Abstract: A process and apparatus (invention) permitting the distribution of micro or submicro liter or gram (exceptionally small) quantities of liquids and powders, (hereafter materials) in patterns and quantities that are especially well-suited for ophthalmologic patient self-application of drugs to his own eye(s) with substantially no overdose. The invention is thus also highly beneficial in those many topical drug applications where overdoses should be avoided. This is particularly applicable for the eye, where overdoses can have many deleterious medical consequences. Use of the invention permits exceptionally small doses of ophthalmologic drugs. Moreover, it also permits the repeatability of the quantity size of the materials chosen for delivery. In the case of drugs, particularly opthomologic drugs, this means that the invention permits the repeated multiple distribution of the same chosen drug/carrier quantity resulting in a uniform repeatable dosage.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of connecting a reconstitution device to a drug container having a top and a closure. The method includes the steps of:providing a reconstitution device having first and second ends, the second end having a receiving chamber dimensioned to receive the top of the container for fixedly attaching the device to the container, the device having a central channel housing a piercing member, the device further having first and second sleeve members capable of sliding axially with respect to one another from an inactivated position where the piercing member is outside the receiving chamber to an activated position where a portion of the piercing member is positioned inside the receiving chamber; andinserting the top of the container into the receiving chamber of the device and fixedly attaching the container therein when the device is in the inactivated position.

Abstract: A device and method for infection-resistant blood sampling from a patient which inhibits passage of microorganisms. The device includes a blood collection mechanism having a one-way valve between a blood collection port and a cannula. The device further includes a second channel with its upstream end in fluid communication with the cannula and its downstream end in communication with the blood collection mechanism.

Abstract: A twist valve for use in a fluid delivery system is provided for selectively allowing fluid flow and blocking fluid flow therethrough. The twist valve is in communication with a pre-filled flexible container and includes a proximal part and a distal part each having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The proximal and distal parts are equipped with cylindrical helical surfaces which allow them to move toward or away from each other when a twisting force is applied to them. The fluid outlet of the proximal part is blocked with a stopper in the distal part when the twist valve is in the closed position, and is unblocked by the stopper when the twist valve is in the open position.

Abstract: A needleless injection site comprising a housing which defines an interior chamber and a central opening which communicates with the interior chamber. The housing further comprises an elongate, proximally extending dilator projection portion which defines a fluid passage. Disposed within the central opening and the interior chamber is a reseal member which has an elastically openable and closable aperture disposed therein and defines an expandable and collapsible internal reservoir. The reseal member normally resides in a first position within the housing wherein the aperture is in a closed configuration and the reservoir is collapsed. The reseal member is deformable such that the application of distally directed pressure thereto will cause the reseal member to distally advance within the housing to a second position wherein the aperture assumes an open configuration and communicates with the fluid passage and the reservoir.

Abstract: Surgical fluid collection devices, systems and methods allow individual containers to be coupled in series using a single inflow port and a single outflow port on each container. Surgical fluids are sealed within a disposable liner in each container. In most embodiments, a one-way valve of the liner seals surgical fluid within the liner to prevent spillage to a surrounding vacuum chamber, and allows flow from the surrounding vacuum chamber into the interior of the liner to equalize pressure across the liner. This arrangement allows the use of flexible, inexpensive liners with large interior volumes, without having to resort to complex pressure equalizing arrangements. A sterilizable polymer receptacle is also provided which can withstand the large pressure forces associated with large fluid collection volumes.

Abstract: In a system which utilizes an endoscope and irrigation fluid during surgery within a body orifice, and in which irrigation fluid is withdrawn via a principal path into a suction canister, there is a substantially constant suction and withdrawal rate from the operative site to limit absorption of irrigation fluid within the patient, because a bifurcated flow path that leads to the suction canister not only from the endoscope but also from a drain bag receiving overflow from the body orifice via a tailored drape includes a substantially greater flow impedance in the drain bag path. The common suction line joined to the endoscope line and the drain bag line draws a flow through the endoscope that predominates, to maintain substantially constant withdrawal of irrigation fluid via that path, and substantially eliminates the possibility of loss of suction.

