Abstract: A heater 10 for warming blood, plasma and other solutions flowing through an intravenous tube prior to its entry into a patient. The heater has a housing that has an elongated channel 17 which extends from one end of the housing to the other and which is sized to receive and releasably hold in intimate contact an elongated portion of an intravenous tube. The channel is formed with an elongated slot 18 against which is mounted a heating element H controlled by a control circuit 30 and powered by batteries B. The control circuit may energize the heating element continuously or cyclically with a regulated pulse width modulator U1 in response to sensed temperatures.

Abstract: A retainer is used in combination with two tubular flow connectors to prevent the inadvertent disconnection of I.V. tubing sets. The retainer includes at least one open collar having a flexible opening so as to be radially and securely attachable adjacent to an increased diameter portion on a tubing connector. A pair of parallel straps connects the collar with an axially pivotable joint so as to facilitates easy manipulation and engagement of the retainer.

Abstract: A dilating device for use in obtaining access to a body organ of a patient comprises, in accordance with the present invention, a plurality of elongate rigid members extending substantially parallel to one another, and an elastic membrane connected to the rigid members for defining a transversely expandable longitudinally extending channel. The rigid members take the form of elongate, substantially cylindrical or conical segments. A needle is inserted through the channel defined by the membrane and the rigid segments. Alternatively, the dilating device is inserted through the needle. Upon expansion of the dilating device, an instrument such as a catheter or endoscope is inserted to implement a surgical or diagnostic procedure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a leak detector for an intra-aorta balloon pump which has a pressure source for pressurizing a primary fluid, a balloon filled with a secondary fluid and inflated thereby, and an isolating device which includes a diaphragm for defining a primary chamber and secondary chamber within the device. The primary chamber is communicated with the pressure source and supplied with the primary fluid, and the secondary chamber is communicated with the balloon and filled with the secondary fluid. The leak detector includes a sensor for detecting a relative position of the diaphragm against at least an inner surface of one of the primary chamber and secondary chamber, and determines a leak of the secondary fluid in response to the relative position of the diaphragm detected by the sensor.

Abstract: A surgical instrument of the trocar type, comprising a cannula, a needle engaged in the cannula, and manually controlled locking means suitable for selectively locking the needle in translation relative to the cannula.

Abstract: A one-piece molded syringe with tethered cap is disclosed. The syringe has a hollow body having two parts, a pleated part forming a substantial part of the hollow body and a forward portion connected to the pleated part having a reduced cross-sectional area for receiving the fingers of a user. The cap is tethered to the syringe for maintaining the accessibility of the cap. A projection or pair of projections, formed integrally with the forward portion of the syringe, have a frusto-conical shape to receive the cap thereon. The projection(s) extends laterally outward from the forward portion to also serve as an abutment to prevent the syringe from rolling along a surface.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter for angioplasty procedures having inner and outer tubular members with a reinforcing mandrel fixed within the annular lumen between the the inner and outer tubular members. The catheter is adapted for use with a guidewire having an OD of not more than 0.014 inch (0.356 mm), preferably less than about 0.012 inch (0.305 mm). The mandrel has a small diameter distal section which extends into the portion of the dilatation catheter which extends out of the distal end of the guiding catheter and into the patient's coronary artery during the angioplasty procedure.

Abstract: A syringe plunger position detection and alarm system continuously determines the position of a syringe plunger and provides near end of travel and end of travel alarms. Plunger movement is also monitored and if movement is less than a calculated amount, an alarm is provided. A variety of syringes of different sizes is usable. A potentiometer is mounted along the line of travel of the screw drive mechanism and a marker is mounted to extend from the screw mechanism to the potentiometer to force an internal contact in the potentiometer. The voltage provided by this internal contact is analyzed by the process to derive absolute and relative position of the plunger. The end of travel position of each plunger is stored in processor memory and from the operator input rate of infusion, the characteristic curve of the potentiometer also stored in memory, the plunger displacement of the syringe, and the time of the near end of travel alarm, the voltage of the near end of travel position is calculated.

Abstract: A stent for placement within a body lumen and comprising a wall structure wherein at least a portion thereof is a hollow wall. The hollow wall has disposed therein a hydrophilic material which can be in the form of a gel, for example, which swells upon introduction of a liquid into the hollow wall to thereby achieve inflation thereof. The hollow wall is fabricated of a semi-permeable membrane whereby fluid from tissues surrounding the stent at the site of placement can pass through the membrane and swell the hydrophilic material to thereby inflate the hollow wall. A drug can be disposed with the hydrophilic material for release through the membrane at the site of stent placement. The entire wall structure of the stent can be a hollow wall, or the wall structure can incorporate both hollow and non-hollow wall portions such as hollow and solid fibers which are braided, woven or wound together.

Abstract: An assembly for use in drainage of an abscess comprises an outer tubular member provided in a distal end portion with a plurality of longitudinal slits. The distal end portion of the tubular member has a spring bias tending to form the distal end portion into a substantially spherical expanded configuration to anchor the distal end portion of the tubular member in an abscess. An inner tubular member or obturator is inserted into the outer tubular member and has a distal end provided with a cutting edge projecting from the outer tubular member. Locking components on the obturator and the outer tubular member serve to maintain the latter in a stretched out cylindrical configuration enabling insertion of the distal end portion into an abscess.

