Abstract: A catheter having an elongate body has a first lumen extending therethrough. A concave wall is formed in the body proximate the distal end thereof such that the concave wall is a wall of the first lumen. A first slit is formed in the concave wall. The first slit opens in response to decreased fluid pressure within the lumen so as to facilitate aspiration via the first lumen. Optionally, a first convex wall is formed in the body such that the first convex wall is a wall of the first lumen. A second slit is formed in the first convex wall. The second slit opens in response to increased fluid pressure within the first lumen so as to facilitate infusion via the first lumen. Optionally, a second lumen extends through a substantial portion of the body. A second convex wall is formed in the body proximate the distal end thereof such that the second convex wall is a wall of the second lumen. A third slit is formed in the second convex wall.

Abstract: Disclosed is a Low Profile Perfusion Catheter, for use in coronary angioplasty applications. Preferably, the catheter is provided with an inflatable dilatation balloon, and a perfusion lumen extending therethrough. The diameter of the perfusion lumen is enlargable from a first, reduced diameter to a second, enlarged diameter. In one embodiment, an axially movable tubular support is movable within the lumen from a proximal, insertion position to a distal perfusion position. In another embodiment, the support is radially expandable. In a further embodiment, a porus drug delivery balloon is provided.

Abstract: A pressure sensor 16 has a length C and a width D identical respectively to a length A and a width B of a fluid pumping section 11 and is provided in a portion of a cover 15 opposite to the fluid pumping section 11. The fluid pumping section 11 has a structure for pressing a tube placed in a groove 13 by means of fingers which advance and retract in a cavity 14 formed in a wall 12 of a main body. A possible erroneous placement of the tube is detected according to a change of pressure force exerted from each of the fingers, detected by the pressure sensor 16 . The pressure sensor 16, which is provided within a range in which the fingers can press the tube, can detect even a slight displacement, of the tube from the range in which the fingers can press the tube, to thereby allow detection of erroneous tube placement free of a dead zone to be achieved.

Abstract: A multifunctional visceral catheter having a self-guiding system in the form of a pair of electrochemical sensors which are sensitive to a predetermined analyte, the analyte being one which is removed from the vascular circuit of interest to a high degree, such as galactose in the hepatic venous system or creatinine in the renal venous system. One of the sensors is disposed on the catheter so as to be positioned within the venous system of interest, while the other sensor remains outside the venous system in the inferior vena cava. A substantial difference between analyte concentration values as measured via the two sensors provides immediate confirmation that the catheter is properly positioned, eliminating the need for fluoroscopy or other x-ray techniques.

Abstract: The present invention provides an intravenous fluid flow regulator 10 for controlling the I.V. administration of medical fluid to a patient. The fluid flow regulator 10 provides a housing 12 having a top 18 and a bottom 20. A flexible diaphragm 14 is positioned within housing 12. A diaphragm holder 16 is provided inside housing 12 for holding a sealing edge 56 of flexible diaphragm 14 in fluid sealing engagement with diaphragm holder 16. The housing 12 and flexible diaphragm 14 define an inlet fluid reservoir 62 and an outlet fluid reservoir 64. The diaphragm holder 16 defines a by-pass fluid channel 54 from inlet fluid reservoir 62, around diaphragm 14, to outlet fluid reservoir 64. The flexible diaphragm 14 being flexible to alternatively move into inlet fluid reservoir 62 and outlet fluid reservoir 64 depending on a fluid pressure differential between inlet fluid reservoir 62 and outlet fluid reservoir 64. A fluid inlet 24 is connected to housing top 18 to provide an inlet fluid passage 27 from an I.V.

Abstract: A valve including a substantially rigid cannula and a valve member positioned for operable communication with the cannula. The valve member is formed from a substantially resilient material, having a slit extending therethrough, and movable with respect to the cannula between a first closed position and a second open position. The slit is substantially closed by the resiliency of the material of the valve member when the valve member is positioned in the first closed position and the cannula cooperates to extend through the slit during movement of the valve member from the first closed position to the second open position to establish a fluid flow path through the cannula and the valve member. A sealing member is also provided independent from a flow of fluid within the fluid flow path to provide positive sealing of the slit when the valve member is positioned in the first closed position.