Abstract: A smoke extraction device for use with an electrosurgical instrument is provided. The smoke extraction device includes an elongated body portion defining a first lumen having first and second ends. The first end of the first lumen is adapted to be connected to a source of vacuum. A channel portion defining a second lumen is connected to the body portion. The channel portion defines a second lumen and includes an inlet opening which communicates with the first and second lumens. An attachment member is operatively secured to the elongated body portion. The attachment member is configured and dimensioned to releasably secure the smoke extraction device to a surgical instrument having a distally extending tool member. The attachment member is positioned on the elongated body such that when the smoke extractor device is releasably secured to a surgical instrument, the inlet opening of the channel portion is positioned below the tool member.

Abstract: An implantable drainage valve for the treatment of hydrocephalus includes a housing having an opening at each end and a fluid passageway therebetween, a valve seat within the housing at one end, a closure element dimensioned to be seated in the valve seat, a spring member within the housing secured at the opening opposite the valve seat and a feeder disposed between the closure element and the spring which transmits force from the spring to the closure member. When the housing is in a substantially vertical position, the closure is subjected to a downward force including a force from the spring and the weight of the feeder.

Abstract: A portable wound treatment apparatus, for stimulating the healing of superficial wounds, comprises a housing containing a suction pump and a canister for containing fluids drawn from the wound. The housing is supported on a harness or belt worn by the patient. The canister is connected to a porous wound dressing at the wound site via a plurality of tubes, a multi-lumen tube or a combination thereof. A rechargeable battery pack may be incorporated within the housing or provided externally thereto. In the case of an external battery pack, the pack may be shaped to balance the housing on the harness or belt. In operation, pressure transducers are provided to monitor and, if desired, report pressures at the wound site or internal to the canister. Monitored pressures may also be utilized to determine the filled state of the canister and, thereafter, either report this state to the operator or automatically discontinue suction from the wound, or both.

Abstract: A vial access adapter for withdrawal of a medical fluid contained in a vial which includes a vial access adapter body having a circular top wall with a plurality of vent holes, a circular second wall spaced from the top wall, and a cylindrical side wall which walls define a chamber for holding an anti-bacterial filter. A first spike centrally located in the vial access adapter body extends through the top wall, chamber, and bottom wall, with one end extending above the top wall terminating in a threaded luer connector, while the other end terminates in a sharp point. A flow channel extends through the first spike designed for withdrawal of the medical fluid from the vial. A second spike positioned parallel to the first spike extends from the second wall, one end of which extends into the chamber, and the other end terminates in a sharp point. A flow channel extends through the second spike designed for air flow from the chamber into the vial.

Abstract: A dispenser of eyedrop medication that includes a detachable spout connected to a bottle. The spout has a curved bend region that terminates in a discharge port and that extends in a radial direction from a center of the mouth of the eyedrop bottle to define a distance less than one-half a width of the body of the eyedrop bottle or, if larger, then made of a flexible, resilient material. In this manner, a cap may be secured to the eyedrop bottle to contain the spout with the confines of the cap.

Abstract: A intravenous infusion device which includes a bag of an impervious flexible material which is divided into two compartments by a central partition of an impervious flexible material. A first compartment is filled with an infusion liquid and contains an outlet provided with a connection to a flexible hose and an infusion needle. The second compartment is empty and has an inlet provided with a connector to an inflation device such as a hand-operated balloon. This second compartment can be inflated to exert a pressure on the first compartment in order to cause the infusion liquid to be conveyed into the patient's vein at the required rate of flow. The infusion device can be used in all cases where the bag cannot be suspended above the patient as for instance on the battlefield or after an accident. It is likewise suitable in all cases where an increased rate of infusion is required.

