Abstract: A central venous catheter (CVC) access system includes a manifold barrel which is connectable to an access lumen of a central venous catheter. Integrated flush and reagent syringes are connected in fluid communication with the manifold barrel. A fluid withdrawal syringe and a transfer lumen are also connected in fluid communication with the manifold barrel. The fluid withdrawal syringe allows withdrawal of waste blood and anti-coagulant from the CVC. The transfer lumen allows injection and withdrawal of fluids through the CVC access lumen. The flush syringe is initially pre-filled with saline which at the appropriate time is injected into the manifold barrel to flush administered medication into the patient's blood stream. The reagent syringe is initially pre-filled with a blood anti-coagulant for injection into the CVC at the conclusion of the CVC access procedure. A multi-stage injection syringe is also disclosed for sequentially injecting at least two fluids into the manifold barrel.

Abstract: A valve for medical use has a cannula mounted on a hub and fixed in a fluid conduit so that the cannula points upstream. An elastomeric valve element is mounted on the hub within the conduit so as to enclose the cannula. The valve element has a first solid portion of circular cross-section disposed upstream of the cannula point which closes the conduit, a second hollow frustoconical portion within which the cannula point is disposed, and a third hollow cylindrical portion surrounding the cannula downstream from its point and fixed to the hub. The second portion has a frustoconical interior passageway. In use, the valve element is compressed by application of a medical appliance to the valve element first portion to cause the cannula point to pierce the first portion to provide a path for fluid flow through the conduit.

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 flow control device with at least one flow channel in a housing that can contain an injection site and/or a pre-biased flow control diaphragm that is stabilized by a flexible contact member. Any flow channel, including that with an injection site, may include a plug acted upon by an external actuator, which can be self-sealing. The injection site with a flexible plug can be used for needleless infusion of fluids, or the flexible plug may be used with a needle for the conventional injection of fluid.

Abstract: A valve for medical use has a cannula mounted on a hub and fixed in a fluid conduit so that the cannula points upstream. An elastomeric valve element is mounted on the hub within the conduit so as to enclose the cannula. The valve element has a first solid frustoconical portion upstream of the cannula point, a second hollow frustoconical portion within which the cannula point is disposed, and a third hollow cylindrical portion surrounding the cannula downstream from its point and fixed to the hub. The second portion has a frustoconical interior passageway tapering inwardly from the first portion toward the hub. A supplementary metallic frustoconical sleeve is fixed within the second element interior so as to open outwardly toward the first element and enclose the cannula point. In one type of use, the valve element is compressed to cause the cannula point to pierce the first portion to provide a path for fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A medical valve assembly comprises a valve body having a fluid passage therethrough, a valve member, and an urging means disposed within the fluid passage. The valve member is adapted to seal against a sealing surface of the fluid passage and the urging means is adapted to urge the valve member against the sealing surface. The medical valve can be used without a needle thereby eliminating risks associated with needle stick injuries. In applications where it is expedient to use a needle (such as prepackage medications) the medical valve accommodates the use of a needle to administer medication. The urging means is disclosed in a first embodiment wherein it is formed integral with the head portion of the valve member. In an alternative embodiment, the urging means is separate from the head portion of the valve member and is comprised of a metallic spring element.

Abstract: A bi-directional valve assembly disposed within an infusion system to permit the administration of an infusion solution without the use of a needle, the bi-directional valve assembly is a two-way spring valve which comprises: a spring means, a valve port, and a valve plunger having a sealing means and a conduit means disposed thereabout, wherein the spring means is connected to the valve plunger in such a way as to permit the opening of the conduit means when the spring means is recoiled such that the sealing means is not in contact with the valve port and to permit the closing of the conduit means when the spring means is expanded such that the sealing means is in contact with the valve port; whereby the bi-directional valve assembly is capable of opening and closing the infusion system.

