Abstract: A blood constituent processing system uses a disposable plastic fluid flow path into which an anticoagulant must be accurately metered with respect to pumped blood flow. In a preliminary calibration phase, a closed fluid flow path is provided between the anticoagulant pump and the blood pump. One of the pumps is then controlled to inject fluid into such closed path while the other pump is controlled to withdraw fluid from that path at what is nominally an equal fluid flow rate. Changes in fluid pressure within the closed fluid flow path are then monitored and the flow rate of at least one of the pumps is changed as necessary to achieve an approximately constant fluid pressure within the closed fluid flow path. The relative pump flow control required to achieve constant pressure may then be taken as a relative flow rate calibration between the two pumps so as to permit subsequent accurate pumped metering of anticoagulant into the pumped blood flow.

Abstract: A syringe purging device comprises a liquid-tight chamber into which air and/or any excessive amount of a hazardous liquid, such as a chemotherapy drug, is ejected from a syringe to overcome the health hazard created by openly purging syringes into the air or into a pad of gauze material. A sharp open end of a hollow needle of a syringe is sealingly inserted into the liquidtight chamber, and the syringe is activated to purge any air and/or excess liquid into the chamber. The liquidtight chamber may be closed, with any liquid ejected thereinto being retained by absorption into a wad of absorbent material contained within the chamber. Alternately, the chamber may be vented to the atmosphere through a hydrophobic filter such that air injected into the chamber passes through the filter, but any liquid is retained within the chamber since it cannot pass through the hydrophobic filter.

Abstract: An improved cerebral aneurysm clip fabricated from titanium or titanium alloys and utilizing a guide member consisting of a straight wire-like bridging guide secured across a U-shaped bend formed in one or both of the two cross arms of the aneurysm clip. The aneurysm clip is fabricated from a single, elongated resilient member of titanium or titanium alloy coiled at an intermediate portion to form a coil spring for normally urging the clamping arms of the clip together in a resilient manner. The clip further consists of two forearm sections extending outwardly and away from the coil spring in the direction of the clamping arms of the clip with the forearm sections terminating in inwardly bent first elbow portions that support respective cross arm sections.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter for performing balloon angioplasty having multiple independently inflatable/deflatable balloons thereon, each balloon having a different diameter. The balloons are capable of withstanding pressures in excess of 100 psi and are non-elastomeric and imperforate. Also disclosed is a method for performing balloon angioplasty by advancing a balloon catheter of the type disclosed into a stenosis inside a blood vessel, inflating a first balloon to partially dilate the stenosis, advancing a second balloon into the partially dilated stenosis, wherein the diameter of the second balloon is greater than the diameter of the first balloon, and inflating the second balloon to further dilate the stenosis.

Abstract: A dilatation catheter, in particular for expanding constrictions in coronary vessels, includes a balloon (2) capable of being enlarged by injecting a fluid through a tube (3). The tube (3) is arranged laterally offset from a segment of flexible tubing (7) by which a passage (8) for a guide wire (1) is formed in the balloon (2).

Abstract: An improved method for expanding the open ends of human vessels employs an expandable cell which can be inflated a bubble at the open end of a vessel. The method is carried out with a novel closed end cell which can be connected to a source of fluidized pressure such a hypodermic syringe and, in its relaxed state can be introduced into the open end of the vessel for subsequent expansion into a bubble of the desired diameter to cause uniform length extension of the open end of the vessel. The cell may be prestressed or weakened to establish the location of bubble formation within the cell.

Abstract: A new method and apparatus is described for separating motile sperm from semen for use in fertilization. The semen sample is placed in communication with the inlet of a tubule filled with sperm media. The motile sperm then swim away from the semen through the tubule and are ultimately harvested. The sperms so collected are then separated from the semen which contains undesirable microorganisms, endotoxins, and the like.

Abstract: A device for dispensing a product in predetermined metered amounts. The product is contained in a tank including an output orifice associated with means which continuously control the output of product from the tank. The opening of two adjacent valves, each comprising a calibrated nozzle, is controlled by a piezoelectric crystal. Electronic means are provided to control the deformation of the crystals to control the output of product from the tank in predetermined metered amounts.

Abstract: The invention is generally accomplished by providing a tampon-applicator combination wherein the tampon is a generally elongated tampon having a series of grooves in the surface. An applicator is provided that has a handle and a series of prongs corresponding to the number of grooves in the tampon. The prongs are placed in the grooves of the tampon and hold the tampon for insertion into the vagina. The prongs do not resist withdrawal from the grooves when the applicator is removed from the vagina, leaving the tampon in place.

