Abstract: A retractable syringe characterized by a syringe needle which can be retracted into the barrel of the syringe and locked therein after use, to prevent accidental needle sticks or re-use of the syringe. In a preferred embodiment the syringe barrel is terminated by a tapered barrel neck which communicates with the syringe barrel interior and threadibly receives the needle hub of a cannulated syringe needle. A syringe plunger, slidably disposed in the syringe barrel, is terminated by a plunger nipple for threadibly engaging the interior of the needle hub. After the syringe plunger is operated to expel the liquid contents of the syringe barrel through the syringe needle, the plunger is rotated in the barrel to threadibly seat the plunger nipple in the needle hub. Continued rotation of the plunger in the barrel threads the attached needle hub and needle into the syringe barrel. In a preferred embodiment a pair of flexible plunger lock tabs is fitted on the plunger.

Abstract: An improved structure syringe needle cover comprised of a sleeve, a coil spring, and a mount, wherein the sleeve is installed over the syringe needle and has minute hole disposed through it and, furthermore, a press release section is situated along the two exterior sides of the protective head thereby formed, with a hollow expandable and contractible space having a number of break lines along the two sides extending through its center section. Formed in the lower section is a passage that is aligned with the minute hole of the upper section and has an annular groove disposed around the exterior and, furthermore, there is a conjoinment section at the two sides of the annular groove.

Abstract: A filter flush system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The system typically includes a guidewire insertable within a guiding catheter, which has an occlusion balloon disposed about its distal end. The guidewire has an expandable filter, which can be collapsed to pass through a lumen and distal port of the guiding catheter. The lumen is adapted to receive a variety of endovascular devices, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and stenting catheters. Fluid medium or blood can be infused through the lumen of the guiding catheter to flush embolic material or mobile plaque generated during the endovascular procedures toward the expanded filter deployed downstream from the region of interest. Methods of using the filter flush system to entrap and remove embolic material from the vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: This is a catheter assembly which may be used in accessing a tissue target within the body, typically a target which is accessible through the vascular system. Central to the invention is the use of a braided metallic reinforcing member, typically of a stainless steel or super-elastic alloy ribbon, situated within the catheter body in such a way to create a catheter section having a thin wall, controlled stiffness, and high resistance to kinking. The distal-most section of the catheter is much more flexible than are other braided catheters of the genre due to choice of braid construction features of that distal-most section. The distal-most braid, and optionally, intermediate braid components are constructed to be more flexible than the more proximal sections due to deletion of ribbons from the braid structure, change of ribbon material, and change of pitch. The various sections include braids which may have a consistent pitch or may vary in pitch along the axis of the catheter or catheter section.

Abstract: A cassette for controlling the flow of IV fluid from a patient to a source. The cassette preferably includes, along the fluid passage through the cassette, first and second membrane-based valves (6, 7) on either side of a pressure-conduction chamber (50), and a stopcock-type valve (20). The stopcock valve is preferably located downstream of the second membrane-based valve (7), which is preferably located downstream of the pressure-conduction chamber (50). The membrane defining the valving chamber of the second membrane-based valve (7) is preferably large and resilient, so that the valving chamber (75) may provide a supply of pressurized intravenous fluid to the patient, when the valve is closed and the stopcock valve provides a restriction downstream of the valve. The pressure-conduction chamber (50) preferably has a membrane (41) that is stable in the empty-chamber position but relatively unstable in the filled-chamber position.

Abstract: A single-use syringe assembly is provided and includes an elongated syringe barrel with a plunger assembly disposed therein. The plunger assembly includes an elongated plunger rod having a plunger tip located distally. The plunger tip contains a locking detent disposed a the distal end of the tip. The syringe barrel has a nozzle at the substantially closed distal end, the nozzle adapted to conform to the plunger tip. The distal end of the nozzle contains an annular inward biased ring adapted to mate with the locking detent of the plunger tip. Upon usage of the syringe and application of force to apply the liquid, the locking detent is irreversibly mated with the nozzle inwardly biased ring, thereby preventing reuse of the syringe assembly.

