Abstract: A disposable assembly comprises a drug container (2) having at one end an opening which is surrounded by an outwardly directed flange (7). A connector (1) has a sleeve (13) which is closed (14) at one end and open at its opposite end to receive the flanged end of the drug container as a plunger. Positioning means (18,19) provided within the sleeve and cooperating with the flange define an inserted and a retracted position of said sleeve relative to the flanged end of the drug container. A piercing member (15) provided at the closed end of the sleeve is directed towards the open sleeve end. A connecting member (16) provided at the closed sleeve end is directed opposite to said piercing member (15) and communicating therewith by means of a through passage (17).

Abstract: A removable inflatable beneficial agent delivery device that is adapted to reside in the stomach for a prolonged time period. The device comprises (1) an inflatable member which in its deflated state can be inserted into the stomach via a naso-gastric tube and which in its inflated state resides comfortably in the stomach but cannot pass through the pyloric sphincter, (2) an inflation tube connected to the inflatable member by which the inflatable member can be inflated from outside the body and which is dropped into the stomach after inflation, and (3) one or more agent-containing cartridges that are carried exteriorly on the inflatable member or the inflation tube and are capable of delivering agent to the gastrointestinal tract over a prolonged time period.

Abstract: Mounted on the catheter is an endoprosthesis which can be inserted into a vessel, for example, in a predetermined position, radially expandable, implantable at the expansion site, where it is subsequently retained in place. The endoprosthesis can encompass a section of the catheter by its own radial tension and can thereby be retained in an essentially fixed position, without axial play, while its separation from the catheter is effected by radial expansion during implantation. The endoprosthesis may, however, also be mounted on the catheter in an essentailly fixed position, without axial play, by mechanical means ceasing to be effective after the implantation because of radial expansion, or which can be eliminated after the implantation so as to enable the catheter to be withdrawn.

Abstract: An intraoperative blood recovery system and method for salvaging operative blood while simultaneously delivering previously collected blood to a reinfusion system. A blood collection and transfer reservoir, having multiple compartments which can be separated by vacuum or pressure barriers, is designed to maintain a continuous suction for blood inflow while blood previously collected can be simultaneously transported through the reservoir to achieve an uninterrupted flow of blood into and delivery of blood out of the reservoir.

Abstract: An improved removable expandable sheath for aiding in the introduction of catheters into the body which is fabricated from a semi-stiff plastic with memory formed in a tubular configuration with a longitudinal slit or non-joined seam extending along the entire length of the sheath and where the tubular structure with slit is coiled about its longitudinal axis so that its tubular wall overlaps itself in its native state. On exertion of an internal force directed outward, the tubular sheath enlarges its effective diameter by uncoiling to the extent necessary to accommodate a catheter inserted therein. The memory inherent in the material of the sheath keeps the wall of the sheath snugly around the catheter to afford guidance of the catheter into a blood vessel.

Abstract: An occlusion catheter for use during the therapeutic intervention of a cerebral blood vessel for flushing away fluid and debris from the area of the therapeutic intervention is provided. The catheter carries an inflatable occlusion balloon capable of being formed into a funnel with the larger end of the funnel facing distally. The funnel-shaped occlusion balloon seals the walls of the vessel to establish retrograde flow of blood. The peripheral walls of the funnel meet the vessel walls at an oblique angle and channel fluid and debris flowing proximally into the funnel to efflux ports at the base of the funnel.

Abstract: An angioplasty catheter has an elongated body with at least one lumen extending therethrough. A tip, constructed of materials softer than the elongated body is attached to the distal end of the body. The tip segment has at least one lumen passing therethrough which is in alignment withthe lumen in the elongated body. A guide is adapted to pass through the aligned lumens. A balloon is connected to the distal segment of the elongated body over its outer periphery, thereby creating a balloon cavity therebetween. At least one additional lumen is provided in the elongated body in flow communication with the balloon cavity, for selective inflation and deflation thereof, with a contrast fluid.

Abstract: Connection for catheters, perfusion units and flasks containing liquids to be perfused, of the kind used when parenterally administering liquids, principally characterized in that it comprises a chamber containing an antimicrobian product between the components to be connected, that is to say, between the outlet of the container containing the liquid to be perfused and the perfusion unit, or between this latter and the entrance to the catheter, a hollow needle which traverses opposed penetrable wall portions of the chamber and the antimicrobian liquid therein.

Abstract: A transcatheter occluding intracardiac defect device comprises a folding poly-urethane foam with Teflon coated wire skeleton, introducible into a long vascular sheath and automatically unfolded upon delivery in the distal to the defect cardiac chamber. A two mm string loop is attached to the center of the occluder, while the loop is closed by a 1 mm knot. A loading wire comprises a Teflon hollow wire and a double mono-filament thread which carries the occluder on the one end and is tied on the other end. An occluder-holder comprises a rhomboid poly-urethane foam with Teflon coated wire skeleton and a "rubber" piece sutured in the center. The occluder-holder is advanced over the loading wire axis and through the long sheath in the proximal to the defect cardiac chamber and is pushed against the occluder till it is securely buttoned. The distal end of the loading wire is cut and the hollow wire is pulled out over the double thread. The thread is pulled as a single strand and therefore the device is released.

