Abstract: A tissue tunneling device is configured to be delivered within the body. The tunneling device includes a shaft with a blunt distal end to prevent coring or other damage to tissue during the delivery of the tunneling device. In some arrangements, the shaft includes one or more lumen, through which medication or another fluid may be administered. An anesthetic or other pain relieving medication may be delivered through the lumen to lessen the discomfort of delivering the tunneling device to the desired anatomical site. The shaft may also include a retractable needle for facilitating the advancement of the tunneling device through skin or other tissue. The shaft may also be provided with an outer sheath, which may be left within the anatomy after the tunneling device has been removed. The shaft may be malleable for custom-shaping the tunneling device prior to and/or during delivery.

Abstract: An infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus including a support member and an elastic sleeve surrounding the support member to define a fluid reservoir therebetween. The sleeve is expandable in a radial direction when the infusion apparatus is loaded with a fluid, such as a pain medication, and exerts a pressure on the fluid so that it may be delivered to a desired site, such as a surgical region of a patient. The elastic sleeve is sealed to the support member at spaced-apart locations by first and second sealing arrangements. Each sealing arrangement preferably includes a sealing member having a first end, a second end, and a body portion extending between the first and second ends. Desirably, the body portion is substantially annular in shape and is deflectable between a first inner diameter and a second inner diameter.

Abstract: A variable pressure regulator control device comprising a valve body having a fluid inlet, a fluid outlet, a fluid pressure-sensing chamber, and a valve seat in fluid communication with said inlet and defining an opening into said chamber, a resilient member having an outer edge and a self-restoring wall of the chamber which is responsive to pressure in said chamber, a valve stem extending through said chamber towards the valve seat, a valve element cooperating with said valve seat, said valve element being located between the valve seat and said fluid inlet, an adjuster mounted to said valve body in a position to deflect said resilient member, thereby moving the valve element away from the valve seat while said member flexes in response to pressure changes within said chamber to control the position of the valve element with respect to the valve seat, wherein said valve body includes a base incorporating said inlet, said outlet, and said valve seat, a retainer mounted atop said base, said retainer having an

Abstract: A remotely programmable infusion system. The remotely programmable infusion system comprises a memory for storing a programmable protocol and a remote communication port for sending a voice signal to a remote touch-tone transceiver and for receiving a remote programming signal from the remote touch-tone transceiver. The remotely programmable infusion system also comprises a voice storage unit for storing the voice signal. The remotely programmable infusion system further comprises a processor, coupled to the remote communication port, to the voice storage unit, and to the memory, for accessing the voice signal from the voice storage unit and the programmable protocol from the memory, and for processing the programmable protocol in response to receiving the remote programming signal.

Abstract: A remotely programmable infusion system. The remotely programmable infusion system comprises a memory for storing a programmable protocol and a remote communication port for sending a voice signal to a remote touch-tone transceiver and for receiving a remote programming signal from the remote touch-tone transceiver. The remotely programmable infusion system also comprises a voice storage unit for storing the voice signal. The remotely programmable infusion system further comprises a processor, coupled to the remote communication port, to the voice storage unit, and to the memory, for accessing the voice signal from the voice storage unit and the programmable protocol from the memory, and for processing the programmable protocol in response to receiving the remote programming signal.

Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.

Abstract: A pain management kit for the administration of medication and a related method of use is disclosed. The pain management kit includes the primary medical supplies for performing a continuous nerve block procedure, preferably in a single, sterile container. Specifically, the kit may contain medical supplies to create a sterile field, perform a local anesthetic procedure and to perform a continuous nerve block procedure. Preferably, the contents of the kit are arranged in the general order of their use.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for the delivery of fluid medication across an anatomical region. In accordance with one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a tube having a plurality of exit holes in a side wall of the tube. The exit holes may combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter. Advantageously, fluid within the catheter flows through all of the exit holes, resulting in uniform distribution of fluid within an anatomical region. In one particular embodiment, the catheter comprises a tube having elongated exit slots therein. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes an elongated tubular member made of a porous membrane.

Abstract: A device and method for the infusion of medicinal fluid at a controlled flow rate to a wound site or the blood stream of a patient is disclosed. A pump delivers fluid under pressure from a fluid source through a continuous and substantially constant flow path and through a supplemental bolus dose flow path. A large volume bolus dose reservoir accumulates a large quantity of fluid from the bolus dose flow path and holds the fluid under pressure. A flow regulator controls the fill rate of the large volume bolus reservoir. The large volume supplemental bolus dose is released from the bolus reservoir upon patient activation of a valve. The release rate of the bolus dose is controlled by the decompression of an elastomeric sphere or spring chamber, by the pressure gradient at the valve and/or by optional flow control tubing.

Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.

Abstract: A patient controlled liquid drug administration device comprises a reciprocating pump having an inlet connectable to a source of a pressurized liquid drug, and an outlet connectable to the patient. A clamp rotates between closed and open positions respectively blocking and enabling pump outflow. A plunger above the pump has an end contacting a movable wall of the pump and is movable between raised and lowered positions. A button above the plunger moves between extended and depressed positions, and has a ledge that engages the clamp when the button is moved to the depressed position and moves the clamp to its open position. A compression spring is disposed between the plunger and the button. A spring catch engages a detent in the button when the button is moved to its depressed position and holds the button there until released by a catch release on the plunger that disengages the spring catch from the detent in the button when the plunger is moved to its lowered position.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A remotely programmable infusion system. The remotely programmable infusion system comprises a memory for storing a programmable protocol and a remote communication port for sending a voice signal to a remote touch-tone transceiver and for receiving a remote programming signal from the remote touch-tone transceiver. The remotely programmable infusion system also comprises a voice storage unit for storing the voice signal. The remotely programmable infusion system further comprises a processor, coupled to the remote communication port, to the voice storage unit, and to the memory, for accessing the voice signal from the voice storage unit and the programmable protocol from the memory, and for processing the programmable protocol in response to receiving the remote programming signal.

Abstract: An infusion device with a disposable administration set which is inexpensive to manufacture. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the disposable administration set has a plurality of elongated cam followers connected to a plate assembly, wherein the cam followers are displaced in a predetermined sequence and forced against a delivery tube by cam means driven by rotary drive means. The disposable administration set is injection molded as a single integral piece. The disposable administration set includes adjustment spacers disposed between the plate assembly and the cam followers which adjust the distance between them to keep the device accurate. In the preferred embodiment of the present invention the cam means are configured to provide fluid delivery at a consistent and uniform rate.

Abstract: Disclosed is an infusion pump for expelling a fluid from a collapsible fluid reservoir to a patient. The pump includes a housing having a chamber therein for receiving the fluid reservoir. A first wall is provided on the housing for contacting the fluid reservoir, and a second wall is movable from a first position distanced from the first wall to form the chamber therebetween, and a second position relatively closer to the first wall. Advancing the movable wall from the first position to the second position expels fluid from the collapsible reservoir at a substantially constant rate by applying increasing force on the fluid reservoir through the dispensation cycle. Preferably, the first and second walls are provided with non-planar complementary surface configurations for contacting the collapsible reservoir. Retraction mechanisms for retracting the movable wall from the second position to the first position, and user readable indicium of the status of the dispensation cycle are also disclosed.

Abstract: A pain management system for the infusion of drug to a wound site includes a guide needle placed within an introducer tubing. The needle and tubing are pierced through the patient's skin, after which the guide needle is withdrawn The infusion catheter is threaded through the introducer tubing and advanced to the wound site. The introducer tubing is withdrawn and preferably peeled off of the infusion catheter. In accordance with one embodiment, the catheter comprises an elongated tube with a plurality of exit holes along an infusion section of the catheter, and an elongated flexible porous member residing within the tube and forming an annular space between the tube and the member. In accordance with other embodiments, the catheter includes a plurality of exit holes, which combine to form a flow-restricting orifice of the catheter.

Abstract: A variable device for regulating the outlet pressure of a fluid from a valve body, includes a pressure-sensing chamber having a wall formed by a resilient self-restoring diaphragm which is responsive to pressure in the chamber. A valve element connected to the diaphragm controls flow into the chamber. Increased pressure in the chamber decreases the flow into the chamber and decreasing pressure increases flow whereby fluid flow out from the chamber is maintained at a desired pressure. The outlet pressure is adjusted by deflecting the diaphragm in a direction to open the valve while permitting a section of the diaphragm connected to the valve member to remain responsive to the pressure in the chamber. An adjustment cover is provided to adjustably deflect the diaphragm and includes a catch mechanism to allow adjustment of the fluid outlet pressures and also retain the device at a desired value. An indicator arrangement may be provided to visually indicate the fluid outlet pressure.

Abstract: A manometer for measuring the hydrodynamic pressure of fluids parenterally administered to a patient is disclosed. The manometer includes a transparent housing that has a passage that accommodates continuous flow of fluid. A pressure-measuring chamber is formed in the housing with one end in fluid communication with the passage. The other end of the chamber communicates with an enclosed air space. The fluid flowing through the passage enters the pressure-measuring chamber and rises to a level which is dependent upon the pressure of the fluid flowing through the passage. A space-saving chamber is provided, which is in air communication with the pressure-measuring chamber, and which allows the housing to be reduced in size. Markings are provided on the housing which indicate the relative flow state of fluid flowing through the passage.