Abstract: In an infusion apparatus for use in the medical field, a peristaltic pump mechanism pumps an infusion fluid including medication through an administration tube toward a patient. A clock powered independent of the apparatus counts a predetermined unit time. A CPU accumulates data representing an incremental unit of fluid of the infusion fluid delivered by the pump mechanism to measure an accumulated infusion fluid volume each time the clock counts the unit time. Data as to the current accumulated infusion fluid volume is stored in a second storage section of a RAM. Each time the clock counts the unit time, data representing the accumulated infusion fluid volume stored in the second storage section is written to a ring buffer in the RAM, so that the ring buffer stores data representing a plurality of accumulated infusion fluid volumes in one-to-one correspondence with a plurality of times at which the plurality of accumulated infusion fluid volumes were measured.

Abstract: A device for measuring ultrasonic activity in an ultrasound delivery system has a sensor for providing an output representative of a sensed ultrasound vibration level, an indicator for receiving the output of the sensor and providing an indication of the vibration level sensed thereby, and a rigid body to which the sensor is attached. The rigid body comprises a sensor attaching portion and a catheter abutting portion configured to abut the distal end of an ultrasound delivery system catheter. Ultrasonic activity of the ultrasound delivery system is measured by abutting the distal end of the catheter to the catheter abutting portion of the rigid body and noting the indication provided by the indicator. Use of a disposable sterile catheter abutting portion removeably attachable to the sensor attaching portion facilitates isolation of the sensor attaching portion within a bag along with an ultrasound transducer.

Abstract: A fully exchangeable over-the-wire catheter is disclosed having a lumen adapted to slidingly receive a guidewire throughout the longitudinal extent of the tubular shaft. The tubular shaft may also be provided with a longitudinal rip seam extending into the lumen from the proximal portion of the tubular shaft to a point adjacent the distal end of the tubular shaft which enables the catheter to be peeled from the guidewire during removal and exchange procedures without the need for docking a guidewire extension. The catheter may be provided with one or more side access ports into the guidewire lumen which may include angled partitions to control guidewire routing. The guidewire may be threaded through the side access ports in a variety of manners as desired.

Abstract: A balloon dilation catheter includes a distal monorail section, to which a balloon is secured, and a catheter body tube including a monorail section. A guide tube extends through the balloon and has a proximal end sealed to a guide wire port in the body tube. A guide wire extends along the body tube and through the guide tube. To stiffen the body tube while maintaining maximized fluid flow area, a stainless steel hypotube extends through the proximal body tube, has a distal opening positioned adjacent the guide wire port and a solid reinforcing tapered distal end section that extends across the guide port. The hypotube can be fixed or removable. Alternatively, the hypotube divides the interior of the proximal body tube section into two separate flow passages to enable positive purging.

Abstract: Polymer blends having improved torque transmitting properties are disclosed. The polymer blends include polyetherurethane and a concentration of polyetherester sufficient to provide the polymer blend with a 37.degree. C. dynamic torque value greater than 40% of the polymer blend's 25.degree. C. dynamic torque value. The polymer blend can be thermally processed to form small diameter tubing suitable for general purpose catheters requiring both a high degree of maneuverability and sufficient resiliency to avoid tissue perforation.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter of the mono-rail type includes a distal mono-rail section traversing a dilatation balloon of the catheter, and a sheath member slidably movable axially of the remainder of the catheter and having a sheath section receiving an axial portion of the guide wire to in a first position effectively increase the mono-rail length of the catheter, and in a second position reduce the mono-rail length of the catheter to the length of the mono-rail section.

Abstract: An ergonomic elbow rest includes a conformal elbow support pad with arms cushioned to receive and support a user's elbow, including possibly a significant portion of the upper body weight of the user, with full adjustability of position of the elbow support pad relative to a work bench or table at which the user is to perform a task. The elbow rest assists in steadying the user's hands, and also assists in maintaining a fatigue-resistant erect spinal and head posture for the user. The elbow support pad may include a recess or a through hole for receiving and maintaining a preferred position of the user's elbow during performance of the work task.

Abstract: A closure for a tubular administration port is formed by inner and outer members having upper ends joined together in sealing relationship. The inner member has a sealed bottom end and is configured to fit within the administration port. The outer member is configured to engage about an exterior of the tubular port. The inner member includes radially outwardly extending ribs that engage against the interior of the administration port in an interference fit relationship.

Abstract: A drug delivery device is provided for coupling a first container including a beneficial agent to a second member. In an embodiment, the device includes a substantially hollow member having a cannula mounted within a wall that divides the substantially hollow member into a first and second section. The first section includes means for receiving at least a portion of a first container. The substantially hollow member includes a wall that defines an exterior of the first section that is substantially flexible. A number of different cannula and flow path structures within the hollow member are possible pursuant to the present invention.

Abstract: A method and device for stabilizing and storing bicarbonate solutions is provided. In an embodiment, a device is provided having a container and carbon-dioxide generating substances that include a solid material which upon contact with water generates carbon-dioxide gas. The device may be packaged together with the bicarbonate or in a separate overpouch. The present invention also provides a method for the stabilization of bicarbonate solutions utilizing a means that generates high pressure carbon dioxide.

