Abstract: A process for treating biological tissue prior to implantation to mitigate the calcification of the tissue following implantation comprises incorporating acetylsalicylic acid into the tissue in an amount effective to reduce calcification of the tissue after it is implanted. In accordance with one embodiment, the process involves convalently binding the acetylsalicylic acid to the tissue via a coupling agent.

Abstract: Electrical snap-fit coupling elements designed for economy of manufacture and simplicity of assembly and use. The present elements comprise female connectors, including male/female connectors, including male/female adaptors, female connector extensions and male connectors or plugs designed to mate with the female connectors to provide an electrical coupling for extension units such as sensing probes.

Abstract: An apparatus for placing a folded web of film under tension comprising at least one pair of rollers, a first side of the folded web of film being fed between the pair of rollers, the pair of rollers being mounted out of parallel to the first side of the folded web of film and pulling the first side of the folded web of film in a first direction, and a member for preventing a second side of the folded web of film from moving in the first direction. Preferably, the member biases the second side of the folded web of film in a second direction opposite the first direction. A method for placing a folded web of film under tension is also provided.

Abstract: A pressure regulating system for a hemodialysis machine utilizes a deaeration pump and a regulator in a deaeration loop for minimizing pressure and flow transients in a heated water supply. The deaeration loop has the pump, a deaeration pressure regulator, a deaerator, and a back pressure regulator. The pump produces a negative pressure in heated water entering the deaeration pressure regulator to circulate the water in the deaeration loop and to enhance removal of air from the water. The back pressure regulator controls the loop water pressure to a value greater than the incoming water pressure and supplies water to the dialyzer system of the machine isolated from supply water pressure and flow variations.

Abstract: A multi-position rotary valve system is useable with a disposable fluid transfer set for carrying out a sequence of steps to implement a drain and fill procedure in connection with peritoneal dialysis. A method of carrying out peritoneal dialysis includes utilizing a rotary, multi-position, valve system in conjunction with a fluid flow transfer set having a plurality of flexible fluid flow conduits. The valve system provides for systematically opening and closing the respective fluid flow conduits in a predetermined sequence for the purpose of carrying out a drain and fill procedure of the type associated with peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: A system for controlling the output flow rate of a second pump to proportionately track the output flow rate of a first pump in which the first pump produces an electrical signal at each successive stroke thereof. An electrical circuit produces an electrical control signal from the first pump stroke signal for controlling the flow rate of the second pump.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty catheter comprising a catheter body having a through lumen, a tube extending through the lumen and having a distal end portion extending distally beyond the distal end of the catheter body and movable axially in the lumen relative to the catheter body. A radially expandable and axially contractable balloon is coupled, respectively, to the catheter body at the distal end portion of the tube. The balloon has a central region between the opposite end portions of the balloon which is of greater radial dimension in the relaxed condition than the opposite end portions and transition regions between the central region and the opposite end portions. The catheter body has a distal end portion which is less stiff than the region of the catheter body immediately proximal of the distal end portion of the catheter body.

Abstract: A device for use in withdrawing a catheter such as a balloon catheter from a vessel in the vascular system in order to inhibit damage to the vessel wall includes an assembly defining a passageway through which to pass the catheter. The assembly is dimensioned and arranged to be grasped by a user, and it includes components for coupling the assembly to the catheter so that the user can withdraw the catheter from the vessel by moving the assembly generally axially. The coupling components are adjustable to enable the user to select a desired maximum amount of force that can be coupled from the assembly to the catheter, and for this purpose one embodiment includes a cap-and-compressible-disk arrangement on a body member in which a spring-coupled handle member is telescopingly disposed, graduations along the handle member providing a visually discernible indication of relative handle member position and therefore of the magnitude of a force being coupled by the user to the assembly.

Abstract: An improved and unique mixing technique particularly useful as part of the process for the clinical analysis of liquid biological samples is described. The sample is placed in a cuvette along with a reagent and a diluent. The top (opening) of the cuvette is squeezed (reduced in size) and an air jet is directed against the liquid surface formed in the cuvette adjacent the junction of the liquid surface with the wall of the cuvette to create a vortex to produce thorough mixing of the contents of the cuvette and substantially prevent any splashing of the liquid contents.

