Abstract: An improved liquid proof barrier for medical applications having a substantially impervious flexible layer and a strip attached to or integral with the layer about its periphery. The strip has an adhesive backing and is relatively flexible and elastically extendable. The improved barrier serves to inhibit the passage of liquid into the area which it covers.

Abstract: Kidney dialysis in which metabolic waste products are removed from plasma instead of blood. Plasma separation takes place in vivo through a filter implanted within a blood vessel, and the separated plasma is removed to an extracorporeal dialysis apparatus for separating waste products from the plasma. The plasma then is returned to the bloodstream. Plasma flow in the system is significantly less than blood flow used in current hemodialysis systems, so that the present system performs dialysis continuously in real time to eliminate the extreme swings of toxicity associated with high-volume hemodialysis.

Abstract: An apparatus for handling a patient's blood during a medical procedure which is convertible for use after the procedure for at least one further use. The apparatus comprises a reservoir having a port comprising at least one opening. A primary device, alignable with the port for adapting the reservoir for use during the procedure. The apparatus further comprises one or more secondary devices each alignable with the port means for adapting the reservoir for one or more further uses after the procedure. The primary device and the secondary devices are slidably mounted on the apparatus between tracks, with the primary device initially aligned with the port to allow the reservoir to be used during the medical procedure. The tracks allow the primary device to be moved out of alignment with the port and allow at least one of the secondary devices to be moved into alignment with the port so that the reservoir can be used after the medical procedure.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for non-specifically enhancing the immune system response of a mammal to an antigen which comprises the steps of (a) withdrawing leukocyte containing material from the mammal, (b) treating the withdrawn leukocytes in a manner to alter the cella, and (c) returning the treated leukocytes to the mammal. The one embodiment, the method for non-specifically enhancing the immune system response of a mammal is carried out in conjunction with artificially contacting the mammal's immune system with an antigen for a suitable period of time to stimulate the immune system. In another embodiment, the mannal's immune system is naturally exposed to the antigen prior to the non-specific enhancement of the immune system. In yet another embodiment, the invention is directed at a method for preparing an autologous non-specific leukocyte adjuvant.

Abstract: A cradle for use in blood donating processes comprises surface (2) which is intended to support a blood-collecting bag and to be rocked reciprocatingly on an axle (4) which extends perpendicularly to the surface, by means of a crank (5, 7). The cradle is provided with a weight measuring device (8) which functions to measure the quantity of blood that has flowed into the bag, and is also fitted with a clamping device (11) which functions to clamp-on or squeeze the hose such as to prevent blood from flowing therein and which is operable electromagnetically. The cradle is further provided with a control circuit (21) which is constructed to control at least the clamping device (11).

Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing arcuate osteotomies wherein a wedge-shaped correction is filed rather than sawed from the bone. A combined saw and file for use in the method has a curved blade with teeth along a longitudinal edge for making an arcuate cut in the direction perpendicular to the edge, and file teeth on one or both of its curved faces for filing out the correction. The effective width of the the blade determines the tip width of the correction; the thickness of the blade determines the width of the arcuate kerf; and the radius of curvature of the blade determines the radius of the arcuate cut. Also disclosed is cutting guide for guiding a saw/file or other cutting implement to make the arcuate cut and the correction.

Abstract: The balloon of an angioplasty balloon catheter is prepared for insertion through a patient's cardiovascular system by a series of steps to create three or more folded wings or flaps. The wings are wrapped circumferentially to provide a minimized outer diameter when the balloon is in its deflated state.

Abstract: Surgical drapes for isolating the knee or other portion of a limb of a patient in surgery wherein the drape comprises a sheet having two fenestrations in elastomeric material to receive the limb of the patient. These fenestrations are located on the drape so that they normally lie in a generally common plane when the drape is placed on a flat surface. Due to the location of the fenestrations, the drape itself has a low profile with respect to the operative site and readily adapts to different limb positions that may be encountered during surgery. This advantage is particularly important in drapes comprising a fluid collection pouch.