Abstract: A low-profile single-lumen perfusion and fluid delivery balloon catheter for dilatation angioplasty procedures includes a small diameter single-lumen catheter shaft carrying a dilatation balloon adjacent to the distal end thereof. A perfusion conduit is also carried by the catheter shaft and traverses the dilatation balloon to provide perfusion blood flow past the balloon when the latter is inflated. The catheter may be used in mono-rail configuration to facilitate retracing of a subsequent catheter or other therapeutic device along the mono-rail guide wire back to the vascular site under treatment.

Abstract: A blood bag comprises a plastic polyvinyl chloride formulation in which the polyvinyl chloride formulation contains from 5 to 30 percent by weight of a first plasticizer material which is essentially nonextractable by blood plasma stored in the bag up to 35 days at about 4.degree. C.; and from 10 to 25 percent by weight of a second plasticizer which is significantly extracted by blood plasma stored in the bag up to 35 days at about 4.degree. C.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter (10) for removing obstructions from tubular anatomic structures such as blood vessels, said catheter comprising an elongate flexible catheter body (20) having an ultrasound transmission member or wire (24) extending longitudinally therethrough. A distal head (26) is formed on the distal end member of the ultrasound transmission member or wire (24) and is affixed to the catheter body (20). The ultrasound transmission member or wire may be formed of any material capable of transmitting ultrasonic energy including various superelastic metal alloys such as nickel titanium metal alloys. The distal portion of the ultrasound transmission member or wire (24) may be of reduced diameter to provide enhanced flexibility and/or amplification of the ultrasonic energy through the distal portion of the ultrasound transmission member or wire. A proximal end member connector (12) may be provided with a sonic connector to effectively couple the catheter (10) to the ultrasound transducer (14).

Abstract: A stand-alone control module for use in closed-wound drainage systems is described. The control module transforms a variable high-vacuum source into a constant low-vacuum source. The control module also provides a one-way check valve to prevent return of air to a patient when draining such air from the pleural cavity of the patient. The control module is a water-based control module. It includes a first-suction control chamber for transforming a variable high-vacuum into a constant low-vacuum. The first chamber contains a first column of fluid at a first pre-determined level. The module also includes a second water seal chamber that contains a second column of fluid at a second pre-determined level. The height of the second column of fluid is less than the height of the first column of fluid. Tubes are placed in each chamber that have one end of each tube located below the columns of fluid.

Abstract: An elongate ultrasound transmission member having regions of differing cross-sectional dimension or diameter. A sleeve, sheath or other damping member may be positioned around a portion of the ultrasound transmission member to dampen or limit transverse side-to-side movement of such portion of the member. The ultrasound transmission member may be incorporated into a flexible catheter body to form an ultrasound delivering medical catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides for a drug dispensing device which is portable, provides a high level of security, is flexible in accommodating a number of user selected drugs, is easily stockable, and reduces labor and time requirement for drug dispensing. The present invention provides an apparatus having a microprocessor means which controls the drug dispensing. The apparatus includes an interior medication storage area adapted to receive a plurality of different sized dispensers in user selectable combinations. A receiving drawer is provided below the interior medication storage area to receive and dispense the medications.A dispenser is provided which can be configured in a multiplicity of sizes and shapes to accommodate different sized medications. The dispenser is adapted to receive a cooperating cartridge which contains the medications. The dispenser includes an actuator which contacts and dispenses the medications from the cartridge.

Abstract: Preparing chemically cross-linked collagenous biological graft material by preparation processes which include the step of altering the locations and/or orientations of chemical cross-linkages formed during the collagen cross-linking process. Embodiments of the method include various processes whereby physical force, stress or movement is applied to alter the relative positioning of the collagen fibers within the graft materials during at least the initial period of exposure to the collagen cross-linking reagent.

Abstract: A blood sampling system including a sampling device located in line is provided. The sampling device provides an access port that allows undiluted blood to be sampled automatically by insertion of a luer. The sampling device can have a number of different structures, for example, a swing valve, a ball valve, or a breakable seal for normally closing the sample port until a nozzle of the luer blood collector is forcibly inserted into the sample port.

Abstract: Systems and methods for separating a suspension of plasma and platelets from whole blood rotate a chamber about an axis to create within the chamber a low-G zone radially close to the axis and a high-G zone spaced radially further from the axis than the low-G zone. The systems and methods introduce whole blood into an inlet region of the chamber to initiate separation of red blood cells toward the high-G zone of the inlet region. This creates a strong flow of plasma that moves radially toward the low-G zone of the inlet region and elutes platelets into suspension with it. The systems and methods direct the radial flow of plasma and eluted platelets within the inlet region to a port in the inlet region for transport out of the chamber. The systems and methods also drag the interface into this radial plasma flow, eluting even the largest of platelets into suspension for collection.

Abstract: A catheter device insertable into a body lumen and incorporating combined ultrasound ablation and endoscopic visualization apparatus. The catheter device generally comprises an elongate catheter body including an ultrasound transmission member extending longitudinally therethrough having a proximal end connectable to an ultrasound transducer such that ultrasonic energy will pass through the ultrasound transmission member to the distal end thereof. Also extending longitudinally through the catheter body is a light transmission member having a proximal end connectable to a light source such that light will pass through the light transmission member to the distal end thereof, and an optical image transmission member having a proximal end connectable to an external image viewing apparatus such that an optical image will pass through the optical image transmission member from the distal end thereof to the external image viewing apparatus.