Abstract: The present invention is directed to a vascular access device for introducing a catheter in a blood vessel using a guide advancing mechanism. The device generally comprises a housing, an introducer needle, a catheter, a guide wire and an actuating means. The introducer needle of the vascular access device is used to penetrate the blood vessel. The actuating means is then initiated and the guide wire is steadily propelled into the blood vessel. Once the guide wire is in place, the catheter, which is concentrically placed over the introducer needle and guide wire, is uncoupled from the vascular access device and guided into the blood vessel by the guide wire.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for using a cooled fluid to be introduced into the lungs as a heat exchange which as a result of the circulatory system of the body, lowers the temperature of the brain as well as the temper of the body in general. In instances where cardiopulmonary arrest occurs and CPR is delayed due to the clinical setting in which the arrest takes place, the rapid induction of brain hypothermia by liquid pulmonary lavage secures valuable time for the subsequent application of CPR techniques. The method can be used on any elective hypothermic surgery.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subcutaneous infusion device comprising: a housing, a flow channel within the housing, a cannula extending from the housing and being in flow communication with the flow channel, a self-sealing septum covering the flow channel, a connector for delivery of fluid into the flow channel, a needle on the connector for penetrating the self-sealing septum covering the flow channel in the housing, a guide means for guiding the connector with the needle into a correct position in relation to the housing, where the guide means has incorporated means for interlocking the connector and the housing. Hereby a simpler and easier operable product is obtained.

Abstract: Locking device that is mounted on an endoscope or the like for selectively securing the position of a guide wire and/or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like. The locking device preferably includes a side wall with an opening therein for receiving the proximal end of a guide wire or catheter. The opening is preferably J-shaped or boot shaped, and has an entry end and a locking end. Once a guide wire or catheter is in a desired position within a body cavity, the portion of the guide wire or catheter that extends outside of the endoscope or the like may be moved into the opening. More particularly, a portion of the guide wire or catheter may be inserted by an operator through the entry end of the opening and into the locking end, wherein the locking end frictionally secures the position of the guide wire or catheter relative to the endoscope or the like.

Abstract: A blood-collection apparatus has a needle having a sharp front end and a sharp rear end, a mounting collar on the needle between its ends and a holder tube extending along an axis and having front and rear ends. A piston axially slidable in the holder tube is provided with a mount adapted to fit complementarily with the mounting collar with the needle rear end directed axially back in the tube. The piston normally is at the tube front end with its mount projecting axially forward from the tube. A flexible strand has a front end attached to the piston and a rear end projecting from the tube rear end. This mount is fitted into the needle's collar after the blood-collection operation is complete so that a pull on the strand retracts the piston back into the tube carrying the needle fitted to its mount.

Abstract: A medical irrigation pump and pump system utilize a permanent non-sterile drive motor capable of operating disposable sterile single use pump units each of which is specifically designed for a particular medical procedure. The pump units have housings which are adapted to be interchangeable within the permanent controller system. Only the sterilized and disposable pump units come into contact with the fluid pathway during pumping. A pattern of bumps on each pump unit is unique for the medical procedure for which the pump unit was designed. The pattern of bumps engages switches on the controller, enabling the controller to identify what type of pump unit has been installed. After automatically identifying the type of pump unit and the intended medical procedure, the controller automatically selects a default motor speed that will provide an appropriate fluid pressure for that particular procedure. Buttons on a control panel also enable the user to manually adjust the pressure delivered by the pump.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising a elongated, flexible support structure having an axis. The assembly also includes an elongated porous electrode assembly carried by the support structure along the axis for contact with tissue. The elongated porous electrode assembly comprises a wall having an exterior peripherally surrounding an interior area, a lumen to convey a medium containing ions into the interior area, and an element coupling the medium within the interior area to a source of electrical energy. At least a portion of the wall comprising a porous material is sized to allow passage of ions contained in the medium to thereby enable ionic transport of electrical energy through the porous material to the exterior of the wall to form a continuous elongated lesion pattern in tissue contacted by the wall. The support structure can have a curvilinear geometry, e.g., a loop shape, and the elongated porous electrode assembly conforms to the curvilinear geometry.

