Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device for injecting a selectable dose of a liquid substance from an ampoule, located in an ampoule holder, comprising a piston and a sleeve-shaped mechanism holder, mechanically coupled thereto, in the interior of which a longitudinally shiftable shaft is provided which acts on the ampoule.

Abstract: Devices and methods for removing cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a CSF space of a patient at relatively constant flow rates for patients having normal intracranial pressures, e.g. patients not suffering from hydrocephalus. The devices and methods provide drainage paths which permit the removal of CSF at relatively low flow rates, usually below 0.2 ml/min, at normal intracranial pressures, e.g. an intracranial pressure between −170 mm of H2O in upright patients and 200 mm of H2O in reclining patients. The removal of CSF at relatively low, constant rates is particularly suitable for treating Alzheimer's disease and other conditions related to the presence of toxic and/or pathogenic substances in the CSF.

Abstract: Variable anti-siphon devices are disclosed for use in cerebrospinal fluid shunt systems. Such devices can include a housing with an internal chamber, an adjustable barrier separating the chamber into two cavities, and a diaphragm that seats itself against the adjustable barrier with a seating force that is proportional to the pressure differential across it. The adjustable barrier advantageously allows the level of anti-siphon protection to be modified. In one embodiment, the height of the adjustable barrier may be varied. In another embodiment, the barrier is moved longitudinally within the internal chamber to vary the volume of each chamber.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having two elongate catheters, a pump, a refrigeration system, and a manometer. Each catheter has a proximal end, a distal end, a lumen therebetween and communicating with a distal port. The proximal ends of the catheters are connected to the pump and the refrigeration system. The distal ends are adapted for insertion into the subarachnoid space. The cerebral spinal fluid is aspirated from the first catheter to the pump, cooled to below body temperature, and returned to the second catheter. The flow rate of the cerebral spinal fluid is adjusted according the CSF pressure and temperature. Methods of using the devices in treating patients suffering from spinal trauma and undergoing aortic surgery are also disclosed.

Abstract: A mechanical rapid exchange device is provided which plastically deforms a guidewire and constrains the guidewire in a non-linear configuration such that a catheter may be moved relatively proximally or distally over the guidewire to facilitate catheter exchange. The device generally includes a housing having a channel along a length of one side of the housing, a central first punch movable between a first position in which the first punch is located substantially to one side of the channel and a second position in which it extends at least partially into the channel, lateral second and third punches movable between a respective first position in which they are located to the other side of the channel and a respective second position in which they extend at least partially into the channel. The device also includes a handle attached via levers to the second and third punches such that when the handle is actuated, the second and third punches are moved into the second position.

Abstract: An automatic manifold for a catheter assembly. Valve means automatically open and close flow between a liquid supply port for connection to injection means and a liquid delivery port for communication with the catheter assembly. A pressure sensor is integrated into the manifold. The manifold also includes a quick-disconnect coupling mechanism for a liquid supply port.

Abstract: A power injector and a removable replacement faceplate therefor are provided along with a method of front loading syringes, particularly prefilled syringes, which have outwardly extending structure such as flanges which have been typically breech loaded or side loaded into injectors or operated in a hand held fashion. The holder or faceplate of or for the injector is provided with a set of jaws spaced around a syringe receiving opening into which a syringe is loaded, rearward end first, with the jaws in a retracted position, until the flange or other outwardly extending structure on the syringe is rearward of the syringe is beyond a locking position of the jaws. The jaws are then actuated, either by operating an actuator on the faceplate or injector or by twisting the syringe in the opening, so that the jaws move radially inward and close in iris-like fashion about the syringe.

Abstract: A central venous catheter includes coolant supply and return lumens which communicate coolant to and from first and second heat exchange membranes arranged along the distal segment of the catheter. The coolant in the heat exchange membranes removes heat from the patient. Additional lumens are provided for conventional central venous catheter uses.

Abstract: A support stand formed from a generally flat sheet of rigid material and having a base member, a generally vertical tube support member extending from the base, and a generally C-shaped portion interposed between the tube support and the base, the tube support having a generally circular edge with a plurality of generally circular notches defined therein. A canopy support member is provided having a generally vertical member with an elongate adjustment member extending therefrom and slidingly and detachably coupled to the tube support, and having a generally horizontal member hingedly attached to the generally vertical member, the generally vertical member having an opening for receiving a tube therethrough, the generally vertical member having at least one stop and the generally horizontal member having at least one surface capable of being positioned in a face to face relationship with and supporting a portion of the surface.

Abstract: A syringe loading device is disclosed that includes a vial holder, a syringe insertion guide and holder, a transparent cover mounted to the vial holder and syringe insertion guide and holder, and an ejection button. The vial holder is adapted to hold a vial containing liquid contents and has an integrated interference snap fit to removably receive a cap of the vial. The syringe insertion guide and holder, which is placed adjacent the vial holder and integrated therewith, is adapted to allow a syringe having a needle at one end to be removably inserted, needle end first, into the syringe insertion guide and holder with the needle penetrating into the vial. The syringe insertion guide and holder also has biased syringe clamps that hold the body of the syringe in a removably fixed position. The transparent cover slidably mounts parallel to the vial holder and syringe insertion guide and holder to protect the vial and syringe when placed in the syringe holder.