Abstract: A drug infusion manifold that includes a housing defining a plurality of spaced apart fluid chambers that have a closed first end portion and an opposing second end portion. The second end portions of immediately adjacent chambers are in fluid communication through channels extending therebetween. A plurality of spaced apart fluid inlets are formed in the housing in fluid communication with a corresponding fluid chamber. A check valve means is provided in each fluid chamber for directing drugs and/or solutions from the inlets into the chamber and precluding fluid flow from the chamber. An outlet is formed in the housing in direct fluid communication with at least one of the chambers.

Abstract: A method for use in an intravenous tube assembly comprises the steps of automatically monitoring liquid flow along a fluid flow path extending through an intravenous catheter to detect at least a partial cessation of flow along the fluid flow path and, upon detecting a diminution of liquid flow along the fluid flow path, automatically feeding an anticlotting agent to the fluid flow path. An assembly, for implementing the method takes the form of a pressure sensing device operatively connected to the catheter for automatically detecting at least a partial cessation of liquid flow along a fluid flow path extending through the catheter.

Abstract: A drug infusion manifold for controlling the infusion of drugs and/or other solutions into an intravenous patient feed line. The manifold includes a housing defining an elongated in-line flow channel that communicates at one end with a carrier fluid inlet line and at the other end with the patient feed line. A plurality of spaced apart drug inlet openings are formed in the housing in communication with the flow channel. Each of the inlet openings is provided with a check valve assembly that includes a valve member defining an inlet socket portion and a valve stem portion that extends into the flow channel. The valve stem portion has a cylindrical side wall that defines an inlet passage that communicates with the socket portion. A plurality of lateral inlet ports extend through the side wall. An elastic sleeve member is received about the valve stem portion in covering relationship with the inlet ports. The valve stem portion is in-line with the flow of carrier fluid through the flow channel.

Abstract: In a device for combining a plurality of liquid infusions to form a mixture comprising a chamber having a circumference and a plurality of separately closable inlets for various infusion liquids and an outlet for the mixture, and improvement is provided which comprises a chamber having a first chamber portion having inlets, a second chamber portion and an elastic sealing element held in an outer region of the circumference and interposed between the first and second portions, the sealing element extending over and covering the inlets, and segments of the sealing element being prestressed against such inlets to close same, each of the inlets communicating with the chamber and the outlet when the elastic sealing element is removed from covering each such inlet, wherein the separately closable inlets are disposed radially about an axis and the outlet is disposed longitudinally along the axis, wherein the inlets are located proximate the circumference of the chamber and each inlet ends in a sealing element openin

Abstract: A flow control device in which flow channels converge in a housing containing an injection site and a pre-biased flow control diaphragm. The injection site may include a diaphragm. The diaphragm can be acted upon by an internal actuator or plunger that extends into one of the flow channels where the plunger can be engaged by an external member such as a Luer fitting. The actuator or plunger may be of rigid or flexible construction is at the entry position of an intermediate channel and extends to an output channel of the injection site.

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

Abstract: A nursing lid includes an internally threaded skirt, wherein the skirt includes a positioning web extending orthogonally relative to the skirt in a surrounding relationship, with the positioning web terminating in a reinforcing rib of a circular construction arranged about a perimeter of the web. The lid further includes a lid top web formed with an opening for mounting a nipple therethrough. The positioning web permits orientation of the nursing bottle upon a support surface to maintain fluid at a spaced relationship relative to the nipple to minimize leakage therethrough.

Abstract: An apparatus for infusing multiple fluid medicaments to a patient includes a base for supporting a plurality of pumping chambers. Each pumping chamber has a housing and a flexible membrane attached to the housing to establish a contractible fluid chamber between the housing and the membrane for holding a fluid medicament. Separate IV lines extend in fluid communication from each of the pumping chambers and each line is individually engageable with a flow controller which is mounted on the base. An electronic controller is mounted on the base and is operatively connected with each of the flow controllers to individually open each IV line at a predetermined time, and for a predetermined period of time, to establish a sequence for infusing fluids to the patient from the separate pumping chambers.