Abstract: The present invention discloses catheter tube retaining devices having a disk rotatably coupled to the base, and a strap (or equivalent) for attaching such a device to the human body. The disk is capable of rotation relative to the base through at least a 90 degree arc. Further, the disk has formed upon a top surface at least one U-shaped retaining channel or groove of sufficient diameter as to retain a catheter tube in interference fit, without restricting the passage of fluid through such tube. Preferably, at least one pair of opposing tabs (or equivalent) protrude over the retaining channel to assist in the retention of the catheter tube. The disk can accommodate four channels, for different sizes of catheter tubes.

Abstract: An automatic speed control system continually adjusts the speed of an implanted cardiac assist blood pump to an optimum level for the varying physiological needs of the patient. It does this by periodically iteratively incrementing the speed setpoint of the pump. When the system detects the imminence of a ventricular collapse at diastole, it decrements the speed setpoint by a predetermined safety margin. An alarm condition is provided if the setpoint decrease results in an insufficient blood flow rate through the pump. The flow rate and imminence of ventricular collapse are computed in real time as functions of only the pump's motor current and speed setpoint.

Abstract: A convertible catheter assembly for performing an intravascular procedure incorporates a guide wire lumen having at least a proximal segment thereof manufactured from a collapsible tubular member. The catheter assembly includes a full length guide wire lumen and an intermediate guide wire port therein so that the catheter may be utilized in a single operator exchange or an over-the-wire mode. The collapsible proximal segment of the guide wire lumen decreases the overall profile of the catheter by collapsing radially inward when not in use during a single operator exchange procedure.

Abstract: A medicinal syringe includes a cylinder with a proximal and distal end, and an outlet. The syringe contains, or is adapted to receive, a medicine or a diagnostic agent, and includes a plug. The surfaces of plug which touch the inside wall of the cylinder are preferably made of polytetrafluoroethylene. The material for the cylinder inside wall directly adjoins the surfaces of the plug, which touch the inside wall of the cylinder. The plug has at least one sealing lip and the mass-resultant of the sealing lip forms an acute angle with the axis of the syringe in that distal direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for in vivo electroporation therapy. Using electroporation therapy (EPT) as described in the invention, tumors treated by a combination of electroporation using the apparatus of the invention and a chemotherapeutic agent caused regression of tumors in vivo. In one embodiment, the invention provides a method of EPT utilizing low voltage and long pulse length for inducing cell death. One embodiment of the invention includes a system for clinical electroporation that includes a needle array electrode having a "keying" element that determines the set point of the therapy voltage pulse and/or selectable array switching patterns. A number of electrode applicator designs permit access to and treatment of a variety of tissue sites. Another embodiment provides a laparoscopic needle applicator that is preferably combined with an endoscope for minimally invasive EPT.

Abstract: A device (2) comprising a sheet member (6) having a plurality of microprotrusions (4) extending from a bottom edge (5) for penetrating the skin of a patient. The sheet member (6) when in use being oriented in an approximately perpendicular relation to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A cardioplegia occluder and methods of using the device during cardiac surgery are disclosed. The system typically includes a substantially rigid cannula with an occluder mounted on the distal region of the cannula that expands upon activation to occlude the aorta downstream of an infusion port which delivers cardioplegia solution to arrest the heart. Systems including cutting blades, blade guards, flanges, radiopaque markers and occluder aligners are also disclosed. In use, the distal end of the cannula is inserted through an incision into the aorta, the occluder is expanded and cardioplegia solution is infused upstream of the aorta to arrest the heart. The infusion port can alternately be used to aspirate cardioplegia or embolic debris or other unwanted material from the aorta.

