Abstract: A dry-state iontophoretic drug delivery device (10, 70, 80) is provided. The device has drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) which are initially in a non-hydrated condition. A liquid-containing pouch (21, 22) is provided. In certain embodiments the liquid is contained in breakable capsules within the pouch. Water or other liquid can be released from the capsules in the pouch by squeezing or flexing the pouches (21, 22). Alternatively, the liquid can be released from the pouches (21, 22) using pouch piercing pins (36, 37). The liquid released from the pouches (21, 22) hydrates the drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) and activates the device. In another embodiment, the device (20, 20a) has liquid-containing gel layers (31, 32) which are initially separated from their respective electrode assemblies (8, 9). Liquid-wicking pathways (27, 28) are provided to carry the liquid from the gel layers (31, 32) to the drug and electrolyte layers (15, 16).

Abstract: The invention relates to an implant of polymeric material which can release a contraceptive agent for a relatively long time when fitted subcutaneously or locally.

Abstract: A disposable suction swab formed from an elongated stem shaped at one end for connecting to a suction source and having at the opposite end an enlarged, resilient tip. A transverse aperture is formed in the tip is registration with a hole in the stem, the aperture being larger in cross section than the hole. Means is provided for controlling suction within the stem to thereby control the amount of suction in the aperture in the tip.

Abstract: The present invention provides a therapeutic methodology for the treatment of chronic pain from its earliest stages to the most severe and intractable stage in a living subject. The therapeutic methodology is able to provide substantial pain relief over long time duration to patients afflicted with chronic pain; and relief from chronic pain and improvement of all symptoms coincidental with chronic pain begins immediately upon treatment. The therapeutic procedure must be performed by a properly trained medical practitioner or clinician within the confines of a hospital setting. Nevertheless, the therapeutic method provides pain relief for chronic pain sufferers, especially those persons who have been unable to obtain relief from chronic pain despite drastic medication and other pain relief techniques.

Abstract: A method utilizing sound and an aqueous sound transmission gel to transmit minor effective amounts of an anti-inflammatory pharmaceutical agent in uniform quantities through all points in a selected area of the intact skin of the body of an individual.

Abstract: A membrane capable of inhibiting agent release from a delivery system when no electrical current is flowing and yet provide minimal impedance to electrically-assisted agent delivery, useful both for incorporating into electrotransport agent delivery systems and for use in measuring agent release rates in in vitro testing.

Abstract: A metehod and device for transurethrovesical biopsies, amniocenteses and other biological sampling procedures utilizing a double lumen catheter is achieved by the present invention. The catheter includes a rigid lumen to guide a needle and a second lumen able to pass fluid. In transurethrovesical sampling procedures, the catheter is positioned across the bladder with one end of the catheter against the bladder wall which adjoins the uterus wall. Fluids pass through the second lumen to fill the bladder and increase sonographic visibility allowing the user better visibility for precise placement of the catheter. Preferably, an amniocentesis or biopsy needle is passed through the first rigid lumen, through the bladder wall, through the uterus wall and into the amniotic sac to allow withdrawal of amniotic fluid or other biological sample. The needle may then be withdrawn through the rigid lumen and the catheter removed.

Abstract: An electrically powered iontophoretic delivery device is provided. The device utilizes electrodes composed of a polymeric matrix containing about 5 to 40 vol % of a conductive filler which forms a conductive network through the matrix, and about 5 to 40 vol % of a chemical species which is able to undergo either oxidation or reduction during operation of the device. Preferably, the conductive filler is carbon or graphite fibers. For the anode electrode, the chemical species should be able to undergo oxidation and is preferably either silver or zinc. For the cathode electrode, the chemical species should be able to undergo reduction and is preferably silver chloride.

Abstract: Machine for cytapheresis such as platelet apheresis, and for plasma exchange treatment having control means (13, 27) for admixture of a liquid to flow of blood passing through a connection (29) between a pump (10) and a separating means (14) for separation of blood by centrifugation into various components. The invention also relates to a method in operating such a machine, and a method for cytapheresis such as platelet apheresis, wherein said liquid is admixed to blood being drawn from a donor/patient and/or being returned from the separation process to the donor/patient.

Abstract: A needle guard for a syringe or other injection instrument with a sharp point is disclosed having a protective sleeve with a needle base, and having a retracted position and an irreversible extended position that may be used with a conventional syringe assembly. The needle guard being comprised of a needle base containing a hypodermic needle integral therewith and locking means, and a protective sleeve slidable on the needle base. Prior to and during use of the needle, the sleeve remains in a retracted position covering the barrel of the syringe. After the needle has been used, the sleeve is pushed forward into its locked extended position, so that the end of the sleeve extends beyond the tip of the needle. The tip of the needle is thereby shielded, preventing accidental sticks.

Abstract: An allergy testing apparatus for testing a patient for a plurality of allergies at the same time comprises an actuating member resiliently suspended from a frame member and which is movable relative to the frame member. A plurality of spaced apart substance sources are mounted in the frame member below the actuating member. A plurality of spaced apart needles or the like are mounted on the actuating member and extend in the same direction so as to pierce the respective substance sources during movement of the actuating member toward the skin of a patient to apply the substances to the skin of a patient. According to another feature of the invention, the device is shaped like a rotatable, drum-like device, having a plurality of layers. The needles or the like are covered over by a resilient layer, and substance containing means are mounted over the resilient layer and in registration with the respective needles.

