Abstract: A radial guiding catheter comprising a first straight leg connected to a first curve. The first curve has an angle such that the first curve can be disposed just proximal to the coronary ostium. The first curve is connected to a second straight leg. The second straight leg is connected to a second curve such that the second curve can be disposed within the aortic valve. The second curve has a direction opposite the first curve. The second curve is connected to a third straight leg. The distance between the second straight leg and the third straight leg is sufficient to cause the distal end of the first straight leg to engage the left coronary artery. The third straight leg is connected to a third curve, the third curve having a direction opposite the second curve such that the third curve is disposed along the ridge of the brachial artery.

Abstract: A dilation catheter for use in performing angioplasty procedures. The catheter includes a relatively long catheter shaft which has two lumens. A relatively short guidewire receiving tube is thermally bonded to the distal end of the shaft, with its lumen approximately aligned with one of the lumens of the catheter shaft and a stiffening wire positioned therein. A dilation balloon, preformed with a shape that enables it to be used in an offset configuration, is thermally bonded to the distal and proximal ends of the tube, with its lumen aligned with the remaining lumen of the catheter shaft. The balloon and tube together define channels for the perfusion of blood past the balloon, which channels remain open even when the balloon bears against the tube during the inflation thereof.

Abstract: Needleless jet-injection device, characterized in that it consists of a body (1) having at one of its ends (4, 5) a cap (3), which, thanks to a relative movement between these elements, may drive a loading mechanism (2), co-operating with an impact component (17) which has to strike the piston of a cartridge (28) which is made of a material that does not pollute the environment and which contains the active product to be injected, this cartridge (28) being moreover placed at the other end of the said magazine-less body (1) and in the axis of said impact component (17), for single use.

Abstract: A liquid metering and injecting device has a reservoir (10), a pump means (11) and a delivery tube (13) in fluid communication. A motor (19) of the pump means (11) is controllably operated so that a plunger (18) is reciprocated within a cylinder (17). A valve means (32) directs the flow of liquid from the reservoir (10) to the pump means (11) as the plunger (18) is retracted and from the pump means (11) to the delivery tube (13) as the plunger is extended without backflow. With this construction, a selected amount of liquid (14) is periodically metered and injected to a patient.

Abstract: A balloon for use in a catheter, wherein the balloon is formed from an aromatic polyester, preferably a blend of a major component comprising an aromatic polyester, and a minor component comprising a compatible secondary thermoplastic semicrystalline polymer having a crystallinity less than that of the aromatic polyester of the major component.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods using rotational advancement and emplacement of various devices for catheterization, dilation and occlusion of mammalian genito-urinary and gastro-intestinal passages and organs, where devices and assemblies have an external helical element present near the distal end which provides a longitudinal pull on the wall of the passage when rotational force is applied to the proximal end of the device.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a means for the manual placement of a jejunal feeding tube within the small intestine comprising the insertion of a single lumen tube within the jejunal feeding tube. The placement tube has an inflatable stylet located at the distal end thereof. Once the tube is placed in the stomach of the patient by way an ostomy, the placement device is passed through until the inflatable stylet exits the distal end of the feeding tube. A syringe is attached to the placement device using a luer hub stopcock and the inflatable stylet is inflated like a balloon with air, water or other suitable material. The surgeon may then manually grasp the inflated stylet and by moving it place the end of the feeding tube at the desired position in the small intestine. The stylet may then be deflated and the placement device withdrawn from the feeding tube once the tube is properly placed.

Abstract: A device and method for rapid access to the bone marrow for the infusion of drugs and other fluids into the bone marrow; sampling the bone marrow; and monitoring the physical properties of the blood and bone marrow. These operations may proceed sequentially or simultaneously. A "smart" controller may be utilized to direct or control these operations. An implantable intraosseous needle assembly and various means for injecting, utilizing, and extracting that assembly into a bone containing bone marrow are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical device for delivering a drug internally to a patient's body. The medical device includes a catheter with a catheter shaft and a balloon attached to a distal end of the catheter shaft and a flexible, thin-walled sheath extending over the balloon. The sheath includes a balloon-enveloping portion having an inner diameter sized to fit closely around the balloon and a collar distal to, and having an inner diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the balloon-enveloping portion. The collar terminates in an opening, and a tab extends distally from a wall of the sheath.

