Abstract: A new ostomy bag having an integral breathable ostomy gasket derived from the non-aqueous reaction of a polyisocyanate and a polyoxyalkylene polyol moiety having a hydrophilic filler incorporated within the polyol moiety prior to the reaction of the polyisocyanate and the polyol. The bag includes hydrophobic material welded to the bag serving as a backing for the gasket.

Abstract: A solid-state electrosurgical generator is disclosed which provides three separate output circuits that may be operated from a single common power source. One of the output circuits produces an output electrical waveform which is optimized for cutting and coagulation with monopolar electrodes. Another source provides a waveform which is optimized for cutting and coagulation with bipolar electrodes. The other electrosurgical source produces an output electrical waveform which is optimized for fulguration. The output circuits produce the optimized waveforms by appropriately processing electrical power provided by a D.C. power source. In order to do this, the output circuits may be connected to the power source by means of four semiconductor switches which may be arranged in either a bridge configuration for one output circuit or in a series arrangement for the other output circuit.

Abstract: A fluid check valve has a disk shaped resilient valve element mounted along the flow path of the valve to permit the flow in one direction only. The disk is maintained normally in a dish shape, with dished disk being biased toward and against the valve inlet to normally bias the valve in a closed configuration. The operating characteristics of the valve, such as cracking pressure and minimum flow rate, are adjustable by a disk mount which enables the biasing force to be varied. The mount supports the disk and enables slight adjustable movement of the disk axially toward and away from the inlet so as to vary the degree of dishing of disk and, therefore, its resilient biasing force. In another aspect of the invention the valve is provided with improved outlet characteristic which minimize the back pressure of the valve and enable it to be responsive quickly even at very low flow rates and pressure differentials.

Abstract: A guide wire is provided to guide a very small diameter catheter, such as a coronary dilatation catheter used in coronary angioplasty techniques. The guide wire itself is of very small diameter, (under 0.020") yet is steerable and may be visualized fluoroscopically. The major portion of the guide wire is a small diameter flexible rod. The distal region of the rod is tapered. The tapered portion is surrounded by a helically wound spring which is brazed at its proximal and distal ends, to the base and tip, respectively, of the tapered region of the rod. A shorter segment of the spring extends beyond the distal end of the rod and serves as a highly flexible bumper to assure that the distal tip of the guide wire will not cause traumatic injury to the blood vessel. The distal region of the guide can be bent manually by the surgeon to a curved shape which it will tend to assume when relaxed. The distal region is flexible and can bend from the set curve to follow the contour of the blood vessel.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved chest fluid drainage bottle of the type having a fluid collection chamber connectable to receive fluid sucked from the patient's chest, the improvement consisting of an improved air leak detection system characterized by a fluid filled U-tube downstream of the air space overlying the fluid collecting chamber cooperating therewith to define an air leak detector substantially insensitive to small intermittent variations in upstream pressure while, at the same time, providing an observer with a reliable visual indication of a continuous upstream leak. The improvement also encompasses an anti-splash baffle adjacent the outlet of the U-tube effective to prevent the fluid therein from leaving same and, perhaps, entering the vacuum system upon the application of larger than normal intermittent upstream positive pressure surges.

Abstract: A small, light weight, battery operated, fixed speed syringe infusion pump is capable of being IV pole mounted. A disposable syringe is secured in a snap-in holder and the syringe plunger is moved by a pusher. The pusher is advanced to the syringe plunger by squeezing a finger tab. This simultaneously decouples the pusher from the internal drive and opens the antisiphon catch to allow quick and easy set-up. To initiate flow, a switch is moved to the "on" position. The pusher is moved by the engagement of a nut on a threaded lead screw. The lead screw is rotated, through appropriate gearing, by a direct current motor. A force sensing system is included as part of the syringe holder and is used to detect end of syringe and occlusion. Visual indicators and audio alarms for infusion and warning and to sense condition of the batteries are provided.

Abstract: A ureteral stent for maintaining drainage of urine between the kidney and the bladder including an elongated flexible silicone tubular member having a series of helical coils on its distal end, the longitudinal axis of which is parallel to the tubular member. A retention coil is formed on the proximal end of the tubular member for reception in the renal pelvis and drainage holes are formed along the length of the stent. The stent is straightened for insertion by means of a wire guide.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrode construction of the type including a terminal arrangement and support structure for said terminal arrangement, said support structure adapted for the transcutaneous application of the electrode to a patient. The support structure may be fabricated from a layer of foam or microporous material, or plural layer employing a combination of both, or from a layer of conductive adhesive. The terminal arrangement may be of single terminal or multi-terminal design, and is provided by a conductive pattern printed on a semi-flexible plastic-like sheet, wherein said pattern is printed with a conductive ink of the type employing a conductive metal, such as silver, in a binder composition. The disclosure also contemplates novel structure for connection of the electrode to a lead wire, as well as several novel, overall designs for the construction of the electrode support means.

