Abstract: A method and composition for delivering a drug to an affected intramural site for sustained release in conjunction with or following balloon catheter procedures, such as angioplasty. The drug, carried by microparticles of a physiologically-compatible, biodegradable polymer is injected under directed pressure into the wall of a body vessel in the region of the affected site.

Abstract: A protective system for handling body fluids that provides:(a) a device to receive and hold various sized needle caps in its resiliently, expandible, apertured, hollow top, that allows easy release of the held cap after one-handedly re-capping a used needle (sharp) for safe discard;(b) a device to needle suction a specimen of body fluid from a drainage system, directly into the resiliently, compressible transport container, through the needle topped, male adapter plug (or cap) of the container, to avoid open transfer of fluid to be tested;(c) a needle cap holding device that embodies a barbing surface to blunt the needle (sharp) tip prior to one-handedly re-capping the needle (sharp) for discard to avoid re-use that can chance exposure to hepatitis B, AIDS, etc.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis catheter comprises a distal tubular section and a proximal tubular section, connected together by a nonintegral tubular connector so that the respective sections are connected together in sealed flow relation. Such a catheter may be surgically implanted in the peritoneal cavity, extending to the chest of the patient with an end thereof protruding from the chest. The respective ends of the catheter section may be connected to each other through the tubular connector as the tubular sections are surgically implanted, and typically after such implantation is substantially complete.

Abstract: Collapse of the cornea into the cavity formed when material such as the lens is removed from an eye in the irrigation-aspiration method is minimized by incorporating a pressure responsive, variable flow resistance element in the aspiration line of the irrigation-aspiration apparatus. A preferred pressure responsive, variable resistance element is a length of thin walled tubing which is easily collapsed to smaller flow path area in response to increasing negative pressure in the aspiration line.

Abstract: A syringe apparatus is described which has a novel adaptor assembly used for mounting a strain gauge to the syringe barrel. The adaptor assembly includes a housing in the form of a well formed on the distal end of the syringe barrel, and a housing insert which fits into the well and which caps the well when fully inserted. The housing insert in turn receives the mounting post of a strain gauge without having to thread the mounting post of the strain gauge into the housing insert. The housing insert properly aligns the mounting post of the strain gauge with an opening in the syringe barrel that provides fluid communication for purposes of reading pressures in the syringe barrel, and also properly rotationally orients the strain gauge so that the dial of the strain gauge is readable from the proximal end of the syringe apparatus.

Abstract: A balloon catheter with an unreinforced stem collapses compactly. A method of introducing a balloon catheter into the body passage of a patient consists of loading the balloon end of the catheter into the unattached sheath of an endoscope and passing the elongated tubular leg attached to the balloon through the lumen of a working channel of an unattached bridge of an endoscope; then joining the bridge and the sheath to form a unitary endoscope and introducing the balloon into the body passage of a patient. A kit is disclosed which includes a balloon catheter and a separate adapter which can be used to introduce inflating fluid into the balloon.

Abstract: An angiographic catheter which comprises a relatively stiff, tubular, basic catheter body and a less-stiff, tubular, end part connected to one end of the basic body. The end part has a curved form which comprises at least first and second tubular portions, each defining part of the curved form. The first and second tubular portions comprise materials of different stiffness, with the tubular portions being connected to one another in end-to-end relation. Preferably, a straight segment of a first tubular portion is connected in end-to-end relation with the basic catheter body, which catheter body preferably carries a fibrous, tubular reinforcing sheath. Preferably, the stiffness of the material of the tubular portions decreases in the direction extending from the basic body towards the one end.

Abstract: A disposable hypodermic syringe with collapsible plunger has a needle guard filled with a disinfectant-saturated media. The guard is threadably-reversibly mountable, end-for-end, on a distal end of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A manifold for fluid connection of a plurality of sources of fluid for a patient in which a number of inlet ports on the upper surface of a housing communicate with a lower outlet port by passages or bores which merge to a single passages or bore. The ports are respectively occluded by elastomeric sealing members adapted to be penetrated by a needle or cannula. Preferably, the inlet ports are symmetrical or coincident with an axis so the distance travelled by the fluid from each source is substantially the same.

Abstract: A medical device particularly adapted for use with a syringe including a nonlinear needle or a nonlinear protective shield wherein the protective shield is movable between a needle exposing retracted position and a needle protecting extended and locked position.

Abstract: Intermediate an intracorporal first section and an extracorporal third section, a transcutaneous implantation catheter has a second section entirely consisting of an open-pore fiber fabric having a porous outer surface. It is particularly advantageous for a fast growing-in process that is not inflammatory and for a good transition from the subcutaneous connective tissue to the area of the skin epithelium, if the porosity (the spaces between the fabric fibrils) increases from the inside to the outside of the catheter. This allows the tissue to grow into the second section of the catheter. The implantation tunnel closes completely so that no liquid collections are allowed to be formed between the catheter and the tissue. The risk of infections is reduced. The first section is of the same material as the second section, but has a smooth surface and a wall of solid material.

