Abstract: A surgical suction system which may be driven in a plurality of different ways. The basic component of the system is an enlarged container having an inlet and an outlet and being formed of a resilient material of the type which restores itself to its original shape following distortion from the original shape. The inlet is connected to apparatus for insertion to an area of a patient to be drained and includes a check valve for allowing fluid to pass into the container through the inlet while precluding substantial backflow. The outlet may be connected to a check valve and/or a regulated vacuum source. The walls of the container include pleated formations so that the same may be compressed to reduce the volume to establish a vacuum therein.

Abstract: An arterial blood sampling device comprising a syringe adapted to receive an arterial blood sample, a fluid path extending from the syringe and terminating in a scarf which is adapted to be received in an artery. Pressure sensitive means are provided along the fluid path whereby the presence or absence of arterial blood pressure within the path can be visually detected.

Abstract: A collecting bag for the collection of excretions from various body openings, both natural and surgical in nature, is disclosed. The collecting bag includes an inflatable collar which is inserted into a body opening prior to inflation, and which is then inflated in order to firmly anchor itself within that opening and prevent its inadvertent removal therefrom. Means are provided for inflating the collar from a point external the body. The inflating means comprises a channel located within the interior of the bag itself. Additional channel means is provided within the interior of the bag itself for use in the application of an enema.

Abstract: A disposable multi-layer diaper of high absorptive capacity is provided which comprises as a first layer, a porous facing web to be brought into contact with an infant's skin. A second layer, in juxtaposition to the facing layer, is a highly porous, loosely compacted cellulosic batt having greater wettability than that of the facing web. The batt is slightly narrower than the facing layer to provide exposed side portions of the facing layer outwardly of the side edges of the batt. A third layer, integral with the second, is a continuous, paper-like, densified, higly compacted layer of the same cellulosic material as the second layer but of substantially smaller average pore size. The third layer is thickened in selected areas to provide an increased volumetric flow capacity for rapidly drawing fluid away from an initially wetted area and directing it to areas of the densified layer remote from the wetted area.

Abstract: A sterile aspiration catheter is disclosed which includes a catheter tube enclosed within a pliable sleeve and which extends beyond the tube end which is inserted in the patient. Preferably, the sleeve is vented at the end remote from the tube insertion end whereby as the sleeve is retracted from the tube insertion end, air within the envelope escapes through the vent.

Abstract: Colostomy-type catheter devices having multiple sealing balloons dispersed adjacent each end of a single tube, and having a side arm communicating with the lumen of the tube through which fluids may be introduced or withdrawn. Each balloon may have its own inflation lumen or a common lumen. The catheter may be preformed in the shape of a loop, U, .OMEGA., or other form, or contain means embedded in the catheter wall, such as soft wire, that permits the catheter upon a use to be so formed. An external form may also be used to hold the catheter in such shape during use. Clamps may be used to permit sequential or simultaneous infusion of each branch of the catheter, or operate as a bypass from one branch to the other without drainage.

Abstract: The present application discloses a small size otoscope (the instrument with which the doctor examines the ear) including a bulb mounted directly in the proximal portion of the speculum body to illuminate the field of view. The bulb includes positive and negative side contacts and is adapted to be received in a sleeve positioned in the speculum, with the bulb being inserted from the rear of the sleeve to permit easy bulb replacement.

Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a drainage bag for the human body especially usable for patients who have undergone a colostomy, ileostomy, urostomy or the like. The bag has a cloth backing, a special contour to fit the body and enable it to be supported by standard type of underwear having elastic leg bands, and an unobstructed reclosable opening for easy draining.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe comprising a head, a rod slidingly mounted in the head and gripping elements fixed to the head and to the exterior free end of the rod. The gripping element fixed to the body is mounted on the latter adjustably in the longitudinal direction with respect to the gripping element fixed to the exterior end of the rod.