Abstract: An injection aid is provided for use in injecting material through the skin of a recipient at a precisely defined point. The injection aid has a boss or the like which receives the outlet end of the injector. The injection aid is maintained at the desired location on the skin. In one embodiment, designed for use in treating erectile dysfunction, this is achieved by a C-shaped ring, and in another embodiment this is achieved by an adhesive-coated flange.

Abstract: A syringe, of the type having two variable volume chambers inside the main cylindrical body, said chambers being separated by a displacing valve assembly, and being capable of housing components which should be mixed prior to injection. The novelty resides in the special conformation of parts and elements constituting said valve assembly, which comprises two cooperating, displacing elastomer portions; one of said portions being comprised by a peripheral, hollow cylindrical body bearing on the cylindrical wall of the main body, the other portion being an inner, solid cylindrical body slidingly bearing on the inner face of the front portion.

Abstract: A disconnect device for placement in a medical tubing set of the present invention includes a first portion with a first passageway therethrough that has a first valve therein. While the first valve is biased in a normally closed position to close the first passageway, it is operative to an open position. The disconnect device of the invention has a second portion with a second passageway therethrough that has a second valve therein. The second valve is also biased in a normally closed position to close the second passageway and it also is operative to an open position. The second portion is releasably attached to the first portion, connecting the first and second passageways in fluid communication, to overcome the bias of the first valve and the second valve, to open the valves and to allow a fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: A needle assembly for a medication delivery pen having a 31 gauge needle cannula that reduces penetration force during an injection process resulting in less pain to the patient without causing any loss in performance or structural integrity.

Abstract: It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an automated system based on an integral fluid bag for administering a variety of intravenous drug regimens and reducing the vagaries of existing manual systems. The fluid has multiple chambers configured to implement a prescribed intravenous medical therapy. Each chamber's geometry (size, shape), sequence and position, alone and in combination with the other chambers, matches the prescribed intravenous therapy or drug regimen. The bag's configuration assures that the intravenous therapy is administered in accordance with the prescribed drug regimen, thus automating the previous manual method. A choice of fluid bag configurations may be stocked so that a prescription for well known and widely accepted drug regimens may be filled by merely selecting a bag with the appropriate chamber configuration and filling it with the prescribed medications.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter, an expandable occluding member and a constricting member. The catheter has a lumen communicating with a port at its distal end. The lumen and port are adapted for introduction of therapeutic or diagnostic devices, including an angioplasty/stent catheter, an atherectomy catheter, and a blood filter, into the carotid artery. The occluder is mounted proximal to the port of the catheter, and the constrictor is mounted distal to the port. Manometers may be mounted distal to the occluder and/or the constrictor for measuring pressure proximal and distal to the constrictor. A pump, operably associated with a shunt mounted through a second occluder, may be used instead of the constrictor to facilitate passage of blood through the second occluder. Methods of using the devices for preventing distal embolization during carotid procedures by reversing blood flow in the internal carotid artery toward the external carotid artery are disclosed.

Abstract: A guided filter system for temporary placement of a filter in an artery or vein is disclosed. The system includes a guidewire slideable through a wire guide included in a distal region of a support wire. The support wire has an expandable filter, which is operable between a collapsed or enlarged condition. A variety of endovascular devices, including angioplasty, atherectomy, and stent-deployment catheters, are insertable over the guidewire and/or the support wire. Methods of using the guided filter system to direct and exchange endovascular devices to a region of interest, and to entrap and remove embolic material from the vessel are also disclosed.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a gas-supersaturated fluid and delivering the fluid at high delivery pressures to thereby prevent bubble nucleation is disclosed. The system comprises a housing for containing a removable fluid assembly for housing a fluid to be gas-supersaturated and a drive assembly for delivering the fluid to a delivery site. The housing assembly comprises a cylinder and a piston which may be advanced along the inner surface of the cylinder to pressurize and to deliver the fluid. To generate a gas-supersaturated fluid, the housing assembly is removed from the system housing, filled with a fluid, and gas is introduced at or slightly above the desired gas partial pressure into the cylinder.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle capping device (10) that attaches to a hypodermic syringe (100). The device (10) consists of two separate elements: the first consists of a collar (12) having integrally attached a snap-lock structure (24) that includes a locking barb (40) and slide member retaining structure (42). The second consists of a slide member (54) which includes a barb receiving and locking slot (58) and a needle point barrier (76). The collar (12) is frictionally inserted over the upper edge (108) of the syringe (100). The slide member (54) is slidably attached to the slide member retaining structure (42) and is designed to be placed in two positions. When the syringe (100) is to be used, the slide member (54) is positioned along the side of the syringe (100).

Abstract: A power assisted liposuction/lipoinjection handpiece includes a handle (12) which provides power to reciprocate a cannula (10) back and forth during surgery The cannula (10) can be connected to the handle (12) by a connector (24) that is affixed to, integrally formed with, or selectively joinable to a reciprocating member (14). Benefits in sterilization, distribution and surgical use can be realized when the cannula (10) and connector (24) are joined together, such that the surgeon merely needs to remove the cannula (10) from the package and connect it to a reciprocating member of a powered handle (12). The handle (12) may be configured such that the reciprocating member (14) is selectively detachable; thereby, allowing the handle (12) to be used for additional surgical procedures such as sawing or drilling. A vacuum hose (26) is connected to the cannula (10) such that vacuum pressure can be exerted through the cannula (10) for aspirating severed fat tissue.