Abstract: A safety I.V. drug introducer set for use with a I.V. administration set is described for facilitating the injection of drugs into a primary fluid line without the necessity of an exposed hypodermic needle. In one embodiment, a Tee is inserted in the I.V. line whose cross-portion includes one or more check valves and whose stem portion comprises a socket for receiving the distal end of an outer tuburlar shaft having a pair of oppositely disposed ports passing through the wall thereof near the distal end. Fitted into the lumen of the outer tubular shaft is an inner tubular shaft having but a single aperture at its distal end alignable with one, the other, or neither of the pair of apertures in the outer shaft. A hollow key member is designed to fit within the non-circular bore of the inner tubular shaft for facilitating the rotation thereof. The key member also includes a single aperture at its distal end which is continuously aligned with the single aperture in the inner tubular member.

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

Abstract: A fluid injector for use with a needle-less syringe or needle-less add-on IV line is disclosed. The injector is connected to a main IV line and has a fluid passageway from the syringe or the add-on IV set to the main IV line. The injector comprises an anti-backflow valve member where the member is movable under fluid pressure along between a first position where the fluid cannot flow through the injector and a second position where the fluid can flow through the injector. The member is a sinking type and has a specific gravity greater than 1.0. The injector also comprises a valve located near the syringe end of the injector for receiving the fluid from the syringe or the add-on IV line for injection into the main IV line and for automatically preventing air embolus entering into the IV line. The anti-air embolus valve comprises a piston in a conduit. The piston is movable between a first position and a second position. The piston has a central bore for the passage of the fluid, a capped end and an inlet end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for automatically reconstituting a drug in-line and delivering the drug to a patient. Pursuant to the present invention, a system is provided that allows fluid entry into a vial, that houses the drug to be reconstituted, with concurrent air elimination. Mixing via different fluid entry levels is provided. Due to the unique fluid flow path of the present invention reconstitution of the drug is ensured. The system, method, and apparatus of the present invention can be utilized with a computer controlled pump. When so utilized, a completely automated procedure can be achieved.

Abstract: A valved medication container for use in a needleless medication transfer system. The provision of a bottle stopper with an integral valve enables a needleless syringe to be utilized to transfer medication from the bottle to a inlet valve of an intravenous tube eliminating the risk of transfer of blood-transmitted diseases between the medication administrator and the patient.

Abstract: A medical fluid administration set is disclosed which may be used for the passive reconstitution and delivery of a drug or other beneficial agent with liquid flowing through the administration set. A receptacle mounted in the administration set is adapted for receiving a cartridge containing the beneficial agent. Also disclosed is an adapter for connecting the cartridge and the receptacle and an air flask within the administration set.

Abstract: The gravity flow fluid path for administering IV fluids to a patient is disclosed in which multiple IV fluids can be delivered at different flow rates to the patient without having to replace the administration set up.

Abstract: A valved infusion port of an infusion system comprising an injection unit having a primary infusion port and at least one secondary infusion port, characterized by the improvement to the secondary infusion port comprising: a bidirectional valve means disposed about the secondary infusion port; whereby the bidirectional valve means is capable of opening and closing the secondary infusion port to permit the administration of a secondary infusion without the use of a needle.

Abstract: A drug formulation chamber for an intravenous administration set is provided. The intravenous administration set includes a container of an IV fluid, a drip chamber, a drug formulation chamber, and an adapter-needle assembly. The drug formulation chamber has a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet for maintaining a flow of IV fluid through the chamber. A portion of the chamber wall is comprised of a window material which allows the drug to diffuse therethrough but which prevents convective loss of the IV fluid. A flow distributor is provided within the chamber for distributing the flow of IV fluid along the interior surface of the window. A transdermal-type drug delivery device is adhered to the exterior surface of the window. Drug is delivered by the delivery device through the window and into the flowing IV fluid. The device delivers drug into the IV fluid at a rate that is independent of the flow rate of IV fluid through the formulation chamber.

