Abstract: A tissue sampling instrument for use with various needle gauges to extract tissue samples includes a support structure, preferably rotatable, including a plurality of needle support seats having different seat dimensions corresponding to respective different needle circumferences. The seats are arranged on the support structure to enable selective access and positioning of each seat in order to selectively support the corresponding needle circumference thereon and ensure accurate linear longitudinal motion of the needle against the selected seat in the tissue sampling procedure. The preferred rotatable support structure can be mounted on an end wall of the body of the instrument so that the supported needle projects from the end wall.

Abstract: A cannula for use in cataract surgery during the phases of hydrodissection and hydrodelamination/hydrodelineation/hydrodemarcation is described. The cannula has a hub for mating with a syringe and a needle originating from the distal end of the hub. The needle comprises a first section, second section, and truncated surface. The first section originates from the distal end of the hub and extends forward in a plane delineating the central longitudinal axis of the cannula. The second section originates from the distal end of the first section and is flattened and curved away from the central longitudinal axis of the hub. The truncated surface of the needle forms a rounded tip with beveled surfaces. The intersection of the bevel and sides of the cannula are sharpened to provide a cutting edge.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a catheter into a patient's vein comprises a tubular housing having an axially extending guide slot extending from a point adjacent the forward end of the housing to a point adjacent the rear end of the housing. A tubular transparent mount for a hollow hypodermic needle is slidably mounted in the tubular housing with the sharpened end of the needle projecting forwardly. The overall length of the needle mount and needle is less than the length of the housing. A locking element rotatably mounted on the needle mount projects through the elongated slot and is selectively engaged with recesses provided in the forward and rear end wall portions of the elongated slot, by rotation relative to the needle mount, to lock the needle mount in an operative position with the needle projecting out of the housing, or an inoperative position with the needle retracted into the housing.

Abstract: This invention provides alternate constructions and methods of manufacture for retractable protective sleeves used over the needle of syringes and the like. In one approach, the slats of the protective sleeve are formed by providing slots through a plastic cylinder. The base and outer end cap are then attached to the slats with adhesive or heat/sonic welding. In another approach, the cylinder includes the end cap and one of the slots extends from end to end. The needle is mounted in a cylindrical plug. For assembly, the cylinder is unrolled and the needle/plug are inserted from the side rather than from an end. The cylinder is then re-rolled and inserted into the base. The end cap is secure with a cylindrical collar. The base can be a stand-alone piece or built into the end of a syringe or other similar medical device employing the needle.