Abstract: An introducer sheath assembly having an improved valve assembly including at least three elastic disc shaped membranes. A first membrane has a circular hole through the center to sealingly receive a catheter while a second membrane has a center hole smaller than the hole in the first membrane to sealingly receive a guidewire. The second membrane also has at least one slit through the hole to accommodate passage of the larger catheter through the second membrane. A third membrane contains at least one slit through its center to seal the valve assembly in the absence of a guidewire or catheter.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument includes first and second body members pivotally and detachably connected to each other, each having an elongated jaw to grip tissue therebetween to be stapled together. The instrument further includes a toggle joint pivotally connected on one of said body members and adapted to engage the other body member to lock the body members together. Various latching mechanisms are provided to releasably latch the proximal ends of the body members together prior to locking the jaws about the tissue to be stapled.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip cartridge for automatically moving a plurality of pre-formed clips to a delivery station of the cartridge while reducing jamming of the clips in the cartridge is disclosed. Jamming is reduced both by using a constant force spring and employing flat surfaces on a portion of opposite sides of the clip located in the plane of the clip. Heart shaped clips having such flat surfaces are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ostomy appliance intended for attachment to a peristomal area of a wearer includes a pad of medical-grade skin-attachable adhesive material, a first coupling element secured thereto, the element having a medically-extending flange attached to a surface of the pad and an upstanding rib of closed loop form constructed to couple with a couterpart (second) coupling element on a bag or pouch. An inner chute member is located radially within and adjacent to the first coupling element, the chute member having a substantially cylindrical wall covering the whole of the radially inner surface of the first coupling element. At one of its ends, the chute has a radially outwardly extending flange positioned so that it traps the chute member in position when the two coupling elements are coupled together.

Abstract: An improved beam deflector having a first ball element attached to a second ball element with the first ball element mounted in a movable socket, movable about a single axis only through the first ball element. The second ball element is mounted in a fixed socket and is rotatable about a single axis only through the second ball element. The fixed socket is fixed to the housing of the beam deflector. Rotational movement is limited by the spacing between opposing flat surfaces of the movable and fixed sockets. The movable socket is remotely movable in response to movement of a control rod which is coupled to the movable socket through a universally movable third ball and socket arrangement.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention an ink formulation capable of monitoring steam, dry heat and ethylene oxide gas sterilization processes is disclosed. The formulation comprises selected substituted pyridenes, quinolines or isoquinolines as the active compound in combination with a nitrocellulose solution and a solvent.

Abstract: A polymeric, surgical clip having first and second curved leg members joined at their proximal end by a reduced thickness hinge portion and movable from an open position to a closed position for clamping a vessel between curved opposing inner surfaces which are substantially parallel when the clip is closed. The first leg member has a concave inner surface and a hook portion at its distal end curved toward the second leg member. A ligating clip applying instrument for applying the clip has a pair of handles pivoted about a hinge point and extends beyond the hinge point to form a pair of clip closing jaws equipped with means for engaging bosses located on the sides of the first and second leg members.

Abstract: A biological test pack adapted for use in testing the efficacy of an ethylene oxide sterilization process is described. The test pack is a clear plastic tray containing an sterilization sensitive ink which has been imprinted on a card which faces out of the bottom of the plastic tray. In addition, the tray contains a plastic syringe which holds a biological indicator. On top of the plastic syringe, absorbent paper is placed. The entire pack has a Tyvek sheet which seals it until it is used. The plastic tray is molded into a shape for holding the various items in particularly desirable locations. Accordingly, a disposable test pack which is uniformly manufactured and which should yield consistent results, is described. It can be used either as a general purpose routine test pack or as a validation challenge test pack.

Abstract: The present catheter employee a series of axial slits adjacent to its tip. The slits act to increase the flexibility of the catheter adjacent the tip thereby providing pressure relief in the event of blockage of the lumen at the tip. In addition, by forming the slits as slots, i.e. by removing material from the slits, it is possible to provide a catheter having flow through the sides adjacent to the tip for any desired purpose.

Abstract: An improved multi-lumen catheter having lumens which do not extend in a straight line down the length of the catheter is disclosed. The twisting of the catheter provides that side holes which extend into the lumens of the catheter are not aligned in a straight line. Accordingly, when the catheter is inserted into a patient's vessel, the side holes cannot be aligned in a manner which causes all of the side holes of a particular lumen to be occluded by the wall of the patient's vessel.A catheter of the type disclosed can be manufactured by an extrusion process in which the catheter is twisted during the extrusion, or by heating a non-twisted catheter and then twisting it in order to impart an appropriate twist therein.

Abstract: The catheter protective shield is used to protect a flow directed catheter of the type used in the measurement of central venous pressure and pulmonary wedge pressure. The cathetershield assembly includes front and rear hubs sized to permit movement of the catheter therethrough and an external support tube for interconnecting the front and rear hubs. A flexible protective sleeve interconnects the two hubs. The protective sleeve is substantially longer than the external support tube and is collapsible to permit interconnection of the hubs by the external support tube and may be extended to shield a substantial length of catheter.