Abstract: A fluid injector for use with a needle-less syringe or needle-less add-on IV line is disclosed. The injector is connected to a main IV line and has a fluid passageway from the syringe or the add-on IV set to the main IV line. The injector comprises an anti-backflow valve member where the member is movable under fluid pressure alone between a first position where the fluid can flow through the injector and a second position where the fluid cannot flow through the injector. The injector also comprises a valve located near the syringe end of the injector for receiving the fluid from the syringe or the add-on IV line for injection into the main IV line and for preventing air embolus entering into the IV line. The injector permits leaving a single or a group of drug filled syringes on line at all times with a continuously, rapidly flowing IV line and provides instantaneous "on demand" delivery of drugs or fluids from the syringe.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for mixing parenteral nutrition solutions from additives in a plurality of vials containing the additives, in which a vented spike is inserted through a disposable rack and into the stoppered end of each vial, with the vials secured on the rack. The rack is engaged on a stand through a quick release fitting, and maintains the vials in a vertical orientation with the labels clearly visible. A dedicated syringe is connected with each vial in aligned relationship therewith through a unique two-way valve which is mounted to a manifold. In one form of the invention, the valve is attached directly on the manifold to reduce dead space volume and consequently reduce residual fluid in the system between purges. A flushing system is attached to one end of the manifold to flush any residual fluids into the final container at the end of a transfer process.

Abstract: A metabolic catheter and method which allows the simultaneous removal of body fluids from organs and immediate addition of stop solution to the body fluid at the catheter tip to prevent degradation of the metabolite to be measured.

Abstract: An improved device for containing and administering orally active therapeutic agents is described. A unit dose of a therapeutic agent in free-flowing form is retained and positioned for oral administration in a tube adapted to deliver the dose with a flow of liquid drawn through the tube by normal sipping action of a patient. The combination of small particle size and high flow rates into the alimentary canal allow dosage administration with minimal sensed contact with the oral cavity. The invention is particularly advantageous for the administration of orally active therapeutic agents to pediatric and geriatric patients.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system where two reactive fluids are delivered simultaneously and separately from a pair of syringes to a delivery site. In one embodiment, a length of tubing exits one syringe and passes through a cannula exiting from the other syringe, to deliver both fluids, separately, but in a controlled volume and space to the delivery site. Alternately, the fluids can mix within the cannula, but its configuration prevents clogging at the delivery site.

Abstract: A tap valve selectively taps a line while maintaining fluid continuity within the line. The valve comprises a throughput tube and a tapping port which terminates at a rotatable member. The rotatable member has a generally circular cross section and may be oriented either to provide fluid communication between the throughput tube and tapping port or to seal off the tapping port.

Abstract: A connection including two attachable halves having respective unions, and a device movably supported within a first half and enclosed within a space defined by the halves. The device is movable to open flow channels between the unions when the halves are attached to one another, and to block the flow channels at least when the halves are separated from one another. The space communicates with or constitutes a part of the flow channels when the device is in one position, or when the halves are in a relative position separate from the connection position. The space forms a closed chamber separated from the flow channels when the device is in another position, or when the halves are in an attached position. A fluid, preferably with disinfectant properties, may be introduced into and removed from the space through penetrable membranes in walls of the halves.

Abstract: The intravenous (I.V.) system provides for successive administration to a patient of two or more solutions but at different flow rates. Such system includes a primary or first intravenous set including tubing which at one end thereof enters a container having a first solution at a predetermined level and which extends from that point towards the patient. The tubing of the primary set includes a check valve above the connector site. A secondary set may be temporarily or permanently connected to the connector site and includes tubing attached to a second container having a second solution at a level above the level of the first fluid.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for forcefully injecting drugs into circulatory decompensated patients uses a flush solution to push a peripheral injection of a standard drug dose into central circulation. A pump in a single unit allows rapid repeated flushes and allows one person to administer the drug and flush solution simultaneously. Separate drug and flush administration means reduced potential confusion about whether a drug was administered.