Abstract: A plastic cartridge for use as a pre-filled cartridge comprising a hollow cylindrical barrel (1) having a top end and a bottom end (2) both of which are open. The bottom end is sealed by a stopper (3) and the top end (6) by a plastic cap (7). The cap comprises a hypodermic needle (27), or an integrally moulded fitting (12) adapted to receive a hypodermic needle, and a closure (9) which is frangibly connected and integral with the cap (7) so that upon application of a removal force on the closure the closure can be separated from the cap thus revealing the hypodermic needle or the hypodermic needle fitting and the contents of the cartridge. Also the prefilled syringe is described and a method for manufacturing the pre-filled cartridge.

Abstract: Crystalline copolymer comprising the reaction product of: a) a predominant amount of a high molecular weight prepolymer of .epsilon.-caprolactone and glycolide, and b) the balance glycolide. A surgical device such as a surgical filament, in particular a surgical suture, prepared by injection molding or melt spinning the crystalline copolymer.

Abstract: A cannula assembly for use in conjunction with insufflatory surgical techniques includes a cannula, a housing mounted on one end of the cannula, and a flapper valve mounted in the housing. The flapper valve includes a valve seat which is situated at an opening formed in the housing, a valve plug which is adapted to engage the valve seat to form a substantially gas tight seal with the valve seat, and a support plate on which the valve plug is mounted and which is biased to pivot the plug into and out of engagement with the valve seat. The valve plug is movable on the support plate so as to be self-aligning with the valve seat when the plug and valve are in engagement. The valve plug is uniquely configured to include a recessed reservoir at the proximal side and surrounded by a circular ridge.

Abstract: An improved swab having cotton covered enlarged distal ends and an elongate stem for use in cleaning the outer portion of the ear and/or in applying cosmetics and the like. Positioned at the distal end of the swab beneath the cotton coverings is a disc which is sized to prevent entry of the swab into the human ear canal. The disc also prevents the stem from protruding through the cotton covering and causing injury during use.

Abstract: A means and method is described that uses a tissue excision (atherectomy) catheter system for creating a passageway through obstructive tissue in a blood vessel of a human body such that the passageway has a greater luminal diameter than the outside diameter of a percutaneously inserted catheter used to create that passageway. A guide wire is first percutaneously inserted into the blood vessel and advanced through the obstructive tissue. A percutanesouly inserted catheter is then advanced over the guide wire and it cuts through the obstructive tissue while the blood vessel is compressed at the site of the obstructive tissue by means of an externally applied pressure cuff. The compressional force on the blood vessel is then released and the catheter and guide wire are removed from the blood vessel. This procedure results in a luminal diameter of the passageway cut in the obstructive tissue that is larger than the outside diameter of the tissue excision catheter.

Abstract: An inflatable percutaneous oxygenator has an inflatable balloon suitable for insertion into a blood vessel. Oxygen is circulated through a number of gas-permeable passageways (such as hollow gas-permeable fibers) adjacent to the balloon surface to permit diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between the blood vessel and the passageways. A pump is used to alternately expand and contract the balloon. This causes movement of the passageways within the blood vessel to minimize streaming or channeling of the blood flow around the oxygenator, maximizes turbulence in the blood stream, and therefore maximizes diffusion of gases. An external connector has lumens that supply a flow of oxygen to the passageways, exhaust gas from the passageways, and allow inflation and deflation of the balloon by the pump.

Abstract: A depilator is provided comprising a housing which includes a skin-following surface for the skin to be depilated and at least one drivable hair pulling element rotatably mounted in the housing, the axis of the element being directed perpendicular to the skin-following surface. A first hair pulling element is arranged annularly while a second hair pulling element adjoins the inside wall of the first hair pulling element.

Abstract: A reusable dental syringe including a conventional medication filled carpule and a conventional double-ended needle cannula which is to be retracted into a compact enclosure to permit the safe handling and disposal of the cannula while avoiding an accidental needle stick and the possible spread of disease. The carpule is inserted into a hollow carpule adapter to engage a movable needle carrier at the distal end of the adapter. The combination carpule and adapter are loaded into the cylinder of the syringe, and the needle cannula is attached to the needle carrier to penetrate the carpule. At the conclusion of an injection, the combination carpule and carpule adapter are rotated outwardly from the syringe cylinder, and the carpule is then pulled rearwardly through the adapter, whereby to correspondingly relocate and anchor the movable needle carrier at the proximal end of the adapter.

Abstract: A monitoring catheter for medical use characterized by a main tube for discharge path of body fluids, etc.; a first auxiliary tube for air flow which surrounds the main tube and is provided within the wall; a second auxiliary tube or a third auxiliary tube which forms passageway for liquid drug infusion or measures pressure; and a lead for measuring a temperature which is embedded within the wall of the main tube. The main tube has a plurality of bores on the wall near the tip portion thereof and also has a connecting portion for connecting with a container for drainage capture at the rear end of the main tube. The first auxiliary tube opens at the tip portion thereof towards the inside of the main tube and at the same time, is branched from the main tube near the rear end of the catheter and a filter is equipped at the rear end of the branched portion. The second auxiliary opens towards the outer surface of the catheter.