Abstract: A cannula comprising, an elongated catheter of elastic material and having a relatively soft distal tip. The catheter has a lumen extending from the tip to a proximal end of the catheter, and a plurality of openings in a distal end portion of the catheter communicating between the lumen and the outside of the catheter. The cannula has an elongated relatively rigid stylet snugly received in the catheter lumen, with the cannula having one or more channels communicating between a proximal end of the stylet and the openings.

Abstract: An implanting device for implanting pellets and like subcutaneously or intramuscularly in animals is described which utilizes means for indexing an implant magazine having a plurality of pellet-containing stations therein and means for automatically retracting a needle from about an implant charge to deposit the pellets in an animal. The implant magazine is indexed for sequential applications automatically as the retraction mechanism is cocked. Additionally, means for automatically ejecting a spent or empty implant cartridge are provided to prevent false deposition of implants. An implant cartridge having open channels containing implants can be utilized with the implanting device, the channels having means thereon for increasing the size of the channel during the implanting step to substantially eliminate the crushing or breaking of pellets as they are expelled from the cartridge. Alignment and stabilization means for the implant magazine and the implanting device also are provided.

Abstract: A container having a unique two chamber construction provides for the passive mixing of two supply solutions having different specific gravities into a single homogenous solution in a closed environment. The container includes means for a positive test that a single homogenous solution has been achieved. The container is especially useful for storing and mixing two supply solutions which when mixed form a single medical solution which itself is unsuitable for storage over extended time periods.

Abstract: An adjustable surgical arm rest and instrument platform for supporting the arms and hands of a surgeon during a micro-surgical procedure, in which a supporting platform is provided with vertical and angular adjustment mechanisms which permit rapid adjustment of the platform before, during and after the operation. Two or more platforms may be used, and each platform can be adjusted independently of the other platforms. The angular adjustment of a platform can be performed independently of the vertical adjustment of the platform. Each mechanism is provided with a two part securing feature so that the platforms will not move accidentally. An oxygen/air tube may be attached during local procedures to supply oxygen.

Abstract: A naso-esophageal catheter is provided with an inflatable balloon at its distal end and a signal-emitting device is located within the balloon so that the location of the distal end of the catheter can be determined when it is advanced into the patient's esophagus. After the catheter has been advanced into the patient's esophagus, the balloon is inflated. Thereafter, a trans-cervical esophageal catheter is directed through the patient's neck towards the center of the inflated balloon. After the balloon has been punctured the naso-esophageal catheter is withdrawn and the patient can then be fed with liquid nutrients through the trans-cervical esophageal catheter.

Abstract: A cannula needle for a catheter is provided from flat metal sheet blank stock. A groove of controlled depth is formed on the metal sheet which is then rolled to produce a hollow barrel having a slit parallel to the longitudinal axis; the barrel is then cut into individual needles. Gripping wings are then welded to each needle on either side of the slit in a separate operation.In use, when the wings are flexed, the needle will easily split in half along the groove. This enables the cannula to be separated from the catheter.