Abstract: The injection equipment for an endoscope comprises a guide tube (5) to be inserted into the instrument channel of the endoscope, in which two flexible tubes (7, 9) can be slid to supply the differing viscous fluid constituents in a two constituent fabric glue. At the distal end of the flexible tubes (7, 9) a twin tubular needle (15) is fitted, with its needle tubes (11, 13) opening out separately at the distal end. In this way the two constituents only mix inside the fabric. The flexible tubes (7, 9) also have a differing internal diameter like the two needle tubes (11, 13), whereby the more viscous constituents are fed via the larger diameter flexible tube (7), to which the larger diameter needle tube (11) is also connected. Handling is thereby facilitated and there is better compliance with the correct mixture ratio for both constituents.

Abstract: A catheter coupling system for connecting branch catheters to selected lumens of a multiple-lumen primary catheter. The system comprises a plurality of couplers each including a body having a primary passageway for receiving the primary catheter and a branch having a branch passageway for receiving one of the branch catheters. A fluid flow path between each branch catheter and the corresponding lumen in the primary catheter is established through an orifice in a side wall of the primary catheter which opens into the selected lumen and which is oriented adjacent a junction between the passageways in the coupler.

Abstract: A needleless injection port arrangement (10) for intravenous fluid systems wherein the arrangement (10) includes a valving unit (12) disposed in a valve housing unit (11) having a dual port upper valve housing member (13): wherein, the valving unit (12) includes a valve head member (50) mounted on a resilient biasing member (40) to control the introduction of medicant fluids through a medicant fluid port (18) formed in the upper valve housing member (13).

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and/or administering medicines and nutritional solutions to a patient. The apparatus includes a multiway valve having a plurality of inlets, an outlet and a collecting reservoir between the inlets and the outlet. The multiway valve may also have an injection site and connection that can be used both as an inlet and an outlet. The inlets, outlets and injection site each include a one-way valve which allows flow only in the direction from the inlets to the patient. A syringe may be connected to the inlet/outlet connection to draw an amount of solution form one or more of the solution bags and then move the solutions together into a mixing bag connected at the outlet, to prepare a medicine or nutritional solution.

Abstract: A parenteral delivery system for delivering a beneficial agent is disclosed. The delivery system comprises a reservoir containing a medical fluid, a vial containing a beneficial solid agent, and a manifold for establishing fluid communication between the reservoir and the vial.

Abstract: Apparatus attached to a shower head for cleansing parts of the body with a stream of medicated liquid. The apparatus includes a control valve assembly between the water supply pipe and the shower head and a flexible hose having one end connected to the control valve. The other end of the flexible tube lies within an elongated cylindrical mixing chamber with a small hole in the tube spaced from the end of the tube also lying within the mixing chamber. The forward end of the cylindrical mixing chamber is sealed by the swivelable ball-shaped end of a dispensing nozzle from which a mixture of water and medicant is discharged.

Abstract: Apparatus including a manifold and improved check valves for selectively injecting supplemental fluids into a closed IV line extending from a source of saline solution to a patient during an operation. Also disclosed are a plurality of connected manifolds and a device to secure the apparatus in location for easy administration of the supplemental fluids to the IV line.

Abstract: A venous catheter device includes an elongated flexible catheter tube having a proximal end and a longitudinally extending the distal end portion with a catheter tube distal terminus for insertion into and capable of being fed longitudinally through a vein. A plurality of independent lumens extend through the catheter tube, preferably including a distal lumen, a middle lumen and a proximal lumen, each of the lumens having a wall, a proximal end, and a lumen distal terminus adjacent to the catheter tube distal terminus. Each lumen distal terminus spaced longitudinally from each other so as to include a distal lumen terminus, a middle lumen terminus, and a proximal lumen terminus, respectively. At least two of the lumen termini have a fluid flow enhancement structure for maximizing fluid flux rate through each lumen by directing flow through the distal terminus of each lumen in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the distal end portion.