Abstract: A sleeve apparatus for a phacoemulsification/irrigation and aspiration handpiece having an ultrasonic drive assembly attached to a hollow needle includes a compressible sleeve for establishing an annual passage around the needle and enabling the irrigation fluid to pass into an eye through a cornea/sclera wound while cooling the needle. The compressible sleeve includes a wall configuration for controlling compression of the sleeve in order to cause the compressible sleeve to shape and conform to the corneal/sclera wound and limit fluid egress from the wound. A hub is provided for attaching the compressible sleeve to the handpiece and enabling the needle to be angularly displaced within the compressible sleeve means during phacoemulsification.

Abstract: A dilation catheter having a first shaft section, a second shaft section attached to the first shaft section, and an inflatable balloon attached to the second shaft section. A fluid pathway is defined through the catheter for inflation of the balloon. A guide wire lumen is provided in the second shaft section that can extend between the distal end of the balloon and a point distal of the first shaft section. A stiffening member is provided within the second shaft section of the dilation catheter to provide additional stiffness to the second shaft section. In a preferred embodiment, the stiffening member is attached at the distal end of the first shaft section to occlude the hollow passage of the first shaft section. In this embodiment, the first shaft section farther includes a fluid port that is proximal of the stiffening member and that extends between the hollow passage of the first shaft section and the exterior of the first shaft section.

Abstract: A trocar having a safety shield control mechanism that prevents the inner cannula from rotating and from moving axially when in the locked position. The safety shield control mechanism applies consistent pressure on the safety shield and has an open architecture for ease of sterilization. The trocar provides holding levels for different sizes of hands.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the treatment of thrombosis, venous insufficiency, and the like, and in particular to an Automated Compulsory Blood Extraction System (ACBES) configured to provide an efficient and safe means for the measured extraction of blood utilizing a device providing, in effect, an artificial leech, but without the infection, control, care, and other limitations associated with the medicinal leech. The preferred embodiment of the present invention utilizes recent micro technological advances to provide a micro mechanical device which mimics and improves upon the bloodletting properties of the medicinal leech utilizing a micro mechanical valve, micropump, and micro sensor arraignment cooperating with a tertiary jaw array having teeth situated thereon.

Abstract: A radially non-deformable surgical access catheter with a central lumen surrounded by plural peripheral lumens, the lumens being rigidly connected to each other to provide axial stiffness for the catheter as well as rotational stiffness for the catheter so that the catheter may be rotated about its longitudinal axis to place the instruments in any of the peripheral lumens into operational proximity to preselected tissue. Methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ultrasonic transducer that operates in flexure mode provides a highly efficient and compact sonophoresis device. Such a device is particularly useful for efficiently enhancing permeation of a substance through a membrane, such as dermal and mucosal membranes for purposes of transdermal/transmucosal drug delivery and/or body fluid monitoring.

Abstract: Filter device comprising a filter housing, a filter disposed in the filter housing, an inlet, and an opposed outlet spaced from the inlet, wherein the outlet comprises an extension from the housing, the extension extending longitudinally in the direction of fluid flow and comprising at least a first section having a minimum outer diameter and a second section downstream from the first section and having a terminal end having a maximum outer diameter, the maximum diameter of the second section terminal end being smaller than the minimum diameter of the first section.

Abstract: A catheter (10, 38, 40, 50, 80, 90) having both a flexible (30) and a rigid reinforcement section (36). The catheter body (12) is comprised of an elastomeric material, such as silicone, having a resilient coil or spring member (30) within a fluid delivery lumen (20) along the proximal portion (14) thereof. The catheter is provided with a more rigid malleable reinforcement member (36) at the distal portion (16) thereof, also extending within the fluid delivery lumen (20) and positioned proximal the coil member (30) within the fluid delivery lumen (20). The rigid reinforced distal portion (16) of the catheter body helps the surgeon to hold the tip of the catheter more firmly, and makes insertion of the catheter tip into the body vessel easier. The more flexible support portion (30) at the proximal portion (14) of the elastomeric catheter body reinforces the catheter to prevent kinking, yet allows flexibility to facilitate the surgeon to move the proximal portion (14) of the catheter out of the surgical site.

Abstract: A shielding apparatus for preventing accidental contact with a sharp object such as a needle. The apparatus comprises a hinged shield, a barrel and a locking mechanism. The apparatus is attached to an existing needle via a barrel or may be manufactured into the base of the syringe needle. Connected to the barrel is a hinge, a shield and a locking mechanism. The shield may pivot, via the hinge, in a direction away from needle so as to expose the needle for use. Upon completion of the use, the shield is pivoted so as to cover the needle, the shield being either permanently or temporarily locked in place via the locking mechanism, thereby preventing accidental contact.

Abstract: Implantable ports and other devices are cleansed by the injection of a washing solution into a region in the device or in a tissue pocket surrounding the device. In a first embodiment, the washing solution is injected through an aperture in the device to flush internal regions of the device before infusing the tissue pocket and flushing outwardly through a tissue tract leading to the device. In other embodiments, the washing solution is injected directly to a target site on the exterior of the device. Implantable devices may include special, usually hardened, target regions for receiving the sharpened end of a needle used to inject the washing solution. Kits will include devices, syringes, access devices, and instructions for cleansing according to the methods of the present invention.