue in the event of fluid exudation, such as bleeding.