Abstract: A needle, related attachments, and methods of constructing and using the same, for reducing the risk of infection from material in a used hypodermic needle. The needle is formed with a solid tip having no orifice, at a distal end of the needle. At least one longitudinal bore is formed in the needle which terminates proximal to the needle tip. At least one outlet orifice is formed in communication with the bore, for passage of all material into or out of the needle, the outlet orifice being located at a lateral position spaced back from the solid tip, thereby reducing the risk that an individual who contacts the tip of the needle will contact material retained in the needle.

Abstract: A prefilled disposable plastic syringe (1) comprising an open ended barrel (2) having a needle fitting (6) disposed at one end and being sealed at the other end by a moveable stopper (4) wherein said needle fitting end of the barrel (2) is sealed by a frangible closure (7) which is integral with the needle fitting (6), said closure being adapted to cooperate with a hypodermic needle support (21) shaped to fit onto said needle fitting (6) such that application of a downward force on said hypodermic needle support (21) onto said needle fitting (6) causes said closure (7) to separate from the needle fitting and move at least some way into the body of the syringe (1) and thereby reveal the contents of the syringe (1) for injection.

Abstract: A removable manifold assembly for attachment to the outlet end of a multi-cartridge injection device. The manifold assembly comprises two rigid plastic housings which encapsulate a rubber septum. Check valves are formed by compressing the front surface of the septum against a seal face of the rear housing to form a fluid tight interface therebetween. A first fluid path is formed from each cartridge in the injector through the manifold assembly to a patient delivery needle. A second fluid path is formed in the manifold assembly from the first fluid path to a back surface of the septum in order to enable a residual fluid force to be exerted against the back surface of the septum, thereby forcing the respective check valve in its closed position. The manifold assembly includes a unique geometry that permits the manifold to be snapped into engagement with the housing only when properly oriented with the housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a method for measuring myocardial function in a mammal in need of such measurement by:a) administering 0.01-15 .mu.g/kg/min of a compound of the formula: ##STR1## where R.sub.1 is hydrogen or the group ##STR2## where R.sub.3 and R.sub.4 are the same or different and are hydrogen, C.sub.1 to C.sub.12 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.3 to C.sub.7 cycloalkyl, C.sub.6 to C.sub.10 aryl unsubstituted or substituted with C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl, C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkoxy, nitro, amino, amino substituted with at least one C.sub.1 to C.sub.6 linear or branched alkyl or phenyl, C.sub.2 to C.sub.10 aralkyl, C.sub.4 to C.sub.8 heteroaryl wherein said heteroatom is nitrogen, phosphorous, sulfur or oxygen, and R.sub.2 is hydrogen, or taken together with R.sub.

Abstract: A device for automatically injecting a material into the body is disclosed. The device includes a drive assembly and a syringe assembly which is mounted to the drive assembly. The drive assembly includes a drive rod, a driver releasably coupled to the drive rod, and a constant force spring which urges the drive rod towards the syringe assembly. The spring first urges the coupled drive rod and driver along the axis of the device, causing the skin to be penetrated by the needle of the syringe assembly. The drive rod is then decoupled from the driver. The spring continues to urge the drive rod in the axial direction, whereby the drive rod engages a piston in the syringe assembly and causes the displacement of the material therein.

Abstract: A sterile wound packing material and package therefor is provided, which wound packing is flexible and conformable to deep and/or irregular shaped wounds, is compact and easily dispensed, and which can be stored indefinitely. The wound packing may also be used for absorbing wound exudate and immediately discarded or by be designed to remain in place for extended periods during healing. The wound packing includes a sterile, wound packing of a flexible material capable of absorbing wound exudate, with the flexible material being in the form of a substantially flat, coiled, spirally-cut layer and a package therefor. In certain embodiments of the invention where it is desired that the wound packing remain in place for an extended period, the flexible material is impregnated with a hydrogel, which may be a "wet" hydrogel (i.e., one containing substantial amounts of water) or a dehydrated hydrogel which is substantially devoid of water but becomes hydrated in use.

