Abstract: An infusion device capable of administering liquid medication at a continuous flow rate, and upon user demand delivers a controlled volume dosage of liquid medication at a higher dosage flow rate. The dosage reservoir remains empty until the user actuates it by selectively and temporarily removing the pressure source, such as a spring. During actuation, fluid rapidly flows from the medication reservoir to fill the dosage reservoir. After actuation, the pressure source exerts a higher pressure on the dosage reservoir than the medication reservoir pressure, which results in a temporary higher bolus flow rate. Thus, two distinct flow rates are achieved with one flow restrictor element.

Abstract: A unit dose, gas-filled syringe is provided which is filled with gas and packaged in a gas barrier material prior to use to increase shelf-life, that is, to minimize gas leakage and dilution of the contents of the syringe. The syringe is filled with a selected gas and sealed inside a container made from a high gas barrier material. The container is also filled with the selected gas. The container material is selected to have a gas transmission rate sufficient to prevent the selected gas from diffusing out of the container into the atmosphere. The volume of gas in the container is greater that atmospheric pressure to prevent atmospheric contaminants from entering the container and syringe.

Abstract: A unit dose, gas-filled syringe is provided which is filled with gas and packaged in a gas barrier material prior to use to increase shelf-life, that is, to minimize gas leakage and dilution of the contents of the syringe. The syringe is filled with a selected gas and sealed inside a container made from a high gas barrier material. The container is also filled with the selected gas. The container material is selected to have a gas transmission rate sufficient to prevent the selected gas from diffusing out of the container into the atmosphere. The volume of gas in the container is greater that atmospheric pressure to prevent atmospheric contaminants from entering the container and syringe.

Abstract: A unit dose, gas-filled syringe is provided which is filled with gas and packaged in a gas barrier material prior to use to increase shelf-life, that is, to minimize gas leakage and dilution of the contents of the syringe. The syringe is filled with a selected gas and sealed inside a container made from a high gas barrier material. The container is also filled with the selected gas. The container material is selected to have a gas transmission rate sufficient to prevent the selected gas from diffusing out of the container into the atmosphere. The volume of gas in the container is greater that atmospheric pressure to prevent atmospheric contaminants from entering the container and syringe.

Abstract: A superelastic or shape-memory iris retractor for use in operating on the eye of a living creature, by means of which the iris is drawn outwards for widening the pupil. The iris retractor essentially comprises a superelastic or shape-memory grasping element and a preferably retainer which suitably is displaceable relative to the grasping element. In use, the grasping element is inserted suitably through a scleral, limbal or other incision and engages the iris for mechanically dilating the pupil. When removed, the grasping element can straighten so as not to catch on the scleral incision. In the shape-memory embodiment, the grasping element will revert to the element's original shape condition upon heat treatment. Both embodiments can withstand autoclaving for multiple reuses.

Abstract: A spring-powered infusion pump includes a syringe barrel 20 having two opposing openings 30, 55 forming two chambers 80, 90 between the first opening 30 and the plunger 40, and the second opening 55 and the plunger 40. The dispenser opening 30 has a one-way valve 35 to selectively release fluid retained within the first chamber 80. The second opening 55 is capped, and a spring 60 is compressed between the plunger 40 and syringe cap 50 within the second chamber 90. The spring 60 applies a force to the plunger 40 in the direction of the first opening 30. However, the one-way valve 35 retains the fluid within the first chamber 80, despite the force applied to the plunger 40, until a tubing set 70 equipped with an infuser connector 75 is attached to the dispenser opening 30 of the syringe barrel 20. The infuser connector 75 is insertable through the one-way valve 35 and thus provides a passageway for the fluid retained within the first chamber 80 of the syringe barrel 20.

Abstract: A tympanic membrane prosthesis is provided that includes, in combination, a generally flat, planar membrane sized to overlay a tear or perforation in the tympanic membrane and having at least one preformed perforation, and at least one mechanical fixation device for fixing the membrane to the tympanic membrane of a patient. Each mechanical fixation device is a tack component including a sharp, piercing distal end, an enlarged proximal end and a shaft extending therebetween. A tack insertion device is provided to guide the tack to and through the tear covering membrane.

Abstract: A unit dose, gas-filled syringe is provided which is filled with gas and packaged in a gas barrier material prior to use to increase shelf-life, that is, to minimize gas leakage and dilution of the contents of the syringe. The syringe is filled with a selected gas and sealed inside a container made from a high gas barrier material. The container is also filled with the selected gas. The container material is selected to have a gas transmission rate sufficient to prevent the selected gas from diffusing out of the container into the atmosphere. The volume of gas in the container is greater that atmospheric pressure to prevent atmospheric contaminants from entering the container and syringe.