Abstract: The protective shield for a hypodermic syringe includes a tubular body which overlies the needle of the syringe when the shield is in the forward position. The protective shield has an opening therein to permit exposure of the needle when the shield is in the retracted position. A detent engages the syringe and the shield to limit relative motion therebetween and to releasably lock the shield in its end positions.

Abstract: An injury resistant needle device comprises an outer protective tube, a needle unit having a needle which is movable relative to the outer protective tube between an extended position in which the needle is exposed outside of the outer protective tube and a retracted position in which the needle is completely confined inside the outer protective tube, and elements for moving the needle unit relative to the outer protective tube between the extended and retracted positions. The moving elements including a plurality of first engaging formations provided on the needle unit, and a rotary member provided with second engaging formations interengageable with the first engaging formations and turnable by a user, so that upon turning of the rotary member by a user's finger the needle unit is displaced between the extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A stent 21 is disclosed having a pigtail 33 at its distal end 35 and having a flap 23 acting as a barb at its proximal end 29. Stent 21 includes a catheter body 31 having at least one lumen 43 and having drainage holes 37, 39. The stent may be made of radiopaque polyethylene. The pigtail 33 prevents proximal migration of catheter body 31 while allowing spring action to accommodate variations in length, while flap 23 prevents entire distal migration while being radially retractable to facilitate insertion. An alternative embodiment is disclosed having multiple flaps 25, 27 acting as a barb. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for the continuous in vivo separation of plasma from other blood components comprising a bundle of microporous hollow fibers inserted into the vena cava. The fibers are sized to permit diffusion of plasma through the fiber pores but not cellular or other larger blood components. The fibers are in fluid communication with a dual lumen catheter which removes plasma from the hollow fibers to a treatment system and returns treated plasma to the bloodstream. The apparatus can be incorporated into an ambulatory plasma separator system for providing continuous plasma treatment while the user is mobile.