Abstract: A hand held device for loading a hypodermic syringe from a medicine vial is configured for easy placement of the syringe into a closely conforming channel in the proximal end of the device, with the needle end pointing towards the other end. The other end of the device is configured for easy placement of a standard vial into a closely conforming chamber with its penetrable cap facing the needle tip. Closing the device causes or permits the further action required for piercing the vial with the syringe needle. A sliding pull tab engages the syringe plunger so that gripping and pulling on the tab withdraws the plunger from the syringe, thus drawing fluid from the vial. An amplified or enhanced readout capability visually indicates the dosage of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An auxiliary needle mounted so as to be slightly offset from the syringe, provides for a supplemental piercing of the vial so that make-up air is available when large dosages are drawn from the vial with a single pull of the plunger.

Abstract: The present invention provides a syringe including a tubular barrel. The tubular barrel has an open proximal end, a distal end with a fluid expelling passage defined therein, and a barrel chamber. A seal is disposed within the barrel chamber a predetermined distance away from the open proximal end in fluid-tight and axially-sliding engagement with the barrel chamber, so that fluid held in the barrel chamber between the fluid expelling passage and the seal can be expelled from the barrel chamber to the outside via the fluid expelling passage by sliding the seal towards the fluid expelling passage.

Abstract: A relatively inexpensive cannula is sized by including indica on a cannulated dilator that is used to measure the depth of a body cavity, and in one embodiment with the use of a cuttable fixture inserted into an initially enlarged dilator retractor made from a cuttable material the excess of the dilator retractor is snipped by a commercial cutter. A tool engaging the end of the cannulated dilator provides leverage on the cannulated dilator for rotation as it is forced into the body cavity, a pusher tool provides leverage on the dilator retractor for inserting the dilator retractor into the body cavity. A clamp that fits the top of the dilator retractor serves to support the dilator retractor through an arm to a rigid structure. In an alternate embodiment one of a series of sized dilator retractors are selected commensurate with the measurement attained by the scaled cannulated dilator.

Abstract: An injection device has a drive spring which, when released, urges a loaded capsule forwards to project its needle from the end of a barrel and ejects the dose. A light return spring then retracts the needle. The drive spring acts on the capsule plunger through a drive member having a movable barrier against which the rear end of the plunger initially abuts. A first trigger releases the drive member and drive spring and after an injection a second trigger can be actuated to shift the barrier relative to the drive member and allow the return spring to act.

Abstract: Apparatus for providing control of infusion delivery using conventional infusion fluid bags includes an air bag which is pressurised by a pneumatic pump. A digital camera or imaging device is able to analyse drops passing through a drop chamber, by capturing an image of the drop as it passes through the drop chamber. The output of the imaging device is fed to an image processor which calculates the volume of the captured drop using the number of pixels in the image. An infra red detector detects each time a drops passes through the drop chamber, and the outputs of the both the image processor and the infra red detector are passed to a master controller. The master controller controls the fluid delivery process by counting the number of drops passing through the drop chamber and controlling a flow brake to achieve the required flow rate.

Abstract: A catheter system for use in a body of a patient is disclosed. The catheter system includes a guide catheter having a distal guide orifice, a proximal guide orifice, and a guide lumen extending therebetween. The catheter system further includes an original catheter positionable within the guide lumen of the guide catheter, wherein the original catheter has an original lumen and an original distal orifice. In addition, the catheter system includes a replacement catheter positionable within the guide lumen of the guide catheter, wherein the replacement catheter has a replacement lumen and a replacement distal orifice. The catheter system also includes a closure member securable to the guide catheter so as to cover the proximal guide orifice. The original distal orifice is positioned on an original distal segment of the original catheter which extends out of the distal guide orifice of the guide catheter when the original catheter is positioned within the guide lumen of the guide catheter.

