Abstract: A method and apparatus for introducing a fluid agent into body tissue by causing transport of the fluid agent into the dermis of the subject. The outer surface of the skin of the subject is drawn against a plurality of micropenetrators such that microfissures are cloven into the epidermis and fluid may be introduced for diffusion or suction within the dermis. Suction creates a pressure gradient within the dermis to cause fluid take-up by the dermal tissue. The micropenetrators are produced by punching an array of protrusions in the surface of a thin sheet creating sharp edges for penetrating the epidermis.

Abstract: A device for delivery of a powder to the skin of a subject includes a pad, made of an insulating material and having an upper side and a lower side, which lower side is placed against the skin after application of the powder thereto. An electrical power source applies an electrical potential to the pad, causing the powder to adhere by electrostatic force to the lower side of the pad, and then alters the potential so that the powder is released from the pad and contacts the skin against which the pad is placed.

Abstract: An improved aortic cannula is formed from a cannula body and a tip provided on the distal end of the cannula body wherein the tip is designed to accommodate the fluid flow requirements of an extracorporeal bypass system while simultaneously minimizing any possible adverse impact of the cannula and fluid flow on the vessel in which the cannula is received. The tip has an axial fluid discharge aperture provided at the distal end thereof through which a portion of the fluid exiting the cannula flows. In addition, at least one lateral fluid discharge aperture is provided in the sidewall of the tip. A scoop or other diverting member is formed in the sidewall to direct a portion of the fluid flowing through the tip to exit the cannula through the lateral fluid discharge apertures.

Abstract: Devices for the generation of inhalable aerosols by extrusion through a porous membrane by a motor-driven cam assembly are disclosed. The device holds a drug formulation container in a drug release position. The package is comprised of a collapsible wall with an opening and a cover for the opening that includes a porous membrane having a plurality of pores therein with a diameter in the range of 0.5 to 6.0 microns. An electric motor in the device is powered by a battery to rotate a cam assembly having three cams. The first cam forces a clamping member (configured to correspond to the outer periphery of the container) against the periphery of the collapsible wall of the container, sealing the jointure of the collapsible wall to the cover of the container along the entire periphery, except for a small unsealed portion thereof. The second cam crushes the collapsible wall, forcing the contents of the container through the unsealed portion of the jointure.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising two elements each having a hub disposed at the proximal end thereof. The hubs are constructed so as to be complementary and rotatably engageable as the result of a plurality of threads disposed on the hubs of the two catheter introducer elements. When the threads of the hubs of the two catheter elements are engaged axial disengagement of the hubs is inhibited. The catheter assembly also comprising a means of securing against accidental rotational disengagement. The size and location of the threads and the rotational securement means permits the catheter assembly to have a lower profile because the distance to the hemostasis gasket is reduced thus permitting easier access to the hemostasis gasket.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods and apparatus for making and using noded cuffs on transcutaneous or intrabody prosthetic devices, such as catheters, to effect improved stability of the prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In particular, the noded cuff apparatus of the present invention provides for positioning of the tissue opening site in a manner which facilitates more rapid establishment of a stably biointegrated and well-healed prosthesis/tissue opening site interface. In addition, in accord with the methods of the present invention, non-biointegrated portions of the noded cuff can be simply and easily removed from the underlying prosthetic device to facilitate maintenance of the stably biointegrated interface. Preferably, this removal takes place after a period of time during which the interface has become stably established.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for placement of a tubular body in the urethra. The tubular body includes a proximal portion adapted for placement toward a bladder end and bladder neck end of the urethra and a distal portion opposite from the proximal portion. A sensor component located on the tubular body is responsive to a feature of the urethra and outputs a first signal indicating proper placement of the proximal portion of the tubular body relative to the bladder and bladder neck. Preferably, an insertion tool is used during positioning of the urethral apparatus. The insertion tool is coupled to the distal end of the urethral apparatus and is used to push the urethral apparatus proximally in the urethra. The first signal can be transmitted from the urethral apparatus through the insertion tool from which it is perceivable by the person positioning the urethral device.

Abstract: An infusion set (10,12) comprises a first part (10) housing a pump and control means and a second part (12) housing a replaceable infusate reservoir (14) with an integral infusion line (16). An anti-freeflow sliding member (26) has an opening (28) through which the infusion line (16) passes, and is slidable between a first open position and a second closed position by detaching the parts.

Abstract: An electrode for attachment to a patient comprises a flexible planar member, an electrically conductive member embedded in said flexible member and adapted for contact with the patient, a layer of electrically conductive adhesive applied to the conductive member and the flexible planar member on a side of the flexible planar member facing the patient. Through holes extend completely through the electrode and, optionally, may also extend through the layer of adhesive. Alternatively, a permeable electrode having a permeable member which allows a solvent to pass through to the adhesive may be used to eliminate the need for through holes in the electrode. The permeable electrode may also be coated with sodium chloride or potassium chloride and used in conjunction with an applicator containing an alcohol gel which liquefies upon contact with the sodium chloride or potassium chloride.