Abstract: An automatic, computer-controlled, closed-loop system administers pulsed doses of medication to patients. One application of the system is for administering oxytocin to women in labor. Once initial, preprogrammed doses of oxytocin are delivered, feedback signals from the patient are processed by a microcomputer. Those signals correspond to changing patterns of intrauterine contractions. In response to the feedback signals, the microcomputer controls the infusion of oxytocin by a pump and varies the size of the pulsed doses. The microcomputer also detects undesirable or emergency conditions from the signals, makes adjustments, and relates that information to the doctor. A display shows intrauterine pressure and relays information announcing the beginning and the end of contractions. The closed-loop system induces labor more efficiently than existing systems while using lower doses of oxytocin.

Abstract: A medical tube/wire holding device and method. The holding device (10) includes a flexible body (14) defining first and second end portions (16, 18), and defining an opening (20) therethrough disposed between the first and second end portions such that the body defines first and second engaging straps (22, 24) disposed on opposite sides of the opening (20) for engaging at least one medical tube (12) or wire. The holding device (10) also includes a mechanism for releasably securing the first end portion of the body of the device to a patient, and a mechanism for securing the first and second engaging straps about at least one medical tube or wire. The holding method includes the steps of releasably securing the first end portion (16) of the body (14) to the patient at a desired location, and positioning at least one medical tube or wire such that it traverses the body (14).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for operating on the human eye detects changes in load, more specifically, mechanical impedance, of the transducer and controls aspiration based on the load changes. A change from a lower load to a higher load indicates that harder tissue is being encountered and accordingly causes aspiration amount to increase. Conversely, a change from a higher load to a lower load indicates that aspiration amount should be quickly decreased since the tissue which is being encountered is softer. One way to detect the impedance is by a sensor, e.g., a piezoelectric element coupled to the operating needle detecting the movement thereof.

Abstract: Unitary casting devices are provided for making casts and splints. In one embodiment, the device includes a padding layer for contact with the patient, a non-hydrophilic, water-permeable inner protective layer juxtaposed against the padding layer, a casting layer comprising a liquid-activatable casting material placed along the inner protective layer, a liquid-impermeable, water vapor permeable first outer protective layer juxtaposed against the casting layer and a non-hydrophilic, water-permeable second outer protective layer juxtaposed against the first outer protective layer. The device also includes means for holding the layers together to form a unitary device. In other embodiments of the unitary device, the device further includes inner and outer water containment layers including a liquid-impermeable, water vapor permeable material such that the device need not be immersible, but may contain its own supply of activating liquid or have liquid introduced into the device.

Abstract: An improved self-sealing gasket provides hemostasis while reducing the force required to move a catheter or guidewire positioned within the gasket. Slits formed on one surface of the gasket intersect with a central aperture formed on the opposite face of the gasket. An annular ring formed on the gasket assists in retaining the gasket within a catheter introducer. An annular shelf may be provided distally of the gasket to prevent dislodgement of the gasket if an instrument is inserted into the introducer off axially.

Abstract: An intravenous fluid flow control device includes a rigid casing having a fluid entrance and a fluid exit. A portion of the casing has a flow restrictor. A pin is disposed inside the casing and axially movable within the flow restrictor. The pin has an interior passageway and at least one upstream opening for a fluid to pass from the casing fluid entrance to the interior passageway of the pin. The upstream opening is elongated in a direction parallel to a pin longitudinal axis, the pin elongated opening being axially movable within the flow restrictor to variably restrict a flow of the fluid passing through the interior passageway of the pin. The pin has a downstream opening for fluid to pass from the interior passageway of the pin to exit the device. Biasing structure (preferably a spring) biases the pin against a fluid pressure of the fluid entering from the casing fluid entrance to cause the pin elongated opening to move with respect to the fluid restrictor.

Abstract: A device for the implementation of pellets containing medication in animals comprises a housing in the shape of a pistol with a handle, a hollow needle for injecting the body of the animal arranged at the front side of the housing and a push rod adapted to being slid into the hollow needle and supported by the housing so as to be longitudinally displaceable. A shaft is also provided in the housing before the hollow needle for a magazine holding pellets which is displaceable therein. A longitudinally displaceable press-back device is arranged in the housing parallel to the push rod and hollow needle. A drawing mechanism is included in the housing for moving the push rod and press-back device. The mechanism is able to be set in motion by an operating lever fastened at the handle via a toothed segment coupled with the operating lever and via a toothed wheel engaging with the operating lever.

