Abstract: A peristaltic pump assembly for easy loading includes a pump housing having a curved surface. A stationary tubing manifold from which a loop of tubing extends is positioned in line with the curved surface. A pump rotor rotatable about an axis is positioned adjacent to the curved surface. The rotor has a groove located above the curved surface encircling the rotor for retaining and stretching the loop of tubing in loading position between the rotor and the manifold. During loading, a notch located on the rotor progressively captures and urges the tubing downward between the curved surface and the pump rotor when the rotor is rotated.

Abstract: A medical device of improved design includes an elongated member for insertion into the body, a flexible tension member extending along the elongated member to an attachment upon which tension is desired to be applied, and locking means associated with the elongated member at a point outside of the body to secure said flexible member under tension. The locking means consists of a pair of locking members disposed in close association with each other at a predetermined point along the proximal portion of said flexible tension member, one locking member being movable relative to the other locking member in motion laterally across the path of the tension member under tension to a locking position in which the tension member is bent and secured between cooperating locking members. Preferably, one locking member is rotatable relative to the other. The flexible tension member may extend within a fluid-carrying conduit defined by the elongated member, which in preferred embodiments is in the form of a catheter.

Abstract: The invention features an improved catheter design with a rotatable member attached to the proximal end of a catheter. The rotatable member can lock a flexible tension member, passing through the catheter, in place and thereby prevent both inadvertant removal of the catheter and wicking to the outside along the flexible tension member.