Abstract: This invention relates to augmented polymeric hypodermic needles and lancets. A flexible polymeric hypodermic needle or lancet is stiffened and made to more readily pierce the skin by working in conjunction with an augmenting structure. The devices are by their nature safer than present metal hypodermic needles or lancets. "Anti-stick", one-time use, and safety shielded models are demonstrated. Novel manufacturing methods will lead to devices that are less expensive than their metal counterparts. Unlike metal hypodermic devices these can be easily incinerated. This invention makes possible safe, easy to use, low cost, disposable hypodermic devices for injection, blood sampling and testing.

Abstract: A system for managing delivery of contrast media from a contrast media source to a patient. The system includes a chamber for receiving fluid from the contrast media source in a controlled manner. Attached at one end of the chamber is an inlet line and, at the opposite end, an outlet line. Disposed in the outlet line is a valve. The valve provides a first position which permits the flow of contrast media through the line. The valve further provides a second position which permits flow of fluid from the point of the valve toward the patient, while at the same time venting the system at the point of the valve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a female component for engaging a complementary hook component in a refastenable fastening device. The female component of the present invention is capable of engaging a hook component that has flexible, resilient individual hook elements. The female component comprises at least two, and preferably three zones or layers. Each zone has certain of the desired individual characteristics for entangling and holding the hooks of the mating hook component. These include a first zone for admitting and engaging at least some of the hooks of the complementary hook component (the "entanglement" zone), a second zone for providing space for the hooks to occupy after they have been admitted by the entanglement zone (referred to as the "spacing" zone), and a backing adjacent to the spacing zone for providing a foundation for the entanglement and spacing zones.

Abstract: An aspiration catheter arrangement for aspiration of thrombi and emboli from blood vessels has a central catheter (2) and an outside catheter (1) surrounding it coaxially. A guide wire (4) and a dilator (3) are provided for inserting the catheter arrangement into a vessel and for dilating same. A blood clot is removed by means of a vacuum applied to the central catheter (2). If the central catheter (2) becomes clogged by the blood clot during the aspiration procedure, the central catheter (2) can be extracted out of the outside catheter (1) and replaced by a new central catheter (2). This new central catheter (2) can be connected to the aspiration device and the process is then continued. Instead of inserting a new central catheter (2), the aspiration process can also be continued through the outside catheter (1) by connecting the latter to the aspiration device after removing the central catheter (2).

Abstract: An urethral drain having deep external drainage channels, a low-profiled bladder retention segment, and a reversibly detachable collection segment, facilitates the draining of urine and fluids from the bladder. The low-profiled retention means minimizes bladder irritations and the deep external channels reduce the occurrence of infections. Incorporation of a reduced diameter smooth segment on the catheter, proximate the location of the external urethral sphincter allows the patient to void normally and at will. The drain can be worn concealed within the urethra. Flushing action from normal voiding washes out particulate matters in the urethra and the concealed drain further minimizes contamination. Together, these features improve quality of life for patients needing catheterization.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for the time-released delivery of a selected preparation into a patient's uterine cavity. The apparatus includes an osmotic pump for expelling the selected preparation over time and a catheter for delivery the expelled preparation into the uterine cavity. An inflatable balloon on the catheter holds the apparatus in position in the patient.

Abstract: A system and method is provided which substantially eliminates the effect of air entrapped in tubing for delivering a liquid from a container. The inner diameter of the tubing is selected such that the gravitational force of the liquid from the container is greater than the surface tension of the liquid. A release agent may be used as a coating layer on the interior wall in addition to or alternatively from an expanded diameter.

Abstract: A catheter placement unit comprises an introducing needle (2) having a pointed tip (6) for introducing a catheter (4) into a desired position in a patient's body, a needle hub (3) for mounting the needle (2) so that the needle extends through an axial bore in the catheter (4) during introduction of the catheter into the patient's body and so that the needle can subsequently be withdrawn from the catheter bore leaving the catheter in position in the patient's body, and a needle tip protector (10) on the needle for shielding the needle tip (6) when the needle has been withdrawn from the catheter bore. The needle tip protector (10) includes a guard element (16) which is held against a resilient bias in a cocked position to one side of the catheter (4) while the catheter is introduced into the patient's body and which, on subsequent withdrawal of the needle (2) from the catheter bore, is moved laterally by resilient action from the cocked position into a guard position in which it shields the needle tip (6).

Abstract: A subcutaneous drug delivery device having a driving member for advancing a piston, concentrically enclosed by a cannula, to deliver a drug pellet to a subcutaneous tissue site. The piston has a recessed distal platform upon which the pellet rests for delivery when the distal end of the piston is exposed beyond the cannula.

Abstract: A parenteral device (10) comprising a body (12) having a forward end (26) and a rearward end (34). The forward end (26) is capable of receiving a hollow retractable needle (20) therein so as to project therefrom. The retractable needle (20) is slidable relative to the body (12) and the body (12) also includes a chamber (14) capable of receiving parenteral fluid and capable of being reduced in volume to expel fluid contained therein. The needle (20) is capable of being manually retracted within the body (12) such that the chamber (14) reduces in volume to expel fluid contained therein and such that the needle (20) is retracted to be wholly contained within the body (12).

