Abstract: A drainage system for draining bile is provided. The drainage system includes an elongated drainage catheter with distal segment and a proximal segment. The catheter includes a first lumen which extends longitudinally through at least a portion of the distal catheter segment and longitudinally through the entire length of the proximal segment. The catheter also includes a second lumen which extends longitudinally solely through at least a portion of the proximal catheter segment. The system includes a drainage bag adapted for connection to the proximal segment to the drainage catheter. A one-way valve is associated with a drainage bag to allow bile to enter into the bag through the second lumen and to exit from the bag into the first lumen.

Abstract: A safety needle for use in the vascular system. The needle has a first end adapted to be placed in the vascular system and a second end with a stopper and adapted to pass a guide wire. The needle has a port positioned between the first and second needle ends. The port is adapted to be connected to a blood collection device. The blood which enters the first end of the needle is diverted through the port to the blood collection device which avoids having the blood reach the second end of the needle.

Abstract: An aqueous cathartic solution and method for bowel cleansing is provided. The solution is isotonic, has a minimum buffering effect on human blood and is substantially inorganic. The aqueous solution includes about 3.5 grams/liter of sodium sulfate; about 4.82 grams/liter of magnesium sulfate; about 1.9 grams/liter of sodium bicarbonate; about 3.85 grams/liter of sodium chloride; about 0.746 grams/liter of potassium chloride. To cleanse the bowel between 3.0 and 4.0 liters of the solution are usually administered to a patient.

Abstract: A single-use annular mouthpiece for use with a diagnostic instrument such as an endoscope is provided. The mouthpiece protects the endoscope from damage and enhances patient comfort while giving a visible indication of any prior use. The mouthpiece includes a first relatively rigid portion having an annular main body shaped and dimensioned to be held in a patient's mouth and to provide clearance for an instrument through its central opening. The rigid portion includes an annular lip extending radially from the main body at one end and an annular flange extending radially from the main body at another end. The flange is shaped and dimensioned to overlie a patient's lips. The mouthpiece includes a second deformable compressible annular portion mounted around the annular main body of the first portion. The second portion is permanently deformable when subject to a patient'bite. The second portion is sized and shaped to substantially encircle the main body portion and to fit between the lip and the flange.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe assembly includes an elongated container and a cup shape molded piston longitudinal movable in the container. The container has a sidewall, a needle receiving end, and a piston receiving end which terminates in a rim. The piston has an open rear end with at least three equally spaced integral hinged tabs therearound. The piston has a first position partially inserted at the container rear where the tabs extend radially outward from the container adjacent its rear end. The piston in this position can receive a disc shaped plunger head. The piston has a second position fully inserted in the container where the tabs are rotated about their hinges and extend radially inward within the container. In this position the piston tabs hold a disc shaped plunger head within the piston. The piston has a third position partially extended out of the rim of the dispensing container.

Abstract: A percutaneous discectomy system 10 includes a discectomy device 12 having a needle 16 with a port 48 and a flared cutting edge 44 which is actuated past the port 48 to sever tissue provided adjacent thereto. An irrigation device is 18 are provided for irrigating the area adjacent the tip 46 of the needle 16 to assist a vacuum device 22 in aspirating the severed tissue away from the disc. The discectomy system 10 assists in the removal of herniated disc tissue in order to relieve pressure on the nerves located adjacent thereto. In addition, the needle 16 is flexible so that it can be temporarily or permanently bent around other body tissues such as the pelvis in order to access discs which are surgically hard to reach otherwise.

Abstract: A multi-ply sheet having a center ply support matrix in which the radio opaque compound barium sulfate is distributed as a powder and is supported by the matrix. The barium sulfate is present in an amount sufficient to block scatter radiation produced by the medical radiology procedures. A base ply of a thin liquid impervious polyethylene material is fastened to one side of the support matrix ply. A third ply is composed of a typical absorptive surgical drape material and is fastened to the other side of the support matrix ply.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a suction collection and drainage apparatus which comprises a fluid collection container and a separate tissue specimen trap container. The collection container is connected, by a tube, to a source of suction. Another tube serves to connect the collection container and the trap container together to provide fluid communication therebetween. Still another tube serves to connect the trap container to an endoscope to permit collection of tissue specimens aspirated from the patient and transmitted to the trap container. A filter is supported within the trap container and is formed having a plurality of traps and a plurality of enlarged openings spaced around the filter.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed to a disposable mouth guard constructed having a relatively hard, rigid core formed with an opening to permit passage therethrough of a diagnostic instrument, such as an endoscope. The core is sufficiently rigid to resist compression and prevent damage to the internal workings of the endoscope when the patient bites down on the center portion of the mouth guard. The outer surface of the core is provided with a relatively flexible soft coat to cushion the patient's bite.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting temperature variations over selected regions of living tissue is in the form of a low pressure supported pillow structure including a first wall portion of temperature responsive material and a second wall portion of transparent material to permit viewing of the temperature responsive material. The wall portions comprise a fluid chamber including an inflation valve to permit inflating the pillow structure when gaseous fluids are used.The method of using the pillow structure comprises pressing the temperature responsive film into conformity with the tissue, or portion of other object to be scanned, and viewing the temperature response through the clear wall portion.The flexible film is preferably also elastic and carries liquid crystals on its inner surface to give it a temperature responsive characteristic.