Abstract: An apertured plastic film facing material and method for making the same, together with an improved absorbent product formed therefrom, wherein the edge of the apertures is coated with a hydrophilic material.

Abstract: A device for use in withdrawing a catheter such as a balloon catheter from a vessel in the vascular system in order to inhibit damage to the vessel wall includes an assembly defining a passageway through which to pass the catheter. The assembly is dimensioned and arranged to be grasped by a user, and it includes components for coupling the assembly to the catheter so that the user can withdraw the catheter from the vessel by moving the assembly generally axially. The coupling components are adjustable to enable the user to select a desired maximum amount of force that can be coupled from the assembly to the catheter, and for this purpose one embodiment includes a cap-and-compressible-disk arrangement on a body member in which a spring-coupled handle member is telescopingly disposed, graduations along the handle member providing a visually discernible indication of relative handle member position and therefore of the magnitude of a force being coupled by the user to the assembly.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty catheter comprising a catheter body having a through lumen, a tube extending through the lumen and having a distal end portion extending distally beyond the distal end of the catheter body and movable axially in the lumen relative to the catheter body. A radially expandable and axially contractable balloon is coupled, respectively, to the catheter body at the distal end portion of the tube. The balloon has a central region between the opposite end portions of the balloon which is of greater radial dimension in the relaxed condition than the opposite end portions and transition regions between the central region and the opposite end portions. The catheter body has a distal end portion which is less stiff than the region of the catheter body immediately proximal of the distal end portion of the catheter body.

Abstract: An applicator of the present invention generally comprises too pivotally connected handle members, extending into upper and lower jaws. The lower jaw includes a lip, the lower jaw and lip defining a space into which an animals ear is located. The lower jaw further includes a recess, with a pivotal bar extending thereacross. In use, an eartag is positioned on a pivotally mounted pin. The handles are brought together, bringing the pin and tag passed the lip portion, through the ear of the animal (forming a cut therein) and through the recess described above. The pivotal bar stops or at least reduces movement of the ear into the recess, which has previously resulted in too large a cut being formed in the ear, and which has made the tag more difficult to apply.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: An improved device for subcutaneous implantation of single and plural elongated medicament pellets comprising a single dosage where magazine feeding is not applicable because considerations of sterility and cross-contamination require a fresh needle and obturator for each patient. The device includes a cannula supported at a proximal end thereof by a hub which slides within a tubular barrel, the barrel supporting an obturator which selectively penetrates the cannula to maintain an implanted pellet in position as the cannula is withdrawn. For single pellet dosages, the pellet is carried in the fore part of the cannula, while in the case of multiple pellet dosages, the additional pellets, prior to loading, are carried in open-ended cylindrical tubes engageable with a proximal end of the hub whereby the obturator may be employed to transfer the pellet to the cannula from the sleeve which is discarded.

Abstract: A flexible rubber bladder is disposed between a concave surface of a molded plastic base and a mirror image surface of a perforated molded plastic barrier, all enveloped by a molded plastic cover sealed to the base and defining a large volume cavity filled with inert gas under pressure. Injection of medication through a septum in the base fills a reservoir defined by the bladder and concave base surface and compresses the gas as the bladder moves to and against the barrier surface whereby the pressure exerted on the bladder forces medication through a metering outlet in the base and through an attached catheter to the infusion site. The free end of the catheter may be connected to a plastic protective cage for accumulating medication as droplets to dispense medication in bolus quantities.

Abstract: A device for the removal of active substances locally applied against solid tumors consists of a catheter (1) to be positioned distally to the tumor for the collection of blood coming from the tumor, a pump (2) anda catheter (3) connected thereto and returning the blood into the body. The device is characterized in that between the two catheters (1, 3) there is present at least one container (4) capable of allowing blood to pass therethrough and containing immobilized antibodies against the applied active substance.

Abstract: A torque transmitting guiding catheter adapted for insertion into vascular vessels with a body and a method for its construction is disclosed. The guiding catheter includes a flexible tubular member surrounded by a pair of torque transmitting layers that are formed of a flat braided material. A flexible (plastic) casing that initially is applied as a viscous material impregnates and encases the torque transmitting layer to hold them in place and eliminate their rough edges. The ends of the torque transmitting layers are soldered using a radiopaque solder to enhance the catheter's visibility within a body. The tubular member is also folded about the distal end of the catheter over the distal extremity of at least one of the torque transmitting layers to provide a smooth and soft distal catheter tip. The formed catheter has a flexible curving distal tip. The tip's shape memory is enhanced by at least partially curing the casing material while the tip takes the form of its desired final shape.

Abstract: A blood clot filtration device, for implantation percutaneously, for preventing movement of blood clots within a blood vessel. The device has a head and a plurality of legs extending therefrom. The legs include a first linear leg portion of predetermined length emanating distally from the head generally parallel to the axis of the device; a second multi-angled leg portion of relatively greater length extending generally outwardly from the distal end of the first linear leg portion at an acute angle to the axis, to form, with other second leg portions, a conical aspect, the second leg portion having a series of discrete linear segments arrayed generally tangent to a cone defined by the second leg portions of the set of legs; and a hook portion at the distal end of each the leg extending outwardly, away from the axis in a manner for engaging the blood vessel to fix the position of the device therewithin.

