Abstract: A safety system for battery-operated, microprocessor-controlled infusion pumps using separate primary and reserve batteries. When the primary battery nears exhaustion, the reserve battery is switched in and an interval timer is started, but the pump operation is not interfered with. At the expiration of the timer interval, the pump is switched to a KVO mode to keep it in minimal operation as long as possible. When the reserve battery also nears exhaustion, the microprocessor is signalled to perform an orderly shutdown routine while battery power is still available. Audible alarms may be provided to apprise nursing personnel of the various phases in the system's operation.

Abstract: A medical electrode assembly which is otherwise free of metal in the area of attachment to a patient so as to be X-ray transparent in such area has a conductive plastic electrode conductor with a silver plated and chlorided coating of a thickness between 0.02 and 0.08 mil. The assembly also has a lead wire formed from an elongate cable having carbon fibers in a low density polymeric jacket and a conductive plastic connector having an opening for gripping a stud formed by the conductive plastic electrode conductor.

Abstract: A flexible plastic cuvette belt comprises a series of open-topped chambers defining said cuvettes interconnected by webs. The chambers are generally rectangular in cross-section with their side faces having an approximately flat profile across their widths. The belt is used in conjunction with a photometric analysis station of the clinical analyzer which has a pair of spaced parallel plates which engage the cuvette side faces and render or keep them parallel. The forming press for use in the manufacture of such a cuvette belt is also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter having first and second lumens and a balloon adjacent the distal end of the catheter, with the first and second lumens extending to the interior of the balloon. Air can be purged from the catheter by introducing a purging liquid in series through the first lumen, the balloon and the second lumen. Following purging, an inflation liquid is introduced in parallel through the first and second lumens to rapidly inflate the balloon. The balloon is rapidly deflated by discharging the inflation liquid from the balloon in parallel through the first and second lumens.

Abstract: A reagent dispensing assembly for use in an automated specimen analysis system. The assembly comprises a dispensing station and a plurality of reagent supply containers associated therewith. A system is provided for positioning a desired one of the reagent containers at the dispensing station for dispensing a desired amount of reagent. A device acts on the containers at the dispensing station for dispensing the desired amount of reagent. A control system coordinates the movement of the respective reagent containers to the dispensing station and the amount of reagent dispensed within a specimen in a specimen tray.

Abstract: A bone grafting material is derived from allogenic or xenogenic bone by a process that includes tanning with glutaraldehyde. The bone may be pulverized, used as a large block, or machined into a precise pre-determined shape, depending on the bone defect to be repaired. Glutaraldehyde tanning of bone yields a stabilized, highly biocompatible, and non-antigenic material which becomes incorporated into host bone when placed adjacent to it.

Abstract: The signal conducting element of a medical electrode of the type bridged to skin by electrolyte and which may be X-ray transparent comprises a thin layer of a conductive paint adhered to a relatively thin supporting substrate, said substrate with adhered paint extending remotely from the electrolyte-to-skin interface for circuit connection. The electrolyte may be loaded in a sponge engaging the paint or may be in a conductive adhesive layer applied to the substrate. The electrode may also have a second and more aggressive adhesive for skin attachment. A method for producing assemblies of interconnected electrodes is also described.

Abstract: A method of treating a bone fracture which involves interposing a barrier layer of soft biological tissue at the interface of the bone and surrounding tissue.

Abstract: Controlling maximum fluid pressure at the outlet end of a peristaltic pump of the general type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,482,347 is achieved by supporting the resilient tubing of the pump in the trough of a rigid but movable platen mounted upon a compression pad or spring arrangement that resists platen movement until a back pressure of predetermined magnitude occurs, at which time the plate is displaced to reduce pumping efficiency and prevent further increases in outlet pressure.

Abstract: A capacitively coupled indifferent electrode for use in electrosurgical procedures is provided which is safe and reliable in use. The electrode includes a backing material, an electrically conductive metal foil adhered to one surface of the pad, a layer of dielectric material completely overlying the foil, and a layer of pressure-sensitive adhesive covering the dielectric layer. The electrode is placed on a patient's skin and may be connected to the return side of an electrosurgical generator through a cable which is connected through the backing material to the electrode.

Abstract: For precision dispensing of fluids particularly for medical applications, a face valve has a valve member mounted for linear sliding movement across the face of a valve body, which has fluid passages therethrough, between positions in which respectively the valve member seals the ends of the fluid passages at the valve body face and a channel in the valve member connects the ends of the fluid passages. The valve body is of a hard corrosion resistant metal and the valve member is of bearing plastic material, both materials being inert to the fluids being dispensed. The valve is pressed against the face of the valve body by a spring which is oriented in a particular way to optimize valve life.

