Abstract: An animal fluid injector, replaceable syringe and method of replacement of the syringe in the injector are provided in which the syringe is loadable and unloadable into and from the injector through the open front end of a pressure jacket of the injector, thereby permitting replacement without retraction of the syringe plunger drive or disconnection of the injection tubing. The syringe is provided with a pressure restraining front end, such as an integral or removable cap with structure such as threads that lock the syringe to the front end of the jacket by mating with threads on the jacket. A mechanism in the injector, which includes, for example, a key on cam ring operated by a lever with one hand of an operator, interacts with structure such asymmetrically spaced notches on the back end of the syringe to, for example, rotate the syringe and simultaneously translate or rotate a coupling on the syringe plunger into and out of engagement with the plunger drive in the injector.

Abstract: A fluid management pump system (20) for applying an irrigation/distention solution to a surgical site. The system includes a pump (22) for forcing the solution through an inflow tube (28). A portable power pack (26) attached to the pup provides the energization current for actuating the pump. The solution is introduced into the surgical site from the inflow tube through a first cannula (30) across which there is a relatively small pressure drop. Fluid discharged from the surgical site is drained from the site through a second cannula (32) across which there is a low pressure drop. A hand controller (38) is attached to the inflow and outflow tubes. The hand controller contains a valve (46) for regulating fluid flow through the outflow tube. A pump control circuit (232) is also disposed in the hand controller.

Abstract: A device and a method for modulating urination in patients having an obstructed urinary bladder outlet, the device including: (a) a catheter having a first end, and (b) a ferromagnetic element operatively connected to the catheter, wherein the catheter is designed and configured such that when the device is disposed within the body, a magnetic force applied to the ferromagnetic element causes the first end to be wedged into the urinary tract.

Abstract: A steerable medical device comprises an elongated tubular body and first and second stiffening members, preferably in the form of compression coils or flat flexible wires. The stiffening members are arranged such that when a user engages a steering assembly, incorporated into the device, a distal end of the tubular body can be selectively bent in a first direction into a first configuration or in a second direction into a second configuration. The first and second configurations are functions of the lengths and locations of the first and second stiffening members.

Abstract: The invention is generally directed to an intraluminal catheter system with an improved transition between a proximal shaft portion and a more flexible distal shaft portion. The improvement provides enhanced flexibility and kink-resistance, thus, facilitating advancement through tortuous anatomy. The present catheters may be used for either or both angioplasty and stent deployment.

Abstract: A capacitive-based apparatus for measuring the volume of a fluid drop passing through an intravenous drip chamber. The apparatus includes a capacitor comprising two parallel plates that are a fixed distance apart and are positioned such that the fluid flow path in the drip chamber is between them. The fluid drop moving through the drip chamber between the plates causes the capacitance of the plates to change. This change in capacitance is measured and from it, the volume of the drop is calculated. The volumes of a series of drops are integrated to provide a measured rate of flow through the drip chamber. This measured rate of flow is compared to the programmed rate of flow and the difference is used to adjust a flow control device to obtain the desired rate of flow. The measured flow rate is also displayed.

Abstract: A guidewire handle having a first substantially cylindrical portion and a second substantially cylindrical portion. The guidewire handle has a first aperture to receive a guidewire. A second aperture is located in the first cylindrical portion and the second cylindrical portion. The second aperture is configured to allow fluid to flow therethrough.

Abstract: An advancer for advancing a guide wire includes a distal portion having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough. The distal portion is capable of straightening the guide wire. The advancer further includes a proximal portion having a passageway extending longitudinally therethrough and a central portion having first and second curved surface members which extend between the distal portion and the proximal portion. The curved surface members define an opening therebetween to provide access for a user's thumb and finger to advance a guide wire through the advancer. Also disclosed is a guide wire advancer assembly which includes the advancer and a guide wire storage tube. The tube has an outer diameter which is substantially the same as an inner diameter of the proximal portion and which has the guide wire enclosed within the storage tube.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are provided for reducing interstitial fluid pressure in tissue, particularly in tumors. The apparatus includes an aspiration probe with at least one slit along its body to provide fluid communication between the aspiration probe and the tissue. Suction in the chamber of the aspiration probe generated by a suction source reduces the interstitial fluid pressure. Compared to prior art devices, the geometry of the slit of the aspiration probe is less likely to become blocked. The present invention also includes a cleaning obturator to unclog the slit and a blocking obturator to prevent accumulation of tissue in the aspiration probe chamber when suction is off. The blocking obturator can be made of a number of biocompatible materials, including a material impregnated with a pharmacological agent.

Abstract: A pre-filled syringe includes an outer cylinder having a sealed nozzle, and an inner cylinder movable forward and rearward in the outer cylinder and forming a first space between the inner cylinder and an inner front end of the outer cylinder. A first gasket is slidably accommodated in the inner cylinder in a liquid-tight state, a second gasket is accommodated slidably in the inner cylinder in a liquid-tight state and is located rearward from the first gasket to form a second space between the first and second gaskets, and a plunger is attached at a rear end of the second gasket. A third gasket is installed near the front end of the inner cylinder to be slidable in a liquid-tight state between the inner and outer cylinders. A first medicine is stored in the first space and a second medicine is stored in the second space.