Abstract: A sterile, disposable, receiving blanket for a new born baby comprises two bonded layers of sheet material, one of which is relatively absorbent and receives the baby, and the other of which is relatively liquid impervious and acts as a backing sheet. Two sleeves are provided which extend along two opposite edges of the backing sheet on the obverse side from the receiving sheet. Each sleeve is open at one end to receive the hands, wrists and forearms of the nurse or pediatrician using the blanket and is closed at its other end to prevent the hand from contacting the receiving sheet or the baby. The sheets are configured to provide a tapered pouch located in the receiving surface of the blanket and extending across the blanket parallel to and centrally located between the two sleeves. The pouch has a deep end towards the open end of the sleeves which, in use, receives the head of the baby to assist drainage of liquids to the baby's mouth during the initial moments after birth.

Abstract: An implantable fluid transfer device or septum which includes a hollow spherical housing containing a chamber therein for receiving fluid. A needle infuses fluid into or withdraws fluid from the chamber. The housing has a surface that is capable of both omni-directional penetration by the needle and sealing itself when the needle is withdrawn from the housing. A spherical needle stop is provided with the housing to prevent the needle that accesses the chamber from one side of the housing from passing through the opposite side of the housing.

Abstract: A urine meter attached to a flexible urine collection bag. The urine meter comprises a rigid container which is dischargeable into the collection bag. A valve is disposed at the bottom of the rigid container to permit small samples to be taken in a sterile, multiple use, manner. The valve also permits large urine samples to be taken from the container, by the release of a bias device on the valve. The large samples are taken infrequently. The small samples are taken from a reusable sampling port which reseals itself when the sampling device, such as a hypodermic needle, is withdrawn.

Abstract: A decoupling sleeve for inclusion in a fluid conduit of an ultrasonically-operated instrument, such as a surgical instrument, which is irrigated by irrigating fluid at the operative site. The decoupling sleeve includes a tubular thin-walled body portion defining spaced openings, and a collar member for retaining the decoupling sleeve in a tip cap sleeve member for the instrument. The inclusion of the decoupling sleeve in the irrigating fluid conduit intermediate a portion of an ultrasonically-operated tool and the interior of the tip cap sleeve member defining the fluid conduit impedes the transmission of ultrasonic energy through the fluid medium in the conduit, thus reducing objectionable cavitation and bubble formation at the operative site.

Abstract: A valve retainer for securely attaching a valve to a flexible tube of a medical device comprising a tubular body having tabs extending from one end of the retainer that are deflectable inwardly of the retainer to positions extending adjacent the inner surface of the retainer and the outer portion of the tube so that the tabs prevent withdrawal of the valve from the flexible tube.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a steerable guidewire. More specifically, the invention is directed to a guidewire which comprises flexible tubing having proximal and distal ends and inner and outer surfaces, a helically wound flexible spring coil having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the spring coil being attached to the flexible tubing and the distal end of the spring coil comprising stretched coils, a deflection wire extending through the flexible tubing and spring coil, the deflection wire having proximal and distal ends, optionally a control wire having proximal and distal ends, the proximal end of the control wire being attached to the spring coil proximal to the stretched coils, and a rounded tip engaging the distal end of the spring coil, the distal end of the deflection wire, and the distal end of the control wire.

Abstract: The lipectomy device includes a generally hollow tubular housing to the open front end of which are releasably sealingly connected an elongated hollow tubular suction conduit, with a rounded closed front end bearing at least one opening, and a cutting blade with the shaft and cutting tip thereof wholly disposed in the conduit and spaced inwardly therefrom. The cutting blade is releasably connected to an electrical motor in the housing for rotation of the blade, and a suction line also runs into the front end of the housing to remove severed tissue sucked through the blade and/or conduit. The device may include an electrocoagulation component which includes the blade tip in the form of electrically resistive metal, and an electrical circuit between a housing switch, the blade tip and an external electrical power source.

Abstract: An implantable pump, actuated by the patient in whom the pump is implanted, to provide pain relief and/or other therapeutic benefits. There is disclosed a fully implantable pump system, including a reservoir for holding fluid, a septum by which the reservoir is periodically refilled, and a resilient pump chamber responsive to manual pressure, for delivering limited amounts of the fluid through a catheter to a specific location within the body of the patient. Alternative embodiments disclosed include designs incorporating "windkessel-like" devices for controlling discharge of the fluid to the specific location to occur over extended time periods at relatively constant flow rates.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for providing immediate temporary treatment of pneumothorax in a patient by exhausting the pleural cavity. The apparatus incorporates an exhaustion device having a standard luer lock lug receptacle enabling use of a multiple of different size and models of pleural cavity entrance devices having standard luer lock connecting lugs. The exhaustion device also incorporates a one-way valve on the luer lock lug receptacle for exhausting fluid from the pleural cavity and preventing fluid from flowing into the pleural cavity. Projecting wings ease the handling of the apparatus and provide tape attachment surfaces for securing of the apparatus to a patient.

Abstract: A copolymer of recurring units of at least one .alpha..beta.-unsaturated monomer and recurring units of at least one copolymerizable comonomer comprising, in its preferred embodiment from about 20 to about 80 percent pendant carboxylic acid units and from about 80 to about 20 percent pendant carboxylate salt units, is blended with a heterocyclic carbonate to produce a water-absorbing composition upon curing. The composition is particularly suitable for fiber formation.