Abstract: A steerable catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities. A handle is secured to the proximal extremity. The tubular member has a lumen extending therethrough. A mandrel is slidably mounted in the lumen and extends into the distal extremity. A pull wire extends through the tubular member for causing bending of the distal extremity with respect to the mandrel disposed therein.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment apparatus for use in the middle and inner ear. The apparatus includes a tubular stem portion attached to a medicine-retaining reservoir with an internal cavity. The reservoir includes multiple pores therethrough or an opening having a semipermeable membrane therein which enables medicine delivery from the reservoir. Such delivery occurs when the reservoir comes in contact with selected middle-inner ear interface tissues. A conductive member for receiving electrical potentials from ear tissues is affixed to the apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatus may include tubular first and second stem portions secured on opposite sides of a reservoir along with a conductive member attached thereto of the type indicated above. This apparatus is surgically inserted so that the first stem portion is placed within the inner ear. At least part of the apparatus (the second stem portion) resides within the external auditory canal.

Abstract: An implantable infusion port is provided to facilitate delivery of medication to a patient, wherein the infusion port has a substantially reduced internal volume to minimize the quantity of residual medication therein. The infusion port comprises a cup-shaped housing with a self-sealing septurn mounted thereon to define an internal chamber for receiving medication infused through the patient's skin and the septurn via a hypodermic needle or the like. A catheter mounted on the housing communicates with the internal chamber to deliver the medication to a selected site within the patient. A substantial portion of the chamber volume is occupied by inert beads which minimize the open volume of the chamber and thereby maximize medication delivery to the patient.

Abstract: A syringe for sequentially injecting a plurality of liquids into an intravenous (IV) infusion component that has a connector fitting includes a syringe vessel having a preferably needleless injection port that is engageable with the connector fitting of the IV component. A syringe plunger is slidably disposed in the syringe vessel, and at least one barrier plunger is slidably disposed in the syringe vessel between the injection port and the syringe plunger. The barrier plunger is formed with a pathway for fluid communication therethrough, and a fluid-tight membrane is positioned in the pathway of the barrier plunger to block fluid communication through the pathway. A non-sharp nipple extends inwardly from the injection port for breaking the membrane of the barrier plunge when the barrier plunger is urged against the nipple. A first liquid is disposed in the syringe vessel between the barrier plunger and the injection port and a second liquid is disposed in the syringe vessel between the two plungers.

Abstract: A surge suppresser which has a collapsible flexible wall that accumulates the aspiration fluid of an interocular surgical system. The surge suppresser has an inlet port and an outlet port that are connected to an aspiration line downstream from a surgical tip. The aspiration line is connected to a vacuum device which draws fluid from the tip. When an occlusion in the aspiration line occurs, the decrease in pressure caused by the vacuum device will cause the flexible wall to collapse and close the inlet and outlet ports of the surge suppresser. When the occlusion breaks, the inlet port initially opens and the outlet port remains closed so that the flexible wall is expanded by the flow of fluid from the surgical tip. The closed outlet port prevents a surge of fluid from the eye. Additionally, the ports are arranged in a parallel relationship to reduce the momentum of the fluid into the suppresser and further limit the surge of fluid from the eye.

Abstract: An intraperitoneal therapy apparatus for cauterizing tissues in a peritoneal cavity, which comprises a pneumoperitoneal device for introducing gas into the peritoneal cavity, thereby to inflate the cavity, a cautery device for cauterizing diseased tissues in the peritoneal cavity inflated by the pneumoperitoneal device, a suction device for removing fume from the peritoneal cavity, and a control circuit for controlling the pneumoperitoneal device and the suction device in accordance with an operation of the cautery device.

