Abstract: The coating of a RF active material on a non-RF active substrate material of typical thickness for packaging purposes, can generate sufficient thermal energy to effect strong bonding of the substrate materials. The RF active material may be deposited on less than the entire inner surface area of the substrate material, preferably, at or near the portion of the substrate surface which represents the heat seal interface. In this manner of application, additional coating or printing of other substances on the substrate surface can be achieved without hampering the heat sealing process. Flexible medical containers capable of containing a product which is maintained and removed under sterile conditions, can be constructed on commercial production machines from these coated non-RF active substrate materials.

Abstract: A patient fluid collection system is disclosed which includes a fluid collection reservoir, a cover for the reservoir and a liner within the reservoir comprising an enlargeable or expandable wall portion such that the wall portion may expand if the liner fills with fluid. An anti-reflux system is also disclosed as well as a new tandem tube and a new connector.

Abstract: A surgical instrument has a hollow elongated shaft for insertion into the body, the shaft having a longitudinal axis and supporting a pair of interacting pivotable jaws on its distal end and being connected at its proximal end to a first movable component of an operating handle, with a reciprocable rod located within the shaft. The rod is connected to a second movable component of the handle for reciprocation within the shaft when the first and second components are moved relative to each other. The jaws are pivotally connected by a pivot pin supported on the shaft transversely to the axis. Each of the jaws has a proximal end extending proximally from the pivot pin. Each of the proximal ends is provided with an elongated opening therethrough, each the openings forming an elongated slot oriented at an oblique angle relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. The reciprocable rod has a distal end extending into each slot whereby reciprocation of the rod causes the jaws to open and close.

Abstract: A receptacle (500) is provided for coupling an adaptor (10) having a vial (54) including a beneficial agent to an IV administration set (526). In an embodiment, the receptacle (500) includes an injection site (512) for receiving a cannula (26) from the adaptor (10). A resilient divider (516) separates the receptacle (500) into two sections defined by an upper fitment (508) and a lower fitment (510). A container (520) holding a solution is in fluid communication with the receptacle (500) via an inlet (502). A through bore (518) allows the solution from the container (520) to pass through the resilient divider (516) when the adaptor (10) is removed from the receptacle (500).

Abstract: An infusion pump 10 for dispensing fluid from a syringe 22 having a barrel 24 and a plunger 26 slidably inserted into the barrel 24 is disclosed. The infusion pump 10 provides a housing 12 having a bracket 18 which supports the barrel 24. A syringe driver 20 is movably attached to the housing 12 such that the syringe driver 20 abuts the plunger 26 to slide the plunger 26 into the barrel 24. A sensor is provided for sensing both the position of the plunger 26 relative to the barrel 24 and the capture of the plunger 26 in the syringe driver 20. Control circuitry is electrically connected to the sensor for determining the capture and position of the plunger 26.The sensor comprises a potentiometer 46 attached to the housing 12 and electrically connected to the control circuitry. The sensor further comprises a wiper 44 supported by the syringe driver 20.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravenous fluid flow regulator 10 for controlling the I.V. administration of medical fluid to a patient. The fluid flow regulator 10 provides a housing 12 having a top 18 and a bottom 20. A flexible diaphragm 14 is positioned within housing 12. A diaphragm holder 16 is provided inside housing 12 for holding a sealing edge 56 of flexible diaphragm 14 in fluid sealing engagement with diaphragm holder 16. The housing 12 and flexible diaphragm 14 define an inlet fluid reservoir 62 and an outlet fluid reservoir 64. The diaphragm holder 16 defines a by-pass fluid channel 54 from inlet fluid reservoir 62, around diaphragm 14, to outlet fluid reservoir 64. The flexible diaphragm 14 being flexible to alternatively move into inlet fluid reservoir 62 and outlet fluid reservoir 64 depending on a fluid pressure differential between inlet fluid reservoir 62 and outlet fluid reservoir 64. A fluid inlet 24 is connected to housing top 18 to provide an inlet fluid passage 27 from an I.V.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to therapeutically increase perfusion in a mammal comprising administering stroma-free hemoglobin at a dose ranging from the least amount effective to increase perfusion, up to a dose of about 2500 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Abstract: A protective shield for a blood sampling unit that is movably engaged to an adapter having a needle attached. The shield attaches to a tube holder when the needle is covered by the shield. Longitudinal grooves on the adapter guide the shield between a first position, covering the needle, and a second, position, exposing the needle. The shield can be locked in either the first position or the second position. The blood sampling unit is safely disassembled or reassembled when the needle is covered by the shield. In an embodiment of the invention, a tip protector, removably attached to the adapter, extends through the length of the tube holder to prevent needlesticks. The blood sampling unit and the tube holder can be assembled and disassembled when the tip protector is attached to the adapter, covering the needle. The tip protector is removed during a clinical procedure and then replaced after the clinical procedure is finished.

Abstract: A surgical drape is described which includes a pouch having one embodiment a one-piece construction and formed with a single seam. An edge of the pouch may be extended to create a concave surface to control and contain fluids during a surgical procedure. Once formed or shaped into the pouch and the edge sealed, the sheet has a front portion, a back portion, an upper back edge in the back portion for placement relatively near the surgical site, and an upper front edge on the front portion, which in the final configuration, is located away from the upper back edge. The upper back edge and the upper front edge together define the opening in the pouch having a circumference. Additionally, the length of the upper front edge is preferably greater than the length of the upper back edge.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for creating on site, remote from a sterile environment, parenteral solutions in large volume parenteral containers for intravenous administration to a patient. In an embodiment, this system comprises an empty large volume container including at least one port for accessing an interior of the container. The port includes a sterilizing filter for sterilizing a fluid fed through the port into the container. A second container is provided including a solute and having means for coupling the second container to the large volume container and thereby providing fluid communication therebetween allowing the solute to be received within the interior of the container. A sterile water source is also provided including means for placing the sterile water source in fluid communication with the port and allowing water to flow from the sterile water source into the interior of the container.