Abstract: A breakable seal is located within a housing. The housing includes a ribbed region of restricted diameter protruding from the wall into the bore. A breakable juncture in the seal joins the tip of a cannula member to the base of the cannula member. The leading portion of the tip is free of any projection that frictionally engages either the wall or the ribbed region. Thus, neither the wall nor the ribbed region contacts or constrains movement of the leading portion in the bore when the tip is broken from the base. The trailing portion of the tip carries at least one projection constructed to frictionally engage the ribbed region. The ribbed region constrains movement of the trailing portion through the bore when the tip is broken from the base. By rocking the cannula tip, the juncture can be broken and the cannula tip advanced to a secure position in the housing.

Abstract: The present invention uses straps and fasteners to adjustably support a receptacle on a patient who is recovering from a surgery or wound. Drainage from the wound or surgical incision is directed into the receptacle, which is fastened to a primary strap in any position that is convenient and comfortable for the patient. The extensive adjustability of the system facilitates prompt patient ambulation by allowing the patient to locate the receptacle in a position that maximizes comfort and minimizes personal inconvenience.

Abstract: The invention relates to a piercing pin (10) for perfusion purposes to pierce the resilient capsule of a bottle and allow liquid to flow from the bottle (44) to a perfusion system. The piercing pin (10) for perfusion purposes is constituted by a pin body (30) having a longitudinal projection (36) including at least one internal duct (37a, 37b), and piercing means (20) including an internal duct (25) extending said internal duct (37a, 37b) of the longitudinal projection (36), said piercing means (20) are removable and are connected to said longitudinal projection (36) by temporary fastening means (28, 38) for transmitting piercing force to said longitudinal projection (36) and for coming apart from said longitudinal projection (36) when the pin is withdrawn from the bottle. The piercing pin can thus be used once only.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and mixing together of diluents and medicaments. The container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by preferentially peelable seals, in which the diluents and medicaments are stored. The container is constructed of thermoplastic materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The peelable seals are ruptured by manipulation of the container to thereby mix the contents together for delivery through standard IV arrangement to a patient. The seals are constructed such that the seal between the diluent and medicament compartments is preferentially ruptured such that a liquid medicament and a diluent are always mixed before the combined solution is accessible for administration. The container is fillable with a single component liquid medicament which may be susceptible to sloshing or turbulence.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided to effect solution exchange particularly for a patient requiring peritoneal dialysis. The system includes a device (1) that is portable and particularly adaptable for patients requiring a night time exchange or an additional exchange. The device (1) includes an operator-touch control panel (10) operatively connected to a pouch (26) with an incorporated heater (12). The pouch (26) holds a solution bag (18) and may be selectively opened and closed by a cover (28). A drain tray (30) holds a drain bag (20) and has a scale (14) incorporated therein. The pouch (26) is connected to the control panel (10) by an upper arm (38), and the drain tray (30) is connected to the control panel (10) by a lower arm (42). The device (1) may be collapsed by releasing the upper arm (38) and the lower arm (42) such that the system (1) lays in a substantially flat arrangement when not in use.

Abstract: In a process for bleaching chemically tanned skin and discolored nails, a bleaching composition is applied to the skin or nails to be bleached or lightened. The applied composition may be left undisturbed or may be rubbed into the skin continuously. The treatment period is about 30 seconds to 10 minutes in the case of skin, and about 5 minutes to 30 minutes in the case of nails. Thereafter the applied composition is removed from the skin or nails by a combination of towel wiping and water rinsing. The bleaching composition may include a bleaching agent comprising hydrogen peroxide and may include an activator comprising ammonium bicarbonate. The bleaching composition may also include an exfoliant comprising fine abrasive particles such as ground walnut shells, pumice or sand.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vitamin additive such as Vitamin A, B.sub.12, C, D, E, incorporated into the thermoplastic material of a sock, glove or like body protection article. The thermoplastic material is preferably a block copolymer such as SEBS, SEPS and SEEPS copolymer. Additionally, the thermoplastic material can include natural oils such as grape seed oil, avocado oil, jojoba oil, canola oil, ceramides and aloe.