Abstract: Proximal manifold and adapter device for use with a catheter having first and second lumens. A manifold having a plurality of arms is provided. One of the arms has a passage therein in communication with the first lumen. Another of the arms is in communication with the second lumen. An interconnector connects said first and second arms for establishing communication between the same. The innerconnector means includes a housing having an inlet port and a valve for establishing communication between the inlet port and the side arms.

Abstract: Catheter tubes of elastomeric material having novel lumen shapes which prevent occlusion and accommodate continued liquid flow even when kinked. Also, catheter tube slit valves are disclosed, the walls of which are not chemically weakened. Symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of said slit valves are disclosed. Combinations of highly reliable slip valves and catheter tubes are disclosed. Independently operable multi-lumen catheter assemblies of synthetic material, such as silicone rubber are disclosed, wherein the distal end of each lumen is normally closed by a three-position slit valve formed in a catheter tube covering.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for the implantation of artificial hair in human skin. The apparatus comprises a metallic hair implanting needle having an engaging part for engaging a hair root part of a strand of artificial hair at the tip end of the needle, and an external cylinder housing the hair implanting needle. A high frequency electric current generating device is provided in electric circuitry connection with the hair implanting needle, and a switch is provided for selectively supplying high frequency current from the generating device to the needle momentarily when the tip of the needle carrying the hair root part of artificial hair is inserted into the skin.

Abstract: In the identification of fish, tags having on at least one side visually detectable markings encoding information pertaining to a fish are shallowly implanted within transparent or semi-transparent tissues of respective specimens. Upon release and subsequent capture of the fish specimens, the locations of the tags are optically determined by a visual inspection of the fish. The information is retrieved from the tags by either reading the information from the implanted tags through the transparent or semi-transparent tissue or excising the tags and thereupon reading the information. In either case, the specimens are not significantly harmed or injured by virtue of the implantation and reading operations. The implanted tags also have a minimum effect on survival and other biological traits and behavior.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a dilating catheter, a guiding catheter, and a length of tubing. The tubing is connected to the guiding catheter, and is pivotable between two positions. In the first position, the proximate end of the tubing is end to end with the tip of the catheter. In the second position, the proximate end of the tubing is adjacent the tip of the guiding catheter. The tubing has a plurality of side holes. A guide wire holds the tubing in the first position. The catheter assembly is inserted into the patient's aorta, while the tubing is in the first position. The guide wire is removed, and the tubing is pivoted to the second position. The proximate end of the tubing and the tip of the guiding catheter are then inserted into an artery. Angiography or angioplasty then proceeds normally.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter for performing balloon angioplasty comprising concentric, independently inflatable/deflatable balloons, each balloon having a different diameter. The balloons are capable of withstanding pressures in excess of 100 psi and are non-elastomeric and imperforate. Also disclosed is a method for performing balloon angioplasty by advancing a balloon catheter of the type disclosed into a stenosis inside a blood vessel, inflating a first balloon to partially dilate the stenosis, advancing a second balloon into the partially dilated stenosis, wherein the diameter of the second balloon is greater than the diameter of the first balloon, and inflating the second balloon to further dilate the stenosis.

Abstract: A package assembly for a plastic film bandage includes a plastic film bandage having skin adhesive on one side thereof, with a support sheet removably attached to the other side of the bandage and extending beyond the edge of the bandage in at least one area. A tube typically communicates across an end of the bandage with a portion of the tube being positioned against the one side thereof. Means are provided for anchoring the tube into the above-described position. Peel-away protection sheet means are releasably attached to the bandage, covering the one side of the bandage and that portion of the tube which is positioned against the one side. Hinge means are provided, attaching the support sheet and at least a portion of said peel-away protection sheet means at a peripheral position spaced from the bandage. Thus, upon opening, at least a portion of the protection sheet means may be removed from the bandage and may serve as a grippable extension of the support sheet as the bandage is applied to a patient.

Abstract: A stimulation device of an acupuncture point comprising a stimulation member acting by pressure, rigidly connected to an element adapted for maintaining the member pressed on the portion of the body where the acupuncture point in consideration is situated. The pressure member of the stimulation member is surrounded by a peripheral ridge adapted for bearing on the skin and provided for limiting its driving in the central pressure member which is adapted for coming to bear on the acupuncture point being rigidly connected at its periphery to a resiliently deformable crown of general convex shape which causes, by a driving in of the central region rigidly connected to the central pressure member, the formation of a protruding annular crown the circular ridge of which forms a bearing line surrounding the pressure member.