Abstract: A drug delivery device (250) is provided for coupling a container (260) including a beneficial agent (262) to the device (250). The device (250) includes a substantially hollow member for housing a solution (256) wherein the hollow member includes an upper section (254) having flexible walls and a lower section (252) having substantially rigid walls. A spike (258) extends from the lower section (252) to provide fluid communication between an interior of the device (250) and the container (260). To this end, the beneficial agent (262) mixes with the solution (256) forming a mixture for administration to a patient. A cannula (266) and a plunger (264) are further provided for administration of the mixture (270) to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a container, system, and method for creating parenteral solutions at a site, remote from sterile environments. The system includes a flexible container that is empty except for a prepackaged amount of a solute that is housed in the interior of the container. The container includes at least one port and a sterilizing filter in communication with an interior of the port. The container is so constructed and arranged that a fluid flow path is created from the port through the filter and into the interior of the container. A sterile water source including means for establishing fluid flow from the sterile water source into the port is provided. Accordingly, sterile water can flow from the sterile water source through the filter into the container where it is mixed with the solute to create a parenteral solution that can then be infused into a patient. A method and container are also provided.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump (10) using a pump chamber cassette (86) has a housing (20,22) defining a pump chamber cassette receptacle (84) and a pump driving mechanism (250) for propelling liquid through the pump chamber cassette. A door (50) holds the pump chamber cassette (86) within the cassette receptacle (84) in an operative position relative to the driving mechanism (250). The cassette includes an elastomeric conduit (132), a frame (134) and clips (146,148) for attaching the elastomeric conduit (132) to the frame (134) for holding the elastomeric conduit (132) in a select position relative to the pump driving mechanism (250) of the infusion pump upon placement of the cassette (86) in an operative position relative to the pump driving mechanism (250).

Abstract: An ambulatory infusion pump system provides a continuous source of liquid medication to an ambulatory patient. The ambulatory infusion pump system includes a liquid medication reservoir (64) and a conduit (16) for conveying liquid medication from the reservoir to the patient. An ambulatory infusion pump (10) pumps liquid medication from the reservoir (64) to the patient (14) by manipulation of the conduit (16). A case (12) is provided for the ambulatory infusion pump (10) and the liquid medication reservoir (64). The case (12) includes a first chamber (440) receiving the ambulatory pump (10) and a second chamber (442) receiving the liquid medication reservoir (64). The first and second chambers are maintained in a juxtaposed position. An outlet through the case receives the conduit (16).

Abstract: A bone biopsy needle assembly includes an elongated tubular cannula having an axially extending lumen therethrough. A guide is provided to facilitate insertion of a probe into the cannula for sample removal. The guide has a molded shape with an elongated dimension having first and second ends. A cylindrical opening extends through the length of the elongated dimension and has a diameter substantially equal to that of the interior lumen of the cannula. A flared outward enlargement of the cylindrical opening at each of the first and second ends provides for easy alignment of one of the ends with the distal end of the cannula and the other end forms a guide for insertion of a probe into the distal end of the cannula for removal of the biopsy specimen.

Abstract: A patient fluid collection system is disclosed which includes a fluid collection reservoir, a cover for the reservoir and a liner within the reservoir comprising an enlargeable or expandable wall portion such that the wall portion may expand if the liner fills with fluid. An anti-reflux system is also disclosed as well as a new tandem tube and a new connector.

Abstract: Improved Implant assemblies and methodologies provide immuno-protection for implanted allografts, xenografts, and isografts. The assemblies and methodologies establish an improved boundary between the host and the implanted cells. The boundary structure is laminated, combining elements having different characteristics beneficial to the survival of the implanted cells. Filaments of adhesive material lay in between the elements. The filaments of adhesive material have been melted in place by the application of heat and solidified in place by cooling to secure the elements together into a composite laminated structure.

Abstract: A container for housing body fluids. The container comprises a body defined by flexible walls having an interior for housing the body fluid. An elongated tube extends from the body for housing a fluid to be added to the body fluid. The tube includes means for allowing selective fluid flow from the interior of the tube to the interior of the body allowing the fluid to be added to the body fluid. Additionally, the means for allowing selective fluid flow allows the body fluid to be expressed from the body of the container into the elongated tube. The present invention also provides a method for storing and treating blood.

Abstract: A bottle carrier including composite openings that include a round oversized opening to permit vertical entry of a bottle neck having a supporting flange therethrough, and an adjoining keyed opening wherein the bottle can laterally be slid into the keyed opening to be held therein. The supporting flange, being larger than the keyed opening, supports the bottle thereon. Each keyed opening is provided with retaining members which are arranged on either side of the keyed opening and which resiliently grip a backside of a diameter of the bottle neck or flange after the bottle neck is laterally slid into the keyed opening. Laterally arranged ribs are provided at each opening which provide the frame with sufficient thickness to resiliently compress between the flange of the bottle and a transition shoulder of the bottle to tightly grip the bottle into the keyed opening.