Abstract: Filtration apparatus suitable for use as a bladder evacuator includes a hinged, perforate flap 4 that is resiliently biased to extend across an opening 8 through the neck 7 of a squeezable bottle 1 for filtering out solids from liquid discharged when the bottle 1 is squeezed. Return of the liquid when the bottle 1 is released deflects the perforate flap 4 away from the opening 8 against the bias to allow solids to enter the bottle 1 with the returning liquid. A hinged imperforate flap 5 overlies the perforate flap 4 to be deflected with it by the returning liquid, but separates from it across the opening 8 when the bottle 1 is squeezed. The two flaps 4,5 are part of a folded sheet that is clamped onto a rim 6 of the bottle-neck 7 under a shoulder 12 of the bottle-cap 2; the shoulder 12 holds the perforate flap 4 against deflection away from the opening 8 when the bottle 1 is squeezed. As an alternative to a bottle, a squeeze-bulb 20 coupled to a cylinder 21 may be used with a single, perforate flap 24.

Abstract: A non-intravascular infusion access device and method for long-term continuous infusion of drugs. The infusion access device includes a porous membrane made of a material which is biocompatible for long-term patency inside the body. The porous membrane is connected to a conducting tubing which exits from the body and is connected to a drug infusion system. At the exit site is a cuff of porous material. The cuff serves to anchor the access device in position as the surrounding body tissue grows back around the cuff. There are also two small suture retainers for stabilizing the position of the access device relative until tissue ingrowth occurs in and around the cuff.

Abstract: A transdermal system (1) for the administration of at least two substances through the skin with the aid of an electric current has a reservoir, which comprises a storage layer (2) for the substances, and a transfer means, which may be arranged in the form of a separating layer (3), that is connected to both the reservoir and the patient's skin (5) during administration. The transdermal system also has electrodes (4) which generate a current that transports the substances from the reservoir into the skin (5). In the transdermal system (1) means for the physical separation of the substances are provided that render possible a sequential administration of the substances.

Abstract: The invention features a catheter particularly for the delivery of a therapeutically active substance comprising a catheter body and an inflatable structure comprising three inflatable elements and a diaphragm fixed to these elements and defining with them, a passage duct for the body fluid and a sealed cavity to contain a therapeutically active substance. The said first (3), second (4) and third (7) inflatable elements are made of one preformed piece consisting of a helically coiled tube, said third element (7) being constituted by one or more turns of the coil, the diameter of the said tube at the portion constituting the third element being less than the diameter of the said tube at the tube portions constituting the said first and second elements respectively and intended to rest against the internal wall of said body duct; the said catheter body is disposed inside the coil of the said tube, in the aforementioned duct. This invention is useful in the preventive treatment of restenosis.

Abstract: A self-administration device for liquid drugs, which can be filled in a short time without troubles such as leakage and is capable of a pushing operation in one-touch. The self-administration device for liquid drugs includes a casing 1; a port portion 2; a reservoir 3 having an open end which is closed by the port portion 2 and is capable of being restored to its original shape; and pushing means 4 for pushing the reservoir 3, wherein the reservoir 3 is pressed by the pushing means 4 to inject the liquid drug. The pushing means 4 includes a cylindrical member inserted slidably into the inner wall of the casing 1, and a spring member housed in the cylindrical member. The cylindrical member and the port position 2 are respectively provided with a male hook 425 and a female hook 25, for acting as detachable mutual engagement means.

Abstract: A medical probe device comprising a catheter having a stylet guide housing with at least one stylet port in a side thereof and stylet guide means for directing a flexible stylet outward through at least one stylet port and through intervening tissue to targeted tissues. The stylet guide housing has an optical viewing means positioned for viewing the stylet and adjacent structure which includes a fiber optic channel means for receiving a fiber optic viewing device. The fiber optic channel means can include a guide port means for directing longitudinal movement of a fiber optic device with respect to the stylet guide means in a viewing zone and a flushing liquid channel in the stylet guide housing having an exit port positioned to direct flushing liquid issuing therefrom across the end of a fiber optic device when positioned in the viewing zone.