Abstract: A method of forming a unitary, sterile fluid dispensing assembly includes forming a fluid-filled container with a vinyl disposing port and forming a fluid transfer set with a vinyl spike connector. The spike connector is inserted into the vinyl disposing port thereby placing the set in fluid flow communication with the fluid in the container. The assembly is sterilized in an autoclave. The heat of sterilization melds at least a surface portion of the vinyl spike connector and softens an interior adjacent surface portion of the port on the container. After sterilization, the transfer set is permanently bonded to the container. The presence of the fluid in the transfer set during sterilization prevents fusing and closing of the lumens of the set due to the heat of sterilization.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprising an outer tube having a peripheral wall and a longitudinal axis. The outer tube has a plurality of openings arranged generally longitudinally along the outer tube. Each of the openings has first and second cutting edges defining portions of the periphery of such opening. Each of the first cutting edges is substantially straight as viewed in a particular direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outer tube. An inner cutting member to rotatable within the outer tube. The inner cutting member has a cutting edge cooperable with the first and second cutting edges of the openings of the outer tube for cutting material from within the patient with a shearing action.

Abstract: A device for electrosurgery includes a curved-tip probe adapted for insertion into an incision, and a resiliently deformable electrode movable longitudinally within the probe so that the distal end can be projected in an offset direction out of the tip of the probe between a closed position wherein the terminal end of the electrode is closely adjacent the tip to an extended position wherein the terminal end is a greater distance from the tip. A shielding member of flexible and resilient composition extends alongside the probe for shielding the terminal end of the electrode from tissue during surgery. The shielding member may be spring biased toward the closed position and include various electrode engaging arrangements that inhibit lateral movement of the electrode relative to the probe. One embodiment includes a slidable shielding member that enables the device to be used for lateral release or meniscal surgery.

Abstract: An improved and unique liquid light tube (guide) end cap assembly particularly useful in a system for the clinical analysis of liquid biological samples for directing wavelengths of light is described. The assembly comprises a light guide having projecting at one end portion thereof a quartz member and a housing for containing the end portion of the light guide and the quartz member, thereby forming an aperture between the quartz member and the housing, the aperture having a depth of between about 0.002 and 0.007 inches.

Abstract: A quick disconnect connector for use with a system for measuring depth of anaesthesia of a patient. For this purpose, a probe is attached to a patient to detect esophageal contractions. The probe is connected to a patient station by means of flexible tri-lumen tubing. The patient station provides a pressure transducer, a source of pressurized air, and a thermistor connection, and in turn is operatively connected to a microprocessor which controls the entire operation. One conduit of the tubing enables communication between a liquid filled balloon within the probe and the transducer at the patient station. Another conduit enables an air balloon within the probe to be connected to the source of pressurized air. Still another conduit receives the electrical lead which extends to the thermistor.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for making containers (40) in which a sheet of thermoplastic material (10) that is adapted to be formed into a pouch is introduced into a mold cavity (14). A molding compound (22) is also introduced into the mold cavity (14). The molding compound (22) is permitted to be bonded with the thermoplastic sheet (10) inside the mold cavity (14) to form a container port (20) in situ. The thermoplastic sheet (10) and bonded molding compound (22) are removed from the mold cavity (14) and the sheet carrying the port (20) formed from the bonded molding compound is folded and cut to form a container (40).

Abstract: A break-apart container which comprises: abutting first and second compartments, the first and second compartments each defining a facing wall that lies against the facing wall of the outer compartment in face-to-face relation. The facing walls may be sealed together only with manually frangible seals, and the break-apart container is retained within a wrapper.

Abstract: An instrument comprising an elongated control handle having a passage extending therethrough, an elongated flexible catheter body having at least one lumen and a distal end coupled to the control handle and an elongated flexible member extending through the passage and into the lumen and having a distal end portion. A tool is coupled to the distal end portion of the flexible member, and the tool is capable of performing a medical task within a patient. An elongated flexible image-transmitting member extends through the passage of the control handle and into the lumen. A position controller is mounted for sliding movement along the control handle and is drivingly coupled to the flexible members so that the axial positions of the tool and the image-transmitting member can be adjusted with respect to the distal end of the catheter body.

Abstract: A secondary lock for preventing separation of a pair of connected tubular members comprises an elongated body which carries a toothed rack. A first transversely extending retention member is carried adjacent one end of the body, with a sliding member slidably mounted on the body for longitudinal movement therealong. The sliding member carries a second transversely extending retention member. Each of the retention members are proportioned to grip and retain one of the tubular members. A pawl is provided for engaging the rack to permit the sliding member to be moved toward the first member but not away from the first member. However, the pawl is disengageable to permit the sliding member to be moved away from the first member when desired.

Abstract: A system for heat sealing in conjunction a pair of plastic strips each of having a series of regularly spaced transverse pockets so that the pockets together form chambers separated by webs. The two pocketed strips to be joined are brought together and the strips heat sealed around the pockets to seal the chambers from one another while passing cooling fluid over the pockets so as to avoid distortion or collapse of the pockets.