Abstract: A pressure monitoring enteral feeding system and method are disclosed including a housing having a pair of channels for receiving a pump tubing segment which connects an intake line and an output line of a delivery set, and for holding the pump tubing segment adjacent a motor unit. A pair of pressure sensors are disposed along the channels to monitor the pressure in the pump tubing segment so as to warn a user when an undesirable pressure has developed either upstream or downstream from the motor unit, and to adjust rate based on the upstream pressure. The housing may also include a lockable cover to securely hold the pump tubing segment in the channels and in firm contact with the pressure sensors.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a soft tip segment (5), a transition segment (11), and a shaft segment (3). The soft tip segment (5) has at least two ungular sections (6, 7) removed from the proximal end. The distal end of the transition segment (11) is bonded to the proximal end of the soft tip (5) segment. The transition segment (11) is comprised of materials having substantially higher tensile strength than the soft tip (5) segment. The distal end of the shaft (3) is bonded to the proximal end of the transition segment (11). The distal end of the shaft (3) has at least two ungular sections (2, 4) removed.

Abstract: A sheath introducer for a catheterization or similar procedure comprises a body having a upper portion and a lower portion, the lower portion being angled with respect to the upper portion; a curved tapering channel extending through the upper and lower portions; a cannula with a tapered distal end extending at an angle with respect to the upper portion a hemostatic valve having an access port and a fluid tight slit opening and seated within the upper portion and maintained by a cap; and an angled sideport in fluid communication with the channel. Optionally, a wiper flange extends inward within the valve access port which provide an additional fluid tight seal when a catheter is slidingly inserted, removed or maintained within the valve. A dilator can be adapted for use with the introducer by having a bend in the tube portion of the dilator.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a stent delivery method and system which generally includes an elongated delivery sheath and a catheter disposed within an outer lumen of the sheath having an expandable member on its distal extremity. An expandable stent is mounted on the expandable member of the catheter. The distal portion of the sheath tapers down and is tucked within an elastic cone during transport of the stent to a stenotic region. A manipulating device is provided on the proximal end of the delivery system to effect relative axial movement between the sheath and the catheter so as to expose the stent mounted on the expandable member on the catheter within a body lumen such as a coronary artery and allow the expansion of the stent by the expansion of the expandable member. The elastic cone thereby disengages from the sheath and collapses about the distal end of the catheter.

Abstract: A catheter for supplying liquid to the coronary sinus in a perfusion procedure comprising a tubular catheter body having an interior lumen, a proximal end, and a distal end; and an inflatable cuff (balloon) adjacent the distal end of the catheter. The cuff has a proximal end and a distal end, each of which encircle the catheter body and hermetically seal thereto. The cuff further comprises an elongated central section having a length of at least 1 inch. When the inflated cuff is positioned a sufficient distance into the coronary sinus to firmly retain the cuff therein, it blocks the left coronary vein where it meets the coronary sinus. Further, the cuff can comprise end panels defined between the central section and the proximal and distal cuff ends. The end panels have a shape which allows for flexure between the central section and the cuffs proximal and distal ends.

Abstract: An intra-aortic catheter apparatus for kidney perfusion and preservation has a catheter with a tube having an intermediate part which forms a permeable zone located so that in an inserted condition of the catheter the permeable zone is exactly located at a renal parahiliar area, a distal balloon located at a distal caudal part of the tube and formed so as to obstruct circulation in an aorta when being inflated, a proximal balloon located at an end of the tube which is insertable over renal arteries and having such a diameter that upon inflation it also fully obstructs aortic circulation, the balloons being located at opposite sides the of the permeable zone, a first opening provided in the tube and communicating with the permeable zone, a second opening provided in the tube so as to end in the renal parahiliar area, a distal opening communicating with the distal balloon for inflating the latter, and a proximal opening communicating with the proximal balloon for inflating the latter, and a monitoring equipment

Abstract: A conformable orthopaedic casting tape made with a combination of silicone elastic fiber and a non-elastic fiber is disclosed. The casting tape is capable of stretching 40% to 200% in the length direction and has a power of between 40 and 175 grams per inch width at 30% elongation.