Abstract: A microvolume 3-way stopcock for use in a blood sampling system. The stopcock includes a stopcock body having a cylindrical-shaped central chamber, an inlet fluid passage extending from the central chamber to a connector, a blood sample fluid passage extending from the central chamber to a connector, and a waste fluid passage extending from the central chamber to a connector. A rotatable flow control member having a T-shaped fluid passage is disposed within the central chamber. The rotatable flow control member provides adjustable fluid communication between the inlet, blood sample, and/or waste fluid passages. The stopcock is configured with a small dead space volume in the range from about 0.02 mL to 0.20 mL. A cannula may be connected to the inlet fluid passage. The combined dead space fluid volume of the stopcock and cannula may range from about 0.03 ml to 0.24 mL.

Abstract: A non-linear electrosurgical electrode extender is disclosed. The extender includes a shaft at a proximal end thereof, a receiver at a distal end thereof, and a curved body portion extending between the shaft and the receiver. The shaft fits in an electrosurgical handpiece that defines a handpiece central axis. The receiver receives the electrosurgical electrode. The curved body portion is disposed outside the handpiece central axis and positions the receiver at a converging angle relative to the handpiece central axis such that when the electrosurgical electrode is disposed in the receiver, a surgically active distal end of the electrode intersects the handpiece central axis. The electrode extender is adapted for use with wire loop gynecologic electrosurgical electrode in gynecologic procedures. The extender maintains the tactility and control of a straight electrode extender while permitting the handpiece to be disposed outside the cervix view axis.

Abstract: A balloon tamponade catheter for controlling uterine postpartum hemorrhage has an elongated body with a balloon at a marginal distal end of the elongated body for insertion into the uterus. The balloon preferably has a pear-shaped appearance. The balloon may have a first hemisphere that is located on the catheter distal to second, smaller hemisphere. The first hemisphere has a plane of maximum diameter that is larger than the second hemisphere's plane of maximum diameter. Between the two planes of maximum diameter, the balloon comprises a transition section. In some cases, the transition section bows inward towards the elongated body when the balloon is uninflated and/or inflated. Additionally, the elongated body preferably does not extend distally past the distal end of the first hemisphere.

Abstract: Lockable enteral feeding adapters are disclosed. A female adapter has a female tapered cavity having a circular sidewall, a tapered inner surface and an external surface. The female tapered cavity has an external opening at a proximal end thereof that does not form a liquid-tight connection with a standard male Luer conical fitting. One or more threads are disposed on the external surface of the tapered cavity. A male adapter has a male tapered cone is sized to mate with the female tapered cavity. The male tapered cone is too large to form an effective connection with a standard female Luer conical fitting. An internally threaded locking ring is mounted around the male tapered cone. Rotation of the locking ring relative to the one or more threads locks the male adapter to the corresponding female adapter to prevent unintentional disengagement of the male and female adapters.

