Abstract: A medication dispensing device for administering medicine to patients unable to swallow includes a flexible chamber in which solid medicinals, such as tablets, can be pulverized and dissolved or placed in suspension in a liquid medium which thereafter can be administered to the patient from the chamber through an elongate feeding tube through the mouth or nose.

Abstract: A device for sterile storage of a catheter (11) and sterile advancing thereof a given length directly in a blood vessel, the device comprising a connecting piece (13), which is connectable both to a cannula and to a transparent, flexible protective sheath (15), in particular a plastic bag, enclosing the catheter. In order to allow continuous reading of the fed out catheter length the protective sheath (15) is equipped with a length scale (17), which has its highest value nearest the connecting piece (13) and which is made so that the reading of the length scale against the remaining length of the catheter in the protective sheath corresponds to the fed out length of the catheter. Further means (23;31;32;33) are provided which allow withdrawal of the protective sheath from wrinkled position to stretched position without bringing the catheter (11) with it.

Abstract: A spike exchanger to move a spike from one peritoneal dialysis bag to another. A pair of peritoneal dialysis bags are positioned by a base having clamps for releasably closing the tubular ports of each bag. A patient connectable tube with a spike shaped end is removably mounted to a device slidably mounted on the base and guided by means of a slot and roller combination to the tubular port of either bag. Various embodiments of the slot roller mechanism guide the spike shaped end to the tubular ports. A hook shaped tool pivotally mounted upon the base is engageable to unlock a sterile clamp mounted to the spike and port of one bag. Spaced apart and integrally connected arms moveably mounted to the base receive a sterile clamp and are positionable to lockingly mount a sterile clamp to the spike and port of the other bag. A further hook shaped arm pivotally mounted to the base is moveable against a bag port to hold the port immoveably straight as it is engaged by the spike.

Abstract: An I.V. pump cassette includes an enclosed pumping chamber with an inlet and outlet adapted to be connected to I.V. tubing. A reciprocable plunger extends from the top of the pumping chamber. The cassette is arranged to be received in a semi-cylindrical chamber in a driver mechanism wherein a horizontally extending support portion of the cassette can be supported in a semi-circular recess and clamped thereon by overlying clamp members of the driver mechanism. An upstanding semi-circular fence is provided at the front end of the cassette to activate a laterally pivotable switch in the appropriate driver mechanism and to create an interference with the wall of the semi-cylindrical chamber in an inappropriate driver mechanism.

Abstract: A cannula device has a hollow needle, and a hub which supports the hollow needle at the proximal end portion thereof and which is made of a hard plastic. A protector comprises a hollow body whose distal end is closed and whose proximal end is open and which is made of a hard plastic. The protector is detachably mounted on the hub such that the hollow body houses the hollow needle therein and the proximal end of the hollow body covers the distal end portion of the hub. A resilient layer is formed between the inner circumferential surface of the proximal end portion of the hollow body and the outer circumferential surface of the distal end portion of the hub.

Abstract: A plastic container containing an infusion solution which may not allow deterioration of the infusion solution over a long period of time, is prepared by providing a container which is made of a flexible plastic material having a heat resistance able to withstand heat of autoclaving sterilization and which holds an infusion solution containing components which may easily deteriorate upon contact with oxygen; the container is packaged with a first packaging material which consists of a plastic material having a gas permeability and a heat resistance able to withstand the heat of autoclaving sterilization. The container packaged with the first packaging material is sterilized by autoclaving in an atmosphere of saturated steam containing substantially no oxygen. The packaged and sterilized container is cooled while substantially maintaining a pressure of autoclaving sterilization by introducing an inert gas into the atmosphere.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a first connector from a second connector and reconnecting the first connector with the third connector by mechanical means so that the visually impaired can do it, without touching critical areas where sterility should be retained. The apparatus finds particular use in the field of peritoneal dialysis where the catheter or set connecting to the patient must be disconnected from one container of solution and reconnected to another under the most aseptic conditions possible. A platform is provided having track means for permitting controlled movement of a first retention means between a first position, permitting disconnection between the first and second connectors, and a second position permitting connection between the first and third connectors when the first, second, and third connectors are respectively carried in the first, second, and third retention means.

Abstract: A pump assembly particularly useful as an infusor for parenteral administration of a small amount of a therapeutically active substance for a prolonged period of time at a substantially constant rate comprising a fluid imbibing pump mounted within a receptacle into which actuating fluid may be charged. The active agent is dispensed from the pump after the pump is exposed to the fluid. Means to vary or stop the pump by obdurating all or a portion of the exterior surface of the pump can also be provided. Variation in flow rates can also be obtained by changing the composition of the actuating fluid.

Abstract: An endotracheal device comprises an air tube adapted to be inserted through the oral or nasal passage and into the trachea to provide an air passage for respirating a patient. The air tube includes an inflatable cuff mounted at the distal end, and a membrane containing a cushioning material disposed along the air tube adjacent the cuff in a position to prevent direct contact between the air tube and the cricoarytenoid joint and its surrounding tissues.

Abstract: A parenteral solution delivery control system for housing a drip chamber and detecting drops falling therethrough. One or more light sources are employed to provide light beam transverse to the drip chamber axis and covering the cross-section of the drip chamber so that drops falling therethrough, even when the drip chamber is tilted, break a light beam. A retention bar is provided to maintain the drip chamber in proper position and to break a light beam when the drip chamber is in position, thereby preventing operation of the device when not properly assembled. A liquid level control monitor is configured to provide an energized signal when the area of the drip chamber occupied by liquid during normal operation is filled with air as a consequence of the liquid level falling to an abnormal level.