Abstract: A single-use safety syringe assembly comprises an elongated, generally cylindrical barrel which forms a hollow nozzle located at the distal end of the barrel and which opens into the interior of the barrel. A plunger is slidably mounted in the barrel and forms a longitudinal cavity. A needle holder carries a hollow needle on its distal end, and the needle holder is slidably mounted in the longitudinal cavity of the plunger. A biasing arrangement urges the needle holder in a direction for retracting the needle into the barrel. However, a releasable latching arrangement retains the needle holder against the urging of the biasing arrangement in a position wherein the needle projects from the barrel. An In-Barrel assembly sequence is provided which permits sequentially inserting components of the syringe into the barrel and effecting assembly with a push of the plunger. An OTN catheter may also be employed in combination with the syringe assembly.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispersing of a drug comprising a housing (1) forming a cylinder. The cylinder is at one end closed by an end wall (2) having an outlet pipe (3) and the other end is closed by a plunger (4) which is axially displaceable into the cylinder. The outer end of the plunger (4) is secured to the inner side of a cup shaped cap (13, 14) sliding over the outer side of the cylinder. When the plunger (4) is pressed into the cylinder, the upper edge of the housing (1) being provided with outwardly projecting hooks (15) sliding in corresponding grooves (16) in the inner side of the side wall (14) of the cap wall irreversibly engage windows (20) at the bottom (13) of the cap. The cap (13, 14) and the housing (1) is made from differently colored materials.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved needle cover assembly for a syringe. The needle cover assembly includes a first, larger half or arm and an opposite unequal second, smaller half or arm with an arc-shaped inner shell such that the first half or arm encloses the arc-shaped inner shell of the second half or arm of the needle cover assembly. The arc-shaped inner shell of the second half or arm extends over the tip of the needle and the first half or arm of the elongated cover member extends over both the arc-shaped inner shell and the tip of the needle for providing redundant, double protection. Both halves or arms are constructed in such a manner as to comprise a hollow internal cavity with lateral side members.

Abstract: Disclosed is a safety catheter that automatically sheaths the needle upon withdrawal of the needle from a patient. The catheter can include a plunger for drawing a vacuum to draw blood or alternatively may delete the plunger and use nearly identical components with the addition of a blocking plug. The catheter also includes a cap/re-cap device that provides additional sheathing of the needle during assembly, shipping, and use of the needle. It also includes raised indicia that serves as a trademark as well as a friction gripping surface. The catheter includes improved catheter hub mounting structure as well as strengthened ribbed areas for grasping during use of the catheter.

Abstract: An improved needle guard is provided for quick and easy mounting onto a syringe to protect against accidental or inadvertent contact with a hypodermic needle. The needle guard comprises a generally cylindrical sleeve of relatively lightweight yet relatively stiff plastic material formed in a tubular configuration and longitudinally split to define adjacent marginal edges which may overlap. These longitudinal marginal edges are adapted for sufficient separation at a front or distal end of the guard sleeve to permit sliding press-fit placement of the guard sleeve onto the syringe barrel, in a position surrounding a hypodermic needle protruding from the syringe barrel. A lock member such as a thumbscrew is mounted on the guard sleeve adjacent the rear or proximal end thereof, and can be manipulated to engage and lock with the syringe barrel in a position with a forward or distal end of the guard sleeve surrounding and protecting the hypodermic needle against inadvertent or accidental contact.

Abstract: Catheter for use in biliary procedures, including a shaft having a proximal end and a distal end. A guidewire lumen is carried by the shaft extending from a location proximal the distal end of the shaft to a location proximate the distal end of the shaft. An opening is included for accessing the guidewire lumen from a location exterior the catheter shaft located distal the proximal end of the shaft. The guidewire lumen may be formed integral the catheter shaft. The catheter may be used in rapid exchange catheter procedures. The catheter may further include a port and channel design including a first opening into the guidewire lumen located proximal the distal end of the shaft, a second opening located proximal the first opening, and a channel extending longitudinally between the first opening and the second opening.

Abstract: A manual breast pump adapted for one-handed operation includes a pump body defining an inlet, an outlet and a vacuum port, a stationary handle connected to the pump body, and a movable handle connected to the manual breast pump and spaced from the stationary handle so that both handles can be grasped simultaneously between the palm and fingers of a hand. The movable handle is movable with respect to the stationary handle and is operably connected to a piston disposed within the pumping chamber so that movement of the movable handle with respect to the stationary handle results in movement of the piston within the pumping chamber to create a vacuum at the vacuum port. The invention provides a manual breast pump which can be easily and comfortably supported and operated using one hand.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for applying a high frequency voltage in the presence of an electrically conductive fluid to create a relatively low-temperature plasma for ablation of tissue adjacent to, or in contact with, the plasma. In one embodiment, an electrosurgical probe or catheter is positioned adjacent the target site so that one or more active electrode(s) are brought into contact with, or close proximity to, a target tissue in the presence of electrically conductive fluid. High frequency voltage is then applied between the electrode terminal(s) and one or more return electrode(s) to generate a plasma adjacent to the active electrode(s), and to volumetrically remove or ablate at least a portion of the target tissue. The high frequency voltage generates electric fields around the active electrode(s) with sufficient energy to ionize the conductive fluid adjacent to the active electrode(s).