Abstract: The single-needle type plasma separation apparatus of the present invention comprises a blood collection needle; a blood collection container; a first blood transportation tube connecting the blood collection needle to the blood collection container; a blood separator; a second blood transportation tube connecting the blood collection container to a blood inlet of the blood separator; a third blood transportation tube connecting a blood outlet of the blood separator to the first blood transportation tube; a plasma collection container; a plasma transportation tube connecting a plasma outlet of the plasma separator to the plasma collection container; and a blood collection container receptacle including a receiving portion for the blood collection container and capable of pressurizing and depressurizing the interior of the receiving portion.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system is disclosed for administering substantially sterile dialysate to the peritoneal cavity of a patient. The system includes a dialyzer for passing a primary solution and a secondary solution therethrough to enabale removal of waste products from the primary solution to the secondary solution, and a primary circuit for selectively circulating a primary solution through the dialyzer. Connecting conduits or tubing is provided for selectively carrying primary solution from the primary circuit to the peritoneal cavity of the patient and for selectively withdrawing at least some of the solution from the peritoneal cavity back into the primary circuit. A pump is disposed in the primary circuit for causing primary solution to circulate in the primary circuit independently of transfer of primary solution between the primary circuit and the peritoneal cavity of the patient.

Abstract: A suction metering and mixing device is disclosed for collecting body fluids such as blood and simultaneously mixing an anticoagulant therewith. The device includes a suction passage having an inlet end and an opposite end for connection to a vacuum supply. A chamber is provided for controlling the flow of anticoagulant and includes an inlet port defining a passage for entry of anticoagulant into the chamber and a diaphragm dividing the chamber into first and second portions wherein the diaphragm is in contact with the inlet port to prevent flow of anticoagulant into the first chamber portion. A fluid connection is provided between the suction passage and the second chamber portion whereby a vacuum may be supplied to the second chamber portion from the suction passage and the diaphragm is drawn away from the inlet port to allow anticoagulant to flow into the first chamber portion.

Abstract: The present invention is a semiautomatic compress which performs the function previously performed by a nurse exerting 30 pounds of pressure with her hand on a patient after insertion of a tube into a patient's artery, followed by compression by a sand bag for about ten hours. The compress comprises belts coupling it to the patient, and a calibrated ratchet controlled clamp which exerts a selected force on the wound of the patient for about ten hours while the blood of the patient clots at and near the wound.

Abstract: A stent is made from a thermoplastic material having a glass transition temperature below the normal temperature of the human body. Therefore the thermoplastic polymer may be necked in situ. The stent is made with a series of circumferential strips.

Abstract: A multisegment balloon protector, includes several protectors each of which covers and tightly fits over a portion of the length of a balloon of a dilatation catheter.

Abstract: A port/spike assembly including an enteral spike having a diameter substantially less than the diameter of a standard parenteral spike. The assembly also includes a port having a tube with an outer wall which defines a generally cylindrical elongated bore. A frangible membrane is disposed inside the elongated bore, and divides the bore into upper and lower bore sections. A selector ring is provided in the upper bore section for permitting insertion of the reduced diameter enteral spike and for preventing the insertion of a standard parenteral spike through the membrane. The assembly prevents inadvertent insertion of a parenteral spike into an enteral feeding system.

Abstract: A condom is provided for enhancing feeling and stimulation on the part of the male by allowing the condom to move, e.g., by a sliding action on the surface of the penis during intercourse. Typically the distal end of the condom is frictionally related to the vagina by weakly bonding the condom to the vagina as by means of a gum-like adhesive agent or by means of a multiplicity of minute fibers bonded on the outside surface of the condom or both. The condom near its open end is held tightly against the base of the penis and, if desired, weakly bonded thereto by means of a removable adhesive to form a tight seal.

Abstract: An electronically controlled syringe system for connection to a balloon catheter or other balloon-type member and for automatically monitoring, displaying and recording inflation data when the syringe system is used to inflate the balloon catheter or other balloon-type member. A syringe having a barrel and a syringe plunger is selectively operable to increase fluid pressure applied to the balloon catheter or other balloon member by sliding the plunger further into the barrel. Positive pressure applied to the balloon catheter or member can be released by withdrawing the syringe plunger toward the rear of the barrel. A piezoresistive semiconductor transducer housed on the barrel of the syringe senses positive fluid pressure applied by the syringe.

Abstract: An atherectomy system for coring, ingesting and removing an obstruction material from within a patient's vessel having a flexible guide wire defining a void for holding obstruction material during the atherectomy process and for accurately guiding a flexible catheter in the vessel. Coupling means at the proximal end of the flexible catheter for coupling it to drive means.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268). A blood sampling system utilizing an in-line pre-slit injetion site (492) and a shielded blunt cannula (512).

Abstract: A clavicle bandage with two adjustable-length strips, wherein one end of each strip is secured to a ring that accordingly fastens the two together, in that the strips are made of a material that essentially does not stretch, and in that their free ends have means of establishing loops.