Abstract: Apparatus including a manifold and associated check valves for selectively injecting supplemental fluids into a closed IV line extending from a source of saline solution to a patient during an operation. Also disclosed are a plurality of connected manifolds and a device to secure the apparatus in location for easy administration of the supplemental fluids to the IV line.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.

Abstract: A virus-infected body fluid is decontaminated as it is being collected, before it has had an opportunity to clot or thicken and before attending personnel are exposed to it, by introducing a suitable viricidal into the tubing through which the fluid is transported from the fluid source to a collection receptacle in an amount and concentration sufficient to substantially reduce the virus population in the collected fluid. In applications where suction is used to pull the fluid through the tubing, a venturi is used to draw a metered amount of liquid viricidal from a container into the tubing, and in cases when the fluid is transported by gravity, an in-line filter containing a suitable viricidal is connected in line with the tubing, the viricidal being leached from the filter by the fluid flowing through it. In both cases, the viricidal is thoroughly mixed with the fluid and continues to act on the collected fluid until its disposal.

Abstract: In the spray head for the administration of a multi-component material by means of gas, a gas channel (2) with gas connection (3) is provided, which channel is divided by a separating web (4) into a plurality of channels (2a2b) running parallel to the separating web. Into these channels there open out boreholes (5, 5a) for receiving cannulas. The open ends of the boreholes (5, 5a) go into grooves (7, 7a) which serve for guiding the cannulas (6, 6a). The grooves are arranged parallel to the gas channel (2). The separating web (4) protrudes beyond the channel ends (9, 9a).

Abstract: A tube for intravenous and intra-arterial applications includes a resilient conduit which is helically coiled along substantially its entire length. The conduit is pre-formed into a helical coil configuration so that when the conduit is in an unstressed condition, it assumes the helical coil configuration.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an administration set for providing a flow of fluid from a fluid container to a patient and comprising a section of tubing for channeling the fluid to the patient, an inlet spike attached to the tubing and connectable to the container for establishing a flow of fluid into the tubing, a connector attached to the tubing downstream from the inlet spike for sealingly receiving an inlet spike from a second administration set, and an arrangement operatively associated with the tubing and the connector for directing a flow of fluid into the inlet spike of the second administration set.

Abstract: The drug dispensing set includes a reservoir having a cylinder for receiving a primary infusion solution at the proximal end and a piston which slides within the cylinder in seal-tight relation. The piston includes a one-way valve to permit passage of the primary infusion solution to the distal side of the piston under pump pressure. A Y-site or three-way valve is connected in the tubing downstream of the reservoir to permit infusion of a drug dosage into the distal end of the cylinder while the piston moves towards the proximal end of the cylinder under the pressure of the delivered drug dosage. The drug dosage is subsequently dispensed from the reservoir when the pump is re-started and the primary infusion solution following the drug dosage serves to flush the tubing of the drug dosage.

Abstract: A needle-pierceable cartridge for drug delivery comprises a housing containing a drug-containing bag having wallls of hydrophilic material capable of diffusing water across the walls, whereby osmosis can take place. The bag walls also define macroscopic holes, so that water on the outside of the bag diffuses by osmosis into the bag, and osmotic pressure forces water containing dissolved drug out of the bag through the macroscopic holes for removal and use.

Abstract: A formulation chamber is disclosed comprising a wall surrounding a lumen containing a device for delivering a beneficial agent. The chamber has an inlet for admitting a fluid into the chamber and an outlet for letting an agent formulation leave the chamber. The chamber is adapted for use in an intravenous delivery system for delivering an agent formulation to a patient.