Abstract: An intravenous metering device having automatic stopper comprises a connecting tube that can be inserted into a liquid bottle at one end such that a fluid communication therebetween can be establish. The transfusion tube being connected to a liquid barrel that has a relative larger diameter and is adjacent to the liquid bottle. The liquid barrel serves a buffering device in which the liquid from the bottle is firstly and temporary stored thereof. The second end of the transfusion tube is connected with a catheter that can be punctured into the vein of patient. A regulating device being enveloped onto the transfusion tube at suitable position. Characterized in that the junction between the lower end of the liquid barrel and the upper end of the transfusion tube is formed with a cone-shape recess in which a valve that can be axially engaged thereof is disposed. The valve is floated over the liquid surface of the liquid barrel. The lower end of the valve is provided with a cone-shape stopper.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a compliant catheter balloon with an improved elastic response and reduced longitudinal expansion, and a method of forming the same. The balloon comprises a SEBS block copolymer, which is longitudinally prestretched during the balloon manufacture process.

Abstract: Balloon catheters having the strength and maximum inflated diameter characteristics of an angioplasty balloon and having the recovery characteristics during deflation of an elastic embolectomy balloon. The balloon catheter can be made in very small sizes and has a lubricious and chemically inert outer surface. The balloon catheter is easy to navigate through tortuous passageways, is capable of rapid inflation and deflation and has high burst strengths. Balloon covers having these same characteristics are also described for use with conventional embolectomy balloons or angioplasty balloons.

Abstract: A surgical cannula assembly is provided having a housing defining a channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the housing, at least one fluid flow regulator member disposed across the channel, which forms a substantial barrier to the passage of fluids in at least one direction, a cannula extending from the housing distal end in fluid communication with the channel, and a selector valve operatively connected to the cannula assembly housing and movable to at least a first orientation establishing a first fluid pathway from the channel to the environment outside the housing and a second orientation establishing a second fluid pathway from the channel to the outside environment.

Abstract: A fluid deliver system including a pair of bags having an opening formed in a bottom edge thereof. The bags include a first bag for containing a first liquid and a second bag for containing a second liquid. Further provided is a pair of elongated lumens each with a top open end and a bottom open end. Each top open end of the lumens is connected in communication with the openings of a corresponding bag. The bottom ends are in communication with each other to form an exit conduit and communicable with a dispensable apparatus for inserting into an arm of a patient. Finally, a drip control means is provided with a roller for manually controlling the amount of the first fluid and second fluid which exits the lumens and enters a patient.

Abstract: A low-profile multipathway automatic drug delivery system utilizing a battery powered control pad coupled to a disposable drug storage and delivery system and strapped to a patient's limb or torso. A preprogrammed or on-demand drug administration sequence is input to the control pad. When a drug is to be administered, the control pad ignites a high energy density propellant charge in the drug delivery system. Expanding propellant gas exerts pressure on a drug in a second chamber and forces it from the storage reservoir.

Abstract: A catheter adapted to perform electrophysiological procedures comprises a body member, a manipulation handle attached to the proximal end of the body member for applying torque to the body member, the handle having a control knob adapted for control movements in a first plane and in a second plane simultaneously. A deflection control line is attached at its distal end to the distal portion of the catheter and its proximal end attached to the control device of the handle so that tension applied to the control line by sliding the control knob causes deflection of the distal portion of the catheter. A stiffening member is disposed within the body member of the catheter and is slidable, said stiffening member providing increased rigidity to the portion of the body member in which the stiffening member is located. Rotation of the control knob controls the position of the stiffening member in the body member.

Abstract: A suction control valve comprising a valve housing defining a cavity and including an inlet port for being connected to a suction tube, an outlet port for being connected to a suction source, and a suction control port for creating a suction across the cavity from the inlet port to the outlet port when the suction control port is closed. The valve preferably includes a bacteria filter secured in the cavity for preventing exposure of the suction control port to bacteria entering the inlet port. A splash guard extends along the cavity for preventing liquid from contacting the bacteria filter or from reaching the suction control port. A suction control port guard is selectively movable to prevent accidental closure of the suction control port.

Abstract: A new intravenous bag with separate compartments for separating medications and intravenous solutions prior to mixing. The inventive device includes a pouch having an upper section and a lower section. The lower section has an outlet tube extending downwardly therefrom. The outlet tube is in fluid communication with the lower section. A divider wall separates the upper section from the lower section. The divider wall extends between opposing side walls of the pouch and tapers inwardly to a flexible central channel. The flexible central channel has an open upper end within the upper section and an open lower end within the lower section. A seal is disposed within the flexible central channel.

Abstract: A sleeve trocar having a coaxially mounted, spring biased internal obturator, where the obturator has one or more peripheral channels positioned around its periphery, the channels providing a gas flow path which allows gas to flow from the internal body cavity through the interior of the sleeve trocar and through a penetration indicator device, such that an audible sound is produced when the sleeve trocar has breached the internal cavity.

Abstract: This invention relates to implantation of encapsulated PC12 cells capable of slowing or preventing the degenerative processes of Parkinson's disease by releasing factors in addition to dopamine into individuals suffering from the disease. This restorative effect continues even after the encapsulated cells are removed from the patient's brain.