Abstract: An apparatus and system for administering cardioplegic solution to a heart during open heart surgery. A source of solution is delivered to a control switch from a single tube source and the tube is divided at a "Y" connector into two tubes, one for antegrade delivery and one for retrograde delivery. The control switch has a prime position with both divided tubes open. Movement from prime position to an operative position is irreversible. In the operative position, there is an "off" position with both tubes closed, an antegrade position with the antegrade tube open and the retrograde tube closed, and a retrograde position with the retrograde tube open and the antegrade tube closed. Movement from one position to the other requires movement through the "off" position so there can be no cross-flow from antegrade to retrograde. Pressure monitoring tubes are incorporated into the switch to be opened and closed with the respective tubes.

Abstract: A single stage catheter which is used in open heart surgery to by-pass blood from the heart to a life support machine. The single stage catheter has a spiral lead flute for insertion into the inferior vena cava of the heart and a root section with multiple openings to be positioned in the right atrium of the heart. The flutes of the spiral lead to small quadrant openings in the end of the root section which also has long and short axial slot openings leading to the interior of the catheter. An obturator is designed to block the long and short axial slots during insertion to allow flow only through the quadrant openings to the interior of the obturator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided to identify, index and display slides having a specimen thereon, and to secure the slides so as to protect biopsy material and similar specimens retained thereon. There is also provided a slide carrier to hold slides in spaced relation while slides are collectively immersed or wetted, thereby saving considerable time during the processing of the slides by laboratory personnel. The slides are marked by a permanent and unique code which is visible while the slides are retained within the slide carrier container.

Abstract: A needle hub for use with a syringe in obtaining biopsy specimens. A needle is inserted into the area from which a specimen is to be taken. A vacuum is pulled on the needle lumen to cause tissue to be drawn into the lumen. A special vacuum release is provided on the needle hub so that a surgeon can roll back an O-ring in the hub to expose the interior of the hub to atmosphere, thus releasing the vacuum pull on the needle lumen and allowing the needle to be withdrawn without dilution of the specimen, or contamination by material from other sites.

Abstract: A combined percutaneous needle, stylet and needle guard. The guard has a friction fit with the distal end of the needle and stylet to retain the guard. When in use, the guard is transferred to the hub end of the needle to interfit with a proximal end of the needle and serve as a guide for a guidewire to be projected through the needle.

Abstract: A suture lumen for securing sutures in surgical procedures which includes a lumen with a head portion at one end of said lumen having a side projection about which suture ends may be wound to secure the ends. A notch or notches in the head portion adjacent the projection are provided to receive the free ends of the suture to prevent release until surgery is completed.

Abstract: A syringe for providing a tactile signal to a person who is directing a fluid to a vein of a patient, for local anesthesia administration where a specific infusion pressure should not be exceeded, and other uses where delivery pressure is critical. A biased pressure sensitive piston is interposed between the syringe plunger and an actuating thumb pressure element. When a preset pressure is reached in the syringe body, a projection reaches the thumb to alert the administering person that the preset pressure has been reached.

Abstract: A percutaneous syringe assembly for use in the introduction of a guidewire into a blood vessel for the purpose of guiding a catheter into place. The syringe has a plunger with a central guide tube for the wire and a needle lumen for introduction of the wire into a blood vessel. A protective flexible container for a guidewire is attachable to the syringe plunger in a closed circuit with selective ends to be aligned with the central guide tube of the plunger to permit a J-end or a straight end of a wire to be introduced into a selected blood vessel.

Abstract: An aortic root cannula for use in open heart surgery which combines a luer line for connection with an extracorporeal circuit outside the chest cavity with a left heart vent line and a pressure monitoring line all merging into a base unit having a single cannula for heart wall penetration. A composite base unit is formed of two parts integrated to provide the merging passages to perform the multiple functions.

Abstract: A single stage venous catheter for use in open heart surgery which has an extended insertion end provided with axially extending open-sided sectorial grooves around a common axis, the grooves terminating in a common receiving chamber surrounded by circumferentially spaced multiple fins or ribs to maintain the proper clearance for the catheter chamber.

Abstract: A surgical knife cleaner and, more particularly, a cleaner for a cautery knife used to clean and cauterize incisions and wounds. A readily attachable base has a cradle to retain a closely coiled strand on an axis parallel to the base. The cradle has edges to limit the introduction of the knife in the direction transverse to the axis of the coil and to clean the edge of the knife.

Abstract: For use in monitoring the temperature of a heart during open heart surgery involving a cardioplegia system, the invention comprises a housing and mount for a temperature responsive liquid crystal chip or small panel which provides a visual temperature reading in various selected ranges. The housing includes an insulating shell enclosing a heat sink sheet associated with a highly conductive mounting pin which penetrates the wall of the heart and conducts the heart temperature to the heat sink underlying the liquid crystal panel.