Abstract: A method for treatment of residual lens epithelial cells is disclosed. The method provides increased safety during local treatment in ocular surgery by improved administration of active agents. The method is particularly useful in treatment of proliferative events in ocular surgery, such as posterior capsular opacification.

Abstract: A method is provided of using biocompatible surface-active agents to impart improved characteristics to a surface contacting a gas-supersaturated fluid, advantageously by forming on the surface a coating including an adsorbed biocompatible surface-active agent promoting surface charge neutralization or surface energy reduction, and of providing a surface contacting a gas-supersaturated fluid, the surface having such improved characteristics.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing fluid flow through a vascular site occupied by a vascular occlusion, as well as systems and kits for use in practicing the same, are provided. In practicing the subject methods, the vascular site is flushed simultaneously with a first dissolution fluid (e.g., an organic matter dissolution fluid and/or an inorganic matter dissolution fluid), and a second dissolution fluid attenuating fluid, where flushing is carried out in a manner such that only a surface of the vascular occlusion is contacted with the non-attenuated dissolution fluid. Examples of dissolution fluid/dissolution fluid attenuating fluid pairs include: (1) oxidizing agent fluid and fluid comprising oxidizable neutralizing agent; (2) surfactant fluid and phosphate buffered saline; (3) acidic solution and phosphate buffered saline; etc. Flushing is carried out in this manner for a period of time sufficient for fluid flow through the vascular site to be enhanced, e.g. increased or established.

Abstract: A catheter assembly including a balloon which incorporates a reverse-cone design for improved stent delivery. The reverse-cone design provides an inflatable area which extends longitudinally over the balloon waist. When folded or deflated, the portions of the balloon extending over the waist in conjunction with the waists provide a bulky mass onto which a stent may be securely crimped without the use of additional structure under the balloon.

Abstract: A drug delivery device having a housing having an internal reservoir in communication with a drug delivery outlet via a fluid path. An expandable chamber disposed adjacent to the reservoir forces drug from the reservoir to the outlet when supplied with a gas. A flow regulating chamber, in communication with the fluid path, is capable of volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure changes. An increase in the volume of the flow regulating chamber increases flow resistance to the outlet and thereby counteracts the corresponding increase in delivery rate resulting from the expansion of the expandable chamber due to the same volumetric changes in response to temperature and/or pressure. In a preferred embodiment, an electrical circuit has a current stabilizing element in electrical communication with an electrolytic cell which supplies the gas. A throttling device maintains a higher pressure in the device to reduce possible clogging of the fluid path.

Abstract: A safety syringe comprising a casing having a neck and a plunger having a distal portion, a weak portion, and a coupling portion covered by a hollow stopper having a membrane. The plunger is channeled in the casing and is moveable between an extended position and a compressed position. A needle holder, in the neck, contains a distally facing arrowhead and a proximally facing needle. Moving the plunger from an extended position to a compressed position, causes the arrowhead to puncture the membrane and engage the coupling portion. If the plunger is returned to the extended position, the needle is drawn into the casing and the distal portion of the plunger can be removed. If the plunger is re-compressed, the needle encounters a wall in the neck preventing the needle from exiting the casing. The syringe is easy to manufacture and prevents manufacturing burrs from being injected into patients.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly with needle shield that is connected to the needle hub by a pleated tether. The tether defines a plurality of holes therein to allow the introducer needle to extend through the tether. Each hole defines a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension such that the radial dimension is less than the longitudinal dimension. This configuration improves the tensile strength of the tether. The tether prevents unwanted proximal movement of the needle with respect to the needle shield once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield.

Abstract: An infection preventive cover includes a sheath having at least one opening end, a binding thread to close the opening end of the sheath, and a cutting thread linked to the binding thread, the cutting thread being stronger than the binding thread.

Abstract: Out-patient knee lavage is performed by use of a kit comprising: A. Means for preparing the knee joint for lavage; B. An optional surgical drape; C. A first needle and a first syringe containing a first local anesthesia; D. A second needle and second syringe containing a second local anesthesia; and E. A third syringe adapted to fitting the second needle, the third syringe containing a lavage fluid. The knee lavage is performed by: 1. Cleansing the knee joint and, preferably, covering it with a surgical drape; 2. Applying the first local anesthesia superficially to the joint to create a wheat; 3. Injecting through the wheal the second local anesthesia into the knee joint; and 4. Performing the lavage on the knee joint without removing the second needle from the knee joint.

Abstract: A medication administration system includes an application assembly having a syringe assembly coupled within the application assembly. A trigger handle of the application assembly is operationally coupled to the syringe assembly such that actuation of the trigger handle actuates the syringe assembly. The syringe assembly is for administering medication to an animal. A needle assembly is in fluid communication with the syringe assembly. The needle assembly is for piercing the hide of the animal such that the syringe assembly is adapted for applying medication to a blood stream of the animal. A sling assembly is for carrying a medication supply assembly. The sling assembly is adapted for selectively coupling to a user. The medication supply assembly is in fluid communication with the syringe assembly such that the medication supply assembly is adapted for supplying medication to the syringe assembly.