Abstract: An article of manufacture adapted to be connected to a male thread comprises an exterior surface, a cavity opening away from the exterior surface and defining an interior surface, and a plurality of ribs disposed on the interior surface extending longitudinally away from the exterior surface. The article can be connected to the male thread by threading the cavity onto the male thread. It is a particular advantage that the article of this invention, unlike prior art female threaded articles, can be prepared by conventional simple injection molding techniques not requiring an unscrewing step. In one preferred embodiment, the article is a plunger rod intended to be connected to the male threaded post of a plunger of an associated cartridge-needle unit to form a syringe assembly.

Abstract: A medical probe device comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissue. The stylet comprises an electrical central conductor which is enclosed within an insulating or dielectric sleeve surrounded by a conductive layer terminated by an antenna to selectively deliver microwave or radio frequency energy to target tissue. One embodiment includes the electrical conductor being enclosed within a non-conductive sleeve which itself is enclosed within a conductive sleeve in a coaxial cable arrangement to form a microwave transmission line terminated by an antenna. Another embodiment includes a resistive element near the distal end of the stylet which couples the center electrode to an outer conductor to generate joulian heat as electromagnetic energy is applied, such as an RF signal.

Abstract: An irrigation system for use in endoscopic procedures for maintaining and controlling flow of irrigation fluid to an internal body irrigation site. The system includes a tubing set comprising inflow and outflow lines and a cassette, and an fluid control module comprising a race and a pumping mechanism that squeezes the inflow line of the tubing set against the race to pump fluid to the irrigation site. The cassette includes a through opening exposing a portion of the inflow line to the race and pumping mechanism so that the cassette merely holds the inflow line in alignment with the pumping mechanism but is not required to resist the compressive force of the pumping mechanism. The cassette may include a second through opening exposing a portion of the outflow line to a valve mechanism to regulate pressure independently of the pump mechanism, and rib-or-groove alignment mechanism to align the inflow line with the pumping mechanism and the outflow line with the valve mechanism.

Abstract: This invention introduces a new unit for suctioning, injection and disposing of different fluids into and from the body of a human being by a special syringe which has a system that allows a fewer buttons or three way stop cocks to be used. This unit will be smaller than similar units and easier to be handled, and will allow a better observation of the intra-cardiac pressure of the patient to be done as well. Also this unit allows a push buttons to be used instead of use of three-way stop cock to avoid rotational motion of hands which some people do not like it.

Abstract: Broadly, the present invention is directed to a method for the detection and differentiation of neoplastic tissue in a patient suspected of having neoplastic tissue. The method includes the administration of a radiolabeled somatostatin congener to the patient and accessing the patient with a radiation detection probe for determining tissue exhibiting elevated levels of radiation, viz., neoplastic tissue. However, before subjecting the patient to such administration, an initial determination preferably is made as to whether the radiolabeled somatostatin congener will bind to the tumor site, i.e., whether somatostatin receptors are associated with the neoplastic tissue. This is conveniently done with a wide variety of endocrine tumors, which release peptides or hormones, referred to as "biochemical markers. " In order to make this determination, initially a biochemical marker-inhibiting dose of unlabeled somatostatin congener is administered to the patient.

Abstract: Improved methods of ionophoretic drug delivery are described. By the intentional selection of drug(s) with specific characteristics, of ionotophoresis device, components or both permits the efficiency of drug delivery is increased.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing a uniformly dispersed drug-containing phase within a continuous liquid delivery phase.

Abstract: A device and method for localized application of a fluid to a small area of skin, which includes an ejection nozzle forming a passage with one or more apertures, a receptacle chamber forming a cavity around the ejection nozzle, the receptacle chamber being configured and affixed to the ejection nozzle such that fluid ejected from the ejection nozzle is capable of being confined within the receptacle chamber, an inflow duct, and an outflow duct. Fluids which may be applied according to the present invention may include escharotic fluids, alpha-hydroxy compounds, exfoliants, cleansing agents, and other medicinal and cosmetic agents.

Abstract: A communication system using infrared energy to communicate control and data signals from a portable medical device to a remotely located display console. The portable medical device contains a battery for powering the infrared transmission and processing devices and also includes a battery parameter sensor to determine battery status, a temperature sensor, and manufacturing data concerning the portable medical device. Signals from the battery sensor and the temperature sensor are multiplexed with the control and data signals from the portable medical device for IR transmission. The control signals sent from the portable medical device may be used to program various functions of the remote console such as display parameters, console configuration and threshold levels. The display of the remote console presents information through a graphic display.

Abstract: A perfusion shunt device is used in conjunction with balloon catheters to provide blood perfusion across an inflated balloon in a blood vessel. The perfusion shunt device comprises a flexible conduit structure having one or more blood perfusion paths formed from a proximal end to a distal end thereof. The flexible conduit structure is usually attached directly or indirectly to a proximal shaft structure. Discrete anchors or expansible sleeves or cages are provided for locating the conduit structure over the balloon on the catheter. The flexible conduit structure will not be directly attached to the balloon, but rather will be secured at locations distal to an proximal of the balloon. In this way, constriction and distortion of the conduit structure and/or balloon resulting from balloon expansion are minimized. The device may be loaded over a conventional angioplasty balloon catheter outside of the blood vessel being treated, either before or after an angioplasty procedure.