Abstract: Probe-like catheter has a small diameter and can be steered to and passed through narrow stenoses. The probe has a balloon at its distal end which is collapsible to a low profile to enable it to be passed through the stenosis. The probe may include a distal tip which can hold a preset curve. The probe is sufficiently rigid to enable the transmission of torque to the distal end to permit steering of the probe by controllably rotating the proximal end of the probe.In use, a stenosis which cannot be crossed by a more conventional sized dilatation catheter may permit passage of the dilatation probe.

Abstract: The combination of a syringe which includes a barrel and a needle projecting from one end of the barrel, and a protector slidably mounted on the syringe barrel. A guard portion in the protector shields the tip of the needle with the protector relatively fully extended on the barrel, and in this position a seal inside the protector seals the tip of the needle. The needle is exposed with the protector in a relatively fully retracted position. In an intermediate position, the needle is shielded but the tip is not sealed.

Abstract: A lacrimal fluid modulating device for controlling the flow of lacrimal fluid through a punctum and associated canaliculus of a human eye comprising a generally cylindrical body member with an axial bore, an arcuate head member and peripheral placement and retaining members fashioned upon an exterior surface of the cylindrical body.

Abstract: An antimicrobial catheter shield is provided comprising an elastomeric catheter collar and a planar porous elastomeric peripheral flange, with an absorbent patch containing an antimicrobial agent attached to the surface of the flange opposite to the collar. A radial slit extends through the collar, flange and patch and the collar is adapted with a means for securing a catheter to prevent longitudinal motion of the catheter through the collar. The catheter shield provides an antimicrobial patch, as well as a longitudinal and lateral anchor for the catheter, which is easily applied and readily replaced.

Abstract: A multiple barrel syringe apparatus is provided for selectively dispensing fluids. A body has a plurality of pie shaped bores therein, each bore being open at one end and narrowing at the other end into separate smaller bores opening at the other end thereof. A needle cannula having a bore therethrough or a stopcock may be attached to the other end of the body over a plurality of smaller bores so that each pie-shaped bore can have a liquid therein dispensed through a single bore. A plurality of plungers are each pie shaped for fitting in one of the cylindrical body pie shaped bores and each plunger has a groove extending down one side having a plurality of ratchet teeth therein. A plurality of pawls are formed on the cylindrical body, one pawl positioned adjacent each cylindrical body pie shaped bore on one end for selectively engaging the ratchet teeth in the groove of one plunger so that each plunger can be locked in a different position.

Abstract: The invention describes an ampoule-syringe comprising a single, substantially cylindrical body, divided by a central narrow neck portion in two compartments, constituting the ampoule and the syringe respectively, the narrow neck portion forming the housing for the needle. In order to detach the syringe from the ampoule it is sufficient to break the cylindrical shell at the narrow neck portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device, in particular for once-only use, for injecting an implant which can release a drug in a controlled manner, which device comprises a housing which is provided at the injection end with an injection needle in which the implant can be disposed and in which a passage opening is disposed at the actuating end of the housing for a plunger, mounted in the housing and displaceable in the axial direction of the needle, which, on the one hand, can interact with the implant and, on the other hand, is provided with an actuating element, which element is constructed as an element for pressing and supporting against or on the part of the body to be treated.

Abstract: An applicator for scrubbing an eyelid and a sealed, contaminant-excluding package thereof. The applicator includes an absorbent tip pre-wet for applying a liquid to an eyelid and affixed adjacent to a handle that is held firmly between the fingers for optimal control and safety near the eyeball.

Abstract: The infusion stent system includes a stent member having a plurality of openings provided in the wall of the stent along the entire length of the stent. An imperforate open ended guide tube member used for installation and infusion of the stent accommodates a core member that stiffens the guide tube member. The core member is relatively moveable in the guide tube member to provide selective flexibility at a proximal end of the guide tube member. The stent is positioned in the renal cavity, the ureter and bladder by being pushed along the guide tube member by a push catheter. Fluid is infused through a proximal end of the guide tube member when the core member is removed. The proximal end of the guide tube member can be located at any selected position within the stent. Thus fluid can be infused to any selected location in the stent by positioning the proximal end of the guide tube member at a desired location in the stent.

Abstract: A Y-joint eliminates air space between an injection member and an injection uct by inducing flow from the intake duct towards the injection membrane. The induced flow may be generated by a deflection duct or a bypass duct. In either case, fluid infusion solution is induced to flow in a direction opposite the normal flow of the discharge duct.

Abstract: An automatic needle cover is mounted onto the base of a hypodermic needle on a syringe and leaves the needle exposed for initial use, such as for withdrawing blood or the like. A releasable tab is either cut or released, and a resilient support arm pushes a protective cap out past the end of the needle, to cover the end of the needle and prevent an accidental pricking of the user's skin. The contents of the syringe can drip freely out of the cap, or if desired, the cap can be braced against a depression in a rubber stopper of a container, to thereby facilitate realigning the hole in the cap with the needle, so that the needle contents can be discharged into the container. The protective cap is made so that it moves laterally to insure covering the point of the needle so that the point will not accidentally protrude.