Abstract: A ureteral stent for maintaining drainage of urine between the kidney and the bladder including an elongated flexible silicone tubular member having a series of helical coils on its distal end, the longitudinal axis of which is parallel to the tubular member. A retention coil is formed on the proximal end of the tubular member for reception in the renal pelvis and drainage holes are formed along the length of the stent. The stent is straightened for insertion by means of a wire guide.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for obtaining access to a relatively inaccessible region of a blood vessel for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes in which a primary catheter tube is inserted into the vascular system at an entry point remote from the relatively inaccessible region, the leading end of the tube is worked towards the inaccessible region in a conventional manner and then a secondary catheter tube contained within the primary tube is everted from the leading end of the primary tube to approach more closely to the required region. A catheter assembly for performing the method is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cardioplegic controlling and regulating device for the dosed perfusion of cardioplegic perfusion solution in open-heart surgery has a storage container for receiving the cardioplegic solution, which container is part of a scale and can be connected to the heart over a tubular conduit. A pressure-controlled dosing pump which acts on the tubular conduit and cooperates with a second, reversible pump which is constructed as an exhaust pump and is selectively operable synchronously or asynchronously within controllable tolerance limits with the first dosing pump during the perfusion and sustaining of the perfusion. An ultrafilter for the mixture of blood and cardioplegic solution removed from the patient's heart is located in a removal line. An outlet for the blood separated form the ultrafilter is connected by a conduit to a blood storage container and the permeate or filtrate outlet of which ends in a filtrate line or in a filtrate collector vessel.

Abstract: A connector for medical tubing comprises two interengaging parts (1, 12). As one part is rotated relative to the other, screw-threads cause a tapered projection (13) to mate with a flared bore (6) to provide a fluid-tight seal. Further relative rotation causes the outer bevelled edge of the outer wall (16) of one of the parts to move further forward to sealingly engage the sloping wall (10) of the other part. The projection (13) and outer wall (16) are connected by a flexible membrane 19 to permit this further forward movement. The connector is particularly suited for use in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate method and apparatus for sensing and monitoring any buildup in the downline tubing pressure in a fluid infusion system. The initial fluid pressure as indicated by the tubing location is sensed after a delay period and is utilized as a base pressure if it is within allowable limits. The infusion tubing location or pressure is then monitored and compared with the base location or pressure. The system will alarm if a preset differential location or pressure change is exceeded.

Abstract: A dental hygienic device comprising an n-type semiconductor disposed on or in a main body consisting of an inserting portion and a handle. At least one portion of the semiconductor is exposed while at least the other portion being located at the inserting portion of said main body. The semiconductor, when irradiated with a natural and/or man-made light, is activated to produce therein a number of holes whereas teeth becomes reverse-phased due to an electron density higher than that in the semiconductor to thereby give rise to a reduction which decompose tartars and colored scales on the teeth.

Abstract: A multiple fluid pulse dispenser comprising a plurality of interconnected fluid reservoirs defined by mating, oppositely directed concavities at least one of which mating concavity is formed from an invertable, preferrably permanently deformable blister. The reservoirs are in fluid communication with an outlet through which the contents of the reservoirs may be dispensed. A preferred embodiment permits fluid to flow through a reservoir after it has been discharged to allow random activation of the individual reservoirs.

Abstract: A mesh or gauze of a bioabsorbable material is used to temporarily correct a defect in a living body. The mesh is of a construction sufficient so that biological tissue in the area of the defect can grow into it and form a long-term biological tissue correction structure before the mesh is completely bioabsorbed. The long-term biological tissue correction structure forms a substantially permanent correction of the defect. The mesh is normally sutured or otherwise fastened in position to correct the defect and is maintained in that position for a time sufficient for the long-term biological tissue correction structure to form and for the mesh to be completely bioabsorbed.

Abstract: A disposable syringe cartridge including a molded plastic cylinder having an open end and a closed end with inlet and outlet nipples integrally formed in the closed end, and a plastic piston head slidably received in the open end of the cylinder and pivotably connected to a plastic piston rod. The piston head utilizes a quad-type sealing ring providing a pair of adjacent sealing surfaces with the cylinder, and includes a square expansion flange rounded at each of its corners to conform in shape to the cylinder, with a rubber annular sealing boot extending between the open end of the syringe cylinder and the piston rod. A flange formed on the outer circumferential edge of the sealing boot is received over the open end of the cylinder and is captured by an annular cap that is ultrasonically welded to the cylinder, while a bead formed on the inner circumferential edge of the sealing boot is received in a groove defined by a pair of adjacent annular flanges formed on the piston rod.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of atherosclerosis in a mammal by destruction of atheromatous plaque is disclosed. The disclosed method includes injecting a hematoporphyrin into the mammal for selective uptake into the atheromatous plaque, and delivering light to the diseased vessel so that the light activates the hematoporphyrin for lysis of the plaque. The preferred method utilizes a balloon catheter equipped with flexible optical fibers for transmission of light from an external source for illumination of the interior of the inflated balloon. By inflation of the balloon, the opaque blood between the balloon and the atheromatous plaque is displaced to facilitate activation of the hematoporphyrin. The balloon may be illuminated and inflated and deflated in a cycle responsive to the patient's pulse so as to minimize interference with blood flow.