Abstract: An electrotransport system (50) includes a reusable controller (52) having a power source (60) and a separable disposable drug-containing unit (70). The controller (52) contains a switch (62) which disconnects the power source (60) from current drain when the controller (52) is uncoupled from the drug unit (70). A coupling means (74,66,105,72,64,104) physically and electrically connects together the controller (52) and the drug unit (70) such that the controller (52) provides electrical current to the drug unit (70) for electrotransport delivery of the drug to a body surface (eg, the skin) of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides shaped medical devices adapted for implant and subsequent in-vivo disintegration within a human or animal body. In one embodiment, the medical device is fabricated from a matrix polymer component, e.g., a lactam, which has a ceiling temperature (Tc) within the range of from about 40.degree. C. to about 76.degree. C. Decomposition of this device is accomplished by heating the device in-vivo to a temperature at or above the ceiling temperature of the matrix polymer component. In another embodiment, the medical device is fabricated from an end-capped polyoxyalkylene matrix polymer component characterized by a depolymerization temperature of at least about 40.degree. C. and a ceiling temperature of 76.degree. C. or less after removal of the end-cap group. In a third embodiment of the invention the medical device comprises a matrix polymer which is insoluble or only slightly soluble in normal body fluids and which exhibits a Tc below 40.degree. C.

Abstract: A system for infusing medicine into the body of a patient includes an implantable infusion apparatus containing a dosing unit with a reservoir for the medicine and a medicine delivery pump for pumping doses of the medicine from the reservoir into the patient. The infusion apparatus also includes a sensor for sensing a parameter of the patient for controlling the dosing of medicine according to the sensed parameter. The dosing unit and the sensor are galvanically separable and are each provided with separate telemetry communication units for communication with an external programmer/controller. The external programmer/controller includes telemetry communication units for selectable communication with the dosing unit or the sensor or both simultaneously. The telemetry communication units of the external programmer/controller, the dosing unit and the sensor are constructed for bi-directional communication between the external controller and each one of the dosing unit and the sensor.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for surgical lavage including pumping liquid to a bone or other tissue surface with a reciprocating pump mechanism operated by pressurized gas wherein pressurized exhaust gas is further utilized to accelerate the pulsed liquid. A first valve arrangement is provided to bypass the pumping mechanism to direct pressurized gas directly onto the bone/other tissue surface without the presence of liquid from the device. A second valve arrangement is provided for optionally venting at least a portion of the exhaust gas to the atmosphere instead of directing it to the bone/other tissue surface. An additive line delivers additive to the gas bypass line for delivery of the additive to the bone/other tissue surface with the flowing gas stream.

Abstract: A needle and a cover with a needle having an elongate shank and a tip with a sharpened point. The cover is coaxially associated with the elongate shank for movement therealong toward the tip and includes a part for extending beyond the sharpened point when the cover is positioned near the tip. A lock associated with the needle and cover cooperates and holds the cover to prevent axially movement relative to the needle tip after positioning the cover near the tip. The needle and cover may be a part of a catheter assembly having a catheter and an adapter connected to one another for fluid communication and carried coaxially about the needle and hub. The catheter has a bore therethrough sized to surround the elongate shank for movement therewith during insertion and therealong during placement.

Abstract: A syringe actuation device comprises an elastomeric element that is removably attachable to the outlet tip of a syringe, and to a grip member that allows the elastomeric element to be pulled along the syringe barrel, so as to seat against the distal end of the syringe plunger. In first and second embodiments, the elastomeric element is attached between a grommet, that fits around the outlet tip, and an end cap, having a finger grip, that engages the distal end of the plunger. When the grommet is seated around the outlet tip, and the end cap is engaged against the distal end of the plunger with the plunger in its withdrawn position, the elastomeric element is stretched along the syringe, thereby biasing the plunger toward its inserted position. As the elastomeric element restores itself to its unstretched configuration, it pushes the plunger into the syringe barrel.

Abstract: A modular ambulatory patient infusion apparatus including a control module and an infusion fluid or solution-containing interlocking cassette. The control module includes thumbwheel presettable electronic circuitry and display means in the form of windows for viewing the preset numerical values. In accordance with these settings, the circuitry drives a motor-operated reciprocable piston actuator terminating in a finger-like flange engaging portion. The motor shaft drives a worm and worm gear arrangement for reciprocating the piston actuator, with each of the worm and worm gear interoperatively associated with light cells for determining both motor speed and worm gear revolution.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for the removal of viscoelastic material from an eye chamber. The apparatus enables a procedure, or method, which includes the steps of directing an irrigation fluid toward a viscoelastic material disposed in an eye chamber in order to loosen said viscoelastic material from eye chamber surfaces, hydraulically forcing the loosened viscoelastic material from the chamber surfaces, and aspirating the loosened viscoelastic material from the eye chamber.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a method of effecting the non-surgical transplant of embryos into the uterus of an animal. The method involves the use of a long tubular gripping instrument having an open forward end and an external gripping formation generally adjacent its forward end. A probe with a long tubular body having an open forward end extends axially inside the gripping instrument. A probing member projects in a generally non-axial direction from the probe body generally adjacent its forward end. The method comprises the steps of inserting the gripping instrument, forward end first, into a cervix of the uterus, and establishing a grip between the walls of the cervix and the external gripping formation on the gripping instrument. While maintaining said grip, the gripping instrument is pulled in a rearward direction to straighten the cervix.

Abstract: A disposable hollow cylindroid in the form of a cone which wedge impacts an inserted piston-activated medicinal cartridge such that, employing one or two hands, the user can safely aspirate tissue fluid from a patient and inject contained fluid medications via a hollow needle. The leading end of this disposable hollow cylindroid comprises means for stabilizing the hollow needle serving the inserted cartridge. The trailing end is fitted with a separate reusable plunger whose leading end reversibly attaches to the trailing end of the cartridge piston.