Abstract: A dual lumen catheter especially for use in prolonged access haemodialysis, which meets the requirements of flexibility and softness for prolonged access in a vein, and which is shaped to include a curved portion to be placed between the tunnel and the subclavian vein.

Abstract: A medical device which presents the backflow of fluid therethrough is particularly useful as a bloodless catheter assembly, that is, prevents the backflow of blood through the catheter by utilization of a self-closing valve carried in a hollow catheter housing to one end of which a catheter is fixed so as to provide a fluid passage through the catheter and catheter housing. The fluid passage in the catheter housing is sealed by a self-sealing valve element extending transversely across the passage upstream from the catheter. A hollow needle is held in the catheter housing downstream of and pointed at the valve element. Attachment of a fluid dispensing medical appliance to the other catheter housing end forces the valve element downstream onto the needle so as to pierce the valve element and open a fluid passage from the catheter housing upstream of the valve element through the hollow needle to the catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter system comprising a totally implantable reservoir for a treating agent, and at least one catheter connected thereto. The reservoir is designed to have a variable volume so that it can be positioned in the tissue by a small cannula needle when its volume is small and can be brought to the required internal volume in situ.

Abstract: Method for performing a laparoscopic sphincterotomy involving the steps of positioning a catheter within the duodenum by inserting the distal end of the catheter into the common bile duct and threading the distal end of the catheter into the duodenum, positioning the cutting mechanism of the catheter against the sphincter of Oddi, cutting the sphincter of Oddi with the cutting mechanism, and removing the catheter. The invention also includes a surgical catheter to be used to perform such a sphincterotomy. The catheter includes an elongated longitudinal channel, two separate balloons located at the distal end of the catheter, and a cutting mechanism extendable from the catheter between the two balloons. The catheter also includes a radial mark at the operative end of the catheter that lies in the same radial position with respect to the longitudinal channel of the catheter as the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: An improved enteral feeding tube (10) having a distal (12) and a proximal end (14). The tube (10) has a generally circular cross-section, and includes an attachment (22) or extension of the tube made of flexible polyurethane that is adhered to the distal end (12) of the enteral feeding tube (10). The attachment (22) comprises a generally rigid stem portion (24) extending from the distal end (12) of the enteral tube (10), and along an axis generally parallel to the axis of the feeding tube. The attachment (22) further comprises a spherical tip (28) at one end of the rigid stem portion (24).

Abstract: A needle guard for an additive-type syringe includes a sidewall which extends beyond the needle point. The sidewall is joined to the syringe housing by spin welding or sonic welding an annular flange that extends axially rearward from the needle guard to contact the front wall of the housing. The needle guard also includes an intermediate circumferential flange and a centering and guiding member that frictionally slides in the needle guard.

Abstract: A catheter instrument for effecting some minimally invasive medical procedure within the body of a living being. The instrument comprises an elongated tubular member, a working head, a rotary drive cable, and a drive disabling member. The tubular member is of small cross-sectional area to enable it to be inserted through a small opening in the body of the being. The working head is coupled to the drive means to be operated, e.g., rotated, thereby to effect some procedure adjacent its situs. The drive cable is coupled to a motor to efffect its rotation. The elongated member serves to carry a liquid, e.g. water, through at least a portion of it during the use of the instrument. The drive disabling member is responsive to the presence of liquid through the tubular member to change shape and/or size to prevent the drive cable from rotating some time after liquid is carried through the tubular member. This prevents further operation of said working head.

Abstract: A surgical needle 20 includes a needle body 26 which is secured onto a hub body 24. The hub body 24 is irreversibly removable from the needle body 26 in order for the needle body 26 to be used as a trocar. The hub body 24, being irreversibly disconnectable from the needle body 26, ensures that the hub body 24 cannot be reconnected to the needle body 26 so that the surgical needle 20 cannot be used again.

Abstract: A self anchoring catheter and delivery system therefor for performing cholecystectomies through a laparoscope so that the catheter can be properly delivered to the cystic duct and so that the catheter will not undesirably fall out of the cystic duct during the cholangiogram. The anchoring portion can be an inflatable balloon which is inflated only when a material is injected through the catheter into the cystic duct. In the alternative, the anchoring portion can be a hub formed from a foam rubber or cellular plastic material which is compressible and has a non-smooth exterior surface whereby the anchoring portion will snugly engage and frictionally retain the catheter within the cystic duct until a positive force is applied to withdraw the same from the duct. The self anchoring catheter is delivered to the cystic duct through a delivery sleeve which is sized so as to be insertable through a standard laparoscope introducer sheath.