Abstract: A delivery device and method for delivering a medical device, such as an infuser, into a body cavity are disclosed. The delivery device includes an ejector tube which slidably extends through a handle. The ejector tube is configured for easy insertion through the urethra into the bladder. A hollow inner tube is located within the ejector tube and includes luer fittings at its distal and proximal ends. The luer fitting at the proximal end of the inner tube is coupled to the handle. Movement of the ejector tube relative to the inner tube causes the distal luer fitting to be withdrawn within the ejector tube and can be used to force an infuser attached to the distal luer fitting from the distal luer fitting. Materials can be transported to the infuser from the proximal luer fitting through the inner tube and out through the distal luer connector.

Abstract: A liquid medicine injection apparatus which is capable of injecting a liquid medicine at an accurate flow rate and which does not require an excessively strong force for filling the apparatus with the liquid medicine. The apparatus includes a barrel 1 provided with a port 11 at the distal end thereof and a shaft 12 extending along the longitudinal axis thereof, a hollow plunger 2 provided at its distal end with a first gasket 3 inserted into the barrel 1 while allowing the shaft 12 of the barrel to pass therethrough, and also provided at the proximal end thereof with a closing member 4 having a vent hole 41; a second gasket 5 connected to the proximal end of the shaft 12; and outside air releasing means 6 for allowing the space between the first and second gaskets to communicate with the outside air.

Abstract: The disclosure is of a syringe including a barrel containing an injectibe fluid and a plunger for moving the fluid. The barrel is made up of two parts which are held together in the barrel during an injection and after the injection has been made, the plunger is separated into its component parts and cannot be reassembled and used again.

Abstract: A stent system and method for use in the prostate gland. The stent is made of a shape memory alloy such as nitinol, and has a low temperature martensite state, with a martensite transition temperature below body temperature, and a high temperature austenite state, with an austenite transition temperature at or above body temperature, and a memorized shape in the high temperature austenite state which is a helical coil of diameter large enough to hold the prostatic urethra open. The stent is used to heat the prostate and is left in the prostatic urethra while the prostate heals. After the prostate is substantially healed, the stent is cooled to its martensite state and is easily removed from the urethra.

Abstract: An advanced osseous or periosseous dental anesthetic method involving apparatus for motorized injection of anesthetic liquids at a low and extended volumetric rate. The anesthetic is injected at a low and extended volumetric rate adjacent or directly into the osseous without pain or danger to the surrounding tissue.

Abstract: A medical device, such as a catheter in which the catheter has a relatively stiff proximal section and a relatively soft distal section joined by a relatively short transition section in which the materials of the proximal and distal sections are gradually combined in the transition section to form a continuous unbroken tube without abrupt joints. The relatively soft distal section can be provided with a balloon, and the catheter can be provided with multiple passageways. In addition, the catheters can be provided with braiding to provide the finished product with more torqueability and kink resistance.

Abstract: A medical balloon is collapsed to a small profile during deflation by preventing tension in the catheter or balloon which might otherwise direct the balloon into a larger diameter collapsed profile, making it difficult to remove the catheter from the body. Tension may be avoided by arranging at least one end of the balloon to slide with respect to the catheter body. The invention is particularly applicable to a relatively stiff, inelastic balloon that is preformed into a geometric cross-sectional shape with corners, such as a square balloon, for encouraging a particular collapsed configuration, e.g., three or more folded lobes.

Abstract: A dispensing device, such as a needleless injector, comprising a spring, which provides an energy store, and a dispensing member movable, to effect a dispensing, under the force of the spring. A latch has a first position in which it restrains movement of the dispensing member and a second position in which it permits such movement. A trigger is operable by the user for moving the latch from the first position to the second position. A safety mechanism, preferably in the form of an appropriately shaped slot in the dispensing member, is effective before the device has been completely assembled to prevent movement of the latch to the second position.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for occluding a patient's aorta during open heart surgery uses a cannula with a distal end carrying two expandable members or balloons. One balloon is a total occlusion balloon, the other a partial occlusion balloon. The balloons can be separately inflated and deflated. The cannula has multiple functions, such as a bypass portion for transmitting flow when the balloons have been expanded. Another cannula function is the administering of myocardial protecting solutions to the patient's heart.

Abstract: An integral absorbent article (10), has a longitudinal article length (26) and a lateral article width (24). An absorbent composite (32) has first and second longitudinally opposed end regions (78 and 79), and has laterally opposed side regions (80). The absorbent composite also includes a first longitudinally terminal end edge (82). The absorbent composite (32) includes a substantially liquid-impermeable backsheet layer (30), a substantially liquid permeable topsheet layer (28), and a retention portion (48) which is sandwiched between the backsheet and topsheet layers. The article includes at least one, first body panel (52) having a body side surface (54), an outward surface (56), and a panel length (58) which is less than the article length (26). The first body panel (52) also includes a first, outboard terminal end edge (60), and a second, relatively inboard terminal end edge (62).