Abstract: An inspection system in which a fiber optic borescope has an elongated flexible body extending between a control head at a proximal end and an objective assembly at a distal end. The distal end is slidably inserted through a tubular elongated flexible guide member which has an operating head at a near end and a distal collar at a remote end capable of deflecting in four discrete directions. The objective assembly of the borescope is capable of deflecting in two discrete directions. A telescoping rigid support member connects the control head to the operating head and slidably receives the flexible body of the borescope. When the support member is retracted, the control head is proximate to the operating head and the objective assembly extends far beyond the distal collar. When the support member is extended, the control head is distant from the operating head and the objective assembly lies proximate to the distal collar.

Abstract: A unique manipulative/grasping assembly adapted for use in conjunction with endoscopic instruments in disclosed herein. This assembly comprises an elongated tool having an elongated shaft with resilient, flexible fingers on the distal end thereof. These fingers can be biased in a spaced apart relationship. The tool of the shaft is housed within the channel of a first tubular sheath, and a second such tubular member concentrically surrounds the first tubular member, although somewhat shorter in length than the first tubular member. In the preferred embodiments of this invention, the proximal end of the tool and the second tubular member are cofixated to a stationary platform conveniently located along with the other controls of the endoscope. The proximal end of the inner tubular sheath is attached to a moveable, or sliding platform within this common control mechanism.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation in the posterior chamber of the eye including an optic having a posterior surface and first and second ridges adjacent the periphery of the optic and projecting generally posteriorly from the posterior surface. The ridges are circumferentially spaced to define openings between the ridges. Fixation members are mounted on the optic for at least assisting in retaining the optic in the posterior chamber with the ridges in contact with the posterior capsule of the capsular bag to space the posterior surface of the optic from the posterior capsule. The fixation members have knees adjacent the periphery of the optic which facilitate insertion of the intraocular lens into the eye.

Abstract: A guiding catheter adapted to be passed through the right side of the heart into the pulmonary artery and comprising a catheter body having at least first and second lumens extending longitudinally in the catheter body and a port extending from the first lumen to the exterior of the catheter body. The port is between the ends of the catheter and is in the right heart when the catheter is in use. An elongated stiffening element is locked within the second lumen and extends from a location on the proximal side of the port to a location on the distal side of the port. The stiffening element is flexible, but it is sufficiently stiff to cause the catheter to be gently curved along the stiffening element without forming a kink when the catheter is in use. The first lumen is adapted to have an inner catheter passed through it and out of the port into the right heart.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of implantable biological tissue, and in particular bioprosthetic heart valves, which are prone to calcification after implantation. The process includes treatment of tissue with solutions prior to implantation which have been found effective in reducing calcification of the implanted tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a valve body having first, second and vent ports and a generally tubular valve element having a peripheral wall with first, second and vent openings in the peripheral wall leading to the interior of the tubular valve element. The valve element is mounted in the valve body for rotational movement between first and second rotational positions and for axial movement between first and second axial positions. A pressure sensor is exposed to the fluid pressure within the valve body. In the first rotational position of the valve element, drip flow is provided between the first and second ports, and in the second rotational position, the vent port is open to provide communication between the pressure sensor and the atmosphere. To provide flush flow between the first and second ports, the valve element is moved to the second axial position.

Abstract: An infusion system for infusing a flowable material into a patient comprising an infusion device for delivering the flowable material in both a normal delivery pattern and a test pulse and a conduit for conducting the flowable material from the infusion device to the patient. The test pulse creates a pressure wave response in the conduit. The pressure wave response is monitored and used to detect if the infiltration has occurred.

Abstract: An apparatus connectible to an instrument comprising an optical fiber for conducting light along its length and a connector body for use in coupling the optical fiber to the instrument. The connector body defines an enclosure having an entrance passage leading into the enclosure and an exit passage leading from the enclosure. The optical fiber extends through the entrance passage into the interior of the enclosure and into the exit passage. The optical fiber has an enlarged end portion which cooperates with the exit passage to retain the end portion in the exit passage.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of implantable biological tissue, and in particular bioprosthetic heart valves, which are prone to calcification after implantation. The process includes treatment of tissue with solutions prior to implantation which have been found effective in reducing calcification of the implanted tissue.