Abstract: The device consists of: (a) an application reservoir or cell (1) whose base has a filling hole (4) for the solution and an opening that is fitted with a stopper (5) which presents micro-recesses on its periphery for administration of the solution on the skin; (b) a balloon (2) to pressurize and stabilize flow of the solution within the reservoir; and (c) a lid (3) to hermetically seal the aforesaid reservoir. The device is used in the form of a bracelet, abdominal belt or patch for application of solutions like trinitrine, oestradiols, etc. onto the skin.

Abstract: A method for the controlled release of a biologically active agent wherein the agent is released from a hydrophobic, pH-sensitive polymer matrix is disclosed and claimed. The polymer matrix swells when the environment reaches pH 8.5, releasing the active agent. A polymer of hydrophobic and weakly acidic comonomers is disclosed for use in the controlled release system. Further disclosed is a specific embodiment in which the controlled release system may be used. The pH-sensitive polymer is coated onto a latex catheter used in ureteral catheterization. A common problem with catheterized patients is the infection of the urinary tract with urease-producing bacteria. In addition to the irritation caused by the presence of the bacteria, urease produced by these bacteria degrade urea in the urine, forming carbon dioxide and ammonia. The ammonia causes an increase in the pH of the urine. Minerals in the urine begin to precipitate at this high pH, forming encrustations which complicate the functioning of the catheter.

Abstract: A receptacle (500) is provided for coupling an adaptor (10) having a vial (54) including a beneficial agent to an IV administration set (526). In an embodiment, the receptacle (500) includes an injection site (512) for receiving a cannula (26) from the adaptor (10). A resilient divider (516) separates the receptacle (500) into two sections defined by an upper fitment (508) and a lower fitment (510). A container (520) holding a solution is in fluid communication with the receptacle (500) via an inlet (502). A through bore (518) allows the solution from the container (520) to pass through the resilient divider (516) when the adaptor (10) is removed from the receptacle (500).

Abstract: A surgical instrument for the treatment of simple inferior or superior retinal detachments and a method of using the same. The surgical instrument has an elongated probe with an outer tube and an inner tube slideably engaged in the outer tube. Generally the instrument has a cutting edge and an aspiration port connected to a vacuum. A non-expanding gas delivery channel, having an outer diameter approximately that of a 36 gauge needle (0.13 mm) is adjacent the outer tube. The overall outer diameter of the probe is less than that of a 23 gauge needle (0.63 mm). In use the probe is inserted in the vitreous cavity through a small sclerotomy incision. The inner tube oscillates within the outer tube and vitreal material is drawn into the suction port, excised by the cutting edge, and removed by vacuum. Simultaneously, non-expanding gas is introduced through the gas channel to equalize intraocular pressure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rapid-exchange dilatation catheter of the type comprising a flexible tubular body having a distal part, an intermediate part and a proximal part.According to the invention, the body comprises a core having a high modulus of elasticity, which core is permanently joined at one end to the proximal part and embedded at its other end in a wall defining an inner duct for a guide-wire to pass through.The invention finds a particular application in the treatment of stenoses of blood vessels.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved device for preventing the backing up of a nut on a threaded piston rod in the barrel of a hypodermic syringe at the end of dose administration from such syringe. The preferred device is a pawl mounted on the end of a flexible arm of a nut which cooperates with slots on the inside of a syringe barrel. The nut also has an incline surface at the end which mates with an incline surface in the barrel end. The mating of these surfaces at the end of dose administration forces the pawl into a slot, thereby preventing rotation of the nut in the wrong direction and the concurrent movement of the nut up the piston rod associated therewith.

Abstract: A therapeutic catheter and used in percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty with the catheter comprising a shaft (5) a soft tip assembly. The assembly consists of a transition tube (15), a soft tip tube (20), and plug tube (25). The assembly is surrounded by a shrink wrap means. An infrared source (45) is applied to the interface of the shaft (5) and transition tube (15) with the heat being propagated to the transition tube (15) and the soft tip tube (20). The transition tube (15) is formed of materials having a tensile strength of at least 150% of the materials comprising the soft tip tube (20).

Abstract: The invention relates to a suction device for medical use, in which an aspirator (1) as illustrated in FIG. 1 is proposed, which has one or a plurality of side openings (3), and which is provided with a valve (4) which responds to underpressure.

Abstract: A valve for controlling the flow of fluids through a cannula or catheter made up of a single block piece in the shape of a backward "7" having a head and a stem. As the stem is raised in relation to the hub of the cannula or catheter, the head blocks any flow through the cannula or catheter; as the stem is lowered, the head retracts allowing the flow to continue.

Abstract: A preassembled PBY circuit includes a blood pump, an oxygenator, a blood line, a filter/trap, a cannulae line subassembly, and a return line. The blood pump, oxygenator, blood line, filter/trap, cannulae line subassembly, and return line are serially arranged in a closed loop configuration, and a prime line is attached in fluid communication with the circuit. The cannulae line subassembly includes a first cannula line attached to the return line, a second cannula line attached to the filter/trap, and a removable connector for connecting the first and second cannulae lines in fluid communication. Each of the cannulae lines is prearranged in a helical configuration. The circuit is arranged for suspension, such that, when suspended, the filter/trap is located at a high point of the circuit, and the prime line is attached at a low point of the circuit.