Abstract: A method of destroying and storing a cannula adapted to contact bodily fluids. According to the method, a cannula having at least one sharp point is disposed in an operative relationship with a reel which is fitted in a housing, A portion of the cannula extends exteriorly of the housing and is slidably disposed within an aperture in the housing. A portion of the cannula that is disposed within the housing engages the reel when it is turned and bends the cannula to destroy it and simultaneously commences drawing the cannula into the housing through the aperture to store it. The turning is continued until the point is fully withdrawn into the housing. When fully withdrawn, the point(s) of the cannula snap against the inside of the housing and provide a sensory indication that they are fully withdrawn.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and technique for aspirating substances partially or completely occluding blood vessels or chambers of the heart. The aspirator assembly comprises a catheter assembly and a suction member for aspirating substances through the catheter. The catheter assembly comprises a catheter which travels over a guidewire. Exemplary suction members used for aspirating include a syringe or a vacuum reservoir. The method of treating the intravascular site comprises the steps of advancing a catheter assembly through a patient's vasculature until a distal end of the catheter assembly reaches an area close to the site, and aspirating occluding substances in the vicinity of the site through the distal end of the catheter assembly. The method may also include the additional steps of introducing medication through the catheter, and pulverizing the occlusion or any of its residue, prior to aspirating the occluding substances.

Abstract: A system for controlling drainage of the female bladder comprising a valved catheter, a stylet for placing the catheter in the female urethra, and a spike for opening the valve in the catheter to allow voiding of the contents of the bladder which also includes sensing and transmission means incorporated therein. The valve which may be integral with the shaft or located in a cap on the shaft may be manually operated or opened electronically by a signal transmitted from an external source.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for treating patients suffering from one or more of the conditions of cardiac arrest, shock, respiratory failure, hypothermia, hyperthermia and head injury. Chest tubes are inserted through respective holes in each hemithorax of the patient and attached to a gas source and an exhaust pump with connections and valves for alternately inflating and deflating a patient's thoracic cavity with a gas. A gas regulator, including heat exchanger, is interposed between the gas source and the tubes for warming or cooling the gas, and an electrode is mounted on the tubes and connected through a wire to electronic medical equipment. Collapsed seals are formed annularly around the chest tube and expanded after insertion to form a gas seal between the tube and the chest wall. The seal may be a bladder expanded by filling with a fluid or a wire mesh receptacle which is mechanically expanded and can also serve as the electrode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of enriching hematopoietic progenitor cells from body fluids. In particular, it relates to the use of a cell-trap centrifugation tube containing a gradient solution adjusted to a specific density to enrich for CD34.sup.+ cells from apheresed blood. The tube allows the desired cell population to be collected by decantation after centrifugation to minimize cell loss and maximize efficiency. In addition, the method can be further simplified by density-adjusted cell sorting which uses cell type-specific binding agents such as antibodies and lectins linked to carrier particles to impart a different density to undesired cell populations allowing the progenitor cells to be separated during centrifugation in a more convenient manner.

Abstract: A cutting blade for a rotary vitreous cutter having an opening separated by a cutting bar having two cutting edges so that one of the openings is always in communication with the cutting port in the outer tube of the vitreous cutter as the cutting blade rotates.

Abstract: A suturing needle asssembly used for the retropubic surgical correction of anatomical stress incontinence due to pelvic relaxation, the suturing needle assembly having an array of four needles inside a protective sheath. The sheath protects fragile tissues from inadvertent penetration by the four needles, each of which has an eyelet for capture of a surgical suture. The spacing of the four needles within the sheath allows for the precise positioning of two sutures (previously woven through a polypropylene "bolster") underneath the endopelvic fascia at the junction of the bladder neck and urethra. According to a method of the present invention, the suturing needle assembly is positioned retropubically at the right side of the bladder neck and the needle points extruded from within the sheath, thus penetrating through the endopelvic fascia.

Abstract: A therapeutic treatment apparatus for use in the middle and inner ear. The apparatus includes a tubular stem portion attached to a medicine-retaining reservoir with an internal cavity. The reservoir includes multiple pores therethrough or an opening having a semipermeable membrane therein which enables medicine delivery from the reservoir. Such delivery occurs when the reservoir comes in contact with selected middle-inner ear interface tissues. A conductive member for receiving electrical potentials from ear tissues is affixed to the apparatus. Alternatively, the apparatus may include tubular first and second stem portions secured on opposite sides of a reservoir along with a conductive member attached thereto of the type indicated above. This apparatus is surgically inserted so that the first stem portion is placed within the inner ear. At least part of the apparatus (the second stem portion) resides within the external auditory canal.