Abstract: A device for use in obtaining intravenous or intraarterial arterial access comprises solid body portion in the form of a cylindrical segment having a pair of longitudinally extending edges, and an elastic membrane connected to the body portion along the edges, whereby the device has a variable transverse cross-section to facilitate the passage of intravenous fluid at a relatively large rate into a vein or artery. The intravenous facilitation device may function as a catheter designed to remain in the vein or artery. Alternatively, the intravenous facilitation device functions as a removable vein dilater through which a catheter is inserted into a vein. In the latter case, the device may further comprise a needle inserted through a channel defined by the solid body portion and the flexible or elastic membrane. In addition, a catheter may be provided in a cylindrical space surrounding the needle and inside the dilating device.

Abstract: A perfusion balloon catheter includes an inflatable balloon formed by a series of loops of a flexible, inflatable tube in a generally cooperative tubular shape. The loops are supported by a coiled support member and are locked within the coiled support member by a wire retainer. The cooperative tubular shape of the individual loops perform to provide an inflatable cooperative outer surface of the balloon and a perfusion passage within the balloon.

Abstract: Hollow body organs, such as the gallbladder, may be ablated by introducing a substantially unheated thermally conductive medium to the interior of the organ. The thermally conductive medium is then heated to a temperature sufficient to necrose the endothelial lining or mucous membrane of the organ. After the lining or membrane has necrosed, the interior of the organ will fibrose over time and the organ will eventually be resorbed by the body. A catheter useful in performing the ablation method comprises an elongate member having a heating element at its distal tip. The catheter will include at least one lumen for delivering the thermally conductive medium to the interior of the hollow body organ, and the heating means is used to raise the temperature of the thermally conductive medium after it has been delivered.

Abstract: A medical device for localizing a nonpalpable breast lesion. The device includes a tubular introducer needle and a wire guide positioned therein for inserting into a breast to the site of the lesion. The wire guide includes a distal portion having a preformed, resilient helical coil configuration for locking into position about the lesion. The distal portion includes a superelastic metallic alloy for maintaining the helical coil configuration after repeated extensions from and retractions into the needle passageway. The needle is inserted with the wire guide positioned therein into the breast to the site of the lesion and from the distal portion of the needle. The distal end of the needle includes a plurality of indentations for enhancing the ultrasound visualization thereof. As the distal portion of the wire guide emerges from the needle, the acuate distal end of the wire guide cuts into and scribes a helical path about the tissue distal to the lesion.

Abstract: A pumping system is provided for administering a secondary treatment fluid to a patient intravenously in cooperation with a primary treatment fluid administration set already in place. The system includes a self-contained pumping unit having a pumping chamber and a secondary treatment fluid reservoir integral therewith. A secondary fluid line extending from the unit merges with a primary fluid line at a fitting for delivery of the fluids carried in the primary and secondary lines to the patient via a combined IV line.

Abstract: An in-line valve for a medical tubing set has a tubular member characterized by an internal annular valve seat and a generally circular rubber-like valve member disposed transversely of the tubular member with its edges fixed relative thereto and with a central portion thereof tensioned into seating engagement against the annular valve seat whereby to normally close the in-line valve. Elements on the valve member are engageable by a connector as same is assembled to the tubular member to move the valve member off of the valve seat whereby to automatically open the in-line valve upon assembly of a connector thereto.

Abstract: A parenteral device (10) for the transfer of fluids to or from a living body. The device (10) comprises a body (11) having a chamber (18) and an opening (17) provided in the wall of the chamber (18). A hollow needle (19) is open at its outer end and is slidably mounted to the body (11) for axial movement therein. The needle (19) is movable between a first position in which it extends through said opening (17) such that its outer end extends beyond the body (11) and a second position in which the outer end of said needle is located innermost from said opening (17). A second aperture (21) in the wall of the needle (19) provides communication between the chamber (18) and the lumen of the needle (19) when in the first position.

Abstract: This invention is directed to improved syringes and protected needle accessories for use in injecting or withdrawing fluids as well as catheter placement use. Needles are encapsulated for proper disposal after use is complete. Accessories include syringes, catheters, filters, guide wires, dental cartridge-needle combinations and medication-laden syringes, blood drawing needles, holders and biopsy needles. Devices help combat drug abuse and disease transmission by safely isolating the needle point. Containment shells, caps, case accessories, and self-annulling plugs are provided to protect the user and innocent bystander from needle and contaminating fluids. Superior sealing means are disclosed and a tactile securing means to fasten a needle or cap to a threaded hub or collar. Standard parts are used where possible. Self-aspirating capability is provided in some cases.

Abstract: A single-syringe device capable of inserting its contents, such as a blood filter, into the body of a patient in either of two opposite directions exclusively chosen by an operator in a fail-safe manner. First and second plungers slide in opposite directions within the syringe, which is connected to a catheter or similar, to transfer the contents into the patient's body. The device is constructed so that only one plunger can be employed at a time. Each plunger and the end of the syringe it cooperates with is coded, by color or otherwise. Such a construction and coding insure fail-safe operation when the syringe's contents must be inserted in only one direction. For example, a blood filter that traps emboli must have the same orientation whether it be inserted in one direction from the patient's jugular vein or in the opposite direction from the patient's femoral vein.

Abstract: An improved intravenous catheter launching device includes a body having a cavity; a hollow, sharpened needle connected to and extending outwardly from the body wherein the needle is in flow communication with the cavity; a flexible catheter having a tapered distal end and slidably telescoped over the needle such that the catheter is latchingly connected to the body by a triggering mechanism biased by a resilient extension of the body; and a compression spring operably biasing the catheter axially outwardly along the needle. Modified embodiments of the intravenous catheter launching device include a triggering mechanism biased by a second compression spring, a trigger molded integrally with a body, a rigid plunger spaced in a channel for physically launching a catheter and a semi-rigid plunger spaced in an arcuate channel for similarly launching a catheter from a minimally sized body.