Abstract: A catheter or the like having a body portion formed of a hydrophobic elastomer and having a predetermined selected portion of the exterior surface, intermediate the ends, coated with a hydrophilic elastomer for reception of a microbiocide along a limited portion at the cite of the entry of the catheter into the body.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a closed body fluid drainage system having a fluid retaining bag with a body engageable fluid draining tube extending therefrom. The venting assembly comprises, in spatial relationship, an outer, gas permeable, liquid-wetting bacteria filter, and an inner, gas permeable, liquid-repellent filter. In use, the vent assembly provides for the free exchange of gases flowing into and out of the fluid drainage system while effectively precluding entrance of bacteria and the like.

Abstract: An overpressure safety valve assembly for use during heart surgery is disclosed. The assembly comprises an elongated tubular body portion having an inlet end, and an outlet end and an unidirectional valve disposed therebetween. A relief valve portion is joined to and in flow communication with the tubular portion. The relief valve portion includes a first relief valve configured to open if the pressure within the overpressure safety valve diminishes below a predetermined level, and a second relief valve configured to open if the pressure adjacent the outlet end exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: Disclosed is a new breathable ostomy gasket composition derived from the non-aqueous reaction of a polyisocyanate and a polyoxyalkylene polyol moiety having a hydrophilic filler incorporated within the polyol moiety prior to the reaction of the polyisocyanate and the polyol.

Abstract: An electrical connector for a conductor that is printed on a dielectric strip, such as an electrode lead, comprises an insulating housing having a terminal therein and an opening into the housing for receiving the dielectric strip such that the printed conductor engages the terminal. Opposed jaws are pivotally supported in the housing on opposite sides of the terminal, the jaws being joined at corresponding ends by a resilient member to bias the jaws for releasable engaging notches in the dielectric strip. A novel strain relief member in which the resilient means is embedded may be used to prevent separation of the terminal from a connector lead wire.

Abstract: A drip chamber splash guard comprising an annular member receivable within the upper end of the chamber. The guard has one periphery thereof engaged adjacent a centrally located drip sleeve depending below the vented top inwardly of the vents for maintenance of a free flow of air inwardly through the vents. The other periphery of the splash guard member engages adjacent the inner surface of the surrounding chamber outward of the vents. Limited air discharge openings are provided at spaced points about the guard whereby inwardly directed air flow is maintained through the splash guard itself while the filter vents are protected against gross or excessive splashing. In a preferred embodiment, the splash guard will be in the form of a truncated conical member with the air openings adjacent the chamber wall remote from the drip sleeve, the conical configuration, providing a tapered surface for a more effective deflecting of splash.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a closed body fluid drainage system having a fluid retaining bag with a body engageable fluid draining tube extending therefrom. The venting assembly comprises, in spatial relationship, an outer, gas permeable, liquid-wetting bacteria filter, and an inner, gas permeable, liquid-repellent filter. In use, the vent assembly provides for the free exchange of gases flowing into and out of the fluid drainage system while effectively precluding entrance of bacteria and the like.

Abstract: A system for aseptically removing urine from a primary drainage bag attached to a patient by conventional catheter means which includes a separate sterile disposable transfer bag. Rigid laterally extending spout interconnects the two bags when drainage is desired. The primary drainage bag is formed in the preferred embodiment with an outlet provided with self-closing flaps and slip valves which may be penetrated by the spout mounted on the transfer bag. Locking rib and groove means secure the spout in the outlet and a removable cap covers the outlet when the transfer bag is not attached. In a second form, the spout and valve means are on the primary drainage bag and transfer bag respectively.

Abstract: A solid-state electrosurgical generator is disclosed which provides three separate output circuits that may be operated from a single common power source. One of the output circuits produces an output electrical waveform which is optimized for cutting and coagulation with monopolar electrodes. Another circuit provides a waveform which is optimized for cutting and coagulation with bipolar electrodes. The other electrosurgical circuit produces an output electrical waveform which is optimized for fulguration. The output circuits produce the optimized waveforms by appropriately processing electrical power provided by a D.C. power source. In order to do this, the output circuits may be connected to the power source by means of four semiconductor switches may be arranged in either a bridge configuration for one output circuit or in a series arrangement for the other output circuit.

Abstract: Leakage cancelling apparatus suitable for use in electrosurgery apparatus to prevent electrical burns is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a transformer which is connected in the electrical circuit between the electrosurgical source and the patient. The transformer has a primary winding connected in series with the active surgical electrode and a secondary winding connected in series with the return path to the electrosurgical generator. The connections to the windings are polarized so that during normal operation the magnetic fields in the transformer core generated by current flow are almost completely cancelled. Consequently, the transformer windings present very small impedances in series with the electrosurgical circuit.

Abstract: A solid-state electrosurgical generator is disclosed which provides output waveforms that are optimized for electrosurgical fulguration. The fulguration output circuitry consists of a radio-frequency tank circuit which is periodically pulsed to produce a periodic damped-sinusoidal output waveform. However, the damping factor is sufficiently low so that many cycles of the waveform occur between periodic input pulses. Although the duty cycle is relatively high compared to prior art devices, cutting and burning effects are prevented by a high impedance output which internally limits fulguration arc current. The fulgurating arc developed by the device is longer and more consistent than that developed by previous devices thereby resulting in superior fulguration.