Abstract: Lockable enteral feeding adapters are disclosed. A female adapter has a female tapered cavity having a circular sidewall, a tapered inner surface and an external surface. The female tapered cavity has an external opening at a proximal end thereof that does not form a liquid-tight connection with a standard male Luer conical fitting. One or more threads are disposed on the external surface of the tapered cavity. A male adapter has a male tapered cone that is sized to mate with the female tapered cavity. The male tapered cone is too large to form an effective connection with a standard female Luer conical fitting. An internally threaded locking ring is mounted around the male tapered cone. Rotation of the locking ring relative to the one or more threads locks the male adapter to the corresponding female adapter to prevent unintentional disengagement of the male and female adapters.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling blood through an intravenous or intraarterial tube which does not interfere with normal operation of an infusion operation or a direct pressure monitoring operation. A needleless sampling site at which fluid can be removed is connected to the tube. A chamber is provided which is connected to the tube such that fluid can be interchanged between the tube and the chamber. A plunger is provided for drawing the fluid from the tube into the chamber and for expelling the fluid from the chamber into the tube. In its normal position, the plunger blocks the interconnection between the tube and the chamber. When in its sampling position, the plunger creates a vacuum in the chamber causing the fluid in the tube to be aspirated into the chamber. The aspirating action causes fluid in the patient to be drawn up to the sampling site. An actuator, which can be operated by a single hand of a medical practitioner, imparts an appropriate feel to the system operation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an efficient and cost effective device for applying electrical stimulation to a body cavity. Preferred embodiments of the invention also provide the function of measuring the pressure exerted by the body cavity. The present invention is particularly useful when treating urinary incontinence in females. By providing electrical stimulation to the vagina, the present invention strengthens the pelvic floor muscles to improve urinary continence. The preferred embodiments of the invention which provide the function of measuring the pressure exerted by the body cavity convey to a user in a humanly perceptible manner the pressure exerted by the body cavity in order to provide feedback on the strengthening of the pelvic floor muscles. Most advantageously, a carrier structure which is inserted into the body cavity is fabricated from a low cost material, such as an injection molded thermoplastic material.

Abstract: An improved electrosurgical cutting device for connection to an electrosurgical generator has a non-conductive support member with a peripheral edge and a conducting member, distinct from the support member, disposed along at least a portion of the peripheral edge of the support member. The support member extends from a bendable shaft which may be manipulated to create an angled device. The conducting member is in electrical communication with an electrosurgical generator suitable for transmitting sufficient high frequency electrical energy to the conducting member, thereby enabling the conducting member to function as the active outlet in a monopolar circuit. The support member has a configuration that facilitates the manipulation of body tissue either with or without the presence of electrical energy at the conducting member.

Abstract: An apparatus for sampling blood through an intravenous or intraarterial tube which does not interfere with normal operation of an infusion operation or a direct pressure monitoring operation. A needleless sampling site at which fluid can be removed is connected to the tube. A chamber is provided which is connected to the tube such that fluid can be interchanged between the tube and the chamber. A plunger is provided for drawing the fluid from the tube into the chamber and for expelling the fluid from the chamber into the tube. In its normal position, the plunger blocks the interconnection between the tube and the chamber. When in its sampling position, the plunger creates a vacuum in the chamber causing the fluid in the tube to be aspirated into the chamber. The aspirating action causes fluid in the patient to be drawn up to the sampling site. An actuator, which can be operated by a single hand of a medical practitioner, imparts an appropriate feel to the system operation.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping, cutting, and collecting a blood sample from an umbilical cord is disclosed. The apparatus includes a housing for receiving and entrapping a section of umbilical cord. The housing is formed by a lid and a handle connected at a hinge. Upon closing the lid, the umbilical cord is clamped with a clamp removably connected to the housing. A slidable blade assembly cuts the umbilical cord using a slicing motion. A blood collection chamber located in the handle collects blood from the cut umbilical cord. A fluid passageway connects the blood collection chamber to one or more blood containers. An absorbent gasket surrounds the blood collection chamber in the handle for collecting and retaining excess blood that may exceed the capacity of the collection chamber. A placenta clamp is provided for gripping or clamping the placenta side of the umbilical cord after it has been cut.

Abstract: A wheelchair includes a seat that pivots forward to assist the user in exiting and entering the chair. The seat is biased toward its forward or up-right position by mechanical springs having force adjustments for user adjustment of the seat-lift force. One embodiment includes a cam mechanism for varying this seat-lift force as the seat is being raised. A closed-loop hydraulic cylinder and piston actuator system is provided to (1) damp the spring action as the seat is raised and lowered, (2) control the rate of seat ascent and descent, and (3) permit the user to stop and lock the seat in any position between the horizontal and up-right positions. This closed-loop hydraulic system includes a manual control valve for user-control of the seat raising and lowering, and a user-adjustable flow rate control valve for limiting seat ascent and descent speeds.