Abstract: In a syringe dosing mechanism a threaded spindle (1) and a nut (3) cooperates so that relative rotation thereof moves the nut (3) along the spindle (1). The nut (3) has two intersecting bores (12, 15). The first bore (15) has an inner thread (7) matching the outer thread (2) of the spindle (1) and the second bore (12) is smooth and fits slidingly over the spindle (1). The nut (3) is tiltable between a first and a second position. In the first position the threaded bore (15) is coaxial with the spindle (1) and in the second position the smooth bore (12) is coaxial with the spindle (1). The nut (3) is at a first side hinged to a piston rod (6)so that exertion of a force by the nut (3) on the piston rod (6) in a direction (10) by which an injection is performed will tilt said nut (3) into its first position.

Abstract: Parts integrally associated with a shortened I.V. insertion needle handle to provide, in as few as one molded part, an extendable safety guard for a catheter insertion needle and its sharpened tip. The safety guard comprises a plurality of rigid segments serially connected by a plurality of living hinges. The segments are disposed about the insertion needle, folded upon each other during the medical procedure and extended at the end of the procedure to form a secure, substantially fixed length safety sheath which conforms to the long axis of the needle. During the procedure, the safety guard is folded and conveniently disposed about a proximal portion of the needle. At the end of the procedure, the safety guard is extended by a relatively short motion associated with an arc distance of a proximal segment of the enclosure to protectively guard and secure the needle. The needle becomes a part of a structure which is cooperatively formed by both needle and enclosure.

Abstract: A needleless injector is described for dispensing a liquid material, comprising a dispensing member which moves under the force of a spring providing an energy store. A damping arrangement, employing a viscous damping medium such as grease, is used to damp recoil during dispensing.

Abstract: A medication infusion pump is provided for substantially constant flow delivery of a selected medication from a medication chamber through a catheter to a patient. The medication infusion pump comprises a compact housing adapted for implantation into the body of a patient, wherein the housing defines a hollow interior forming a medication chamber. An inlet port on the housing permits transcutaneous access to and filling of the medication chamber within the housing. A flexible propellant reservoir occupies a portion of the medication chamber volume and is filled with a selected fluid propellant to apply a substantially constant pressure to the medication for medication delivery with substantially constant flow through an elongated capillary tube and the catheter for administration to the patient.

Abstract: An improved catheter includes a double spiral configuration of infusion holes around the circumference and along the length of the catheter which provides an improved lateral dispersion of a thrombolytic fluid to more completely and quickly lyse a clot through which the catheter is passing. The double spiral configuration consists of groups or sets of infusion holes, typically groups of four. The holes in each set are longitudinally spaced from each other at substantially regular intervals along the length of the catheter. Each successive hole in a given group is circumferentially spaced by an angular distance of about 90.degree. around the circumference of the catheter relative to the immediately preceding hole. Each group of holes is circumferentially spaced or offset by an angular distance of between 1.degree. and 89.degree. relative to the immediately preceding group of holes. Typically, the angular spacing between successive groups of holes is 18.degree..

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.

Abstract: An injector comprising a changeable cylinder ampoule (2) containing medicine for a number of injections into which ampoule a piston (4) is pressed by a piston rod (9) driven by a drive mechanism to dispense a dose of medicine through a nozzle (5) as a high speed jet which penetrates the skin. The injector comprises a distal part (1) accommodating the cylinder ampoule (2) and a proximal part (8) containing the drive mechanism and the piston rod (9) which can be advanced a set distance by the drive mechanism when released, the distal and the proximal parts being provided with mutually engaging threads so that one of these parts can successively be screwed into the other to set a dose to be delivered by the device.

Abstract: An assembly for administering preset doses of medication is provided. The assembly includes a syringe holder and a pre-filled syringe which is mounted to the holder. The syringe includes a barrel for containing medication, a movable plunger including a piston within the barrel, and a blunt end having an opening through which the medication within the barrel can be expelled. The syringe holder includes a body portion and a movable stop which is engageable with the plunger of the syringe. The stop engages the plunger once it has been moved sufficiently to deliver a desired amount of medication from the barrel for example. The user then disengages the stop from the plunger, allowing the remaining medication to be administered. One application is to a nasal syringe, where approximately equal doses of medication are desired to be administered to each nostril of the patient.

Abstract: An improved percutaneous introducer device is provided that provides a splittable sheath having a flared lead in for the facile introduction of ancillary medical implements, such as small diameter catheters, guide wires and the like, and a hub member being shaped to matingly underlie the flared lead in. When the hub is separated, such as by wings being pulled apart radially to the sheath, the sheath is longitudinally split, allowing it to be easily removed from an in situ catheter.

Abstract: The invention comprises a closed system blood sampling device comprising a bifurcated capillary tube which has a first branch having a cannula shaped end for withdrawing and conveying blood to a communicating blood collection zone. The blood collection zone is for storing a quantity of withdrawn blood. It also feeds an initial fraction of withdrawn blood to a communicating blood disposal chamber which has an air permeable liquid sealed end. The second branch of the bifurcated capillary tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the blood collection zone. It terminates in an opening adapted to receive a blood withdrawal device. Also disclosed is a method of sampling blood from a patient having an artery fitted with a venipuncture device which is attached to an injection site which contains the closed blood sampling device described.

Abstract: Irrigating a patient's ear using an otoscope tip fitted to be seated in the ear canal, similar to the placement of a finger therein to block out noise, through which tip there is a continuous circulation of flushing fluid, wherein the seated position of the tip maintains the patient splatter-free and obviates use of a waterproof apron or the like.