Abstract: An apparatus and method for evacuating an anatomical fluid from a body cavity is disclosed. The disclosed apparatus and method is particularly useful in the performance of a pericardiocentesis procedure under emergency conditions. The apparatus consists of a needle and an integrated alarm that uses the needle tip as the probe for a current sensor. As the needle tip approaches conductive media, such as myocardial tissue, the audible alarm sounds, thereby warning the operator to stop the progress of the needle to prevent contact with such tissue.

Abstract: An indwelling needle assembly includes an outer needle hub having an outer needle fixed to the distal end portion thereof, an inner needle hub having an inner needle at the distal end portion thereof, and a needle guard that can accommodate the inner needle and the inner needle hub therein. The needle guard has a double-tube structure including an inner tube and an outer tube, and a connector for connecting the inner needle hub and the inner tube via the proximal end of said needle guard. The needle guard is also expandable by sliding the outer tube toward the proximal end of the inner tube. When the needle guard is extended, the inner needle hub is slid in the needle guard toward the proximal end of the needle guard by the connector.

Abstract: A glaucoma device includes an aqueous tube shunt implant with a foldable reservoir plate for injecting below the conjunctiva of a patient's eye via a hollow cannula. The device has an internal ostium with a flared lip at one end of a shaft having a flattened wing extending to the sides. A foldable plate and reservoir are provided at the at the other end of the shaft and connected to an external ostium of the shaft. The flattened wing presents a flat surface to the overlying conjunctiva and helps position the device when used. The device is preferably made of silicone or acrylic so that the entire implant is foldable and may be rolled up for insertion via the cannula. Other improvements and a method for implanting the device are disclosed as well.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery device comprising a microencapsulated drug contained within at least one capsule, a carrier fluid that will dissolve the drug when freed from the capsule, a drug releaser for freeing the microencapsulated drug from the capsule, a reservoir in which the carrier fluid dissolves the drug, and an electromechanical pump to convey the dissolved drug to a catheter, through which the drug is delivered to a target site within a patient.

Abstract: The present invention relates an anti-free flow valve for a fluid administration systems having a tube assembly with a lumen formed through therethrough coupled to a pump. The anti-free flow valve comprises a body including a cylindrical portion having an opening and a tapered portion which has opposing beveled surfaces with ends that form a slit bounded by side walls. The opening communicates with the slit through a passage formed through the body which is adapted to receive the tube assembly therethrough. Fluid free flow through the tube assembly is prevented by the slit being placed in the closed position when the ends of the opposing beveled surfaces are urged together when the tube assembly is in a relaxed condition. However, when a tensile force is applied along the tube assembly the inner diameter of the lumen decreases which urges the ends of the opposing beveled surfaces away from one another and places the slit in the open position, thereby permitting fluid flow through the body.